Sport

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.

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Super Eagles begin training session Monday

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Nigeria’s national team, Super Eagles will hold their first training session on Monday at about 5 pm, ahead of their 2023 AFCON double-header qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau.

The disclosure came on Super Eagles Twitter handle on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, six Super Eagles players have arrived in Abuja for the qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau.

The players are Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman and Kelvin Akpoguma.

The Super Eagles’ first qualifying game saw them pip Sierra Leone 2-1 on match day one in Abuja.

While Jose Peseiro ‘s men hammered São Tomé and Principe 10-0 nil on match day two as Victor Osimhen scored four goals in that encounter.

The only time the Eagles from Nigeria faced Guinea-Bissau was in the group stages of the 2021 AFCONS in Cameroon which Nigeria triumphed 2-0.

Tersoo Nicholas/Adetutu Adetule

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Sport

FG Fulfils Pledge to 1994 Nations Cup Super Eagles

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28 years after, the Federal Government has fulfilled its promise of house gifts to the Super Eagles team who won the African Cup of Nations in 1994.

Keys to the houses were presented to the players and other beneficiaries of phase one of the Federal Government’s National Housing Programme by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola at a formal ceremony held in Ibadan.

Presenting the keys, Mr Fashola, who was represented by the Federal Controller, Housing Sector, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Ibadan, Mr Jacob Gbolahan, said a total of 694 applications of subscribers had been approved by his ministry who were billed to benefit from the housing scheme Oyo State.

Mr Fashola called on other residents in Oyo State to key into the initiative and leverage the many unsold units in the state.

He added that the houses were currently available for sale to all Nigerians at the Ministries Portal at www.nhp.housing.gov.ng.

In a remark, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, represented by Director of Lands Management, State Ministry of Lands, Audu Ademola, appealed to the Federal Government to judiciously use other parts of the allocated lands so that the people of Oyo State and Nigerians, in general, would benefit from the dividends of democracy.

The Ex-Super Eagles players, who were physically present at the handing-over ceremony, were Mutiu Adepoju and Ike Shorunmu.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Ghana Defeat Home-Based Eagles 2-0 in First Leg Tie

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The country’s home-based Super Eagles have it all to do after they fell to a 2-0 defeat to the Black Galaxies of Ghana, in the first leg of the 2022 CHAN final qualifying round on Sunday.

The game was played at the Cape Coast stadium, Accra in Ghana.

After a goalless first half, it was the Black Galaxies who broke the deadlock in the 49th minute from the spot.

In the 85th minute, the Black Galaxies doubled their lead through Seidu to put them in a comfortable position.

Both teams will meet in the second leg billed for Saturday, September 3rd, inside the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The home-based Eagles failed to qualify for the 2020 CHAN tournament after losing to Togo in the qualifiers.

While the Black Galaxies last featured at the 2014 Edition in South Africa where they lost to Libya in the final.

The winner over two legs between Ghana and Nigeria will qualify for next year’s CHAN in Algeria.

Tersoo Nicholas/Adetutu Adetule

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Sport

Super Eagles Trash Sao Tome 10 Nil in AFCON Qualifiers

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Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osihmen scored 4 goals as Super Eagles of Nigeria demolished Sao Tome and Principle 10 nil in their second Group A African cup of Nations qualifying match.

Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Oghenero Etebo, Ademola Lookman, and Emmanuel Denis, who converted a 90th-minute penalty, were also on the score sheet as the Super Eagles breezed past their opponent to make it two wins out of two games in the qualifiers.

Nigeria, who had last Thursday defeated Sierra Leone in their opening group match, have now scored 12 goals in just two games, conceding just once in that time.

Having lost his first two games in charge of the Super Eagles, Head Coach José Peseiro has now led his side to back-to-back wins.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Sport

Kelechi Nwakali Sacked By SD Huesca

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Spanish second division side, Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, SD Huesca, has sacked Super Eagles midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali.

