Tag: General Sports

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are gearing up for their upcoming campaign at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where they will be looking to make a strong statement on the world stage. With their group stage schedule now confirmed, the team is ready to face tough competition and showcase their talent.

Head coach Randy Waldrum expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to compete against top nations like Brazil, Spain, and Japan. “We are excited for the challenge ahead and we are determined to make our country proud,” Waldrum said in a recent interview.

The Super Falcons will kick off their group-stage fixtures against Brazil on Thursday, July 25, and Waldrum emphasized the importance of starting the tournament on a positive note. “The opening game is crucial for us to set the tone for the rest of the competition. We have prepared well and we are ready to give our all on the pitch,” he added.

The Captain of the team, who will lead the squad in the tournament, also shared her thoughts on the upcoming games. “We know that we are facing strong opponents in our group, but we believe in our abilities as a team. We have worked hard to be here and we will give everything we have to achieve success,” she said.

READ MORE: Heartland gets NPFL approval to return to Owerri

The second game against world champions Spain presents another tough challenge for the Super Falcons, but the team remains undaunted. “Spain is a formidable opponent, but we are not afraid. We have studied their game and we have a plan to counter their strengths,” Waldrum explained.

The final group stage match against Japan will be crucial for the Super Falcons’ chances of progressing to the knockout rounds. “We are focused on taking each game as it comes and not looking too far ahead. Our priority is to perform to the best of our abilities in every match,” the coach stated.

With the team’s recent qualification for the Olympics after a hard-fought victory over South Africa, there is a renewed sense of determination within the squad. “We have worked tirelessly to get to this point and we are not going to waste this opportunity. We want to make a statement in Paris and show the world what we are capable of,” said one of the players.

As the Super Falcons continue their preparations for the tournament, they are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “It’s going to be tough, but we believe in ourselves and in our abilities as a team. We are ready to fight for every point and give our all for Nigeria,” the captain reaffirmed.

The stage is set for the Super Falcons to make their mark at the 2024 Olympics, and with a strong team spirit and determination, they are ready to take on the world’s best. Nigerian fans will be watching closely as their team looks to create history in Paris.

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Former Nigerian international, Sunday Oliseh, has expressed his belief in Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface, to lead Nigeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory. Oliseh’s comments come on the heels of Boniface’s stellar performance for Bayer Leverkusen, helping them secure their first Bundesliga title.

In a recent match against Werder Bremen, Boniface found the back of the net as Leverkusen dominated with a 5-0 victory. Oliseh took to Twitter to commend Boniface, highlighting his strengths and leadership qualities. He described the forward as strong, skillful, intelligent, mobile, and calm under pressure, expressing his confidence in Boniface’s ability to lead Nigeria to AFCON glory and beyond in the near future.

“Victor Boniface was once again extraordinary as Leverkusen grabbed its first-ever Bundesliga title with 5 games left to play,” Oliseh tweeted. “Boniface is strong, skillful, intelligent, mobile, calm under pressure, and I am convinced he will lead Nigeria to AFCON glory & more soon. Congrats.”

READ MORE: Super Falcons look to make an impact in Paris 2024 Olympics

Oliseh’s endorsement of Boniface as a potential leader for the Super Eagles comes at a time when Nigerian football is looking for new stars to step up and take the team to greater heights. With the AFCON tournament looming, the prospect of Boniface leading the charge is an exciting one for Nigerian fans and football enthusiasts.

Boniface’s performances for Leverkusen have been impressive, and he has caught the attention of football pundits and fans alike. His goal-scoring prowess, combined with his all-around skills on the pitch, make him a valuable asset for both his club and the national team.

While individual talent is important, Oliseh also emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success in tournaments like the AFCON. He highlighted that winning the title is a collective effort and that every player needs to contribute their best to secure victory.

As Nigeria prepares for the upcoming AFCON tournament, Boniface’s form and leadership qualities will be crucial for the team’s success. With experienced players like Boniface and rising talents in the squad, the Super Eagles have a strong foundation to build upon as they aim for AFCON glory.

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In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Alex Chuka Iwobi, the dynamic midfielder for Fulham and the Nigerian national team, etched his name in Premier League history. 

The 27-year-old maestro achieved a monumental feat, becoming Nigeria’s leading assist provider in the English top-flight after an electrifying performance against West Ham United.

