The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AFCON 2019

  • 2019 AFCON Bronze: No reception for Super Eagles

    THE Super Eagles team which placed third at the AFCON in Egypt, have checked out of the Hilton Hotel in Abuja as they will not be hosted by the government.

    Nigeria placed third for the eighth time in their history. They were received by the Secretary to the Federal Government Boss Mustapha on arrival from Cairo.

    “Do you expect a country like Nigeria, who only six years ago won the AFCON in South Africa, to now start celebrating a third-place finish? That will be going back many years after,” a top official asked.

    Read Also: UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Super Eagles clinch bronze

    Expectations were high that the Eagles will go all the way to win a fourth AFCON crown in Egypt. However, they crashed out of the tournament in the semi-finals after they lost 1-2 to eventual champions Algeria.

    The Eagles are drawn against the Benin Republic, Lesotho and Sierra-Leone in the qualifying tournament for the 2021 AFCON to be hosted by Cameroun.

  • Gbajabiamila optimistic of Eagles’ victory over Algeria

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed optimism  that the Nigerian Super Eagles would triumph over their Algerian counterparts at the semi-final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Egypt.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker,  Mr.Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said his optimism was not only based on the superlative performance of the Super Eagles at the ongoing tournament but also by their records over their opponents today.

    Gbajabiamila said history would repeat itself during the semi-final between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes of Algeria today.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Nigeria’s match against Algeria will be tough — Odegbami

    “I have no doubt that the Super Eagles will be victorious today. From a total of 19 encounters, Nigeria won nine matches, Algeria won seven, while there were four draws.

    “Considering the current superlative form of the Super Eagles, I have no doubt that we will be victorious today. I urge our boys to go out there, be determined and enjoy themselves,” the statement reads.

    Recall that Gbajabiamila had penultimate Saturday, July 6, led a Federal Government delegation to boost the morale of the Super Eagles players during their knockout stage match with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

    The Super Eagles thereafter defeated Cameroon by 3 goals to 2 and went ahead to defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday 2-1 during their quarter-final match.

  • AFCON 2019: Nigeria, Algeria battle for final ticket

    Nigeria and Algeria will clash for the 21st time at senior men’s level today in an AFCON 2019 semi final encounters that promises lots of fireworks at the Cairo International Stadium.

    Three –time champions Nigeria are looking for their fourth title since winning their first on home soil at the expense of Algeria in 1980, while the Algerians are looking for their second gong since their only title won on home soil at the expense of Nigeria in 1990.

    Previous encounters between the Eagles and the Desert Foxes have always provided tremendous sparks, and the nature and balance of the rivalry is reflected in the record which shows that Nigeria has won eight of the previous encounters while Algeria had won seven, with five drawn.

    After Nigeria swept to Africa Cup of Nations glory on the back of a 3-0 lashing of the Foxes in Lagos in 1980, the Foxes got their pound of flesh by not only stopping Nigeria from reaching the 1982 World Cup, beating the Eagles home and away for their first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket, but also edging Nigeria 2-1 in a group phase match at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations in Libya.

    At the 1984 and 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, their matches were drawn, though the Eagles prevailed on penalty shoot-out in the latter as it was a semi final match and a winner had to emerge.

    Nigeria also stopped Algeria reaching the Men’s football tournament of the 1988 Olympics, beating the North Africans 2-0 in Enugu after a lone goal reverse in Annaba, for a 2-1 aggregate win.

    Read Also: Breaking: Algeria qualify for AFCON 2019 semi-finals

    In 1990, Algeria hosted the AFCON and opened with a 5-1 spanking of Nigeria, before again piping Nigeria by the odd goal in the final match. Three years later, Nigeria would stop Algeria qualifying for the World Cup, beating the Foxes 4-1 in Lagos and drawing 1-1 in Algiers for their own first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket.

    At the 2002 AFCON in Mali, Nigeria piped Algeria 1-0 in a group phase match, and it was the same scoreline eight years later at the AFCON hosted by Angola, with victory this time earning Nigeria the bronze medal.

