Tag: General Sports

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for a challenging campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after being drawn into Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The draw, which took place today in Rabat, Morocco, sets the stage for what will be a thrilling and competitive AFCON 2025 group stage for the three-time AFCON champions.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a proud history in the tournament, with 16 medals from 20 AFCON appearances.

They will be hoping to add to that legacy after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 edition, where they were narrowly defeated by Ivory Coast in the final.

Tunisia, a perennial AFCON contender, will provide a formidable challenge, while Uganda and Tanzania are both capable of springing surprises.

AFCON 2025 group C is one of the competitive group and the Super Eagles will need to be at their best if they are to navigate their way through to the knockout rounds.

The Super Eagles depth of talent, combined with their rich history in African football, means Nigeria will be one of the favorites to make it out of the group, but the road to the title will not be easy.

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This year’s AFCON is also significant for the host nation, Morocco, which is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988.

After pulling out as hosts in 2015 due to Ebola concerns, Morocco will finally welcome the continent’s top footballing nations to its shores.

The Full Groups for AFCON 2025:

Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros

Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe

Group C:Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania

Group D:Senegal, DR Congo, Benin Republic, Botswana

Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan

Group F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

In addition to the draw, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has revealed that nine stadiums across Morocco will host matches during the tournament.

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The cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier will be the heart of the competition.

In Rabat, four stadiums will host matches: Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Stade Al Barid, Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah and Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay EL Hassan.

The other venues include Complexe Sportif Mohammed V in Casablanca, Grand Stade d’Agadir in Agadir, Grand Stade de Marrakech bin Marrakech, Complexe Sportif de Fèsbin Fes, and Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier.

The 2025 AFCON competition will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and with these world-class stadiums ready to host the best teams in Africa, the tournament promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.

Source: The Athletic NG

Lazio manager Marco Baroni has addressed his decision to substitute Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at halftime during their 2-1 Serie A defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico.

Dele-Bashiru, making his eighth start in Serie A this season, played alongside former Arsenal star Mattéo Guendouzi in a two-man midfield pivot.

The 23-year-old, one of Nigeria’s brightest talents in 2024, has displayed impressive versatility since joining Lazio on loan from Hatayspor, having played as a left winger and attacking midfielder in earlier matches.

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Despite Lazio’s early dominance, defensive mistakes allowed Fiorentina to score twice within the opening 17 minutes through Lucas Beltrán and Yacine Adli.

Lazio showed signs of improvement in the second half, aided by Adli’s 63rd-minute red card.

A late goal from Adam Marušić in stoppage time offered a glimmer of hope, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Baroni made the decision to replace Dele-Bashiru with Nicolò Rovella, with the Nigerian midfielder not rejoining the team for the second half.

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The substitution sparked speculation, but Baroni clarified his reasoning after the match.

“Dele-Bashiru? The match was difficult, he needed space,” Baroni said via SosFanta. “More speed in his maneuvers was needed. He did well in the first half, but it wasn’t the ideal match for a player who thrives in space, and there wasn’t any.”

However, Baroni was careful not to place the blame on Dele-Bashiru, instead pointing to the team’s defensive errors and lack of rhythm.

“Lazio lost because we conceded two easy goals. When the game goes like this, it’s not easy. We lacked rhythm at the start, made mistakes, and that penalized us. But I liked the mental energy and determination we showed in the second half,” Baroni explained.

The Lazio coach emphasized that the team needed to improve, while also praising Dele-Bashiru’s contributions.

“It’s not a midfield problem or about Dele-Bashiru, who is growing and giving us a lot. The whole team was slow in the way we moved the ball. We can’t play slow football; we have to improve and raise the level.”

Despite his loan move from Hatayspor to Lazio including a €5 million option to buy, Dele-Bashiru remains a target for several Premier League clubs, who are keeping close tabs on his development.

Source: The Athletic NG

Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to score a dramatic 90+5 minute winner for AC Milan in their 3-2 victory over Parma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday.

Chukwueze replaced Youssouf Fofana in the 57th minute, fired home a clinical finish from six yards in stoppage time, sealing all three points for the Rossoneri.

The goal marked Chukwueze’s second league strike of the season, extending his total to four goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.

In just 38 minutes on the pitch, Chukwueze recorded 30 touches, 11 accurate passes (85% completion rate), and two successful dribbles from three attempts.

