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Tag: Super Eagles

  • AFCON 2023: How Super Eagles can secure semi-final ticket – Peseiro

    AFCON 2023: How Super Eagles can secure semi-final ticket – Peseiro

    Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles head coach,  has noted that his boys will secure a semi-final ticket if they raise their game against Angola in their quarter-final fixture on Friday.

    Peseiro said this in a post via his X account on Sunday following Nigeria’s AFCON Round of 16 victory against Cameroon on Saturday.

    Peseiro’s men defeated Cameroon 2-0, courtesy of two  goals from   Ademola Lookman .

    Nigeria will face Angola in the AFCON last eight on Friday.

    “Yesterday against Cameroon, we got an excellent win in yet another game without conceding a goal and where our boys were huge,” Peseiro tweeted.

    “Great spirit and humility! Once again, they did Nigeria proud. Friday against Angola, we’ll have to be even better if we want to win a place in the semi-finals.”

     

  • NFF President hails Super Eagles performance against Cameroon

    NFF President hails Super Eagles performance against Cameroon

    Ibrahim Gusau, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has described the Super Eagles’ performance against the Indomitable Lions on Saturday as a solid performance.

    Gusau, while speaking shortly after the team’s 2-0 win in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16, said it was a delightful performance.

    “It was a solid performance and we are proud of the team,” he said.

    The Super Eagles won through an Ademola Lookman brace to advance into the competition’s quarter-finals.

    “They did a great job tonight and we look forward to the quarter-finals with high expectations,” Gusau added.

    The Super Eagles will now meet Angola on Friday in the quarter-finals.

    In Saturday’s match at Abidjan’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the Eagles played with assurance and thought they had the lead when Semi Ajayi swept the ball home from a goalmouth melee.

    Moroccan referee Redouane Jiyed gave the goal, but was summoned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to watch the action again, and he afterwards ruled out the strike.

    The duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman did not relent however.

    In the 35th minute, the Africa Player of the Year award winner had the better of dithering defender Oumar Gonzalez and threaded to Lookman, who shot past Fabrice Ondoa from close range.

    After the recess, Nigeria continued where they had left off in the first period, and Lookman blasted over the sticks from a 22-yard free-kick.

    Five minutes later Lookman freed Osimhen but got too much pressure on the ball and Ondoa cleared.

    Cameroon called goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to duty in the 71st minute with a fierce free-kick, but the goaltender punched clear.

    Nwabali was however injured in another goalmouth melee and had to be substituted by Francis Uzoho.

    Five minutes from the end, a one-two of Osimhen and Lookman from the left saw the ball rolled to Olaoluwa Aina in the box.

    But his effort was too weak and Ondoa blocked with his leg.

    On the dot of 90 minutes, Calvin Bassey and Lookman combined from the left, leaving the Cameroonian defence flummoxed.

    Lookman only needed to place the ball to the far left of Ondoa for his second goal of the night.

    The three-time champions, who also knocked out Cameroon from the 2019 AFCON in the Round of 16, will now confront Angola’s Palancas Negras, who beat Namibia 3-0 earlier in the day.

    The match will come up at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

  • AFCON 2023: Angola’s match will be tougher – Coach Peseiro

    AFCON 2023: Angola’s match will be tougher – Coach Peseiro

    Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro, has said he and his boys are aware that the quarter final match against Angola will be tougher than the Cameroon game.

    Peseiro said this while reacting to the 2-0 round of 16 win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Even though the Portuguese commended his players for the 2-0 win over Cameroon, he said the boys have been given a two-day off before work resumes again for the all important quarter final clash with Angola.

    “I think my players know that. We are playing with a fantastic spirit now but we must be focused on the target and train more before the next match,” Peseiro said.

    Reflecting on individual performances of his players, Peseiro said Victor Osimhen did not score on Saturday but had a fantastic game, saying it is very difficult to stop the Napoli FC of Italy striker.

    “He (Osimhen) is a fantastic player for our team, we have very good players, he will win the ball, hold play until our players arrive,” Peseiro said.