    Most recently, in 2017, Nigeria stopped Algeria from qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, as they bashed the Foxes 3-1 in Uyo and tied the second leg in Constantine 1-1 before FIFA awarded the match to Algeria after the Eagles fielded ineligible defender Abdullahi Shehu.

    The winner on Sunday night will proceed to the final match of the biggest-ever Africa Cup of Nations championship, billed for the Cairo International Stadium on the night of Friday, 19th July, against the winner of the first semi- final between Senegal and Tunisia. The Lions of Teranga and the Carthage Eagles clash at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo also today.

    HEAD-TO-HEAD: NIGERIA vs ALGERIA

    •10 Jan 1973: Nigeria 2 Algeria 2 – Lagos (All-Africa Games)
    •28 July 1978: Algeria 1 Nigeria 0 – Algiers (All-Africa Games Final)
    •22 March 1980: Nigeria 3 Algeria 0 – Lagos (AFCON Final)
    •10 Oct 1981: Nigeria 0 Algeria 2 – Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)
    •30 Oct 1981: Algeria 2 Nigeria 1 – Constantine (World Cup Qualifier)
    •10 March 1982: Algeria 2 Nigeria 1 – Benghazi (AFCON)
    •11 March 1984: Algeria 0 Nigeria 0 – Bouake (AFCON)
    •15 Jan 1988: Algeria 1 Nigeria 0 – Annaba (Olympics Qualifier)
    •30 Jan 1988: Nigeria 2 Algeria 0 – Enugu (Olympics Qualifier)
    •23 March 1988: Algeria 1 Nigeria 1 – Rabat (AFCON semi, 8-9 penalties)
    •2 March 1990: Algeria 5 Nigeria 1 – Algiers (AFCON)
    •16 March 1990: Algeria 1 Nigeria 0 – Algiers (AFCON Final)
    •13 July 1993: Nigeria 4 Algeria 1 – Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)
    •8 Oct 1993: Algeria 1 Nigeria 1 – Algiers (World Cup Qualifier)
    •21 Jan 2002: Algeria 0 Nigeria 1 – Bamako (AFCON)
    •3 July 2004: Nigeria 1 Algeria 0 – Abuja (World Cup Qualifier)
    •4 Sept 2005: Algeria 2 Nigeria 5 – Oran (World Cup Qualifier)
    •30 Jan 2010: Algeria 0 Nigeria 1 – Benguela (AFCON)
    •12 Nov 2016: Nigeria 3 Algeria 1 – Uyo (World Cup Qualifier)
    •11 Nov 2017: Algeria 1 Nigeria 1 – Constantine (World Cup Qualifier)*
    *Match later awarded 3-0 to Algeria as Nigeria fielded ineligible player.

  • Breaking: Senegal reach semi-finals of AFCON 2019

    The Teranga Lions of Senegal are through to the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Benin Republic 1-0 at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo.

    Idrissa Gana Gueye got the goal for the Lions in the 69th minute.
    They will play whoever wins the quarter-final fixture between Madagascar and Tunisia.
    Details Shortly………………..

  • AFCON 2019: Amuneke confirms contract termination

    Emmanuel Amuneke, ex-Super Eagles winger, says his two-year contract with the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) has been terminated.

    Amuneke signed a two year contract with the TFF in 2018 and successfully qualified the country for the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after 39 years absence.

    Tanzania lost its matches in Group C to Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.

    Amuneke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Wednesday that he and the federation mutually agreed to terminate the contract when the team returned from Egypt.

    “The story is that we have mutually parted ways. After the AFCON, we came back, had a meeting with the federation and they said they want to continue with another coach.

    “I thank the federation and Tanzanian people for giving me the opportunity to coach their national team. In football, it’s one of those things that happen and you have to learn to forge ahead,’’ he said.

    Amuneke said working in Tanzania in the past year was a great experience and rewarding.

    Read Also: Just In: Tanzania sack Emmanuel Amuneke

    According to him, of the two years contract he signed, he qualified the country to play in AFCON after 39 years absence.

    Tanzania’s AFCON appearance before the 2019 edition was in Nigeria in 1980.

    “For me, the experience was great. In every endeavour, you need challenges and the Tanzanian job is one of the challenges.

    “In the 80s, I was about eight years and can hardly remember if AFCON was played in Nigeria.

