Tag: Super Eagles

1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Aribo returns and Sakala makes Premiership debut in Rangers win over Livingston

After missing the Gers' last three friendly matches, the Super Eagles midfielder returned to the starting XI in Saturday's league opener at Ibrox Nigeria's Joe Aribo was in action as Zambia's Fashion Sakala made his Premiership debut in Rangers' 3-0 victory over Livingston on Saturday. The Gers continued from where they left off last season after they recorded an unbeaten league run with an overall tally of 102 points from 38 matches. Ianis Hagi opened the scoring at Ibrox Stadium in the eighth minute following an assist from James Tavernier, and second-half goals from Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe sealed the hosts' dominant performance and their first win in the 2021-22 campaign.

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Osimhen nets brace as Napoli crush Bayern Munich

Victor Osimhen scored twice, as Napoli hammered Bayern Munich 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. After scoring the winner against Serie C club Pro Vercelli last weekend, the Super Eagles striker led the Partenopei’s attack again in Munich. Osimhen netted his two goals within two second-half minutes. The first came in the 69th minute, as he combined nicely with Algeria midfielder, Adam Ounas. Zinedine Machach completed the rout for Napoli with five minutes left on the clock. Despite their comfortable win, Napoli suffered a late blow as Ounas was replaced 11 minutes later after he picked up an injury. Osimhen was replaced by Gennaro Tutino in the 80th minute.

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30Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

I’ll never forget ‘Thunder’ Balogun’s Wonder Goal – Onigbinde

The former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation and two-time head coach of the Super Eagles, Adegboye Onigbinde, has hailed late Nigerian legend, Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun, as the family marks his 49th memorial on Friday (today) in Lagos. Onigbinde said the best goal he’s seen was scored by Balogun. “The greatest goal ever by any footballer I have seen play was scored by ‘Thunder’ Balogun at the Olubadan Stadium in 1968 in the match between the Nigerian national team, then known as the UK Tourists and England,” Onigbinde said. “During that match, the English players, knowing his trickery, clustered him each time he gained possession, to prevent him from wreaking havoc on their team. “After frustrating him for most parts of the game, ‘Thunder’ planned his str...

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29Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles’ 2022 World Cup qualifying fixtures released

Nigeria’s qualifying schedule for next year’s World Cup in Qatar has been released. The three-time African champions will begin the second round of the qualifiers against Liberia in Lagos on September 3. Gernot Rohr’s men will then travel to Cape Verde on September 7. The Super Eagles play a double-header against the Central African Republic (CAR) between October 6 and 12. Nigeria will host the first leg, before travelling for the reverse fixture. They will then play against Liberia and Cape Verde again the following month. These two matches will be played between November 11 and 16. In March 2022, the overall winners of this group will then play a final playoff against a winner of one of the other nine groups for a place at the 2022 World Cup, which will kick off on Nov...

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23Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Etebo: Watford will give everything in the Premier League

The Super Eagles midfielder joined the Hornets on a season-long loan from Stoke City earlier this month Oghenekaro Etebo said Watford will ensure to give their all when the 2021-22 Premier League season begins. The 25-year-old was added as a midfield reinforcement to Xisco Munoz's side following the Hornets' promotion to the English top-flight last season. Ahead of his maiden Premier League season, the former Getafe and Galatasaray star predicted "a long campaign" for the Hornets.

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23Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Ahmed Musa: Fatih Karagumruk announce arrival of Nigeria captain

The Super Eagles captain has completed his return to Europe after a brief stint in the Nigeria top-flight Turkish Super Lig club Fatih Karagumruk have announced the signing of Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa on a free transfer. The move marked a return to Europe for Musa who was playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Kano Pillars since April. Karagumruk are yet to disclose the contractual details but the 28-year-old is expected to boost the club's push in the Turkish top-flight in this campaign.

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20Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Eagles stars Convinced Etebo to join Watford

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has revealed that his compatriots William Troost-Ekong and Isaac Success were instrumental in him joining Watford this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Emmanuel Dennis, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Dapo Mebude are the other Nigerian players at Watford. The 25-year-old joined the Hornets last week from English Championship club Stoke City on a season loan deal, with an option to buy. It is Etebo’s third loan deal away from Stoke since he signed a five-year contract with them just ahead of playing for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The midfielder, who overlooked a deal to stay at Galatasaray for another season, said Troost-Ekong and Success acted as persuaders in luring him to Vicarage Road. “The very minute they knew there was an offer fr...

