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Tag: Super Eagles

  • Guru Maharaj ji canvasses appointment of Nigerian as Eagles coach

    Guru Maharaj ji canvasses appointment of Nigerian as Eagles coach

    Founder of One Love Family, SatGuru Maharaj ji has called for the appointment of a Nigerian as Head Coach for the Super Eagles. 

    He said his persistent call on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to employ a Nigerian as Super Eagles Head Coach is beyond emotions and sentiments.

    A statement by Maharaj ji stated that his call is deeply rooted in the ongoing and unstoppable reset of Africa continent following expiration of global European dominance.

    According to him, the step became necessary if truly Nigeria desires to have Super Eagles excel at the highest level of soccer competition.

    He maintained that NFF should desist from falling from their games by appointing a Nigerian as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

    He said the appointment must avail the Nigerian the same payment and privileges that Europeans get when hired by NFF. 

    “Irrespective of the challenges that the Nigerian Coach may be experiencing in the job, he must not be sacked. Every new era, every fresh order, has its natural teething-stage.

    “NFF (and Nigerians as a whole) should stop patronising the manipulative intelligence of Europeans, through the wrongful amalgamation that we are trying to put right to ensure that human rights, freedom and liberty for all, is no longer abused.

    “Appoint a competent Nigeria (preferably from one of our ex-Super Eagles players such as Austin Jay-Jay Okocha; Daniel Amokachi; Emmanuel Amunike; Fani Amun; among others.

    “I look forward to having NFF heed this Divine advice this time around, if they do not want to be dissolved or fired for mismanagement and high-handed disrespect to human life.”

  • JUST IN: Super Eagles forward Chukwueze loses mother

    JUST IN: Super Eagles forward Chukwueze loses mother

    Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze is mourning the death of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, following a brief illness.

    While the AC Milan winger did not make a public announcement, the sad news was first shared by his brother, David Chukwueze, who posted a series of emotional tributes on Instagram reflecting the family’s grief.

    In one post, David wrote, “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum.” In another, he added, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye,” while also saying, “You didn’t even carry your grandchild.”

    The development was later officially confirmed by the National Sports Commission in a statement issued on Thursday. The Commission disclosed that Mrs Chukwueze passed away after a brief illness, noting that the announcement had already been made public by members of the family.

    Read Also: Chukwueze credits Silva for Fulham’s comeback win

    “The National Sports Commission is deeply saddened by the confirmed passing of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze,” the statement read.

    The NSC described the late Mrs Chukwueze as a strong support figure in her son’s football journey and acknowledged the crucial role family plays in the lives of elite Nigerian athletes.

    “Across the landscape of Nigerian sport, the role of family remains central to the character and resilience shown by many of our elite athletes,” the statement said, adding that the Commission stands in solidarity with Chukwueze and his family during the period of mourning.

  • Tinubu consoles Super Eagles captain on father’s death

    Tinubu consoles Super Eagles captain on father’s death

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, over the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as tragic and painful for the family and all who knew the deceased.

    Sunday Ndidi reportedly died in a road accident in Umunede, near Agbor, in Delta State, on Tuesday. 

    His son, Wilfred Ndidi, plays for Turkish Super Lig side Beşiktaş and serves as captain of the Super Eagles.

    Tinubu, in his condolence message, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Sunday Ndidi, noting the close bond he shared with his son.

    “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi. I share in the grief of his family, friends and associates, particularly Wilfred Ndidi, who shared a strong bond with his father as a mentor and guide in his remarkable career as an exceptional footballer,” the President said.

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    He added that the late Ndidi’s values and personal conduct left a lasting impression on those around him.

    “There is no doubt that Sunday’s modest beginnings and honesty greatly impacted those who looked up to him for inspiration,” the President noted.

    The President also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and for the repose of the soul of the departed.

    He asked God Almighty to grant the Ndidi family the strength to bear the loss and to grant eternal rest to Sunday Ndidi.

  • JUST IN: Super Eagles captain Ndidi loses father in road accident

    JUST IN: Super Eagles captain Ndidi loses father in road accident

    Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, who passed away on Tuesday following a road accident in Delta State.

    Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was reportedly involved in a crash in Umunede, Delta State. He was rushed to a hospital in nearby Agbor, where doctors later confirmed his death.

    The sad news was announced by Beşiktaş, Ndidi’s club side in Turkey, which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their midfielder’s father.

    “May Allah have mercy on the deceased. We offer our heartfelt condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and all his loved ones,” the club said in a message shared on X.

    Read Also: Man United open talks with Ndidi

    Ndidi recently assumed the captaincy of Nigeria, taking over from William Troost-Ekong. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament that marked a personal milestone as he scored his first-ever goal for the national team.

    During the competition, Ndidi also spoke fondly of his father and referenced his admiration for former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo while explaining the inspiration behind his goal celebration against Tunisia.

    Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from fans, teammates, and the Nigerian football community.

  • AFCON 2025: Goldberg hails Super Eagles’ power and belief  

    AFCON 2025: Goldberg hails Super Eagles’ power and belief  

    As the curtain fell on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Goldberg Lager Beer closed its tournament journey not with regret but with pride, gratitude and renewed belief in the future of Nigerian football.

    The Super Eagles signed off their campaign with a bronze medal, edging Egypt on penalties in the third-place match. It was Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish at the AFCON finals, a record that further cements the country’s status as the most consistent team in the history of the competition, boasting more podium appearances than any other African nation.

    The ultimate prize—a fourth continental title—proved elusive. Yet, for Goldberg, the story of AFCON 2025 was never defined by silverware alone. It was about character, resilience and the enduring bond between the national team and its supporters.

    Under its “Our Beat, Our Gold” campaign, Goldberg Lager Beer followed the Super Eagles every step of the way, transforming the tournament into a shared national experience. Across Nigeria, large viewing centres and cultural activations turned match days into communal celebrations. Beyond the borders, in Moroccan host cities where Nigeria played, fan-engagement moments ensured that the green-and-white spirit travelled with the team.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: NFF backs  Chelle to achieve future greater things with Eagles

    On the pitch, the Super Eagles delivered a bold and expressive brand of football. Nigeria emerged as the tournament’s most prolific attacking side, scoring 14 goals—more than any other team. They created the highest number of clear chances (27), dominated possession with an average of 66 per cent, and produced the longest winning streak of the competition with five consecutive victories.

    To Goldberg, the statistics told a deeper story—of belief, progress and intent.

    Reflecting on the campaign, Laolu Babalola, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, said AFCON 2025 transcended match outcomes.

    “We set out believing in gold, and while the final prize did not come, the journey mattered,” Babalola said. “The Super Eagles played with confidence and purpose, and the fans responded with passion and loyalty. That connection is what this campaign was built around.”

    Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, described the end of the tournament not as a finale, but as a pause for reflection.

    “Our Beat, Our Gold was about how Nigerians experience football together,” he said. “From the first match to the last, the fans showed up with energy, belief and pride. The bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s rich AFCON history, but more importantly, it highlighted the strength of our football culture.”

    Aroyehun reaffirmed the brand’s long-term commitment to the game. “This campaign may be ending, but the rhythm continues. As long as Nigerians are watching football, debating, celebrating and believing, Goldberg will continue to stand with them.”

  • Three Super Eagles soar  into AFCON Best X1 

    Three Super Eagles soar  into AFCON Best X1 

    • Lookman, Osimhen, Bassey listed
    • By Olamilekan Israel.

    Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey have been included in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best XI of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

    The selection was announced by CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG) after the tournament ended on Sunday. The trio played key roles in Nigeria’s campaign, which saw the Super Eagles finish third overall.

    Tournament winners Senegal and finalists Morocco dominated the Best XI, with four players each making the final list.

    According to CAF, the Team of the Tournament was selected through a comprehensive technical evaluation process. This involved both remote and on-site assessments, supported by live data platforms, multi-angle video footage and analysis by technical experts.

