The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AFCON

  • Amuneke’s Taifa Stars will not be cheap – Djamel Belmadi

    Former international Emmanuel Amuneke’s Taifa Stars may be debutants to the Nations cup but they will not be cheap to handle. That was the submission of Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi.  Algeria who last won the Nations cup in 1990 have been group against Taranga Lions of Senegal, Harambee Stars of Kenya and Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Group C.

    Although Belmadi identified Senegal as the biggest challenge for his side in the group he nonetheless admitted that the debutants may turn out to be a pain in the neck.

    “We will face the biggest challenge in Senegal, who are also one of the favourites. For Kenya and Tanzania, even though these two countries have not played the AFCON for several years, they still remain opponents against whom it will be necessary to play good matches and win. We will study the teams of the group well and prepare to be at our best on the day,” he told Cafonline.

    The former Qatar coach revealed the first step is to avoid crashing out in the group stage.

    “Our goal at first is to go beyond the first round and then fight on till the final,” he enthused

    Also Read: Khutlang rues missed chances against Amuneke’s Taifa

    Desert Foxes of Algeria have a date against Taifa Stars on July 1st, their last group match of the championship. It will be a clash between Belmadi who made his debut for Algeria a year after the won the Nations cup and Amuneke who won the

    Nations cup as a player in 2004 in Tunisia. Algeria. Amuneke who coached Nigeria U-17 side and Sudanese club side  Al Khartoum SC before taking over as national team coach of Tanzania made history when he qualified the team for the Nations cup in 39 years, and will be looking forward to creating more records even as debutants.

    They will open campaign in Egypt against Senegal on Sunday, followed by a clash against Kenya on June 27 before rounding off the group stage with a fight to the finish encounter against Algeria.

  • AFCON 2019: Ex- International, Adepoju optimistic of Super Eagles chances

    Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has expressed optimism on the Super Eagles doing very well in the forth coming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt in June.

    The ex-international disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, while reacting to the AFCON draws which took place Friday night in Cairo.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles are drawn in Group B with Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi, a group analysts have described as relatively easy.

    Adepoju, however, stressed that the Super Eagles would need to prepare well and play as a team to go far in the competition.

    READ ALSO: AFCON 2019: It won’t be easy for us, says Rohr, Musa

    “Yes on paper we have a relatively easy group, but the boys will have to step up their game and play as a team to go far in tournament,

    “I am optimistic we can do well at tournament if we put our acts together, ” he said.

    The former Real Sociedad of Spain midfielder advised Coach Gernot Rohr to start preparations for the tournament early and ensure only fit and committed players were selected.

    Adepoju who was part of the AFCON wining Super Eagles team in 1994 in Tunisia also called on Nigerians to support the team.

    NAN reports that the 32nd edition of AFCON with its expanded 24-team format will take place in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

  • Super Eagles ready for AFCON, says Ikpea

    Ikpea told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the win in the international friendly against Egypt showed that the team was ready for the competition.

    He said that the team was in good stead to do well at the AFCON football tournament holding in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

    “I am particularly impressed with the Super Eagles performance and the skills exhibited by the boys in the friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday in Asaba.

    “When the team scored the only goal, one of the fastest ever scored by a Super Eagles, the Egyptians came hard on our boys.

    “It was really a good game which also brought out the best in our boys as they did not give their opponents room to equalise,” he said.

    He said there was need to further encourage the national team in their buildup toward adequate preparations for the competition to enable them perform credibly and lift the AFCON trophy.

    The NFSC Chairman said that arrangement was in progress to drum and cheer the Super Eagles as part of its tradition whenever the national team was featuring in football tournaments.

    “On our part, we have begun our mobilisation toward ensuring that our members, both home and in the Diaspora stormed Egypt in large numbers to support our boys to ultimate victory.”

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles defeated the Pharaoh of Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly match on March 26, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta.

  • Delta proud of football fest –Ebie

    The Government of Delta State is proud of the recent football fest in which the state hosted three international matches within five days.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chiedu Ebie, told journalists that the ‘football fest’ had justified the position of Delta as the leading state in sports.

