Tag: General Sports

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Bobo Nwabali has committed his future to Chippa United by signing a new three-year contract.

The former Enyimba International shot-stopper, who earned a surprise call-up to José Peseiro’s 25-man squad for AFCON 2023, has quickly established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Nwabali’s standout performances during the tournament in Ivory Coast, including two clean sheets in three group stage matches and a penalty shootout masterclass in the semi-final against South Africa, solidified his position as Nigeria’s top goalkeeper.

His impressive form attracted interest from several clubs, including South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs. Chippa United confirmed that they had received over ten offers from clubs worldwide for the 27-year-old goalkeeper. However, Nwabali has ended the speculation by renewing his contract with the Chilli Boys.

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

Chippa United expressed their delight at securing Nwabali’s services for the coming years. In a statement, the club said, “We are pleased to announce that Stanley Nwabali has signed an improved three-year contract with Chippa United FC. We are incredibly proud of Stanley’s dedication and commitment to the club. His leadership on and off the field has been exemplary, and we believe he is the right person to guide our team through the challenges ahead.”

In addition to his new contract, Nwabali has also been named Chippa United’s team captain for the upcoming season. The club wished him continued success, both in domestic competitions and on the international stage.

Nwabali will also be part of Bruno Labbadia’s 23-man Super Eagles squad set to face Rwanda and Benin Republic in next month’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

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Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo has shown support for Taiwo Awoniyi, despite the striker’s penalty miss in their EFL Cup loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday.

Awoniyi, who joined Forest from Union Berlin two seasons ago, has struggled with fitness issues since his arrival. The 27-year-old striker came to the club with high expectations after his impressive performances in Germany, but injuries have held him back. As a result, English striker Chris Wood has taken over as the first-choice forward at Nottingham Forest.

Awoniyi started on the bench in Forest’s first two Premier League games this season but was given his first start against Newcastle in the EFL Cup. Unfortunately, he could not score during regular time and missed the final penalty in the shootout, which cost Forest the game.

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

Despite this, Nuno Espirito Santo was positive about Awoniyi’s performance. He explained that he allowed Awoniyi to play the entire match to help him regain his fitness.

“It was a good performance. In the end, he was clearly lacking some energy, but he worked very hard until the end,” Nuno said. “He had two or three good chances to score. We want to give Taiwo this opportunity to improve his fitness because we know the talent is there.”

Nuno also acknowledged the missed penalty but emphasized the need to support Awoniyi and move on quickly, as the team has another match coming up on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

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Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Bruno Labbadia has announced a 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The German tactician has recalled star striker Victor Osimhen and defender William Troost-Ekong to the squad, marking a fresh start for the team.

Osimhen’s return signals an end to his public rift with former coach Finidi George, while Ekong’s inclusion bolsters the team’s defense. Other notable returnees include Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olisa Ndah.

READ MORE: Rangers midfielder Kenechukwu Agu signs new improved two-year deal

The squad blends experienced players with promising talents, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Calvin Bassey. Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie will compete for a starting spot.

The Super Eagles face Benin Republic on September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, followed by a match against Rwanda in Kigali on September 10. Players are expected to report to camp by September 2 to prepare for these crucial encounters.

Labbadia’s appointment as head coach brings a new era for the Super Eagles, and this squad announcement sets the tone for his tenure. With a mix of experience and youth, Nigeria is poised to make a strong push for AFCON qualification.

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest)

Victor osimhen, William Troost-Ekong return to the 23-man squad list

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)

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Noni Madueke has reportedly shunned the Super Eagles of Nigeria as he is included in the released England UEFA Nations League squad list.

Madueke has received his first senior England call-up and will join Chelsea team-mates Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer in the squad for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures against Ireland and Finland.

Released England UEFA Nations League squad list

Madueke, born in England to Nigerian parents, has previously played for England’s youth teams and has now received his first senior call-up. This likely ends any possibility of him representing Nigeria internationally.

READ MORE: Chelsea or Al Ahli: Brown Ideye shares his personal experience with Osimhen as he faces transfer decision

England interim manager Lee Carsley has included Madueke in the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland. Madueke’s impressive form for Chelsea, including a recent hat-trick against Wolves, has earned him this opportunity.

