Sport

Southern Governors Forum Praises Super Eagles’ AFCON Feat

By Web News 281

By Abimbola Bamgbose

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the team won the bronze medal.

Governor Abiodun described the team’s outing as a display of courage, resilience, and national pride, noting that the Super Eagles played some of the most dominant football at the tournament.

In a statement, the governor said the team remained unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final, which was decided on penalties.

He noted that Nigeria recorded the highest number of goals in the group stage and conceded no goals in the knockout rounds before the semi-final, describing the achievement as a reflection of discipline and quality.

The governor also praised the team’s mental strength, particularly their victory over Egypt in the third-place match, despite what he described as unfavourable officiating and a hostile atmosphere during the semi-final clash against Morocco.

According to him, the performance of the Super Eagles rekindled national pride and reaffirmed Nigeria’s rich football heritage on the continental stage.

Governor Abiodun said members of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Nigerians across the country were proud of the team’s determination and fighting spirit.

He added that although the Super Eagles fell short of reaching the final, their elimination on penalties underscored the fine margins in football.

The Ogun State governor expressed optimism about the future of the national team, saying the Super Eagles and their head coach, Mr Eric Chelle, had renewed hope among Nigerians and laid a solid foundation for future successes.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Sport

Super Eagles Crash Out on Penalties

By Web News 210

Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to make it back to back appearance at the African Cup of Nations, AFCON final, after losing 4-2 on penalties to the 2025 Host Nation, Morocco in the semi finals.

The Super Eagles, who were hoping to continue their perfect record in the ongoing tournament, were second best all through the game as they battled to a goalless draw in regulation time.

The game stretched to penalty shootout after both teams could not still find the back of the net after extra time.

Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemeachi both missed their spot kicks as Nigeria fell to a 4-2 defeat to Morocco.

The Super Eagles will now settle for a third place battle on Saturday with Egypt, who had earlier lost 1-0 to Senegal in the first semi final game.

The final will be between the Host Nation Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Terenga Lions of Senegal on Sunday.

Edited by Adetutu Adetule

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Sport

Super Eagles Cruise into Nations Cup Semi-finals

By Web News 230

By Oluwakayode Banjo

It was another dominant performance from the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they thrashed the Desert Warriors of Algeria 2-0 in their quarter final clash of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.

The Super Eagles were in total control of the game from kick off and it was a surprise that the game was still 0-0 at half time following missed opportunities and a goal line clearance to deny Calvin Bassey.

However, Nigeria did not waste time to take the lead in the second half as Star Striker Victor Osimhen headed in from close range in what was his fourth goal of the tournament.

Nigeria continued to dominate proceedings as Osimhen turned provider to unselfishly set up Akor Adams, who dribbled past the Algerian goalkeeper to slot the ball into an empty net.

Despite a late charge by the Desert Warriors after series of substitutions, the Super Eagles held on to win 2-0 and set up a mouthwatering clash with the Host Nation Morocco in the semi finals next week Wednesday.

In the last quarter final fixture, Egypt beat Cote D’Ivoire 3-2 to set up a semi final battle with Senegal.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Sport

AFCON 2025: Nigeria, Algeria Battle for Semis

By Web News 252

By Oluwakayode Banjo

At the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), the Super Eagles of Nigeria step into a high-stakes showdown on Saturday, clashing with the Desert Warriors of Algeria at 5:00 p.m.

The winner of this decisive encounter will confront host nation Morocco in the semi-finals.

Morocco secured their place with a commanding 2–0 victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Friday night’s quarter-final clash.

In the final quarter-final fixture, the Pharaohs of Egypt lock horns with the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, with the victor earning a semi-final date against Senegal.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal already sealed their semi-final berth after edging the Eagles of Mali 1–0 in a tense encounter.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Sport

Super Eagles Thrash Mozambique 4 – nil

By Web News 235

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, crushing the Mambas of Mozambique 4–0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Morocco.

Nigeria took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to a clinical finish from Ademola Lookman, who then turned provider to set up Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s second in the 25th minute.

