Tag: General Sports

Sports development Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh says Nigerians take qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup seriously. The AthleticNG reports.

Enoh said the Super Eagles must qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to amend sad memories from missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

The Sports Minister also spoke about the challenges responsible for the failed transmission of the Super Eagles 1-1 draw.

” The Government and football-loving people of Nigeria take the qualification for the 2026 World Cup very seriously and want the Super Eagles to qualify,” Senator Enoh stated.

” Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not negotiable.”

“Nigerians are all rooting for your success,” he concluded, emphasizing the collective desire for the team’s advancement in the qualifiers.

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Nigeria and Lesotho played out a 1-1 draw on matchday one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

A disappointing outcome for the Super Eagles of Nigeria who were favourites to win but were left stunned when Lesotho took the lead in the 56th minute through Motlomelo Mkwanzi.

Semi Ajayi headed the Eagles level in the 67th minute from a corner-kick taken by Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Eagles did pile pressure in search of a winner but the Crocodiles were stubborn enough to force a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, their first time avoiding defeat vs the Super Eagles having lost all four previous encounters.

Here is summary of how the Eagles fared in the game.

FRANCIS UZOHO [4/10] – Conceding against lowly rated Lesotho will further hurt his confidence. Made one big save in the first half  but failed to deal with Tshwarelo Bereng’s out-swinging corner-kick that led to the goal. Another moment that will increase calls for a new face in goal for the Eagles. He has Jose Peseiro’s trust though.

BRIGHT OSAYI-SAMUEL [6/10] – Not one of his best Super Eagles games though, but those attacking moves that made him toast of Nigerian fans were missing.

JAMIU COLLINS [7/10] – Preferred to Boavista left-back Bruno Onyemachi, Collins had a decent shift and got into promising attacking positions. It was strange seeing Peseiro take him off though.

CALVIN BASSEY [6/10] – Performed his defensive duties well plus being comfortable on the ball like Peseiro wants.

SEMI AJAYI [8/10] – The tall-guy to meet Iheanacho’s corner-kick and save at least a point for the Eagles. Was cool at the back and so my best player of the game.

FRANK ONYEKA [6/10] – Average game from the Brentford midfielder. Great tackles but was not that guy to try extraordinary things as the team pushed for goals.

ALEX IWOBI [7/10] – Was everywhere around the field. Unlucky most of his defence splitting passes were blocked.

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN [6/10] – Had the chance to play in Victor Boniface for an easy finish but chose to go for goal himself from a tight angle, leading to an easy block from a Lesotho defender in the first half but also forced a big save from the visiting goalkeeper. Not one of his best games but not the worst.

KELECHI IHEANACHO [7/10] –  Iheanacho was a constant threat from set pieces and created chance after chance for Nigeria against Lesotho, eventually providing the assist for the equaliser. Did not cause problems playing from the flank. Poor choice by Peseiro here. Senior man would have done better behind the main forward or as an attacking midfielder with his lopping passes. Remember the Sao Tome and Principe game.

TAIWO AWONIYI [5/10] – Missed the biggset chance of the match in the first half. A night to forget for the Nottingham Forest man.

VICTOR BONIFACE [7/10] – Did not score but made some excellent dribbles and take-ons towards the end. His inability to compete for balls from set-pieces shows the difference with the other Victor – Osimhen who was unavailable for the match.

SUBSTITUTES

MOSES SIMON [7/10] – His Introduction sparked more life into the Super Eagles attack.

TEREM MOFFI [4/10] – Failed to trouble the opposition defence.

JOE ARIBO [5/10] – Made no mistakes with passing but there was no significant contribution from here.

BRUNO ONYEMACHI [5/10] – Made no mistakes but did not do as much as Jamiu Collins whom he came-on for. Unnecessary substitution that was from Jose Peseiro.

OLA AINA – Spent little time on the pitch. No rating.

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Race for 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup last-8 spots is heated up with one matchday to go in each group of the Super-12 stage.