    Ebie said: “Our governor is passionate about sports and that is why we could do this effortlessly. It is good for the state because we have shown that we are good enough to stage international sports events. The Stephen Keshi Stadium hosted athletics last year without a problem and now three big football matches within five days. We are so proud of this.

    Read also: Success sparks revolution in Delta education sector

    “Next week, we will also host the final of the Principals’ Cup for secondary schools, which is a developmental event. At the last two editions of the National Sports Festival, our athletes emerge overall first on the medals table and these are enough to exhibit our strength in sports.”

    Ebie added that it was the wish of Governor Okowa to see Delta athletes, especially footballers dominate various cadres of the national teams in the nearest future.

    The Super Eagles took on Seychelles at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on March 22 and after recording a 3-1 win, the U-23 team also engaged Libya in an AFCON qualifier for that cadre on March 25.

  • AFCON qualification: Ebonyi soccer fans hail Amuneke’s Tanzanian feat

    Soccer fans in Ebonyi are celebrating the Taifa Stars of Tanzania’s qualification for the 2019 AFCON with former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke as its helmsman.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Zamalek of Egypt winger’s team defeated Uganda 3-0 on Sunday to qualify for the competition, incidentally being staged in June by Egypt where he plied his trade as a player.

    The qualification was also historic because it was the country’s first AFCON appearance since the 1980 edition which was incidentally staged by Amuneke’s home country, Nigeria.

    Desmond Ome, Ebonyi Football Association (FA) Secretary, congratulated Amuneke and Nigerians for the feat, noting that it was achieved through dint of hard work.

    “The victory was achieved because the players, officials and the Tanzanian FA members keyed-into Amuneke’s hard work mantra.

    “He made it clear from the onset that the AFCON qualification was his target and sought the collaboration of relevant stakeholders to achieve the feat,” he said.

    Ejike Egbo, Colombian FC of Abakaliki striker, said that Amuneke had an illustrious playing career and is excelling as a coach.

    “Amuneke was an AFCON winner, an Olympic Games gold medalist, played for the great Barcelona FC of Spain and became the fifth coach to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup for Nigeria in 2015.

    “The Tanzanian FA should be commended for reposing confidence in him with the required support as this should serve as a lesson to other soccer federations,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Amuneke leads Taifa Stars to first AFCON in 39years

    Chief Joseph Igboke, a Timber Merchant, said that Amuneke’s feat showed that no matter how much they are despised, Nigerian coaches are full of potential.

    “Nigeria’s five triumphs in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, two silver medals in the U-20 category among others were achieved by local coaches who are still sought after around the world.

    “The late Stephen Keshi led lowly-rated Togo to its first World Cup in 2006 and Amuneke’s feat shows that with equal opportunities like their white counterparts, Nigerian coaches are always successful,” he said.

    Mrs Rose Okoro, a teacher and football enthusiast, urged Nigerians to pray for Amuneke to lead the team creditably in the AFCON, this June.

    “Many of such historic feats have been eclipsed by shambolic performances at the main tournament and this makes the world forget the qualification feat.

    “The Tanzanian team should prepare adequately for the competition because it would be stiffer than the qualifiers,” she said.

    NAN

  • ‘Decide on Super Eagles’ preferred tactical formation before AFCON’

    Waidi Akanni, an ex-international, has advised the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, to decide on what tactical formation best suits the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Akanni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that a notable style of play was needed in order for the team to perform well at the AFCON tournament.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles beat the Pirates of Seychelles on Friday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba in their final qualification match for the 2019 AFCON.

    “The coach has to show us his formation. In all what he has been doing, I honestly have not seen the formation he is playing. We have to have a formation.

    “We should have a recognisable style of play. If we don’t have a style of play going to the Nations Cup proper in Egypt, it will be very difficult for the Super Eagles when they meet tougher opponents,” the former Super Eagles defender said.

    Akanni said with the calibre of players at Rohr’s disposal, he should by now be known for a particular style of play.

    “He needs a good combination of players. The coach needs to let us know if he is playing 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 3-5-2.

    “We now know the core of players available to him. We should therefore know his tactical formation based on the players we have.

    “Rohr has to show us that he has a style of play, which, for now I can’t see in the team,” he said.