The former Arsenal player was part of the Super Eagles squad that played at the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Nwakali is said not to be on good terms with the team’s coach, Xisco Muñoz, which forced the club to terminate his contract.

Nwakali’s contract with SD Huesca was initially expected to expire at the end of the ongoing season before the Spanish second division side who are currently 11th on the log made the decision on Tuesday, 5 March.

The club made the announcement with the photo of the Nigerian player posted on their official Twitter account.

Kelechi Nwakali was handed his competitive Eagles and AFCON debuts in Cameroon by then-interim head coach Austin Eguavoen, where he made three appearances, one of which was a start against Guinea-Bissau.

He then failed to return to the club nine days after Nigeria crashed out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Reports say the player had been on a collision course with the team’s coach ever since and was also reported to have rejected an opportunity to move to Burgos.

Nwakali has also had several disciplinary issues with the team and had a frosty relationship with the coaches.

When did Kelechi Nwakali join SD Huesca?

The Nigerian midfielder joined SD Huesca in 2019 and has appeared in 19 matches this season, playing a total of 1060 minutes with no goals or assists.

Nwakali started his career at the Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria.

After his fine performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won the Golden Ball Award, he signed with English Premier League side Arsenal.

At Arsenal, he never made a first-team appearance but was sent on loan to Netherlands’ 2nd Division side, MVV Maastricht, Dutch Side, VVV-Venlo and Portuguese Club, Porto’s Team B before being sold to the Spanish side.

Sports Brief/Maxwell Oyekunle

Sport

Eguavoen Steps Down as Super Eagles Head Coach

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Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen has stepped down following the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A statement from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF says, the Federation has in the meantime withdrawn the two-and-half years contract offered the coaches and terminated the appointment of the entire technical crew of the team with immediate effect.

It notes that a new crew will be announced after a proper review to lead the new charge of reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropriately.

According to NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, “We thank the coaches and team officials for their service to the nation and wish them success in their future endeavours,”

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Stakeholders Bemoan Vandalism of MKO Abiola Stadium

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Sports stakeholders in Ibadan have condemned the invasion of the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja after the Nigeria-Ghana match on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 1-1 draw with the Black Stars of Ghana, fans invaded the stadium, vandalizing facilities which also led to the death of an official of the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, Dr. Joseph Kabungo.

Reacting to the development, Southwest Vice President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Mr Seun Ajayi-Obe said the stadium invasion was not acceptable, although he believed that the fans were emotionally down after the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup.

Speaking on the outcome of the match, Mr Ajayi-Obe said the team that was more desperate won the two-legged tie, while also blaming the poor performance of Nigeria on tactical and selection problems.

Similarly, a sports analyst, Mr Sunday Agunbiade believed that the better side, which was the Ghanaian team, won the play-off tie.

Mr Agunbiade said the Super Eagles did not play as a team and did not deserve to be at the World Cup in Qatar.

He said the Ghanaian team played like they needed the game more than the Super Eagles.

Mr Agunbiade noted that Nigeria’s Football Federation, NFF, was not doing enough to improve the national team.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Sport

Fans vandalise Moshood Abiola Stadium over Nigeria’s loss to Ghana

By Web News 1083

Some angry fans on Tuesday night, vandalised some facilities at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Nigeria had played 1-1 with the Black Stars of Ghana in the second leg world cup qualifier.

Ghana qualified for the World Cup with an away goal.

The Angry fans stormed the football pitch after the players have left the pitch and vandalised the facilities of the stadium.

A viral video of the angry fans has gone round the social media, in which security forces employed the use of tear gas to restore normalcy .

Ahead of the decisive encounter, Nigerians had remained in high hope and optimism that the Nigerian side would secure a victory which would earn them the World Cup ticket.

However, the Eagles failed to put up the brilliance expected from them.

Adedayo Adelowo and Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Super Eagles Fail to Fly to Qatar

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after playing a 1-1 draw against the Black Stars of Ghana in Abuja.

Ghana qualified on away goal rule and will be making it to the World Cup finals.

