TheNewsGuru

Tag: Black Stars

  • Qatar 2022 playoffs: Ghana cage Super Eagles of Nigeria in goalless draw

    Qatar 2022 playoffs: Ghana cage Super Eagles of Nigeria in goalless draw

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Friday in Kumasi held the Black Stars of Ghana to a goaless draw in the first leg of their 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off.

    The titanic clash played at the Baba Yara Stadium saw Ghana dominate proceedings roared on by a raucous home crowd.

    The Black Stars started the first half on the front foot as they piled pressure on the Nigerian defence marshalled by captain William Trost-Ekong.

    The best chance of the half fell to Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku whose shot from just outside the penalty box was saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, while the resulting corner kick was wasted by the Stars.

    Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Joe Aribo had opportunity to open the scoring late in the half forcing Joojo Wollacott into action while Aribo’s strike went over the crossbar.

    Nigeria grew into the game and enjoyed a bright spell just before the break when Kelechi Iheanacho very nearly got on the end of a cross at the back post, before Victor Osimhen sent a tame volley at goal that was saved.

    Ghana had much of the possession but were also not clinical in front of goal.

    On resumption of the second half, the rampaging stars started with more aggression but were repelled by the Nigerian defence as Leon Balogun stood tall.

    In spite of several attempts, Ghana failed to find the back of the net with a Mohammed Kudus strike being pushed away by the Nigerian shot-stopper.

    Nigeria’s best chance of the game came in the 55th minute when Simon Moses was put through on goal, but with the goalkeeper at his mercy, the Nantes man lacked the composure in front of goal.

    Moses who was later substituted with 18 minutes left to play, shot straight at the goalkeeper, who saved with his foot.

    In the 76th minute of the game, Nigeria felt they had a clear chance to go ahead after they were awarded a penalty with Baba Iddrisu’s hand ball spotted by the centre referee.

    However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came to the rescue of Ghana, spotting a foul on the Ghanaian defensive midfielder.

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen ringed the changes in the midfield and forward line but the Eagles still could not cage their bitter rivals in the “jollof derby”.

    Leicester City’s Ademola Lookman was introduced for his Nigeria debut after completing his switch from England but it was too little too late.

    The Eagles will have it all to play for in the return leg on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for a place at the 2022 World Cup.

  • Super Eagles arrive Kumasi ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup Play-Off

    Super Eagles arrive Kumasi ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup Play-Off

    The Super Eagles on Thursday morning arrived in Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti region for their Qatar 2022 World Cup Play- Off first leg tie against the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday (tomorrow).

     

    The contingent flew into the city on a chartered Air Peace flight.

     

    They are expected to stay at Golden Tulip Hotel Kumasi City.

     

    The West African giants will clash on Friday at the Baba Yara Stadium by 8:00pm.

     

    The Super Eagles have landed in Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti region for their Qatar 2022 World Cup Play- Off first leg tie against the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday.

    The contingent flew into the city on Thursday morning from Abuja on a chartered Air Peace flight.

    They are expected to stay at Golden Tulip Hotel Kumasi City.

     

    Eighteen Super Eagles players had made it to camp as they hope to book their place in Qatar when they face Ghana in the playoffs holding on the 25th and 27th of March respectively.

     

    The latest arrivals were Leganes defender, Kenneth Omeruo, Jo Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Dennis who plays as a striker for Premier League side, Watford F.C.

  • Qatar 2022: Super Eagles will overrun Black Stars to qualify – Chukwu

    Qatar 2022: Super Eagles will overrun Black Stars to qualify – Chukwu

    A former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, says he is optimistic about the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after their playoff fixture with Ghana’s Black Stars.

    Chukwu told the NAN in Enugu on Wednesday that he was “highly hopeful” of victory for the Super Eagles at the end of the two-leg encounter.

    NAN reports that the fixture begins with Friday’s game at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, while it will end on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

    “I am optimistic of the national team’s victory. I am already praying and mobilising local support for their victory,” the now retired coach, who was with the team as an assistant coach in 1994 when it made its World Cup debut, said.

    He stated that while he was concerned that the full complement of the Nigerian squad was not around for the match he was however still full of hopes.

    “I am of the belief that those around for the game will deliver for Nigeria.

    “But in a situation where some invited players do not make it, we must know that this is a sign that there is the need to groom and get home-based Super Eagles players ready to replace anybody in the squad.”

    Chukwu, who captained the team when it was the Green Eagles, said such a situation was an indication that the Super Eagles’ handlers should never neglect the home-based players.

    “There should be a development plan, as they (home-based players) may be so useful in times like these,” he said.

    Chukwu however challenged the team’s coaching crew to deploy superior technical and tactical pattern of play as the Black Stars would definitely try to pull some surprises against the Super Eagles.

    He also said he was sure Nigerians would rise in full support of the team, as “they have been supporting the Super Eagles all along and they will do same this time”.

    The former defender however urged the players to reciprocate the support by putting their best into the game so as to do the nation proud.

    “Our players should fight for it and be resilient, because playing at the World Cup remains the most important dream and prayer of any outstanding footballer.

    “The World Cup is the show-piece and zenith of football.

    “It has great potentials of selling both the individual player and his country of origin to the rest of the world,” the former Super Eagles coach said.

    The winners over two legs between Nigeria and Ghana will qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals billed for Nov. 21 and Dec. 18 in Qatar.

