The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

  • Fact sheets on Nigerian wonderkid, Samuel Chukwueze

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria got through to the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, after beating South Africa 2-1 at the Cairo international Stadium.

    A certain Samuel Chukwueze got his name on the score sheet alongside William Troost-Ekong. That goal was Chukwueze’s first international goal for Nigeria and it also made him the youngest player so far to have scored in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Speaking after the match in Cairo, Chukwueze, who replaced Moses Simon, in starting the match, said the night was a dream come through for him.

    According to him: “I feel so happy to be named as man-of-the-match because it has not been easy for me and the team. I have been working so hard.

    “This is my first international outing with the Super Eagles as well as my first senior goal. It is a dream comes true for me. This makes me feel so happy and don’t know how to express it.”

     Fans of the Super Eagles have since been calling for the head of Coach Gernot Rohr, for failing to play Chukwueze since the start of the competition especially considering the dismal 2-0 loss to Madagascar during the group stages.

    Read Also: First goal for Nigeria excites Chukwueze

    This is because the 20-year- old thrilled Nigerians with amazing displays against the Bafana Bafana, which he toppled with a goal.  He is always compared to Arjen Robben because of his tremendous skills.

    It is hard to forget his dazzling show against FC Barcelona in Aprin 2019 where he scored and helped Villarreal come from a 2-0 deficit, to a stunning 4-4 draw against the Catalans.

    But who really is Samuel Chukwueze?

    Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze was born in Umuahia Abia state on 22nd May, 1999. He was brought up in a Christian family with a younger brother and a younger sister.

    He attended Government College Umuahia and Evangel Secondary School.

    He started playing football when he was eight years old and he admired Nigerian legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as his football idol growing up.

    Chukwueze joined Villarreal CF youth setup in 2017 from local side Diamond Football Academy. He made his senior debut with the reserves on 15 April 2018, coming on as a second-half substitute for Sergio Lozano in a 1–1 Segunda División B away draw against CE Sabadell FC.

    He scored his first senior goal on 20 May 2018 in a 3–1 away defeat of Bilbao Athletic and further contributed with two more goals in eleven appearances during his first season for the team, as his side missed out promotion in the play-offs.

    In April 2019, he won the Nigeria Football Federation’s 2018 Young Player of the Year award.

    Chukwueze first donned the Nigerian colours in 2015 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile where he scored three goals for the Golden Eaglets, en route to winning the trophy.

    He waited for three years, before receiving his first call-up to the senior team in October 2018.

    He made his debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria on 20 November 2018 as a starter in a 0–0 friendly draw against Uganda and has gotten his first goal for the Super Eagles against South Africa in AFCON 2019.

    It remains to be seen the exploits the wonder kid has in his sleeves, as Nigeria and the world at large keep their eyes on him

  • UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Super Eagles fly to semi-finals

    Nigeria became the second team (after Senegal) to reach 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal after defeating South Africa 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night.

    Samuel Chukwueze opened the deadlock after 27 minutes. VAR was used to confirm South Africa’s equalizer scored by Bongani Zungu after 74 minutes, but William Troost Ekong scored one minute from time to send the Super Eagles for the semifinal for the first time since they were crowned champions in 2013.

    South Africa will leave Egypt with heads high after reaching the last eight despite playing in the group of death, and then eliminating hosts and favorites Egypt from the Round of 16.

    Wilfried N’didi gave Bafana Bafana an idea of what to expect when he had the first shot after 6 minutes. And despite seeing South Africa with more possession, Nigeria had the lion share of chances.

    Chukwueze broke the deadlock after 27 minutes after receiving the ball from Alex Iwobi inside the vital area. His initial shot was deflected from defense but he managed to collect the ball again and score past Ronwen Williams between South Africa’s posts.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Amuneke confirms contract termination

    South Africa tried to equalize but couldn’t pose real threats to Nigeria’s defense and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

    After the break Nigeria were about to double their lead. Peter Etebo sent a scorcher from a free kick but Williams hand and the crossbar stopped him after 51 minutes.

    And after 73 minutes VAR interfered to give South Africa the equalizer. From a free kick Bongani Zungu sent a header that wronged Akpeyi. The goal was initially ruled offside but VAR proved the ball came from a Nigerian defender back to let the goal stand.

    Iwobi tried to restore Nigeria’s lead but his shot missed the target after 80 minutes.