    Read Also: Prosperity Cup partners Barcelona FC ahead of 2026 tournament

    Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, led his country’s representation after conceding only two goals in seven matches. He was joined by teammates Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Brahim Díaz, who emerged as the tournament’s highest goal scorer.

    Senegal’s representatives include defender Moussa Niakhaté, midfielders Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye, as well as forward Sadio Mané. Mané was also named Player of the Tournament following his decisive contributions to Senegal’s title-winning campaign.

    Nigeria’s inclusion in the Best XI through Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen reflects the Super Eagles’ strong solidarity and competitive performance at the continental tournament.

    Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, was Nigeria’s top scorer  at the  tournament  with an impressive  four goals  in six matches  while  Lookman grabbed four goals  with an impressive four assists  in six matches.

     Fulham defender, Bassey, stood like a rock of Gibraltar  in the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence  and was even rewarded with the man of the Match Award  in the il-fated match  against hosts, Morocco in the semi-finals.  

    AFCON 2025 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

    Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

    Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco);Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal);Calvin Bassey (Nigeria);Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

    Midfielders: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria); Pape Gueye (Senegal);Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)

    Forwards: Brahim Díaz (Morocco);Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); Sadio Mané (Senegal)

  • ANFASSC applauds Super Eagles’ bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025

    ANFASSC applauds Super Eagles’ bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025

    The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has commended  the Super Eagles’  bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a disciplined and resilient performance against Egypt in the third-place playoff.

    ANFASSC  in a statement said   the result represented a fitting conclusion to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign and reflects the team’s consistency, mental strength, and competitive maturity at the continental level.

    “Throughout the tournament, the Super Eagles demonstrated tactical organisation, commitment, and a strong sense of national duty, qualities that resonated with Nigerians at home and across the diaspora. The bronze medal finish further reinforces Nigeria’s enduring presence among Africa’s leading football nations and provides a solid platform for future progress,” the outfit  said.

    ANFASSC acknowledged the coordinating role played by the National Sports Commission and the constructive engagement of relevant sports authorities and stakeholders during the competition. The collaborative approach adopted throughout AFCON 2025 contributed to improved structure, communication, and operational stability, particularly in areas relating to supporter organisation and matchday coordination.

    Recall that during the third-place match and across the tournament, ANFASSC maintained a structured and disciplined presence, providing continuous and purposeful support that reflected national unity and pride. This effort was strengthened by ongoing engagement with institutional partners and fellow supporters’ groups, reinforcing a shared responsibility to represent Nigeria positively on the international stage.

    Read Also: UCL: Atletico held in Istanbul as top-eight hopes fade

    Following  the  conclusion of AFCON 2025, ANFASSC has  reiterated  its readiness to build on the working relationships established during the competition.

    “ The club remains committed to deeper collaboration with the National Sports Commission, sports authorities, and partners in strengthening organised supporters’ engagement, enhancing logistical planning, and supporting Nigerian teams more effectively in future international competitions,” the body noted. “ANFASSC remains resolute in its mission to support Nigerian athletes with unity, discipline and purpose while contributing meaningfully to the long-term development and global perception of Nigerian sports.”

  • PuffyTee highlights Super Eagles’ collective brilliance for AFCON bronze

    PuffyTee highlights Super Eagles’ collective brilliance for AFCON bronze

    From the entertainment scene to the business sector; from sports administrators to  sports loving Nigerians, the impressive outing of the Super Eagles at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON)  is receiving wide commendation.

    The latest public figure to join the long list of those   celebrating the Super Eagles, is distinguished music producer, PuffyTee.

    The entertainment mogul described the Super Eagles’ impressive AFCON campaign as the result of collective brilliance and technicality.

    “Under the leadership of Coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles displayed tactical and collective brilliance for the world to see,” PuffyTee told First ZealMediaCast Blog. “Everywhere in the world, it’s all about the Super Eagles’ impressive performance.

     “It’s not just another bronze medal as some may say, but a statement of strength and character, it proves that we are still a force to reckon with in African football and that Nigerians never back down,” he added.