  • Reno Omokri taunts Buhari ahead of Nigeria vs Ghana WCQ

    Reno Omokri taunts Buhari ahead of Nigeria vs Ghana WCQ

    Reno Omokri has asked President Muhammadu Buhari not to call the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their FIFA World Cup play-off against the Black Stars of Ghana.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Omokri stated this on Tuesday in reference to the call of Buhari to the Super Eagles prior to their knock out encounter in the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Tunisia.

    “Dear General Buhari, the only appeal I make to you as Nigeria is set to face Ghana in a World Cup qualifier is please do NOT call the Super Eagles. If you want to call, I can get you the number of the Black Stars. You may call them to ‘inspire them’. Thank you,” Omokri tweeted.

     

    Recall that Buhari called the Super Eagles to charge them up as they played Tunisia in the second round of the 2021 AFCON. They eventually crashed out of the tournament after the call.

    Many Nigerians blamed Buhari’s call as the reason the Super Eagles crashed out of the 2021 AFCON.

    TNG reports the Super Eagles of Nigeria will play the Black Stars of Ghana in a two-legged encounter in Ghana on Friday and in Abuja next week.

  • Early arrivals: 6 players hit Super Eagles camp ahead of Ghana vs Nigeria’s WCQ

    Early arrivals: 6 players hit Super Eagles camp ahead of Ghana vs Nigeria’s WCQ

    Six (6) players have arrived in the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier encounter against eternal rivals, Black Stars of Ghana.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the six early arrivals are William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka and Odion Ighalo.

    The six players are the ones to hit camp earlier ahead of 25 players invited for the encounter, with Ademola Lookman making his first call up for Nigeria.

    The goalkeepers invited for the encounter are Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi.

    The defenders are Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Balogun, Aina, Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Shehu Abdullahi.

    The midfielders are Innocent Bonke used to replace Wilfred Ndidi, who got injured, Joe Aribo, Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo and Akinkunmi Amoo.

    The forwards invited are Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ighalo, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Dennis and Lookman.

    Meanwhile, on standby are Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins, Chidera Ejuke, Taiwo Awoniyi, Paul Onuachu, Peter Olayinka and Ogenyi Onazi.

    TNG reports Nigeria and Ghana face off in a two-leg fixture for one of Africa’s five slots at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, first in Cape Coast on March 25 and then in Abuja on March 29.

  • We’re committed to winning FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket – Super Eagles

    We’re committed to winning FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket – Super Eagles

    Players and coaches of Nigeria’s senior men team, Super Eagles, have assured of their determination to earn a spot at the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals, holding in Qatar 14th November – 18th December this year.

    At a virtual meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Sunday Dare and chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday night, Coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amuneke and the playing body said they are aware of the huge challenge that Ghana’s Black Stars will present in next month’s two-legged play-off, but are determined to emerge victorious.

    Captain Ahmed Musa said: “The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in the world, and every player wants to feature there. A good number of the players in the team now have not been there, and the few of us that have been there want to experience it again. We just want the NFF to help us get enough fans into the Abuja Stadium for the second leg. We will go to Ghana and dig our feet and ensure we get a result. We must admit that Ghana also want to qualify and they have a strong team. The return leg will be crucial and we are ready for the battle, but we want our fans to be in there cheering us on.”

    Technical Adviser Augustine Eguavoen had this to say: “It is always an honour to serve the country. I was impressed with the high level of discipline and commitment of the players at the AFCON in Cameroon, and I feel privileged to lead the group. We have two tough games against Ghana next month but I am not too worried because we have a squad that knows it is a mountain that we have to climb. We have a good headache to deal with – which is a surplus of good players. I want to thank the Government and the NFF for all the support during the AFCON; we will need even greater support for the World Cup play-off.”

    Chief Coach Emmanuel Amuneke said he was privileged to work with the team. “I have worked with some of the players in the U17 and U20 teams, and some others I have known for many years. We have the team to earn the World Cup ticket and we will put our best foot forward for each game.”

    Deputy Captain William Ekong added that the players are aware of the big task ahead and only wants the Government to ensure that the pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja is in ‘pristine condition’ for the return leg encounter against the Black Stars. “We loved the pitch of the stadium in Garoua and it helped us play some good football. We would be delighted if the Abuja Stadium is in similar condition for the second leg.”

    In his opening remark, Youth and Sports Minister Sunday Dare extolled the players for their efforts at the AFCON, and expressed belief that lessons have been learnt from the defeat to Tunisia in the Round of 16: “I know you are still unhappy about the loss to Tunisia, but I want you to visit the anger of the defeat by Tunisia on Ghana. We all know about the history of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana in football, and this is one fixture that we must not lose.

    “We know that dogged spirit is there in you, and we also want you to see yourself as one big family. We have confidence in you that you can do it and will give you all the support. Coaches Eguavoen and Amuneke have smooth access to the NFF President and he will always be ready to provide what you need. As for the pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, we have experts working there all the time and I assure you it will be in perfect condition for the match.”

    President of NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick charged the players to face the two-leg fixture with even greater determination and play with grit, guts, zest and elan. “These are two very crucial matches in which you have to give more than your best. Winning the World Cup ticket is non-negotiable.”

    Also at the meeting was General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.

    Among the players present were Musa, Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Abdullahi Shehu, Sadiq Umar, Jamilu Collins, Frank Onyeka, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Kelechi Nwakali, Wilfred Ndidi, Zaidu Sanusi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Daniel Akpeyi, Peter Olayinka, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu, Henry Onyekuru.

    Nigeria, who have featured in six of the past seven FIFA World Cup finals, slug it out with the Black Stars in Cape Coast on Thursday, 24th March before both teams tango again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, 27th March.