TheNewsGuru

Tag: Super Eagles

  • 2026 WCQ: Rohr releases 26-man squad for Benin Republic, Super Eagles clash

    2026 WCQ: Rohr releases 26-man squad for Benin Republic, Super Eagles clash

    Ahead of the next phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has released  Benin Republic’s team list  to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in June.

    Nigeria will  face South Africa on June 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo before heading to A Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan three days later for a date with Rohr’s Benin Republic.

    The Eagles and the Squirrels were drawn  in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers and are set to face each other next month.

    Since taking over the Benin job in February 2023, Rohr has played 10 games, winning just one, drawing four, and losing five.

    Despite being the coach of the Super Eagles’ opponent Benin Republic, Rohr is bothered about the quality of Nigeria.

    “They are only two points behind the group leaders (Rwanda), and that is an advantage they can overturn in the next round. We cannot rule out a team with the quality of the Nigerian team. Every team in the group knows it.” He said.

    It would be recalled that the Super Eagles last qualified for the global football tournament in Russia in 2018 after they missed out on Qatar 2022 following a play-off defeat to eternal rivals Ghana.

    The squirrels are expected to leave Cotonou for Abidjan on Monday and train on the same pitch where they will face the Super Eagles.

    During his time in charge of the Eagles, which spanned five years, Rohr led the team through a total of 64 matches.

    He guided the Eagles to 35 victories, suffered 13 losses, and endured 16 drawn games.

    One of the highlight of his time in charge of the Eagles was a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    Super Eagles could climb to the top of the group C if they win their next two qualifiers.

    All group leaders will automaticall qualify for the next world Cup holding in Canada, Unuted States, Mexico in 2026.

    There will be an opportunity for the overall best runners up in all the 9 groups to play World Cup play off later in the qualifying series.

    Africa will present 9 countries with an option of the tenth depending on the outcome of the play off.

  • Ademola Lookman’s rise to stardom for clubs and country

    Ademola Lookman’s rise to stardom for clubs and country

    Europa League hero and Super Eagles of Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman is the cynosure of all eyes after he scored a spectacular hat-trick against a 51-match unbeaten Leverkusen thus ending the unbeaten run of the German champions and their quest to win a treble this season.

    Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman MON is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club Atalanta. Born in England, he plays for the Nigeria national team.

    Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship.

     

    Lookman’s Country of Birth

    Ademola Lookman was born on the 20th October 1997 in Wandsworth, London, United Kingdom, he’s aged 26 years.

    Lookman is of average height that stands at   5 ft 9 in (1.74 m)

    YOUTH Career

    Lookman joined Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014 after signing from Waterloo, a youth football club based in the London Borough of Lambeth. His goalscoring record for Charlton’s U18 and U21 teams led to him making a rapid ascent through the Charlton academy ranks and he made his first-team debut for the Addicks on 3 November 2015.

     He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on 5 December 2015 and then followed that up with both Charlton’s goals in a 2–2 draw with Bolton Wanderers ten days later.

    He played an integral part of the England U-20 World Cup Winning team in 2017

    England were champions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, after defeating Venezuela in the final of the 2017 tournament. From October 2023, the squad was rebranded as the England Men’s Elite League Squad to reflect their participation in the Under 20 Elite League.

    He played an integral part in the 2017 winning U-20 team.

    However, his desire to don the white and Red jerseys of England was repeatedly dashed hence his decision to make a U-turn and play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria after being convinced by Amaju Pinnick.

    Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship.

    He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on 5 December 2015, and then followed that up with both Charlton’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers ten days later.

    He signed for Everton in January 2017, where he played mainly as a winger

    He also made his debut for the Merseyside club ten days later in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City, replacing Ross Barkley in the 90th minute and scoring the team’s fourth goal.

    Lookman also made his first European appearance for Everton in a 1-0 win over MFK Ruzomberok in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg.

    Eventually, he would be loaned out to Bundesliga club, RB Leipzig in the 2018 January Transfer window.

    In his first game with Leipzig, Lookman scored the winning goal in the away game against Borussia Monchengladbach after coming on as a late substitute.

    In July 2019, Lookman returned to RB Leipzig on a five-year contract, before being loaned out  to Premier League side Fulham on a season-long loan in September 2020.

