Tag: General Sports

The Super Eagles have officially opened their camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to take place in Cote d’Ivoire.

The announcement was made via the official X handle of the Super Eagles on Wednesday.

Seventeen players are currently in camp, including notable names such as Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Boniface. Other players present include Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon, Leke Ojo, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Joe Aribo, and Frank Onyeka.

Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi Samuel, and Raphael Onyedika have also reported to camp, signaling the commencement of the team’s preparations for the prestigious tournament.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to hold their first training session in the evening, with the anticipation of additional players’ arrivals in the coming days. Key figures like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to join the squad shortly.

Nigeria, a three-time winner of the AFCON, is drawn in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and the host nation, Ivory Coast. Their opening fixture is set to take place on Sunday, January 14, where they will face Equatorial Guinea.

The team, led by coach Jose Peseiro, aims to build on their successes and compete at the highest level in the continental tournament. The AFCON is not only an opportunity for national pride but also a chance for players to showcase their talents on the international stage.

As the Super Eagles embark on their AFCON journey, fans eagerly await their performance, hoping for another memorable campaign in pursuit of continental glory.

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Nigeria international and former U-17 forward Akin Amoo has marked his return from a lengthy injury layoff, featuring for his club side Omonia in a triumphant 3-1 home victory against AEL in the Cyprus League.

Amoo, who made a move to the Cyprus side on a three-year deal in September, has suffered persistent setbacks due to injuries throughout his career. His struggles began when he missed an entire season for his former club FC Copenhagen after sustaining a serious Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. Despite his potential, the 21-year-old made just four appearances for the Danish club since arriving in January 2022, managing to score only one goal.

The dynamic midfielder for the Super Eagles faced yet another setback, enduring three months on the sidelines before finally making his debut for his new club Omonia following a severe injury.

However, beyond the challenges of injury, Amoo’s football career has been overshadowed by serious allegations. He was accused of indecent assault, attempted rape, and sexual misconduct in Denmark, purportedly receiving a one-year prison sentence for sexual assault as confirmed by a tweet from former BBC World Football reporter Osasu Obayiuwana on June 23, 2023.

Reports indicated multiple criminal charges against Akin Amoo by Danish authorities in April, July, and August 2022. He was initially arrested on September 10th, 2022, and subsequently released on bail on October 7th of the same year.

Contrary to these reports, Amoo’s representation agency refuted the accuracy of the claims, asserting that he had not been sentenced.

Despite these off-field controversies, the 21-year-old had shown promise on the international stage, contributing to Nigeria’s fourth-place finish at the 2019 U-17 AFCON and delivering noteworthy performances at the World Cup in Poland.

Amoo’s move to Omonia from FC Copenhagen in 2023 was a significant transition in his career. Having clinched his maiden league title with the Danish giants the previous year, his return to the pitch for Omonia signifies a potential resurgence following a tumultuous period both on and off the field.

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In anticipation of the 34th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast, the head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, along with his assistant coaches, has arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Portuguese head coach and his coaching team touched down in UAE on Tuesday afternoon as part of the team’s preparation for the continental tournament.

Their arrival precedes that of the invited players, who are expected to start arriving on Tuesday evening.

Jose Peseiro had previously announced a provisional list of 41 players for the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign, later trimming it down to the final squad of 25 players last week.

The coaching staff will commence training with the players on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the team’s preparation for the upcoming competition.

To further fine-tune their readiness, the Super Eagles are set to engage in a mini-tournament in Abu Dhabi before making their way to Ivory Coast for the AFCON competition.

The coaching staff’s early arrival signals the strategic approach taken by the Super Eagles to ensure optimal preparation and performance in the continental tournament.

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Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has clarified that he has not been appointed to the backroom staff for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Rumors circulated after Enyeama’s comment on a Super Eagles post on social media, where he expressed eagerness to join the team in camp, leading to speculation about his potential appointment.

In response to the speculations, Enyeama stated that he has not been officially appointed by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The former Lille shot-stopper clarified that his comment was a personal expression of intent to visit the team during the AFCON and offer encouragement.

“I haven’t been given any appointment by the NFF, neither was there any such discussion. That was only a personal comment, meaning I will visit them in camp when I attend the AFCON.

