Tag: General Sports

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Nigerian forward Victor Boniface was the hero for Bayer Leverkusen as he scored the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 win over AC Milan in their second Champions League group game on October 1, 2024.

The match at BayArena saw Boniface outshine his fellow Nigerian and Super Eagles teammate, Samuel Chukwueze, who came off the bench for AC Milan.

Boniface’s decisive goal came in the 51st minute, pouncing on a rebound after Jeremie Frimpong’s shot was saved, tapping the ball into an empty net. The goal secured all three points for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, who dominated the first half but failed to find the net despite outshooting AC Milan 10-1.

READ MORE: Former Manchester United star urges Red Devils to sign Victor Osimhen

AC Milan, led by Paulo Fonseca, struggled to create chances, with Chukwueze having little impact after coming on as a substitute. The winger’s only significant contribution was receiving a yellow card late in the game.

The win gave Bayer Leverkusen a strong start to their European campaign, while AC Milan suffered their second consecutive Champions League defeat.

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Galatasaray striker and Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen believes his skills justify the hefty transfer fee Napoli placed on him. In a recent interview, Osimhen stated that his quality on the pitch makes him worth more than €100 million, adding that few players in football can match his talent.

Victor Osimhen, who recently moved to Galatasaray on loan, had been linked with several top European clubs, but none were willing to meet Napoli’s €130 million release clause during the summer transfer window. This steep price reportedly discouraged interest from clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

READ MORE: Former Manchester United star urges Red Devils to sign Nigerian star

Despite not securing a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, the 25-year-old Nigerian striker has made an impressive start in Turkey, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Speaking about his value, Osimhen said, “I am worth more than €100 million. There are very few players in the world with my style and success. I know what I contribute on and off the field, and I believe I deserve this valuation.”

Osimhen’s confidence is shared by Manchester United legend, who recently urged the Red Devils to make a move for the Nigerian forward, stating that his abilities justify such a significant investment.

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Austin Eguavoen, the interim head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has responded to critics who often highlight the number of times he has led the national team.

Eguavoen, 59, first took charge of the Super Eagles in 2005, shortly after retiring as a player. He was entrusted with the role following coaching stints at Maltese club Sliema Wanderers and Nigerian side Bendel Insurance. In his first spell, he guided Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt but was let go in April of the same year.

His second stint came in 2010, and his third in 2021, during which he led the team to the second round of the AFCON before losing to Tunisia. Eguavoen is now in his fourth stint, taking charge after the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) struggled to find a permanent replacement for Finidi George.

READ MORE: Fidelis Ilechukwu calls out fellow Super Eagles Assistant Coach Daniel Ogunmodede over win-at-all-cost attitude

Addressing the issue during an interview with Brila FM, Eguavoen acknowledged that he has coached the team multiple times but stressed that his tenures have been brief. “This is my fourth time coaching the Super Eagles, yes, but let people understand that I’ve never had a long run. In 2006, I had six months, and after that, it was either two or three games. In Cameroon during AFCON, I was in charge for about three months.”

Eguavoen questioned why some critics fail to consider the short duration of his spells. “Have I ever coached the team for a full two years? People need to be more reasonable in their criticism. The only extended period I had was in 2006,” he added.

Eguavoen’s current term started on a positive note, securing four points from two matches in the AFCON qualifiers. He is now preparing the team for a double-header against Libya during the upcoming international break.

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Belgian Jupiler Pro League club, Club Brugge, have named Nigeria’s Super Eagles midfielder Ralph Onyedika as their Player of the Month for September.

The announcement was made on Monday evening, with Onyedika beating serious competition from teammates Hans Vanaken, Simon Mignolet, and Tzolis to claim the award.

The Nigerian midfielder’s impressive performances in the month under review earned him the Most Valuable Player award at Club Brugge. Recall that Onyedika was almost leaving the club in the summer but the transfer fell through.

Up next, Raphael Onyedika is also expected to be called up for the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya in October.

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Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has announced his 21-woman squad for the Flamingos, Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Team, ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The team includes Captain Taiwo Afolabi, forward Harmony Chidi, and Peace Effiong. Chidi, who scored 13 of the team’s 25 goals during the qualifiers, will lead the attack. The Flamingos had an impressive qualifying run, defeating Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, and Liberia.

In midfield, Afolabi will be supported by Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, and Ayomide Rotimi. Christiana Uzoma is the first-choice goalkeeper, with Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface ready to compete for the spot.

Defender Taiwo Adegoke will lead a strong defensive lineup, while Harmony Chidi heads a forward line that includes six other strikers, such as Peace Effiong.

Nigeria is placed in Group A and will compete against the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand. The team will leave Nigeria on October 1st for a two-week training camp in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before the tournament begins.

READ MORE: Can Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo still play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria?

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers:

• Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
• Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
• Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)

Defenders:

• Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers)
• Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
• Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy)
• Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens)
• Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)

Midfielders:

• Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens)
• Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
• Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)

Forwards:

• Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports)
• Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
• Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot)
• Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers)
• Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
• Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
• Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)

Group A – FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024

• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• New Zealand
• Nigeria

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Former Manchester United star, Louis Saha, has urged the club to sign Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, even if it requires spending huge sums.

Although the transfer window is now closed and Osimhen has since joined Galatasaray, Saha still believes Manchester United should target the Super Eagles striker.