    “As destiny will have it, in 2018, I found myself in Tanzania and of the two years contract I signed, I qualified them for the 2019 AFCON,’’ he said.

    The former Nigeria U-17 and U-20 national team coach, said the 2019 AFCON was the first experience for the Tanzanian players.

    “You cannot do away with some mistakes and nervousness and I believe it is this process that will afford you the opportunity to mature and grow.

    “For me, it is an experience and I am happy that we came here and were able to position Tanzanian football to African level.

    “I am happy and grateful to Tanzanian people for giving me the opportunity to serve,’’ he said.

    Amuneke said for now, he will take out time to rest and be with his family.

    “But coach Amuneke will still be in football,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • Tunisia goalkeeper apologises for losing sporting spirit

    Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen has apologised to his coach, teammates and Carthage Eagles fans for his actions during Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round 16 clash with Ghana.

    Though Hassen had a decent game, including a late save that stopped Ghana winning the match, he reacted badly when he was denied the chance to be in goal for the ensuing penalty shootout.

    Instead, Coach Alain Giresse brought in Ben Mustapha for the shootout, a decision which Hassen openly protested as he reluctantly left the pitch.

    However, the France-based goalkeeper having reviewed his action has tendered an apology blaming his behaviour on the passion he has for the national team.

    Read also: Giresse sets Africa Cup of Nations target for Tunisia

    “I would like to come back to yesterday’s [Monday] incident and would start by apologising to my coach, to my teammates and to the supporters of our national team,” Hassen said in a statement released on Tuesday.

    “The pressure of the game and my enthusiasm to play for my country were the reasons behind my regrettable behaviour during the game against Ghana.

    “I can say I lost my sporting spirit during that moment.

    “Those who know me can testify that I have high regard for professionalism and patriotism and that I am strongly attached to our national team.

    “I would like to apologise once more to all, as I count on the understanding of my technical staff, my teammates and the supporters.”

    With Tunisia already gearing up to face Madagascar in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Hassen has promised to behave going forward.

    “I promise to show a positive behaviour and a spirit of cohesion for the rest of my time with the Carthage Eagles, whose membership is a big pride” he added. (Goal.com)

  • AFCON 2019: Egypt sack coach, FA president quits

    Egyptian coach Javier Aguirre, has become the first casualty of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    He was sacked just hours after the hosts were bundled out of the tournament by South Africa in the round of 16 on Saturday in Cairo.

    Hosts Egypt lost 0-1 after an 85th minute goal from Thembinkosi Lorch.

    It was for Egypt a lacklustre display in which their talisman Mohamed Salah looked out of sorts and they produced few goalscoring chances.

    Egypt Football Association president Hany Abo Rida announced the firing of the Mexican coach.

    Abo Rida also announced his own resignation, less than three hours after the game as a stunned host nation digested the defeat.

    He also called on his board members to step down, calling his resignation a “moral obligation, although the football association had given the national team full material and moral support”.

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

    Aguirre had told reporters after Saturday’s defeat that he took sole responsibility but was proud of all of his players.

    “The game was open and saw many chances. The only difference was that South Africa managed to score,” he said.

    Aguirre, 60, departs after less than a year in the job but not before setting a unique record by coaching at four different continental championships.

    He won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with his native Mexico in 2009.

    Aguirre took them to the final of the Copa America and was in charge of Japan four years ago when they went out in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • Breaking: South Africa sends Egypt packing, meet Nigeria in Quarter-Finals

    The Pharaohs of Egypt are out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after falling 1-0 to South Africa in the Cairo International Stadium

    Details Shortly…..

  • Breaking: Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach Quarter-Finals

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, after defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 3-2 in Alexandria.

    Odion Ighalo scored a brace, and Alex Iwobi got one goal to book Nigeria a match next Wednesday with the winner between Egypt and South Africa.

     

    Details Shortly………..

  • AFCON 2019: Simon, Iwobi, Ighalo start against Cameroon

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has named Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon amongst his starting eleven against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

    The Super Eagles lock horns with the old foes in the round of sixteen of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi returns after missing out of the last match against Madagascar, which the the Super Eagles lost 2-0