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Category: Sports

  • Morocco 2025: Eagles must beware of difficult customers, Cranes of Uganda

    Morocco 2025: Eagles must beware of difficult customers, Cranes of Uganda

    Nigeria and Uganda clash this  evening in a match tendered on different perspectives for both teams as three-time champions Nigeria conclude their group phase account at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

    The Cranes, eternal difficult jobs for the Super Eagles since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final duel in Kumasi 47 years ago, need a win to stand any chance of enjoying the cold climate of Morocco beyond Tuesday evening, while the Super Eagles, already qualified for the Round of 16 no matter the tremor anywhere on the park, need a draw simply to assure top-table finish in Group C.

    Veteran goal-tender Denis Onyango and team-mates have themselves to blame for being stuck on one point to the final day of the group phase. After the expected manhandling by Tunisia, and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigeria-descent Uche Ikpeazu rose from the bench to give them an equalizer against the Taifa Stars. The game fell into their hands to pick up the three points, but Allan Okelo blasted the ball away from goal from a penalty kick.

    The only route left for them is to put a sword through the Eagles. With the Nigerians intent on sustaining a winning mentality, determined to maintain their great form and put fear into the hearts of other possible contenders for the trophy, that is unlikely to happen.

    Nigeria’s prolific goal scorer Victor Osimhen has netted only once in this tournament, but the man who succeeded him as Africa Player of the Year (and who teamed up with him to create a Super Eagles’ terror attack at the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire), Ademola Lookman, has again opted to take Africa’s biggest football championship by storm.

    Lookman has netted two goals this term (adding to his three from the 2023 finals), and has made two assists (adding to one from last term). He looks like a man-on-a-mission. His goals have been unstoppable left-footed missiles.

    Another big hurdle the Cranes will have to deal with is that Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, is committed to presenting himself a special birthday gift, having turned 27 on Monday. Such a man (and being Osimhen in this case) will be difficult to contain.

    In addition, Nigeria’s midfield has come into its own, with Wilfred Ndidi playing a true captain’s game in the Eagles’ first two matches, and Alex Iwobi simply magnificent. Frank Onyeka reminded all of his abilities when he starred against the Tunisians, and there are still Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi yet to be tested.

    Nigeria is the country with the most appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds in history, having done so here for the 19th time, and the victory over Tunisia was the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the history of the competition. Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games – defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after they already qualified for the Round of 16.

    Uganda will look to the history of contests between both nations and be hopeful.

    In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have lost only twice, winning four times, with the other two games ending in a draw. Five of the matches have been competitive, and Ugandans cannot forget how their star forward Philip Omondi scored the winner to ensure a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have won two of the three international friendly matches, with the other ending in a draw.

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    Uganda have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage only twice previously, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.

    Ikpeazu will probably start as Belgian tactician Paul Put throws his aces up from the get-go. There are also James Bogere, who earned the Cranes a second penalty against Tanzania, Okello and Denis Omedi, who scored against Tunisia and assisted the equalizer against Tanzania on Sunday.

    Nigeria, now on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal, and more, when the game commences at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5pm on Tuesday.

    At his pre-match press briefing on Monday, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”

    Captain Ndidi: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is one the next game.”

    HEAD-TO-HEAD: SUPER EAGLES, CRANES IN HISTORY

    14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi)

    26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos)

    29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos)

    17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)

    24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta)

    02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)

    25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo)

    20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)

  • Chelle to unleash fit Eagles on Uganda

    Chelle to unleash fit Eagles on Uganda

    Franco-Malian coach wishes Osimhen great AFCON

    Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has underlined the importance of squad depth and collective responsibility as Nigeria prepare for their last group’s game  against Uganda today in Fes.

    Speaking at his  press conference , the Franco- Malian tactician stressed that the tournament is not about a fixed starting XI but about having everyone ready to contribute when called upon.

    According to Chelle, merit and form will determine his selections, as he looks to field “the best team at the moment.”

     He emphasized the need for improved intensity and sharper execution, noting that Nigeria must put more pressure into their overall performance to meet expectations.

     “The players want to win,” he said, pointing to a group hungry for success and fully aware of what is at stake.