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19Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

It Might Fall for Leicester City this season – Iheanacho

  Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has expressed his optimism that Leicester City will achieve their Premier League objectives in the new campaign. The Super Eagles star was in fine form in the 2020/21 season. Iheanacho scored 19 times for the former champions, as they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League. “Obviously, I scored goals last season. “I think, this season, we really need to do more and focus on our games. I have a good feeling that this season, it might fall for us and we will get what we want. As I said before, we need to concentrate and focus on the games, one after the other and hopefully, we will get there in the end. “I pray for more goals, but most importantly, more wins and more points,” Iheanacho told the club’s o...

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19Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Iheanacho: I have a feeling this season it might fall for Leicester City

The Nigeria international scored 19 goals for the Foxes in the concluded campaign Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is optimistic Leicester City will achieve their Premier League objectives in the new campaign. The towering attacker was in a good form in the 2020/21 season and went on to score 19 goals for the Brendan Rodgers-led team. "Obviously, I scored goals last season," Iheanacho told the club's official portal on Monday.

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17Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Napoli’s Osimhen can be like Vucinic and Iaquinta under Spalletti – D’Agostino

The former Roma and Udinese manager will guide the Super Eagles striker for his second campaign in the Italian top-flight Former Italy international Gaetano D'Agostino believes Victor Osimhen can be like Mirko Vucinic and Vincenzo Iaquinta under new Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti. In his previous managerial spell, Vucinic and Iaquinta are some of the players who stood out under Spalletti in Roma and Udinese respectively. D'Agostino is looking forward to seeing the Nigeria international dazzle in the Serie A next season after scoring 10 league goals in his debut campaign

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17Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Ndidi: FA Cup success will push Leicester City to more glory

The Nigeria midfielder played a key role as the Foxes clinched the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium last season Wilfred Ndidi is proud of Leicester City’s achievements last season and he is eager to help them win more titles in the 2021-22 campaign after last season's FA Cup triumph. The Super Eagles star played a crucial role in the middle of the park as Brendan Rodgers’ men came out victorious in the oldest football competition in the world after defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. The FA Cup triumph was Ndidi’s maiden title in his career and he described the feeling as "incredible" while hoping to win more silverware next season.

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17Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Onuachu, Dessers battle Okereke for Belgian Super Cup title

Super Eagles strikers Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers will be up against David Okereke in Saturday’s (today) Belgian Super Cup clash when KRC Genk and Club Brugge clash at Jan Breydel Stadium, Saturday PUNCH reports. Club Brugge won the Belgian league title last season while Genk finished runners-up in the league and won the Belgian Cup as well. Brugge have expressed mixed fortunes in pre-season, with three wins, a draw and two losses, scoring nine goals and conceding nine. Onuachu, top scorer in the Belgian topflight league last season with 33 goals, is expected to lead Genk’s attack, just as Dessers is expected to play a role following his impressive run in pre-season with three goal. Okereke, who made three appearances for Brugges in pre-season, was below par last season.

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16Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Balogun: Rangers focused on playing in Champions League group stage

The Super Eagles centre-back has his sights set on playing in the elite European competition next season Rangers are hoping to replicate their domestic winning run and qualify for the 2021-22 Champions League group stage, according to Nigeria defender Leon Balogun. The Gers are yet to play in the group stage of the top European tournament since their last outing in 2010. Thanks to their Premiership success last campaign, Steven Gerrard’s men will begin their quest to play in the Champions League in the third qualifying round.

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16Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Why Enyeama is the greatest Nigerian to play in Caf Champions League – Olatunji-Okuku

Although few Nigerians have won the competition more than once, the seasoned football administrator opted for the former Super Eagles goalkeeper Former Super Eagles star Vincent Enyeama is the greatest Nigerian ever to play in the Caf Champions League, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku. After joining the Aba giants from Ibom Stars in 2001, the goalkeeper became a key figure in Kadiri Ikhana’s Enyimba team that ruled Africa in 2003 - a feat which ended Nigeria’s wait to win the African title. His best performance came in the second leg of the final against Ismaily, as he made crucial saves to deny Theo Bucker's El Daraweesh