While Nigerian fans had hoped to see Madueke in the Super Eagles, his call-up to the England squad confirms his commitment to representing the country of his birth.

Also making the headlines in the released England squad list is another player of Nigerian descent who also shunned the super Eagles for the 3 lions- Eberechi Eze.

Noni Madueke scored an hat-trick against wolves last weekend in the English Premier League

Michael Olise , another player of Nigerian descent is surprisingly absent from squad list despite recently completing a big money move to Bayern Munich.

Many super Eagles coaches starting from Gerhnot Rohr had tried to woo the energetic Chelsea winger to the super Eagles with the player himself keeping the door to the Nigerian team open until now.

Noni will join Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise amongst others in the list of players with Nigerian descent who shunned the super Eagles to play for the Three Lions.

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Nigerian Premier Football League champions, Rangers, have announced the contract extension of midfielder Kenechukwu Agu. The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal, keeping him at the Flying Antelopes until 2026.

Agu, who has been instrumental in Rangers’ success, expressed his delight at committing his future to the club. “I’m thrilled to extend my contract with Rangers. It’s an honor to be part of this great team, and I’m looking forward to achieving more success together,” he said.

Rangers’ coach, Ilechukwu, praised Agu’s contributions to the team, saying, “Kenechukwu has been a key player for us, and we’re excited to have him on board for the next two years. His dedication and skill will be crucial in our quest for more titles.”

NPFL: NPFL Referees begin pre-season preparations ahead of 2024/2025 campaign

Agu’s contract extension comes as Rangers prepare to face Angolan side Sagrada Esperenca in the next round of the CAF Champions League. The midfielder has already made two appearances in the competition this season, scoring once.

In other transfer news, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has given Chelsea two conditions to join the Premier League club this summer. Osimhen’s future at Napoli has been uncertain, with several top clubs vying for his signature.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Maresca has sparked controversy by claiming he doesn’t consider Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola a manager. Maresca’s comments have ignited a heated debate in the football world, with many defending Guardiola’s impressive managerial record.

In the Nigerian Premier Football League, Enyimba have bid farewell to 13 players ahead of the new season. The Aba-based club is rebuilding its squad, with several new signings expected in the coming days.

Akwa United players have undergone successful medical tests, while Rivers United are gearing up for the new season with intense training sessions. The NPFL has also announced an increase in match officials’ salaries, a move aimed at improving the quality of refereeing in the league.

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Super Eagles and Southampton striker Paul Ebere Onuachu is on the brink of joining Turkish side Trabzonspor before the transfer window closes in two days.

The 30-year-old forward had an impressive loan spell with Trabzonspor during the 2023/2024 season, where he scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 21 league appearances. His performance left the Turkish club eager to secure his services on a permanent basis.

Trabzonspor initially offered €7 million to Southampton in a bid to bring back the former KRC Genk striker, but the Saints rejected the offer, holding out for a €10 million fee. This led Trabzonspor to explore other options, including Dutch striker Wout Weghorst, who ultimately signed for Ajax.

However, according to Sport Witness, Trabzonspor has renewed their pursuit of Onuachu and are now close to finalizing a deal with Southampton.

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

The striker, standing at 2.01 meters tall, is reportedly eager to make the move permanent, a sentiment echoed by Trabzonspor’s president, who confirmed that negotiations are progressing well.

While Southampton initially insisted on a €10 million fee, they may now be willing to accept Trabzonspor’s offer of €7 million, plus add-ons, given that Onuachu appears surplus to requirements at St Mary’s.

Trabzonspor remains confident that an agreement will be reached before the English transfer window shuts, and with the Turkish window remaining open for over two weeks beyond that deadline, they are not under as much pressure to finalize the deal immediately.

This move would see Onuachu continue his career in Turkey, where he has already made a significant impact, and provide him with a new challenge as he looks to build on his successful stint with the Karadeniz Fırtınası.

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Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah marked his return to the Super Eagles squad with a captain’s performance as he led Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 draw against Cape Town City in the first leg of the MTN 8 semifinal.

The 26-year-old centre-back, formerly of Akwa United, showcased his leadership and defensive prowess throughout the match, earning praise from fans and commentators alike. Ndah’s commanding presence at the back was crucial in helping the Buccaneers secure a valuable away result, setting up an intriguing second leg at Orlando Stadium.