Thomas Partey opened scoring for the Black Stars in the eleventh minute of the encounter, while William Troost-Ekong later equalised for Nigeria via a spot kick.

Wrt up Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Super Eagles Vs Black Stars: FG Declares Half Working Day For Civil Servants

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The Federal government has directed all offices to close by 1pm, on Tuesday, March 29.

A circular issued by Permanent Secretary (Service Welfare Office) Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, for Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, says this is to mobilise Nigerians for the 2nd leg World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The circular notes that there is need to ensure massive support for the Nigerian Team and consequently all offices will be closed by 1 O clock in the afternoon on Tuesday.

The Circular

It calls on Permanent Secretaries to give the circular wide publicity to achieve the desired result.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Black Stars Arrive Abuja Ahead of Nigeria clash

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The Black Stars of Ghana have arrived Abuja for tomorrow’s second leg World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The match will be played at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

Ghana was held to a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi last Friday, in the first leg.

Black Stars at Arrival in Abuja

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigeria Football Federation have jointly purchased 20,000 tickets to be given to fans to watch the SuperEagles Youth and Sports Development Minister, Mr Sunday Dare announced this after a meeting of the organizing committee.

“We will buy 20,000 of the tickets and give to fans at designated centres on Monday and Tuesday morning. We want to ensure maximum support for the Super Eagles by filling up the stands.

Also speaking, NFF 2nd Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko added that both the Ministry and the NFF believe that the full house will ginger the Super Eagles to earn a seventh FIFA World Cup finals ticket tomorrow. “It is a very big match and we need the maximum support for our team.

The players have expressed a desire for full house, just as the Ghanaians had in Kumasi. We want to thank the Ministry for initiating this move.

Wrt up/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

2022 World Cup Playoff: Ghana Nigeria Share Spoils

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In the west African derby between perennial rivals Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black stars of Ghana at the Babayara staduim in Kumasi in front of a packed 40,000 thousand capacity staduim, for a ticket to Quatar 2022 world cup, Ghanians failed to capitalise on their superior possession as the Super eagles defence line where able to withstand the attacking florays of the Black stars.

The first half was no different from the second half with both side running out of idea in the vital area, although the Ghanians managed 3shots on target the Super eagles managed just two shots during 90minutes of play.

Alot of football fans from both countries on social media described the game as uneventful and boring.

https://twitter.com/Hbuchi2/status/1507469881553440768?t=_H7Ab2TMKOymrgjJFmmREw&s=19

A major talking point was a penalty call which VAR ruled out for the Eag,les at the blast of the final whistle it was Ghana 0-0 Nigeria

all eyes will be on the second leg of the world cup play offs between Nigeria and Ghana which will take place on the 29th of March at the M.K.O Abiola Staduim in Abuja where both teams will be looking to put behind them Thier disaapointing African Cup of Nations Performance by qualifying for the Quatar 2022 World cup.

Ojeakhe Ozoya

Sport

Qatar 2022: We’ll sacrifice everything against Black Stars – Musa 

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Ghana and Nigeria share a fierce football rivalry which is set to be revisited, with the Black Stars and Super Eagles locked in a battle for one of five tickets to Qatar later this year.

Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa has assured Nigerians that the team will give out their best in order to overcome the Black Stars of Ghana in Friday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Musa, who joined the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja ahead of the blockbuster clash, stated this in the team’s official Instagram account on Tuesday.

Musa wants the Super Eagles to get a good result against Otto Addo’s side in Ghana before the second leg in Nigeria.

“We have to give all that we have in the first game to see what we can have before we come back home,” Musa was quoted by Super Eagles’ official Instagram account as saying.

“And by the grace of God, we will do all our best to see what we can do over there.”

Ghana will host the 1st leg at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday, March 25, before travelling to Abuja Stadium for the 2nd leg on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

The winner of the encounter will pick one of the five tickets for Africa at the world showpiece in Qatar.