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15Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Villarreal put Chukwueze up for sale

Villarreal is willing to listen to offers for Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, ElgolDigital reports. This comes only three years after promoting Chukwueze to the first team at the Estadio de la Ceramica. The Nigerian joined the Spanish giants after impressing at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup when he helped the Golden Eaglets win the title. Chukwueze netted eight times in 38 matches in all competitions in his first season at the elite level. The Super Eagles winger managed four goals in 41 games in the following campaign, before netting five times in 40 matches last term as Villarreal ended as the Europa League champions. Villarreal manager Unai Emery is not convinced that Chukwueze fits his plans in the future, and is open to letting the 22-year-old leave. The mone...

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15Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Former Chelsea star Moses scores fourth goal in a row for Spartak Moscow

The 30-year-old opened the scoring as the People's Team cruised to a comfortable win at the Otkrytiye Arena Victor Moses continued his fine goalscoring run for Spartak Moscow with the opening goal in their 4-0 victory over Rubin Kazan on Wednesday. The former Super Eagles midfielder made it four goals in four appearances for Rui Vitoria’s side since he completed a permanent switch from Chelsea. Moses broke the deadlock at the Otkritie Arena with his strike from the penalty spot in the 10th minute.

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12Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

More photos of Ahmed Musa and his new wife, Maryam Jajere

Super Eagles skipper, Ahmed Musa got married to Maryam Adamu Jajere from Yobe State on Saturday, July 10.  

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12Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Sound Sultan: Super Eagles, Amokachi mourn late Nigerian music legend

The Nigerian rapper and songwriter was confirmed dead on Sunday after a hard-fought battle with throat cancer in the United States Nigeria's Super Eagles, former Everton forward Daniel Amokachi, and Leganes defender Kenneth Omeruo have joined the rest of the world in mourning the death of Nigerian music legend Olanrewaju Fasasi, who is known as Sound Sultan. Sound Sultan died at the age of 44 on Sunday after battling with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma. Sound Sultan, who rose to prominence under Kennis Music in the early 2000s, was an avid supporter of the Nigerian national team and he even charged them to victory in major tournaments with a single titled 'No tension', featuring former goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro.

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12Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Former Chelsea star Moses continues hot pre-season form with third goal for Spartak Moscow

The former Super Eagles midfielder continued his goalscoring run as Rui Vitoria's team intensify preparations for the 2021-22 season Victor Moses scored his third goal in as many matches as Spartak Moscow kicked off their Premier Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory over FC Sochi on Sunday. The former Chelsea and Inter Milan star sealed Spartak's emphatic win at the Otkritie Arena as they continue their preparation for the 2021-22 season that will begin in a fortnight's time. Moses came off the bench to score the fourth goal in the 81st minute after Zelimkhan Bakaev, Reziuan Mirzov and Aleksandr Sobolev had found the back of the net for the hosts

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10Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Etebo: Watford gradually becoming Super Eagles camp – Pinnick

The Fifa executive council member was intrigued following the Hornets signing another player from the Nigeria senior national team Watford are gradually becoming a Super Eagles camp, according to the president of Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick. The country’s football chief made the statement following the Hornets’ signing of Nigeria national team star Oghenekaro Etebo on a season-long loan from Stoke City. Etebo’s move makes him the latest Super Eagle in Xisco Munoz’s team ahead of the 2021-22 English top-flight campaign after Emmanuel Dennis switched from Club Brugge permanently.

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10Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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‘I am ready to move forward’ – Etebo on Watford move

The Super Eagles midfielder is happy to sign for the Hornets and promises to move forward and deliver for the club Nigeria international Oghenekaro Etebo has noted his challenge after sealing a transfer from Stoke City to Watford on Friday. The 25-year-old midfielder moved to Vicarage Road on a six-month loan deal ahead of the new season. Commenting on the move, Etebo has said on his Instagram page: “Looking forward to the next season joining Watford, it will be a new challenge and I am ready to move forward with the team.”

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10Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

England vs Italy: Gernot Rohr predicts winner of Euro 2020 final

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has predicted that England will defeat Italy in the final of Euro 2020 on Sunday. Rohr believes the Three Lions is a more complete team with a better tactical approach than the Azzurris. England needed extra time to see off Denmark 2-1 in the semi-final, while Italy qualified after a tense penalty shoot-out against Spain. When Rohr was asked which team will come out victorious at Wembley, he told Nation Sport: “Of course, England is favourite at home. “They are a complete team, physically and tactically on the top. “The fans are a big support, but I regretted their attitude to whistle the opponents, even the national anthem.” England are yet to win a major trophy since they lifted the World Cup in 1966.