Orlando Pirates took an early lead through Relebohile Mofokeng, but Cape Town City mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, denying Ndah and his teammates a clean sheet. Despite the equalizer, Ndah’s performance was described as “solid” by fans on social media, with many highlighting his importance to the team’s defensive stability.

READ MORE: Ekong, Awoniyi, Ndah return in Super Eagles squad for Benin Republic and Rwanda AFCON qualifiers

Ndah’s leadership on the pitch has been recognized beyond his defensive duties. By wearing the captain’s armband, he has etched his name in Orlando Pirates’ history as only the third Nigerian to captain the prestigious South African side, following in the footsteps of Sam Pam and Wilson Okpara. This achievement underscores the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and his pivotal role within the team.

Ndah’s strong display in the MTN 8 semifinal comes at a significant time, as he has also been recalled to the Nigerian national team. New Super Eagles coach Bruno Labbadia included Ndah in his 23-man squad for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. This call-up marks Ndah’s return to the national team after a long absence, with his last appearance for the Super Eagles dating back to 2022.

As the second leg of the MTN 8 semifinal approaches, Ndah will be aiming to lead Orlando Pirates to victory and secure a place in the final. His recent form, coupled with the boost from his national team recall, could prove pivotal in the Buccaneers’ quest for silverware.

The second leg is scheduled for Saturday at the Orlando Stadium, where Ndah and his teammates will look to capitalize on their strong position and continue their pursuit of the MTN 8 title.

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As speculation continues to swirl around Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli, former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has stepped forward with advice for the star forward. With reports suggesting Osimhen might leave Napoli for Chelsea or consider a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, Ideye has drawn from his own experiences to offer guidance.

Brown Ideye, who lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles, recently took to social media to share a personal story about his unexpected transfer to China. The move, which saw him join Tianjin TEDA from Olympiacos, wasn’t part of his original career plan but was driven by financial incentives that were too good to pass up.

“I had no plans to go to China,” Ideye shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Olympiacos received an offer from TEDA which they couldn’t refuse. My agent negotiated with TEDA about my salary and bonuses. When I saw the long numbers and told my wife, she packed my luggage for me to leave the next day, LOL.”

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

Through this anecdote, Ideye highlighted how financial offers can play a significant role in a player’s career decisions. He hopes this insight will resonate with Osimhen, who is currently weighing his options between a high-profile move to Chelsea or a lucrative deal from Saudi Arabia.

Osimhen’s situation has garnered significant attention, especially as the transfer deadline approaches. The Napoli striker has not featured for his club this season, amid ongoing negotiations and interest from various clubs. Ideye’s advice is particularly timely, as Osimhen’s next move could shape the trajectory of his career.

In addition to offering advice, Ideye has previously expressed disappointment with Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, for potentially ruling out a move to Chelsea. Ideye criticized the lack of respect he believes Osimhen receives from European clubs, underscoring the challenges the striker faces as he navigates his next steps.

As the transfer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on Osimhen as he decides whether to stay in Europe or explore opportunities elsewhere.

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Leicester City secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Cup second round, with key contributions from Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew and Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. This win marked Steve Cooper’s first triumph as Leicester City manager.

Jordan Ayew opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a stunning strike that curled into the top corner, making it a memorable debut goal for the Ghanaian since his summer move to the Foxes. His assist to Ndidi later in the match highlighted the strong partnership forming between the two African players.

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The second half saw Leicester continue their dominance. Just five minutes after the restart, Stephy Mavididi extended Leicester’s lead by converting a penalty, awarded after Ricardo Pereira was fouled in the box. Mavididi’s calm finish from the spot made it 2-0.

Wilfred Ndidi, demonstrating his prowess in midfield, added the third goal in the 70th minute. His goal came after a clever link-up play with Ayew, further showcasing the effective combination between the Ghanaian and Nigerian stars.

Harry Winks, another summer signing, completed the scoring in the 90th minute with a powerful long-range effort, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 win for Leicester City.

The victory was a significant one for Steve Cooper, as it marked his first win in charge of Leicester City. The Foxes’ performance demonstrated their ability to control the game and capitalise on their chances, with Ayew and Ndidi playing pivotal roles in their successful outing.

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