The Eagles maintained their dominance after the break, with Osimhen striking again in the 47th minute to stretch the lead to 3–0 and effectively seal the contest.

Akor Adams made it 4-0 in the 75th minute with his first goal of the tournament as Nigeria emphatically cruised into the quarter finals.

Earlier in the day, Egypt defeated Benin Republic 3-1 to also book their place in the quarter finals of the tournament.

The round of 16 fixtures ends today with Algeria taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Burkina Faso tackles Cote d’Ivoire.

By Oluwakayode Banjo/Adetutu Adetule

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Sport

S. Eagles, Mambas, Face Off in Round of 16 Clash

By Web News 239

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Eagles of Nigeria will on Monday face the Mambas of Mozambique in their round of 16 clash of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.

The encounter will kick off at 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the Fez Stadium, Fes.

Also, Egypt will lock horns with Benin Republic in another round of 16 fixtures at five o’clock in the evening.

Meanwhile, Cameroon and host nation Morocco are through to the quarter finals after both securing victories on Sunday.

Morocco defeated Tanzania by a lone goal, while Cameroon beat South Africa 2-1.

Both teams join Senegal and Mali in the quarter finals.

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Sport

AFCON 2025: Egypt First to Book Knockout Ticket

By Web News 294

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Record holders, the Pharaohs of Egypt, have drawn first blood at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16.

Egypt edged Bafana Bafana of South Africa 1–0 in a tense Group B clash, with Mohammed Salah keeping his nerve to convert a decisive penalty just before halftime in the 45th minute.

The narrow victory sealed Egypt’s place in the knockout stage and reaffirmed their status as tournament heavyweights.

Meanwhile, hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco missed the chance to secure back-to-back wins after the Eagles of Mali forced a 1–1 draw, slowing the hosts’ early momentum.

Elsewhere on Friday, Angola and Zimbabwe settled for a 1–1 draw, while Zambia and Comoros produced the tournament’s first goalless encounter.

Attention now shifts to Saturday, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria chase back-to-back victories when they face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at 9:00 p.m.

Other fixtures will see Benin Republic battle Botswana, Senegal clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda square off against Tanzania.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Sport

Lookman Seals Super Eagles Win Over Tanzania

By Web News 262

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, campaign in style with a hard-fought victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Morocco.

Defender Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, rising confidently to power home a precise cross delivered by Alex Iwobi.

Nigeria pushed for more after the break, and Victor Osimhen appeared to double the lead, only for VAR to rule the effort offside.

Tanzania struck back through Charles M’Mombwa in the 50th minute, briefly silencing the Nigerian supporters.

The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, as Ademola Lookman unleashed a stunning strike two minutes later to restore Nigeria’s advantage and secure the win.

Elsewhere in Tuesday’s AFCON fixtures, the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Benin Republic 1–0, Senegal overwhelmed Botswana 3–0, while Tunisia recorded a convincing 3–1 victory over Uganda.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Tinubu Urges Super Eagles to Refocus on AFCON

By Web News 209

By Maxwell Oyekunle

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for what he described as a determined effort in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Sunday’s playoff loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president urged the team to put the disappointment behind them and immediately begin preparations for the 2026 African Cup of Nations, scheduled for January to February in Morocco.

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ended on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, following a 1–1 draw after extra time.

The defeat marked the second consecutive time Nigeria failed to reach the Mundial.

President Tinubu acknowledged the pain of missing out but said the players deserved praise for pushing deep into the qualifiers, especially after winning their first playoff match.

“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said.

He called on football authorities and stakeholders to address lapses exposed during the qualifiers.

“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” he said.

President Tinubu added that national attention should now shift to the upcoming AFCON.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he said.

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2026 WCQ Playoffs: Chelle Names Super Eagles Squad, Recalls Okoye, Ejuke

By Web News 464

By Olaolu Fawole

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 24-man squad including captain, William Troost-Ekong, striker, Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali ahead of next week’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

Three matches will be played by knock-out system in the format of semi-finals and final.

The semi-finals will take place on Thursday 13 November and the final on Sunday 16 November.

