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Tag: Super Eagles

  • AFCON 2023: FG launches fund raiser for Super Eagles

    AFCON 2023: FG launches fund raiser for Super Eagles

    Minister of Sports, John Enoh has announced a fund raiser for the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles will take on hosts Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 AFCON at the Stade Olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé on Sunday.

    Enoh stressed the feel good feeling the country is suffused with as a result of the heroics of the Super Eagles thus far needs to be sustained until the team lifts the coveted trophy for historic fourth time.

    In a statement released via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the Minister of Sports further stressed the government alone cannot fund sports development in the country.

    He called on public spirited individuals and corporate Nigeria to financially support the Super Eagles team and make donations directly to the Team Manager, Mr. Enebi Achor, who he said can be reached on +2348037860516.

    The statement reads: “The curtain will fall on the African Cup of Nations football tournament on Sunday February 11, 2024 with our senior national team, the Super Eagles facing the Cote De Ivoire national team in the finals.

    “The inspiring performance of the Super Eagles thus far has lifted the spirit of our country and united us the way no other aspect of our national aspiration can. The outstanding performance they have posted so far underscores the resilient and indomitable Nigerian Spirit which surmounts obstacles to achieve individual and collective objectives.

    “The feel good feeling the country is suffused with as a result of the heroics of the Super Eagles thus far needs to be sustained until the team lifts the coveted trophy for historic fourth time. The current administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated full support to the national team unprecedented in the contemporary history of sports administration in our country.

    “In the face of paucity of funds amidst competing national priorities, it has become self-evident and abundantly clear that government alone cannot fund sports development in our country. It is based on the understanding of this reality that I am making this impassioned appeal to private individuals and corporate Nigeria to support our national team, the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations trophy.

    “I believe that in this critical moment in which the Super Eagles are on the cusp of victory, all Nigerians need to support and motivate them to go all the way to win the cup. My expectation is that public spirited individuals and corporate Nigeria should make a promise of financial support to the Super Eagles team in the likelihood of their wining the final match on Sunday.

    “This will be announced to the team ahead of the Sunday match.

    “Our country is on the threshold of history. I call on sports loving Nigerians in their private and corporate capacities to massively support the team.Together, “Let’s Do It Again” for the love of country.

    “Pledges and commitments for the team should be made directly to the Super Eagles Team Manager, Mr. Enebi Achor who can be reached on +2348037860516”.

  • BREAKING: APC chieftain, Cairo Ojougboh dies while watching Super Eagles vs South Africa

    BREAKING: APC chieftain, Cairo Ojougboh dies while watching Super Eagles vs South Africa

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Cairo Ojougboh is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Cairo Ojougboh collapsed and died on Wednesday.

    The Delta APC chieftain died while watching the semi final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    He was a former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    A family source disclosed that Ojougboh collapsed and died immediately South Africa scored the equaliser against Nigeria.

    Nigeria’s captain, William Ekong, had scored from the spot to give the Super Eagles the lead in the 67th minute of the South Africa encounter.

    A dramatic twist of event saw Victor Osimhen’s celebrations cut short in the 86th minute after scoring what would have been Nigeria’s 2nd goal.

    But a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review resulted in a penalty against Super Eagles after Alhassan Yusuf had fouled a player in his goal area.

    Bafana Bafana’s Teboho Mokoena, sent goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to the wrong side to even the score in the 88th minute.

    It was gathered that Ojougboh slumped immediately after Mokoena scored the penalty kick. Attempts to revive him proved abortive.

    “He [Cairo Ojougboh] died yesterday after South Africa was awarded a penalty. As soon as they scored, he screamed and collapsed. That was the end of him,” the family source disclosed.

    TNG reports the remains of the Delta APC chieftain have been deposited at the Garki Hospital mortuary in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

    Ojougboh represented Ika Federal Constituency in House of Representatives, between 2003 – 2007.

    He was the Director, Projects, on the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Born on September 8, 1959 in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Ojougboh was a Medical Doctor, Chairman and Founder of Ojougboh Foundation,

    He was the Presidential Spokesman of the All Nigeria Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council,  Delta State,  APC Gubernatorial Aspirant 2019, Delta State, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. gubernatorial aspirant 2007, Delta State, among others.

