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Tag: Super Eagles

  • Morocco 2025: Super Eagles, Amavubi arrive Uyo

    Morocco 2025: Super Eagles, Amavubi arrive Uyo

    Group winners Nigeria and final-day opponents Rwanda on Friday both landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo ahead of Monday’s Matchday 6 clash.

    The encounter scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is the concluding round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

    Deflated but not altogether supine, the Amavubi still have a mathematical chance of qualifying, though the supposition is not actually in their favour.

    They missed a big opportunity to enhance their chances after losing at home to Libya’s Mediterranean Knights on Thursday, and can only make it to Morocco 2025 if they defeat Nigeria in Uyo.

    The Amavubis would also be hoping that Libya are victorious against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in North Africa on Monday.

    The Super Eagles, confirmed group winners, have nothing to chase other than national pride.

    They will play a more relaxed game against the visitors than the turgid contest with the Cheetahs at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday night.

    Nigeria’s delegation flew from the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft, arriving at 3.50 p.m.

    Rwanda’s delegation flew from Kigali to Lagos aboard a regular Rwandair flight, arriving at 1pm, before boarding an Ibom Air flight to Uyo. They landed in Uyo just before 5 p.m.

    A carnival atmosphere is expected at Uyo’s magnificent Godswill Akpabio Stadium as the Super Eagles celebrate for 90 minutes and afterwards with the AFCON ticket long in the bag.

    Both countries battled to a scoreless draw in their first confrontation in Kigali in September, though the jury is still out on Ademola Lookman’s first-half headed goal that was inexplicably chalked off by the Moroccan referee.

    Incidentally, another Moroccan will be in the role of referee on Monday; 44-year-old Samir Guezzaz takes the stage in the centre at the game that kicks off at 5 p.m.

    Guezzaz alongside his compatriots Zakaria Brinsi (assistant 1), Abdessamad Abertoune (assistant 2) and Kech Chaf Mustapha (fourth official) are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday.

    Also expected are Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana (commissioner) and Ali Mohamed Ahmed from Somalia (referee assessor).

  • Just in: Super Eagles goal stopper, Stanley Nwabali, loses father

    Just in: Super Eagles goal stopper, Stanley Nwabali, loses father

    Just in: Super Eagles goal stopper, Stanley Nwabali, loses father

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has lost his father.

    Nwabali took to Instagram on Friday to mourn his father, sharing a post accompanied by a tearful emoji.

    Although the goalie did not reveal the cause of the death instead shared a heartfelt tribute with message, “Rest in peace, dad”.

    Details shortly…

  • AFCON 2025: Shehu Dikko hails Super Eagles qualification

    AFCON 2025: Shehu Dikko hails Super Eagles qualification

    National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko, has congratulated the Super Eagles for securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON slated for Morocco.

    Dikko said this on Thursday in Abuja shortly after Nigeria booked a place in the continental showpiece courtesy of Libya’s shock 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the other Group D clash.

    The NSC boss  said that Nigeria’s qualification with two games to spare reflects the team’s hard work, commitment and talent.

    Nigeria’s place in Morocco was sealed after Libya pipped Rwanda, ensuring the Super Eagles’ qualification, even before their match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Thursday evening.

    Nigeria now have 10 points, with Benin Republic on 6 points (4 games played by both nations). Rwanda is third with 5 points from 5 games and Libya bottom, with 4 points from 5 games.

  • Morocco 2025: Osimhen’s late header seals top spot for Nigeria

    Morocco 2025: Osimhen’s late header seals top spot for Nigeria

    Victor Osimhen’s late effort for the Super Eagles against Benin Republic on Thursday ensured that Nigeria qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as Group winners.

    This was after Mohamed Tijani opened scoring for the Cheetahs in the 16th minute at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

    The game played under heavy rain produced a number of interesting moments, but the biggest was when Osimhen celebrated wildly as his 81st minute header sailed past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.

    The goal not only secured Nigeria’s first place in the group, but also put Osimhen at par with the legendary Segun Odegbami in goals’ tally for Nigeria.

    Both are now joint second to the top man, Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.

    Osimhen’s goal, in which he profited from a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon, and restored parity on the night, was his 23rd for the senior team.

    Odegbami, the former captain of the team who took the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals by the scruff, scored his 23 goals in 46 matches.

    Nigeria secured a ticket to participate in the AFCON finals (the continent’s flagship football championship) ,for the 21st time after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in Abidjan.

    The result also put the Cheetahs’ prospects for qualification on the wire.

    The downpour ushered the two teams into a game of two halves, with the Cheetahs keeping possession and running rings round the Super Eagles for large swathes of the first period.

    However, Tijani’s header from a cross by the vibrant Junior Olaitan that found the net by going through the legs of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was against the run of play.

    Minutes earlier, Alex Iwobi had miscued when Osimhen headed down the ball for him from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, and Osimhen himself was foiled by Dandjinou just before the Cheetahs struck at the other end.

    Nwabali was alert to punch away as Olaitan broke loose three minutes later, and it was ding-dong affair until four minutes before the break.

