Tag: General Sports

Nigeria’s national team head coach, Eric Chelle, has received a major boost ahead of the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup qualifiers in March, as Semi Ajayi has returned to club training following a lengthy injury spell.

The 30-year-old defender has been out since October 2023 with a hamstring injury but is now working his way back to full fitness at West Bromwich Albion.

West Brom head coach Tony Mowbray confirmed Ajayi’s return, revealing that the Nigerian centre-back has been featuring for the club’s U-21 team to build match sharpness.

“I’ve had conversations with [director of medical] Tony Strudwick about Dike. You could say the same about Semi [Ajayi] and maybe Frabotta and Cole. When do they play? I’m asking,” Mowbray said, per Express and Star.

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“I need to see all these players play. I’d like to see them in an under-21s game. You can only play three overage players, but I’ve had the conversation with Semi. ‘What about 45 minutes?’ I’m coming to watch.”

Ajayi’s return to full fitness comes at a crucial time for both West Brom and Nigeria. Before his injury, he was a key figure for the Baggies, playing every minute in the EFL Championship.

READ MORE:Van Nistelrooy hails Ndidi after impressive FA cup display against Manchester United

Ajayi’s return is a welcome boost for Eric Chelle, whose first competitive matches as Super Eagles head coach will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

• March 19: Nigeria vs. Gambia (Away – Rwanda)
• March 22: Nigeria vs. Gabon (Home)

With about six weeks to regain full match fitness, Ajayi will be aiming to reclaim his spot in Nigeria’s squad as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Dessers, believes his side has what it takes to make a deep run in the UEFA Europa League this season, despite the challenges ahead.

The 30-year-old has been in fine form for the Gers, netting 18 goals across all competitions. His standout moment came at Old Trafford, where his stunning equalizer against Manchester United won Rangers’ Goal of the Month for January.

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Dessers, who previously led Feyenoord to the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022, is optimistic about Rangers’ European campaign. While the team has struggled domestically, he insists they can make a mark on the continental stage.

“We’re still competing in three competitions, and the confidence from our European games is huge,” Dessers told Rangers’ official website. “Reaching the top eight proves that something special is possible in the Europa League. We just need to keep going, take it one game at a time, and anything can happen.”

The Nigerian international believes Rangers have already shown they can compete with Europe’s elite.

“Against some very strong teams, we’ve proven we can hold our own. Sometimes, the style of football in the Europa League even suits us better. We saw that last season against teams like Benfica,” he added.

Rangers secured their place in the Europa League Round of 16 after edging out Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt on goal difference. Dessers believes their difficult group-stage journey is proof of their strength.

“If you look at the teams we faced, many of them also made it to the top eight. We had one of the toughest runs in the competition and still came through. That’s a massive achievement, and credit goes to the entire squad,” the former Cremonese striker stated.

Looking ahead, Dessers is confident that Rangers can challenge for the title if they maintain their belief and focus.

“The knockout phase has no easy games, but the deeper you go, the more every matchup becomes 50-50. Even against big clubs, anything is possible in a quarter-final or semi-final,” he concluded.

READ MORE:Remo Stars extend lead, 3SC secure vital win over Bendel Insurance in NPFL match day 23

Rangers, currently second in the Scottish Premiership and trailing Celtic by 13 points, will shift their focus to domestic silverware when they face Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup tomorrow.

Source: The Athletic NG

Remo Stars strengthened their hold at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with a 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars, marking their sixth consecutive league win—a club record.

The Sky Blue Stars are now unbeaten in their last eight NPFL matches, winning seven and collecting an impressive 22 out of a possible 24 points after match day 23.

Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi set the tone early, firing home after just five minutes following a pinpoint cross from Segun Ogunribide.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Ibrahim Abubakar pounced on a rebound after the Kano Pillars’ goalkeeper parried Alimi’s shot into his path.

READ MORE:Super Eagles get injury boost as Semi Ajayi returns to training ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Kano Pillars fought back in first-half stoppage time, with Abba Adam scoring a brilliant header from Abdullahi Ali’s cross.