Also making the list are full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, alongside rising defensive sensation Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidí also joined Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in a squad brimming with pace, power, and technical quality.

Nigeria faces Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan, while Cameroon lock horns with DR Congo at the 18,000-seat El-Barid Stadium, both in Rabat.

Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke, while midfield Raphael Onyedika, plus forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, strengthen the attacking options.

Defender Semi Ajayi is suspended for the semi-final after accumulating two yellow cards during the qualifiers.

The players are expected to arrive in Morocco from their respective bases across Europe and beyond, converging on Rabat on Monday, November 10 as the Eagles begin their push for World Cup qualification.

Sport

Super Eagles Win Unity Cup, Pip Jamaica 5-4

By Web News 172

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Eagles of Nigeria have won the 2025 Unity Cup after defeating Jamaica 5-4 on penalties at Gtech community stadium, Brentford, United Kingdom.

Both sides could not be separated in regulation time after playing a 2-2 draw, but Eric Chelle boys kept their cool from the spot to score all their shootout and clinch the Unity Cup.

Moses Simon opened the scoring in the 9th minute to give Nigeria the lead, however the lead lasted only 3 minutes as Kaheim Dixon levelled the game in the 12th minute.

Nigeria took the lead again in the 53rd minute through a wonderful strike by Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria were pegged back again in the 63rd minute when Jon Russell scored for Jamaica to make it 2-2.

The game went to penalty shootout after 90 minutes was not enough to separate both teams and it was Nigeria who converted all their spot kicks to win the 2025 edition of the Unity Cup.

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Sport

Reactions as Super Eagles New Gaffer Set to Arrive

By Web News 567

By Oluwakayode Banjo/Olusegun Folarin 

Newly-appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle is expected to arrive in Nigeria with three of his trusted assistants.

Chelle is expected in Abuja on Sunday to finalise the details of his contract.

The 47-year-old was named the new Super Eagles head coach by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, yesterday.

Meanwhile, mixed reactions have trailed the appointment of Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles Head Coach.

Reacting, Former sub-committee member of the NFF, Christopher Green, has called on the NFF to provide a suitable environment for the new Super Eagles coach to succeed.

However, a former chairman of Gombe FA, Gara Gombe has tagged the newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, as a baby coach.

Mr Gombe noted that the NFF had taken Nigerian football backwards with Chelle’s appointment.

An Abeokuta-based Sports journalist, Mr Hakeem Adegbenro said the Super Eagles, as a brand, was bigger than just ordinary coach to handle.

Mr Adegbenro described the appointment of the Malian as Super Eagles’ handler as a slap on the faces of Nigerian coaches whom he submitted were better than Éric Sékou Chelle.

Also, a grassroots coach, Mr Femi Bamigboye said Nigerian coaches should have been considered if they applied for the job instead of the Malian.

Mr Bamigboye who is the founder of Remo Football Academy said he could only wish the new coach well since NFF had  confirmed his appointment

Éric Sékou Chelle is a professional football manager and a former player who played as a centre-back. 

Born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, he made five appearances for the Mali national team.

In 2022, Chelle was appointed manager of Mali and guided the Eagles of Mali to the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was held in 2024, losing to hosts Cote D’Ivoire in Extra Time. 

He was dismissed on 13 June 2024.

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Sport

W’Cup Qualifiers: Olawoyin Replaces Tella in Super Eagles’ Squad

By Web News 772

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, Nathan Tella, has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad ahead of the Nigerian national team’s World Cup qualifiers.

The national team will be playing against South Africa and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With the withdrawal of Tella, Caykur Rizespor of Turkey star, Ibrahim Olawoyin, would join the Super Eagles’ squad.

“WCQ Camp Update: Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons. Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey,” the national team said on its X account.

The Super Eagles camp for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic will open on Monday June 3, Nigeria will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7 before travelling to Ivory Coast to face Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Peseiro Confirms Exit, Describes Coaching Super Eagles Honour

By Web News 550

Jose Peseiro has confirmed he is no longer the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

This comes following the expiration of his contract just after the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON).