    Ojougboh attended Pilgrims Baptist Primary School, Agbor (1966 – 1971), Columba’s Grammar School (Now Gbenoba Grammar School, Agbor) (1972 – 1976),  Auchi Polytechnic now Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (1978 – 1979), University of Benin, Benin City (1979 – 1985), among others.

    He was the  Chairman Alliance for Democracy (AD) (1998-1999), National Vice Chairman and Chairman Peoples Democratic Party, South South (August 2014 – August 2016), Deputy National Chairman PDP (September 2016 – August 2017),  Political Adviser to Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark CON, OFR, Executive Secretary National Unity Group (NUG), Member – All Progressives Congress – September 16, 2017 till he passed on, Chairman, Delta State PDP Reconciliation and Harmonization  Committee – (2010).

    He held the chieftaincy titles of Akinuwa Anioma, Chieftaincy Title conferred on him at the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, the Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom, The Ihiale of Umunede and the The Odua of Akumazi.

  • #AFCON2023 final: Predict and win [Nigeria vs Ivory Coast]

    #AFCON2023 final: Predict and win [Nigeria vs Ivory Coast]

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire qualified for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles qualified for the 2023 AFCON final after defeating South Africa while Côte d’Ivoire qualified after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Both teams, therefore, set up the 2023 AFCON final clash scheduled for 11th February 2023 in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan. The Stade Olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé will host the final on Sunday from 8.00 p.m Nigerian time.

    As a way of rewarding our loyal audience, TNG has launched a predict and win campaign for the 2023 AFCON final. Ardent readers of www.TheNewsGuru.com will smile away with cash prizes.

    TNG predict and win: How to participate

    To participate:

    1. Follow @tngbreaking on Twitter
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    6. Predict the winner of 2023 AFCON final: Nigeria vs Ivory Coast
    7. You must like this post. You must share this post using the hashtag #TheNewsGuruAFCON2023
    8. Also, tag 3 friends and use the hashtag #TheNewsGuruAFCON2023
    9. Double/edited prediction automatically disqualified
    10. All predictions end at kick off

    NOTE: Winners will be selected shortly after the 2023 AFCON final. Cash prizes up for grabs and 50 lucky winners will emerge.

  • AFCON 2023: Super Eagles are unstoppable – Minister

    AFCON 2023: Super Eagles are unstoppable – Minister

    Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has described the Super Eagles of Nigeria as an “unstoppable force” after their semi-final win over South Africa in the on-going 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The minister stated this on Wednesday shortly after the Super Eagles beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the final of the continental showpiece.

    Enoh commended the players, coaching staff, and all those involved in the Super Eagles’ journey for their doggedness and determination.

    He emphasized the significance of their achievement in uniting the nation and inspiring future generations of Nigerian sports stars.

    “It is with immense pride that I extend my congratulations to our beloved Super Eagles for their remarkable victory against South Africa,”

    “Their performance has once again demonstrated the formidable talent and spirit that define Nigerian sports.

    “They have proven themselves to be an unstoppable force, and I have no doubt that they will continue to make our nation proud in the final and beyond,” he said.

    The minister said the win was a result of hard work and dedication which is the hallmark of Nigerians.

    “This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our sportsmen.

    “It reflects the depth of talent present in Nigerian football and serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring young players across the country.

    The Super Eagles have showcased the best of Nigerian football on the continental stage, and I commend them for their exemplary performance,” he added.

    Enoh also highlighted the pivotal role of sports in fostering national unity and promoting a sense of pride and identity among Nigerians.

    He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the development of sports at all levels, and ensuring that athletes have the necessary resources and infrastructure to excel on the global stage.

    As the Super Eagles gear up for the final showdown in the AFCON, Enoh urged the entire nation to stand behind the team and support their quest for a fourth title.

    Nigeria will play hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final on Sunday in Abidjan.

  • AFCON 2023: How my tactics almost failed me against South Africa – Peseiro

    AFCON 2023: How my tactics almost failed me against South Africa – Peseiro

    Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles coach, said his new found winning formation suffered in the last 20 minutes of the semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    Peseiro said this during a news conference after Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout win at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire.

    The Portuguese tactician also said the semi-final match was his toughest game so far in the ongoing AFCON.

    “Around 90 minutes, I see that our team suffered, we were shaken, we lost the balance.

    “But during the break before the extra time, we put ourselves together and went into extra time with that confidence.

    “They are a very good team, they created a lot of problems for us, they did a fantastic job but I think our boys deserved to win,” Peseiro said.