He also had one shot on target, two blocked efforts, and won three of five ground duels.

Chukwueze’s timely return proved pivotal as Milan looked to maintain their push for silverware under manager Sérgio Conceição.

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Despite goals from Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic, Parma’s resilience threatened to undo Milan’s lead, but Chukwueze’s late strike ensured the victory.

The winger had been sidelined since late December with a hamstring injury sustained against AS Roma, missing six matches, including Milan’s Supercoppa Italia triumph.

57’ – subbed on
90+5’ – scores

Samuel Chukwueze marks his return from injury with a clutch goal off the bench to seal a comeback win for Milan pic.twitter.com/t4UL1ZerB6

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 26, 2025

His return is especially significant as the January transfer window nears its close, with speculation surrounding his future at the club.

With Chukwueze’s decisive performance, Milan fans will hope this signals the resurgence of the form that made him a star at Villarreal.

Source: The Athletic NG

In a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 20 encounter, Remo Stars stunned Akwa United with a 2-1 victory on Sunday, January 26, at the Nest of Champions, intensifying the relegation fears for the struggling Akwa United.

The match got off to a shaky start for Remo Stars when, in the 6th minute, goalkeeper Obassa mishandled a shot from Chijioke Alaekwe, allowing Uche Sabastine to capitalize on the error and give Akwa United the lead.

Despite the early setback, Remo Stars quickly regained composure, with Akwa United’s goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, forced into two key saves in the first 20 minutes, denying Michael Tochukwu and Ahmed Akinyele from long-range efforts.

As the second half unfolded, both teams made changes to shake things up.

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Akwa United made a triple substitution in the 60th minute, bringing on Tochukwu Samuel, Friday Apollos, and Olakunle Akala for Seyi Oguntayo, Emmanuel James, and Chisom Orji.

Remo Stars responded with their own adjustments, introducing Qudus Akanni, Alex Oyowah, and Malik Jabbar to energize the team.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 73rd minute when Remo stars Samuel Anakwe scored a brilliant chip to level the score at 1-1, just moments after coming on.

With both teams pushing for a winner, it was Remo Stars who found the breakthrough in the 84th minute. A beautifully executed team move ended with Olamilekan Adebayo finishing off the play to give his side the lead and seal a crucial 2-1 victory.

With the win, Remo Stars remain firmly at the top of the NPFL standings with 39 points, continuing their title challenge.

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Meanwhile, Akwa United’s relegation woes worsen as they remain in 19th place with just 19 points, and the pressure mounts on the Promise Keepers to turn their form around.

In other results from Match Day 20, Plateau United triumphed 2-1 over title contenders Rivers United in Jos, while Heartland FC, led by ex-Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke, secured a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars in Owerri, with new signing John Bassey scoring the decisive goal.

Source: The Athletic NG

In a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 20 encounter, Remo Stars stunned Akwa United with a 2-1 victory on Sunday, January 26, at the Nest of Champions, intensifying the relegation fears for the struggling Akwa United.

The match got off to a shaky start for Remo Stars when, in the 6th minute, goalkeeper Obassa mishandled a shot from Chijioke Alaekwe, allowing Uche Sabastine to capitalize on the error and give Akwa United the lead.

Despite the early setback, Remo Stars quickly regained composure, with Akwa United’s goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, forced into two key saves in the first 20 minutes, denying Michael Tochukwu and Ahmed Akinyele from long-range efforts.

As the second half unfolded, both teams made changes to shake things up.

READ MORE:samuel-chukwueze-scores-last-minute-stunner-to-save-milan-in-dramatic-win

Akwa United made a triple substitution in the 60th minute, bringing on Tochukwu Samuel, Friday Apollos, and Olakunle Akala for Seyi Oguntayo, Emmanuel James, and Chisom Orji.

Remo Stars responded with their own adjustments, introducing Qudus Akanni, Alex Oyowah, and Malik Jabbar to energize the team.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 73rd minute when Remo stars Samuel Anakwe scored a brilliant chip to level the score at 1-1, just moments after coming on.

With both teams pushing for a winner, it was Remo Stars who found the breakthrough in the 84th minute. A beautifully executed team move ended with Olamilekan Adebayo finishing off the play to give his side the lead and seal a crucial 2-1 victory.

