TheNewsGuru

Tag: Super Eagles

  • Morocco 2025: Libya to host Super Eagles in Benina

    Morocco 2025: Libya to host Super Eagles in Benina

    Libya will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Matchday 4 encounter.

    NAN reports that Libya who are bottom of Group D will host the clash in the facility located in the city of Benina, 19 kilometres outside the country’s second city Benghazi.

    Known previously as Hugo Chávez Stadium, the stadium is a 10,000-capacity facility with an artificial turf.

    Both countries will do a Match day 3 battle at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Oct. 11, before the clash in the city at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea on Oct. 15.

    The match in Uyo will kick off at 5pm, while the battle in Benina will commence at 8pm Nigeria time.

    Libya remain bottom of Group D after two rounds of matches, following a 1-1 at home to Rwanda (a game that was played at the Tripoli International Stadium) and a 1-2 loss to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan.

    Nigeria top the pool with four points, after a 3-0 spanking of Benin Republic in Uyo on Matchday 1 and a scoreless draw with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali on Matchday 2.

  • Reports of me quitting Super Eagles job is false – Eguavoen

    Reports of me quitting Super Eagles job is false – Eguavoen

    Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has dismissed rumours making the rounds that he has quit his role, following Tuesday’s barren draw against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali.

    The rumours of Eguavoen’s resignation started making the rounds, following his post-match reaction in Kigali.

    This was after Super Eagles 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matchday two qualifying match against Rwanda, which ended 0-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

    However, Eguavoen, who spoke to newsmen after the team touched down in Abuja, debunked the rumours as false and misleading, saying that he was misquoted.

    He affirmed that he was still in charge of the Super Eagles and would sit down with the federation’s hierarchy to evaluate the team’s performance, following the two matches played.

    “It is quite unfortunate that people would just trigger something that is not correct, and at the situation that we are in now, we don’t need negative stories.

    “I only talked about sitting down with the hierarchy of the federation after these two games to see how we go about prosecuting the next games.

    “But, when I saw that story, I was kind of really worried and concerned. Whatever people are reading out there is not correct, and I am still very much in charge.

    “I am the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, saddled with the responsibility of taking charge of the Super Eagles at this moment, and that’s where we are,” he said.

    The Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October.

  • Austin Eguavoen quits as Super Eagles interim coach

    Austin Eguavoen quits as Super Eagles interim coach

    Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen as quit his role from the Nigeria national team.

    According to OwnGoalNigeria, Eguavoen said his assignment was limited to two matches.

    Eguavoen is stepping down after the match against Rwanda in Kigali, on Tuesday.

    He said, “I have been given a mandate to handle two games. I will want to say I am very pleased with the boys and again, thanks to the NFF leadership and all the boys who supported me in terms of discipline and working hard.

    “It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about Libya, because I haven’t been told but I can talk about it a little bit in case we have another coach, we can talk about it.”

    Eguavoen was appointed by the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following unsuccessful efforts to secure a permanent head coach for the national team.

    He oversaw two qualifying matches for the 2025 AFCON against the Benin Republic and Rwanda.

  • 2025 AFCON: Rwanda hold Nigeria to barren draw in Kigali

    2025 AFCON: Rwanda hold Nigeria to barren draw in Kigali

    Hosts Rwanda on Tuesday held Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a barren draw in a matchday two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Kigali.

    The Amavubi of Rwanda’s resolute defence withstood a barrage of attacks from an in-form Super Eagles side to earn a valuable point at home.

    After picking up a draw against Libya in far away Tripoli on matchday one, the Amavubis were brimming with confidence coming into the game against Nigeria.

    The Rwandans who recognised how difficult it was to attack the Eagles decided to put up a rather defensive approach to the game.

    In spite of all their efforts, it was the Super Eagles who dominated the game in the first half, deploying more aerial battles with Ola Aina supplying the crosses.

    One of those chances was taken by Ademola Lookman, but his goal controversially ruled for offside early in the match.

    This was following a brilliant throw from Ola Aina on the right flank.

    NAN reports that without referring to the VAR the goal which looked good was chalked off by the referee.

    Coach Austin Eguavoen  introduced  the duo of Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon for Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze, to add bite to the attack.

    The in-form Lookman and  Boniface were so unlucky as substitute  Osimhen also fired blank.

    The hosts Goalkeeper Ntwari Fiarce was  brilliant in gaol denying  the Super Eagles several chances with impressed President Paul Kagame applauding from the VIP stand.

    The result meant Nigeria dropped two points but still maintained the position at the top of Group D with four points, with Rwanda second with two points.

