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Tag: Super Eagles

  • Ekong tip Super Eagles for 2025 AFCON title, World Cup 26

    Ekong tip Super Eagles for 2025 AFCON title, World Cup 26

    Captain William Ekong has again backed the Super Eagles to win the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as well as qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

    Last year, the Super Eagles were beaten in the final of the 2023 AFCON by hosts Cote d’Ivoire

    Ekong said that has made the team more determined to achieve “something truly special”.

    “With the group of players we have now – immensely talented and motivated – our focus is to win the next AFCON and ensure Nigeria is present at the 2026 World Cup,” the Saudi Arabia-based defender said in an interview.

     “We came close last time (to win the 2023 AFCON), and that experience has made us even hungrier.

    Read Also: VIVA VICTOR: Osimhen wows at Wilfred Ndidi’s star-studded Maracana Children’s Fest

    “As captain, the goal is even more personal.

    “We want to bring joy to Nigerians by achieving something truly special.”

    For the 2025 AFCON, the Super Eagles are drawn in a first round group that has Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

    They are fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, but hope South Africa’s lead at the top of the group is reduced should they be docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player.

  • Super Eagles stars inspire kids at ‘Maracana’

    Super Eagles stars inspire kids at ‘Maracana’

    Some Super Eagles players on Saturday attended the 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest, held in honour of their teammate, Wilfred Ndidi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the annual event, sponsored by Leicester City midfielder Ndidi, was hosted at the refurbished Maracana Stadium in Tolu, Ajegunle, Lagos.

    Super Eagles stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen were among the top players who graced the event, attended by at least 3,000 children.

    Others present included Frank Onyeka of FC Augsburg, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge and ex-international Jonathan Akpoborie.

    The children showcased their football skills across 19 five-a-side pitches, thrilling both guests and spectators at the stadium.

    The crowd went wild when Osimhen, former African Footballer of the Year and Turkish League top scorer, made his entrance.

    Children screamed Osimhen’s name with joy, visibly excited by the rare opportunity to meet him in person.

    Speaking at the event, Ndidi expressed gratitude and fulfilment for giving back to the community where his football journey began.

    “I feel amazed and happy. This competition has improved over the past two years. We usually hold it in June or December.

    “The smiles on the kids’ faces are heart-warming. It is something they truly look forward to every year.

    “As a child, I loved watching football on TV, but seeing players in real life was always more exciting for me.

    “That’s why we invited the Super Eagles players — to create that magical moment for the children.

    “The children are clearly excited to see the Super Eagles. It gives them hope and inspiration for the future.

    “We want to focus more on the kids, investing in their future. Seeing someone like Osimhen means a lot to them,” the Super Eagles star said.

    Ndidi said the choice of Maracana Stadium was deliberate due to its legacy in producing Nigerian football stars.

    According to him, Ajegunle has produced many stars, including Odion Ighalo, adding that Maracana Stadium was a famous football ground while he was growing up.

    “Though I never played here as a child, I knew its importance. This project helps preserve Maracana’s legacy.

    “Our aim is to keep Maracana’s name alive and continue to inspire future champions from Ajegunle.

    “The presence of Super Eagles players shows their support for the project. No one was forced — they came willingly,” he said.

    Ndidi appreciated his teammates’ turnout, saying it meant a lot to the children and the community.

    “I’m grateful to see my teammates here today. The children got the chance to meet and interact with them,

    “We’ve identified talented kids already. But it’s important to remind them to stay in school.

    “They mustn’t abandon education for football. School is essential, no matter how talented they are,” he added.

    Programme coordinator, Yemi Idowu, praised the players’ commitment in spite of their demanding schedules.

    “I’m excited. It was hard aligning everyone’s timetable, but they still honoured our invitation.

    “They came because it’s a worthy cause. Taking time out shows their genuine commitment.

    “This is the first time seven Super Eagles players are attending together. More could have come if not for the weather,” he added.

    Idowu said the event achieved two major milestones: showcasing a multi-pitch facility and players giving back to society.

    “We’ve shown that multi-pitch facilities are possible. All 19 pitches hosted over 3,000 kids simultaneously. The games went smoothly across the pitches without congestion or issues.

    “National players can contribute to society by engaging directly with children like they’ve done today.

    “They brought their own kids too. Osimhen, Troost-Ekong, and Wilfred were all outstanding. This is a space where players can come freely, without fear of harassment or pressure.