    Ademola Lookman finally joined Serie A side, Atalanta on a permanent move in the 2022-23 season for €9.35 million from German side, RB Leipzig.

    Ademola Lookman became only the fourth footballer to score a hat trick in a one-legged European final after Ferenc Puskas (vs. Frankfurt 1959/60, vs. Benfica 1961/62), Alfredo Di Stefano (vs. Frankfurt 1959/60), and Pierino Patti (vs. Ajax 1968/69).

    On 22 May 2024, he scored his first career hat-trick in the Europa League final in the Dublin Arena, as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to end their 51-game unbeaten run and win the trophy for the first time in history.

    Super Eagles Journey

    After being convinced by former Nigeria Football Federation boss, Lookman made his debut for Nigeria as a 24-year-old in 2022 after waiting endlessly for an England senior  national team call-up, despite representing the Three Lions across multiple age grades.

    As a player for the Super Eagles, Lookman has been touted as one of the future stars of the national team, having helped his club side lift the 2023/24 Europa League title.

  • Finidi George opens up on style to adopt with Super Eagles

    Finidi George opens up on style to adopt with Super Eagles

    Super Eagle’s Head Coach, Finidi George has said he would adopt modern football styles to make meaningful impact and get positive results as the national team coach.

    Finidi made this known during a Media Parley at Eko Hotel in Lagos on Thursday.

    According to him, wing play had gone out of football, and it was quite different now, from the way they used to play the game in the past.

    “Football is now different from the way we used to wing the game in the past years, we were used to wings play like right footed Finidi, and left footed Emmanuel Amunike, and each, trying to do the best at their various wings.

    “Sometimes it’s not easy getting those wings crossing result, because some players are not used to the styles of the football nowadays.

    “Now we will adopt modern football styles, to make meaningful impact, and get positive results.

    “Though the Eagles are known for their traditional ways of playing but we will try our best to adopt suitable styles, and modern methods that will yield positive results,” Finidi said.

    The Eagle’s coach also added that the country needed all the players playing in Europe, to come home to represent their nation.

    He said majority of them were doing well in their various clubs abroad.

    “Nigeria is blessed with numerous players, playing very well in the world, we want them home to represent their home country,” he said.

    The Super Eagle’s team will meet Bafana Bafana of South Africa on June 7, and Benin Republic, on June 10, in the world cup qualifiers.

  • Osimhen injured, could miss Super Eagles matches against South Africa, Benin Republic in June

    Osimhen injured, could miss Super Eagles matches against South Africa, Benin Republic in June

    Super Eagles and Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen was missing in training on Monday as Napoli commenced preparations ahead of their clash against Leece.

    The 24 year-old Nigerian has not been training with his teammates since sustaining an injury in Napoli’s home defeat to Bologna two weeks ago.

    The forward missed the Partenopei’s clash with Fiorentina last weekend.

    According to information on Napoli’s official website, the Nigeria international took part in only gym work at the club’s Konami Training Centre on Monday.

    Speculations are also rife that Osimhen could miss Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic.

    The Super Eagles will take on Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, June 7.

    Finidi George’s side will take on Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, three days later.

  • Iloenyosi endorses FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament

    Iloenyosi endorses FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament

    Former Super Eagles defender, Chikelue Iloenyosi has endorsed the football tournament of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

    Iloenyosi, who is the current Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, was a member of Nigeria’s team to the FIFA U20 World Cup on home soil in 1999.

    Popularly known as The General, Iloenyosi endorsed the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament in Abuja on Friday when executives and members of the Chapel led by Chairman Jide Oyekunle paid him a courtesy visit.

    Speaking during the visit, the Anambra FA Chairman disclosed he does not joke with journalists, and that he is excited about the prospect of the football tournament.

    “I do not joke with journalists. I am very happy that the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel deemed me fit as the ambassador of the football tournament.

    “I am excited about the prospect of the football tournament, which I learnt is to strengthen the relationship among participating organisations. I fully endorse the tournament,” Iloenyosi said.

    Earlier, Chairman of NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel had disclosed that the visit was to express gratitude and sincere appreciation to the former Super Eagles defender for accepting the request to be the ambassador and the face of the tournament.

