Tag: General Sports

  • Super Eagles get National honors from President Tinubu

    President Tinubu gifts the Super Eagles; a MON award each,1 flat in Nigeria each
    and a plot of Land in Abuja 

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria were honored on Tuesday by President Bola Tinibu in Abuja after returning from the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, where they finished second.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria, three-time African champions, lost the AFCON final 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Sunday.

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday honored each player and official of the Nigerian Super Eagles with the Member of The Order of The Niger national award for securing the silver medal at the just-concluded 2023 Africa Nations Cup.

    Each player in the national squad received the Member of the Order of the Niger, one of the country’s highest honors, as well as a flat and a piece of land in the region around the capital.

    Tinubu welcomed the returning team at the presidential villa in Abuja, saying he was proud of the side — even if it was tough to stomach the defeat.

    “Let this passing event not dispirit us but bring us together to work harder.

    “To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit.

    “My administration is here to make dreams come true,” he said.

    The Super Eagles team now joins the ranks of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, HRM Eze Isaac Ikonne, Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, Chief Silva Ejeh Ameh, and Alh. Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, Mallam Ibrahim Okposi, Alhaji Shehu Uthman, Barr. Chris Ezem, Davido, and Teni have received national honors.

    All the Super Eagles team members and officials were in attendance.

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  • One Nigerian striker makes Super Eagles Post-AFCON vow

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat pre-tournament expectations with their performance throughout the AFCON tournament, although they stumbled in the final match against Cote d’Ivoire.

    Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has taken to X to extend his apologies to Nigerian fans and make a post AFCON vow.

    Nigeria’s journey in the AFCON in Ivory Coast had its share of challenges and triumphs.

    Starting with a draw against Equatorial Guinea, they swiftly regained momentum with victories over Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau in subsequent group stage matches.

    Progressing through the knockout rounds, they overcame formidable opponents like Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa, securing a spot in the final against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

    However, their aspirations were thwarted by the Elephants, resulting in a disappointing loss despite a valiant effort.

    Kelechi Iheanacho

    Kelechi Iheanacho, who had limited playing time throughout the competition, made appearances in the semi-final against South Africa and as a substitute in the final against Cote d’Ivoire, albeit without altering the outcome.

    In the aftermath of the defeat, Iheanacho expressed his remorse to Nigerian fans through his social media platform, acknowledging the disappointment of falling short of lifting the trophy but assuring them of the team’s resilience. He thanked all Nigerians for their unwavering support and encouraged them to maintain faith in the team’s capabilities, emphasizing the importance of belief and resilience in future endeavors.

    “Normally na this one dey pain pass wey you don see the trophy but you no touch am na wahala.

    “We will be back. Thank you to all Nigerians that supported us. God bless you all, let’s keep believing. Thank you most high God,” Iheanacho wrote.

    Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will regroup for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for May, aiming to bounce back stronger and continue their pursuit of success on the international stage.

    NEXT ARTICLE: Nigerian players consider retirement after AFCON defeat



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  • Super Eagles players consider retirement after AFCON defeat

    According to sources inside the Super Eagles camp, a lot of players are considering retirement after the 2023 AFCON final defeat to Cote d’Ivoire last night.

    Nigeria fell behind in the second half after leading at half-time, thanks to captain William Troost-Ekong’s headed goal but Franck Kessie leveled with a header before Sebastian Haller poked home the winner.

    It is however understood that some of them are due for retirement and should make an announcement in the coming days.

    However, there could be some surprising names too.

    The source, however, noted, “This is the time for the NFF to engage the players and create the atmosphere that they are loved and the AFCON setback is not the end of life, we can continue working and win in 2025”.

    Jose Peseiro’s contract also ends with the AFCON with many suggesting that the Portuguese tactician’s contract be extended for leading the Super Eagles in memorable top-flight games in the just-concluded tournament as host Ivory Coast beat Nigeria to emerge as 2013 AFCON champions with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.

    Adepoju Tobi, an accredited FIFA, and CAF photojournalist, suggests that Peseiro should get a contract extension, this time a long-term contract that will show a sign of respect for the manager. For a two-year contract that will cover the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup (qualifiers and tournaments), clauses of termination should be based on performance and results.

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  • Ivory Coast’s coach Emerse Fae reveals halftime strategy that Ignited AFCON final fightback against Super Eagles

    In a thrilling finale to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, Ivory Coast’s manager Emerse Fae has attributed their stunning comeback against Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a pivotal halftime team talk.

    Fae, hailed as a hero in Cote d’Ivoire, orchestrated his team’s remarkable 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final match on Sunday, as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

    The former French international coach noted a crucial observation during the first half, recognizing signs of fatigue and subpar performance among the Nigerian players, despite their 1-0 lead.

    “We noticed the Nigerian players were tired in the first half,” Fae disclosed in a post on Instagram. “They were not at their usual best.”

    During halftime, Fae urged his team to elevate their game’s intensity, a message that resonated profoundly with the players. This strategic adjustment bore fruit in the second half, with Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller netting decisive goals to seal the victory.

    “I told my players during the half-time break that we must increase the intensity of our game and it worked out well for us,” Fae, 40, revealed.