Complete Sports

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We’re committed to securing Qatar 2022 ticket – Super Eagles

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Players and coaches of Nigeria’s senior men’s team, the Super Eagles, have assured of their determination to earn a spot at the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals, holding in Qatar 14th November – 18th December this year.

At a virtual meeting with Youth and Sports Minister, Mr Sunday Dare and chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Tuesday night, Coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amuneke and the playing body said they are aware of the huge challenge that Ghana’s Black Stars will present in next month’s two-legged play-off, but are determined to emerge victoriously.

Captain Ahmed Musa said, “The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in the world, and every player wants to feature there. A good number of the players in the team now have not been there, and the few of us that have been there wanted to experience it again. We just want the NFF to help us get enough fans into the Abuja Stadium for the second leg. We will go to Ghana and dig our feet and ensure we get a result. We must admit that Ghana also wants to qualify and they have a strong team. The return leg will be crucial and we are ready for the battle, but we want our fans to be in there cheering us on.”

Technical Adviser Augustine Eguavoen had this to say, “It is always an honour to serve the country. I was impressed with the high level of discipline and commitment of the players at the AFCON in Cameroon, and I feel privileged to lead the group. We have two tough games against Ghana next month but I am not too worried because we have a squad that knows it is a mountain that we have to climb. We have a good headache to deal with – which is a surplus of good players. I want to thank the government and the NFF for all the support during the AFCON; we will need even greater support for the World Cup play-off.”

Chief Coach Emmanuel Amuneke said he was privileged to work with the team. “I have worked with some of the players in the U17 and U20 teams, and some others I have known for many years. We have the team to earn the World Cup ticket and we will put our best foot forward for each game.”

Deputy Captain William Troost-Ekong added that the players are aware of the big task ahead and only want the government to ensure that the pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja is in “pristine condition” for the return leg encounter against the Black Stars. “We loved the pitch of the stadium in Garoua and it helped us play some good football. We would be delighted if the Abuja Stadium is in similar condition for the second leg.”

In his opening remark, the Youth and Sports Minister, Sunday Dare extolled the players for their efforts at the AFCON and expressed the belief that lessons have been learned from the defeat to Tunisia in the Round of 16. “I know you are still unhappy about the loss to Tunisia, but I want you to visit the anger of the defeat by Tunisia on Ghana. We all know about the history of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana in football and this is one fixture that we must not lose”.

“We know that dogged spirit is there in you, and we also want you to see yourself as one big family. We have confidence in you that you can do it and will give you all the support. Coaches Eguavoen and Amuneke have smooth access to the NFF President and he will always be ready to provide what you need. As for the pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, we have experts working there all the time and I assure you it will be in perfect condition for the match.”

President of NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick charged the players to face the two-leg fixture with even greater determination and play with grit, guts, zest, and elan. “These are two very crucial matches in which you have to give more than your best. Winning the World Cup ticket is non-negotiable.”

Also at the meeting was the General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Among the players present were Musa, Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Abdullahi Shehu, Sadiq Umar, Jamilu Collins, Frank Onyeka, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Kelechi Nwakali, Wilfred Ndidi, Zaidu Sanusi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Daniel Akpeyi, Peter Olayinka, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu, Henry Onyekuru.

Nigeria, who have featured in six of the last seven FIFA World Cup finals, slug it out with the Black Stars in Cape Coast on Thursday, 24th March before both teams tango again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, 27th March.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Sport

Breaking: Eguavoen Remains Interim Manager as NFF Reconstitutes Super Eagles’ Technical Crew

By Web News 646

The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced the reconstitution of the technical crew of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, with Augustine Eguavoen staying as Interim Technical Adviser while former Nigeria World Cup star and former U20 Boys’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke drafted in as immediate assistant to Eguavoen.

One of the most garlanded footballers to have come out of Nigeria, Amuneke scored both goals that won Nigeria the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations final match against Zambia in Tunis, scored the goal that won Nigeria and Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal in 1996 and played in the 1994 and 1996 FIFA World Cup finals, scoring two goals in USA ’94.

