The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified the reason for the cancellation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya. The match was initially set to take place at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, CAF announced that the match “will not take place as scheduled tonight” and that the situation would be referred to the appropriate CAF bodies for further consideration. This decision follows the Super Eagles’ difficult return to Nigeria after spending over 14 hours dealing with Libyan authorities. The Super Eagles were originally…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Brentford forward Kevin Schade is no longer eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. This change comes after Schade participated in a cap-tying match for Germany against the Netherlands in a UEFA Nations League clash on Monday. By playing for Germany in the match at the Allianz Arena, Schade is now officially tied to the German national team. Consequently, he can no longer represent Nigeria in the future. Born in Potsdam, Germany, to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Schade was eligible to play for Nigeria prior to his cap-tying match with Germany. The 22-year-old received a late call-up…
The English Premier League giants Chelsea will be aiming to return to winning form as they face Liverpool away in their next EPL match on Sunday. After a recent 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is looking for a positive result to improve their position in the league standings. Chelsea is expected to field a strong lineup for their away clash against Liverpool. In Attack: Noni Madueke, who scored the equalizer in the last match, is likely to secure a spot in the starting XI, partnering with Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho. In Midfield: Cole Palmer…
UFC fighter Israel Adesanya recently opened up about a challenging time in his career when he faced severe financial difficulties following his loss to Alex Pereira during his kickboxing days in China. The Nigerian-born Kiwi UFC star and former middleweight champion, known for his flamboyant style and confidence in the octagon, shared his unexpected story of hardship on The JRE podcast. He revealed that after losing to Pereira, the promotion he was fighting for abruptly stopped scheduling fights for him. “When I was fighting in China and I lost to Alex, they stopped giving me fights. At that time, I…
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly poised to take over as the new head coach of England’s national team following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after Euro 2024. If confirmed, Tuchel will be the first non-English manager to lead the Three Lions since Fabio Capello in 2012. England Chooses Tuchel Over Top Candidates The Football Association (FA) considered several high-profile candidates for the role, including Pep Guardiola, Eddie Howe, and interim boss Lee Carsley. However, Tuchel emerged as the preferred option due to his familiarity with English football from his time at Chelsea and his recent experience working with Harry Kane…
The Super Eagles retained their position at the top of Group D in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Rwanda secured a 2-1 victory over Benin Republic in Kigali on Tuesday night. Nigeria was initially set to face the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Benina tonight, but the match was postponed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The postponement followed concerns over the mistreatment of Super Eagles players by Libyan authorities. In the match between Rwanda and Benin, Andeas Hountondji gave Benin the lead three minutes before halftime at Amahoro Stadium. However, Rwanda fought back with goals…
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has responded to the club’s decision to end the ambassadorial role of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. In a tweet on Tuesday, Ferdinand expressed his shock, stating, “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at @ManUtd – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?” Ferguson will step down from his ambassadorial duties at the end of the season, a decision made as part of a cost-cutting initiative following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority stake in the club in February. As…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a final decision regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, officially announcing the postponement of the match. The game was initially scheduled to take place this evening in Libya. However, in an official statement, CAF confirmed that the fixture would not proceed as planned but did not provide specific reasons for the postponement. CAF stated that the matter will now be referred to the appropriate bodies for further consideration. “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take…
Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay has drawn criticism from Premier League legend Paolo di Canio, according to The Sun. In August, United transferred McTominay to Serie A giants Napoli for £25 million, which helped finance their deadline-day acquisition of Manuel Ugarte, a key summer target. However, Di Canio believes that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team made a mistake. “I would go to Manchester United to confront all the directors—how can you let McTominay go?” he said in a recent interview with Il Mattino. United manager Erik ten Hag had mixed feelings about the player’s departure. While he…
The rematch between IBF world heavyweight boxing champion Daniel Dubois and former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is getting closer, with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, indicating February as a tentative date. Alalshikh made this announcement after the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol press conference on Saturday night. He mentioned that a significant fight card is being organized that will feature rival promoters Queensberry and Matchroom. “Look for a showdown in February, with Queensberry going up against Matchroom, 5 vs. 5. We expect to finalize this week with a big surprise. Then we’ll see the outcome of…
