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Tag: Cameroon

  • AFCON 2023: What Nigerians are saying about Super Eagles victory over Cameroon

    AFCON 2023: What Nigerians are saying about Super Eagles victory over Cameroon

    Football fans in Kano on Saturday described the Super Eagles’ defeat of Cameroon in the round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as superb and commendable.

    The win helped Nigeria to book a quarter-final ticket at the ongoing competition in Cote D’Ivoire.

    Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman scored a brace (36th, 90th minutes) to assure Super Eagles a place in the quarter finals.

    Assistant Secretary of SWAN, Muzammil Yola who congratulated the Super Eagles over their victory, said the team had greatly improved and deserved the victory

    “I am indeed proud of the Super Eagles for showing resurgence, character, a high sense of patriotism,” he said.

    Alhaji Aminu Garko, Chairman of the correspondents chapel of the NUJ, urged for prayers and support for the team, and also enjoined the Eagles to “build on their current form and go all out to clinch the trophy.

    He also expressed joy at the victory, saying that he was sure the Eagles would go all the way to the final.

    Garko further said that the players proved to others that Nigeria are worthy African champions.

    Victor Samuel, a footballer,  noted that the defence of the Eagles’ also deserved commendation.

    “The boys were strong and disciplined at the back. The likes of Bassey, Zaidu, Ajayi, Aina and Ekong were solid and really performed as expected,” he said.

    Muhammad Sadik, a coach, expressed happiness over the victory.

    “Honestly, I am impressed with the outcome of this match.

    “The players were able to record victory against a good opponent, Cameroon,” he said.

    Similarly,football fans in Osogbo, Osun, on Saturday, were ecstatic as they celebrated the 2-0 victory of Nigeria’s Super Eagles over Cameroon

    The fans were seen, after the match, singing, dancing and drinking their favourite drinks while expressing confidence in the national team’s ability of winning the AFCON tournament.

    Some of the jubilant fans said they were very happy and impressed with the performance of the team.

    They applauded the Super Eagles’ head coach, Jose Peseiro, for the improvement in the team’s style of play as they advance in the tournament.

    Mr Saheed Ajayi, a football fan, said ,”I am very happy and impressed with the way the Super Eagles played today.

    “Initially, I had doubt if Nigeria will be able to beat Cameroon, judging from the inability of the Super Eagles to score goals and how strong the Indomitable Lions are.

    “But I am happy the Eagles were able to tame the lions. What a way to advance to the quarterfinals with two goals against Cameroon. The players were just superb.” he said

    Mr Egbetokun Samuel, said he was really impressed with Victor Osimhen, as he was able to steer the team to victory, even without scoring himself.

    “Osimhen really impressed me today because he played like a committed and dedicated player to seeing Nigeria win.

    “He was not selfish and he ensured the defence of the Cameroonians was constantly under pressure, which led to our first goal tonight.

    “As you can see, I am savouring the victory with a bottle of chilled alcoholic beverage, I am celebrating the team and I believe Nigeria is winning this AFCON.” he said

    Mr Adebayo Oluwagbenga, said the formation the Super Eagles coach used was good and really worked for Nigeria, saying the team look unstoppable.

    “The 3-4-3 formation adopted by the coach is really doing the magic for the team, as the players in every department performed extremely well.

    “I believe and I am hopeful that, with the way the Eagles played tonight and defeating Cameroon, Nigeria can actually win the AFCON tournament.” he said

    Shamsudeen Tiamiyu said he was confident that the Eagles will win and that was why he staked money on tonight’s game.

    He said that the team is getting better with every game the  played at this tournament.

    “That was what  gave me the confidence   that they  will win tonight’s game against Cameroon,”be said.

    He applauded the team work the players exhibited, saying that Nigerians should expect  the AFCON trophy by Febraury the way the team is playing.

