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Tag: General Sports

  • Nwabali misses out on CAF Awards final shortlist for Best Goalkeeper

    Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been notably left out of the final for the 2024 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award shortlist, despite playing a key role in leading Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Nwabali,27, was instrumental throughout the tournament, but his exclusion from the prestigious shortlist has surprised many fans and pundits alike.

    Nwabali’s performances in the tournament, including several match-winning saves, were vital in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final, where they ultimately finished as runners-up.

    However, the final list sees some of Africa’s top shot-stoppers make the cut, including Cameroon and Manchester United’s Andre Onana, Ivory Coast’s AFCON-winning goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns.

    Favorite Ronwem Williams, who secured the Bronze Medal with South Africa and named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFCON 2023 tournament makes the shortlist while Yahia Fofana, who helped the Ivory Coast clinch the 2023 AFCON title is listed alongside FA Cup winner with Manchester United Andre Onana.

    READ MORE:Nnadozie battles Banda for CAF women’s player of the Year – The Athletic NG

    In addition to the goalkeeper shortlist, the race for the AFCON 2023 Coach of the Year award has also produced some notable names. South Africa’s Hugo Broos, who led his team to a bronze finish in the tournament, has made the final list, along with Emerse Fae, the coach of the AFCON-winning Ivory Coast team. Democratic Republic of  Congo’s Sebastien Desabre, who guided his side to a fourth-place finish, also makes the final shortlist.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa battle it for the 2024 Men’s National team of the year.

    The announcement of the Confederation of African Football Awards 2024 winners will take place on Monday, December 16, in Marrakech, Morocco.



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  • Lookman set to replace Osimhen as CAF Men’s Player of the Year – Can he claim the Throne?

    Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has made history by earning a spot on the final shortlist for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

    This marks the first time the lookman has been included in the prestigious list, he will hope to replace current holder and compatriot Victor Osimhen.

    Lookman, 27, played a pivotal role for Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he scored three goals and registered one assist in seven appearances.

    READ MORE: Ademola Lookman focused on growth, dismisses Premier League return rumors

    His performances were instrumental in helping the Super Eagles reach the tournament’s knockout stages, with Lookman delivering some of his best displays on the continental stage.

    In addition to his international success, Lookman also made waves with Atalanta in European club competitions. He scored a historic hat-trick in the final of the UEFA Europa League, a feat that further solidified his status as one of the top attacking players in Europe.

    Lookman was named Atalanta Player of the Season for the 2023/24 season and was also included in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament and the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League Team of the Season.

    So far this season, Lookman has been in sensational form for La Dea, netting 11 goals and providing five assists from 18 appearances across all competitions. His consistent performances have helped Atalanta remain competitive in Serie A and Europe.

    Lookman will now battle for the coveted CAF Men’s Player of the Year award against several top footballers, including AFCON 2023 winner Simon Adingra, who was a standout performer for Ivory Coast, particularly in the final against Nigeria. Other contenders include French Ligue 1 star Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.

    The winner of the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year will be announced during the upcoming CAF Awards ceremony on Monday, December 16, in Marrakech, Morocco.



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  • Nnadozie battles Banda for CAF women’s player of the Year

    Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has made history by securing a spot in the final three for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

    The 23-year-old, who has excelled for both club and country, will compete against Morocco’s Sanna Mssoudy and Zambia’s Barbra Banda for the coveted title.

    This marks a historic moment as Assisat Oshoala, a six-time winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, misses out on the final three for the first time in three years. None of the top three nominees have previously won the award, adding a sense of unpredictability and excitement to the race.

    Nnadozie, a double nominee at the 2024 CAF Awards, is also in the running for CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, alongside South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi.

    The Paris FC star is the reigning holder of the Women’s Best Player award, which was introduced by CAF last year, and will be hoping to defend her title.

    READ MORE: Ademola Lookman focused on growth, dismisses Premier League return rumors

    However, Nnadozie faces tough competition from Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who has had an exceptional year. Banda shone at the Paris Olympics, scoring four goals, including a first-half hat-trick against Australia, making her the leading African goal scorer in Olympic history with 10 goals.