    The Super Eagles had initially taken the lead through William Troost-Ekong’s powerful header, but Ivory Coast’s resurgence in the second half, fueled by Fae’s instructions, turned the tide in their favor.

    By capitalizing on Nigeria’s apparent fatigue, Ivory Coast executed Fae’s halftime directives to perfection, clinching a historic 2-1 win and securing their third-ever AFCON title on home soil.

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  • Nigeria’s Vice-President lauds Super Eagles despite AFCON final loss

    Nigeria’s vice-president, Kashim Shettima, has lauded the efforts of the Super Eagles players despite their defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The Super Eagles succumbed to a narrow 2-1 loss to the hosts in a fiercely contested encounter at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

    William Troost-Ekong had initially given the Super Eagles the lead in the first half. However, the hosts staged a comeback, securing victory through goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

    Addressing the players and officials after the game, the country’s vice-president expressed his admiration for their performance and resilience. He emphasized the importance of having dreams and aspirations, highlighting the unity and pride the Super Eagles bring to the nation.

    “We have tried our best and be rest assured that there is always the next time. You must have it in mind that the tragedy of life lies in not reaching your goal but the tragedy lies in not having a goal to reach,” Shettima remarked.

    He continued, “It is not a calamity to die with a dream, but it is a calamity when you don’t have a dream at all. A lot of countries, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and others exited the competition, two, three weeks ago. We have come this far, be rest assured that we will come back stronger in the next edition.”

    Acknowledging the disappointment of the defeat, Shettima urged the team to focus on the positives and use the experience to improve for future tournaments. He assured them of the nation’s pride and support, emphasizing that their names will be etched in the history of Nigerian football.

    “The nation is proud of you. You are the source of our unity. It is only when the Super Eagles are playing that we don’t talk about race or religion. You always unite the nation,” he added.

    Shettima conveyed regards from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and encouraged the players to celebrate their achievements. He emphasized the need to learn from mistakes and strive for excellence in the next edition of the tournament.

    “Honestly, we are very proud of you and the nation will adequately compensate you for your sacrifice. You came close, there is no cause for you to be remorseful or sad,” he concluded.

    Despite the defeat, Shettima’s words of encouragement and support underscored the nation’s solidarity with the Super Eagles and their contribution to the unity and pride of Nigeria.

    READ MORE: Cote d’Ivoire defeat Nigeria to win 2023 AFCON title

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  • Mourinho backs Peseiro for 2023 AFCON glory

    Former Real Madrid and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his desire for Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face off against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the final match of the competition, scheduled for tonight, February 11, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

    Mourinho’s support for Nigeria stems not only from the historical significance of potentially becoming the first Portuguese coach to win the AFCON but also from his close friendship with Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro.

    Mourinho described Peseiro as his “best friend” in football, highlighting their shared background of growing up together and attending the same university, where they spent five years together on a daily basis.

    Under Peseiro’s guidance, Nigeria has had an impressive run at the AFCON, remaining undefeated in six games and winning five matches, including a 1-0 victory over their upcoming final opponents.

    “My best friend in football is in the final,” Mourinho said.

    “The Nigerian coach is my best friend — he grew up with me.

    “We studied together. We went to the university at the same time. We spent five years together every day. We left at the same time. He is probably my biggest friend in football. Jose, my big friend. It will be a huge opportunity for him to make history. Never has a Portuguese coach won the AFCON.”

    Mourinho sees this final as a significant opportunity for his friend to make history, emphasizing the absence of a Portuguese coach having won the AFCON before.

    Additionally, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also supports Nigeria’s bid to win the AFCON, expressing confidence in their ability to overcome Cote d’Ivoire and secure their fourth continental title.

    READ ALSO: South Africa win 2023 AFCON bronze after penalty shootout win over DR Congo

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  • Cote d’Ivoire defeat Nigeria to win 2023 AFCON title

    Nigeria Super Eagles experienced heartbreak as Cote d’Ivoire staged a comeback to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match 2-1 on February 11, 2024.

    William Troost-Ekong broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles in the 38th minute of the AFCON final, stunning the home crowd at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan with a powerful header.

    Despite Nigeria’s lead, it was evident that Cote d’Ivoire had been dominant in the opening half-hour, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, the resilient Super Eagles defense, led by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, thwarted their efforts, ensuring Nigeria went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

    In the second half, Cote d’Ivoire intensified their pressure in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Franck Kessie nodded in a corner-kick to level the scores at 1-1.

    Although William Troost-Ekong had a chance to restore Nigeria’s lead, heading over the crossbar from a free kick by Ademola Lookman, it was Cote d’Ivoire who continued to dominate possession for much of the remaining 70 minutes.

    In the 81st minute, Sebastien Haller capitalized on a cross, stabbing the ball into the net to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

    Despite Nigeria’s attempts to find an equalizer, Cote d’Ivoire held on to secure their third AFCON title, much to the delight of the vociferous home crowd.

    With the final whistle, Cote d’Ivoire celebrated their victory, having emerged from the group stage as one of the best third-place teams to ultimately claim the championship title of the 2023 AFCON.