Adam is currently in the best form of his NPFL career, having netted four goals in his last four NPFL games—accounting for all of Pillars’ recent goals. His strike in Ikenne was his fifth of the season.

Meanwhile, in Ibadan, new signing Godwin Odibo made a perfect debut for Shooting Stars, scoring in the 78th minute to seal a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance.The victory keeps 3SC in second place with 40 points, eight behind leaders Remo Stars, with a game in hand.

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Elsewhere in Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors edged Nasarawa United 1-0, courtesy of Umar Al Amin’s 29th-minute goal.

Source: The Athletic NG

Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), and CFO Gronie Hluyo have had theft charges against them withdrawn by the State.

However, the duo still face multiple fraud-related charges, as confirmed during their court appearance on Friday.

Jordaan, Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge, where State advocate Moagi Malebati announced the amendment of the charge sheet. While the three theft charges were dropped, Jordaan and Hluyo still face three counts of fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud.

READ MORE:Wilfred Ndidi: Super Eagles workhorse injury return sparks reactions – see his stunning stats

Jordaan, a former member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of misusing R1.3 million in SAFA funds for personal expenses.

He is accused of hiring a private security firm for his protection and engaging a public relations agency without the approval of the SAFA board.

The 73-year-old, along with Hluyo and Neethling, was granted bail set at R20,000.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane addressed the withdrawal of the theft charges, explaining that the legal process allows for amendments based on new findings.

“Well, you would recall that at this stage, we have presented to the court a provisional charge sheet. So, once information becomes available—information that changes the completion of the case—the State, in terms of the law, can still alter the charge sheet depending on the information that becomes available,” Mjonondwane told Newzroom Afrika.

She added that further changes could still be made before the plea and trial stage.

Jordaan, Hluyo, and Neethling made their third court appearance on Friday, 7 February. The court has now postponed proceedings until August 2025.

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Meanwhile, Magistrate Sheron Soko-Rantao dismissed Jordaan and Hluyo’s request to have the case struck off the roll, signaling that their legal battle is far from over.

Source: The Athletic NG

Ex Nigerian International and Heartland coach Emmanuel Amunike has praised Victor Osimhen for resisting the temptation of a mid-season transfer, despite strong interest from European giants.

The Nigerian striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, was a target for clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Osimhen opted to stay in Turkey—a decision Amunike believes was the right one.

“I think he made the right decision to stay at Galatasaray during the winter transfer window and not rush into transfers, despite multiple interests,” Amunike told Africafoot in an exclusive interview.

The ex-Barcelona star highlighted the overwhelming support Osimhen has received in Turkey and stressed the importance of honoring that trust.

“He has been massively welcomed and appreciated in Turkey, and it is only important that he thanks them with gratitude.

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He was able to regain his full potential, and all this is due to the fact that he was given a chance when he quarreled with the people of Naples,” Amunike added.

After a rocky 2023-24 season at Napoli, Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray has helped him rediscover his best form.

READ MORE:Danny Jordaan: SAFA President’s legal battle takes a turn – theft charges dropped, but there’s more

The Super Eagles forward has been on fire, scoring 12 Super Lig goals and five in the Europa League, taking his total to 17 goals in 22 appearances.

Source: The Athletic NG

Sami Trabelsi has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Tunisia national football team, marking a significant return to the helm after more than a decade.

Trabelsi, who led Tunisia to victory in the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN), has accepted the role with minimal financial demands, showcasing his dedication to the nation’s footballing progress. His assistant coaching staff is set to be announced in the coming days.

This appointment signals a homecoming for the experienced tactician, who previously managed the Carthage Eagles from 2011 to 2013, guiding them to the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in both years.

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After stepping down in 2013, Trabelsi took charge of Qatari club Al-Sailiya, where he spent ten years before departing in 2023.

The 57-year-old also worked as a sports analyst for Qatari television channels for many years, further expanding his knowledge of the game.

