International Football
Uyo Battle: Cameroon’s Mabouka’s Status Unclear
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Ernest Mabouka of Israeli side, Maccabi Haifa, is one of the 23 players named by Cameroon’s Belgian coach, Hugo Broos, for the World Cup qualifying ties with Nigeria. The first match holds this Friday in Uyo.
But is Ernest Mabouka free to feature in the first match this Friday? This poser comes up as the 29 year old rugged defender was given the matching order in Cameroon’s last FIFA Confederations Cup match last June in Russia.
Although the 64th minute red card he got in Cameroon’s match with Germany looked harsh as it was the video assistant referee review that revealed that Mabouka had a late challenge on Germany’s Emre Can, by regulations, a red carded player misses the next match of the competition.
But that Group B match happened to be Cameroon’s last in the Confederations Cup prompting Sports Village Square to make enquiries with FIFA technical officials who were in Russia during the competition. What really is the disciplinary status of a player suspended for the next match, if the match in which the offence was committed is the team’s last match?
A Nigerian-American FIFA referee instructor, Abiodun Okulaja, assisted in getting answers to the enquiry. He was one of the officials in Russia during the FIFA Confederations Cup.
He helped in directing the enquiries to another official, Esfandiar Baharmast, who is often remembered for the penalty kick he awarded Norway against Brazil in the dying minutes of a group match at France ‘98 World Cup.
According to Baharmast, a FIFA referees’ instructor who was at Russia 2017, expulsion of players is carried over to the affected team’s next official match. He however did not explain whether the official match had to be the one organized by the same body.
It was for that reason that a red carded Victor Moses of Chelsea in the final match of the English FA Cup, had to miss the Community Shield clash with Arsenal at the beginning of the current English season.
Cameroon’s first official match since Russia 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup was the qualifier for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations last June when the team beat Morocco 1-0 in Yaoundé. It was a CAF organized competition. Mabouka featured in the match as he came in as a 30th minute substitute for Ambroise Oyongo Bitolo.
The Friday match will be Cameroon’s first official match in a FIFA organized competition and could therefore be ineligible to feature.
But the possible absence of Mabouka may not mean much to Cameroon as the defender was a late called up to the team for the FIFA Confederations Cup. At 29, he has just nine international matches, three of which were at the Russia 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
The former MSK Zilina of Slovakia right back, who only recently transferred to Maccabi Haifa of Israel, made his debut in the build up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon when he played against DR Congo in January.
Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye explained to Sports Village Square that notification on eligibility of Mabouka will be sent by FIFA in the days to the Uyo match is had been previously done if a player is ineligible to feature in a match.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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