    Comrade Oyekunle informed Iloenyosi that the football tournament will hold between July 11th and 13th, 2024 and that the draws for the tournament will take place on June 18th, when the Anambra FA Chairman would be unveiled officially as the ambassador of the tournament.

    “We are here to express our gratitude and sincere appreciation to you for accepting our request to be the ambassador and the face of our tournament.

    “Your contribution to sports development within and outside the country will continue to be a reference point. We consider your positive disposition to our request as honour and privilege. We do not take it for granted but with gratitude,” Oyekunle said.

    Speaking on the essence of the football tournament, the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel Chairman said it is to strengthen the friendly relationship among the participating organisations through football.

    Oyekunle listed the participating organisations to include: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal High Court (FHC) and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

    Others he said are: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS) and Correspondents Chapel football team and amongst others.

    Oyekunle said: “The 3-day tournament will be held at the Area 10 football field by Old Parade Ground. It is aimed at providing avenues for journalists and security agencies and government organisations to come together as one family with the aim of strengthening friendly relationships through football.

    “Sport does not have a language. Sport is an integral activity that unites the people and has the power to change the world irrespective of religion, ethnic and political background.

    “Football makes people forget their differences because it is a unifying factor. It heals wounds and bonds people together.

    “This is our own little way of contributing and lending our voice to national unity, peace and harmony.

    “As a media friendly football legend in the country,  you have been a role model in your chosen career for the younger generation.

    “Your exceptional and invaluable contributions towards sports development within and outside the country will continue to be a reference point in the annals of history.

    “You have impacted so many lives through your humanitarian programmes and projects and this kind gesture will continue to resonate and never go unnoticed.

    “It is my pleasure to also inform you that the formal unveiling as ambassador will come up on Tuesday June 18th by 12 pm at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja during the Pre Tournament Press Conference and draw.

    “As Ambassador you will also help to supervise the draw which will be attended by the sports enthusiasts, dignitaries, the representatives and team leaders of the participating organisations.

    Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gigantic thank you card to the former Super Eagles defender. The NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament is in its 2nd Edition.

  • 2026 WC qualifier: Nigeria vs South Africa match official revealed

    2026 WC qualifier: Nigeria vs South Africa match official revealed

    Chadian official, Alhadi Mahamat will be in the centre when the Super Eagles host South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in June.

    Mahamat, 38, has officiated in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions

    He was also a referee at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

    Mahamat will work with Sudanese official Mohammed Abdallah (assistant referee 1), Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe (assistant referee 2), and compatriot Pousri Alfred (fourth official).

    The  encounter will commence at 8pm Nigeria time on June 7.

    Ahmed Abou Elela from Egypt will serve as the referee assessor, while Ghanaian Munkaila Adam will be the commissioner for the clash.

    CAF also appointed Ethiopian official Bamlak Weyesa, 43, as the referee for the encounter between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan.

    The match will kick off at 4pm Cote d’ Ivoire time (5pm Nigeria) on June 10.

  • 2026 WCQ: CAF picks Chadian referee, Mahamat for Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana clash

    2026 WCQ: CAF picks Chadian referee, Mahamat for Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana clash

    Alhadi Allaou Mahamat from Chad will be at the center when the Super Eagles of Nigeria clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa  at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tie next month according to reports on the website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

    The encounter is billed for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, June 7.

    Manhat has officiated in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

    The 38-year-old Chadian  was also on duty at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

    He will be assisted by Sudanese official Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah (assistant referee 1), Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe (assistant referee 2) and compatriot Pousri Armi Alfred (fourth official) at the encounter.

    Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela from Egypt will serve as the referee assessor, while Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam will be the commissioner for the matchday three clash.

