AFCON

NFF HUNTS FOR AFRICAN OPPOSITION, AFTER SEALING EAGLES/BRAZIL

Published

5 years ago

September 17, 2019

The Nigeria Football Federation is working hard at sealing a match with an African team for the Super Eagles, after announcing on Monday night that the three –time African champions will play Brazil in a friendly in Singapore on Sunday 13^th October.

Nigeria and Brazil will tango in a much –anticipated encounter at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore on Sunday, 13^th October, 23 years after Nigeria, on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic football gold, spanked the Selecao in the semi finals at the Athens Stadium in the State of Georgia, USA.

Efforts to match the two teams in a friendly match after that spectacular game came to nought for several years, until the organizers of the 8^th All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted in 2003 flew the Brazilians to Abuja in June of that year. Brazil won 3-0.

There has been no competitive tie between both countries’ senior teams since that memorable U23 match in Georgia, and next month’s session will test the character of the African champions who are somewhat building a new team after a rash of retirements and injuries to key players.

That new breed came close to shocking Ukraine in a friendly match in Dnipro a week ago, before bungling a two-goal lead to stalemate at 2-2.

“We are happy to have sealed this encounter with Brazil, the five-time champions of the world. It is not everyday that you get to Brazil, and I think it is very good for our young team.

“The Nigeria Football Federation must also commend Eurodata Sport, our FIFA –licensed Match Agent, for pulling this off.

“Having said that, the focus now is on getting an African team for the Super Eagles as a second match for the FIFA window in October, ahead of their 2021 AFCON qualifying matches in November,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.

The Super Eagles have two 2021 AFCON qualifying dates in November. After hosting the Squirrels of Benin Republic on 14^th November, they will fly to Maseru for a Day Two encounter with the Crocodiles of Lesotho on 19^th November.

AFCON

Algeria comfortably cruise past Togo to extend Group E lead

Published

40 seconds ago

October 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Dessert Foxes extended their Group E lead with a commanding 5-1 victory over Togo on Thursday evening in a Group E clash of Match Day 03 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers

The resounding victory sees the former African champions extend their lead to an impressive 7 points ahead of Togo who are second on two points from three matches.

It was a one-sided affair in favour of the hosts who comfortably dominated the match, signalling their strong intentions of reclaiming their lost title, as they marked three straight wins in their quest to secure a ticket to the 2025 edition in Morocco.

Despite taking the early lead through Thibault Klidje in the 11th minute, it was the hosts who eventually emerged victorious thanks to their clinical finishing in front of goal.

A brace by Said Benrahma alongside goals by Houssem Aouer, Amine Gouiri and a last-minute strike by Mohamed Amoura saw the north African giants secure the victory in front of their highly vocal fans.

Group E action continues on Friday afternoon with an exciting clash between Equatorial Guinea and Liberia at 13h00 GMT.

AFCON

Points of Interest as Nigeria Hosts Libya in AFCON Qualifier

Published

28 mins ago

October 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Nigeria Super Eagles hope to consolidate their lead in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series which enters matchday 3.

Sports Village Square brings you some points of interest in the encounter that will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

AUGUSTINE EGUAVOEN

Nigeria’s head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, debuted as senior national team manager in a Super Eagles match with Libya. That was a friendly match played on 17 August 2005. Nigeria won 1-0 in Tripoli.

MILESTONE

The match in Uyo will be Eguavoen’s 25^{^th} match as Nigeria’s head coach in the four periods he has had to manage the team. His first tenure ran from 22 June 2005 to 6 February 2007. His second tenure was 22 July to 4 November 2010. He was called up again for the third time and was in charge of Nigeria’s matches from 11 January 2022 to 29 March 2022. His current tenure began with the Nigeria versus Benin Republic match on 7 September 2024.

MIKEL OBI

Nigeria’s former captain, Mikel Obi made his international debut in a friendly match with Libya. That was when Eguavoen handed him his first Super Eagles shirt in the 63^{^rd} minute as a substitute for Nwankwo Kanu. Mikel had previously played under Eguavoen at the U-17 World Cup in Finland in 2003.

TARIBO WEST

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West played his last international match when he was featured in a friendly duel with Libya in 2005. When he was substituted in the 67^{^th} minute of the match by Obinna Nwanneri, he took his final exit from the Super Eagles.

AFCON

Ghana’s problems complicated after goalless draw with Sudan

Published

9 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign stuttered again as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Sudan at Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Ghana could not find a breakthrough.

The Black Stars now sit third in Group F with just two points from three matches, while Sudan’s point lifts them to second with four points.

Angola leads the group with six points from two games, while Niger is bottom with one point. Angola will face Niger on Friday.

In a frustrating match for Ghana, Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams came closest to scoring, but Sudan’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa, stood firm.

Ghana’s attacking players struggled to break down a resolute Sudanese side that managed to keep the game scoreless despite intense late pressure.