Trabelsi is a former player of Tunisian club Sfaxien and Qatari side Al-Rayyan, making him well-versed in both North African and Middle Eastern football cultures.

AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2026 Campaigns Await

Tunisia is drawn in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament, hosted in Morocco, is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Tunisia has been placed in Group H, where they will compete against Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

READ MORE:Victor Osimhen: Amunike applauds Super Eagles striker’s big gamble – why he rejected major European clubs

The Carthage Eagles have made a strong start in the qualifiers, amassing 10 points from four games with three wins and one draw. The qualifiers are set to resume in March 2025, with Tunisia aiming to solidify their position at the top of the group.

The Tunisian Football Federation’s decision to reinstate Trabelsi underscores their confidence in his expertise and leadership. His track record with the national team, coupled with a decade of experience abroad, makes him a compelling choice to steer Tunisia through upcoming international challenges.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has once again hailed his uncle, Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, as the greatest footballer of all time.

Iwobi, who currently plays for Fulham, has never hidden his admiration for Okocha, whose dazzling dribbling and creativity left a lasting mark on African and European football.

Speaking on the Is This Seat Taken podcast, Iwobi expressed his deep respect for his uncle, emphasizing Okocha’s influence both on and off the pitch.

“In sports? Forever my uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha. I have to shout him out all the time—on and off the field,” Iwobi said.

Okocha, renowned for his exceptional dribbling and playmaking, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers. His career included unforgettable stints with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers.

READ MORE: Kpaboro Arierhri explains why he Chose Lillestrøm SK over offers from top European clubs

Okocha had 73 caps for the Nigeria national team between 1993 and 2006, scoring 14 goals, and was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads and five AFCON team (1994,2000,2002, 2004 and 2006)

He won the AFCON title in 1994 and helped the dream team to Olympic gold medal in 1996.

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Having grown up watching Okocha, Iwobi credits him as a major influence on his playing style and professional attitude.

“I used to watch his matches and training sessions. He’s the one who really taught me how to express myself,” Iwobi shared.

“And off the pitch, he’s always advising me—how to be professional, manage my money, stay humble, and remain grounded. He will always be my idol,” the former Arsenal star added.

Iwobi started his professional career at Arsenal before moving to Everton in 2019. In 2023, he joined Fulham, where he continues to impress under manager Marco Silva.

Since making his international debut in 2015, Iwobi has earned over 80 caps and scored 10 goals for Nigeria, cementing his role as a key player for the Super Eagles.

Source: The Athletic NG

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has named Didier Drogba as the greatest African footballer of all time, overlooking football icons like Mohamed Salah, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, and George Weah.

The 2013 AFCON winner, now a football pundit on the Obi One Podcast, made his selection during an elimination-style interview with GOAL, where he was asked to choose between legendary African players in head-to-head matchups.

How Mikel Made His Choice

Mikel’s selections in the first round were:

• Didier Drogba over Sadio Mané
• George Weah over Samuel Eto’o
• Mohamed Salah over Riyad Mahrez
• Yaya Touré over Jay-Jay Okocha

In the semifinals, he picked Drogba over Weah and Yaya Touré over Salah, setting up a final face-off between Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré.

African legends knockout with Mikel John Obi pic.twitter.com/jLnEs9qBsr

— GOAL (@goal) February 6, 2025

When asked to choose between the two, Mikel settled on Drogba, citing their time together at Chelsea as a major factor.

“Oh my God, I played with him for so many years, and we won everything together, so I have to go with Didier,” Mikel said.

During their time at Chelsea, Mikel and Drogba played 189 matches together, winning multiple major titles, including:

• UEFA Champions League (2012)
• UEFA Europa League (2013)
• Premier League (2009/10, 2014/15)
• Four FA Cups

READ MORE:Chelsea stars Chukwuemeka & Ugochukwu to ditch England and France for Nigeria? here’s the truth

While Mikel’s choice might spark debate, his decision reflects the impact Drogba had on his career and African football as a whole.

