Tag: General Sports

Nigerian-born Karim-David Adeyemi has failed to make Germany’s preliminary squad released for Euro 2024 despite his recent performances for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Born to a Nigerian father, Abbey Adeyemi, and Romanian mother, Adeyemi opted to represent Germany instead of Nigeria.

At 19, the left-winger made his debut for the German national team in 2021 under the management of Hansi Flick. He had previously featured in Germany’s U-16, U-17, and U-21 teams before the senior national team call-up thereby closing off his chances of representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Generally, it’s been a difficult season for the 22-year-old who struggled to find his mojo for most of the season and was on the sidelines for a long time.

The Nigerian-born forward didn’t help his chances of a return to the German senior national team when he decided to turn down a call-up to the Under-21 side – a decision that didn’t go down well with DFB bosses.

His recent brilliant performances for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League has not helped either as Julian Nagelsmann chose not to include his name alongside Mats Hummels, Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt, Timo Werner, and Serge Gnabry in the Germany preliminary squad for Euro 2024.

Adeyemi joined Borussia Dortmund in 2022 from Red Bull Salzburg and has since enjoyed a tremendous spell with the club.

He has played 44 matches in the course of his career in the Bundesliga.

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Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi paid a courtesy visit to Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh in his office in Abuja on Wednesday. 

Accompanied by his manager, Yahaya Atom, and Mr. Yemi Idowu, Ndidi commended the Senator for his excellent care and assistance provided to the team throughout their campaign.

Senator Enoh extended his congratulations to Ndidi on Leicester City’s promotion to the English Premier League, acknowledging the midfielder’s contributions to the team’s success.

He encouraged Ndidi to continue to exhibit the same level of dedication and skill that has made him a valuable asset to both club and country, urging him to be prepared to be willing to contribute significantly to the Super Eagles’ efforts to secure their spot in the World Cup to hold in USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

Wilfred Ndidi was not part of the Super Eagles team in the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire having suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf.

The 27-year-old was one of the key absentees at the recent AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles went all the way to the final against the host nation.

Both club and country suffered in the absence of the midfielder considered by many as one of the two world-class players in the Super Eagles setup, with the other being Victor Osimhen.

Frank Onyeka was the only recognized defensive midfielder for the Super Eagles at the AFCON thereby forcing Alex Iwobi to double up defensively.

The Super Eagles Midfielder who recently gained promotion with Leicester back to the English top-flight league is in Nigeria for the off-season break.

 

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Abia Warriors Talisman, Samson Obi, scored his seventh league goal of the season to help his side secure a comfortable 2-0 home win over Rivers United, in a Matchday 29 rescheduled encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Wednesday.

Both sides went into the break without a goal as the first half ended barren.

In the second half, the clash brought a new dimension to the game, as the Bethel Orji led side continued to show dominance with more of the ball possession, when Sunday Megwo and Paschal Nwabueze went on a brilliant team move to open up space for Samson, but his strike was saved by Rivers United goalkeeper, Seidu Mutawakilu, who also made a late minute effort to deny Adejoh Ojongwa a goal, in the 51st minute.

However, the host had the breakthrough after Samson dribbled past Seidu Mutawakilu, to slot the ball home from a brilliant assist by Sunday Megwo to put the host 1-0 ahead in the 64th minute.

The former Enyimba forward struck home his seventh league goal of the season to become the first player this season to score in three consecutive home games in a row in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Late second half substitute, Mime Okike doubled the lead after he tapped home a delightful cross from Paschal Nwabueze to beat off Seidu Mutawakilu in goal for Rivers United in the final seconds of the five minutes of added time as Warriors secure a vital three points in front of their home supporters.

With the victory, the Pride Of Abia boosted their position in the top half of the log and are now 12th position with 43 points.

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Nasarawa United of Lafia will have their hands full on matchday one of the Nigeria National League, NNL, playoffs when they battle El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri by eight o’clock in the morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu to get hostilities underway on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

In another northern affair, Sporting Supreme of Abuja will file out against Sokoto United by 11am.

Beyond Limits of Ikenne, Ogun State will face Madiba FC of Lagos in another big fixture by two o’clock in the afternoon, same day.

The draws, conducted virtually moments ago, also reveal another interesting matchup as Ikorodu City take their Lagos rivalry to a higher level, when they face Inter Lagos by five o’clock in the evening.

Interestingly, the match-day one encounters of the playoffs will be a reunion of group ties at the various conference levels from the regular season.

The four southern teams, Beyond Limits, Madiba FC, Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos will face one another in a round robin format with the top two teams sealing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The same scenario will play out for the northern teams: El Kanemi Warriors, Nasarawa United, Sporting Supreme and Sokoto United.