  • Danladi Bako hails NFF on choice of Finidi George

    Danladi Bako hails NFF on choice of Finidi George

    Nigerian broadcasting icon, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako has praised the Nigeria Football Federation for settling for former international and ex-Enyimba FC strategist Finidi George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The Kogunan Sakwatto, 66, who created a plethora of famous TV programmes including Morning Ride, Mastersports and Second Chance, among others, and served as Special Adviser to a number of Sports Ministers many years ago, insisted the NFF leadership struck a bull’s eye with the appointment of the two-time FIFA World Cup star, stating that George oozes class and character, and an iron determination to succeed despite his public carapace of a quiet person. “Finidi George has that cultured, disciplined mien and personality that makes you want to trust him with a big project. He understands the meaning of constituted authority and right from his playing days, has always displayed the attribute of a team player. He has always had that calm, collected nature even in the face of pressure or danger. “Above all, he is not someone who thinks he is doing the nation a favour. He is grateful for the opportunity and I believe that he has all it takes to succeed. I am calling on the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the NFF and Nigerians as a whole to support him to take the Super Eagles to brand-new heights.” Bako, who holds a doctorate degree in development communication from the Ahmadu Bello University and was Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission between 1999 and 2002, says all hands must now be on deck to ensure victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic on 7 June and 11 June respectively. “No doubt, the NFF got this one appointment right. Very much on point. Now, they should endeavour to give George all the support he needs to succeed in his task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
  • Gombe FA boss rates appointment of Finidi George

    Gombe FA boss rates appointment of Finidi George

    Yakubu Sarma, the Chairman of Gombe State Football Association (FA) has said Finidi George is the best choice for the Super Eagles coaching job.

    Sarma who stated this in his congratulatory  message in Gombe on Monday,  said his  appointment would bring good fortunes to football development in the country.

    He expressed optimism that with George’s leadership, the Super Eagles would soar to greater heights.

    Sarma said that his dedication, passion, and expertise would inspire the team to achieve excellence on the pitch.

    “We extend our warmest congratulations to Finidi George on his unveiling as the  Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

    “George’s  career as a player and coach undoubtedly make him a good  choice for this role,” he said.

    The FA chairman commended the Nigerian Football Federation ( NFF)  for their decision in appointing the ex-Nigerian international.

    “On behalf of the entire football community in Gombe State, I extend our heartfelt wishes for a successful tenure as George embarks on this journey.

    “May his leadership bring forth a new era of triumphs and accomplishments for Nigerian football,” he said.

    The NFF on Monday in Abuja unveiled the former Ajax star  as the new coach of the Super Eagles.

    George was appointed the Super Eagles’ head coach on April 19.

  • What Finidi George needs to succeed – Sports Minister

    What Finidi George needs to succeed – Sports Minister

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has opened up on what newly unveiled Finidi George needs to succeed as the head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) unveiled Finidi as the head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Monday.

    Speaking Senator Enoh, who observed that the appointment of Finidi was well received by Nigerians, expressed his confidence in his ability to take the Super Eagles to a new height.

    Enoh rallied the support of critical stakeholders and Nigerians for the newly appointed coach of the Nigerian senior national football team.

    The Minister stated that the new coach requires the support of all Nigerians for him to succeed.

    According to Enoh, with his appointment, Finidi has the responsibility to bring back the liveliness and excitement of the Nigerian Football.

    The Minister stated that the administration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ started with so much support for Nigerian Football adding that, we can’t afford to let him down.

    Earlier in his remarks the President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)’ Dr. Ibrahim Muza Gusau, stated that the appointment of Finidi George signalled a new dawn in the history of Nigerian Football. He said that his appointment was in line with the clamour of Nigerians for the appointment of an indigenous coach to handle the Super Eagles.

    He explained that it was in deference to this yearning that the federation directed the technical team saddled with the responsibility of picking the coach to look inwards and choose an indigenous coach for the national team. Now that the choice of the coach has been made, he called on all Nigerians to support him to succeed in his new role especially with the the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in sight.

    He assured that as a policy, the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF gave Finidi George the freehand to choose his technical staff. Ibrahim Gusau stressed that the assistants will be paid on game-by-game basis to avoid crisis in the payment of their allowances that had bedevilled the process in the past. He also assured that they will be entitled to bonuses and entitlements enjoyed by players and coaches.

    In his response, Finidi George, the newly appointed Coach of the Super Eagles thanked NFF and Nigerians for his appointment. He promised to put in his best in the task of lifting Nigerian Football to the next level.

    Former Nigerian international, Daniel Amokachi(Assistant Coach),Olatunji Baruwa( Goalkeeper Trainer), Chima Onyeka(Fitness Trainer) and Benjamin James were also unveiled as members of the technical team.