  • BREAKING: Super Eagles send Cameroon packing from AFCON 2023

    BREAKING: Super Eagles send Cameroon packing from AFCON 2023

    Two goals from Ademola Lookman, one in each half, gave the Super Eagles a 2-0 win over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions for progress into the quarter-finals at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Super Eagles scored one goal in each half to send the Cameroonians packing from the tournament.

    In the 36th minute, Osimhen lashed on to a defensive error from the Indomitable Lions defender and set up Ademola Lookman who wasted no time before slotting home the first goal of the encounter.

    Earlier, Semi Ajayi had put the Super Eagles ahead but his goal was chalked off for offside by Video Assistant Referee.

    After series of attempt by both sides to score, the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.

    Upon resumption of the second half, the Super Eagles played counter-pressing football and it paid off in the 76th minute when Ademola Lookman received a one- two pass from Ola Aina and the Atalanta FC forward slammed the ball into the net for the Super Eagles second goal of the night.

    However, Nigerian goalie, Stanley Nwabali didn’t complete the match after he sustained an injury in the 73rd minute of the encounter and he was replaced by Francis Uzoho.

    The result meant that the Super Eagles are through to the Quarter Final of the 2023 AFCON and will battle Angola for the semi-final ticket.

  • AFCON 2023: Osimhen doesn’t scare us – Cameroon coach, Rigobert Song

    AFCON 2023: Osimhen doesn’t scare us – Cameroon coach, Rigobert Song

    Rigobert Song, the head coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon has revealed that his boys do not fear Nigerian striker and current African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen.

    Song made this known at the pre-match conference on Friday in Abidjan.

    The last two AFCON meetings between both sides have ended in favour of Nigeria. They will be looking to make it three on the bounce with a victory in the last-16 clash this Saturday.

    Osimhen has not shown his best form at the 2023 AFCON, as he has just scored one goal in three fixtures so far.

    But Song knows what the 25-year-old is capable of doing on his good day on the field.

    “Osimhen is a big player,” Song told the Guardian, as per Yahoo Sports.

    “We know him and respect him. But respecting him doesn’t mean that we should fear him.”

    AFCON 2023: We will play Nigeria with respect – Cameroon Coach

    Meanwhile, Song had said his team will play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday with respect.

    He this on Friday in Abidjan at the  team’s news conference ahead of the round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The former Cameroon captain explained that Nigeria has strong players individually and collectively but they will approach the game with all seriousness.

    “We will stick to the positive, we are trying to improve our game daily. Nigeria is a good team.

    “It is not going to be easy but we are going to take them serious. When we play a team that is serious, we will be serious too” Song said.

    The Cameroonian coach said they are going to be organised, tactically and mentally, because they don’t have the luxury to make mistakes anymore.

    “We have conceded lots of goals but we will find a way to concede less tomorrow. We need to believe in ourselves to give the best we can” he  said.

    On his part, Jose Peseiro, said it is going to be a tough match because they are against eight times champions, adding that both Cameroon and Nigeria are big teams.

    “We know what we must do if we want to beat Cameroon, we don’t want to concede goals, at least we must score one.

    “Our objective is to win the match, we know the power of the opponents, the quality of the players and coach. We believe too much in us” Peseiro said.

    FC Nantes winger, Moses Simon, who accompanied Peseiro to the news conference, said himself and his teammates  will give their all to win on Saturday.

  • AFCON 2023: Double Injury boost for Cameroon ahead Super Eagles clash

    AFCON 2023: Double Injury boost for Cameroon ahead Super Eagles clash

    Vincent Aboubacar and winger Clinton N’Jie have fully recovered from injuries and are back in training for the indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

    Both players are yet to taste action at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as they have been recovering from injuries.

    It was gathered that the duo trained with their teammates in Bouake on Wednesday night without any difficulties.

    Rigobert Song’s side has stormed Abidjan on Thursday  ahead of the highly anticipated Round of 16 clash against eternal rivals Nigeria.

    Saturday’s encounter is slated for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

    Cameroon finished second in Group C behind holders Teranga Lions of Senegal.