    The Super Eagles ended the qualifiers as Group E leaders with 13 points, having won four games, lost one and drawn one.

    A first half penalty kick by Odion Ighalo and two second half goals from Henry Onyekuru and Moses Simon gave Nigeria a routine 3-1 victory over Seychelles on Friday.

    READ ALSO: Super Eagles struggle to beat Seychelles

    The victory cemented the Super Eagles’ top-place finish from their group, having already qualified for the continental showpiece slated for June in Egypt.

    However, Akanni was not so impressed with the performance of the national team, especially in the first half.

    “It was an average game by all standards. The first half was below par, but the Super Eagles brought some momentum into the game in the second half.

    “More important was the fact that they were able to find a way to score those two goals in the second half. Football is a game of goals and a team can only be taken seriously when they score goals.

    “So, it was okay that they got three goals,” he said.

    Rohr had invited some new players for the Seychelles match, including former Flying Eagles defender Valentine Ozonwafor, former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Victor Osimhen and Denmark-based forward Paul Onuachu.

    Akanni said although the new players have to be gradually integrated into the senior national team, the coach should have handed them a start against Seychelles.

    “I would have expected the coach to start the new players by resting Ighalo, Etebo, Ndidi and some of the other familiar players in his starting line-up.

    “But, somehow, I understand that he wanted to win the game first. So, he didn’t want to take too much risk.

    “The fact is that when you want to test new players, especially in a game of little significance like this, you have to give them good game time.

    “I believe Rohr should have taken the risk of starting many of the new guys,” the former Lagos State Football Association chairman said.

    The Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in an international friendly on Tuesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

    NAN

  • Omeruo: Nigeria can win 2019 AFCON

    Nigeria international defender Kenneth Omeruo says the Super Eagles can win the 2019 AFCON set to take place in Egypt this summer.

    Omeruo has 41 caps to his name and was part of the Nigeria squad that lifted the 2013 AFCON title in South Africa. He also represented the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in 2012 coming from Belgium’s Standard de Liege. Even after winning the U-21 Premier League he wasn’t able to cement his place in the first team.

    He joined his fair share of European clubs, on loan, including, Middlesborough, Kasimpasa and finally Leganes.

    Omeruo stated that Nigeria has a very young and talented squad and is able to win the tournament.

    “I think we have what it takes to win the AFCON. We have a good team, a young team,” Omeruo told Footballlive.ng.

    “We can get to the final and even win the tournament. It is just that, we will take every game as it comes with the seriousness it deserves.”

    Nigeria secured its place in the upcoming AFCON as they sit first in their group with 10 points and one game to spare.

    Their final game will be against Seychelles.

  • AFCON 2019: Eagles may play in a military zone

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria may use the Cairo International Stadium, a military prone venue on the outskirts of city, and the controversial Port Said Stadium for their group matches at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

    This indication emerges as the host country; Egypt has confirmed the two stadium among the six venues across five cities for this year’s Nations Cup.

    The Cairo Military Academy Stadium is located has a total capacity of 28,500. It was one of six stadiums used in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, held in Egypt.

    Seven miles up the road from Cairo International Stadium, heading for Cairo International Airport, there is the Academy Stadium at the far end of Orouba Street in the north-eastern Heliopolis district of Cairo.

    It was built in 1989 for the use of military teams and students at the military academy. The ground accommodated home games of Al Ahly and Zamalek during the refurbishing of the Cairo International Stadium and occasionally still serves to stage matches of the old foes.

    The stadium has a small roof extension serving as a cover for the main stand. On demand, during matches rent-a-crowd military cadets serve as ground-fillers in addition to the sparse paying spectators for football matches.

    Read Also: CAF names Egypt host of 2019 AFCON

    The venues for the new-look 24-team tournament were decided by the Egypt Football Association (EFA), who have also named Alexandria, Ismailia and Suez.

    “We had initially proposed eight sites for the tournament but after an inspection by a Caf [Confederation of African Football] delegation, we chose only six,” EFA spokesman Ahmed Megahed said.

    The Cairo International Stadium has remained largely unused since the Arab Spring and the subsequent restriction on attendance at football in Egypt.

