International Football
Upset-filled Match Day 3 in Africa’s World Cup qualifiers
Group C of the qualifiers for the World Cup produced two away wins as Liberia and Nigeria crumbled at the dot of regulation m=time in their respective home games with Cape Verde and Central African Republic (CAR).
In Lagos, substitute Karl Namnganda scored a sensational 90th minute goal as the CAR stunned Nigeria’s Super Eagles at home, beating them by a solitary goal in their third Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
In Monrovia, Liberia could not hold on to their first lead as Cape Verde came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win, with the winning goal coming two minutes into the added time.
In Kigali meanwhile, Uganda picked their maiden victory in Group E after beating hosts Rwanda by a solitary goal.
Before the shock 1-0 loss, Nigeria had won their first two matches and were out to pick a third successive victory at home, but their failure to use their chances was punished with the visitors using one of their best two chances of the game to earn maximum points.
From the result, Nigeria remains top of Group C with six points while CAR climb up to third with four points, same as second placed Cape Verde who had earlier come from behind to beat Liberia 2-1.
The Super Eagles will have themselves to blame having dominated the match and played literally three quarters of the match in CAR’s half, but they could not find the killer instinct for a much needed goal.
The Nigerians had lots of chances to get ahead.
In the 33rd minute, Kelechi Iheanacho came very close when he turned on his favourite left boot, but his curling effort skipped just wide.
In the second half, the Nigerians continued their dominance. In the 52nd minute Osimhen was denied by the bar after striking low inside the box while substitute Taiwo Awoniyi saw his follow up effort deflected for a corner.
CAR had a rare chance in the 64th minute but Nigerian keeper Francis Uzoho who had been idle all game made a decisive save to deny Namnganda with his feet.
Nigeria continued to pile the pressure with Osimhen having two chances, first heading just wide from a cross while in the 84th minute, he swung a volley inches over.
Off a counter, Nigeria were made to pay. Namnganda was off on a counter and battled two defenders, Leon Balogun falling on his way before he fired low past the keeper at the stroke of 90 minutes.
The visitors just but managed to hold on to the slim lead to the end.
Rwanda 0-1 Uganda
In Kigali, Uganda moved top of Group E after a 1-0 win over hosts Rwanda at the Stade Nyamirambo. Fahad Bayo scored the lone goal for the Cranes in the 41st minute as they moved to five points from three matches and kept another clean sheet.
Jack Tuyisenge and York Rafael had two early chances for Rwanda. Tuyisenge headed wide from a corner while Rafael volleyed over from inside the box.
The Ugandans picked the lead four minutes to the break when Bayo tapped the ball home from a goalmouth melee after the Rwandese backline struggled to clear a freekick.
In the second half, Rwanda did all they could to get back in the game, pinning Uganda in their own half but couldn’t score. Haruna Niyonzima completely miscued a shot inside the box from a cutback while Kevin Muhire shot over from the edge of the area.
Equatorial Guinea 2-0 Zambia
Equatorial Guinea moved to second in Group B after beating 10-man Zambia 2-0. Saul Basilio Coco-Bassey Oubina gave the home side the lead after 35 minutes, 10 minutes after the Zambians were reduced to 10 men.
The visitors were slapped with a numerical disadvantage after striker Prince Mumba was shown red in the 25th minute.
Equatorial Guinea used their numbers to an advantage and cemented the win with an 87th minute second goal scored by Emilio Nsue.
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
Morocco’s Saibari Joins World Cup Fast-Goal Elite with Scotland Winner
Koeman Gets Revenge as Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 at World Cup
BET9ja FACT FILE
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 Cup2 days ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup6 days ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup1 week ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup6 days ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup6 days ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup6 days ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup1 week ago
Ghana Protests Canada’s Visa Denial to Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Clash
- World Cup7 days ago
Advocaat Set to Make World Cup History as Curaçao Face Germany