    The Super Eagles also came second in their group behind the surprise package, Equatorial Guinea.

    The winner will face either Angola or Namibia in the quarter-final.

  • AFCON 2023: History favours Super Eagles as Cameroon’s Lions arrive Abidjan

    AFCON 2023: History favours Super Eagles as Cameroon’s Lions arrive Abidjan

    History, pedigree, current form and turf familiarity are factors weighing heavily in favour of the Super Eagles as they confront the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Round of 16 at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

     

    Five-time champions Cameroon prosecuted their group phase games in Yamoussoukro, and have now arrived in Cote d’Ivoire’s commercial and industrial capital for Saturday’s potentially-explosive encounter with three-time champions Nigeria.

     

    In effect, Nigeria and Cameroon have clashed in 17 competitive matches since their first of such matches in the Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah Cup on 8th December 1962, which Nigeria won 3-1. Of those 17 matches, Cameroon have won only 4 – three of these in the Final matches of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984, 1988 and 2000. The only other time Cameroon have beaten Nigeria in a competitive match was on 27th August 1989, when Francois Omam Biyick scored the only goal in Yaounde that eliminated Nigeria from the race to the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals in Italy.

     

    Nigeria have won nine of the other 13 matches, including a 2-1 defeat of Cameroon in the bronze medal-match of the 1992 AFCON; a 2-0 triumph in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Ibadan; a 3-2 win in Yaounde in a 1970 World Cup qualifier; a 2-1 win in Monastir in a 2004 AFCON quarter-final; a 4-0 win in Uyo in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier and; a 3-2 win in Alexandria in a 2019 AFCON Round of 16 clash.

     

    More than the above, the Super Eagles presently boast the Africa Player of the Year in Victor Osimhen, and the Super Eagles have more familiarity with the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where they pipped Guinea Bissau 1-0 on Monday to make sure of their place in this competition’s Round of 16.

     

    Nigeria have reached the Round of 16 after scooping seven points, unbeaten in their three matches; Cameroon were battered 3-1 by Cup holders Senegal and fought hard to overcome The Gambia in added time to make sure of a place in the knock-out rounds.

     

    As both teams prepare for the big day, thenff.com takes a cursory look at the SEVEN previous clashes involving Nigeria and Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations – the continent’s flagship football championship:

     

    1) 1984 AFCON FINAL MATCH: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan

     

    Coach Adegboye Onigbinde brought in Patrick Okala for Peter Rufai, who was injured in a bruising semi-final encounter with Egypt, which went to penalties in Bouake four days earlier. Bala Ali, who got the equalizer in that match, started in place of Chibuzor Ehilegbu. Rapid winger Clement Temile, two-goal hero against Malawi in the group phase, also started from the bench, with Stephen Keshi, Kingsley Paul, Paul Okoku, Muda Lawal, Humphrey Edobor, Yisa Sofoluwe and James Etokebe among the starters.

     

    Etokebe sprinted to a through pass by Edobor and made a pull-out that Antoine-Bell fumbled for Muda Lawal to lash in for Nigeria’s goal. A free-kick late in the first half brushed Keshi’s head to fly past Okala for the equalizer, and Abega put Cameroon in front before Eugene Ekoule’s winner. The Lions deployed their huge experience and exposure at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, where they exited at group phase without losing any of their matches against Poland, Peru and eventual winners Italy.

     

    2) 1988 AFCON GROUP PHASE MATCH: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat

     

    Samuel Okwaraji, who only joined the team the previous year, scored with a scorching left-footed shot after only two minutes, but Cameroon equalized 20 minutes later with a header by Roger Milla, with the Nigeria defence thinking they had kept him offside. The draw followed a 3-0 defeat of Kenya, and meant Nigeria only needed a draw in their next match against Egypt (which they got) to reach the semi finals.