    Read Also: Super Eagles B to begin quest for CHAN title  in Zanzibar

    “They gave us their time, which is even more valuable than money. That means everything.

    “We’ve done this kind of programme for over 40 years. The next one will take place during Christmas,” he said.

    Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Oladotun Coker, also commended the event.

    “This initiative is commendable. It’s a brilliant way to promote grassroots football development.

    “The children were able to meet their heroes face-to-face. That moment will stay with them forever.

    “LSFA will always support initiatives like this. It is indeed a laudable effort,” Coker added.

    NAN reports that dignitaries at the event included Mr Fatai Ayoola, Chairman of Ajegunle Development Council, traditional rulers, and football enthusiasts.

    NAN

  • Super Eagles B to begin quest for CHAN title  in Zanzibar

    Super Eagles B to begin quest for CHAN title  in Zanzibar

    • CAF sheds light on delayed  tourney

    The Confédération of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Super Eagles B will play their group games of the 2024 African Nations Championship in Zanzibar following the reveal of the venues that will host the group matches of the competition to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

    CAF also announced the venues that will host the Opening, Third and Fourth and the Final Match of the Competition.

    The CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (CHAN) 2024  will be held between 02 – 30 August, 2025, marking a return to East African soil following the 2016 edition in Rwanda.

    Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host the opening match of  CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (CHAN) 2024 on 02 August 2024.

    The Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda has been designated to host the third and fourth match of the event.

    Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi will host the Final match of the Competition on 30 August 2025.

    Zanzibar has been designated as one of the Host Venues – a decision that underscores CAF’s commitment to expanding the reach and inclusivity of African football.

    Read Also: ‘World best’ Osimhen should stay in Europe, says  Akwuegbu

    Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium recently staged a successful CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final in May this year and it will host  matches in Group D   that has Senegal, Congo, Sudan and Nigeria.

    The Host Cities for the Group Stages of the tournament are as follows:

    Group A : Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia

    Group B : Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic

    Group C : Kampala, Uganda: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, Algeria

    Group : Zanzibar: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria

  • Super Eagles sweat  for Russia’s draw, says Okoye

    Super Eagles sweat  for Russia’s draw, says Okoye

    Super Eagles Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye  has admitted that the Super Eagles were made to work hard for their draw against Russia in last Friday’s  fast tempo friendly game played in Moscow.

    The international friendly played at the Moscow’s  Luzhniki Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw with the Eagles coming back from a goal down before equalising in the second half.

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    Semi Ajayi conceded an own goal for Russia’s opening goal in the 27th  minute. Substitute Tolu Arokodare levelled for the Super Eagles 19 minutes from time.

    Okoye declared that Valery Karpin’s side made things difficult for the Super Eagles in the game.

     “The Russian team showed a very high level. We had to give it our all to play on equal terms with your team. I think it was a great match for the fans,” he told Match TV. “The balls were a little easier than usual.

     “But overall, everything was fine. I really liked the atmosphere at the stadium.”

  • William Troost-Ekong celebrates a decade in Super Eagles colours

    William Troost-Ekong celebrates a decade in Super Eagles colours

    William Troost-Ekong has shared joy and gratitude as he marks a decade since first donning the Super Eagles jersey.

    The central defender made his senior debut for Nigeria on June 13, 2015, featuring for 90 minutes in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

    Since then, he has become a mainstay in the national team setup, earning respect for his leadership and commitment on the pitch.

    Since making his debut 10 years ago, the 31-year-old has gone on to feature at three African Cup of Nations (2019, 2021, 2023), and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    He was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2023 AFCON where he led the Super Eagles to a second place finish, scoring three goals.

    Also, he was a member of the U-23 Eagles squad, handled by Samson Siasia, that won bronze in the football event at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

    Reflecting on his long journey in the team, Troost-Ekong thanked the late Stephen Keshi for giving him the opportunity to play for Nigeria.

    “10 YEARS REPRESENTING 13.06.2015 – 06.06.2025,” he wrote on X.

    “I will never forget the ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi for believing in me to make my debut in Kaduna that day a decade ago.

    Read Also: William Troost-Ekong: I would have swapped AFCON MVP for trophy  

    “79 caps, 5 major tournaments, 3 medals later. It is my biggest pride to be the captain of this nation & team.

    “No dream is ever to big. This is my purpose, and I will continue to strive to be better everyday.

