Tag: General Sports

Nigerian football legend Austin Okocha has identified Italy based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye as the best choice for the Super Eagles team.

Maduka Okoye was Nigeria’s first choice at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, guiding the team to three group stage victories before a disappointing exit against Tunisia.

However, since the Tunisia defeat, Okoye has been notably absent from the national squad, with coach Jose Peseiro favoring Frank Uzoho as the number one for the past year and a half.

In the build-up to the 2023 AFCON, Peseiro’s goalkeeper choices include Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabili based in South Africa, and Olorunleke Ojo based in Nigeria, leaving out Okoye, who plies his trade with Udinese in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

READ ALSO: Ahmed Musa expresses confidence in Super Eagles AFCON title aspirations

Okocha expressed surprise at Peseiro’s decision, particularly given Okoye’s international experience and training in Germany and the Netherlands.

The former PSG and Bolton Wanderers playmaker believes omitting Maduka Okoye from the Super Eagles AFCON squad is strange.

“He is the one keeper that has the type of training and football upbringing that we need in a goalkeeper in the national team. But he is excluded. It’s strange,” Okocha conveyed to Osasu Obayiuwana, expressing concern about the management of Okoye following the Tunisia match.

With Francis Uzoho set to maintain his position as Nigeria’s number-one goalkeeper at the upcoming AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, questions linger about the decision-making process and player management within the national team, with Okocha unhappy with the treatment handed to Udinese loanee, Maduka Okoye.

Nigeria will face Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14, 2024 in their group A opener.

The Eagles continue their campaign with a tough clash vs tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire before taking on qualifying series rivals, Guinea Bissau in the last game of the group stage.

Source

The 34th edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off in Abidjan on Saturday, with hosts Cote d’Ivoire engaging in their 100th AFCON game against Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Group A.

The opening match will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan by 8pm.

Tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, aiming to celebrate reaching the century with a strong performance, hopes to improve upon their group stage exit the last time they hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.

Despite automatically qualifying as hosts, Cote d’Ivoire participated in the qualifying rounds, finishing as runners-up in Group H ahead of Comoros and Lesotho.

The team’s recent form, boasting 16 goals in their last three matches, showcases their potent attacking prowess.

Having participated in the AFCON in 24 editions, Cote d’Ivoire are two-time champions (1992 and 2015), defeating Ghana in penalty shootouts on both occasions. Their last AFCON appearance ended in a penalty shootout loss to Egypt in the round of 16.

Guinea-Bissau, on the other hand, faces a goal-scoring challenge, having failed to find the net in their last seven AFCON matches, setting a record for goal drought in the competition.

Despite this, they secured qualification as Group A runners-up, earning 13 points in a group that included Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The Djurtus are 54-places below their opponents on Saturday and so will look to take their counter-attacking opportunities and set-piece chances if they are to take any points from the encounter.

Guinea Bissau have never qualified for the knockout round of the Cup of Nations and will sieze the Elephants, familiar foes, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in group A.

While this marks the first encounter between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau at the Africa Cup of Nations, the historic centennial match promises to be a thrilling kickoff to the tournament.

Source

In a significant blow to the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 campaign, striker Sadiq Umar has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.

This news comes after Umar was substituted in the first half of the friendly match against Guinea, with a precautionary measure taken by the medical team.

The towering 6ft.4in striker, who was initially part of Jose Peseiro’s final 25-man squad-list, participated in the team’s preparation games but has since been unable to join team training.

Further examinations on the Spain-based striker revealed he has sustained a knee injury that will sideline him for a minimum of three weeks, and so will not be available for the AFCON.

This injury compounds the striking challenges for the Super Eagles, as Victor Boniface had earlier been ruled out of the tournament due to an adductor injury. Terem Moffi was brought in as a replacement for Boniface, but with Umar now sidelined, Victor Osimhen stands as the sole fit striker for Nigeria.

In response to the striking woes and with the opportunity for adjustments to the final squad, Trabzonsporof Turkey striker Paul Onuachu has been called up to join the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

The 29-year-old Onuachu, who has been in excellent form for Trabzonspor this season, will aim to make a significant impact and contribute to Nigeria’s quest for success in the tournament.