While the top finisher from the northern conference will fight for the NNL title with the top finisher from the southern conference, four NPFL tickets will be clinched at the end of the playoffs on June 14, 2024 in Enugu.

NNL Playoffs Fixtures

NNL Northern Conference fixtures

Day one- 8th June

El Kanemi vs Nasarawa United 8am
Sporting Supreme vs Sokoto United 11am

Day two- 9th June

Nasarawa United vs Sokoto United 2pm
El Kanemi vs Sporting Supreme 5pm

Day three- 11th June

Sporting Supreme vs Nasarawa United 10am
Sokoto United vs El Kanemi 10am

NNL Southern Conference fixtures

Day one- 8th June

Beyond Limits vs Madiba 2pm
Ikorodu City vs Inter Lagos 5pm

Day two- 9th June

Madiba vs Inter Lagos 8am
Beyond Limits vs Ikorodu City 11am

Day three – 11th June

Ikorodu City vs Madiba 4pm
Inter Lagos vs Beyond Limits 4pm

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The Nigeria Premier League Club Managers Association (NPLCMA) has congratulated Finidi George on his appointment as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

George’s unveiling as the head coach of the Super Eagles was made official by the NFF on Monday morning, marking the culmination of his appointment in April. The NPLCMA, through a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Chairman Gbenga Ogunbote and Secretary Daniel Ogunmodede, hailed the NFF for its discerning choice of a highly qualified and experienced coach to lead the national team.

“Finidi George’s appointment is a commendable decision for Nigerian football,” remarked Gbenga Ogunbote, Chairman of the association. “His extensive background as both a player and coach renders him an impeccable fit for this pivotal role. We harbor full confidence that he will usher in a new era of success and pride for our esteemed Super Eagles.”

The NPLCMA also lauded the NFF for its unwavering commitment to the advancement of Nigerian football and for consistently affording opportunities for local coaches to excel on the global stage.

READ MORE: Finidi George clarifies speculations over his Super Eagles’ salary

“This appointment underscores the NFF’s steadfast dedication to nurturing football talent in Nigeria and providing a platform for our exceptionally skilled coaches to showcase their abilities,” added the chairman.

The Nigeria Premier League Club Managers Association, NPLCMA have congratulated the new Super Eagles head coach Finidi George on his appointment#NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/kQeTQBfrur

— The Athletic NG (@TheAthleticNG) May 15, 2024

Assuming the mantle of leadership at the moment ripe with promise, Finidi George, a revered Super Eagles legend, now steers the national team toward new horizons. Bolstered by his expertise and leadership, the NPLCMA expresses optimism that the Super Eagles will flourish under his stewardship, bringing honor to Nigeria.

Before his appointment, Finidi George served as the head coach of reigning NPFL champions Enyimba International, winning the league title with the Peoples’ Elephant last season. He had previously held the role of assistant coach under former Super Eagles boss Jose Peseiro.

A key figure in the technical setup that took Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Cote d’Ivoire, George boasts a distinguished coaching career, including guiding Enyimba FC to two CAF Champions League titles.

His immediate task involves steering the Super Eagles to victory in the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, scheduled for June 7th in Uyo and June 11th in Abidjan, respectively.

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Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has been named winner of the German Bundesliga Rookie of the season award for 2023/2024.

The Nigerian forward had a stellar start to life in Germany and would have achieved even more success but for a three-month long absence.

Since joining Die Werkself from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in August 2024, the 23-year-old has been a revelation, immediately making an impact and earning recognition as the Rookie of the Month for August, September, October, and November.

Boniface’s contribution to Leverkusen’s remarkable 50-game unbeaten streak has been significant, with 13 goals and nine assists to his name. His outstanding performance rightfully earned him a nomination for the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year Award.

READ MORE: Odion Ighalo shares what he did to meet-up Manchester United standard

Amidst tough competition from talents like on-loan Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund, on-loan Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig, and TSG Hoffenheim’s Maximillian Beier, the Nigerian striker emerged victorious, securing the coveted award as announced on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Despite facing a setback due to an adductor injury that sidelined him for three months and caused him to miss the AFCON 2023 tournament with the Super Eagles, Boniface’s impact on Leverkusen’s campaign remained undeniable. He continued to shine, tallying 20 goals and ten assists in 32 games across all competitions.

With the German Bundesliga title already secured, Victor Boniface is driven to achieve further success in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal finals. His stellar performance this season has cemented his status as one of the most promising talents in German football.

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Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has shared the efforts he put up to meet the high standards at Manchester United FC as compared to Shanghai Shenhua.

Odion Ighalo opened up about the rigorous training regimen he undertook to adapt to the high standards of Manchester United after his loan move from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020.

Having previously played for Watford in the Premier League during the 2015/2016 season, Ighalo turned down lucrative offers from the Chinese League to remain in England. However, his subsequent season didn’t yield the desired results, prompting a move to the Chinese side Changchung Yatai, where he enjoyed a prolific spell.