The Libyan Football Federation has responded to claims made by the Nigerian Football Federation, denying accusations that the Super Eagles and their officials were held hostage after arriving in Libya. This statement comes after reports surfaced that the Super Eagles were stranded for 15 hours at Al Abraq Airport due to an unexpected diversion of their flight. The Nigerian team, traveling on a chartered ValueJet aircraft, departed on October 13 but was diverted just an hour before landing. The flight landed at Al Abraq Airport, located more than two hours away from the intended venue, and the team was reportedly…
Super Eagles striker Ademola Lookman has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for not implementing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, according to OwnGoalNigeria. Lookman voiced his frustration after two of his legitimate goals were disallowed due to what he believes were human errors. The Atalanta forward expressed his anger following Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya, during which his goal was ruled offside, despite replays indicating he was onside. This incident followed a similar situation in a previous match against Benin Republic, where another of his goals was controversially disallowed. “Twice now, I’ve been denied…
Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has declared that 2024 has been the best year of his career, according to DAILY POST. Lookman made headlines with a historic hat-trick for Serie A side Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final in May. Earlier in the year, the 26-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals in seven matches for the Super Eagles in Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, Lookman has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. “Winning and having gold around your neck is an incomparable feeling. Writing history in a small city like…
Former Green Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene has passed away after a prolonged battle with illness. His death was announced on social media by close friend and fellow ex-international Segun Odegbami in a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday night, October 13. Fregene had been on life support for the past week and died surrounded by his wife, Tina, and two of his children. Odegbami expressed gratitude to those who supported Fregene throughout his illness, stating, “A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, passed on to meet his Creator.” In his tribute, Odegbami thanked everyone…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed serious concern over the troubling experience faced by Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport. CAF emphasized that it has taken immediate steps to engage with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities following reports that the team and their staff were left stranded for several hours under distressing conditions. The incident is now under investigation by CAF’s Disciplinary Board. This was stated in a press release obtained from the CAF website on Monday afternoon, titled “CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super…
Victor Ikpeba has called for Libya to be banned from international football following the inhumane treatment inflicted on the Super Eagles. The Nigerian team has been stranded at Al Abaq Airport since their arrival in Libya on Sunday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights. Captain William Troost-Ekong and the players have expressed their intention to boycott the match due to the situation. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already lodged a formal protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Ikpeba condemned Libya’s actions as barbaric, stating: “If CAF knows their responsibility, Libya…
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has explained his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo in the 63rd minute of their 3-1 Nations League win over Poland, despite Ronaldo scoring his 133rd goal for the national team, as reported by Sportskeeda. Martinez brought on Diogo Jota in Ronaldo’s place, which raised questions from fans and pundits. Martinez cited the need to manage players due to a tight schedule. “It’s part of managing players when you have two games in 72 hours,” he said. “Diogo Jota came on very well. Cristiano is perfect.” Ronaldo had an impressive start to the match, hitting the crossbar…
Manchester United had their approach for Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness turned down during the summer as they considered alternatives to Erik ten Hag, according to reports. Following a disappointing 2023/24 season, Ten Hag faced significant pressure as new controlling owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS conducted a post-season review of his performance. United officials reached out to several managers, including Thomas Tuchel, to assess whether Ten Hag was the best option available. BILD reports that United also contacted Hoeness, whose stock rose significantly last season when Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga, ahead of Bayern Munich and only behind Bayer…
Burkina Faso have secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Burundi in a qualifying match on Sunday. Goals from Bertrand Traore and Mohamed Konate in Abidjan sealed the win for the Stallions. Their qualification follows a draw with Senegal, a victory over Malawi, and two wins against Burundi. This will mark Burkina Faso’s 14th AFCON appearance, with their best result being runners-up to Nigeria in 2013. Senegal could join Burkina Faso in Morocco next year if they win their match against Malawi on Tuesday. Currently, Burkina Faso lead with 10 points, followed…
Liverpool is reportedly leading the race for Carreras’ signature, with the club taking the first steps to secure the Spain Under-21 international as a potential successor to Andy Robertson. Importantly, Manchester United has a buy-back clause for Carreras, which they negotiated as part of the agreement when they sold the young defender at a reduced fee. There are indications that United may consider activating this clause to bring Carreras back to Old Trafford permanently, particularly due to concerns about the long-term fitness of both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. While the exact value of the buy-back clause remains unclear, it…