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10Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Osimhen: Napoli coach Spalletti compares Super Eagles star with Mertens and Petagna

Gennaro Gattuso played a key role in bringing the 22-year-old to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti has lauded the qualities of striker Victor Osimhen, comparing him with fellow attackers Dries Mertens and Andrea Petagna. The tactician believes the qualities possessed by the West African are excellent and remains optimistic his team will perform well in the new campaign. "I don’t see why we shouldn’t do well with the current squad; Osimhen falls into this discourse," Spalletti said as quoted by Soccernet.  

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10Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Etebo: Watford sign Stoke City midfielder on loan

The Super Eagles midfielder is set for a new adventure in the Premier League with the Hornets Watford have completed the signing of Oghenekaro Etebo on a season-long loan from Stoke City. The 25-year-old is the latest Nigerian to join Xisco Munoz's side ahead of the 2021-22 season after Emmanuel Dennis switched from Club Brugge on a permanent deal. Etebo's move to Vicarage Road is his third loan move away from Stoke City having spent the last one and a half seasons in La Liga with Getafe and Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray

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8Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Taribo West Slams Pinnick over ‘Mushroom clubs’ Comment

  Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has hit out at the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, over his remarks on blocking players based in the country from joining “mushroom clubs” abroad. West described the comments as “insensitive” and “embarrassing”. Pinnick, while addressing the home-based Super Eagles before last weekend’s friendly against Mexico, vowed to stop football agents from taking the players to unknown leagues in Europe Instead, the NFF boss promised he would help the players join major leagues in Europe. However, West told BBC Sport Africa: “You cannot keep people against their will in a league that doesn’t respect them, pay them, protect them or care about their welfare. “Such comments from the head of Nigeria...

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6Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Does Mexico thrashing prove NPFL players are not good enough for Super Eagles?

A humbling defeat at the hands of El Tri did little to make the case for the home-based contingent breaking into Gernot Rohr's main squad There is no more polarizing discussion in Nigerian football than that surrounding the aptitude (or otherwise) of locally based players for the senior national team. Like for most differences of opinion in this present day and age, the battleground is digital, and with this comes the unspeakable principle that seems to govern disagreement on the internet: no one learns anything, and no one shifts ground. No matter what. To yield ground is to lose face.

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5Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Leicester City star Ndidi reveals how he became a midfielder

The Super Eagles player has established himself as one of the best tacklers in the English top-flight over the past three seasons Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has credited former Genk manager Peter Maes for switching his playing position from centre-back to midfield. Last season, the Nigeria international was drafted into the heart of the Foxes’ defence on several occasions and he delivered some impressive performances. His initial knowledge as a centre-back has also helped him shine in the Premier League as one of the best defensive midfielders in the division

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5Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Nigeria coach Rohr hints at inviting NPFL players for World Cup qualifiers after Mexico thumping

The German coach was present in Los Angeles to monitor the Super Eagles players who were on parade against Mexico Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has hinted that he could include some Nigeria Professional Football League players in his squad for their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers which will begin in September. He was on the bench as the home-based players suffered a 4-0 defeat to Mexico in an international friendly game on Sunday. Despite the disappointing score, Rohr commended the NPFL stars for their efforts in Los Angeles and he is looking forward to working with some of them in his regular team during the next final window.

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4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Loss to Mexico a ‘good experience’ for Nigeria – Olorundare

Gernot Rohr’s men were steamrolled by El Tri in Los Angeles, but, the veteran striker insists the loss can be a positive Dele Olorundare believes Nigeria will learn valuable lessons from the heavy defeat to Mexico in Sunday’s international friendly. Parading a squad predominantly made up of players plying their trade in the Nigeria Professional Football League, Gernot Rohr’s men were overpowered 4-0 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in the absence of the German. Hector Herrera’s double as well as strikes from Rogelio Funes Mori and Jonathan dos Santos were enough for all El Tri to stroll past the West African side in the United States of America.