    The Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

  • ‘Osimhem only wants to get what he deserves’ – Mikel on failed Chelsea move

    ‘Osimhem only wants to get what he deserves’ – Mikel on failed Chelsea move

    Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel admitted that Victor Osimhen nearly joined the club.

    The Nigeria and now Galatasaray forward had to leave parent club Napoli on loan before the transfer window closed.

    A mooted permanent transfer to Chelsea did not come to pass, as the club balked at the fees involved.

    Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: “I hear a lot of people saying this and saying that about Victor and and how greedy he is, blah, blah, blah. ‘Take a pay cut and come to Chelsea’ blah, blah, blah, stuff like that.

    “I know the kid. I know the boy. I just want to say that that is absolutely not true.

    “Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy, he only wants to get what he deserves and that’s not a problem.”

  • Rwanda vs Nigeria: Coach Eguavoen reveals game plan

    Rwanda vs Nigeria: Coach Eguavoen reveals game plan

    Interim Head Coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen has revealed the game plan he will adopt against the Amavubi (the Wasps) of Rwanda in Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Coach Eguavoen to have said at Nigeria’s press conference on Monday ahead of the Rwanda vs Nigeria game that he has no game plan per se but that “the plan is the three points”.

    “We are here to get the result and yes we respect our opponent,” Eguavoen said, while he had earlier noted that his squad “is on a momentum” as they prepare for the 2025 AFCON qualifying match.

    “We have quality players, who can play in different styles of football, different formations, different systems. So, whatever formation or system Rwanda comes up with tomorrow, we have the personnel to deal with it,” he added.

    The Super Eagles began their campaign in the 2025 AFCON qualifier on a bright note with a 3-0 thrashing of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

    “We have the right mentality now, and the mood in camp is excellent. Everyone in camp is eager for us to pick up the three points in Rwanda and stay firmly on top of the qualifying table.

    “We are here for business and I am happy that everyone is on the same page. I am also happy that we have arrived here in good time, and the players can rest well while we look forward to the official training on Monday afternoon,” he said.

    The Nigerian delegation to Tuesday’s match, which departed the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo at 12.48 p.m. on Sunday, landed at the Kigali International Airport at 4.20 p.m.(Nigeria time)

    The delegation, which included 23 players and the team’s officials, was led by President of NFF, Ibrahim Gusau.

    Others were; NFF 1st Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu and a couple of Executive Committee Members, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, a couple of NFF Staff, few stakeholders and few media representatives.

    Team captain William Ekong said: “There is nothing much to say other than that we are here for a purpose. Our target is the three points, and we have spoken among ourselves on the imperative of going hard for it from the first blast of the referee’s whistle.

    “It is going to be a tough game because Rwanda have a good team and got a point from their first match. We must not relent throughout the 90 minutes.”

    The Amavubi of Rwanda forced Libya’s Mediterranean Knights to a 1-1 draw in Tripoli in their own match day 1 encounter. Tuesday’s match will kick off at 3 p.m. Rwanda time (2pm Nigeria time).

  • I’ve watched my goal against Benin like 10 times – Osimhen

    I’ve watched my goal against Benin like 10 times – Osimhen

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen on Monday disclosed that he has watched the goal he scored against Benin Republic in Saturday’s qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) like ten (10) times.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, beat the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 3-0 in the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON scheduled for Morocco.

    Ademola Lookman put Nigeria ahead after going past four defenders before placing beyond the goalkeeper. Victor Osimhen who replaced Victor Boniface in the 72nd minute, scored the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 78th minute, slicing in a well-calculated pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Lookman went on to add the third goal in the match’s closing minutes to comfortably place the Super Eagles in their group ahead of their next match on Tuesday in Kigali.

    Reacting to the goal he scored, Osimhen said: “I’ve watched that goal against Benin Republic close to like 10 times. First off, before the game, the last training before the game, me, Aina, Awoniyi and Wilfred were like doing this same practice before the game. We did it more than 10 times to be able to just do the cross inside the penalty box. For sure, we will be present there as strikers.

    “When he did the cross, Semi was also going towards the ball. If he hits it, he can score or maybe the keeper will parry the ball. But, I saw I had a clear chance than him. So, I told him in Yoruba that “filẹ, filẹ”. Filẹ means like “leave it” in Yoruba.

    “So, he understood what I meant and then left it. I was just focusing on the ball while I spoke to him. The moment he left the ball, and the ball was coming towards me, I just had to smash it. But, for sure, the moment I put it on the floor, bounced on the ground, the goalkeeper had no chance”.

    TNG reports the Super Eagles had lost 1-2 to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire in June. With the victory, the Super Eagles put a stop to their three-match winless run at home after whitewashing Sao Tome and Principe  6-0 in September 2023. They will take on hosts Rwanda in their next group game in Kigali on Tuesday.