The Portuguese tactician, in a series of tweets on his X account on Friday, described it as a pride and honour to have coached the Super Eagles.

Peseiro, who would be leaving alongside his backroom staff, conceded that they would miss the team “but we will always be there for you.”

He wrote, “Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF.

“It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”

Meanwhile, the Algeria Football Federation has shown interest in hiring coach Jose Peseiro who led Nigeria to the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This came after Djamel Belmadi was fired following a dismal performance at the just-concluded AFCON tournament.

Belmadi was fired after the nation failed to advance beyond the Group stages.

Peseiro led Nigeria to the final of the 34th AFCON, where they lost 2–1 against the host team, Ivory Coast.

According to an Algerian publication, DZ Foot, the president of the Algerian football federation, Walid Sadi, is impressed by Peseiro’s credentials and is willing to have a chat with the Portuguese tactician about taking over their national team job.

“Not made public, the shortlist established by the ad-hoc commission set up by the FAF, is made up of three names, namely José Peseiro (63 years old), Vladimir Petkovic (60 years old) and Carlos Queiroz (70 years old),” the website wrote.

While the name of Carlos Queiroz has come back in force in recent days as being the final choice of the FAF, according to our information this would ultimately not be the case and José Peseiro becomes the preferential choice of Walid Sadi.

“Indeed the one who took Nigeria to the CAN 2023 final would be in direct contact with the president of the Algerian football federation who would have been seduced by his profile and his speech without forgetting the financial aspect.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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AFCON Final: Peller Congratulates Super Eagles

By Web News 449

By Adewumi Faniran

The Ayedero of Yorubaland and former House of Representatives member, Mr Shina Peller, has called on the Nigerian government at all levels to create a more enabling environment for citizens to thrive in their various businesses and fields.

Mr Peller made this call while congratulating Super Eagles and Nigerians for defeating Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the semi-final match played Wednesday to qualify for the final match of the African Cup of Nations 2023.

While commending the entire Super Eagles team for their resilience, courage and fighting spirit from the beginning of the tournament till the moment, the former federal lawmaker acknowledged the impressive leadership role demonstrated by the captain, William Troost-Ekong, from the beginning of the tournament to the last match.

He noted that Captain Ekong has leadership ability to observe his colleagues, communicate with them in different ways, charge, correct and encourage them to press on in each match played.

Also, Ayedero observed that almost everyone in every part of the country, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation, is so happy to identify with Nigeria and celebrate the victory with fellow Nigerians, notwithstanding the challenges being confronted with. He added that it is a testament to the fact that majority of Nigerians are patriots who want the best for their country.

In addition, the Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician argued that the majority of Nigerians love Nigeria passionately, noting that what they clamour for is an enabling environment for them to thrive.

He, therefore, called on the government at all levels to leverage the momentum being enjoyed by all to make decisions and policies that will further strengthen Nigeria as a nation and unite all as a people.

In the same vein, he stressed the need for the government to focus on enhancing farming business which argued will bring about food security. He also advocated for the well-being and safety of the farmers and by extension, Nigerians.

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Sport

Super Eagles See Off Cameroon 2-0

By Web News 579

Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman was on the score sheet twice as Nigeria saw off perennial rivals Cameroon to book a quarter finals spot at the ongoing AFCON 2023.

Goals in either half of the tie ensured that Nigeria will continue in the competition as they seek a fourth AFCON title.

Nigeria had an early Semi Ajayi goal disallowed following a VAR review in this last-16 clash before the constant pressing and bullying of the Cameroon defence by Victor Osimhen led to Lookman finding the net in the 36th minute.

The hardworking defence kept the Indomitable Lions at bay before Lookman in a man-of-the-match display made sure of the victory in the 90th minute in front of 22,085 fans at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

They will now return to the same venue for a last-eight meeting next Friday with Angola, who earlier defeated Namibia 3-0.

With the fearsome Osimhen leading from the front, the Super Eagles are clearly a serious threat to reigning champions Senegal as they chase a fourth continental crown.