“Any opportunity to encourage the lads, I use it,” Enyeama said per G.O.A.T.

Enyeama’s denial comes amid discussions about the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping situation, adding to the speculation that the 41-year-old could have been considered for a goalkeeper trainer role.

The upcoming AFCON tournament will be a crucial campaign for Nigeria, and the clarification from Enyeama clarifies his current status regarding any formal role with the Super Eagles’ coaching staff.

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Former Youth International, Waidi Akanni says winning the upcoming AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire will be a miracle for Nigeria.

Akanni, a member of Nigeria’s bronze medal-winning U-20 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship team, has expressed reservations about the national team’s readiness to lift the trophy, citing inadequate preparation as a significant hurdle. With just a fortnight remaining before the tournament kicks off on January 13.

Despite being ranked sixth on the continent and considered one of the favorites alongside Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and hosts Ivory Coast, Akanni highlighted key areas of concern, specifically pointing to the need for improvement in the midfield, defense, and goalkeeping departments.

Akanni emphasized the importance of predictability in a team and noted the uncertainties surrounding the Super Eagles’ pedigree.

He expressed disappointment in the lack of inclusion of home-based players in the final squad, suggesting that the coaching staff missed an opportunity to strengthen the team by giving local talents a chance.

““My expectations are the same whenever Super Eagles play; they have become very unreliable.  I won’t expect much from them because I don’t want to be disappointed,” Akanni told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, as per Igbere TV. “Winning AFCON will be a miracle for Nigeria.”

“One of the elements of a team is predictability; I can’t predict them because I don’t know their pedigree.

“I believe I’m not the only one that feels this way about the team; a lot needs to be worked on in the midfield, defence, and goalkeeping departments of the team.

Addressing the challenges of assembling a full squad with players involved in the European season, Akanni advocated for a more inclusive approach, especially considering the difficulties of getting all players together as a group just a week before the AFCON.

Nigeria, three-time winners of the AFCON, find themselves in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.

As the tournament approaches, Akanni’s concerns highlight the need for the Super Eagles to address crucial aspects of their game to enhance their prospects of clinching the prestigious African competition.

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In a move aimed at strengthening their squad ahead of the impending African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, has appointed Nottingham Forest defender Serge Aurier as the new captain.

The announcement comes as part of the team’s intensified preparations under the guidance of coach Louis Gasset, with training sessions kicking off on Sunday at San Pedro.

Aurier, aged 31, will be participating in his fifth AFCON with the Ivorian national team, showcasing his wealth of experience and leadership qualities.

The defender first featured in the 2017 edition of AFCON, where Côte d’Ivoire faced an early exit in the first round.

Returning in 2019, Aurier played a crucial role, guiding the team to the quarter-finals before a heartbreakingly narrow defeat to Algeria on penalties.

The subsequent AFCON in 2021 saw Côte d’Ivoire exiting in the Round of 16, once again falling short in a penalty shootout against Egypt.

Throughout his extensive 11-year tenure with the Ivorian national team, Aurier’s commitment and desire on the field have remained unwavering. His appointment as the team’s captain reflects not only his experience but also his dedication to the squad’s success.

With 85 international appearances and four goals to his name, Aurier’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role as the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire gear up to compete on home soil in the highly anticipated AFCON 2023.

The Ivorian faithful will undoubtedly look to Aurier to inspire the team and lead them to a successful campaign in the prestigious continental tournament

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Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has emphasized the team’s unwavering commitment to securing victory in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion, finds itself placed in Group A alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau for the tournament.

Speaking with NFF TV, the Portuguese tactician acknowledged the challenges posed by the group opponents and highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament.

Peseiro expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to contend for the title despite the formidable opposition.

“We will fight to win the AFCON even though it won’t be easy. Our group is not easy because we are up against Cote d’Ivoire, who have a good squad and are playing at home,” Peseiro explained.

He went on to recognize the strength of Equatorial Guinea, who reached the quarterfinals in the last AFCON, surpassing Nigeria’s performance. Additionally, Peseiro acknowledged Guinea-Bissau’s victory over Nigeria in the qualifiers, emphasizing the competitive nature of the group.