  • AFCON 2025: Eguavoen talks about ‘momentum’ as Eagles land in Kigali

    AFCON 2025: Eguavoen talks about ‘momentum’ as Eagles land in Kigali

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen says his squad “is on a momentum” as they prepare for Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

    Super Eagles began their campaign in the 2025 AFCON Qualifier on a bright note with a 3-0 thrashing of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

    “We have the right mentality now, and the mood in camp is excellent.

    “Everyone in camp is eager for us to pick up the three points in Rwanda and stay firmly on top of the qualifying table.

    “We are here for business and I am happy that everyone is on the same page.

    “I am also happy that we have arrived here in good time, and the players can rest well while we look forward to the official training on Monday afternoon,” he said.

    The Nigerian delegation to Tuesday’s match, which departed the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo at 12.48 p.m. on Sunday, landed at the Kigali International Airport at 4.20 p.m.(Nigeria time)

    The delegation, which included 23 players and the team’s officials, was led by President of NFF, Ibrahim Gusau.

    Others were; NFF 1st Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu and a couple of Executive Committee Members, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, a couple of NFF Staff, few stakeholders and few media representatives.

    Team captain William Ekong said: “There is nothing much to say other than that we are here for a purpose.

    “Our target is the three points, and we have spoken among ourselves on the imperative of going hard for it from the first blast of the referee’s whistle.

    “It is going to be a tough game because Rwanda have a good team and got a point from their first match. We must not relent throughout the 90 minutes.”

    NAN also reports that the Amavubi of Rwanda forced Libya’s Mediterranean Knights to a 1-1 draw in Tripoli in their own Matchday 1 encounter.

    Tuesday’s match will kick off at 3 p.m. Rwanda time (2pm Nigeria time).

  • AFCON qualifier: What coach Eguavoen said after Super Eagles beat Benin 3-0

    AFCON qualifier: What coach Eguavoen said after Super Eagles beat Benin 3-0

    Caretaker coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Augustine Eguavoen has said the Nigerian senior national football team have the calibre of players and can adopt any formation and be successful.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Eguavoen said this shortly after the Super Eagles thrashed Les Guepards of Benin Republic 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

    Eguavoen opted for a 3-4-3 formation in the qualifiers against Benin Republic for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for Morocco. The Super Eagles beat Benin Republic 3-0 using 3-4-3 formation.

    Speaking during the post match presser along with captain William Troost-Ekong, Eguavoen said: “The formation is only information. We have players of quality, and we can decide to play with any system. There is something we discussed, and I slept over it, and I know that with the calibre of players we have, we can decide to play any formation and be successful.

    “The players are always there, and when much is expected by Nigerians, that is when you see them performing. We have been getting a lot of backlash, and the boys didn’t know this. And we know we have the calibre and quality to beat any team, but we have to respect teams anyway.

    “So anybody can come here and do the same thing. It’s the mindset, and we have the potential, but it is how you check out your opponent and give information [to players], and then they will go out and do the job”.

    Watch excerpts from the post match presser below:

    TNG reports the SUper Eagles who had lost 1-2 to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire in June took the lead in added time of first half. Ademola Lookman put Nigeria ahead after going past four defenders before placing beyond the goalkeeper.

    Victor Osimhen who replaced Victor Boniface in the 72nd minute, scored the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 78th minute, slicing in a well-calculated pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Lookman went on to add the third goal in the match’s closing minutes to comfortably place the Super Eagles in their group ahead of their next match on Tuesday in Kigali.

    With this victory, the Super Eagles have put a stop to their three-match winless run at home after whitewashing Sao Tome and Principe  6-0 in September 2023. Nigeria will take on hosts Rwanda in their next group game in Kigali on Tuesday.

  • BREAKING: Lookman, Osimhen strike as Super Eagles beat Benin

    BREAKING: Lookman, Osimhen strike as Super Eagles beat Benin

    Super Eagles of Nigeria defeat Benin Republic 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.

    The encounter is beginning of the qualification stages for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

    The Eagles who had lost 1-2 to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire in June took the lead in added time of first half.

    Ademola Lookman put Nigeria ahead after going past four defenders before placing beyond the goalkeeper.

    Victor Osimhen who replaced Victor Boniface in the 72nd minute, scored the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 78th minute, slicing in a well-calculated pass from Wilfred Ndidi.

    Lookman went on to add the third goal in the match’s closing minutes to comfortably place the Super Eagles in their group ahead of their next match on Tuesday in Kigali.

    With this victory, the Eagles have put a stop to their three-match winless run at home after whitewashing Sao Tome and Principe  6-0 in September 2023.

    Nigeria will take on hosts Rwanda in their next group game in Kigali on Tuesday.