Uncategorized
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: RANGERS GO FOR 3 POINTS IN TUNISIA
BY APESIN ADEMOLA.
Rangers file out tonight in Sfax for one of their toughest fixtures in the group stage of the continent’s second tier club competition, the CAF Confederation Cup.
In what is regarded as the tournament’s “group of death”, the Flying Antelopes are paired against tonight’s opponents and three-time winners CS Sfaxien, four-time champions Étoile du Sahel and Burkina Faso’s Salitas FC, which appear to be the weakest link in the chain.
The Nigerian representatives acquitted themselves on Matchday 1 when they triumphed 2-0 over Salitas in Enugu to lead the group on superior goal difference over Sfaxien, which makes the match in the Tunisian city of Sfax a clash of potential group winners.
Rangers are raring to go to restore Nigeria’s pride in continental competitions.
After Enyimba’s back-to-back wins of the CAF Champions League in the early 2000s, only Kano Pillars and Heartland have reached the last four of that elite competition, both going head-to-head in the 2009 edition only for the victorious Heartland to lose to DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in the final.
In the Confederation Cup, Enyimba exited in the semifinals of the last episode losing to Raja Casablanca.
No Nigerian team have won this title since the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were merged to constitute CAF Confederation Cup in 2004, while Dolphins got to the final a year later.
Nana Bonsu, the Ghanaian who minds the post for Rangers, is hopeful that the Tunisian obstacle in the form of CS Sfaxien will be surmounted. He told CAFonline.com that by beating Salitas in their opening group match, the path to success is smoothened on their way to a first continental glory since 1977 when Rangers lifted the then African Cup Winners Cup by beating Cameroon’s Canon Yaoundé 5-2 aggregate in the final.
“In football, everything is possible despite the fact that we have two strong Tunisian clubs in our group,” Bonsu said. “We are going to play football and that is the most important thing.
“Yes, the group looks difficult but nothing is impossible in football. We shall do our best to ensure we qualify from the group.”
In the other match in Group B, where Rangers feature, the other Tunisian side Étoile du Sahel will be away in Burkina Faso to Salitas FC. Both teams are under pressure having lost their respective opening fixture.
Étoile had won this competition in 1995, 1999, 2006 and 2015, and also lifted the Champions League in 2007, and were runners-up twice (2004 and 2005).
Group A has all four teams, which include three Moroccan clubs, having one point each. Congo Republic’s AS Otôho are the only odd team here with Raja Casablanca, RS Berkane and Hassania Agadir, all of Morocco, completing the group.
In Group C, ZESCO United of Zambia and Sudan’s Al-Hilal are ahead having won their first group game, while Ashante Kotoko SC of Ghana and Nkana from Zambia chase their first points.
Like Group C, Group D also have two frontrunners – Gor Mahia of Kenya and Algeria’s NA Hussein Dey – who won on Matchday 1, piling pressure on Petro de Luanda of Angola and Egypt’s Zamalek.
Group stage (Matchday 2)
Group B:
- CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) v Rangers (Nigeria) (8pm)
- Salitas FC (Burkina Faso) v Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) (5pm)
Group A:
- Raja Casablanca (Morocco) v AS Otôho (Congo Republic) (5pm)
- RS Berkane (Morocco) v Hassania Agadir (Morocco) (8pm)
Group C:
- Nkana (Zambia) v Al-Hilal (Sudan) (2pm),
- Ashante Kotoko SC (Ghana) v ZESCO United (Zambia) (5pm)
Group D:
- Petro de Luanda (Angola) v Gor Mahia (Kenya) (5pm)
- Zamalek (Egypt) v NA Hussein Dey (Algeria) (8pm)
By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
A dramatic World Cup playoff clash between DR Congo and Jamaica took an unusual turn when referee Facundo Tello was forced to abandon the match late in extra time after sustaining an injury.
The incident occurred deep into the second half of extra time, when the Argentine official suddenly blew his whistle to halt play, leaving players from both sides momentarily confused. What followed was a rare and surreal scene, as players gathered around not for a foul or confrontation, but to assist the injured referee.
Tello appeared to be struggling with a calf problem and required attention on the pitch, even as some players — mindful of the ticking clock — urged for a quick resumption of play. The stoppage stretched on, drawing audible frustration from the crowd, whose boos echoed around the stadium.
After several minutes of treatment, it became clear the referee could not continue. Moving gingerly with his hand on his calf, Tello made his way to the touchline, where he was replaced by the fourth official to oversee the remainder of the encounter.
From the sidelines, the injured referee watched as the match reached its conclusion, culminating in jubilant celebrations from the DR Congo players following their hard-fought victory over Jamaica.
The unusual interruption added another layer of drama to an already intense playoff, highlighting the physical demands not only on players but also on match officials in high-stakes encounters.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
World Cup Fans, Players And Officials Face $15,000 Visa Bonds to Enter U.S.
- AFCON5 days ago
AFCON to Expand to 28 Teams as CAF Unveils New Competition Calendar
- World Cup3 days ago
Infantino promises FIFA backing for Iran to play at World Cup
- World Cup1 week ago
Jamaica Edge New Caledonia to Set Up Decisive World Cup Showdown with DR Congo
- AFCON5 days ago
CAF May Sanction Senegal Over AFCON Trophy Parade
- Governing Bodies5 days ago
BREAKING! Nigeria’s Samson Adamu Appointed Acting CAF General Secretary
- Table Tennis4 days ago
Aruna Faces Tough Draw as Africa Targets Glory at ITTF World Cup in Macao
- World Cup1 week ago
New Zealand players willing to play World Cup opener against Iran outside the US