    The Portuguese, however, revealed that it has not been easy for him to select his 11 players in every game.

    Ademola Lookman’s goals in the 35th and 90th minutes were all Nigeria needed to set a date with Angola in the quarter final on Friday, Feb. 2 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan beginning at 9:00 p.m Nigerian time.

  • AFCON: How Angola’s match is going to be – Super Eagles coach, Peseiro

    AFCON: How Angola’s match is going to be – Super Eagles coach, Peseiro

    The Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro, has said he and his boys are aware that the quarter-final match against Angola will be tougher than the Cameroon game.

    Peseiro said this while reacting to the 2-0 round of 16 win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Even though the Portuguese commended his players for the 2-0 win over Cameroon, he said the boys have been given a two-day off before work resumes again for the all important quarter-final clash with Angola.

    “I think my players know that. We are playing with a fantastic spirit now but we must be focused on the target and train more before the next match,” Peseiro said.

    Reflecting on individual performances of his players, Peseiro said Victor Osimhen did not score on Saturday but had a fantastic game, saying it is very difficult to stop the Napoli FC of Italy striker.

    “He (Osimhen) is a fantastic player for our team, we have very good players, he will win the ball, hold play until our players arrive,” Peseiro said.

    The Portuguese, however, revealed that it has not been easy for him to select his 11 players in every game.

    Ademola Lookman’s goals in the 35th and 90th minutes were all Nigeria needed to set a date with Angola in the quarter-final on Friday, Feb. 2 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan beginning at 9:00 p.m Nigerian time.

  • AFCON 2023: What we learnt from Super Eagles defeat – Rigobert Song

    AFCON 2023: What we learnt from Super Eagles defeat – Rigobert Song

    Rigobert Song, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon  head coach, has noted that his side has learnt one or two things from the second round defeat to Nigeria.

    The Indomitable Lions exited the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a humiliating 2-0 defeat to the Super Eagles.

    The Cameroon gaffer noted that he would work on the lapses that made them lose against the Super Eagles.

    Ademola Lookman scored two goals one in each half to send the Cameroonians packing from the tournament on Saturday night.

    The West Africans put up a spirited performance that helped them win the game and secure quarter-final qualification.

    Cameroon didn’t manage a shot on target for the entire duration of the game.

    “We had the youngest team; there are players who are discovering. We gave the opponent the opportunity to put us in difficulty; it’s part of the game.

    “As I’ve said before, we are rebuilding. It’s by making these mistakes that we will grow,” Song told reporters after the game.

    “Football is like that. The AFCON is a competition that is played on all levels: technical, tactical, and especially mental.

    “I have a youthful team that is discovering; it played, and we still have a lot to learn.”

    The Super Eagles will face Angola at Stade Felix Hougpouet Boigny for a semi-final ticket on February 2nd.

  • AFCON 2023: How Angola set up quarter final clash against Nigeria

    AFCON 2023: How Angola set up quarter final clash against Nigeria

    Gelson Dala scored twice to ensure Angola reached the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Angola held a comprehensive 3-0 last-16 victory over neighbours Namibia on Saturday in Bouake.

    Angola, who claimed their biggest-ever Cup of Nations finals win with the result, left Namibia rueing four mad first half minutes on their part.

    Angola had an early setback when goalkeeper Neblu received a red card and they were under pressure from a Namibia side that looked the most likely to find the net.

    But the game turned when Gelson opened the scoring after 38 minutes.

    Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo then received a red card shortly afterwards and the Angola forward completed his double from the resulting free-kick.

    Angola added a third goal through Mabululu in the second period and now face a quarter-final tie against Nigeria on Friday.

    Nigeria were 2-0 winners of their last-16 tie against Cameroon which was played later on Saturday.

    Namibia made their debut in the Cup of Nations knockout rounds but could not profit from an early piece of good fortune.

    Angola were reduced to 10 men after 17 minutes when Neblu handled the ball outside the box as he stopped Bethuel Muzeu’s chipped shot.