    The former Malian  coach  also admitted he feels the weight of expectation whenever the team steps onto the pitch, adding the pressure comes  from the fans and the players, ‘ who understand the responsibility of representing Nigeria’.

    Meanwhile, Chelle has restated his claim that Victor Osimhen is “the best striker in the world”.

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    Osimhen celebrated his 27th  birthday  yesterday and the Super Eagles coach joined other well-wishers in praising him.

     “For me, he’s the best striker in the world,” Chelle added  the  briefing .“I wish him lots of goals as a striker and I hope this AFCON will be a great AFCON for him.

     “He feels good and he’s focused, very focused.”

    For him, that pressure is part of the job and a driving force rather than a burden.

    The glowing tribute further reflects the confidence the coach has in his squad as Nigeria brace for a demanding test against the Ugandan Cranes.

    The Super Eagles are through to the Round of 16 of the AFCON after opening two wins against Tanzania and Tunisia and the team will top the group with at least a  draw against the Cranes of Uganda.

  • ‘Captain Fantastic’ Ndidi  confident of victory against Cranes

    ‘Captain Fantastic’ Ndidi  confident of victory against Cranes

    Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has described the mood in the Nigerian camp as positive and focused ahead of the showdown with Uganda today in Fez.

    The Besiktas  midfielder revealed that confidence is high within the squad, with players fully locked in on the immediate task rather than distractions beyond the next match.

    Ndidi noted that the atmosphere in the team has been boosted by unity and belief, elements he believes are crucial at this stage of the competition.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

     “The focus is on the next game,” he said, insisting that preparation and concentration remain the Eagles’ top priorities as they seek a strong performance.

    Reflecting on his recent goal for Nigeria — his first in many years with the national team — Ndidi expressed deep gratitude and emotion. He thanked God for the moment and explained that his celebration was a tribute to his late father, whose influence played a major role in his football journey.

    The Super Eagles skipper revealed that memories of his childhood, particularly his father’s admiration for Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu, inspired the celebration. While fans may already be anticipating another trademark gesture, Ndidi smiled off such talk, saying future celebrations can only come after he scores again. For now, his focus, like the rest of the team, remains firmly on delivering on the pitch.

  • Rohr’s Benin eye Senegal upset to book  16th Round spot

    Rohr’s Benin eye Senegal upset to book  16th Round spot

    Benin will be hoping to cause an upset against their West African rivals, Senegal, in their third and final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage fixture tonight.

    The Group D match is scheduled to be played at the Tangier Grand Stadium in Tangier, a city in north-western Morocco, on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

    The Cheetahs are on cloud nine after securing their first-ever win in the AFCON finals when they overcame Botswana 1-0 on December 27 and the victory also snapped their three-match winless run across all competitions.

    Benin find themselves placed third in the Group D standings with three points from two matches, with fourth-placed Botswana having been eliminated and a win over Senegal would earn the West African side a spot in the knockout phase for the first time.

     “We’re happy, it’s a historic victory [over Botswana] because Benin had never won a match in the Africa Cup of Nations in their four appearances. It’s the first one, so we’re very happy,” Benin head coach Gernot Rohr said.

     “It gives us hope if getting out of this tough group before the last match against Senegal. It will obviously be complicated, but my team showed some great things in terms of play, and morale too.”

    Senegal, on the other hand, had to show character by fighting back to hold DR Congo to a 1-1 draw on December 27 and the stalemate extended the West African giants’ unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions.

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    The Lions of Teranga are occupying the top spot in the Group D standings on goal difference, having accumulated four points from two matches and the 2021 AFCON champions will progress to the Round of 16 if they avoid a defeat against Benin.

     “I don’t think inefficiency is a matter of player selection. Of course, you have to be more clinical in front of goal, and they are aware of that. I have no regrets [after the DR Congo draw],” Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw said.

    “This match is over and I’m already focused on the next one against Benin, to win it. Of course, there are things we could have done better (against DR Congo), but the match is behind us. Now we must focus on the next encounter.”

    Benin and Senegal have met 10 times across all competitions since their maiden meeting in December 1961.