Following two successful seasons in China, Ighalo joined Shanghai Shenhua, where he continued to impress. However, an opportunity arose for him to fulfill his dream of playing for Manchester United on loan. Despite his enthusiasm, Ighalo recognized the need to elevate his fitness and performance to meet the demands of the Premier League.

In an interview with Oma Sports TV, Ighalo revealed the efforts he put into his training, even while his league in China was ongoing. He worked tirelessly to catch up with the intensity and sharpness required at Manchester United, undergoing additional sessions and personal training to bridge the gap.

READ MORE: NPFL managers send huge message to Finidi George on Super Eagles’ appointment

“There was a difference in level when I joined Manchester United. I played at Watford before for three years before I went to China. I played for three years there, but coming back to Manchester United was a big difference as you had to be sharp because the intensity was high,” Ighalo told Oma Sports TV.

“When I came (to Manchester United), I joined the training camp in Spain. So I started doing my own personal training to catch up even though my league was on in China.

“When they came back, I started training with them. I had to step up my game. I started working hard, I was working with one trainer in Manchester United.

“Sometimes maybe after morning training in the evening I would go there to do some work to be able to catch up. The level there was different.

“The training was not more than one and half hour, but it was sharp and tough. When I saw the tackles, I saw the running, I saw the sprinting, then I told myself that I was back to work, not what I was doing in China for three years.”

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Despite facing a packed Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) schedule with four games in the last nine days, Rivers United remains undeterred.

The Pride of Rivers, accumulated these fixtures due to their involvement in the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup, where the team went on to the quater-final of the competition before bowing to USM Alger of Algeria.

With only one point earned in their last four matches, Rivers United is gearing up to tackle the challenge ahead. Their readiness was evident in a statement shared on their social media handle.

“4th match in 9 days. Bring it on! We’re not backing down! Ready to face this challenge head-on and make it count!,” Rivers United announced.

Their next encounter will be against Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium, scheduled for today, May 15, 2024.

Despite the demanding schedule, Rivers United is determined to persevere and continue their pursuit of success on the field.

In their last game, Rivers United bowed to Sunshine Stars of Akure and have further stuttered in their bid to clinch a continental ticket.

Meanwhile, Rivers United have been in the news for different off-field reasons. First, the club’s fixture schedule caused the rescheduling of league games in the country.

The Pride of Rivers then threatened to pull-out of the league due to the congested fixture schedule. Days ago, Stanley Eguma was released from his role as head coach after a 16-year stay at the club.

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The Bafana Bafana of South Africa have released a star-studded provisional list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Zimbabwe in June.

Africa Cup of Nations’ Best Goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams and other regulars from the bronze-winning team in Côte d’Ivoire also make the cut.

Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala and Thapelo Morena, all defenders of Mamelodi Sundowns have been named by manager Hugo Broos.

In midfield, Teboho Mokoena, also of Mamelodi Sundowns and Sphephelo Sithole of Portuguese second division side Tondela lead three others in that department.

Al Ahly’s Percy Tau, Orlando Pirates’ trio of Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, Sundowns’ Themba Zwane and Burnley’s Lyle Foster are some of the attackers included.

The squad is a 36-man provisional list that will be cut down to a sizeable number for the encounters against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on June 7 and Zimbabwe on June 11 in Pretoria.

South Africa are second in group A of the qualifiers with three points, one more than third-placed Nigeria with two points from two games.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF is yet to make public Finidi George’s list of invited players for the qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo and Benin Republic in Abidjan on June 7 and 11 respectively.

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Abia Warriors face a crucial relegation battle as they host Rivers United in a rescheduled NPFL matchday 27 fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium today, Wednesday. 

Currently in 12th place with 41 points, Abia Warriors desperately need a win to boost their survival hopes. Their recent home form has been a mixed bag, with draws against Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars balanced by victories over Plateau United and Bayelsa United.

Abia Warriors’ last four home matches:

• Abia Warriors 1-1 Lobi Stars
• Abia Warriors 0-0 Sunshine Stars
• Abia Warriors 1-0 Plateau United
• Abia Warriors 1-0 Bayslea United

Striker Samson Obi, who has scored in back-to-back home games, will be a key player for Abia Warriors’ attacking threat.

With six games remaining in the season, Wednesday’s match is a must-win for the Umuahia side. A victory against Rivers United, who have lost three of their last four away games, would be a significant boost to their survival bid.

Head coach Bethel Orji expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, emphasizing the importance of the match. “We are all ready and prepared for the clash against Rivers United,” Orji told reporters. “Of course, we need to return to winning ways after our last away defeat. The players know what is at stake here, and we will do our best to secure the maximum points on Wednesday(today).”

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