This fixture is a Cup of Nations classic, with the first three of Cameroon’s five titles coming after wins over Nigeria in the final.

The very first, when a side led by Roger Milla came from behind to win 3-1 in 1984, was achieved in this same stadium in Ivory Coast’s economic capital.

Nigeria won the most recent encounter with their neighbours, in the last 16 in Egypt five years ago, and their current side came into this match as favourites against Rigobert Song’s Cameroon.

The Super Eagles eased through their group unbeaten, while Cameroon needed a stoppage-time goal against Gambia to progress.

Vanguard/Maxwell Oyekunle

Sport

AFCON: Super Eagles Take on Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire

By Web News 457

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Eagles of Nigeria will be looking for their first victory in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament when they face host nation Cote d’Ivoire today.

The game will kick off at six o’clock in the evening at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.

Having drawn their opening game with Equatorial Guinea, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has said his players must show good organisation and put up a strong showing against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

Other matches slated for today are Equatorial Guinea versus Guinea Bissau and Egypt versus Ghana.

Meanwhile, in matches played yesterday, morocco thrashed Tanzania by 3 goals to nil, while Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out a 1-1 draw 

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AFCON: Super Eagles Versus Equatorial Guinea Match Ends 1-1

By Web News 602

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Equatorial Guinea drew first blood in the 37th minute when Iban Salvador scored a well-placed shot, leaving the Super Eagles’ goalie, Stanley Nwabali, motionless.

An instant response from Nigeria following a kickoff saw Victor Osimhen head an equalising goal for Nigeria before the break.

Despite many chances, Nigeriafailed to get the winning goal. Although Osimhen scored his first AFCON goal on his first appearance, he, in the 75th minute, missed a big chance.

Nigeria, in Group A, will further challenge Ivory Coast, and Guinea Bissau later in the tournament.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Super Eagles AFCON Camp Opens 

By Web News 356

The Super Eagles Camp for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has opened in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Coach Jose Peseiro has already named 25 players for the competition which begins mid-January in the West African Nation of Cote d’Ivoire.

Barring one home-based player, the other invitees are expected in camp from their different European bases.

But Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, William Troost-Ekong, and Sadiq Umar of Real Sociedad have been granted permission to feature for their sides in games later Tuesday. They will then hit the camp on Wednesday.

Nigeria will be in the oil-rich nation for a week as they fine-tune plans for the biennial football showpiece. The Super Eagles are in Group A of the competition alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.

Their first game is against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 15th, 2024 before they square off against Cote d’Ivoire four days later. After this, the three-time AFCON winners take the battle to Guinea-Bissau on Monday, January 22.

Nigeria are coming into the competition on the back of a poor start to the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. The Super Eagles only managed two points from the same number of games against lowly-rated Lesotho and Zimbabwe in late 2023.

The development, as expected, triggered calls for the sack of Peseiro with many fans and pundits questioning the Portuguese gaffer’s tactical acumen to lead one of the continent’s most talented football teams.

Despite this, football authorities in Nigeria say sacking the Portuguese weeks before a major tournament is an unwise move.

While Peseiro is going into the competition under pressure, the former Al-Ahly coach is upbeat about the Super Eagles’ chances of taking another continental title eleven years after Nigeria won it in South Africa.

“We will fight to win the Africa Cup even though it won’t be easy,” Peseiro told NFF TV.

“Our group is not easy because we are up against the Ivory Coast, who have a good squad and are playing at home.

“Equatorial Guinea reached the quarter-final at the last AFCON, better than Nigeria, while Guinea Bissau beat us at home (in the qualifiers). We have to be at our best in our trainings and in our matches.”

Channels TV / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Saudi Friendly: Victor Oshimen’s Injury for MRI Scan

By Web News 575

Super Eagles Striker, Victor Oshimen is to undergo an MRI scan.

This is to ascertain the degree of the injury he sustained during Super Eagles friendly match against Saudi Arabia on Friday in Portugal.

Oshimen was substituted in the early minutes of the second half after sustaining an injury.