As coach, the electrifying winger qualified Tanzania for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and led the Taifa Stars in the finals. He is a Member of both the FIFA and CAF Technical Study Groups.

“The NFF Board has approved a recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee retaining Augustine Eguavoen as Technical Director/Technical Adviser (interim) while Emmanuel Amuneke becomes the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles. Salisu Yusuf will be the 2nd Assistant Coach/Chief Coach of the CHAN team and Joseph Yobo will be 3rd Assistant while Aloysius Agu remains the Goalkeepers’ Trainer,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi announced.

The reconstitution comes after the Super Eagles’ outing at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, and ahead of the potentially –explosive FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana next month.

Sanusi added: “We acknowledge and appreciate the interest that Mr Jose Peseiro has shown in Nigeria Football during our very cordial discussions and have absolutely no doubt about his capacity. We believe that perhaps in the future, there could be an opportunity to work with him. However, in view of the positive performance of the Super Eagles at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations which has given hope to Nigerians and boosted our confidence in the present coaching crew to qualify us for the World Cup in Qatar, we have decided to accept the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee to retain the Eguavoen-led coaching crew and strengthen it with the addition of Emmanuel Amuneke.”

NEW SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW

Augustine Eguavoen – Technical Director/Technical Adviser (interim)

Emmanuel Amuneke – Chief Coach/1st Assistant

Salisu Yusuf – 2nd Assistant/Chief Coach, CHAN

Joseph Yobo – 3rd Assistant

Aloysius Agu – Goalkeepers’ Trainer

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

AFCON: Chances of Super Eagles Lifting Trophy

By Web News 694

With most group matches of the CAF Africa cup of Nations (AFCON) concluded, countries that have made it into the round of sixteen have emerged including Nigeria.

On analysis, a sports journalist in Cameroon, Mr Sunday Agunbiade, in a chat with Simeon Ugbodovon, speaks on the performance of the Super Eagles so far and the team’s chances.

News Yoruba

Olujabo Bere Idaraya Se Nlo Lori Papa, Koro Oju Si Gbigba Akonimogba Omo Ile Okere Sise Nilu Yi

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Olujabo bere idaraya se nlo lori papa titun se, agbenu so nigbakan ri fegbe agbaboolu Shooting Star, Ogbeni Jubril Arowolo, ti fenu sipe igbese to dara gba ni, gbigba awon akonimogba labele fegbe agbaboolu Super Eagles.

Ogbeni Arowolo so leyi di mimo lasiko to nko pa lori eto ilese Premier FM 93.5, Straight Talk.

Ogbeni Arowolo enito gboriyin fun ise takun-takun akonimogba egbe agbaboolu Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavan nibi ifesewonse Afcon 2021 to n lo lowo.

O salaye pe gbigba awon akonimoogba latoke okun da bi fifi ohun alumoni sofo ni.

Ogbeni Arowolo salaye pe akonimogba yi koju osuwon lati mu iko naa de ipele asekagba ohun gbigba ife-eye, tosi fi ireti re han pe iko agbaboolu Super Eagles yoo se daadaa nibi ifesewonse won pelu Guinea Bissau loja ode-yi.

Ogbeni Arowolo wa ro ijoba lati dakun dabo mu agbega ba ere-idaraya lese kuku.

Ogbeni Arowolo ni kikobiara otun sere boolu yio mu owo to nrogun sapo ijoba ru gogo si.

Kehinde / Idogbe

Sport

AFCON 2021: Super Eagles Makes It 6 Points from 2 Games

By Web News 852

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have qualified for the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021, as they defeated Sudan 3-1 in their second group D match. 

The win which was their second in as many games will help them breathe easier going into the final group stage match against Guinea Bissau. 

Samuel Chukwueze opened scoring three minutes into the game, smashing the ball home from a Moses Simon pass as they easily breezed into the Sudanese defence. 

