AFCON
An evening to remember… Nigeria Breweries’ brands champion bond between Super Eagles, fans and brand ambassadors
Nigerian Breweries, the leading beverage company in the country Thursday night organized a delightful evening for Super Eagles players at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
The innovative event sought to bring the players closer to their fans and the brand ambassadors of Nigerian Breweries’ products, including Goldberg, Life, and Zagg Energy.
This gathering provided an opportunity for the players to unwind and relax before their important match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
For the past five days, the Super Eagles have been diligently preparing in Lagos for their upcoming game in Monrovia.
Under the guidance of Coach Jose Peseiro, the team has been working hard to ensure they are in top form. While the players remained focused on their upcoming assignment, Nigerian Breweries recognized the significance of fostering a strong bond between the Super Eagles stars, their fans, and the company’s brand ambassadors.
Thus, they organized a dinner event where the players could interact and have some fun.
The Head of Marketing and Communications Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sandra Amachree, expertly hosted the event, ensuring a joyous and memorable experience for everyone involved.
The atmosphere was vibrant as the players temporarily shed their serious on-pitch demeanour and embraced a more relaxed posture.
From the team’s captain, Ahmed Musa, to notable players like Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Joe Aribo, Victor Osimhen, and the team’s comedian, Kelechi Iheanacho, they all took turns answering questions from the fans.
During the event, Alex Iwobi shared his favourite post-match meal, revealing a penchant for Jollof rice and fried plantain (dodo), as it provides him with the energy he needs.
The Everton Player of the Season was quick to be told he will also need some Zaag Energy Drink to go with his favourite meal.
For Joe Aribo, he excitedly informed the fans about his current pre-match jam, which happens to be the hit song by Kcee Ojapiano. Victor Osimhen shared an unforgettable experience from his career, reminiscing about the first chance he received to showcase his talent.
When asked what he would have become if he weren’t a footballer, Kelechi Iheanacho humorously responded that he would still be a footballer.
The brand ambassadors of Nigerian Breweries’ products, Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham-Adedeji, and Debo Adebowale (Mr Macaroni), were also present at the event and enthusiastically expressed their admiration for the Super Eagles players.
They commended the players for consistently bringing joy and pride to the hearts of Nigerians.
The brand ambassadors urged the players to remain dedicated and resilient, even in the face of criticism from a few disgruntled fans when results do not go the country’s way.
The gathering organized by Nigerian Breweries served as a testament to their commitment to supporting Nigerian football and nurturing a strong relationship between the Super Eagles, their fans, and the brand ambassadors.
Many agree such innovations play a crucial role in bridging the gap between players and supporters, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
Wasiu Abiola assured that all Nigerian Breweries’ brands, including Goldberg, Life, and Zaag Energy will continue to make significant contributions to Nigerian sports and strengthen the bond between athletes and their fans at all times.
What a turn-around! After four previous competitive matches without a win, the Super Eagles have regained their winning mentality after a 3-0 defeat of Benin Republic in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
The win also put the Super Eagles at the top of the Group D after both Libya and Rwanda played 1-1 draw last Thursday.
It is also the biggest win by the Super Eagles since their 2023 6-0 win over Sao Tome & Principe last year September.
Great man Ademola Lookman, he put in two goals straightening the possibility of his emerging as 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
The current title holder, Victor Osimhen proved his mettle coming off the bench in the second half to double Nigeria’s lead after Lookman’s late first half goal.
The Super Eagles will now honour their next fixture against Rwanda on Tuesday with the hope of consolidating their lead.
Benin Republic with no points and a deficit of three goals are rooted at the bottom of the log.
BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rev. Samuel Ikpea has called on all Nigerians to rally round and pray for the Super Eagles ahead of Saturday’s Morocco 2025 AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo.
Ikpea who is mobilizing support for the Super Eagles ahead of the clash in Uyo said that whatever Benin Republic come with both spiritually and physically in the game, we will surely overcome them.
“In the NFSC we have Christians, Muslims as well as those who believe in traditional worship and we respect the rights of freedom of worship of every member and all Nigerians.
“When we are faced with this kind of crucial game, we call on everyone to pray through their various believes because we foresee that Benin Republic are most likely coming to fall back on ‘black magic’ to enable them perfect a back-to-back victory over our Super Eagles after beating us 2-1 in our last meeting in a World Cup qualifier”
“We cannot underestimate the efficacy of the black magic” Ikpea further stressed, “but we believe that when we come together we can neutralize it’s efficacy.
“This is no time to sleep, we all have to rally round and do our best to support our Super Eagles because they cannot do it alone without the prayers and support of all Nigerians.
“While charging Nigerians to be positive with the team, we at the NFSC have done everything positive to overturn whatever plans they are coming with and we enjoin everyone to toe that path through prayers”.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles camp is bubbling with training in Uyo, as team Coach Austin Eguavoen, has been working hard to perfect tactics with the boys and ensure the Super Eagles soar on Saturday.
The Super Eagles have not won a qualifying match for any competition since their 6-0 defeat of Principe & Sao Tome on 10th September 2023 in Uyo. That was their last qualifying match for Cote d’Ivoire 2023 played in 2024.
Since then, they have played four World Cup qualifying matches without a win despite being the overwhelming favourites at those matches.
A forensic analysis of their World Cup qualifying since that of Qatar 2022 will reveal they had played seven consecutive matches without a win starting from their 1-1 home draw with Cape Verde in Lagos which qualified them for the play off. In the play off with Ghana, the Super Eagles drew the two matches.
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they have gone four matches, getting three draws and a loss. The prospect of their getting a straight qualification from the group is doubtful as they have a mountain to climb by winning the remaining six matches, three of which are away duels of which are most likely to be played in South Africa, the home ground of their main rivals.
Zimbabwe and Lesotho play their home matches in South Africa and Nigeria also still have an away duel with Bafana Bafana.
The qualification series of AFCON 2025 presents the Super Eagles a new beginning. Starting from the semi-finals of the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the team has won none of their four competitive matches in regulation time. The players have a date with destiny in Uyo this Saturday to wipe off the sagging image they have had in recent time.
A win will give the team the confidence expected in anticipation for future fixtures.
What a goal-laden day for Nigeria; Falconets also win with wide margin!
Hurray, Super Eagles back to winning ways!
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