International Football
Video: How Super Eagles beat Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s Kenny Rocha Santos gifted Nigeria a bizarre own goal, as the Super Eagles returned from Mindelo with a 2-1 win to go top of Group C of the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 qualifiers on maximum points.
Nigeria managed their second Group C win in as many matches, when they came from behind to down hosts Cape Verde 2-1 in Mindelo.
Dylan Tavares put the hosts ahead after 19 minutes, but for Victor Osimhen to find the equalizer ten minutes later. A bizarre own goal from Kenny Rocha Santos 14 minutes from time gifted Nigeria a vital away win.
Despite seeing the hosts having most of the possession at the opening minutes, the first chance fell to Nigeria, when skipper Ahmed Musa received a cross inside the area, but his shot went high after five minutes.
But it was Cape Verde who opened the scoring after 19 minutes. A long pass from their own half found Dylan Tavares who sent a first time shot with his left foot behind Maduka Okoye to give the Blue Sharks the lead.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vezinha was alert to stop Chidera Ejuke effort from the edge of the area after 27 minutes, with the Super Eagles trying to find the equalizer before the break.
And they got what they wanted a couple of minutes later. Defender Kelvin Pires tried to clear a cross from Jamilu Collins, but was about to score in his own net but for Vezinha save. The rebound ball found Victor Osimhen who scored easily to restore parity for Nigeria.
Vezinha once again was the hero for Cape Verde just before halftime. Musa’s corner caused a scramble inside the area, and Cape Verde goalkeeper saved Osimhen tap from three yards away, as the first half ended 1-1.
After the break, Nigeria enjoyed more possession but without posing a real threat to their hosts, who sat back depending on counter attacks. They came closest after 73 minutes when substitute Henry Onyekuru shot from the edge of the area was safely handled by Vezinha.
But the visitors took the lead after 76 minutes in a bizarre way. From 30 meters away, Kenny Rocha Santos tried to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper, but it was a high pass that wronged Vezinha and crossed the goal line to give Nigeria the lead.
Substitute Vagner Dias could have saved a point for Cape Verde two minutes from time, but his header from a close range went just wide, as Nigeria held to their win to reach maximum points.
Nigeria leads Group C on 6 points, 3 more than Liberia. Cape Verde and Central African Republic have a point each.
International Football
Former Chelsea manager, Pochettino takes over US men’s team
Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named new coach of the United States men’s team, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.
Pochettino, who parted ways with Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will take the reins of the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
The Argentine, a former Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, said his decision to join U.S. soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he could not pass up the opportunity.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” he said in a statement.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said Pochettino was a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players”.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
The U.S. have been without a permanent coach since a humiliating early exit from the Copa America on home soil in July led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter after his second stint as head coach.
The 51-year-old boss was first appointed in 2018 and led the Americans to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, but just weeks later found himself embroiled in a bitter public row with one of the team’s brightest emerging talents, Gio Reyna.
U.S. Soccer’s search for a new coach when Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of 2022 included names such as Canada coach Jesse Marsch, but they ultimately rehired Berhalter in June last year with the full support of the players.
However, it proved unsuccessful as the U.S. failed to progress beyond the group stages of the Copa America after a shock 2-1 defeat to Panama and a crushing 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
Pochettino will take over after Mikey Varas, who has been appointed interim coach, oversaw friendlies against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand on Tuesday.
The U.S. drew 1-1 with New Zealand in Cincinnati after Christian Pulisic’s goal was cancelled out by Ben Waine’s late equaliser.
The U.S. will next play friendlies against Panama on Oct. 12 and Mexico three days later.
-Reuters
International Football
BREAKING – Video: Osimhen accepts to join Galatasaray
At last, Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen is out of the limbo. He has accepted to join Galatasaray on loan.
He is now asking for a release clause at Napoli to become €75m instead of €130m
He also wants a break clause for January in case top clubs approach him over move.
The final points are being discussed. He has been videoed celebrating with the Turkey club’s fans.
International Football
Uruguay striker Suarez to play last international match on Friday
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez announced his international retirement on Monday, ending a 17-year career with his national team as their top scorer with 69 goals.
The 37-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, made his international debut in 2007 and was key in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and won the Copa America a year later.
“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference.
“The fact that is my decision to retire and that I’m not retired because of injuries or that they stop calling me for one thing or another, that gives me a lot of comfort, it helps me individually.
“It’s difficult but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game I have given my all, and that flame has not been extinguished little by little,” the striker added.
Uruguay take on Paraguay at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Friday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup before facing Venezuela four days later.
Suarez scored the stoppage-time goal against Canada that secured third place at the Copa America in July and the striker added that one of his aims was to show he could continue to contribute to the national team.
“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team … that last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them,” he said.
“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team and, well, I had the Copa America and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analysed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium.
“I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”
Suarez has already said Inter Miami will be his last club after joining the Major League Soccer side last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
-Reuters
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