Taiwo Awoniyi fortuitously got the second after a Troost-Ekong header bounced off the striker and beat the Sudanese goalkeeper who should have done a better job of denying him the goal. 

Moses Simon got the goal his performance deserved after a quick one-two with Taiwo Awoniyi.

Nigeria’s Moses Simon celebrating his 2nd half goal against Sudan at the 2021 AFCON

Sudan got their consolation goal via a spot-kick with striker Walieldin Khedr sending Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye the wrong way after Ola Aina was deemed to have fouled a Sudanese player in the penalty box following a VAR review.

Nigeria now tops Group D with six points from two games and are through to the second round of the competition

Maxwell Oyekunle

News Sport

AFCON; Nigeria Lock Horns With Sudan

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Super Eagles of Nigeria will be hoping to make it back to back wins at the ongoing Africa cup of Nations, AFCON in Cameroon when they face Sudan in their second group B match.

The Super Eagles, who had an impressive victory against the Pharaohs of Egypt in their opening match, are in high spirit ahead of today’s kick off at five o’clock in the evening.

Despite an head to head advantage, Super Eagles Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen has said his team would not underrate the Sudanese side.

In the other game of the day, Egypt would hope to bounce back from their defeat to Nigeria when they tackle Guinea Bissau at eight o’clock tonight.

In matches played yesterday, Senegal and Guinea played a goalless draw, Morocco beat Comoros by 2 goals to nil, Malawi came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1, while Gabon scored a late equaliser to salvage a point against Ghana.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Sport

Iheanacho’s Brilliant Strike Seals Victory for Super Eagles Over Egypt

By Web News 811

Kelechi Iheanacho brilliant strike in the 30th minute was enough to hand the Super Eagles of Nigeria victory over seven time winners, Egypt in the Group D opener of the ongoing AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles, who had chances to double their lead in the second half, had to settle for a lone goal victory to secure their first 3 points of the tournament.

With Tuesday’s victory, Nigeria broke Egypt’s record, who were unbeaten in their last 16 group matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement, Speaker, house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamilain says he is elated that the Super Eagles put up a superlative performance to defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt, who are considered one of the favourites of the tournament.

The Super Eagles next game is on Saturday against Sudan.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Sport

Musa, Ndidi, Osimhen, 25 others make 28-man final list for AFCON 2022

By Web News 922

Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen has named his 28-final list of the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon from 9th of next month to 6th February 2022, with Captain Ahmed Musa, midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi and effervescent forward Victor Osimhen all making the cut for the big house party.

The three-time winners will confront seven-time and record winners Egypt, Sudan and debutants Guinea Bissau with venue in the northern town of Garoua.

A mouth-watering clash with the Pharaohs in the group opener on Tuesday, 11th January means the Eagles must hit the ground at a blistering pace.

Former Nigeria captain Eguavoen, who coached the Super Eagles to third-place finish at the finals in Egypt 15 years ago, has selected four goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and 10 forwards to aim for Nigeria’s fourth diadem in Cameroon.

Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Olaoluwa Aina and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and Chidera Ejuke and forwards Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo and Samuel Chukwueze are also on the roster.

There is a return to the group for former U17 World Cup winning captain Kelechi Nwakali, forward Emmanuel Dennis and 2016 Olympics star Sadiq Umar.

All invited players are expected to arrive in camp in the Nigeria’s federal capital, Abuja on 29th December, with the UK-based players expected to start arriving on Monday, 3rd January.

SUPER EAGLES’ SQUAD FOR 33RD AFCON CAMEROON 2021

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); John Noble (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands).

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa).

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles as World Cup Qualifiers Begin

By Web News 700

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare was a dinner guest of the Super Eagles on Thursday, the eve of the opening game of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria will face Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Friday hoping for another successful qualifying run to the world’s biggest football stage, the FIFA Senior World Cup Finals.

Dare praised the players and the coaches for the successes  of the recent past and urged them to kick start this latest campaign with undiminished commitment.

