Tag: General Sports

30 Nigerian female coaches in deep course for CAF C-Licence

A group of 30 women coaches in Nigeria are making significant progress in the CAF C-License Coaching Course, which is divided into three modules. The second module, currently underway in Abuja, follows a two-week internship at various clubs and will be followed by another internship and a final examination module.

The course, led by experienced coach educators including Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, and Coach Isah Ladan Bosso, aims to equip women coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. Among the participants are former Super Falcons stars and other experienced coaches.

The NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, expressed satisfaction with the participants’ discipline, dedication, and commitment to the program. The second module will conclude on August 16, followed by another two-week internship from August 23 to September 4. The final module, which includes examinations, will take place from September 9 to 19.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Super Falcons maintains African 1st spot in latest FIFA rankings

This initiative is a significant step towards promoting women’s football in Nigeria and providing opportunities for women coaches to develop their skills. The participants’ enthusiasm and dedication demonstrate their passion for the sport and their desire to make a positive impact.

The CAF C-License Coaching Course is a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in football, and Nigeria is leading the way. By investing in women coaches, the country is paving the way for future generations of female footballers and coaches.

The participants complete the second module, they are one step closer to achieving their goal of becoming certified coaches. The NFF’s commitment to women’s football is evident in this initiative, and the results will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the sport in Nigeria.

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria have retained their position in the latest FIFA rankings, despite a challenging campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The nine-time African champions faced defeats against Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the tournament, finishing at the bottom of their group. Despite this, the Falcons have maintained their 36th position in the global rankings.

In the past three months, the Super Falcons accumulated 1621.29 points. They remain the highest-ranked team in Africa, with South Africa’s Bayana Bayana holding the second spot on the continent.

Top 10 African Teams in FIFA Rankings:

1. Nigeria
2. South Africa
3. Morocco
4. Zambia
5. Ghana
6. Tunisia
7. Cameroon
8. Ivory Coast
9. Mali
10. Equatorial Guinea

READ MORE: Official: Super Falcons star Onyinyechi Zogg joins Perth Glory in Australia

In the global rankings, the United States has surged to the top position with a notable increase in total points. The USA’s new score of 2076.9 reflects a gain of 60.95 points from the previous tally of 2015.95. This significant leap places them firmly in first place, overtaking England, which has seen a slight drop in its score, now standing at 2023.42, a decrease of 0.05 points from the previous rating.

Spain, previously holding second place, has fallen to third with a total of 2021.09 points, marking a decrease of 78.8 points from their earlier score of 2099.89. Germany remains in fourth place with a new score of 2014.11, down by 4.38 points from the previous 2018.49.

Sweden also experienced a decline, moving from the top position to fifth with a new score of 1986.8, a reduction of 8.53 points from their previous 1995.33. Canada, however, made a significant upward shift, moving to sixth place with 1982.24 points, up by 30.6 points from 1951.64.

Japan, currently in seventh place, saw a minor decrease to 1974.34 points, a drop of 1.63 from their previous score of 1975.97. Brazil advanced to eighth place with a new score of 1970.36, improving by 21.49 points from their earlier 1948.87.

Korea DPR made a slight gain to 1944.23 points, up by 0.57 points from 1943.66, placing them in ninth. France, previously in eighth place, has dropped to tenth.

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Shooting Stars midfielder Samson Malomo has become the latest Nigerian player to make the leap to European football, signing a two-year deal with Albanian club KF Bylis.

Malomo, who captained the Oluyole Warriors, leaves the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) after an impressive stint with Shooting Stars, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s successes.

His outstanding performance last season, which saw him score seven goals and provide four assists, caught the attention of European scouts, leading to his historic move.

The attacking winger’s departure was officially announced by Shooting Stars, who expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the club.

“We are glad to officially announce the departure of our captain, Malomo Taofeek Ayodeji, from the Oluyole Warriors’ fold,” the club stated.

“Soft-spoken Malomo, who scored seven goals and provided four assists in the 2023/24 season, has gladly moved to Europe, where he has joined Albanian side FK Bylis on a 2-year deal.”

READ MORE: Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup Win: Does Brahim Diaz edge ahead of Ademola Lookman in CAF POTY Race?

Malomo’s move marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes one of the few Nigerian players to make the transition from the NPFL to European football. His success is a testament to the growing talent and recognition of Nigerian players on the global stage.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been instrumental in Shooting Stars’ promotion back to the NPFL in the 2021-22 season and has left a lasting impact on the Ibadan-based club. His impressive performances have earned him a reputation as one of the most skilled and dedicated players in the NPFL.

Malomo’s move to KF Bylis is a significant step forward in his career, and he is expected to make a significant impact in the Albanian league. His signing is a testament to the growing recognition of Nigerian players in European football and is expected to pave the way for other talented players from the NPFL to make the transition to European football.

Malomo begins his new chapter in European football and fans and stakeholders in Nigerian football will be eagerly watching his progress, hoping that his success will inspire other players to follow in his footsteps. With his talent and passion for the game, Malomo is poised to make a significant impact in European football and become a role model for aspiring Nigerian players.