    The Lions of Teranga have dominated this rivalry, winning seven matches compared to the Cheetahs’ one victory and two games ended in a draw.

    The last meeting between the two West African nations ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Senegal in an international friendly match at the Stade de la Licorne, Amiens, France, in March 2024.

  • AFCON on SuperSport:  Eyes on Nigeria as final group games’ hot up 

    AFCON on SuperSport:  Eyes on Nigeria as final group games’ hot up 

    The Africa Cup of Nations group stage enters its decisive phase this week, with results from the second round of matches making the qualification picture clearer while setting up a tense final round of fixtures across the tournament.

    The round has been dominated by narrow margins and mounting pressure, with Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria becoming the first teams to book places in the Round of 16.  Elsewhere, several groups remain finely balanced, ensuring the final group games will be played with little margin for error.

    Nigeria qualified on Saturday night with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Tunisia. The Super Eagles appeared in full control after first-half goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman gave them a three-goal cushion, but a late Tunisian fightback ensured a nervy finish. The win moved Nigeria to six points and guaranteed progression with one game remaining.

    Egypt also maintained a perfect record, edging South Africa 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter, while Algeria continued their efficient start with a 1–0 win over Burkina Faso. Senegal were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo, while defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon cancelled each other out in a tense 1–1 stalemate.

    Round Two also produced a historic moment for Benin, who claimed their first-ever AFCON victory with a 1–0 win over Botswana, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Mozambique’s 3–2 comeback win against Gabon further underlined the unpredictability that has defined the tournament so far.

    Read Also: NFF, Osimhen, Iwobi paid emotional tributes to Troost-Ekong

    Attention now turns to the final group fixtures, with all games being broadcast on SuperSport.

    Today, Nigeria return to action against Uganda at 5:00 pm. With qualification secured, this offer an opportunity manage squad rotation ahead of the knockout rounds. Senegal face Benin later that evening at 8:00 pm, knowing qualification is still not assured.

    Tomorrow’s closing games include Algeria against Equatorial Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire versus Gabon, while Cameroon face Mozambique with qualification still hanging in the balance. With several groups still undecided, the battle for best third-place finishes is expected to dominate discussion as teams fight to remain in the tournament.

    All matches will be shown live on SuperSport. Fans on DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli can also enjoy Open Access throughout the AFCON period, as the tournament enters its final phase.

  • Uzoho rues ‘bad day’ with Kun Khalifat in Owerri

    Uzoho rues ‘bad day’ with Kun Khalifat in Owerri

    Kun Khalifat FC endured a frustrating afternoon at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, as they fell 1–0 to Katsina United on Matchday 19 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

    The slim defeat capped a difficult end to the first stanza of the season for the hosts, who dominated large spells but were undone by a single moment of quality from the visitors.

    The decisive goal arrived in the 39th minute when Christopher Richards Ezinwanne struck to give Katsina United the lead. Despite conceding, Kun Khalifat responded with purpose, enjoying the bulk of possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but the Katsina defence stood firm in a tightly contested encounter.

    Read Also: NFF issues AFCON 2025 final ultimatum to Chelle

    Speaking after the match, head coach Obinna Uzoho admitted his disappointment with the outcome while commending his players’ commitment to the tactical plan. “The result is not what we planned for, but the boys played according to instructions. We created chances throughout the ninety minutes but failed to convert them,” Uzoho said.

    The coach stressed the need for quick reflection and improvement as the season progresses into the second round. “We need to reshuffle and make things right. We know this is not the result we expected, but football can be unpredictable until the final whistle. We will go back, assess the game, and find ways to come back stronger,” he added. Despite the setback, Uzoho maintained faith in his squad, describing the defeat as an off day rather than a lack of effort. “I will give my players 70 to 80 percent. I don’t believe in luck, but today was just a bad day. We assure everyone that we are going to bounce back,” he concluded. The loss leaves Kun Khalifat rooted to the bottom of the table, while Katsina United return home buoyed by a resilient away performance and three valuable points ahead of the reverse fixture later in the season.

