President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to attend the AFCON final between the Super Eagles and Ivory Coast at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11. Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football, revealed this during a press conference on Friday, February 9, following a meeting with CAF Member Associations’ Presidents in preparation for the AFCON final. Motsepe, responding to a journalist’s inquiry about the possibility of Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup again, mentioned that Nigeria should submit a bid. He added that President Tinubu will be present in Abidjan for the…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Gareth Southgate has issued a warning to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford concerning his off-field behavior, especially in the lead-up to England’s squad announcement for Euro 2024. Rashford faced consequences at United, being excluded from their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Newport County after missing training following a night out in a Belfast nightclub. Despite initially claiming illness, the 26-year-old later admitted responsibility for the incident and was reintegrated into the first-team by United manager Erik ten Hag. However, Southgate has raised doubts about Rashford’s place in the England squad, cautioning the forward about his conduct. Southgate remarked, “We’re five…
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has garnered attention from Saudi clubs following his outstanding performances for Nigeria in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared this information on his X account in a tweet on Friday. Currently representing PAOK in the Greek Super League, Troost-Ekong’s leadership on the field has not gone unnoticed. Romano stated, “Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong caught the attention of clubs in Saudi due to his impressive performances in the AFCON.” Despite his success with PAOK in both the Greek Super League and Europe Conference League, the…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly cautioned passionate South African football enthusiasts against issuing threats to Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper. The student association asserted its unwillingness to passively witness any hostile actions directed at the goalkeeper, emphasizing that it will not tolerate fanatic fans targeting Nwabali. Nwabali earned national acclaim for his outstanding performance against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, where his penalty-saving skills secured Nigeria a spot in the final. Despite his heroic efforts, some South African fans reportedly expressed extreme dissatisfaction, going so far as to…
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi clarified that he did not attend the post-match squad meeting with head coach Jose Peseiro after Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal victory over South Africa. Ajayi explained that Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials were conducting a drug test on him following the intense game, which ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, leading to Nigeria’s advancement to the final through a penalty shootout. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Ajayi stated, “I was not there for Peseiro’s team talk; I was getting tested, so I missed everything.”…
As Nigeria prepares to confront Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, all eyes are on the Super Eagles’ attacking trio—a pivotal component in penetrating the Elephants’ defense. Jose Peseiro confronts the critical task of selecting the optimal combination for Sunday’s decisive encounter. The Established Trio: Victor Osimhen: A charismatic figure, the Napoli striker contributes physical strength and goal-scoring instincts, essential for challenging Ivory Coast’s defensive setup. NGA vs CIV: Analyzing Nigeria’s Potential Front-Three for the Sunday Showdown at AFCON Moses Simon: The Villarreal winger injects speed, skill, and a direct approach into the attack. His ability…
South African fans have delivered a strong message to Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, urging him not to come back to his club, Chippa United, in South Africa. This reaction follows Nwabali’s remarkable performance in saving two penalties against the Bafana Bafana during the Super Eagles’ victory over South Africa last Wednesday. In a video shared on Channels Television by Peterside Idah, a member of the South African coaching staff, it was revealed that numerous South African fans have cautioned the goalkeeper against returning to their country. The video, posted on Instagram on Thursday, February 8, 2024, quickly gained viral…
In the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying event in Antwerp, Belgium, Nigeria’s Women’s Basketball team, D’Tigress, secured their first Group A victory by defeating Senegal 72-65 on Thursday. Despite taking an initial lead of 20-18 in the first quarter, the Afrobasket champions found themselves trailing 37-46 to Senegal in the second quarter. Senegal maintained their lead at 57-49 by the end of the third quarter, leaving Nigeria with an uphill battle in the final 10 minutes. However, showing resilience, Nigeria initiated an impressive 11-0 run at the start of the last quarter, turning the tide firmly in their favor. Amy Okonkwo…
Fatal Consequence as Super Eagles Victory Leads to Tragic Accident in Kogi In the aftermath of the Super Eagles’ 4-2 triumph over South Africa in the African Cup of Nations on Wednesday, a young man lost his life in a road accident. As reported by Newsmen, the victim, identified as Lukman, was riding a motorcycle with his friend on Murtala Mohamed Way in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, when they collided with a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Eyewitnesses revealed that the duo, part of the celebratory crowd marking the victory of the Nigerian national team, had driven…
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, accomplished a remarkable feat on Wednesday by establishing a new national record for the longest duration without conceding a goal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nwabali surpassed the previous record held by Super Eagles legend Ike Shorunmu, who went 450 minutes without conceding a goal in six AFCON matches over two tournaments. By the 47th-minute mark against South Africa, Nwabali broke the 22-year-old record, remaining unbeaten for an impressive 493 minutes across six games until he was eventually scored against from the penalty spot by Teboho Mokoena. The Chippa United goalkeeper’s exceptional performance…