    And when it seemed the game is going to extra time, Williams made a fatal mistake when he missed a corner kick to leave William Troost Ekong to score in the empty net wending the Super Eagles to the semifinal.

    The Super Eagles will now wait to see their opponents from Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire who lock horns in Suez on Thursday.

    CAFOnline

  • UPDATED: Madagascar continues fairytale, qualify for Quarter-Finals

    Madagascar on Sunday in Alexandria kept up their fairytale run at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    They advanced to the quarter-finals with a 4-2 penalty kicks shootout win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    This was after a 2-2 extra-time stalemate in their last 16 tie.

    The tournament debutants had upset Nigeria to finish top of their group.

    Read Also: UPDATED: AFCON 2019: South Africa sends Egypt packing

    They added another major scalp by edging the two-time champions to set up a meeting with either Tunisia or Ghana in the last eight.

    Ibrahim Amada had opened the scoring for Madagascar in the ninth minute but Cedric Bakambu equalised in the 21st minute.

    Madagascar restored their lead in the 77th minute throu

    NAN

  • AFCON 2019: Ghana hold Cameroon, risks early AFCON exit

    Defending champions Cameroon played out to a barren draw with Ghana in a hotly contested West African clash of the titans in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F clash in Ismailia on Saturday.

    Substitute Kwabena Owusu should have won all three for the Black Stars barely a minute after coming on for Andre Ayew but his cracking shot from the edge of the box came off the crossbar. Andrew Yiadom had a chance five yards from goal a minute later, but saw it saved by Andre Onana.

    On the balance of chances, Cameroon should have gone to the break at least one up. A massive save by Richard Ofori four minutes from time and a timely tackle from Jonathan Mensah earlier on ensured the scores were 0-0 after the opening 45 minutes.

    Ofori made a brilliant full stretched-save to punch out a shot from Christian Bassogog from inside the box. Ghana were caught in possession with Baba Rahman losing the ball on the left. Karl Toko Ekambi picked up and cut back a cross for Bassogog which was well saved.

    Ghana had dodged another bullet on the half hour mark when Mensah, coming in for the suspended John Boye, made a timely tackle to poke the ball off Ekambi’s feet after he was sent through with a delightful backheel flick by Zambo Anguissa.

    Read Also: UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Algeria beat Senegal to qualify for Round of 16

    Ghana were forced to an early sub after 14 minutes when Christian Atsu limped off injured with a hamstring problem after taking an aim at goal off a counter with a low shot from the edge of the area. He was replaced by Samuel Owusu.

    Atsu had Ghana’s second chance just after Nuhu Kassim’s shot from a Thomas Partey cut back went over in the eighth minute. In the 28th minute, Mubarak Wakaso swung in a brilliant cross from the left, but Jordan Ayew could not get a vital touch from the edge of the six yard box as he came flying in.

    With the result, Cameroon have moved to four points while Ghana are on two points after back to back draws. The Ghanaians have to beat Guinea Bissau on Tuesday to be certain of a place at the next round.

     

    Cafonline

  • AFCON 2019: Madagascar beat Burundi to move close to round of sixteen ‘

    Madagascar on Thursday moved a step closer to a historic qualification to the knockout stages of the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations, after they defeated fellow debutants Burundi 1-0 at the Alexandria Stadium.

    Madagascar raised their tally to four points go second of Group B two points shy from leader Nigeria and move to the brink of reaching the eighth finals in their first ever AFCON appearance.

    The game started on a low note as both sides opted for a cautious approach. The first chance was delayed till the quarter hour mark when Carlous Andriamatsoro had a long range shot that found the safe hands of Burundi’s goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana. He was again the hero for “Les Hirondelles” four minutes later when he stopped another scorcher from Andriamatsoro.

    Cedric Amissi had Burundi’s first effort on target after 27 minutes but the defense was there to stop the effort.

    Ima Andriatsima tried to break the deadlock but his header missed the target by a slim margin. Both teams went to the dressing rooms with a barren draw.

    The second half was no different story with rare chances for both sides in the first 20 minutes. Gael Bigirimana send a beautiful shot from a freekick at the hour mark but the ball went just over the target.

    Bigirimana tried his luck once again from the same situation after 68 minutes but Malgasy goalkeeper Adrian was there to save his side.

    Marco Ilaimaharita broke the deadlock for Madagascar 14 minutes from time. Substitute Paolin Voavy was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and from the resultant freekick Ilaimaharita gave Madagascar what proved to be the game’s lone goal.