    Her form continued in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she netted 13 goals for Orlando Pride in the 2024 regular season, despite joining in March. She also scored four goals in the playoffs, including the winning goal in the championship final, leading Pride to their first-ever title. Banda was named NWSL Most Valuable Player (MVP), solidifying her place among Africa’s top talents.

    The 2024 CAF Awards will take place on December 16 at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling contest.



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  • Nigerian wonderkid Chiamaka Okwuchukwu nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year

    Falconets forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has earned a spot on the final shortlist for the 2024 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award. The rising star has been recognized for her impressive performances during the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she played a key role for the Falconets

    Okwuchukwu scored two goals in four appearances for the Nigerian U-20 side, helping her team make a strong impression at the tournament. The Falconets were eliminated by Japan in the Round of 16.

    She now faces tough competition for the prestigious award, with Egypt’s Habiba Sabry and Morocco’s Doha El Madani also shortlisted for the honor.

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    In addition to Okwuchukwu’s recognition, Nigerian club Edo Queens have been named in the final shortlist for the 2024 CAF Women’s Club of the Year award.

    Edo Queens, who triumphed in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League earlier this year, will compete with African champions TP Mazembe and Morocco’s AS FAR for the coveted title.

    The Benin City-based club, coached by Moses Aduku, also finished fourth at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League last month, marking a historic season for the team.

    READ MORE: Super Eagles striker sidelined until 2025 due to severe injury

    The 2024 CAF Awards, where these stellar players and teams will be celebrated, will take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.

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  • CAF awards 2024 final Nominees to be unveiled today

    The final three nominees for the prestigious 2024 CAF awards will be unveiled today, December 12, ahead of the ceremony set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16.

    The CAF Awards began in 2000, although the primary award, to name the African Footballer of the Year, was began by CAF in 1992.

    Before that, a prize for the continent’s outstanding male player of the year was given out by French publication France Football, with Mali’s Salif Keita winning the first award in 1970.

    The men’s shortlist for Player of the Year has already been narrowed down to five outstanding players, with Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) all vying for the top prize.

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    Williams, a standout goalkeeper, is also a contender for the Goalkeeper of the Year category after placing ninth in the Yashin Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.

    Meanwhile, the women’s category has also seen fierce competition for the coveted Player of the Year award. Zambia’s Barbra Banda leads the five-player shortlist following a stellar year of goal-scoring feats for both her club and country.

    The remaining four shortlisted players for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year include Malawi’s dynamic Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy, and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.

    The shortlisted nominees for both the men’s and women’s categories will be further narrowed down to the final three today.

    READ MORE: enyimbas-nightmare-continues-sunshine-stars-shock-hosts

    The 2024 CAF Awards will take place at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday December 16.

    The ceremony itself is set to begin at 19hoo Moroccan time (18h00 GMT/19h00 Lagos time/20h00 Johannesburg, CAT time/21h00 East African time).

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  • Super Eagles B run riot, sends warning to Ghana

    Super Eagles B dominated Emmydinho FC 5-0 in Friendly Match played in Ikenne, Ogun state.

    The CHAN Eagles, also known as the Super Eagles B, put on a commanding performance, securing an emphatic 5-0 victory over NLO side Emmydinho FC in a friendly match at home. The match saw a spectacular hat-trick from Sikiru Alimi, a goal from Samuel Ayanrinde, and a late strike by Vincent Temitope.

    Alimi was the standout performer, opening the scoring in the 19th minute and doubling his tally just three minutes later in the 22nd. He completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute to give the home-based Eagles a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.

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    Samuel Ayanrinde added a fourth goal in the 24th minute of the second half, continuing the dominance of the Super Eagles B. As the match neared its conclusion, Vincent Temitope rounded off the scoring with a goal in the 90+5’ to make it 5-0.

    After the game Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Ogunmodede said he is optimistic the team will secure a place at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).“We are not thinking about the past, what is important now is the present and also looking at the future.

    We all know what is at stake including the players. We are giants of Africa, we know what it means to us to play at the CHAN,” he told the Super Eagles media.

