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Tag: International Friendly

  • International Friendly: Super Eagles set to clash with Saudi Arabia

    International Friendly: Super Eagles set to clash with Saudi Arabia

    Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will clash in a senior international friendly match in the city of Portimão, Portugal on Friday, 13th October 2023.

     

    The clash comes barely a month before the three-time African champions, who lashed Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in their 2023 AFCON final-day qualification game in Uyo on Sunday, set out on the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with a home game against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

     

    Within the same FIFA window in November, the Eagles will play their second match of the qualification series, away to the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

     

    Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons, who play Mali’s Eagles at the same venue four days later, have never played Nigeria at senior level.

     

    The most remarkable clash between both countries remains the opening match of FIFA U20 World Cup (then known as FIFA World Youth Championship) in 1989, in which second half goals Chrstopher Ohenhen and Mutiu Adepoju steered Nigeria to a comeback 2-1 victory over the host nation in Riyadh.

     

    The Estadio Municipal de Portimão, in the Algarve, is the home ground of Portimonense S.C. and can seat close to 10,000 spectators.

  • Int’l Friendly: Mane scores two as Senegal shock Brazil 4-2 in Portugal

    Int’l Friendly: Mane scores two as Senegal shock Brazil 4-2 in Portugal

    Bayern Munich forward,  Sadio Mane scored twice as the Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated Brazil 4-2 in a friendly in Lisbon, Portugal on Tuesday.

    West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta put Brazil ahead in the 11th minute, before Habib Diallo equalised for Senegal in the 22nd minute.

    Brazil defender, Marquinhos scored an own goal in the 52nd minute to give the West Africans the lead while Mane extended their lead three minutes after to put scores at 3-1 .

    As well as Paqueta, Brazil’s team at the beginning of the match included Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Newcastle midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes and Tottenham forward Richarlison.

    Meanwhile, Senegal’s side included Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate, Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy and Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.

    It was another blow for Brazil, who have Under-20 manager Ramon Menezes acting as a caretaker coach.

    The Brazilian FA (CBF) are still pursuing Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to be their new coach. The role has been vacant since the resignation of Tite following their World Cup quarter-final exit in December.

  • Peseiro charges Eagles to go all out for victory against Portugal

    Peseiro charges Eagles to go all out for victory against Portugal

    Nigeria’s Portuguese manager, José Santos Peseiro has called on the three-time African champions to show guts, grit and gumption by aiming for victory over hosts Portugal in Thursday’s prestige international friendly in Lisbon.

    Both countries’ A squads go for each other’s jugular at the 50,000 -capacity Estádio José Alvalade in what is the first senior international clash between them, as from 6.45pm Portugal time (7.45pm Nigeria time).

    “Sincerely, I am wishing that this is a FIFA World Cup group stage match, because I tell you, that is the level at which Nigeria should be playing. Even though that is not the case, our objective is to go out there and win.

    “It is good that we are playing big teams. I am enamoured by that, because this is good for the team and it will sharpen the team to achieve our goal of winning the next Africa Cup of Nations. We also have the opportunity to test a number of players.”

    Peseiro has 23 players to pick from in what is perhaps his biggest test since resuming as Nigeria’s manager in the summer. Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye are in Lisbon, just as defenders William Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Kevin Akpoguma, Calvin Bassey, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ebube Duru.

    In the midfield, the options are Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo.

    At the fore, Peseiro will be able to pick among France -based duo of Moses Simon and Terem Moffi, Belgium-based Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

    On Tuesday, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Portugal, His Excellency Alex Kefas paid a visit to the Super Eagles at their training session. He urged the team to win the encounter against Portugal. Team captain William Ekong thanked the ambassador and his staff and assured that the team will fight for a win in Thursday’s match.

  • International Friendly: Ronaldo to miss Portugal vs Nigeria game

    International Friendly: Ronaldo to miss Portugal vs Nigeria game

    The captain of the Portuguese national team, Christiano Ronaldo will not be available for selection in the international friendly game against Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday.

    Portugal national team coach, Fernando Santos has stated reasons why Ronaldo will be unavailable for the encounter, saying that he’s sick.

    He said “He is suffering from gastroenteritis and will not train today for this reason. “Ronaldo won’t be ready to face Nigeria, he’s resting, as you know, gastritis takes a lot out of players.

    Ronaldo did not take part in the Red Devils games against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and Fulham in the Premier League due to the illness.

    However, the veteran forward may have played his last game for the Red Devils after he granted an explosive interview to ace British journalist Piers Morgan where he slammed the club’s owners, the hierarchy, his manager, even his teammates.

    Speaking on the controversial interview, Santos said, “We need to respect what others think and say, provided it doesn’t impact what I do.

    “None of my players have made a comment regarding the interview, at all.

    ‘Cristiano Ronaldo is a free man. The buzz and discussion [around him] is taking place outside the national team. It doesn’t impact us.”

    Although the Super Eagles will not be going to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the friendly against Portugal is another opportunity for new manager Jose Peseiro to continue his progress with the team.

    The match will take place  at the 50,000-capacity Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon and it is the first-ever full international between Portugal and Nigeria.

    The game will start by 7:30pm Nigerian Time.

  • Osihmen to miss Nigeria/Portugal friendly due to injury

    Osihmen to miss Nigeria/Portugal friendly due to injury

    Napoli of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the Super Eagles friendly with the Selacao of Portugal on the 17th of November in Lisbon, Portugal.

    The Nigeria Football Federation via its Twitter page explained that Osimhen is injured and now replaced with  Cyriel Dessers who plays as a forward for Serie A club Cremonese.

    Also, the Nigerian Football Federation disclosed that Olisa Ndah is also injured and Chidozie Awaziem has been called to replace him in the Super Eagles squad.