    This was when Osimhen should have scored from a brilliant Onyemaechi cross, only to watch the ball roll away from goal after his header.

    In the 55th minute, Ademola Lookman and Osimhen caused anxious moments at the Benin Republic rear.

    But Olaitan also got close after Captain William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina fumbled with the ball down the line.

    Onyemaechi, coming forward a lot, saw his shot roll agonisingly away from goal just after the hour, and Osimhen headed wide away in the 74th minute as the Cheetahs began to nurse hopes of a win.

    Osimhen had other ideas as his goal ensured the Eagles remain unbeaten in the AFCON qualification campaign with 11 points, going into their last game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

    Rwanda, with five points from their five games after an unexpected 1-0 loss to Libya in Kigali also on Thursday, must beat the Super Eagles in Uyo to stand a chance of qualifying.

    The Amavubis would also hope that Libya overwhelm Benin Republic with seven points in Tripoli on Monday, to spring to second place and collect the second ticket to the finals from Group D.

    “It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equaliser.

    “The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen said.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria qualify for AFCON 2025

    BREAKING: Nigeria qualify for AFCON 2025

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday secured qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to hold in Morocco.

    The Super Eagles secured a berth at the continental showpiece with two games to spare, even before they took to the pitch to take on Benin Republic.

    This was after Libya snatched a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali in an earlier Group D encounter, thanks to a late strike by Fahd Saad Mohamed.

    The result meant table-toppers Nigeria with 10 points can now finish either as Group winners or runners up, with second placed Benin Republic still up with a chance as well.

    A win or a draw for Nigeria against Benin Republic would all but seal top spot for the Super Eagles.

    The win for Libya also pushed the Mediterranean Knights up to four points, although they remain at the bottom of Group D, while Rwanda stays in third with five points.

    The game was closely contested, with both sides creating chances but struggling to find the back of the net.

    Rwanda’s Innocent Nshuti came close on several occasions, but Libyan goalkeeper Bader Hassan stood firm.

    As the game approached its last minutes, Mohamed found himself unmarked in the box, receiving a pass from Nour aldin Al Qulaib to slot it past Rwanda’s Thierry Manzi in the 84th minute.

  • Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Simon, 19 others train in Abidjan

    Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Simon, 19 others train in Abidjan

    Super Eagles’ Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and 19 other players on Tuesday participated in the team’s first training session in Abidjan. Only Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar was being expected.

    The team were in high spirits ahead of a potentially-explosive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against neighbours Benin Republic on Thursday.

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen told newsmen on Tuesday that the atmosphere in the Eagles’ camp was great, adding that the players and coaching crew were upbeat and positive ahead of the match.

    “We have 22 players, with only one person to join the team in the early hours of Wednesday.

    “It has been a particularly great atmosphere here in Abidjan, and we are all very positive going into the first training session ahead of the match,” he said.

    At least 11 players, including Captain and AFCON Man of the Competition, Ekong, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and his likely successor Ademola Lookman, all arrived at once on Tuesday morning.

    Others are, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Germany-based forward Victor Boniface.

    They were  joined later by South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

    Earlier, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Kelechi Iheanacho had arrived, to join the eight early birds that were in camp on Monday.

    The early birds were; goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Gabriel Osho and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

    With 10 points from four matches, seven goals for and none against, and top of their Group D, the Eagles will walk with an extra bounce into the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny

    It was the stadium where they upended the aspirations of Guinea Bissau, Cameroon and Angola at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

    It was also the venue where in the summer, they were defeated 2-1 by the Cheetahs (who have been forced by lack of a CAF-approved facility in their country to adopt Abidjan as home) in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game in which they scored first.

    Ekong told newsmen on Tuesday that the game wouldn’t be an easy one, adding however that the team’s objective was to go all out for the win.

    “The stadium is a familiar one for us and we have good memories from the AFCON.

    “We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday.

    “It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night,” he said.

    Senegalese official Issa Sy, who was in charge when the Super Eagles pipped Angola 1-0 at the same venue, in a quarter-final match of the AFCON finals, has been selected by CAF as referee for Thursday’s encounter.

    He will be supported by compatriots Djibril Camara (assistant 1), Nouha Bangoura (assistant 2) and El Hadji Amadou Sy (fourth official). Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be the commissioner.

    While Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be the referee assessor.

    The Super Eagles need only one point from Thursday’s clash to be sure of a ticket to the 35th AFCON, scheduled for Morocco 21st December 2025 – 18th January 2026.

    Thursday’s encounter between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic will commence at 7 p.m. CIV time (8 p.m. Nigeria time).

  • Morocco 2025: Super Eagles squad list for Benin, Rwanda released

    Morocco 2025: Super Eagles squad list for Benin, Rwanda released

    The Super Eagles are set to welcome reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen back to the squad for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.

    Osimhen, who has been in sensational form was ruled out for the home and away AFCON qualifying matches against Libya. This was after he suffered a muscle injury during Galatasaray’s Super Lig clash against Kasımpaşa on Sept. 28.