    “GRATEFUL!”

     Troost-Ekong was in action for the Super Eagles in their 1-1 draw with Russia in Moscow on Friday.

    An own goal by Semi Ajayi gave Russia a first half lead before Tolu Arokodare equalised for the Super Eagles in the second half.

  • Super Eagles earn draw in Russia friendly

    Super Eagles earn draw in Russia friendly

    Nigeria came from behind to earn a draw in a first-ever senior international match against Russia.

    The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow full of confidence after winning the Unity Cup in west London last week, though they can perhaps take even more confidence at securing the result without several key names such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina.

    Those absences did open the door for the likes of Victor Boniface and Christantus Uche to impress, but it was Tolu Arokodare who made the most of the opportunity and has staked a claim to start the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa later this year.

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    As for Valery Karpin’s Football Union of Russia, who have been suspended by FIFA and UEFA since October 2022, it’s the first time they have failed to win since October 2023 – a run that stretched eight games.

    The hosts took the lead just before the half hour mark and slightly against the run of play, though the creation of the goal – albeit fortuitous – was sublime.

    Danil Krugovoy got forward from left-back and sent in a teasing cross intended for teammate Nikolay Komlichenko in the middle. However, Semi Ajayi couldn’t help but get the final touch as he sent the ball into his own net.

    Just over a week ago, Ajayi forced an own goal at the right end as Nigeria beat Ghana in the Unity Cup semi-final but on this occasion, luck was not on his side.

    Despite not creating much either side of the goal, the Super Eagles were unlucky to be behind at the break.

  • Super Eagles’ nameless jerseys

    Super Eagles’ nameless jerseys

    Please, can somebody appeal to chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) never to field a Nigeria side wearing nameless jerseys in matches. It was shameful to observe and watch in awe as Nigeria became the only country among the four teams that partook in the last Unity Cup played at the Brentford Stadium in west London putting on jerseys without name tags on days when the coach was fielding new players. It speaks to the kind of kitting contracts the federation signed with our kit suppliers or should I say manufacturers? It explains why our players couldn’t exchange jerseys with their opponents and fans after games? Shouldn’t somebody be sacked for this international disgrace?

    Again, what manner of sports administrators or should I say specifically soccer chiefs do we have who take delight in throwing decency to the dogs? How do you explain brazen way in which the NSC boss and the federation’s President were busy taking their turns in photo ops with the Unity Cup as if they played the games? Wonders shall never end in Nigeria. The behind the scene optics at the Unity Cup were awful and largely around our officials. The bigwigs’ conduct in London puts a big question mark on who can remind Chelle that it would be unacceptable for our coach to be shown a red card during any game. Chelle needs to be told to be calm during matches. Nigerians would need to scratch their heads to find out the last time any Super Eagles coach was red-carded.

    One of my cynical friend whispered to me whilst watching the matches that perhaps, the nameless jerseys could be rewashed for the girls to wear in their games too. Disgusting. Better imagined than witnessed. But will you blame this fellow when the NFF has refused to number our players’ jerseys during matches? Who does that? In other climes, heads will roll. Not so in Nigeria.

    I’ve been having a good laugh with myself having repeatedly watched a corrupted version of intelligent coaches’ ideas and markers around the full pressing game by the Super Eagles as directed by Eric Chelle. What you don’t see, hear or talk about in Nigeria’s football arena does not exist. What Chelle should take quickly into his head is that sides which play the full pressing game do so with young, intelligent, fast, energetic and inventing boys. The basic ingredient about this style is the ease with which full pressing sides easily dispossess their opponents off the ball when they lose it.

    It comes with a lot of mental alertness and swiftness in which they transit from a defensive role to a lightening counter attack which ends up most time inside the net or saved by the opposition’s alert but magnificent goalkeeper.

    The pivot of the enchanting pressing style is the evident teamwork which eliminates showboat players for the pragmatic ones who play for the collective, not self. The strength of the full pressing tactic is that any delay in the transition time could expose the team’s weaknesses which could be exploited by smart and thinking coaches such as Jose Mourinho in his heydays as a coach, not the highly quarrelsome Special One of today.