As of Tuesday, November 14, only three teams have officially confirmed their qualification for the quater-final./

Essien Udim and Uyo local government areas have qualified from group A while Ibeno are through from group B.

The race for the five remaining spots is still open to eight teams, a testimony of how competitive the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup has been.

In group A, two spots are up for grabs and available for Ikot Abasi [ 3rd with 5 points] , Nsit Ubium [ 4th with 4 points] and Urue Offong Oruko [5th with 4 points] Local Government Areas ahead of the final matchday on Wednesday November 15.

Already qualified Uyo will face Ikot Abasi by 1pm while Nsit Ubium and Urue Offong Oruko will do battle in a win and qualify game by 4pm.

In group B, only Ibeno are officially confirmed for the last-8.

Second placed Obot Akara Local Government Area [7 points] are margins away from the quater-final and will face bottom of the table Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area on Friday November 17 by 4pm.

Ibiono Ibom [4 points] need a win over Obot Akara to reach the next round of the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup competition.

Onna [4th with 6 points] and Uruan [5th with 5 points] will also play on Friday to decide the three last-8 slots in group B.

The Onna vs Uruan game will take place by 1pm at the Uyo Township Stadium, venue for all the Super-12 matches.

31 Local government areas started the race for the Governor’s cup title in September but that number will be trimmed to eight this weekend.

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The newest member of the Super Eagles squad, Nathan Tella is poised to make his mark in the upcoming fixtures after earning his first call-up to the national team. 

Tella’s recognition comes on the back of standout performances, first with Burnley FC and now with Bayer Leverkusen.

The young striker, who has been included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to train with Nigeria’s talented football squad. 

Tella, instrumental in Burnley FC’s promotion to the English Premier League before making his move to Bayer Leverkusen, has quickly adapted to the German Bundesliga, notably scoring his maiden league goal in six appearances under the management of Xabi Alonso.

Reflecting on his initial training session with the national team, Tella lauded the welcoming environment and the chance to share the pitch with esteemed football stars. 

Pre game thoughts from @nathantella11 , @onyedika15 And @alexanderiwobi #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain #fifa2026worldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/suB7u0E491

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 15, 2023

He remarked, “It [my first training session] was good; we have a very talented team, very good players, and it’s nice to be a part of them. They’ve welcomed me well, and now I am looking forward to the upcoming games.”

Tella underscored his eagerness to challenge himself by competing against and alongside top-notch players at both the club and international levels. 

He expressed, “To play with the best player in the country, I always want to push myself and challenge myself to play among the best and be among the best. I’ve got the opportunity to do that at the club level, and now I can do it at the international level. So it’s a pick-up opportunity for me.”

Addressing expectations from Nigerian fans in the forthcoming matches, Tella described himself as a direct player who excels in making runs from behind, thrives in one-on-one situations, demonstrates effective dribbling, and contributes significantly in both scoring and assisting. 

He stated, “[They should expect] someone who is direct, makes a lot of runs from behind, likes to get into one-on-one situations, dribbles, and also contributes in scoring and assisting my team.”

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Tella is determined to build on his positive run, drawing inspiration from his recent performances against Union Berlin. 

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Fulham FC midfielder, Alex Iwobi is determined to taste FIFA World Cup action again and so is ready to give 100% as the qualifiers for the 2026 edition gets underway this week.

Iwobi is among twenty-three players invited by Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro for 2026 FIFA World Cup matchday one and two games vs  Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Iwobi who represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup understands the pride and joy it brings and so is eyeing another shot at the world’s grandest football competition with the Super Eagles.

“I would like to be at the World Cup again. Not just me alone but the whole team. We are going to put 100% to make sure we get another chance to bring the nation joy and the sense of pride that we represent the team at the World Cup hopefully again.”

Nigeria’s first game will be vs the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

In preparation for that game, Iwobi and twenty-two other Eagles had their first training session on Tuesday, few hours after arriving in camp.

Iwobi said of the first training session: “Today’s training wasn’t too intense as we prepare for Lesotho. Everyone have arrive in camp and we are really preparing for the game. I am sure we will analyse them and get the result that will make us to qualify.