    Osimhen has scored nine goals in ten league games in the Italian Serie A this season, with six in his last five games. He also has three assists to his name and has scored one goal in the Champions League.

    The match is scheduled to take place at Estádio José Alvalade on Thursday, with kick-off set for 7:45 PM.

    This is the first time ever that both teams will face each other at the senior level.

     

     

  • International Friendly: Osimhen, Lookman, Ekong, 17 others to face Portugal

    International Friendly: Osimhen, Lookman, Ekong, 17 others to face Portugal

    Head Coach Jose Peseiro has named Captain William Ekong, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in a 23-man squad to face World Cup-bound Portugal in a friendly encounter in Lisbon on Thursday next week.

    There are also spaces for defenders Calvin Bassey and Kevin Akpoguma, midfielders Ayodele-Aribo and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

    Wing back Tyronne Ebuehi makes a long-awaited return to the fold, as hard-as-nails midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo. Defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi Samuel (based in Portugal and Turkey respectively) are called up for the first time.

    Forward Paul Onuachu also returns to the three-time African champions.

    Thursday’s encounter at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon will kick off at 18.45pm Portugal time (19.45pm in Nigeria)

    Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Watford FC, England); Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)

    Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece)

    Forwards: Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Terem Moffi (Lorient FC, France); Paul Onuachu (Genk FC, Belgium); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest, England)

  • Int’l Friendly: Portugal unleashes C.Ronaldo, Bernado Silva, Joao Felix on Super Eagles

    Int’l Friendly: Portugal unleashes C.Ronaldo, Bernado Silva, Joao Felix on Super Eagles

    Christiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix will line up against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the 17th of November in Lisbon, Portugal.

    Veteran defender, Pepe, Manchester City duo, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are also part of the team that will face the Super Eagles.

    The Portuguese coach, Fernando Santos has released a 26-man squad heading for the Worldcup starting on the 20th of November in Qatar.

    Both teams will be meeting for the first time ever in Men’s soccer at the senior level.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro is yet to release his list for the friendly but reports say that the list will be drawn from the pool of players available at his disposal.

    Portugal has been drawn in  Group H and will face Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in  at the World Cup.

    The Portugal/Nigeria friendly will be the last football match for the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the year 2022 and it will serve as preparatory for 2024 AFCON qualifiers in March 2023.

     

  • International Friendly: Costa Rica beat Super Eagles 2-0 in San jose

    International Friendly: Costa Rica beat Super Eagles 2-0 in San jose

    Qatar World Cup bound Conmebol side, Costa Rica defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria by 2-0 early Thursday morning before bidding their fans goodbye in a friendly encounter for them before the Mundial kick-starting on November 20.

    Oscar Duarte scored for the host in the 7th minute at San Jose before Kendall Waston added the second in the 73rd minute to condemn the Nigerians to another international friendly defeat.

    Costa Rica had several other chances to add to their tally as supporters at the National Stadium provided a carnival atmosphere ahead of the team’s departure for the World Cup in Qatar.

    Although it was the Super Eagles B team that featured in the encounter as the first team players were doing business for their various club sides.

    The hosts will feature in their third straight World Cup this month. They kicked off their qualification campaign sluggishly, picking up just one win in their first seven games. However, they bounced back with six wins in their final seven games before beating New Zealand 1-0 in the playoffs.

    Costa Rica will compete against Germany, Japan and Spain in Group E at the World Cup finals. (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

     

  • Nigeria vs Costa Rica: Gusau charges Eagles to go for victory

    Nigeria vs Costa Rica: Gusau charges Eagles to go for victory

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has told the Super Eagles to go for victory as the team is set to take on World Cup-bound Costa Rica in a friendly game in San Jose in the early hours of Thursday.

    The President made the call on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Nigeria) shortly after the team’s lunch at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica.

    Gusau, who spoke through the leader of delegation and NFF Executive Committee Member, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi further called on the Super Eagles to be worthy ambassadors of the nation as he vowed that the NFF Executive Committee under his watch will not relent in its quest to reposition Nigeria Football.

    “I am delivering this goodwill message on behalf of the NFF President. Mr. President is wishing the team the best of luck in tomorrow’s game against Costa Rica.

    “It is pertinent for you to note that Nigerians are result-oriented and they want the team to always have a good outing in every match, friendly or competitive.

    “It is a friendly game but at the same time, we want to win.”

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle the World Cup-bound Los Ticos at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose as from 8pm local time on Wednesday (3am Thursday in Nigeria).

  • International Friendly: Super Eagles face Costa Rica in San Jose today

    International Friendly: Super Eagles face Costa Rica in San Jose today

    All is now set for the face-off between the Super Eagles  B side and Costa Rica in an international friendly game in San Jose.

    The match is expected to serve as a test match for Costa Rica that’s World Cup-bound and serve as Super Eagles preparatory game for AFCON qualifiers in March.

    The match takes place by 8pm Costa Rican time and 3 am Nigerian time

    The Super Eagles’ delegation arrived in San Jose on Sunday evening ahead of the game, which will hold in the early hours of tomorrow.

    The Super Eagles are lodged at Real Intercontinental Hotel, San Jose,  the team is really made up of mostly home-based players, some of who were drafted from the national U-23 team.

    While the Super Eagles will not be in Qatar, they will look to put together a fine run of form ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Serie Leone.

    Costa Rica secured their sixth World Cup appearance after  initially not securing an automatic spot from the CONCACAF  but got a second chance by defeating New Zealand in the  qualifying play-off final.

    Costa Rica are currently unbeaten in four straight games, claiming one draw and three wins, including a 2-0 victory over Martinique in Group B of the CONCACAF Nations League on June 5.

    Costa Rica will play in Group E alongside Spain, Germany and Japan in Qatar 2022.