International Football
NIGERIAN PLAYER, ADESINA, MAKES WAVES IN SEYCHELLES
Seychelles is an unlikely destination for every footballer, but for Nigerian Peter Adesina, it has become home, an opportunity he forever remains grateful.
The 28-year old midfielder Adeshina has been one of the unsung heroes Seychellois champions, Cote d’Or, but doesn’t mind being in the background and play his part towards the success of the team.
“I played in Nigeria for a long time notably in the second-tier (Nigerian National League) with City of David (COD) Club and Calabar Rovers.
After a short stint in Benin, I was due to return to Nigeria until this opportunity to play in these beautiful islands came, and I grabbed the chance with both hands,” he reflected.
Adesina recalls he needed some time to adapt with the climate especially upon arrival in 2017, but he managed to do the business on the pitch helping Cote d’Or to runner-up spot in the Seychellois top flight.
The following season, the club based in Praslin, the second biggest Island in Seychelles, moved a step further winning the national title championship, with the Nigerian netting 12 goals in all competitions.
“I played in Nigeria for a long time notably in the second-tier (Nigerian National League) with City
He had to fight for his place as one of the four foreigners at the club for the three slots per club according to the regulations of the Seychelles Premier League.
Others foreigners are Uganda Tonny Kizito and Jonah Randriamisaina of Madagscar are other foreign players at the club.
“It has been a privilege to get the chance to showcase my talent and I’m grateful for the club management and coaches as well as the other partners and the whole community of Praslin where the team is based for all the support. I will always strive to give my best for the club,” Adesina said.
The league title feat earned Cote d’Or the right to represent Seychelles in the CAF Champions League 2019/20, a participation which has come with bitter-sweet memories.
For the first time, the Praslin-based club went past the preliminary round after eliminating Fomboni of Comoros on the away goal rule after a 3-3 tie on aggregate.
Next in line was South Africa and 2016 champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, standing between the islanders and a historic place at the group stage of the premier continental club championship.
However, the Brazilians as Sundowns are nicknamed proved a
mountain too tall for Cote d’Or. After a 5-0 loss in the first leg, the
Seychellois outfit suffered a humbling 11-1 loss in the reverse, a result which
went down as the biggest loss in the history of the competition, and the
aggregate score of 16-1, also another record.
Despite the infamous result, which has seen Cote d’Or drop to the Playoffs of the second-tier Total CAF Confederation Cup, where they come up against El Masry of Egypt, Adesina who has one goal to his name has described the experience worthy.
The Islanders host the Port Said-based outfit in the first leg on Sunday in Victoria, and the Nigerian is upbeat about a convincing result to boost their quest for a historic feat, this time for the positive reasons by becoming the first-ever Seychellois club to participate to reach the group stage of a major continental club championship.
“We hope to use the experience from our last contest against Sundowns to do better.
“Though we are conscious that we are playing a highly ranked club on the continent, what is important is that our players have the right attitude for the match as we must realize we have our reputation and that of the club at stake,” Adesina added.
The Seychellois champions are boisterous mood after a record 9-3 win over Red Star Defence Forces last Saturday in the domestic top flight. The result ranks as the biggest of the season so far.
“The record league win against Red Star Defence Forces, one of the title contenders will serve as a morale booster for the continental test against El Masry, which will be of a different level,” the Nigerian concluded.
-CAFonline
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Amad’s Late Strike Gives Côte d’Ivoire Dramatic Victory Over Ecuador
Iran Arrive in Los Angeles for Historic and Highly Charged World Cup Opener
Japan Fight Back Twice to Earn Dramatic Draw Against Netherlands
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
- World Cup1 week ago
Shakira to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony in Mexico
- International Football1 week ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup1 week ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time
- Uncategorized1 week ago
Iran World Cup squad still in visa limbo 10 days before first match, ambassador says
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA Unveils Fan-Centric Pre-Match Ceremony for 2026 World Cup
- World Cup1 week ago
Strike Threat Looms Over USA-Paraguay World Cup Match at SoFi Stadium
- World Cup1 week ago
Iran’s World Cup team arrive in Tijuana with US tensions high