Source: The Athletic NG

Former Super Eagles Head coach Sunday Oliseh, has joined the debate on who is the better striker between Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

Both players are crucial to their clubs and have impressive goal-scoring records in the English Premier League. While Haaland has already won two Golden Boots, Isak is yet to claim one but remains a strong contender this season.

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Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Oliseh admitted both players are exceptional but favored Isak for his versatility and technical ability.

“Depends on the kind of football you want to play or club that you are! Isak, in my opinion, is a more complete all-around striker.

He is constantly in motion across the pitch, has an exceptional first touch, is great in 1v1s, and brings his entire team into play. I overwhelmingly prefer Isak… but then, what do I know?”

The competition for the Premier League Golden Boot is heating up. Mohamed Salah leads the charts with 21 goals, while Haaland (19) and Isak (17) remain close behind.

READ MORE:Mikel Obi names his greatest African footballer – snubs Salah, Eto’o, and Weah

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, led by Isak, are currently 6th in the table, level on points with 5th-placed Manchester City, making their push for European football even more competitive.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigeria’s Flamingos are set to begin their preparatory camp on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo. The two-time World Cup semi-finalists will face South Africa’s Bantwana in a crucial two-legged qualifier for a ticket to Morocco 2025.

The Flamingos, who secured a historic bronze medal at the 2022 edition in India, advanced to the second round of the African qualifiers without kicking a ball. In contrast, South Africa delivered a brutal statement, obliterating Gabon 21-2 on aggregate in the first round.

The Bantwana ran riot with a 12-1 demolition in Gabon before sealing their superiority with a 9-1 victory at home.

A Battle of African Heavyweights

The upcoming fixture is far from a routine encounter—it’s a battle of two ambitious teams with a fierce history of rivalry in African football.

Nigeria, a dominant force in the continent’s youth football scene, is well aware that South Africa will come into the clash with confidence, hunger, and momentum after their devastating show of attacking firepower in the first round.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, emphasized the importance of early preparation for such a high-stakes encounter.

“This is not just another qualifier. Nigeria vs South Africa is always a heated contest, full of intensity, emotions, and a strong desire to conquer.

The Flamingos remain one of the best teams in Africa and the world, and we are leaving nothing to chance in ensuring that they are well-prepared for the challenge ahead.”

While the Flamingos enter the tie as favourites based on pedigree, Bantwana’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has already raised concerns about his team’s ability to match Nigeria in quality and physicality.

“Tactically, Nigeria is very good, just like us. But when you go pound-for-pound, we are not ready yet. We need reinforcements, a longer camp, and more competitive friendlies to be able to stand up to Nigeria.

There are quality players in our country who deserve a place in the squad, and if we can get them, we will be in a stronger position.”

Flamingos’ Road to Morocco 2025

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, marks the first time the competition will be held annually and feature an expanded 24-team format.

Africa has been allocated five slots, including the host nation Morocco, leaving just four available for qualification.

READ MORE:Oliseh weighs in on Haaland vs. Isak debate—picks his favourite

Coach Bankole Olowookere, who guided the Flamingos to third place in 2022 and the quarter-finals last year, has assembled a 30-player squad filled with both experienced talents and promising newcomers.

Notable names include goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, midfield sensation Shakirat Moshood, and deadly forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers:

• Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
• Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers)
• Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)

Defenders:

• Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
• Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC)
• Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens)
• Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC)
• Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens)
• Shavih Istifanus (Jos)

Midfielders:

• Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
• Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
• Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels)
• Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
• Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens)
• Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies)
• Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy)
• Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)

Forwards:

• Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)
• Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
• Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens)
• Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
• Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels)
• Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers)
• Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels)
• Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens)
• Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)

High Expectations for the Flamingos

The Flamingos are expected to dominate and secure their place at the global tournament in Morocco. However, they cannot afford to underestimate a fired-up South African side looking to cause an upset.

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As the countdown to the two-legged showdown (scheduled between March 7–16) begins, Nigeria’s young stars will aim to showcase their quality, teamwork, and championship mentality to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Source: The Athletic NG