The 34th Africa Cup of Nations tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with the hosts facing Guinea Bissau in the opening game on Saturday.

Jose Peseiro tutored Super Eagles of Nigeria team will begin their AFCON campaign vs Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14, 2024, with the striking options available for selection short due to injury.

Nigeria will bank on reigning CAF player of the Year, Victor Osimhen for goals.

Source

Umar Sadiq’s participation in the Super Eagles’ opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is in doubt as the Real Sociedad striker missed another training session on Thursday.

Jose Peseiro tutored Super Eagles are preparing for their Group A opening fixture against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, this Sunday.

Sadiq, 26, had already trained separately from the team on Wednesday and was notably absent from Thursday’s session, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming clash.

If Sadiq remains sidelined, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen would be the sole-fit Super Eagles striker available for the Equatorial Guinea game.

READ ALSO: Ahmed Musa expresses confidence in Super Eagles AFCON title aspirations

The other strikers in Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad, Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi have not arrived in camp yet.

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho who is recovering from a muscular problem and is expected to join the Super Eagles on Saturday, January 13, 2024, could be rushed into the lineup as the injury crisis leaves Peseiro short in what was supposed to be a blessed attack.

Meanwhile, OGC Nice forward, who was called-up as a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface, is set to link up with the team on the day of the Equatorial Guinea match.

Veteran skipper, Ahmed Musa is another potential back-up for reigning CAF player of the Year Victor Osimhen in the center forward role ahead of the Equatorial Guinea clash.

Musa has severally filled this role for his clubs, with his ability to run-in behind defenders and finishing, tested and so could be called upon, if need arises.

Despite the ravaging Injury crisis, Nigeria will look forward to making a winning start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament vs Equatorial Guinea.

According to Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro, only a win will do for his team as they aim to clinch a fourth AFCON title in Cote d’Ivoire.

Source

The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived in Cote d’Ivoire with 23 of its 25-man squad. Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi are the two players whose arrival dates have been fixed.

Both players have special late-arrival dtaes for different reasons. Whereas Iheanacho was given time to recover from a muscle injury, Terem Moffi is joining the Eagles as replacement for injured Victor Boniface.

Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to join Nigeria’s AFCON squad in Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday, January 13 after recovering from a knock.

The Leicester City striker, who has been in impressive form for his club this seaon, missed the initial flight to Abidjan but is nearing full fitness.

For Moffi, he will arrive camp on Sunday, January 14, after playing for OGC Nice in a French Ligue 1 clash vs Rennes on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Terem Moffi was part of the Nigeria’s qualifying campaign, and shared his thoughts on the initial snub and recall, saying, “I’m happy to be back in the team.

” Naturally, it was not easy for me to be left out of the team for the tournament initially, but I’m going to give my best to the team.”

Source

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will miss his country’s opening match with Guinea in the 2023 AFCON after opting to play for Manchester United in their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur a day before.

ESPN source revealed that the goalkeeper was given permission by the Cameroonian FA to skip a warm-up camp in Saudi Arabia to feature for United against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday but The goalkeeper is set to delay his departure even further to play against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Cameroon Federation has accepted he is unlikely to be available for their first AFCON group game against Guinea on Jan. 15 but will be available to play in the final two games in Group C against Senegal on Jan. 19 and Gamba on Jan. 23.

He will miss United’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against either Newport County or Eastleigh on the weekend of Jan. 27-28 and could remain with Cameroon until Feb. 11 if they were to reach the final of the tournament, which is being held in Ivory Coast.

Onana, 27, had walked out on Cameroon after a row with coach Rigobert Song at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but returned following reconciliation talks between the pair.

However, he was retired from international football when he joined United from Inter Milan in July, and his potential absence for up to four weeks depending on how far Cameroon progresses, has come as a blow to the English club.

Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United side started the new year on a high by beating Wigan Athletic 2-0 on Monday. They will now hope to build on their momentum and get a positive result against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Source

Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen striker  Victor Boniface sustained a groin injury in training during Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was unable to participate in the two friendly matches the team played.