He added “It’s a blessing that we have lots of players and lots of quality in the side. Everyone is going to be needed. That’s why it is a squad mentality.”

Nigeria is drawn in group A alongside Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Benin Republic and South Africa in the race for nine automatic qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup after falling short at the qualification playoff to bitter-rivals, Ghana in March 2022.

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The Super Eagles camp in Uyo is now fully operational, as all 23 selected players have arrived ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho’s Crocodiles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, scheduled for tomorrow. 

The final group of players, including Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Joe Aribo, and Bright Osayi Samuel, landed in Uyo and were warmly received at the Victor Attah International Airport by members of the Akwa Ibom State Football Normalization Committee. 

Subsequently, they were transported to the team’s camp located at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene.

Preparation kicks off. Welcome Amas Obasogie @NathanTella_11 #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain #fifa2026worldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/kmZyTONfO5

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 14, 2023

These late arrivals completed the roster of the 23 players called up for the upcoming double-header against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Rwanda on Sunday. Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, joined the camp as a replacement for Maduka Okoye, who opted out of the international fixtures. The team wasted no time and conducted their inaugural training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

In parallel developments, a 33-member Lesotho contingent, consisting of 23 players and nine officials led by Coach Leslie Notsi, has also touched down in Uyo in preparation for the impending match against the Super Eagles. 

The Lesotho team was welcomed by members of the Akwa Ibom State Football Normalization Committee at the Victor Attah International Airport and subsequently escorted to their accommodations at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Resorts.

The clash between the Super Eagles and Lesotho is slated to occur on the main turf of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

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The Confederation of African Football – CAF have announced nominees for different 2023 Africa Women’s Player of the Year award categories. The AthleticNG reports.

CAF made public the list via its X handle on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

For the CAF Women’s Player of the year award, 5-time winner Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria is joined by 29-others with six of her compatriots making the shortlist.

2023 CAF WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST

• Ajara Nchout Njoya (Cameroon, Internazionale Milano)
• Evelyn Badu (Ghana, Avaldnes)
• Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain)
• Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Wuhan Jiangda)
• Anissa Lahmari (Morocco, Levante Las Planas)
• Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
• Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco, AS FAR)
• Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco, AS FAR/Al Ahli)
• Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)
• Zenatha Coleman (Namibia, Fenerbahce)
• Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
• Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria, Benfica)
• Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria, Alaves/Pachuca)
• Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria, Atletico Madrid)
• Toni Payne (Nigeria, Sevilla)
• Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria, Tigres/Racing Louisville)
• Ndeye Awa Diakhaté (Senegal, Olympique de Marseille)
• Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Hilda Magaia (South Africa, Sejong Sportstoto)
• Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa, Juarez/Monterrey)
• Linda Motlhalo (South Africa, Glasgow City)
• Refiloe Jane (South Africa, Sassuolo)
• Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa, Racing Louisville)
• Afi Sabine Woedikou (Togo, Strasbourg/Nantes)
• Sabrina Ellouzi (Tunisia, Excelsior)
• Fazila Ikwaput (Uganda, Kampala Queens)
• Barbara Banda (Zambia, Shanghai Shengli)
• Grace Chanda (Zambia, Madrid CFFRachael Kundananji (Zambia, Madrid CFF)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

• Ange Bawou (Cameroon, Bayelsa Queens/ BIIK-Shymkent)
• Dolores Hernandez Masongo (Equatorial Guinea, Huracanes)
• Imane Abdelahad (Morocco, SC Casablanca)
• Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
• Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Kaylin Swart (South Africa, JVW)
• Najiat Abass Idrisa (Tanzania, JKT Queens)
• Catherine Musonda (Zambia, Tomiris Turan)
• Cynthia Shongwe (Zimbabwe, Harare City)