    His South Africa counterpart, Hugo Broos, expressed the belief that his team played very well but lost the game and praised his boys for a good job.

    “Two minutes before the end of 90 minutes, we had three clear cut chances. If we could score then, it means we are going to the final.

    “It is a disappointment for everyone because we feel that we played a very good game today and I’m very proud of it.

    “I’m proud of my players, the disappointment is small, the proudness is very big. What they did, what they performed, not only today, I think i have to be proud as a coach,” Broos.

    Nigeria’s captain, William Ekong, scored from the spot to give the Super Eagles the lead in the 67th minute.

    A dramatic twist of event saw Victor Osimhen’s celebrations cut short in the 86th minute after scoring what would have been Nigeria’s 2nd goal.

    But a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review resulted in a penalty against Super Eagles after Alhassan Yusuf had fouled a player in his goal area.

    Bafana Bafana’s Teboho Mokoena, sent goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to the wrong side to even the score in the 88th minute.

    The two sides had their few chances in the extra time but Nwabali stole the show when he stopped two of the South Africa’s penalties to give Nigeria a 4-2 win at the end of the encounter.

  • AFCON 2023: What makes me stronger – Super Eagles goalie, Nwabali

    AFCON 2023: What makes me stronger – Super Eagles goalie, Nwabali

    In form Super Eagles and Chippa United FC goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has said that criticism motivates and makes him stronger to give his best.

    Nwabali who was voted man of the match against South Africa, said this during a post match news conference on Wednesday in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire Ivoire.

    Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 after a pulsating 120 minutes play to qualify for the final of the  2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    “It happens in football, if football goes like this, your fans want more from you and they say things like this. I just feel like it is a motivation for me to keep working hard” Nwabali said.

    He said that it was like a dream when Peseiro said he was coming to him in South Africa, where he is plying his trade with Chippa United FC.

    The South Africa based goalkeeper thanked his teammates for the support they have given him so far.

    He reiterated his commitment to continue to give his best to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.

  • AFCON 2023: We deserve to be in the final – Jose Peseiro

    AFCON 2023: We deserve to be in the final – Jose Peseiro

     

    Jose Peseiro the Super Eagles head coach has praised his boys for putting up a spirited performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday night.

    Their performance earned them a place in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The West Africans defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties in their semi-final contest at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake on Wednesday night.

    In the 67th minute, captain William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead from the spot but South Africa equalized from the spot too on the stroke of 90 mins through Teboho Mokoena.

    The Super Eagles scored four penalty kicks against two from South Africa to earn a place in the final of the tournament.

    Peseiro said that his players deserve a place in the final.

    “The players deserve to be in the final, it’s a very good victory against a good team,” Peseiro told reporters after the game.

    “I said it earlier that South Africa have the best of organization because they play together and they created more problems for us. It was very difficult to beat them,” he said after the game.

    The Super Eagles will face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday.

  • FG announces reward for Super Eagles for reaching AFCON final

    FG announces reward for Super Eagles for reaching AFCON final

    The federal government of Nigeria has promised to reward the Super Eagles for their commitment and dedication in reaching the final of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Vice President Kashim Shettima made the pledge on Wednesday on behalf the FG in Bouake, where the Super Eagles thrashed the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4:2 on penalties to reach the final of the 2023 AFCON.

    While Shettima did not disclose the nature of the reward, the VP told the Super Eagles and officials in the dressing room, following their hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi finals, that the government and people of Nigeria are proud of their accomplishment.

    AFCON 2023: Lift trophy for Nigeria – VP Shettima urges Super Eagles

    Meanwhile, Shettima has urged the Super Eagles to sustain the momentum to lift the coveted AFCON trophy for the country.

    Shettima, who made the call in his verified Facebook account, said millions of Nigerians are indeed behind the team.

    ”I congratulate and salute the heroics of our men’s senior football team – the Super Eagles for a well deserved victory against South Africa in this evening’s semi final match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

    ”I was accompanied by Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Minister of Youth, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and other senior officials of Government to meet with the players, and their coaches in the dressing room after the encounter.

    ”I urge the team to sustain the momentum to lift the coveted trophy. Millions of Nigerians are indeed behind this team,” he said.

    Nigeria vs South Africa: Shettima’s presence, significant source of inspiration – Aide

    The presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the semi-final match between Super Eagles and South Africa, served as a significant source of inspiration.