  • Moffi  gets  new trainer as Puel takes charge at Nice

    Moffi  gets  new trainer as Puel takes charge at Nice

    OGC Nice’s decision to appoint Claude Puel as head coach could mark a turning point for Super Eagles attacker, Terem Moffi, whose difficult campaign has mirrored the club’s recent instability.

    Puel replaces Franck Haise following a mutual termination of contract, ending weeks of uncertainty that had hovered over the Allianz Riviera. For Moffi, who has struggled for form, confidence and consistent minutes this season, the managerial change represents an opportunity for renewal rather than another setback.

    Under Haise, Nice endured a turbulent period marked by inconsistent results, internal restructuring and off-field tension, factors that often trickle down to affect attacking players most.

    Moffi, once one of Ligue 1’s most feared forwards, found himself isolated in games, short of service and frequently rotated, making it difficult to rediscover the ruthless edge that defined his earlier spell in France.

    Claude Puel’s return to Nice—his second stint at the club after managing them between 2012 and 2016—offers a different tactical and psychological environment.

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    Known for his structured approach and emphasis on discipline, Puel has a track record of rebuilding confidence in struggling players and restoring balance to unsettled squads.

    For Moffi, the timing could hardly be more crucial. With international expectations still high and his standing in the Super Eagles under scrutiny, a productive second half of the season is essential. Puel’s system traditionally values intelligent movement, positional awareness and work rate from his forwards—qualities Moffi possesses when fully fit and mentally sharp.

    The appointment of Julien Sablé as assistant further signals a hands-on technical reset at Nice, one that could see underperforming players reassessed on merit rather than reputation. For Moffi, that clean slate may be exactly what is required to reignite his season.

    As Nice look to stabilise their campaign, all eyes will be on how Puel re-integrates his attacking options. For Terem Moffi, this change of guard could be the defining chapter of his season—either a revival or a final test of resilience at the top level.

  • 16th  Governor’s Belt : Edun lauds  LBHF’s organisers on successful tourney

    16th  Governor’s Belt : Edun lauds  LBHF’s organisers on successful tourney

    Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has lauded the organisers of the Lagos Governor’s Belt, describing the competition as a vital platform for youth development and the growth of amateur boxing.

    Speaking at the 16th  edition of the Lagos Governor’s Belt, organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame in conjunction with the Lagos State Boxing Association on Boxing Day at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos,  Edun praised the consistency and impact of the championship, noting that it has become a key fixture on the Lagos sporting calendar.

     “It’s a yearly event for the top players of the amateur boxing championship, and many more are still to come,” Edun  who is  also  President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), said. “Let me congratulate everybody involved in this 16th  edition of the annual  Governor’s Boxing Hall of Fame and Governor’s Belt. In particular, David Mohammed, the coordinator of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame, has done a wonderful job.”

    He linked the success of the event to broader government efforts at both the federal and state levels to empower young people through sports. “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, young people and sports people are being encouraged. This event is another manifestation of that commitment,” Edun stated. “Half of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 19years, over 100 million people. That is a huge demographic opportunity, and platforms like this help channel that energy positively.”

    According to him, the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame has remained consistent in providing opportunities for young athletes to showcase their abilities and dream bigger.

    Read Also: NFF issues AFCON 2025 final ultimatum to Chelle

    “They are the future. They are to be supported, they are to be helped. Some of these youngsters will go on to national and international glory, even fame and fortune,” he said.

    Director of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame, David Mohammed, expressed excitement over the successful staging of the event, describing the Governor’s Belt as a tradition that continues to grow in stature. “This is the 16th Governor’s Belt, and it has been consistent every year. On Boxing Day, Lagos knows they come to enjoy top-class amateur boxing. That’s how it’s been for the past 15 years, and that’s how it’s going to continue for the long foreseeable future,” he said.

    Looking ahead to 2026, Mohammed revealed plans aimed at raising the competitive standard of the championship. “We’re introducing a new format based on the administrative divisions in Lagos State. We’ll hold individual championships for each division to get the best of the best. We want talent, we want competition, we want excitement, and we believe this new format will give us just that,” he explained.

    The highlight of the annual LBHF tournament  saw  Faruk Ajibuwon, gold medallist at the African Youth Games, being  crowned best boxer of the year, claiming the prestigious ₦1m Governor’s Belt jackpot.