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4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Vindication for Rohr: Nigeria’s NPFL players not good enough for Super Eagles – Olatunji-Okuku

The Super Eagles’ loss to El Tri has justified the German tactician’s reluctance to invite local-based professionals for international engagements Nigeria’s 4-0 defeat to Mexico has justified Gernot Rohr’s assertion that players from the Nigeria Professional Football League are not good enough for the Super Eagles, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku. Fielding largely local-based stars, the West Africans were outclassed by El Tri in Sunday’s international friendly staged in Los Angeles. While some has praised Rohr’s men for putting up a daring fight against Gerardo Martino’s men, the respected football administrator claims the result has further exposed the deteriorating state of the country’s league.

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4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Aigbogun: Super Eagles had ‘great experience’ with defeat against Mexico

The West Africans struggled to impress at the Los Angeles Coliseum and conceded two goals in each half of Sunday's match Nigerian coach Paul Aigbogun has rated Mexico’s 4-0 win over the Super Eagles as a ‘great experience’ for the home-based players. The former Flying Eagles boss assisted Gernot Rohr on the bench at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sunday following the absence of Joseph Yobo and NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen. Nigeria turned to their league players to execute the friendly match due to the unavailability of their foreign-based stars.

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4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Musa’s Kano Pillars subdue Lobi Stars to brighten NPFL title hopes

The Super Eagles captain failed to score, nevertheless, Sai Masu Gida hit three past Ortom Boys on Sunday evening Kano Pillars continued their push for the Nigeria Professional Football League title on Sunday, subduing Lobi Stars 3-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Sai Masu Gida’s hopes of emerging as champions had suffered a massive blow following their 2-1 defeat to MFM FC in Lagos in their last time out. Against the Ortom Boys, they got their act together to hit three past Kabiru Dogo’s men in the keenly contested game in Kano.

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4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Onyekuru: Fenerbahce and Besiktas table offers for forward – agent

The Super Eagle's agent claims they have already landed in Istanbul and the deal to either side could be wrapped up soon Nigeria international Henry Onyekuru has arrived in Istanbul to seal a transfer to either Fenerbahce and Besiktas, according to his agent. The player's representative, William D’Avila, said the AS Monaco forward is already in Istanbul after Galatasaray kept them waiting for five weeks over a possible move to sign him permanently. According to the information given by D’Avila, both clubs are ready to pay the 4.3 million euros demanded by Monaco.

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3Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria vs Mexico: All you need to know about friendly, match details, TV schedule

  Nigeria will play Mexico in a friendly game on Sunday, July 4. The match has been put together to help the two teams get into the best shape ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will commence in September. The Super Eagles prepare for their 2022 World Cup qualification games against Liberia and Cape Verde in September, while El Tricolor will also use the match as part of preparations for the CONCACAF Gold Cup set to kick off in July. Both teams have met five times, with Mexico winning 2-1 during the US Gold Cup match in Texas, while the four other encounters have ended with no winner between both countries. Gernot Rohr’s men have been hit with several withdrawals, including Ola Aina, Victor Osimhen, Tyronne Ebuehi, Simy Nwankwo, Samson Tijani and Frank On...

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3Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Joshua Oluwayemi: Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper sets ambitious Nigeria target

The 20-year-old has been invited for the El Tri friendly, and he is looking to seal his place in the Super Eagles squad Joshua Oluwayemi has set a target of becoming a regular face in the Nigeria senior national team, albeit, he must first put up an impressive showing against Mexico. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper was a late call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the international friendly against El Tri following an injury to Ikechukwu Ezenwa. The former Enyimba and Sunshine Stars goalie suffered an ankle injury during one of the training sessions in Abuja, but did not recover in time to make the trip to the United States of America.

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3Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Eguavoen missing as Rohr returns for Nigeria vs Mexico friendly match

The German coach is back to take charge of Sunday's game with NPFL players at the Los Angeles Coliseum Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is back to lead the Nigeria Professional Football League players for the international friendly match against Mexico after Austin Eguavoen did not make the trip to the United States. Eguavoen, who plays the role of the NFF technical director, was picked to lead the home-based players to Los Angeles after Rohr’s regular team was declared unavailable. The former Super Eagles defender and coach was denied a visa at the United States of America Embassy.