    The Spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, stated this in a statement on Wednesday while reacting to  the Super Eagles’ 4-2 victory of the over Bafana Bafana.

    The match which held at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, saw Nigeria overcome its opponents on penalties after extra time.

    Nkwocha also said that Shettima’s unwavering support and belief in the team’s capabilities resonated deeply with the players and fans alike.

    “While the precise factors behind the team’s success remain multifaceted, the presence of  Shettima, undoubtedly served as a significant source of inspiration.

    “As the Super Eagles prepare for the final, the nation stands united in support, eager to witness them etch their names in footballing history.

    “The entire country awaits their return with bated breath, confident that they will deliver their best performance yet and bring the AFCON trophy home.

    “Their performance throughout the tournament has been marked by exceptional talent, determination, and resilience, captivating the hearts of fans nationwide,”he said.

    Eagles qualified for the final after beating South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 4-2 on penalty kicks, after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes of play in the 2023 AFCON semi-finals in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire.

    The VP was in company of Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Minister for Youth, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim as well as Oil mogul Wale Tinubu, FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

  • BREAKING: Côte d’Ivoire set up 2023 AFCON final against Nigeria

    BREAKING: Côte d’Ivoire set up 2023 AFCON final against Nigeria

    Hosts Côte d’Ivoire won their semi final fixture against Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Côte d’Ivoire will therefore play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Sebastian Haller snatched the victory for the Elephants with a superb second half volley against DR Congo.

    The Bafana Bafana of South Africa, earlier defeated by the Super Eagles, will square up for third place against DR Congo.

    Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will lock horns with Nigeria in the final showdown of the 2023 AFCON in Abidjan.

    Haller was the matchwinner in Wednesday’s semi-final, superbly flicking in Nicolas Pepe’s cross to break Congolese hearts.

    His goal has thus knocked the Leopards out, setting up this fascinating clash in Sunday’s final.

    The Borussia Dortmund hitman has established himself in the Elephants after recovering from testicular cancer.

    Now, the 29-year-old returns intent on breaking Nigerian hearts.

    Haller will spearhead the Cote d’Ivoire attack alongside Pepe as they target a historic triumph.

    Victory would spark jubilation in Abidjan given this AFCON is on home soil.

    After struggling in their group, the Elephants have momentum despite unconvincing performances.

    Against DR Congo, they rode their luck, with Cedric Bakambu having a goal disallowed.

    But Haller’s quality shone through as he rifled home to book Cote d’Ivoire’s passage.

    The Super Eagles, on their part, had largely made light work of all before them at this year’s AFCON.

    But they were forced into a dramatic penalty shootout by a dogged South Africa side in the semi-finals.

    Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning spot-kick to put Nigeria within touching distance of a fourth continental crown and first since 2013.

    Though 1992 and 2015 champions Cote d’Ivoire have been on quite the journey themselves over recent weeks, but Nigeria will prove a sterner test.

    The striker, who is in great form, threatens to inspire Cote d’Ivoire to their first AFCON crown since 2015.

    The Stade olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé in Abidjan will host the final on Sunday from 8.00 p.m.

  • AFCON 2023: Tinubu, Peter Obi react after Super Eagles victory over South Africa

    AFCON 2023: Tinubu, Peter Obi react after Super Eagles victory over South Africa

    Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election have reacted following the victory of the Super Eagles over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles defeated the Bafana Bafana of South 4:2 on Wednesday to qualify for the final of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The semi final fixture in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire had ended 1:1 draw after over 120 minutes of intense football at the Stade de la Paix. However, Nigeria pulled through on penalties.

    Reacting, Tinubu wrote on his official X account: “From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa…. You have made us all Proud to be Nigerians! Go… Soar in the AFCON Finals. Well done, boys!”

    Similarly, Peter Obi, wrote: “Today was yet another victorious outing for Nigeria as our National Team, the Super Eagles displayed great fighting spirit, beating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to take Nigeria to the finals in the ongoing AFCON games.

    “Our team has maintained great determination, professionalism, and patriotism with a high energy level, signifying their readiness to bring home the trophy.

    “I congratulate them, and our dear nation for this victory, while appreciating everyone who has contributed to our victorious journey so far.

    “As we prepare for the finals, and get ready to lift the trophy together, we remain hopeful that, together as one, we will lift the banner of unity, peace, and progress in the New Nigeria we look forward to.

    “Nigeria is a great nation with great people!”