    It was poor play all round by the team as defender Kialonda Gaspar was caught in possession by Muzeu, who had a clear run on goal and forced the error from the goalkeeper.

    Deon Hotto’s resulting free-kick from the edge of the area was superbly saved by replacement goalkeeper Antonio Dominique.

    In spite of their numerical disadvantage, Angola took the lead with a superbly constructed goal.

    Fredy was played into space on the right-hand side of the penalty box and his low cross provided a tap-in for Gelson.

    Two minutes later and it was 10 players each as Namibia defender Haukongo received a needless second yellow card and was sent off.

    From the resulting free-kick, the same two players combined for Angola’s second goal.

    Fredy delivered the set-piece and Gelson headed home for his fourth goal of the tournament.

    Peter Shalulile fired over early in the second half as Namibia tried to reduce the deficit but it was Angola who scored the next goal.

    Mabululu burst into the box after a quick counter-attack and curled a fine finish in at the far post to kill the contest.

  • AFCON 2023: Peseiro emphasises caution despite Super Eagles win over Cameroon

    AFCON 2023: Peseiro emphasises caution despite Super Eagles win over Cameroon

    Super Eagles chief coach Jose Peseiro says his team will immediately put Saturday’s victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions behind them and look ahead.

    Peseiro said they would be keeping their focus on Angola, their next opponents at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-0 on Saturday in the competition’s round of 16 to earn the quarter-finals ticket against Angola.

    “We will now focus on our next match against Angola, who are having an excellent tournament,” he said.

    Peseiro however cautioned that they must take their opponents serious.

    “For now, we will continue to sleep early and eat pasta,” he said with a laugh.

    “Jokes aside, all the teams at this stage are capable of winning the tournament,” the coach added.

  • Nigeria vs Cameroon: Gov Sanwo-Olu heaps praises on Super Eagles

    Nigeria vs Cameroon: Gov Sanwo-Olu heaps praises on Super Eagles

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the Super Eagles’ match against Cameroon as an incredible display.

    Nigeria eliminated Cameroon with a 2-0 victory in the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), advancing to the quarter-finals, where they will face Angola.

    Ademola Lookman scored twice as Nigeria earned a place in the AFCON quarter-final with a 2-0 win over Cameroon.

    The former Everton, Fulham and Leicester midfielder scored a goal in each half to help secure the Super Eagles’ a place.

    Reacting on his Facebook page after the match, Sanwo-Olu commended the team, while wishing them luck in the next match against Angola.

    ”I totally enjoyed the Super Eagles’ incredible display of teamwork and determination tonight against the team from Cameroon.

    ”From Osimhen’s hard work to Lookman’s brace to Ekong and Bassey’s very solid performances as well as Nwabali’s solidity, kudos to the entire team!

    ”Onto the quarterfinals! Let’s carry this momentum forward, Super Eagles. Best of luck in the next round, and may our journey in #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 continue to shine bright,” he said.

  • 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.

  • AFCON 2023: Keyamo congratulates Super Eagles on victory over Cameroon

    AFCON 2023: Keyamo congratulates Super Eagles on victory over Cameroon

    Nigeria’s minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has congratulated the Super Eagles for their victory over the indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

    TheNewsGuru.com TNG reports that Super Eagles triumphed over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon after Ademola Lookman grabbed a brace to send the Cameroonians packing from the tournament.

    An elated Keyamo took to his X account to shower praises on the Super Eagles for putting up a spirited performance that ensured their qualification to the quarter-final of the tournament.

    ” On current form, we were actually better than Cameroon.Its just that it was CAMEROON, the age-long enemy, so it got all of us on the edge of our seats.

    ”Congratulations, Super Eagles, but the job is not done yet. Keep your feet on the ground until you bring the Ultimate prize home”. He wrote

    After the victory against Cameroon, the Super Eagles will face Angola in the quarter-final fixture  at the  Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium, Abidjan next week.