     

    Goalkeeper Peter Rufai, defenders Yisa Sofoluwe, Andrew Uwe, Sunday Eboigbe and Bright Omokaro, midfielders Henry Nwosu and Ademola Adeshina, and forwards Okwaraji and Rashidi Yekini were among those involved.

     

    3) 1988 AFCON FINAL MATCH: Stade King Mohamed V, Casablanca

     

    Nigeria, who had survived another bruising semi-final, in which they went to penalty shootout with Algeria after a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time, started brightly with Ndubuisi Okosieme installed on the right, Humphrey Edobor on the left and livewire Henry Nwosu all over the place.

     

    Henry Nwosu’s powerful header from Sam Okwaraji’s pull-out on the right sailed past Antoine-Bell, but referee Idrissa Sarr from Mauritania ruled off the strike. Cameroon scored with 10 minutes into the second half, when Eboigbe impeded Roger Milla and Emmanuel Kunde fired past Peter Rufai from the spot.

     

    3) 1992 AFCON BRONZE MEDAL MATCH: Stade de l’Amitie, Dakar

     

    Both teams needed to self-motivate after losing their semi-final matches, with the Eagles bumped by Ghana and Cameroon ejected after a penalty shootout by eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire. Coach Philippe Redon had dropped goalkeeper Antoine-Bell, who lost the crucial penalty against the Ivorians, and brought in Jacques Songo’o. The Lions’ squad also included Emile Mbouh, Benjamin Massing, Cyril Makanaky, Jean-Claude Pagal and Kessack Maboang.

     

    Nigeria had Alloy Agu in goal, and also included Emeka Ezeugo, Isaac Semitoje, Nduka Ugbade, Reuben Agboola, Victor Ikpeba, Friday Ekpo, Mutiu Adepoju, Finidi George and Rashidi Yekini. Ekpo fired home from a 22-yard free-kick to give Nigeria the lead with 15 minutes to go, but the Lions equalized in the 85th minute through Bahoang. Yekini, who had scored three goals earlier in the tournament (two against Kenya and one against Zaire), got the winner from an acute angle with two minutes left.  

     

  • AFCON 2023: How struggling Cameroon set up round of 16 tie against Super Eagles of Nigeria

    AFCON 2023: How struggling Cameroon set up round of 16 tie against Super Eagles of Nigeria

    Five-time champions Cameroon lived up to their billing Tuesday in Bouake with a never-say-die display to advance to the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The Indomitable Lions had looked down and out of contention in their Group C match day 3 fixture, especially after one draw from two earlier games and trailing 1-2.

    But they still mustered enough from their reservoir to score two late goals to beat The Gambia 3-2 and advance as group runners-up to book a date with old rivals Nigeria.

    They did take the lead in this game in the 56th minute through Karl-Toko Ekambi to look sure for third place and possible qualification as one of the best losers.

    But goals from Ablie Jallow (72nd minute) and Ebrima Colley (85th minute) turned the game round for a The Gambia lead.

    However, an unfortunate streak of events soon swung the situation back in Cameroon’s favour as James Gomez pushed the ball into his side’s net two minutes later.

    With Cameroon now buoyed by the own goal which drew them level, the Indomitable Lions surged forward.

    They were rewarded with the winning goal in the first minute of added time by Christopher Wooh for a 3-2 ending.

    Cameroon thus moved into second place behind group winners Senegal who beat Guinea 2-0 in the group’s other match.

    They displaced Guinea on goals scored after both sides had ended with four points each from three matches, and the same goals difference.

    The Indomitable Lions will now meet Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Saturday in a round of 16 match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

  • AFCON 2023: Super Eagles to play Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in round of 16

    AFCON 2023: Super Eagles to play Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in round of 16

    The indomitable Lions of Cameroon has emerged as Super Eagles round of 16 opponent after defeating Gambia 3-2 and finishing as second placed team in group C behind the Teranga Lions of Senegal.

    Senegal won all its group games thus amassing 9 points and finishing as group C leaders, Cameroon come in second after defeating Gambia 3-2 in a very thrilling encounter.