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FC Nantes has appointed Cameroon defender Jean-Charles Castelletto as their new captain, overlooking Nigeria’s Moses Simon, who has been with the club for five years. Simon, a key player for Nantes, has been instrumental in the team’s success, but manager Antoine Kombouaré has chosen to go with Castelletto instead.

This decision has raised eyebrows, considering Simon’s dedication and commitment to the club. He has been a vital part of Nantes’ squad, making significant contributions to their performances.

However, it seems that Kombouaré has opted for a different leadership style, choosing Castelletto to lead the team.

Simon’s omission from the captaincy role may come as a disappointment to Nigerian fans, who have grown accustomed to seeing him excel on the pitch. Despite this setback, Simon remains a crucial player for Nantes, and his skills and experience will undoubtedly continue to benefit the team.

READ MORE: Shooting Stars captain Samson Malomo signs for Albanian club KF Bylis

The appointment of Castelletto as captain marks a new era for Nantes, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds to this change in leadership. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if this decision pays off for the club.

Super Eagles Moses Simon is overlooked for Nantes captaincy.

In other news, Nigerian players continue to make waves in European football. Samson Malomo, formerly of Shooting Stars, has signed with Albanian club KF Bylis, marking a significant milestone in his career. Malomo’s move to Europe is a testament to the growing talent and recognition of Nigerian players on the global stage.

The European season kicks off and Nigerian fans will be eagerly following the progress of their favorite players. From Moses Simon at Nantes to Malomo at KF Bylis, there is no shortage of talent to cheer for. With their skills, dedication, and passion for the game, Nigerian players are sure to make a significant impact in European football.

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The Nigerian Super Eagles have dropped one place to 39th in the latest FIFA rankings, released on July 18, 2024. This slight decline comes as the team navigates a transition period, following the resignation of former manager Finidi George.

Despite the drop, the Super Eagles remain within the top five teams on the African continent, with Morocco leading the pack at 14th globally. The Teranga Lions of Senegal follow closely, ranking 19th worldwide, while Mo Salah’s Egypt and Sebastien Haller’s Ivory Coast occupy the third and fourth spots in Africa, respectively.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Moses Simon overlooked for Nantes captaincy despite 5-year contribution

The latest rankings reflect the recent success of European teams, with Spain leapfrogging five places to claim the third position globally, following their triumph in the EURO 2024 championship. England, the runners-up, have also improved their standing, moving up to fourth.

Argentina maintains its position at the top of the rankings, having added the 2024 Copa America trophy to their 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. France remains steady in second place, while the top ten is rounded out by Brazil, Netherlands, and Portugal.

Super Eagles players all smiles, training in camp. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images

In Africa, the top ten includes Tunisia (41), Algeria (46), Cameroon (51), Mali (53), and South Africa (57). The Super Eagles will be looking to improve their ranking as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

The decline in rankings may be a cause for concern for Nigerian fans, but it is essential to note that the team’s performance can be improved with the right leadership and strategy. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is currently searching for a new manager to lead the team, and the right appointment can help the Super Eagles regain their footing on the global stage.

The season progresses and the Super Eagles will face stiff competition from other African teams, and their performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. With the right mindset and preparation, the team can bounce back from this slight decline and reclaim their position among the top teams in Africa and the world.

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The Nigerian Super Falcons have maintained their position as the top-ranked women’s football team in Africa, according to the latest FIFA world rankings. Despite a disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they failed to win a single match, the team remains 36th globally.

The Super Falcons gained five points since the last update, keeping them ahead of African champions South Africa, who moved up one spot to 50th in the world.

Other notable African teams in the rankings include Morocco at 59th, Zambia at 62nd, and Ghana at 66th.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Super Eagles drop massively in latest FIFA rankings

The United States, who won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, have surged four spots to reclaim their position at the summit of the world rankings. They now lead France and world champions Spain, with Germany and Sweden rounding out the top five.

The Super Falcons’ ability to hold their rank despite a disappointing Olympic showing speaks to their overall consistency and the strength of their programme. The landscape of women’s football continues to evolve and all eyes will be on how Nigeria and other African nations can build on their current standings and challenge the world’s elite teams in future competitions.

The rankings underscore the competitive nature of women’s football in Africa and the ongoing efforts of these nations to improve their standing on the global stage. With the right mindset and preparation, the Super Falcons can bounce back from their Olympic setbacks and reclaim their position among the world’s top teams.

Nigeria Super Falcons. Photo Credit: Getty Images

In other news, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped one place to 39th in the latest FIFA rankings, following a transition period and the resignation of former manager Finidi George. Despite this decline, the team remains among the top five teams in Africa, with Morocco leading the continent at 14th globally.

The season progresses and both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons will face stiff competition from other African teams, and their performances will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. With the right leadership and strategy, Nigeria’s national teams can regain their footing on the global stage and make a significant impact in international competitions.

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Remo Stars Coach Daniel Ogunmodede has revealed he is banking on experience for his sides upcoming CAF Champions League clash Against ASFAR FC of Morocco.

As Remo Stars gear up for their first preliminary round match against ASFAR of Morocco, coach Daniel Ogunmodede is confident that past experiences will guide the team to success this time around.