His club Bayer Leverkusen said on Tuesday that Boniface suffered “a muscle and tendon injury in his right adductor during the Nigerians’ training camp in Dubai”, and that the 23-year-old forward will need surgery meaning that he was ruled out of the AFCON tournament.

the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star returned to Germany shortly after sustaining the injury and had a successful surgery in Berlin. Bayer Leverkusen confirmed on their official Twitter page on Wednesday that the striker had successful surgery in Berlin and will return to Leverkusen later in the week to complete his rehabilitation.

Victor Boniface was replaced by Terem Moffi on Tuesday after he sustained the injury during their training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Boniface’s latest injury adds to the injury woes of the Nigerian team after their star midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad for AFCON after picking up an injury in Leicester City’s 2-0 win against Cardiff City in the Championship in December.

Aside from Nigeria, Leverkusen will also miss the services of the 23-year-old as he is expected to be out until April.

Boniface is Leverkusen’s top scorer, netting 16 goals across all competitions this season. He made his international debut in October 2023 and has since earned four for Nigeria.

He is Leverkusen’s top scorer with 10 goals as Xabi Alonso’s team tops the Bundesliga and is undefeated in their 25 games in all competitions this season, a German record.

Source

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee has approved the re-appointment the Bankole Olowookere led technical crew for the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos.

Recall that Coach Bankole Olowookere led Nigeria to a first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India in 2022.

The decision to re-appoint the coaching crew follows a recommendation from the NFF Technical and Development Committee, gaining subsequent approval from the Executive Committee.

Flamingos, guided by Coach Olowookere, delivered an outstanding performance at the World Cup.

After navigating through the group stage, Nigeria secured a historic victory over the United States of America in the quarter-finals, advancing after a penalty shootout.

Despite a loss to Colombia in the semi-finals, the team demonstrated resilience by securing a 3-3 draw against Germany in the third-place match, ultimately winning the bronze medal in another penalty shootout victory.

The re-appointed coaching staff comprises Coach Bankole Olowookere as Head Coach, Adanna Nwaneri as Assistant Coach, Morufu Adeyemo as Assistant Coach, and Abubakar Ndanusa as Goalkeepers’ Coach.

Looking ahead, the Flamingos are set to embark on their qualification journey for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

The campaign begins with an away game against the Central African Republic, with the first leg scheduled for Bangui on the weekend of February 2nd – 4th. The return leg will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday, February 10th.

Source

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has voiced his belief that Nigeria is the favorite to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria, having clinched their last AFCON title in 2013, is aiming for a fourth championship in the upcoming tournament. Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro has selected a 25-player squad for the competition, including notable players like Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Alex Iwobi, and the reigning CAF Player of The Year, Victor Osimhen.

Despite entering AFCON with just one win in their last five games, Ahmed Musa is optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances, citing the quality of the squad. Musa, speaking to NFF TV, emphasized the team’s confidence and determination to secure victory in the tournament.

“We’ve been talking to each other that this is the time for us to go out there and shine. With the players in the 25-man squad, you can’t say we cannot win it when you hear the names,” Musa stated.

Acknowledging the unpredictability of football, Musa remains confident in the team’s ability to achieve their target of winning AFCON. The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, followed by matches against Cote d’Ivoire on January 18 and Guinea-Bissau four days later in the final group stage game.

Source

In a vibrant display of unity and excitement, the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, embarked on their journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The players and officials were seen departing from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday morning, donned in traditional African attire, exuding a sense of camaraderie.

The departure followed a night spent in Lagos after the team’s return from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where they underwent a week-long training camp.

During their stay in Abu Dhabi, the Super Eagles engaged in two friendly matches against local club Al Gharib and the national team of Guinea.

As a gesture of support and encouragement, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted the Super Eagles to a send-forth dinner on Tuesday night. The dinner served as a symbolic expression of the nation’s backing for the team as they set out on their AFCON campaign.

Nigeria’s first AFCON match is scheduled against Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe on Sunday. The Super Eagles, led by their coaching staff and adorned in cultural attire, are determined to make a strong impact in the tournament and vie for continental glory.

Source