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    And so when Chelle in a post-match comment revealed that his players haven’t embraced his full pressing style of play, necessitating the late goals which his team conceded lately, one wondered what he was talking about. Certainly not the full pressing which we saw in the two matches involving PSG and Liverpool in Paris and in England in one of the epic games of the last UEFA Champions League. Nor could Chelle be talking about the magnificent way in which Barcelona adopt theirs, using their two young gazelles, Lamine Yamal and Rafinha, both left footers but highly discerning players with expertise in dribbling themselves out of a tightly marked setting.

    Pray, it would be cruel not to mention the goal-banging two-legged games between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan in Spain and San Siro, which produced 13 goals. The difference is that Inter Milan’s coach wasn’t playing the full pressing game. Both teams had average goalkeepers, unlike what we saw from Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    Eagles hitherto midfield marker, Wilfred Ndidi, has evidently lost his marking prowess to his recent injuries and age, leaving Alex Iwobi as the fall guy when the team’s midfield malfunctions.

    Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Nathan Tella, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Papa Daniel Mustapha haven’t shown that they have the guile and wit; and they have also not been as consistent to be trusted with permanent roles in the team’s midfield. In the same vein, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho have been major disappointments in their outings. With many wondering how Iheanacho was selected for the Unity Cup competition, with a vulnerable defence having very slow runners. The Eagles need a solid and mobile midfield to compliment the devastating form of its strikers comprising Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, Victor Boniface, Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare, with Chelle left with the option to call up Russia-based former junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar FC for the friendly against Russia.

    The Nigerian side has two top-rated defenders in Ola Aina and Bassey, who play for Nottingham Forest and Fulham in the Premier League, leaving Coach Chelle with the most difficult task of getting a left wing back and two central defenders who can sprint very fast when the Eagles lose possession of the ball.

    William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars) and Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England) don’t look like good defenders, with many of them ageing, which has reduced their speed on and off the ball. Most of the late goals conceded by the Eagles have been from defensive slips. Add these defensive flaws to the fact that our big boys don’t fall back to retrieve the ball when the team loses possession, and you can begin to understand the precarious setting the country has found herself in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    Yes, Chelle wants to be part of the new coaching pattern in the modern game. Indeed, Chelle should be told pointedly that the Nigerian team with an average of 28 years old players can’t play the fully pressing game because they would tire out easily. And with millipede-like slow defenders, it would pay us greatly not to play at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States (US). This will be the first time a World Cup is hosted by three nations. The tournament will take place in 16 cities across North America.

    Pity. This rot in the Eagles didn’t start today. It has been staring us in the face like a sore thumb. We failed to address the problems which have now returned to haunt us.

  • International Friendly: Super Eagles seek Russia’s Boys’ scalp in Moscow

    International Friendly: Super Eagles seek Russia’s Boys’ scalp in Moscow

    Fresh from winning the Unity Cup tournament in London, the Super Eagles will seek to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions since the beginning of this year, when they take on the

    Sbornaya (The Boys) of Russia at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow this evening. .

    It is the first official meeting for both countries at senior level, and though Russia have not played competitively since February 2022, they have been busy playing friendly games, the last one being a 5-0 routing of Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the VTB Arena in Moscow on 25th  March. The win took their winning streak to eight games.

    Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on 21st  March, were held to a 1-1 draw at home four days later by Zimbabwe in the same series, and then defeated Ghana 2-1 on 28th  Maybefore overpowering Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw on 31st May to win the Unity Cup.

    While still in the form of that single and mammoth USSR, the Soviet Union hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in 1985. The host nation defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a group phase match in Minsk, but when both teams clashed in the tournament’s third-place match, Nigeria triumphed 3-1 after a penalty shootout following 0-0 in regulation and extra time in Moscow.

    Tonight, Franco-Malian coach  Eric Chelle will be putting  out a squad that will be determined to earn a critical win for Nigeria, in order to sustain the winning mentality built from the Unity Cup tournament, and also set their eyes confidently on an even more critical couple of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches coming up in September.

    The Super Eagles, lying fourth in their group, will host Rwanda’s Amavubi in the first week of September, and fly out to Johannesburg four days later to tackle group leaders Bafana Bafana of South Africa in what could be a flaming war.

    Read Also: NFF to organize Coach Educators’ programme in June

    Injuries and withdrawals have combined to tweak Chelle’s ensemble for this encounter, but the spine of the squad is largely intact, with only the fore missing telling performers, such as reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, the peerless Victor Osimhen and AC Milan of Italy’s Samuel Chukwueze – who was in imperious form in London.

    Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has another opportunity to reign between the sticks, with Igoh Ogbu and Benjamin Fredericks (from the Unity Cup in London) tugging for the rear-guard shirts with captain William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi. A rich midfield cast includes Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel and Saviour Isaac.

    Much will be expected of Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, as Krasnodar FC’s former junior international Olakunle Olusegun hopes fervently for his first senior cap.

    The iconic Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, in which France defeated Croatia 4-2. During the competition, Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the group phase, and also eliminated Spain 4-3 after penalty shootout in the Round of 16, at the same Luzhniki Stadium.

    Today’s encounter will kick off at 8pm Russia time (6pm Nigeria).

  • 80th Super Eagles’ cap  excites Moses Simon 

    80th Super Eagles’ cap  excites Moses Simon 

    By Yusuf Kareem

    Moses Simon has expressed pride and gratitude after he made his  80th  appearance for  the men’s senior national team  at the recently concluded  Unity Cup in London over  the weekend.

    The 29-year-old FC Nantes forward  who also marked his 10th  goal  for the Super Eagles against the Reggae Boyz, actually made  his international debut  with Nigeria  on 25th March  2015 in an international friendly against Uganda, when he replaced Anthony Ujah after 59th  minute  of  the game.

    He would  later open  his goal account for th Super Eagles  in a 2-0  win over Niger  on 8th September  2015

    “Actually, I feel great. I’m proud of myself and the people back home who kept  pushing me, telling me ‘I can do it,’ Simon who captained  the Super Eagles in the 5-4 penalty shoot-out win (after a 2-2 draw) against Jamaica on Saturday, said. “ I’ve faced a lot of criticism in many games:  he’s  a striker, sometimes  he’s  defender but I just keep going.”

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    He added: “I didn’t even know it was my 80th  appearance until a few people called and told me. They said, ‘You’ve been  playing for so long with  the national team but you’re  still playing  like you just arrived.

    “ Honestly, I’m proud of myself.”

    Born  12th  July  1995 in Jos, Nigeria, Simon plays as a forward or left winger for the French  Ligue 1 club, FC Nantes and has  since made a total  of 201 appearances across  all competitions  and  credited with an impressive  37 goals.

    Indeed, Simon continues to be a key figure for both club and country, inspiring fans with his resilience and consistent performances.

  • London Unity Cup: Chelle seeks Super Eagles improvement 

    London Unity Cup: Chelle seeks Super Eagles improvement 

    Coach  Eric Sekou Chelle is upbeat that  the  Super Eagles  have turned  the corner after  they emerged champions of the Unity Cup  in London on Saturday night following a   hard-fought  5-4 penalty  shoot-out win over the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica after they  both tied  in the tournament’s  finale.

    Speaking after the match, the team’s head coach expressed delight at the win—his first trophy since taking over the national team—but also pointed to areas for improvement as the Super Eagles gear up for the next phase of World Cup qualification.

     “I didn’t agree with the NFF about this tournament initially because the players are tired,” the coach admitted during the post-match press conference. “But then. I thought we could use it to build. I wanted to give the new players a chance to prove themselves.”

    The Unity Cup, played in a compact format, featured a blend of experienced internationals and debutants. The coach noted that the tournament served as an important testing ground for tactical flexibility and squad depth.

    “We tried different formations and approaches,” he said. “There’s a lot we can take from this tournament. Yes, we made two mistakes in this game, but we’ll work on them. What I saw was a team with good spirit, a group that wants to work.”

    On individual performances, the coach singled out Christantus Uche for praise, describing his impact as “immense,” and expressed confidence in the player’s future with the national team.

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     “Uche deserves to be in this team. I have white hair now because of how many attackers we have,” he joked. “But seriously, we need to be better in attack, midfield and defence. There’s still a lot to do.”

    He also highlighted Brentford’s Benjamin Franklin’s composure in what was his first major outing for Nigeria.

     “Benjamin was calm and read the game well. But like all players, he still needs to improve. It was just one game for him—but a big game.”

    Looking ahead to Nigeria’s upcoming friendly against Russia, the coach said the focus would be on mental preparation.

     “We want to go there and win,” he stated. “We have to work—mentally. I keep telling the players: we must show the world what our mind-set is. That’s just as important as tactics.”

    The Super Eagles’ Unity Cup triumph is expected to boost morale in the camp as preparations intensify for the next round of international fixtures.