AFCON
SUPER EAGLES, ZIMBABWE WARRIORS END IT 0-0 IN SENDOFF FRIENDLY
Nigeria and Zimbabwe dragged to a scoreless stalemate in their pre-2019 Africa Cup of Nations sendoff international friendly at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday.
Opportunities were few and far between in a rain-swept encounter that marked the return of captain Mikel John Obi to the camp of the three –time African champions after a year out, and despite the conditions, he showed his fitness and usual firmness in the middle and fully deserved the Man-of-the-Match award that came at the end.
As early as the 5th minute, Mikel orchestrated what could have been Nigeria’s opener, as he quickly switched play and found Alex Iwobi, who found Paul Onuachu, but the Denmark –based forward, whose goal condemned seven –time African champions Egypt to defeat at the same venue in March, could only find the side of the net.
It was a game that switched from one end to the other, and in the 22nd minute, with only goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to beat, Warriors’ captain Knowledge Musona steered his shot over the woodworks.
In-between Mikel Obi entertaining the crowd with some deft touches, Samuel Kalu flashed a number of shots way from goal, and Khama Billiat and Nyasha Mushekwi fluffed opportunities at the other end.
In the second half, the introduction of Ahmed Musa enabled more urgency to the Nigerian game. He sneaked behind the Warriors’ rearguard a number of times but Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze failed to connect.
Chukwueze flashed a shot across the Zimbabwean goal and Musa’s teasing cross missed everyone in the box. As the game wore on, defender Jamilu Collins failed to steer the ball past George Chigova in goal for Zimbabwe when put through by Mikel.
The introduction of Henry Onyekuru presaged more problems for Zimbabwe at the left side of defence, but they held firm and Chigova even palmed out Ahmed Musa’s fierce shot for a corner.
The Super Eagles will depart Asaba by a chartered flight on Sunday morning for Egypt, where they will continue their final preparations for the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia before heading to their tournament venue, Alexandria on 17th June.
Nigeria play Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar in that order in the group phase of the competition scheduled for 21st June – 19th July.
The Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with families of the three persons who were killed by kidnappers in an ambush on the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State, on Tuesday, 8th October 2024.
Information gathered on the incident revealed that the bandits opened fire on the bus in which the SuperSport operatives were travelling, with Staff and security personnel on board, and the attack immediately resulted in the deaths of a cameraman, a police officer and the bus driver.
President of NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated that the past few days have been very sad for the Executive Committee members, as well as the Management and Staff of the NFF. “Yes, we won the match against Libya and took three points, but the fact that three lives were lost created a situation in which we were unable to celebrate properly, and it hurts seriously to even think back at the unfortunate incident.
“Nigeria football has had a long and fruitful relationship with SuperSport. The organization has been a strong ally in helping to fulfil the objective of the NFF in spreading joy to Nigerians through football, and they have been very professional and dedicated in their service. We share in their pain and sorrow at this period. Our prayer is that the Almighty will comfort the SuperSport family and the families of the deceased, and also grant the deceased eternal rest.
“At the same time, we pray for the safe return of the one person still unaccounted for, so that he will happily link up with his family and return to his job in good health. We also thank the security forces immensely for their efforts since this incident started.”
The SuperSport crew was on the way to Uyo to broadcast the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya, played on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
It was reliably gathered on Saturday that a total of 14 persons were in the vehicle at the time of the ambush. Eight persons were eventually rescued, two escaped on their own, three were killed and one person is still unaccounted for.
Teboho Mokoena was the star of the show on Friday evening as the South African anchor scored a brace to contribute to a clinical 5-0 win over Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
The Group K clash saw Bafana Bafana play host the Congo side that was desperate for a result, but was met by a ruthless host that was clinical in front of goal.
Mokoena opened the scoring with a clean header in the in 12th minute before a thunderbolt strike from the edge of the box to complete his brace
His Mamelodi Sundowns teammate, Bathusi Aubaas made it three just before the break to put the match beyond reach for the visitors.
Coming back from the break, the hosts continued to dominate proceedings and were duly rewarded in the 52nd minute when Lyle Foster found the fourth.
Iqraam Rayners sealed the historic victory for the former champions with an easy tap in following a blunder by the keeper to make it five with no response from Congo.
The result sees the South Africans tied on points with Uganda as the race for a top finish intensifies in Group K.
Cote d’Ivoire reinforced their dominance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualifiers, commanding a 4-1 victory over Sierra Leone on Friday.
The Elephants, who entered the match with two wins from two, took an early lead through Nicolas Pépé in the second minute at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.
However, Sierra Leone responded before half-time with a goal from Alhassan Koroma to level the match.
The Ivorians regained control in the second half when Franck Kessié restored their lead with a 51st-minute strike, assisted by Séko Fofana.
Kessié doubled his tally in the 75th minute before Oumar Diakité sealed the win with a late penalty, keeping Côte d’Ivoire on top of Group G with maximum nine points.
The victory brings them one step closer to qualification for the tournament in Morocco.
NFF condoles with SuperSport and families of slain media men heading for AFCON match
Bafana Bafana spell Congo with goals
Cote d’Ivoire edge closer to AFCON qualification
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
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