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3Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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‘I loved every moment’ – Moses sends message to Chelsea after completing Spartak Moscow move

The former Super Eagles star completed a permanent switch to Spartak Moscow on Friday after impressing on loan last season Victor Moses has penned an emotional message to Chelsea after completing a permanent move to Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow. The 30-year-old penned a two-year contract with the People's Team on Friday after the club triggered a clause that allows them to sign him permanently following their qualification for next season's Champions League. Last term, the former Liverpool midfielder helped Spartak Moscow finish second in the Russian top-flight with his contribution of four goals and two assists in 19 league matches.

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2Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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They need to show their abilities’ – Nigeria legends Shorunmu & Lawal back NPFL stars to stun Mexico

The home-based players will be looking to make a statement when they battle the defending Concacaf Gold Cup champions in Los Angeles Former Nigeria internationals Ike Shorunmu and Garba Lawal have advised the Super Eagles to believe in themselves and give their best against Mexico on Sunday. The Super Eagles squad is dominated by players from the Nigeria Professional Football League due to the unavailability Gernot Rohr’s regular squad of players, who are preparing for their clubs' pre-season. Nevertheless, NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen said he has chosen the best legs in the Nigeria top-flight and they are ready to help the West African country secure their first win against Mexico.

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2Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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I promise to deliver’ – Former Chelsea star Mikel’s message to Al Kuwait SC

The former Super Eagles captain was delighted to move from Stoke City to Kuwait and promised to give his level best for his new club Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has promised to help new club Al Kuwait SC to achieve their targets for the new season. On Thursday, the Kuwaiti Premier League outfit disclosed the former Stoke City and Trabzonspor star had penned a one-year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2021-22 season. Mikel's signing came as reinforcement for Al Kuwait, who finished third in the Premier League last season behind Al-Qadsia and leaders Al-Arabi.

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1Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria arrive in the United States for Mexico friendly

The Super Eagles landed in the North American country on Thursday evening in the run-up to the friendly against El Tri Nigeria landed in the United States of America on Thursday evening ahead of Saturday’s international friendly against Mexico. The Super Eagles – dominated by players in the Nigeria Professional Football League, will take on Gerardo Martino’s El Tri at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The three-time African champions’ delegation included 22 players, some officials as well as Nigeria Football Federation’s General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.

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1Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles Arrive in US ahead of Mexico clash

  The Super Eagles have arrived in Los Angeles, USA ahead of their international friendly match against Mexico this weekend. The delegation includes 22 players and several officials, including Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). They will be joined by the NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick. The match is billed for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with a 77,5000- capacity arena expected to be filled up. This will make it the most attended game globally since the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eagles present in camp: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Lobi Stars); John Noble (Enyimba FC) Defenders: ; Imoh Obot (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara Un...

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1Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Ezenwa: Noble must take his chance against Mexico – Ariyo

The Enyimba goalkeeper is expected to make his international bow when the Super Eagles square up against El Tri at the Los Angeles Coliseum David Ariyo has challenged John Noble to prove his worth when Nigeria tackle Mexico on Saturday with Ikechukwu Ezenwa ruled out. Ezenwa suffered an ankle injury during a training session and NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen confirmed he will miss the international friendly against Gerardo Martino’s men. The absence of the 32-year-old leaves the Super Eagles with Lobi Stars’ Nwabali Stanley and Enyimba’s Noble who is expected to be in goal against El Tri.

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1Jul By MosesianNo Comments

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Tottenham Goalkeeper Joshua Olayemi to join the Super Eagles Squad for Mexico Friendly

A foreign professional player will now join the home-based players of the Super Eagles team that will take on El tri of Mexico in an international friendly on July 4 . Tottenham’s U-23 goalkeeper Joshua Olayemi has been called up to Nigeria’s squad for the friendly clash to replace the injured team captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the squad. His invitation means he’s the only foreign-based player in the team as the rest of the team play their football in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). 20-year-old Olayemi was born in England to Nigerian parents, which makes him eligible for the three-time African Champions. He came through the Tottenham Academy, having played for the youth team and U18 side. He is currently Spurs U23 goalkeeper. He was on loan at Nat...