With the win, Remo Stars remain firmly at the top of the NPFL standings with 39 points, continuing their title challenge.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

Meanwhile, Akwa United’s relegation woes worsen as they remain in 19th place with just 19 points, and the pressure mounts on the Promise Keepers to turn their form around.

In other results from Match Day 20, Plateau United triumphed 2-1 over title contenders Rivers United in Jos, while Heartland FC, led by ex-Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke, secured a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars in Owerri, with new signing John Bassey scoring the decisive goal.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is making headlines once again, but this time, it’s not for his incredible goal-scoring feats.

The star forward has filed a defamation lawsuit against Turkish journalist Tolga Bozduman, who recently accused him of assaulting him two weeks ago.

Osimhen has been on fire for Galatasaray since his summer move, scoring 16 goals and providing 5 assists in just 21 matches.

However, off the pitch, the 26-year-old is now embroiled in a major controversy.

Journalist Bozduman claimed that Osimhen attacked him when he tried to take photos of the player following Galatasaray’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Dynamo Kyiv.

While some fans, given Osimhen’s previous emotional outbursts, believed the journalist’s story, the striker responded with a humorous retort, striking a mocking pose after scoring against Konyaspor and posting it on his social media.

Now, in an unexpected twist, Osimhen has decided to take legal action.

“If I hit him he’s going to get justice BUT if he lied, then he’s going to face the full wrath of the law”@victorosimhen9’s goal from the spot as Galatasaray beat Konyaspor 1-0 in the Turkish Super Lig.

Post match: Spoke about punch incident in tabloid.pic.twitter.com/CquPT24uRP

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) January 25, 2025

He’s suing Bozduman for defamation, with the court hearing scheduled for Monday.

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Osimhen broke his silence on the. Punch incident while speaking to media after scoring Galatasaray’s only goal in their win over konyaspor yesterday.

“If I hit him, he’s going to get justice, and if he lied, he’s going to face the full force of the law.”

As this drama unfolds, Osimhen will look to keep his focus on the pitch, where Galatasaray is eyeing both the Turkish Super Lig title and the UEFA Europa League crown.

Source: The Athletic NG

The Cathedral, home of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers International, was left in shock as Niger Tornadoes secured a surprising victory on NPFL 2024/2025 Matchday 20 following the league’s mid-season break.

Niger Tornadoes took the lead in the 17th minute when Ismail Sarki capitalized on a defensive mix-up by Rangers, bundling the ball past goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi from close range. However, the Flying Antelopes responded swiftly, with center back Ifeanyi Onyebuchi leveling the score just four minutes later in the 21st minute.

Despite dominating possession and creating several clear-cut opportunities, Rangers failed to capitalize on their chances. Frank Uwumiro missed a golden opportunity in the 60th minute after being expertly set up by Godwin Obaje.

In an effort to bolster the attack, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu introduced Maduforo Kingsley, but the substitute failed to make an impact, squandering two promising chances. One effort was blasted off target inside the box, while another was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo.

Rangers’ wastefulness proved costly as the visitors regained the lead in the 65th minute. Ifeanyi Okechukwu unleashed a powerful long-range strike after Saviour Isaac lost possession deep in Rangers’ half, putting Tornadoes ahead once again.

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The home side had one final opportunity to salvage a point deep into stoppage time. Chiedozie Okorie stepped up to take a penalty after Effimi Nsi was brought down in the box, but his effort struck the crossbar, sealing a disappointing defeat for the NPFL champions.

Rangers International have now lost three home games this season after defeats to Kano Pillars, Shooting Stars, and now to Tornadoes, whom they defeated 1-0 in Minna on Matchday 19.

The Flying Antelopes remain in 4th position after the loss, while Niger Tornadoes move to 10th on the log ahead of three more games tomorrow.

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Following the defeat, General Manager and CEO of Rangers International, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, held an intense closed-door meeting with the players and technical team in the dressing room.

Other Matchday 20 Results:

• Abia Warriors 1-0 Bayelsa United
  Sunday Megwo 5’
• Nasarawa United 1-0 Katsina United
  Qamar Adegoke 35’
• Sunshine Stars 4-3 Ikorodu City
  Ahmadu Liman 16’, Promise Awosanmi 21’, Alao Danbani 34’, 74’ – Shola Adelani 45’, 66’, Emmanuel Solomon 90+’

 

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered the decisive goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 triumph over Konyaspor at Rams Park on Saturday.