The Super Eagles will kick off their AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, marking the beginning of their journey in a tournament where Peseiro and the team are determined to overcome challenges and vie for success.

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Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare expressed his excitement after scoring a brace for Genk in their 3-0 win over Antwerp on Tuesday.

The match, which took place at Cegeka Arena, saw Genk coach Wouter Vrancken start Yira Sor, keeping Arokodare on the bench initially.

However, Arokodare was introduced in the second half and made an immediate impact.

Arokodare scored twice within eight minutes of coming on, sealing a 3-0 victory for Genk.

The 23-year-old striker shared his satisfaction with the result, stating, “I hadn’t scored twice since I started playing for Racing Genk. This is a very beautiful feeling.”

The Nigerian striker praised the supporters and emphasized that the team wanted to send a message after their previous match.

“The supporters were fantastic, also in Anderlecht and the rest of the season. They deserve to end this year with a victory.

“We wanted to send a message after the previous match, in which things did not go as planned. We not only wanted the three points but also to show that we can play football, regardless of what everyone thinks about the referee.

“We put in a strong performance against Antwerp, and we finally got what we deserved.”

Genk’s next game is scheduled for January 20 against Cercle Brugge after a three-week break.

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Uyo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas will battle for the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup title in the final match. The AthleticNG reports.

This follows their success in the semi-final matches decided on Tuesday, December 26 and Wednesday 27th at the Uyo Township Stadium.

In the first semi-final match, Uyo defeated Urue Offong Oruko 2-0 to continue their unbeaten march in the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s cup competition.

The landlord’s have not lost a game in the competition and had no problems shoving aside Urue Offong Oruko to reach the final.

Ikot Abasi and Essien Udim took the stage for the 2nd semi-final on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

In what was a dramatic and keenly contested match, 10-man Ikot Abasi emerged victorious, 1-0 to set-up what promises to be a closely-fought final match.

Semi-final losers, Urue Offong Oruko and Essien Udim will seek relief in the third place playoff.

At the time of this report, date for the Uyo vs Ikot Abasi: Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup final match has not been announced by the organizing committee.

Recall that 31 Local Government Areas started the race in September.

Through the preliminary round, super-12, quater-finals, semi-finals, the number is down to two and so perfectly poised for a showdown for who will be crowned champion of the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup .

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Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has shed light on the criteria behind finalising the 25-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The squad announcement for this month’s AFCON was made on December 29, featuring returns from players like Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong, while the absences of Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers drew attention.

Initially anticipated as a 27-player squad, it was confirmed that only 25 players would represent Nigeria. 

Peseiro, speaking on the selection process, outlined the qualities that influenced the final choices. “The NFF decided that it will go with 25, and I agreed because it is easy to manage this number,” he explained on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) TV.

“We first came up with 41 players, then the players who made the final list have been with us and they have shown good performance,” Peseiro added, emphasizing the assessment of players’ club and national team performances, current form, and physical condition in the decision-making process.

Acknowledging the challenge of selecting the final 25 from a pool of talented players, Peseiro expressed his hope that the chosen squad would perform well for Nigeria in the tournament.

Addressing concerns regarding the goalkeeping aspect, Peseiro mentioned Francis Uzoho among the selected goalkeepers but hinted at competition for the starting spot. Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United was brought in to provide added competition.

Peseiro explained, “He showed good qualities, good performance, and now I have to wait and hope he shows the same capacity and qualities in the Super Eagles because it is different when you play in the national team and club.”

Peseiro detailed the team’s plans for preparation, indicating a six-day training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aimed at refining tactics, enhancing speed, and adapting to the tournament’s dynamics.

In preparation for the AFCON, friendly games against Burkina Faso and Cape Verde are scheduled. Peseiro highlighted the purpose of these friendlies: evaluating player performance and introducing new strategies.

Expressing his ambitions for the Super Eagles, Peseiro set winning the AFCON as the primary objective. He acknowledged the challenges posed by other formidable teams in their group, particularly highlighting the strength of hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

Recognising the tough competition ahead, Jose Peseiro emphasised the need for unwavering focus throughout the tournament, highlighting the significance of every minute and second in each match for his team.

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