Super Eagles Gaffer, Jose Peseiro told Journalists that the Napoli forward would undergo a scan and ruled him out of Monday’s game against Mozambique in Portugal.

Paseiro said the it would be unnecessary to play Oshimen no matter the outcome of the scan.

Osimhen was the highest goal scorer last season in the Serie A and led Napoli to their league title for the first time in 33 years.

Oluwaseyi Ajibade

Sport

Super Eagles Take on Green Falcons of S/Arabia

By Web News 514

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Eagles of Nigeria will today tackle the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in an international friendly match.

The match will be played at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal at five o’clock in the evening.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have been drawn against Host Nation Cote D’Ivoire in Group A of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, Afcon schedule to take place next year.

Other countries in the group are Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

According to the draw, Group B consist of Ghana, Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique, Group C has Defending champions Senegal, Cameroon, Gambia and Guinea while Group D housed Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Algeria and Angola, 

In Group E,  Tunisia, Mali, South Africa and Namibia will battle one another while Group F has Morocco, DR Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.

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Osimhen Hits Hat-trick as Super Eagles Thump Sao Tome 6-0

By Web News 464

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Napoli star striker and Ballon d’Or nominee, Victor Osimhen bagged a hat-trick as Super Eagles of Nigeria demolished Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in their 2024 African cup of Nations, Afcon qualifiers.

The match played yesterday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, saw the Super Eagles dominate the game from kick off till the final whistle.

Osimhen opened the scoring with a header in the 14th minute, before Ademola Lookman made it 2-0 in the 27th minute.

Nottingham Forest In-form striker Taiwo Awoniyi made it 3 in the 51st minute, before Osimhen scored again in the 69th and 79th minutes to make it 5.

Substitute Samuel Chukwueze rounded up the scoring with a 84th minute cool finish as the game ended 6-0.

It would be recalled that in the reverse fixture, Nigeria thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 10-0, a record victory for the Jose Peseiro boys.

Nigeria, who had already qualified before the game, have 15 points and will now finish top of Group A.

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Super Eagles Rise in FIFA Rankings

By Web News 409

Nigeria has moved up a place in the latest FIFA men’s rankings for June.

The Super Eagles, who were ranked 40th in the world in the ranking released in May, gained six points and moved to 39th.

The Eagles’ rise in the rankings was largely due to their impressive performance in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in the month under review.

Jose Peseiro’s men defeated the Leone Stars 3-1 in the game played in Liberia.

The win also saw them book a spot at next year’s AFCON billed to hold in Ivory Coast.

FIFA last announced the ranking for men in April with the Eagles ranked 40th.

On the African continent, three-time African champions remain in the top six, which is a big boost for them as it means they will be among the top seeds when the AFCON draw is conducted later in 2023.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Top Group with Win over Leone Stars

By Web News 481

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the 95th minute to earn Super Eagles of Nigeria a 3-2 victory over the Leone stars of Sierra Leone in their African cup of Nations qualifiers yesterday.

The match played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex saw Nigeria race to a two goal lead courtesy of a Victor Osimhen brace in the 19th and 32nd minutes.

However, Mustapha Bundu pulled one back for Sierra Leone in the 41st minute as the first half ended 2-1.

The Leone stars thought they had snatched a point when Augustus Kargbo made it 2-2 in the 84th minute.

But, it was Leicester city forward, Kelechi Iheanacho who would have the final say as he found the back of the net in the 95th minute to send Nigeria back to the top of Group A with 12 points.

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AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria Back on top of Group A

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Super Eagles of Nigeria have returned to the summit of Group A after defeating the wild dogs of Guinea Bissau in the second leg of their African cup of Nations, AFCON Qualifiers.

Nigeria dropped to second in the group after a shocking loss to Guinea Bissau at the Abuja National Stadium, Abuja last Friday.

But, a 30th minute strike from the penalty spot by Moses Simon was enough to earn the Super Eagles a one nil victory yesterday and return to the top of Group A with 9 points.

Guinea Bissau are back to second place with 7 points, Sierra Leone in third with 5 points, while Sao Tome and Principe sits bottom of the group with just a point.