    Read Also: Ladipo: NFF interference killing Football Supporters Club

    PuffyTee who is the producer behind the hit song Yahooze by Olu Maintain, highlighted some of the players for special commendation.

     “The players of the day for me were Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and heroic shot-stopper, Stanley Nwabali and Alex Iwobi. Everyone did well but these four were exceptional. By every measure this campaign deserves an 8 out of 10, they were strong, inspiring and full of promise,” PuffyTee stressed.

    He praised the Super Eagles’ for recovering quickly from their Morocco heartbreak.

     “Although the semi-finals loss was very heartbreaking, they showed resilience, bounced back and reminded us that setbacks are just a phase,” PuffyTee explained.

    He urged the coach to pay more attention to strategy and game plans.

     “Only that at times the Team act above par, football on the continent is evolving and we need to step up our game, interchange and strategy and style of play. But nonetheless we still remain a force to reckon with,” he stated even as he called for more development for  Nigerian football.

    “If Nigeria is to rise by 2027,  we must act now, we have to invest in youth development and in our League, building academies for young talents,” he said.

  • AFCON 2025: NOC President hails Super Eagles’ bronze victory

    AFCON 2025: NOC President hails Super Eagles’ bronze victory

    President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has commended the Super Eagles for their display of character and resilience in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Gumel gave the commendation on Tuesday, in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NOC, Tony Nezianya.

    He praised the national team for their victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt, in the third-place match, describing the result as a reflection of the team’s mental strength and growing maturity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Super Eagles bounced back from a gruelling semi-final setback to dominate the playoff encounter, demonstrating renewed confidence and determination.

    “The Super Eagles have once again become a source of national pride, displaying the famous ‘never-say-die’ Nigerian spirit against top African opposition,” he said.

    Gumel said that the win underscored the remarkable transformation of the team under the leadership of Coach Eric Chelle.

    Read Also: AFCON Bronze:  Super Eagles jump to 26th  in  latest FIFA Rankings

    According to him, the Super Eagles have undergone significant development within a year, evolving from a goal-shy side into a more clinical and effective attacking unit.

    He noted that Chelle’s influence has helped rebuild the team into a disciplined and respectable squad that commands authority and respect on the pitch.

    He added that the team’s performance reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in African football.

    Gumel expressed optimism about the future of the team, adding that he looked forward to the continued evolution of an exciting new era for Nigerian football. (NAN)

  • AFCON Bronze:  Super Eagles jump to 26th  in  latest FIFA Rankings

    AFCON Bronze:  Super Eagles jump to 26th  in  latest FIFA Rankings

    The Super Eagles have enjoyed a major rise in the latest FIFA World Rankings, climbing to 26th  in the world after their  third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

    The rankings, released yesterday, reflect a sharp jump from Nigeria’s previous position of 38th , underlining the impact of their strong showing at the continental tournament.

    On the African ladder, Nigeria also moved up significantly, rising from sixth to third, trailing only Senegal and Morocco.

    Nigeria’s ranking surge came despite an uninspiring pre-AFCON friendly loss to Egypt. Once the tournament began, however, the Super Eagles quickly found their rhythm, recording a perfect group-stage campaign. Victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda saw Nigeria finish top of their group with a maximum nine points.

    Read Also: Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    Their momentum carried into the knockout rounds as they delivered a commanding performance against Mozambique in the round of 16 before overcoming Algeria in the quarterfinals to book a semifinal place. Nigeria’s title push was halted by host nation Morocco, who edged the Super Eagles on penalties after a tense semifinal encounter.

    The team responded strongly to that setback, regrouping to defeat Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal. Nigeria finished the tournament unbeaten in regulation time, further enhancing their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent sides.

    As a result, the Super Eagles recorded the highest points gain worldwide in the latest rankings, adding 79.09 points to their total. Senegal, the AFCON champions, climbed to 12th  globally, while Morocco rose to eighth, their highest-ever FIFA ranking.

    At the top of the global standings, Spain remain number one, followed by Argentina and France, while England and Brazil complete the top five. The next FIFA World Rankings will be released on April 1, 2026, when Nigeria will aim to continue their upward climb.