Iwobi’s influence was pivotal in Fulham’s commanding 2-0 victory over West Ham, orchestrated by manager Marco Silva. Deployed as a right-winger, Iwobi showcased his versatility and flair, tormenting the opposition defense throughout the match. His adept passing and incisive runs laid the groundwork for Fulham’s attacking prowess, culminating in a brace from former Manchester United star Andreas Pereira.

The defining moment of the match came when Iwobi delivered a sublime cut-back to Pereira, setting up the Brazilian’s second goal of the game. This assist marked Iwobi’s 29th in the Premier League, a milestone that sees him level with Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu as the country’s top assist provider in the league.

READ MORE: Victor Boniface ready to lead Super Eagles to AFCON glory – Oliseh

Remarkably, Iwobi achieved this feat in fewer appearances than Kanu, underlining his impact and consistency on the Premier League stage. While Kanu amassed 29 assists in 273 appearances for Arsenal, Portsmouth, and West Bromwich Albion, Iwobi matched this tally in just 248 games, a testament to his productivity and influence in the final third.

Iwobi’s ascent to the summit of Nigerian assist providers in the Premier League places him among illustrious company in African football history. Only a select few, including Yaya Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Sadio Mane, Didier Drogba, Riyadh Mahrez, and Mohamed Salah, have registered a higher number of assists in the English top-flight.

With his stellar performances post-AFCON scrutiny, Iwobi has emerged as an important player for both club and country. His ability to deliver under pressure and contribute consistently to Fulham’s attacking endeavors has endeared him to fans and pundits alike. As he continues to carve out his legacy in the Premier League, Iwobi’s name will be synonymous with creativity, vision, and excellence on the pitch.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Alex Iwobi as he looks to further cement his place among Nigerian football legends while continuing to make his mark on the English Premier League stage.

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Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface stole the show in Bayer Leverkusen’s thrilling 2-0 victory over West Ham United in the Europa League first-leg encounter, firing his team closer to glory in the coveted competition.

Returning from injury, Boniface proved his worth by scoring a crucial goal for Leverkusen, marking his fifth tally in the competition. His impact on the game was undeniable, showcasing his skill and determination on the European stage.

Manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to bring Boniface off the bench proved to be a masterstroke, as the striker made an immediate impact on the game. Despite doubts about his fitness to start, Boniface’s contribution was instrumental in securing the win for his team.

READ MORE: Kano Pillars defender Sani Faisal sets to join Chippa United in South Africa

The match remained tightly contested until the 83rd minute when Leverkusen finally broke the deadlock through Jonas Hoffman’s goal. However, it was Victor Boniface who sealed the victory with a late header in added time, further solidifying his status as a game-changer for his side.

Timberland prices don dey go up oooo pic.twitter.com/UxbnJyW871

— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) April 11, 2024

Executing a well-worked corner kick routine with Hoffman, Boniface rose above the defense to powerfully head the ball past West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. His goal not only secured the win for Leverkusen but also extended their impressive unbeaten streak in the competition.

Boniface’s resurgence on the European stage underlines his importance to Leverkusen’s pursuit of glory. With his fifth goal in the Europa League, he has shown his prowess as a prolific goal scorer and a key asset for his team.

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries earlier in the season, Boniface’s contributions have been invaluable for Leverkusen. Before his injury, he had already showcased his scoring ability in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as a rising star in the world of football.

His return to peak form is not only a boost for Leverkusen but also for the Nigerian national team. Partnering with fellow Nigerian Nathan Tella, Boniface brings a dynamic element to Leverkusen’s attacking lineup, adding flair and creativity to their gameplay.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up to face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on June 7. The match is set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria, who are still searching for their first win in the qualifiers, have so far managed to secure two points from their opening two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The three-time African champions will be looking to secure a crucial victory against South Africa to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

On the other hand, South Africa currently sits second in the group with three points from two games. They will be aiming to continue their good form and secure a positive result against Nigeria.

READ MORE: Nigeria Golden Eaglets appoint Manu Garba as head coach

The match is expected to be a highly anticipated encounter between two African football powerhouses. Both teams will be looking to give their all and secure a vital three points in the race for World Cup qualification.

In addition to the match against South Africa, Nigeria will also face Benin Republic in a matchday four encounter later in June. These upcoming matches will be crucial for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, and the team will be hoping to put on strong performances and secure positive results.

The overall winners in the group will advance to the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Securing a spot in the World Cup will be a major achievement for both Nigeria and South Africa, and the upcoming match between the two teams will play a pivotal role in determining their fate in the qualifiers.

Fans can expect an exciting and closely contested match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana as both teams battle it out for a place in the prestigious World Cup tournament.