    READ MORE: enyimbas-nightmare-continues-sunshine-stars-shock-hosts

    Nigeria failed to qualify for the last edition of the competition hosted by Algeria as they were eliminated by perennial rivals, Ghana in the qualifiers.

    The match served as an important preparation for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers, with the home-based Eagles gearing up for their crucial clash against the Black Galaxies of Ghana.

    The first leg of the playoffs is scheduled for December 22nd in Ghana, with the return leg taking place just six days later at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.

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  • Jose Peseiro poised for Epl return amid Zamalek crisis

    Former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is reportedly on the brink of a return to the Egyptian Premier League, following months of unemployment since his departure from the Nigerian national team earlier this year.

    The Portuguese tactician is a leading candidate to take over at Zamalek SC, a club currently reeling from a internal  crisis.

    Gomes’ Emotional Exit from Zamalek

    The turmoil at Zamalek intensified this week as Jose Gomes, who took charge in February, announced his resignation on Tuesday. The 54-year-old coach cited unfavorable circumstances as the reason behind his decision to terminate his contract.

    In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, Gomes expressed his gratitude to Zamalek fans and the Egyptian people, describing his time at the club as an honor.

    “With a heavy heart and tears streaming down my face, I write these words. God has granted me the honor of serving this great club, Zamalek,” Gomes said.

    The Portuguese added “I decided to terminate my contract because the circumstances necessary to continue bringing titles to our fans are no longer available. This is not a goodbye, but a ‘see you later.’”

    During his tenure, Gomes led Zamalek to 47 matches, achieving 27 wins, nine draws, and 11 losses. Under his guidance, the White Knights clinched the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Super Cup last season.

    Peseiro’s Experience and Suitability

    Peseiro’s name has emerged as one of the top choices to replace Gomes. The Portuguese manager is well-versed in African and Middle Eastern football, having previously managed Egyptian giants Al Ahly before moving into international coaching.

    The 64 year old coached Zamalek’s rival Al Ahly in the 2015/2016 recording 8 wins 2 draws and 2 losses in 12 matches, helping them to the Egyptian league title.

    The Cairo-based club is preparing for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup clash against Al Masry.

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  • Flamingos set for WAFU B U17 Cup with star-studded squad

    Nigeria’s U17,the Flamingos , are ready to compete in the WAFU B U17 Girls’ tournament in Ghana, with Head Coach Bankole Olowookere announcing a formidable 20-player squad.

    Among the selected are World Cup stars Shakirat Moshood and Harmony Chidi, alongside key players like Christiana Uzoma, Peace Effiong, and Mary Lucky Nkpa.

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    Group Assignments 

    The Flamingos will battle Côte d’Ivoire and Niger Republic in Group B, while hosts Ghana face Benin Republic in Group A following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Togo.

    Recent Success 

    The Flamingos are entering the tournament in strong form, having reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where they scored nine goals in the group stage beating New Zealand 4-1 , Ecuador 4-0 and Host Dominican Republics 1-0  before losing to the USA in the quarter final. Despite Nigeria’s ouster the team won the FIFA Fair Play team of the tournament.

    USA went all the way to the Semi Finals before losing to eventual Champions North Korea.

    READ MORE: Ademola Lookman focused on growth, dismisses Premier League return rumors

    Flamingos Squad for Ghana 2024

    Goalkeepers:Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens), Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens), Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)

    Defenders: Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy), Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies), Ayomide Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Prisca Nwachukwu (Heartland Queens), Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Oghenemairo Obruthe (Lagos City)

    Midfielders:Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy), Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)

    Forwards: Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers), Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels), Mary Nkpa (Abia Angels), Janet Akekoromowei (Nasarawa Amazons), Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels), Mary Mamudu (Edo Queens), Precious Oscar (Bayelsa Queens)

    The competition is set to run from December 12–26 2024, the Flamingos will aim to build on their World Cup performance were the team finished in the Quarter finals in Dominican Republic

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  • Is Cole Palmer outshining Mo Salah? You won’t believe these Stats

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah have both been in scintillating form since the 2023-24 season. While Salah remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, Palmer has quickly made a name for himself with impressive statistics in his first year at Chelsea.