During the summer transfer window, Osimhen was linked with multiple clubs, but a move never materialized due to Napoli’s high asking price.

Manchester United had been in the race to sign Osimhen but chose Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee instead. Chelsea also showed interest but couldn’t complete a deal before the window closed. Osimhen eventually moved to Galatasaray on a season-long loan, taking advantage of the Turkish Super Lig’s extended transfer window.

READ MORE: Dogo hails Nasarawa United in win over Ikorodu City

Despite this, Saha, who played for Manchester United from 2004 to 2008, continues to advocate for the club to pursue Osimhen. Speaking to the Daily Star, Saha emphasized that Osimhen would be a perfect fit for the team under Erik ten Hag.

“If you want a proven goal scorer with pedigree, he’s the man. Osimhen would immediately improve the team,” Saha said. “If it takes a lot of money to sign him, Manchester United should do it.”

Osimhen recently opened his goal account for Galatasaray, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa. While there have been rumours about a potential move to a European club in January, Galatasaray has dismissed these claims and expressed their intention to keep Osimhen beyond the current season.

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The Nigerian football scene has witnessed exciting developments in recent days. From Raphael Onyedika’s impressive performance in the Belgian Pro League to Jay-Jay Okocha’s revelation about the best dribbler he’s ever seen, here are the top stories:

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been named Club Brugge’s Player of the Month for September. The Nigerian star earned 31% of the fan votes, solidifying his position as a key player for the Belgian Pro League club. Onyedika’s impressive performance comes after a red card saga against Charleroi FC

Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has revealed that former Ivorian player, Kandia Traoré, is the best dribbler he’s ever seen. Okocha, known for his exceptional skills, praised Traoré’s exceptional ball control and trickery.

As the AFCON qualifiers approach, Nigerian players are gearing up for the crucial matches. However, South African-based star, Daniel Akpeyi, is doubtful for the Super Eagles’ clash against Libya due to injury concerns. Nigeria will face Libya on October 12.

READ MOR: Finidi pleased with Rivers impressive start to the 2024/25 NPFL season

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team has been drawn against hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Top scorer Harmony Chidi leads the 21-player list.

In the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), Finidi George’s Rivers United secured a convincing 2-0 win over Enyimba. This victory solidifies Rivers United’s position in the league standings.

Nigerian players continue to shine in their respective leagues this season.
– Victor Olatunji of Sparta Prague expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles.
– Maduka Okoye apologized for his costly error in Udinese’s defeat to Inter Milan.
– Chidera Ejuke impressed for Sevilla, while Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal drought continued.
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Super Eagles star, Henry Onyekuru, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Fenerbahçe is pushing for a new deal to retain the Nigerian forward.

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Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu has been named in Southampton’s matchday squad for the first time in 419 days, ahead of their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Monday.

Onuachu, who last played for Southampton in August 2023, has been included on the bench alongside fellow Nigerian Joe Aribo.

Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu returns to the starting lineup, bolstering the Saints’ chances.

READ MORE: Onyedika Bags Club Award, Okocha reveals best dribbler

The 30-year-old Onuachu spent the 2023-2024 season on loan at Trabzonspor, rediscovering his form with 17 goals in 25 appearances. Despite Trabzonspor’s interest in re-signing him, Southampton valued him at €15 million, pricing out the Turkish club.

Southampton seeks their first Premier League win this season, with Onuachu potentially making his 13th appearance for the club since joining from Racing Genk in January 2023.

Other Nigerian players made headlines:

– Moses Simon was named to Ligue 1’s Team of the Month, recognizing his impressive performances for Nantes.
– Chelsea rejected AC Milan’s approach for Chukwuemeka, amidst speculation surrounding the young midfielder’s future.
– Ogbus signed a new deal with Freiburg amid interest from Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, securing his stay in the Bundesliga.

– Midfielder Onyedika was nominated for Club Brugge’s Player of the Month, solidifying his position as a key player in the Belgian Pro League.
– Former NWFL Premiership star assisted on competitive debut for Napoli, marking a promising start to her Italian adventure.

Upcoming Fixtures

– Southampton vs. Bournemouth (Premier League, October 1)
– Nigeria vs. Libya (AFCON Qualifiers, October 12)

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Shooting Stars’ technical adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, has expressed his relief after the team’s 1-0 victory over Heartland in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Samuel Ayanrinde’s lone goal secured the Oluyole Warriors’ first win of the season, lifting a weight off the team’s shoulders.

Ogunbote acknowledged the game’s challenges but was thrilled that his team managed to secure the win ¹.

The victory comes as a big relief for Shooting Stars, who had played their first two matches without a win.

Ogunbote stated in a post-match interview, “I think it is going to be a big relief for the team… This win, no matter how it comes, is a big relief for the team.” The team’s next challenge will be against Bendel Insurance in a matchday five fixture.

READ MORE: 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers keeps Remo Stars top of the league

In other NPFL news, Remo Stars maintained their top position with a 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers. The win marked Remo Stars’ fourth consecutive triumph, securing 12 maximum points.

Rivers United also triumphed 2-0 over Enyimba FC, with Coach Finidi George leading his team to victory against his former club.

In international football news, Graham Potter has addressed rumors of negotiating with Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag.

Belgium’s Onyedika has been named Club Brugge’s Player of the Month, and Nigeria’s national team is gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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