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has once again rescheduled the matchday 30 fixtures, in a bid to ensure the smooth running of the league. Three games that were initially scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 14, have now been moved to Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16th and 17th.

In a statement released by the NPFL, it was announced that the games involving Doma United versus Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance against Kano Pillars, and the Oriental Derby clash between Rangers and Abia Warriors have all been rescheduled.

#NPFL24 UPDATE

All games for Matchday 30 have now been moved to Tuesday, April 16 except for Doma Utd v Remo Stars that will hold on Wednesday, April 17.

— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) April 13, 2024

“We have made the decision to move all games for Matchday 30 to ensure that the matches can be played without any hitches. This decision was made in the best interest of the league and all the teams involved,” the statement read.

READ MORE: Managerless Super Eagles to face South Africa in Uyo

One of the affected teams, Remo Stars, expressed their readiness to face their opponents on the rescheduled date. Coach Johnson Adesina stated, “We are prepared to face Doma United and will use this extra time to fine-tune our tactics and strategies. Our goal remains to secure a victory and continue our climb up the league table.”

Another team affected by the rescheduling, Bendel Insurance, also voiced their support for the decision. Team Captain, Ahmed Yusuf, commented, “While it is unfortunate that the match had to be moved, we understand the importance of ensuring that the games are played under optimal conditions. We are ready to face Kano Pillars on the new date and will give our best on the field.”

Fans of the league have expressed mixed reactions to the rescheduling, with some citing the inconvenience of having to adjust their plans to accommodate the new dates. However, many have also recognised the importance of ensuring that the matches are played without any interruptions.

Guys, I safely arrived in Enugu this afternoon. The plan was to attend the Rangers v Abia Warriors game on Saturday& move to Aba for the Enyimba v Heartland game on Sunday. But due to the NPFL board not having any consideration for fans & content creators, I'll improvise#NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/AiBiEujd3F

— Nsidibe Akpan (@nsidibeakpan23) April 12, 2024

Amid the rescheduling, NPFL fans remain eager to see their favourite teams in action and anticipate exciting matches ahead. With the league table standings changing with each matchday, the upcoming fixtures are crucial for teams vying for the top positions.

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Kano Pillars defender Sani Faisal is on the brink of sealing a permanent transfer to the South African Premier Soccer League club, Chippa United. 

The left-back is set to join forces with Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at Chippa United, adding to the Nigerian contingent at the club.

Reports indicate that Faisal is set to make the switch to Chippa United in the upcoming summer transfer window. This move will see him follow in the footsteps of other Nigerian players who have previously featured for the South African club, including Daniel Akpeyi, James Okwuosa, and Augustine Kwem.

READ MORE: Managerless Super Eagles to face South Africa in Uyo

Faisal, who was part of the Super Eagles squad that faced Mexico and Ecuador in a double-header friendly under former coach Jose Peseiro in June 2022, brings a wealth of experience and talent to Chippa United. The 27-year-old showcased his skills in the friendly matches, coming on as a substitute in the match against Mexico and featuring in the starting lineup against Ecuador.

The impending move to Chippa United represents a significant opportunity for Faisal to further his career on the international stage and test his skills in a new footballing environment. With the club known for providing a platform for Nigerian talents to shine, Faisal will be looking to make a mark and contribute positively to Chippa United’s campaign in the South African Premier Soccer League.

Joining forces with familiar faces like Stanley Nwabali, who is already a key figure at Chippa United, will undoubtedly help Sani Faisal settle into his new surroundings and integrate seamlessly into the team. The Nigerian duo will look to build a solid defensive partnership and help Chippa United achieve their goals in the upcoming season.

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In a groundbreaking development, the reigning Nigerian Premier Football League champions, Enyimba International have officially announced a partnership agreement with Norwegian football club, Hamkam FC. The collaboration between the two clubs is set to revolutionize the youth team structure at Enyimba and provide a platform for mutual growth and development.

The deal was formalized during a visit to Norway by a delegation from Enyimba, led by none other than Nigerian football legend Kanu Nwankwo. The presence of Kanu, a former professional footballer with a wealth of experience, underscores the significance and potential impact of this partnership on both clubs.

Jørgen Bjørn, the chief scout of Hamkam FC, highlighted the key goals of the partnership, emphasising the establishment of a positive working relationship and the enhancement of Enyimba’s youth development system. Hamkam FC is committed to supporting Enyimba in building a robust structure for their club, particularly focusing on youth development. This will include regular visits to Nigeria, where training sessions and lectures on various crucial aspects of football, such as methodology, physical training, and recovery, will be conducted.