Young Player of the Year 

• Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)
• Mary Amponsah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)
• Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)
• Deborah Abiodun (Nigeria, Pittsburg Panthers)
• Esther Opeyemi Ajakaye (Nigeria, Delta Queens)
• Oluwatosin Demehin (Nigeria, Stade Reims)
• Hapsatou Malado Diallo (Senegal, USPA/Eibar)
• Thubelihle Shamase (South Africa, University of Johannesburg FC)
• Winifreda Gerald (Tanzania, JKT Queens)
• Fauzia Najjemba (Uganda, Dynamo Moscow)

Coach of the Year (Women)

• Nana Joe Adarkwa (Ampem Darkoa)
• Lovemore Fazili (Malawi)
• Mehdi El Qaichouri (SC Casablanca)
• Mohamed Amine Alioua (AS FAR)
• Reynald Pedros (Morocco)
• Randy Waldrum (Nigeria)
• Mame Moussa Cisse (Senegal)
• Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
• Jerry Tshabalala (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Esther Chabruma (JKT Queens)

National Team of the Year (Women)

• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Ghana
• Malawi
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Zambia

The 2023 CAF Awards Gala will be held in Marrakech, Morocco on December 11, 2023.

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Victor Osimhen will play under a new coach at Napoli following the sack of Rudi Garcia after a poor start to the 2023/2024 season.

Former Watford FC manager, Walter Mazzarri has been appointed to take charge of the team till the end of the current season.

Last season, Victor Osimhen flourished as Napoli SSC won their first Italian Serie A title in 33-years under the tutelage of Luciano Spalletti.

Spalleti quit the job at the end of the season and in his place Frenchman, Rudi Garcia was appointed.

Unfortunately, things have not gone well this season, as the Serie A champions have failed to hit the levels of last season.

The Partonopei currently sit fourth in the Italian top flight, 10 points behind Inter Milan at the top of the standing.

Following a poor run of form which took new turns with a 0-1 home loss vs Empoli, last weekend, Napoli made the call to sack Garcia.

Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen never had a very smooth relationship with the sacked Garcia and was injured for the erstwhile gaffer’s last-days in Naples.

Osimhen will return from injury after the International break to work with new manager Walter Mazzari whose job runs till the end of the current campaign.

Former Olympique Marseille boss Igor Tudor was rumoured as Garcia’s replacement but the deal never materialized with Mazzarri returning to a familair terittory where he will have a talented squad that includes 2023 CAF player of the Year nominee, Victor Osimhen.

During Mazzarri’s first stint in charge of Napoli, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamšík and Edinson Cavani flourished in what was a dreaded attack in the 2011/2012 season.

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Real Sociedad forward, Umar Sadiq has said Super Eagles players are always motivated to play for Nigeria whether as starters or substitutes.

Umar was among the early birds in camp for the Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification engagements vs Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

He arrived alongside Turkey based Kenneth Omeruo and Cardiff City left-back Jamiu Collins.

On arrival at the team’s camp, Umar had a brief interview session with NFF TV where he said the strikers are only focus on helping the team win.

Sadiq Umar said on NFF TV:”Whenever we come here we are always motivated, we want to play for the country

“We are always happy to represent the country whether you start, had some minutes or on the bench we are always ready to represent.

“They should keep supporting us and I hope in the two games we will come out with a good results.”

Meanwhile, Sadiq Umar, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi and Terem Moffi are the center forwards available for Jose Peseiro.

Top-striker, Victor Osimhen, is unavailable due to injury sustained during the International friendly game vs Saudi Arabia in October.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Lesotho on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo before taking on Zimbabwe on November 19.

 

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During his long lay-off, the likes of  Boavista man, Bruno Onyemaechi and FC Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi held sway as the teams left-back’s to increase competition for shirt in that role.

For Collins, there is no competition for shirt in the Super Eagles as everyone is in team to make the country proud.

“There is no competition, we are in the national team, everyone is here to give their best. Whoever has the chance to play must give their best. I don’t think there is competition, we are here to make our country proud,” Collins added.

Nigeria will begin training for the Lesotho clash on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International, Uyo.

Visiting Crocodile of Lesotho are expected to land in Uyo on Tuesday morning.

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