    Mohamed Amissi could have equalized for Burundi after two minutes but his shot missed the target from inside the area.

    Madagascar now needs a point from their final group game against leaders Nigeria to accompany them to the next round.

     

    The Group B table, as it stands now reads thus:

    Nigeria (Q)    2 2 0 0 2 0 6

    Madagascar   2 1 1 0 3 2 4

    Guinea       2 0 1 1 2 3 1

    Burundi      2 0 0 2 0 2 0

     

    CAF

  • Egypt beat Zimbabwe to open AFCON 2019

    Egypt made the ideal start to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Zimbabwe in the opening game of the tournament in Cairo.

    Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal of the game with a curled finished just before half time.

    Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah came close to doubling his side’s lead in the second half but his low drive was kept out by Zimbabwe keeper Edmore Sibanda.

    Ovidy Karuru had Zimbabwe’s best chance with a 30-yard strike late on.

    This year’s tournament is the biggest Africa Cup of Nations ever with 24 teams, and the first to be played in Europe’s summer.

    It got off to a spectacular start, with the fans inside the 75,000 capacity Cairo International Stadium treated to an eye-catching opening ceremony that featured giant pyramids on the pitch, elegant dancers forming the shape of a pharaoh’s face and culminating in a huge fireworks display.

    But the game itself failed to match that level of sparkle, with Egypt dominating for large periods without troubling Sibanda in the Zimbabwe goal often.

    Salah was a lively presence in the first half but put a number of efforts wide of goal and while he did manage to get one shot on target before the interval it was a routine save for Sibanda.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: 10 Interesting facts about the Africa’s biggest football tournament

    Just as Zimbabwe were enjoying their best spell of half, Egypt took the lead. A neat one-two allowed Trezeguet to break into the box before cutting inside his marker and then despatching a clinical effort into the far corner.

    From then on Egypt were comfortable rather than dominant.

    Salah forced a decent save out of Sibanda midway through the second half after being picked out by Trezeguet’s defence-splitting pass.

    The Liverpool man then raced through just before full time but was this time denied by substitute goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who had come on for the injured Sibanda with 10 minutes to go.

    The win puts Egypt top of Group A, which also contains DR Congo and Uganda. Those two sides face each other on Saturday at the same ground.

  • 2019 AFCON Home Kit Rankings: Eagles jersey ranked 2nd

    Super Eagles’ iconic Nike kit has been rated second best among the 24 countries that will be participating at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off today in Egypt.

    Nigeria will battle Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar to qualify out of Group B.

    The iconic green and white chevron jersey was the most sought after kit of the Russia 2018 World Cup, as it broke pre-order records ahead of its release and was shortlisted for the prestigious Beazley Design of the Year Award.

    According to a respectable website, Squawka.com, the kit to be worn by the three-time kings of Africa in Egypt will go down as a ‘classic’.

    “Nike’s Nigeria kit received plenty of praise when it was revealed ahead of last summer’s World Cup and the Super Eagles have stuck with it for the AFCON. The design borders on too much, but in fact, it’s just right. It’s set to go down as a classic,” the website said.

    Although, many have named host nation, Egypt, Morocco and Senegal among the favourites to win the competition, but it is Algeria that leads in terms of kit rankings.

    Read Also: Lagos to open viewing centres for 2019 AFCON

    “Our winner. The Algerian strip is similar to Adidas’ Germany design, with its unusual but easy-on-the-eye pattern across the chest. What’s more, the typical Adidas stripes and sleeve-ends look as smart as ever,” the website said.

    Super Eagles will begin their campaign in the competition against Burundi on Saturday at the Alexandria Stadium. The Swallows will be delighted to even be in Egypt but unfortunately their red home shirts, made by Garman was last in the ranking.

    Other Group B opponents, Madagascar and Guinea are ranked 19th and 20th respectively.

    AFCON 2019 HOME KIT RANKINGS:

    1. Algeria
    2. Nigeria
    3. Cameroon
    4. South Africa
    5. Ivory Coast
    6. Egypt
    7. Mauritania
    8. Morocco
    9. Ghana
    10. Mali
    11. Senegal
    12. Tunisia
    13. Uganda
    14. Guinea-Bissau
    15. Zimbabwe
    16. Namibia
    17. Kenya
    18. Benin
    19. Madagascar
    20. Guinea
    21. Angola
    22. Tanzania
    23. DR Congo
    24. Burundi

     

  • AFCON 2019: Players’ ailment not serious

    Fears that the Super Eagles of Nigeria may find it difficult to raise a strong side in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations opener against the Swallows of Burundi on Saturday in Alexandria has been dismissed.