“I sincerely want to appreciate all of you. The technical crew, players and the support staff. You have made us proud in the past and I want to urge you to continue with same zeal and vigour.

“You have demonstrated professionalism and an understanding of what it means to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria. We will be rooting for you to get this qualifying campaign off to a good start and then follow things up with successes in your subsequent matches. We want to be in Qatar 2022 as a participating nation not spectators. I trust you to make it happen for Nigeria and Nigerians.”

The Sports Minister also heaped encomiums on the Nigeria Football Federation for their efforts at self funding and seeking private sector support for their programmes.

“Government cannot do it alone. We need collaborations and partnerships with the private sector. These are the resources needed to keep our players and coaches comfortable so they can focus on getting us good results on the pitch.The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development will make the environment conducive for the Nigeria Football Federation to make this sort of breakthrough and progress,” Dare said.

Sport

Gov. Makinde Unveils Remodeled Lekan Salami Sports Complex

By Web News 818

Governor Seyi Makinde has unveiled the remodeled Lekan Salami sports complex, Adamasingba Ibadan.

The roll call at the stadium include, His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, General David Jemibewon Rtd. Former Military Governor of Oyo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki, (Edo State Governor), Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Former Governors of the State, Senator Raseedi Ladoja, Otunba Alao Akala, Former Head Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club and Nigerian Super Eagles, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde among others.

Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde explained that the project would reduce unemployment by productively engaging the youths through sports.

Speakers at the unveiling ceremony including former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar, governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, ex military administrator, David Jemibewon and former Chief, Adegboye Onigbinde commended governor Makinde led government for the remodeling project.

In a novelty march between Nigeria ex -international player and former 3sc player, Governor Seyi Makinde scored the opening goal against the ex-Super Eagles players in the match held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex.

Governor Makinde was paired along with the ex-3SC FC Stars in a novelty match that was organised for the commissioning purpose of the remodeled Lekan Salami Sports Complex Adamasingba Ibadan.

Governor Makinde scored the first goal in the 5th minute of the game through a penalty kick.

The ex-Super eagle’s line had the likes of Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Victor Agali, Austin Eguafon, Tijani Babangida, Peter Rufai, Ike Sorunmu, Mutiu Adepoju, Dauda Lawal among others.

Makinde led the ex- 3SC line up with the likes of Kabiru Alausa, Yomi Adigun, Kola Ige, and others.

Governor Makinde’s goal was cancelled out by a penalty awarded to the ex-super eagles and Austin Jay Jay Okocha steped up to slot home in the 15th minutes of the match.

Adebisi Iyabo

Sport

AFCON 2021: Nigeria Draws Egypt, Sudan, Guinea Bissau

By Web News 566

Nigeria’s Gernot Rohr-led Super Eagles who are chasing a fourth title have learned their opponents for the biennial African football showpiece.

Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in Group D of the preliminary round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations where they are joined by Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

The draw ceremony which took place at Yaounde Conference Centre in Cameroon, served up plenty of interesting battles.

Debutants at the tournament, Comoros, will they take on Senegal, Ghana and Gabon in Group C.

Tunisia have been zoned alongside Mali, Mauritania, and Gambia in Group F.

While Algeria must make their way past Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire in Group E if they hope to get to the second round of the competition.

The Super Eagles will begin their quest for glory against the Pharaohs at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua on January 11, 2022.

The 33rd edition of the biennial African football showpiece was due to begin on January 9, 2021, however, it was pushed back to January 2022 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic that crippled football-related activities.

Full Draws

Group AGroup B
CameroonSenegal
Burkina FasoZimbabwe
EthiopiaGuinea
Cape VerdeMalawi
Group CGroup D
SenegalNigeria
GhanaEgypt
ComorosSudan
GabonGuinea-Bissau
Group EGroup F
AlgeriaTunisia
Sierra LeoneMali
Equatorial GuineaMauritania
Cote d’IvoireGambia

Maxwell Oyekunle