READ MORE: Club owners address financial differences with NPFL board

The collaboration between Enyimba and Hamkam FC is a testament to the global reach and influence of football as a unifying force that transcends borders. It signifies a shared vision of empowering young talents and nurturing the next generation of football stars through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Earlier in February, representatives from Hamkam FC had visited Enyimba in Nigeria to explore the potential avenues of cooperation between the two clubs. The discussions and interactions between the parties laid the foundation for the comprehensive partnership that has now been formalized, setting the stage for a new chapter of growth and success.

Enyimba FC, with a distinguished history as one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs, boasts an impressive record of achievements, including two African Champions League titles, nine Nigerian championships, and four Federation Cups. The partnership with Hamkam FC seeks to build on this legacy and propel Enyimba to even greater heights on the national and international stage.

With a focus on youth development, skill enhancement, and knowledge sharing, this partnership has the potential to shape the future of football in Nigeria and beyond. Watch this space for updates on the progress and successes that emerge from this groundbreaking alliance.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of former U17 World Cup winner Manu Garba as the Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 boys, Golden Eaglets. The decision comes as Garba rejoins the team after leading them to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2013.

“I am honored and excited to be appointed as the Head Coach of the Golden Eaglets once again. It is a great privilege to work with young talents and I am committed to helping them achieve success on the international stage,” Garba said in a statement.

Garba’s previous stint with the Golden Eaglets in 2013 saw the team clinch the U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, marking Nigeria’s fourth triumph at that level. The squad, which included future stars like Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Musa Mohammed, impressed with their skill and determination throughout the tournament.

READ MORE: Enyimba enters partnership agreement with Norwegian club Hamkam FC

Looking ahead to the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship in Ghana, Garba expressed confidence in his team’s abilities. “We have a talented group of players and I believe we can achieve great things in the upcoming tournament. We will work hard and prepare well to make Nigeria proud,” he stated.

The Golden Eaglets will be aiming to replicate their past success under Garba’s guidance as they face tough competition from other teams in the region. With his wealth of experience and knowledge of youth development, Garba is poised to lead the team to glory once again.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick also shared his excitement about Garba’s return to the team. “Manu Garba is a proven coach with a track record of success. We believe he is the right person to lead the Golden Eaglets and we are confident in his abilities to guide the team to victory,” Pinnick commented.

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria have clinched their spot in the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris, marking their return to the prestigious tournament after a 16-year absence. 

Their qualification was confirmed following a hard-fought victory over Bayana Bayana of South Africa, with a narrow 1-0 aggregate win across two legs.

In a thrilling encounter, the Super Falcons displayed their prowess, sealing their place in the Olympics and securing one of the coveted spots allocated to African teams. They now find themselves placed in Group C alongside powerhouse teams such as world champions Spain, Brazil, and Japan.

The road to qualification was not easy for the Nigerian team, but their determination and skill prevailed, marking a significant milestone in their journey back to Olympic competition. This achievement has ignited anticipation and excitement among football fans across Nigeria.

READ MORE: Super Falcons qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics

Looking ahead to the tournament in Paris, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, emphasised the importance of proper preparation for his team. He called upon the Nigeria Football Federation and the sports ministry to provide the necessary support, including training camps in Europe, to ensure the team is well-equipped to compete against formidable opponents.

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum

“Now my plea and challenge are to the Minister of Sports and to the federation (NFF) to help us prepare properly,” Waldrum told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“We need a camp in Europe to prepare for the group that we have, we need proper training, we need proper transportation. We need to do things right because these women deserve this opportunity to represent our country Nigeria in the best possible way.”

Nigeria’s return to the Olympics holds historical significance, with their last appearance dating back to the 2008 Beijing Games. With their eyes set on making a mark on the global stage, the Super Falcons are gearing up to face formidable challenges in Group C, where they will confront elite teams with illustrious footballing pedigrees.

Reflecting on the journey to qualification, Waldrum expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments and acknowledged the work that lies ahead. He highlighted the need to strengthen their attacking prowess while remaining focused on their goal of representing Nigeria with pride and determination.

“Sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls. There is work to be done when it comes to our attack, and we will improve before heading to France.

“I am just extremely excited. I know how much it means to the fans of Nigeria, to the NFF, to all the people of Nigeria not to have qualified for 16 years, so I am very thankful and I just appreciate the support.”

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