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1Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

‘Rohr needs to shut up and do the work of his contract’- Sports Minister, Sunday Dare blasts Super Eagles coach

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has blasted Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr over his ''unfair treatment'' of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), urging him to focus on doing his work. Since he took his role as the head coach, Rohr has been heavily criticized for not inviting home based players to the national team. Rohr, 68 has relied mostly foreign players since he took charge as Nigeria’s national team coach and recently criticized the home based team that will face Mexico in an international friendly at the Los Angeles Coliseum this weekend. Austin Eguavoen will be in charge of the home based team not Rohr and the Sports Minister has expressed his disappointment. Rohr signed a new two-year contract last year, and par...

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30Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Injury rules Ezenwa out of Nigeria vs Mexico friendly

The Heartland shot-stopper is yet to recover from an ankle injury and has been dropped from the trip to Los Angeles NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen has confirmed Ikechukwu Ezenwa will miss the Super Eagles’ international friendly outing against Mexico on Sunday morning. The 32-year-old suffered an ankle injury during a training session in the Abuja camp and he has not recovered fully to make the trip to the United States of America. Nigeria’s 22-man squad will leave the country on Wednesday for California, where they will battle El Tri at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

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30Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Frank Onyeka scouting report: What does Nigeria midfielder add to Brentford?

The Bees have signed the relatively unknown Super Eagle from sister club Midtjylland, but what does the 23-year-old bring to the newly promoted side? Premier League clubs are busier than most during the transfer-driven offseason, and there’s a predictable focus on their business in the media and among supporters. While the top teams attract the most attention, a certain focus is placed on the newly promoted sides, with pundits usually extremely observant of the ins and outs to assess their squads on paper. Watford’s move for the divisive Emmanuel Dennis has already raised eyebrows because of the forward’s problematic attitude and underwhelming return in front of goal and Brentford’s latest transfer has interested Bees supporters and some observers.

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30Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Nigeria vs Mexico: Shut up, do your work – Sunday Dare blasts Eagles coach, Rohr

Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has slammed Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, over his unfair treatment of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly tie with Mexico on July 4 in the United States. Since he took his role as the head coach of Super Eagles, Rohr has come under criticism for not inviting more NPFL players to the senior national team. The German tactician said last week that Nigeria couldn’t beat Mexico in the upcoming friendly using home-based players from NPFL. Augustine Eguavoen will be in charge of the team when they face the Mexicans in the friendly, a development which has annoyed Dare. Dare expressed his disappointment when he visited the home-based players at their Abuja c...

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28Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Dennis links up with Troost-Ekong as Watford begin pre-season

The newly signed striker has united with his compatriot as the Hornets commenced preparations for the 2021-22 campaign Emmanuel Dennis has joined international teammate William Troost-Ekong in the Watford squad as they commenced their pre-season campaign on Monday. With the presence of the Super Eagles vice-captain, the 23-year-old would be hoping to settle down quickly at Vicarage Road. Following their promotion to the Premier League last season, manager Xisco Munoz will be hoping to lead the Hornets to an impressive 2021-22 campaign.  

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28Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

“We’ll be Spurred as Underdogs” – Home based Super Eagles’ defender, Olisa Ndah says ahead of Mexico clash

Akwa United defender, Olisa Ndah, has spoken out ahead of the Super Eagles match against Mexico in Los Angeles in July 3. The international friendly match will be played solely by the home based super eagles players that is players that play in the local Nigeria Professional Football League. Super Eagles Head coach, Gernot Rohr has dismissed the home based Eagles chances against Mexico but Delta state born Ndah says these crop of home-based Super Eagles have what it takes to cause a stir in America “Mexico don’t scare us. They may have big name players with quality, but we shall match them grit for grit and skill for skill. We are going into the game as underdogs and we are okay with that and it will spur us to perform well against Mexico,” Ndah told Completesports. “We are...

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28Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Simy an excellent number nine’ – Schwoch tips Nigeria star to shine at Monza

The lanky Super Eagles star has been linked with a possible move to the Serie B side in the summer window Former Napoli striker Stefan Schwoch believes striker Simy Nwankwo would do wonders for Serie B side Monza if he signs for them this window. The lanky Nigeria striker has been linked with a possible move to Monza in the summer window, where he would reunite with his former coach at Crotone, Giovanni Stroppa if the deal happens. According to Calciomercato, Monza have started negotiating with Crotone for Simy's signing, after he was in spectacular form for Crotone in the recently concluded 2020-21 season, scoring 20 goals and providing three assists.

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