    The Syli national of Guinea finished third after losing 2-0 to the Teranga Lions of Senegal but still have means to qualify.

    The second round game between Nigeria and Cameroon will hold on the 27th of January at the Stade Felix Houphouet, Boigny, Abidjan.

    While the Nzalang Nacional of Guinea will face the Syli Nationals of Guinea Conakry on Sunday, January 28th, 2023.

  • Cameroon rolls out world’s 1st malaria vaccine

    Cameroon rolls out world’s 1st malaria vaccine

    Cameroon launched the world’s first routine vaccine programme against malaria on Monday.

    It is one of 20 African countries planning to introduce the drug this year, according to global vaccine alliance Gavi.

    Here are some key facts”

    The RTS,S malaria vaccine, developed by British pharmaceutical GSK opens new lab and sold under the brand name Mosquirix, was backed by the World Health Organisation in July 2022.

    It underwent trials in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.

    It acts against P. falciparum, the deadliest strain of malaria spread by anopheles mosquitoes, and the most common in Africa.

    The vaccine is designed to be administered to young children in four doses from around 5 months of age.

    The vaccine has been in the making for nearly 40 years.

    It was first created in 1987, according to GSK.

    The drugmaker received funding to develop the RTS,S-based vaccine for young children in 2001, it said.

    In July 2023, 18 million doses of RTS,S available for 2023–2025 were allocated to 12 countries, prioritising those doses for where the risk of malaria illness and death among children are highest, until vaccine supply increases to fully meet demand.

    The vaccine’s effectiveness is relatively low. GSK in 2015 published results of a large-scale clinical trial showing it reduced the risk of severe malaria by around 30 per cent.

    However, some researchers say it could be higher if given just ahead of the malaria season.

    The fact that it must be administered across at least four doses has raised concerns about the logistics of fully inoculating children in remote areas.

    More than 30 African countries have expressed interest in introducing the vaccine.

    The WHO estimates that 40-60 million doses will be required each year by 2026, rising to 80-100 million by 2030.

    Demand for the shot is likely to far outstrip supply for several years, but the anticipated roll-out of a second vaccine should ease these supply pressures.

    The R21 vaccine, developed by Oxford University, could be launched in May or June, according to Gavi.

    It was pre-qualified by the WHO in December, a key regulatory step

  • AFCON: My country comes first, you can keep criticising me – Andre Onana

    AFCON: My country comes first, you can keep criticising me – Andre Onana

    Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has come out fighting regarding his status at the African Cup of Nations.

    Onana completed a long journey from Manchester to the tournament in the Ivory Coast over the weekend.

    He played against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, before flying for Cameroon’s opener against Guinea on Monday.

    However, travel troubles meant he arrived a little later than scheduled and was not in the squad.

    “I have a lot to say but I will not say it here because we are in competition,” Onana told Canal Plus on Monday night.

    “Let me continue to be criticized, I am used to it. I do what is good for my country.

    “It’s like choosing between my father and my mother, but my country comes first; that’s why I’m here. We are together. We are here to win [the tournament].”

  • AFCON 2023: United delay Onana, set to join Cameroon team one day before opening match

    AFCON 2023: United delay Onana, set to join Cameroon team one day before opening match

    Manchester United have told Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana to delay for few more days before traveling to represent his country at AFCON.

    United have explained that Andre Onana will play against Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday, before flying to join up with his Cameroon team mates for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Onana is expected to be available for the Indomitable Lions’ first game in Ivory Coast.

    United have persuaded Cameroon to let the player stay for the Spurs game at Old Trafford on January 14.

    All clubs are obliged under FIFA rules to release players for the AFCON two weeks earlier.

    The two sides have now reached an agreement for Onana to play in goal against Spurs before leaving for Afcon straight after the game. It remains to be seen if he starts Cameroon’s opening Group C match against Guinea as well.

    The match between Cameroon and Guinea will hold on the 15th of January.