    But the iconic Cairo venue, which can hold up to 75 000 spectators and generate an intimidating atmosphere, is due to make a return, having been the site of three previous Nations Cup finals in 1974, 1986 and 2006 and numerous African Champions League deciders.

    The Port Said Stadium achieved infamy in 2012 when more than 70 people died in Egypt’s worst sporting disaster after rioting at a league game between hosts Al Masry and Al Ahly.

    The stadium was renovated after the disaster and Al Masry were only allowed to return there last year.

    The Air Force Stadium in Cairo replaces Al Salam Stadium, which had been originally proposed but is being used to host matches of two Cairo clubs – Ahly and El Entag Al Harby.

    With the local league only due to finish in the weeks before the Nations Cup kicks off on 21 June, there will be no time to spruce up that stadium for the tournament, Megahed explained.

    “It was decided then to replace it with the Air Force Stadium, which is also called the June 30 Stadium,” he said.

    The Alexandria Stadium and Ismailia Stadium both return as venues after also serving in 2006. The Suez Sports Stadium has a capacity of 27 000.

    The organisers are yet to give details about which venue will host the semi-finals and final. Those are expected to be finalised before the 12 April draw in Cairo.

    The Confederation of African Football chose Egypt in early January to take over as host of the 2019 finals from Cameroon.

    2019 Africa Cup of Nations Stadiums:

    Cairo International Stadium

    Air Force Stadium

    Port Said Stadium

    Ismailia Stadium

    Suez Sport Stadium

    Alexandria Stadium

  • 2019 U-20 AFCON: We’ll be ready for Nigeria, says South Africa’s coach

    As Amajita of South Africa battles Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the second group of the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today at the Seyni Kouche Stadium in Niamey and Coach Thabo Senong believes they are ready to take on the Paul Aigbogun-tutored side.

    Having played 1-1 draw against host – Niger Republic in their first group match, the South African side are eager to claim victory to be sure of making it to the last four of the tournament.

    Speaking ahead of today’s tie to CAFonline.com, Senong said: “We will look at Nigeria and analyse how they play. We still have good players in our squad who are yet to feature in our upcoming matches and I believe the team will be ready when we face Nigeria.”

    Amajita’s defender, Fezile Gcaba said they are poised to pick one of the four tickets for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. “My focus now is to help the team qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup set to take place Poland later in the year, and also winning this year’s AFCON Under-20 tournament. I would also like to progress into the Under-23 squad and play in the Olympics and earn my place in the Bafana Bafana setup as well. It is not going to be an easy Journey. However, I am willing to work for it,” Gcaba said.

    However, Nigeria’s coach, Aigbogun said they are ready to take each game and not to underrate any team in the competition.

    Host – Niger Republic will take on Burundi in the group as well with the top two teams in the group advancing to the semifinal place and also securing their places at the FIFA World Cup in Poland.

  • CAF names 2019 Nations Cup hosts

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) says the decision on who will replace Cameroon as hosts of this year’s African Nations Cup (AFCON) finals has been brought forward to Tuesday.

    Executive Committee members were initially set to vote in Dakar on Wednesday but will now do so 24 hours earlier, with the decision to be announced at a subsequent news conference.

    CAF, however, did not provide a reason for the change.

    Egypt and South Africa were the only two countries to put forward their candidacies to replace Cameroon, which was stripped of hosting rights late last year.

    It will be the first time there will be 24 teams at the tournament.

    CAF, after several inspection visits over the last two years, said Cameroon would not be ready in time.

    There were no plans to have presentations from either Egypt or South Africa, but both countries have representation on the executive committee.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ordega, Kgatlana challenge Oshoala for 2018 women’s best player

    “We are ready to host the event tomorrow if needs be,” South African Football Association (SAFA) General Secretary Russell Paul told Reuters on Tuesday.

    “But we expect the vote will be a purely political decision.”

    South Africa plans to use the infrastructure built for the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup if it is awarded the tournament.

    Egypt also has extensive football facilities, although in recent years attendances at local matches have been restricted because of security concerns in the wake of the Arab Spring revolution.

    Morocco had been the favourite to step in after repeatedly promising to do so if needed, but then surprisingly said it was not interested once Cameroon was stripped of hosting rights.