  • 15th AFMA Championship: Yahaya- Kongoila  rallies support for Team Nigeria  after medal rush in Tunis

    15th AFMA Championship: Yahaya- Kongoila  rallies support for Team Nigeria  after medal rush in Tunis

    By Inioluwa David

    Dr Safiya Yahaya- Kongoila, the Secretary -General  of Nigeria Athletics Masters,  believes  the country’s participation  at last month’s  Open Africa Masters Athletics Championship in Tunis, Tunisia, is a sign of better things to  come.

     Team Nigerian recorded a breakthrough  at the 15th Africa Masters Athletics Championships (AFMA) held at the  imposing  Rades Stadium as the  nine-team contingent  won  an impressive  25 medals comprising of  18 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze.

      Dr Safiya Yahaya- Kongoila  attributed  the success of the team  to the cooperation  of both the rank and file of the Nigeria Athletics Masters, adding  all the nine-person  contingent to the championship  did their  very best.

    “ The success of Team Nigeria at the Open Africa Masters Athletics Championship in Tunis was as a result of hard work on part of all  our competitors  coupled with the support we got from  our President Dr. Richard Ogunleye and other members,”  said  Dr. Yahaya- Kongoila  who incidentally  accounted for 2 Gold 2 Silver and 1 bronze for Team Nigeria.

    Other medallists  include Christian Aiyegbeni  (4 gold and 1 silver); DSP Irene Anetor ( 3 gold); Adeyoju Adebusuyi ( 2 gold, 1 silver); Captain Ubong (Rtd) ( 2 gold);  SP Mariam Adedun (1 gold and 1 bronze) and  DSP Michael Ofili ( 1 silver).

    According to Dr. Yahaya- Kongoila , the team’s achieved   results from Tunis against all odds, adding  with more support the Nigeria Athletics Masters can  do much better.

    “ With just nine athletes, we took away 25 medals  from Tunis and I’m very sure  we could have even done much  better   if we had  more athletes because some of our  members could not attend  the event because of the financial logistics  and we pray we can get more support from both the government through the National  Sports Commission(NSC)  and Corporate Nigeria for future championships,” she said.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    At Team Nigeria’s  medal presentation from the  Open African Masters Athletics Championship in Tunisia,the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam  Shehu Dikko, commended  the Nigeria Athletics Masters “ for delivering  an outstanding performance”  even as he and encouraged them to always intensify effort to make Nigeria great.

    Responding, Dr. Yahaya- Kongoila has solicited the support of the NSC  as well as Corporate  Nigeria  towards  the successful organisation of the  Nigeria Athletics Masters’  National Championship  to be held in May .

    According to her, Team Nigeria will  be using the  forthcoming National Championship  to prepare for next year’s  World’s Masters Athletics  Championship  to be hosted in Daegu , Korea.

    Both  the president of Nigeria Athletics Master Dr. Richard Ogunleye  and Public Relations Officer to the M.  Peter Olajide Femi thanked  the Federal Government  through the NSC  “ for the continuous support  for sport under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • Blockbuster bouts headline AKO 12 in Lagos

    Blockbuster bouts headline AKO 12 in Lagos


    The best of martial arts will ignite Lagos today  at the  African KnockOut Championship (AKO 12) when nine blockbusters bouts involving African fighters hold at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

    The venue now in a colourful mode for the all-night fight involves some of the best fighters in the continent including Nigeria’s unbeaten Yahaya Yahuza known as ‘Smile Strong’ as well as Algerian Fouad Madani, Senegal’s Gasmire Diatta and well as fighters from Angola, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire and host of others.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Former UFC champion Kamoru Usman who was present at the faceoff promises an exciting bout among the fighters lined up for AKO 12.

    AKO 12 features Gasmire Diatta vs. Farouk Boudissa for an interim title and Yahaya Yahuza vs. Fouad Madani in the co-main.

    Co-Main involves Yahaya Yahuza (Nigeria) vs. Fouad Madani (Algeria) in a Middleweight clash.

    The Special Guest: UFC legend Kamaru Usman.