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  • How the Super Eagles start for the 2023 AFCON final

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has unveiled his starting lineup for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

    The highly anticipated final is set to kick off at 9 pm at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

    Notably, Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi makes a return to the team after successfully passing a late fitness test, having missed the semi-final clash against South Africa.

    Another change in the lineup sees Samuel Chukwueze stepping in to replace Moses Simon.

    In goal, Stanley Nwabali retains his position, supported by Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey in defense.

    Despite facing criticism from fans regarding his work rate, Alex Iwobi earns a spot in the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka.

    Leading the attacking front, Victor Osimhen is supported by Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze on the wings.

    The Super Eagles are expected to adopt a 3-4-3 formation for the final showdown.

    Nigeria’s Starting XI: Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Zaidu, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen.

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  • Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 tournament: Henry scores as Onicha Nwenkwo secure vital win, while Uvuru Aboh beat Oru Comm 3-1

    Eziuhu Henry scored inside ten minutes as Onicha Nwenkwo (Ezinihitte) bounced back to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 win over Umuhu Okwuato (Aboh) in group F.

    In a thrilling encounter held at the Ezeagbogu Central School Field Ezinihitte, Mbaise, saw Onicha Nwenkwo bounced back with a brilliant performance in a one-sided affair in a Matchday 3 Group F clash on February 10th 2024.

    Henry, produced a remarkable man of the match performance, as his strike made a worth of difference when he slotted home a delightful volley from outside the box, in the 10th minute, which helped Onicha Nwenkwo to picked a vital win as they continued fight for a knockout stage spot in the 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 Football Tournament.

    The victory still gives Onicha Nwenkwo a chance of a place in the knockout stage.

    Oru Community 1-3 Uvuru Aboh

    Uvuru Aboh (Mbaise) delivered a brilliant team performance as they thrashed Oru Community (Ahiazu) 3-1, in a Matchday 3 Group G encounter.

    Oparaocha Godwin, gave Uvuru Aboh (Mbaise) the lead after 27th minute, when he converted from the spot kick to put them 1-0 ahead.

    Before, Owiriwa Samuel doubled the lead 2-0, in the 39th minute, with a brilliant finish inside the box.

    Divine Haberth pulled a goal back for Oru Community, in the 46th minutes to cut the deficit to 2-1. But Ahamefula Famous strike the pushover goal to make it 3-1, in the 56th minute as Uvuru Aboh secure a comfortable victory in quest for a knockout stage spot.

    With these results, the Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 tournament sets the stage for an exciting journey into the knockout stages. Teams are showcasing their skills and determination on the field, leaving fans eager for more thrilling moments as the tournament progresses.

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  • South Africa win 2023 AFCON bronze after penalty shootout win over DR Congo

    After a goalless draw following 120 minutes in Abidjan, Williams saved spot kicks from Chancel Mbemba and Meschack Elia to give Bafana Bafana of South Africa the 2023 AFCON bronze medal.

    Before Elia had his kick saved, Siyanda Xulu converted to give South Africa what proved to be the decisive lead in the shootout.

    Williams saved four shootout kicks last weekend to help South Africa get past Cape Verde after a goalless quarter-final.

    DR Congo will regret many missed chances during regular time in a lively match while South Africa maintained a perfect record in third-place playoffs, having beaten Tunisia on penalties 24 years ago.

    South Africa made three changes to the team beaten in a penalty shootout by Nigeria after an incident-packed semi-final three days ago.

    Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thapelo Morena, and Mihlali Mayambela came in for suspended Grant Kekana and the injured duo Mothobi Mvala and Percy Tau.

    DR Congo retained only two of the side that lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the other semi-final — captain and center-back Mbemba and midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy.

    But eight of the nine who were dropped sat on the bench, leaving French coach Sebastien Desabre with multiple options should he wish to make changes.

    Threatening

    Although the Congolese had less of the ball in the opening half at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian economic capital, they were the more threatening team in the attacking third.

    Physically imposing Silas Mvumpa came close to breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes, but as he tried to round Williams in the area, the goalkeeper snatched the ball.

    Simon Banza worked his way into a dangerous position close to the South African goal midway through the half, only to deliver a weak shot that posed no danger.

    Despite some neat build-up play, it took South Africa 43 minutes to get a shot on target, and the effort from Mayambela went straight to goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud.

    As the match reached the midpoint of the second half, Congo continued to look the side more likely to break the deadlock.

    When Williams fumbled the ball and lost possession, the ball went across the goalmouth and Silas fired wide when he should at least have hit the target.

    So should Mbemba, who had ventured forward for a free-kick, but he blazed over when the ball fell invitingly into his path close to goal. Substitute Fiston Mayele also wasted a chance.

    A captivating tournament concludes on Sunday in another Abidjan stadium with Ivory Coast facing Nigeria in the final with a seven-million-dollar prize on the line.

    The countries met at the group stage last month in the same venue, and the Super Eagles won 1-0 thanks to a William Troost-Ekong penalty.

    READ MORE: 2023 AFCON Final facts and figures as Nigeria battle Cote D’Ivoire for continental glory

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