After finishing in second place in the 2023/2024 NPFL season, this marks the third consecutive season that the Sky Blue Boys will participate in the CAF Inter-Club competitions.

However, they have yet to advance beyond the preliminary round in their previous two attempts. Speaking to CAF media ahead of the game, Ogunmodede emphasized the team’s growth and readiness.

READ MORE: NPFL clubs begin CAF inter-club adventures

“We learn from our experiences, and I believe we will do better this time around,” Ogunmodede stated. “It’s our third time on the continent, and we’re more experienced now.”

Remo Stars will host the first leg of the match at their home ground, the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, this weekend. The team and its supporters are hopeful that this newfound experience will lead to a breakthrough in the competition.

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Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has disclosed that he personally covered the cost of the Nigerian Olympic football team’s flight to Brazil for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Mikel Obi’s revelation highlights the difficulties and mismanagement faced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) during the event.

On his podcast, Mikel Obi shared details of the travel woes, saying, “When I represented my country at the Olympics in Brazil, we had to wait from morning till night at the airport because there was no plane to take us to Brazil. There was in-fighting behind the scenes about who would cover the cost of the flight.”

READ MORE: Nigerian winger Babatunde Akinsola signs 3-year deal with AVS in Portugal

Mikel explained, “The FA didn’t want to pay for the flight, and although the government released the money, it seems the funds weren’t released in time. We waited all day, but there was no flight. I ended up paying for it myself to ensure we could get to Brazil.”

This disclosure underscores the challenges faced by the Nigerian Olympic football team due to inadequate planning and coordination among the involved organizations. Mikel’s intervention was crucial in ensuring the team could participate in the Games, avoiding further embarrassment for Nigerian football.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner’s comments add to his recent remarks about his experiences, including his contention that Lionel Messi unfairly won the Golden Ball award over him at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima has joined Tanzanian Premier League side Tabora United on a one-year deal with an option to extend for another year. The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who was a part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, completed his medical check and signed the contract earlier today.

Sochima’s move to Tabora United marks a new chapter in his career, having previously played for FC Heartland, Jigawa United, and Rivers United in the NPFL. His experience and skills will undoubtedly be an asset to the Tanzanian club, which finished 14th in the league table last season.

READ MORE: Breaking: NFF finally settles for former defender as interim Super Eagles Coach, official announcement imminent.

The goalkeeper joins a growing list of Nigerian players plying their trade in the Tanzanian Premier League, including Benjamin Tanimu, John Noble, and Augustine Okejepha. This trend highlights the increasing appeal of the East African league to Nigerian footballers.

Sochima’s transfer is a significant boost to Tabora United, which is looking to improve its standing in the league table. With his addition, the club hopes to move further up the table and make a stronger impact in the upcoming season.

Victor Sochima in action for Rivers United

The move also reflects Sochima’s ambition to explore new opportunities and challenges in his career. Having been a part of the Super Eagles squad, he is eager to gain more experience and exposure in international competitions.

Tabora United has also signed Maurice, another Nigerian player, to strengthen its squad. The club’s recruitment drive is a clear indication of its determination to succeed in the Tanzanian Premier League.

The new season approaches and fans of Tabora United and Nigerian football enthusiasts will be watching Sochima’s progress with keen interest. His move to the Tanzanian Premier League is a testament to the growing appeal of African football and the opportunities available to Nigerian players beyond the NPFL.

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Lazio’s former Brazilian star Felipe Anderson has handed over the iconic number 7 jersey to Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The 25-year-old Nigerian international is set to make his Serie A debut on Sunday when Lazio welcomes Venezia to Rome.

Dele-Bashiru, who joined Lazio from Sheffield United, acknowledged the pressure of wearing the revered number 7 jersey, previously worn by Anderson, who left a lasting legacy at the Stadio Olimpico.

Anderson’s blistering pace, technical brilliance, and game-changing abilities made him a fan favorite during his time with Lazio.

Super Eagles Fisayo Dele Bashiru in action. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Dele-Bashiru expressed his eagerness to adapt to Serie A and prove his worth to the Lazio faithful. “Italian football is very tactical; this is the biggest challenge. My favorite role is as a number 8 or 10. I am ready to play and make the fans happy,” he said.

READ MORE: Rivers United goalie Victor Sochima signs for Tanzanian Premier League side Tabora United

The midfielder also highlighted the supportive environment at Lazio, citing the impact of his coach and the training he received at Manchester City.

“The training I received at Manchester City was very good, and Turkish football taught me a lot. I know I’ll need to adapt to Serie A, but I’ve found a very supportive environment here, and I hope we can have a great season.”

Dele-Bashiru’s move to Lazio has generated significant interest, with AC Milan and other teams reportedly eyeing the talented midfielder. His ability to play as a number 8 or 10 adds depth to Lazio’s attacking lineup, and his experience in Turkish football will be invaluable in Serie A.

Dele-Bashiru prepares to make his Serie A debut and he will be eager to make a strong first impression and begin his journey with Lazio on a high note. The iconic number 7 jersey comes with a weight of responsibility, but Dele-Bashiru is ready to rise to the challenge and leave his mark on Italian football.

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