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has issued a warning to Ivory Coast in anticipation of their upcoming clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday. Osayi-Samuel, who is vying for a spot in his first major final with the Super Eagles, emphasized the formidable defense of Jose Peseiro’s team. Reflecting on Nigeria’s victory over South Africa on Wednesday and their readiness for the AFCON final, Osayi-Samuel stated to reporters, “Of course, we are ready; this is what we have been waiting for. In every game we’ve played, we are growing stronger, and it is exceptionally challenging…
The stage is set for an exciting showdown as Nigeria and Ivory Coast face off in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday. While both teams possess formidable attacking prowess, the selection of Super Eagles’ front-three will be pivotal in breaking through the Elephants’ defense. Who should Jose Peseiro unleash against Ivory Coast? The Proven Trio: 1. Victor Osimhen: The talismanic Napoli striker brings physical strength and goal-scoring instincts, crucial for stretching Ivory Coast’s defense with his adept movement and finishing. 2. Moses Simon: The Villarreal winger injects pace, trickery, and directness into the attack. His ability to…
Arsenal is set to pursue their aspirations of claiming their inaugural UEFA Champions League title as they prepare to face FC Porto in the opening leg of their round of 16 clashes. POR vs ARS: UCL Round of 16 – Preview, Date, and Kickoff Time The English Premier League powerhouse enters this high-stakes encounter following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven in their recent competition fixture. Eager to secure a victory against the Portuguese side, Arsenal aims to enhance their chances of advancing to the next phase. FC Porto, having secured a convincing 5-3 win against Shakter Donestk in…
Karim Benzema reportedly left an Al Ittihad training session on Monday after refusing to follow manager Marcelo Gallardo’s instructions. Throughout the January transfer window, questions arose about the Frenchman’s future in Saudi Arabia, especially when he didn’t return to training promptly after a mid-season break. Although it was later clarified that Benzema was genuinely stranded in Mauritius due to a cyclone warning, rumors persisted regarding his discontent with life in the Middle East. Despite links to Chelsea and Manchester United, Saudi dealmakers reportedly wanted Benzema to stay at Al Ittihad until at least the summer, with discussions planned for a…
Former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris has disclosed that Declan Rice was willing to return to Stamford Bridge in 2020, but Chelsea decided against pursuing the deal. Morris, who worked alongside Frank Lampard during his tenure as Chelsea’s permanent manager from 2019 to 2021, shared details about the club’s interest in re-signing Rice, who was released from Chelsea as a 14-year-old. According to Morris, Lampard initially expressed uncertainty about signing Rice, stating, “I don’t know, I haven’t really seen enough of him.” However, after a closer evaluation, Lampard became interested in Rice. Morris revealed, “About a month later, he was…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains hopeful that center-back Lisandro Martinez will make a comeback before the conclusion of the season, despite his recent injury setback. Martinez sustained medial collateral ligament damage in his right knee during Sunday’s 3-0 victory over West Ham United. Although he initially attempted to continue playing, he eventually had to concede defeat in the 71st minute. The club later confirmed the nature of the injury and projected an absence of at least eight weeks, ruling out a return before April and casting doubt on his participation for the remainder of the campaign. Speaking at…
William Troost-Ekong has now matched Stephen Keshi’s record as the highest-scoring defender in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, as reported by Newsmen. The center-back secured his fourth goal in the AFCON finals during Nigeria’s semi-final triumph against South Africa on Wednesday night. Stephen Keshi, a former Super Eagles captain and coach, previously held the distinction as the sole defender to achieve this feat. Troost-Ekong initiated his AFCON goal tally in Nigeria’s 2-1 semi-final victory against South Africa at the AFCON 2019 finals hosted by Egypt. He then doubled his tally in a group game against Sudan two…
Nigeria’s exhilarating victory over South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final has secured their place in the final against Ivory Coast. While the team basks in the glory of their accomplishment, there are specific players whom Nigerian coach, José Peseiro, should contemplate omitting from the lineup for the final showdown. 1. Moses Simon First on the list is Moses Simon, whose performance in the semi-final against South Africa fell short of his usual standards. Despite being a standout player in earlier matches, his display against South Africa left much to be desired. While acknowledging Simon’s contributions throughout…
FIFA has addressed the rumors surrounding the potential trial of the ‘blue card’ at elite football levels. In a recent statement, FIFA clarified that reports suggesting the introduction of the ‘blue card’ in top-tier football are inaccurate and premature. The international football governing body emphasized that any such trials, if considered, should be conducted responsibly and limited to testing at lower levels. FIFA intends to reaffirm this position during the discussion of this agenda item at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) scheduled for March 2, 2024. IFAB, responsible for determining the Laws of…
Chelsea has a longstanding agreement with manager Mauricio Pochettino to evaluate his position at the club at the conclusion of the season, as per information from 90min. Despite facing pressure due to a lackluster first half of the season, Pochettino received a boost with a convincing 3-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday, showcasing Chelsea’s potential. However, dropping into the bottom half of the Premier League table ahead of an important February, including the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, emphasizes the challenges ahead. Sources had indicated to 90min before the Villa win that Pochettino’s position is not immediately…