    The Manchester City academy graduate had a debut season to remember as he scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists for Chelsea across all competitions.

    While plenty of people regard Palmer as the best Premier League player right now, others think that title still very much belongs to Liverpool’s Salah.

    Let’s compare their records side-by-side and analyze their contributions.

    READ MORE: Ademola Lookman focused on growth, dismisses Premier League return rumors

    Goals and Assists: A Tight Race

    Both players have had a significant impact on the scoresheet. Mo Salah has played 65 games, scoring 40 goals and providing 26 assists, totaling 66 goal contributions. In comparison, Palmer has featured in 62 matches, scoring 36 goals and assisting 21 times, amounting to 57 goal contributions.

    Despite fewer goals than Salah, Palmer has been extremely efficient in front of goal, with a goal every 137.9 minutes, compared to Salah’s slightly quicker rate of one every 120.9 minutes. Palmer’s goal tally is also impressive, considering he’s younger and plays in a Chelsea side still finding its rhythm.

    Minutes Per Goal and Assist: Palmer Shines

    Palmer’s efficiency in contributing to goals and assists stands out when looking at the minutes played. On average, Palmer takes just 87.1 minutes to be involved in a goal or assist, significantly lower than Salah’s 73.3 minutes per contribution. While Salah’s record is outstanding, Palmer’s ability to influence matches in less time suggests his rising star power.

    Penalties and Conversion Rate

    When it comes to penalties, both players are key contributors. Salah has scored 11 penalties, while Palmer has netted 12. The slight edge in penalty goals goes to Palmer, showcasing his calmness under pressure.

    Playmaking and Dribbling: Palmer’s Creativity

    Palmer has averaged 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes in the Premier League, slightly ahead of Salah’s 2.2. This indicates Palmer’s strong playmaking abilities, which has been a standout feature of his game. His dribbling is also more effective than Salah’s, with 1.6 successful dribbles per 90 compared to Salah’s 1.2. Palmer’s ability to break defensive lines and create opportunities has been a critical part of his role at Chelsea.

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    Conclusion: Two Different Paths, Similar Impact

    While both Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah are different players in terms of style and experience, their statistics since 2023-24 showcase how both are incredibly effective in their roles. Palmer, despite being younger and playing in a Chelsea team still evolving, has proven his worth with impressive numbers. Meanwhile, Salah continues to be the reliable, prolific force for Liverpool. Their records highlight two rising stars in world football, each contributing in unique ways to their respective teams’ successes.

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  • Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 World Cup, while 2030 goes Tri-Continental

    FIFA confirmed the host nations for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups on Wednesday, marking significant milestones in global football. Saudi Arabia has been selected as the host for the 2034 edition, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 World Cup.

    Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, with FIFA maintaining its continent rotational policy for the bidding process. Australia had expressed interest but did not officially submit a bid. The selection of Saudi Arabia follows a bidding process where the kingdom recorded the highest-ever ratings earlier this month. FIFA’s decision ensures the tournament’s return to the Middle East after Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

    “Introducing the hosts for the next two editions of the FIFA World Cup – Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host in 2030, with centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay,” FIFA wrote in X post. “Four years later, Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034.”

    READ MORE: enyimbas-nightmare-continues-sunshine-stars-shock-hosts

    2030 World Cup: A Historic Tri-Continental Effort

    In contrast, the 2030 World Cup will see a unique, tri-continental collaboration. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will co-host the tournament, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay joining in to celebrate the centenary of the first-ever World Cup. This marks a historic first, with matches spread across South America, Europe, and Africa.

    The FIFA Council’s virtual meeting also revealed the dates for other upcoming events, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil from June 24 to July 25. Additionally, Qatar will host the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in November.

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    FIFA’s announcement for 2030 and 2034 reflects its broader strategy of expanding the global reach of the tournament, with the 2026 World Cup already set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which saw Argentina crowned champions in a thrilling final against France, remains fresh in the minds of football fans worldwide.

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