Osimhen has been in impressive form for the Turkish giants, netting crucial goals in consecutive games. Leading the attack once more in Galatasaray’s 21st Super Lig fixture of the season, the Nigerian forward showcased his prowess on the pitch.

From the opening whistle, Galatasaray asserted dominance over their visitors. Osimhen had his first major opportunity in the 12th minute, rising high to meet a cross, but his header narrowly missed the target.

The Super Eagles star continued to trouble Konyaspor’s defense and won a penalty in the 20th minute after drawing a foul from Ismael Jakobs inside the box.

Taking the spot-kick himself, Osimhen confidently converted, putting Galatasaray ahead.

READ MORE:Ademola Lookman: Atalanta President confirms Premier League interest in the Nigerian dazzler

The home side maintained control for the rest of the first half, carrying their 1-0 lead into the break.

Galatasaray continued their attacking momentum in the second half, with Osimhen nearly doubling the advantage in the 54th minute, only for his effort to be ruled offside.

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Osimhen had another golden chance in the 62nd minute, but Konyaspor’s goalkeeper denied him with a fine save. The Nigerian international played the full 90 minutes, registering six attempts on goal but managing to convert just one.

Ultimately, Galatasaray secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, with Osimhen’s penalty proving to be the decisive moment of the match.

Source: The Athletic NG

Leicester City head coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy has dismissed speculation surrounding the potential departure of Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

The 28-year-old last featured for the Foxes in their 2-2 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in early December, exiting the match in the 52nd minute after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Since Ndidi’s absence, Leicester City have struggled in the Premier League, securing just one win from six matches and currently sitting 19th in the standings.

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Despite reports linking Ndidi with a move to French club AS Monaco, Van Nistelrooy has clarified that the Nigerian international remains a crucial part of his plans at the King Power Stadium.

“No, of course not. Wilfred is a key player and an important figure within the squad and the club. I am pleased that he is close to returning to help the team. We know how much we’ve missed him, and we need him. Wilf will play a vital role in the coming months as we fight to get out of this situation,” the former Manchester United striker told BBC Sports.

Ndidi signed a new three-year contract with Leicester City last summer, which includes an option to extend for an additional year. However, a potential departure could still be on the cards at the end of the season, especially if Leicester faces relegation to the EFL Championship.

READ MORE:NPFL 2025: Rangers International stunned by Niger Tornadoes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium

As Leicester prepare for their upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, Van Nistelrooy confirmed that Ndidi will not be available for the trip to the London Stadium.

“I can’t yet provide a definite return date, but he is making significant progress. Hopefully, by next week, we will have more updates on his status. Wilfred is advancing well in his rehabilitation and could rejoin team training sometime next week,” the former Real Madrid forward told Leicester Mercury.

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City have faced challenges in recent weeks, making the upcoming match a crucial opportunity for both teams to make a statement in the fight to improve their league standing.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered the decisive goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 triumph over Konyaspor at Rams Park on Saturday.

Osimhen has been in impressive form for the Turkish giants, netting crucial goals in consecutive games. Leading the attack once more in Galatasaray’s 21st Super Lig fixture of the season, the Nigerian forward showcased his prowess on the pitch.

From the opening whistle, Galatasaray asserted dominance over their visitors. Osimhen had his first major opportunity in the 12th minute, rising high to meet a cross, but his header narrowly missed the target.

The Super Eagles star continued to trouble Konyaspor’s defense and won a penalty in the 20th minute after drawing a foul from Ismael Jakobs inside the box.

Taking the spot-kick himself, Osimhen confidently converted, putting Galatasaray ahead.

READ MORE:Ademola Lookman: Atalanta President confirms Premier League interest in the Nigerian dazzler

The home side maintained control for the rest of the first half, carrying their 1-0 lead into the break.

Galatasaray continued their attacking momentum in the second half, with Osimhen nearly doubling the advantage in the 54th minute, only for his effort to be ruled offside.

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Osimhen had another golden chance in the 62nd minute, but Konyaspor’s goalkeeper denied him with a fine save. The Nigerian international played the full 90 minutes, registering six attempts on goal but managing to convert just one.

Ultimately, Galatasaray secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, with Osimhen’s penalty proving to be the decisive moment of the match.

Source: The Athletic NG