    NationSport sources revealed that all the ten players that were reportedly ravaged by an ‘unknown sickness’,  are not as serious as initially feared and have been training with the Players with the video of their sessions on the pitch posted on the Twitter handle of the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF).

    It later emerged that the players came down with cold, cough and flu as a result of playing under torrential rain in their friendly match against the Warriors of Zimbabwe penultimate Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: ‘Super Eagles will do better than previous outing’

    Our source revealed that the team’s medical crew led by Dr Ibrahim rose to the occasion by treating all the players and officials who were sick, pointing out that there was never a time a virus ravaged the players.

    The players have been involved in rigorous training sessions since they arrived at the Helnan Palestine Hotel last Sunday from Ismailia, where they camped for one week.

    “There is really no cause for alarm because everything is okay in the camp of the Super Eagles.

    “The players and almost all the officials had a cold after the friendly match against Zimbabwe which is not unexpected. They all got prompt medical attention and returned to training immediately. “The source disclosed.

    Last Monday, the panic button was pressed across the country following reports that not less than 10 players have been ravaged by an unknown sickness.

    The sickness was initially attributed to the Air-conditioning system of the hotel the Eagles lodged in Ismailia but with all the players training yesterday, there is hope that Rohr would not field a depleted Nigerian squad against debutants, Burundi on Saturday.

     

  • AFCON: Nigeria are always favourites, says Adepoju

    Ex-Nigerian midfielder Mutiu Adepoju believes the Super Eagles are among the favourites to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, based on their squad depth and quality players.

    Gernot Rohr’s men are in Egypt to challenge for a fourth African title, but they must first see off Madagascar, Burundi and Guinea in Group B.

    While acknowledging that the Super Eagles will head into the finals in the North African country as contenders for the trophy, he feels pressurising the team to emerge as champions could serve as an obstacle for the three-time African winners.

    “Nigeria is always favourite because they are the team to beat and that’s why it’s not surprising when you see teams who play against them come out in full force,” Adepoju told Goal.

    Read Also: Eagles’ midfield can win AFCON for Nigeria- Adepoju

    “Those who tip the Super Eagles as favourites are not wrong because of the quality of players they parade.

    “Nevertheless, I would want us to move step by step and see how we progress in the competition.

    “That being said, it will be disappointing if the Super Eagles don’t make it to the final because every Nigerian wants to see them up there.

    “However, anything can happen in football because you can play the best game and still lose. Mind you, other teams in Egypt are not there to make up the numbers – they want to win also.

    “But our focus is to see the team do very well and play to instructions – not fans mounting pressure on the

  • Iwobi: Eagles won’t rely on star players against Burundi

    ALEX Iwobi has revealed that working together as a team can prove to be the greatest asset for the Super Eagles going to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which begins on Friday in Egypt.

    Iwobi said in an interview that not relying on one player has helped the squad since Gernot Rohr took charge of the team, a situation which saw Nigeria qualify for the Russia 2018 World Cup as well as the 2019 AFCON.

    ”Even though we have stars we do work hard as a team, we don’t rely on one person. We have so many players, we attack as a team and defend as a whole team.

    ”Collective performance, that’s what we focus on and that’s what brought us where we are and why we’ve been doing well recently.”

    Read Also: Musa, Iwobi, Shehu arrive in Asaba

    Iwobi also suggested that the captain of the team, Mikel Obi will likely be deployed as a central midfielder at Africa’s flagship tournament.

    Rohr has been trying out different formations in the training sessions and gave a hint at what his starting line-up against Burundi could be in the friendly matches against Zimbabwe and Senegal.

    Both Iwobi and Mikel lined up in midfield in both matches with the Gunners’ star deployed in a more advanced position and the Super Eagles’ captain playing centrally.

    Read Also:

    ”It’s great to have Mikel back, with so much experience and what he has done for the country, what he did for Chelsea, especially to have him in the base of midfield,” Iwobi disclosed in the interview with Eagles Media team.

    ”To have him there, he’s always talking to me, tries to help me with my game because the conditions in Europe and Africa are different. He is always there to help me and guide me when I’m playing.”