    The Turkish club confirmed that the 25-year-old striker sustained a strain in his upper left posterior muscle group, sidelining him for a few weeks.

    A statement by Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday,  said Osimhen would make his return, alongside 22 other players for the last two 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.

    “Captain William Ekong, Atalanta of Italy’s Ademola Lookman, effervescent winger Moses Simon, Osimhen and 19 other players will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

    “The matches are the closing rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month.

    “Coach Augustine Eguavoen has also called goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

    “Others are midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze.

    “Home-based defender Victor Collins will join up with the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain.

    “Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are also listed, while France-based defender Gabriel Osho will hope to play his first competitive game for fatherland.

    “This was after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury,” Olajire said.

    The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on Nov. 11, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Nov. 14.

    The team would then travel down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Nov. 18.

    Currently top of Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will earn them 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points.

    However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi

    The Rwandans have one goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two matchdays.

    Full list of 23 invited players

    Goalkeepers:

    Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

    Defenders:

    William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)

    Midfielders:

    Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

    Forwards:

    Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain).

  • CHAN 2025 Qualifier: Eguavoen upbeat about Super Eagles chances against Ghana [Team list]

    CHAN 2025 Qualifier: Eguavoen upbeat about Super Eagles chances against Ghana [Team list]

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen says he is excited about the response from all the invited players ahead of the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying fixture against Ghana.

    NAN reports that 35 players were invited for the Super Eagles B team 2025 CHAN qualifying fixture against Ghana.

    Eguavoen says he is impressed with the immense quality in the group, adding that he is confident and hopeful of qualifying Nigeria ahead of Ghana.

    He noted that he had a short fall of two players on Wednesday who joined camp on Thursday,  to complete the list of the 35 invited players, following the second training session.

    The coach  said two players from Plateau United also left on Thursday for an assignment with their club, as there was an agreement with all the clubs that the players could be released.

    “We have quite a huge number of players in camp. I visit league venues a lot, and also, we have the assistant coaches, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, as well as the goalkeeper coach.

    “So, they saw a whole lot of players in the league, and I saw some as well, and I consulted some coaches whom I haven’t been opportuned to watch their teams play live.

    “All put together. If you compare the list that I had and the ones my assistants gave to me, most of the players are all on the same list.

    “The players have been very impressive. We’ve had only two sessions but you could see that they are very good technically.

    “We still have alot of work to do because they are coming from different clubs and we have to see how we can blend them now and make them play as one team, one unit,” he said.

    He said that there was still enough time to work with the team and select the best players out of the group to face Ghana, come December.

    He noted that the Ghanians are a very tough side to beat, adding, however, that his team would work hard to ensure that they get a positive result.

    “At any category we meet the Ghanaian team, it is always very tough. All we pray is for luck.

    “As for the upcoming game, we will go out there, work hard, and strrategise to make sure we are in the next CHAN,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the first leg of the fixture is billed for the weekend of Dec. 20 to 22, with the return leg expected to be played a week later.

    The overall winner will earn a berth at CHAN 2025 to be co-hosted by Kenya, Morocco and Tanzania.

    The finals are scheduled to be held from Feb. 1 to 28, 2025.

    LIST OF ALL 35 INVITED PLAYERS

    Goalkeepers:

    Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United); Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC); Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United)

    Defenders:

    Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United); Stephen Mayo (Rivers United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers); Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United); Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors);

    Midfielders:

    Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors); Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers); Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC); Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United); Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars); Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars); Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers); Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars); Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City)

    Forwards:

    Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars); Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United); Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance).

  • Qualifier: CAF picks dates for Super Eagles final matches

    Qualifier: CAF picks dates for Super Eagles final matches

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says CAF has picked Nov. 14 and 18 for Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Republic of Benin and Rwanda.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by NFF. According to NFF,  Match-day 5 clash with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Nov. 14 will kick off at 8 p.m., Nigeria time.

    CAF has appointed Issa Sy from Senegal as the referee, his compatriots Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura and El Hadji Amadou Sy will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official, respectively.

    Rene Williams Sere from Cote d’ Voire will be the commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be referee assessor.

    The Matchday 6 encounter with Rwanda will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Nov. 18.

    CAF has also appointed Moroccan match officials for the game, with Samir Guezzaz as the referee for the encounter, which kicks off at 5 p.m.

    His compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune and Kech Chaf Mustapha will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official, respectively.

    Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana will be the commissioner while Somalian Ali Mohamed Ahmed will be the referee assessor.

    The match will be the last on the race from Group D for slots at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals to be held in Morocco. The competition kicks off in December 2025 until January 2026.

  • Ballon d’Or: Super Eagles celebrate Ademola Lookman

    Ballon d’Or: Super Eagles celebrate Ademola Lookman

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles have sent a message of congratulations to winger, Ademola Lookman after emerging at 14th position in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lookman, who plays for Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, emerged at 14th position in the the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award behind Spain’s Dani Olmo in 13th position and above Nico Williams in 15th place.

    “We celebrate our own ‘Adebobo’ @Alookman_. We are proud of you Ade, congratulations,” a post on Super Eagles X handle reads.