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Tag: Super Eagles

  • BREAKING: Eagles World Cup hope diminish after draw with Zimbabwe

    BREAKING: Eagles World Cup hope diminish after draw with Zimbabwe

    The Super Eagles were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

    Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria the lead in the 74th minute, but Zimbabwe found an equalizer late in the game to deny the Super Eagles all three points.

    The result leaves Nigeria in fourth place in Group C.

    Read Also: Tinubu backs Super Eagles ahead World Cup Qualifier against Zimbabwe

    Eric Chelle’s side will now look to bounce back in their next fixtures as they look to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

    Details shortly…

  • Tinubu backs Super Eagles ahead World Cup Qualifier against Zimbabwe

    Tinubu backs Super Eagles ahead World Cup Qualifier against Zimbabwe

    President Bola Tinubu has extended best wishes to the Super Eagles as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    Speaking at the State House after lighting up the Torch of Unity for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Tinubu offered prayers for the national team. 

    “May God grant the Super Eagles victory today,” he said.

    Nigeria is looking to build on its strong start in the World Cup qualification campaign, following a 2-0 victory over Rwanda. 

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Jonathan on winning Sunhak Peace Prize

    A win against Zimbabwe would further strengthen the team’s position as they push for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The Super Eagles will aim to maintain momentum as they continue their quest for a spot in the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

  • FULL LIST: Super Eagles starting XI for Zimbabwe clash

    FULL LIST: Super Eagles starting XI for Zimbabwe clash

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria continue with the push to get into the top two of Group C in the World Cup qualifiers by hosting Zimbabwe at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    They will come up against the struggling Warriors, who are at the bottom of the table and have yet to taste victory in this campaign.

    The game will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium by 5pm today.

    Read Also: Garba, Adepoju want Super Eagles to beat Warriors

    Here is the starting XI for the Super Eagles:

    Nwabali
    Ekong
    Aina
    Osayi-Samuel
    Bassey
    Ndidi
    Chukwueze
    1wobi
    Simon
    Lookman
    Osimhen

  • Garba, Adepoju want Super Eagles to beat Warriors

    Garba, Adepoju want Super Eagles to beat Warriors

    Former Nigeria Internationals, Garba Lawal  Mutiu Adepoju, believe  Super Eagles’ victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, was a game changer in the country’s quest to pick a ticket to the  FIFA World Cup 2026.

    After a floppy start of their campaign which saw them collecting just three points from their opening four matches, the Super Eagles bounced  with élan on Friday with an impressive 2-0 win in Kigali.

    Friday’s victory has now pushed the Super Eagles up the ladder with six points and within a touching distance of  early pacesetters as Group C assume a more definable shape.

    The Super Eagles continue their chase  for a ticket to the Mundial today with the home game in Uyo against visiting Warriors of Zimbabwe and  both  Garba and  Adepoju  admitted that the  coach Eric Sékou Chelle-led side must be brave to annex all the available points in their remaining five matches to stand the chance of picking the group’s  sole tickets.

    Read Also: ValueJet, NFF partnership for  Super Eagles excites Majekodunmi

     “My impression from the game against Rwanda in Kigali was the three points (collected by the Super Eagles), I didn’t even focus on how we played,” Garba, the straight-talking Olympics’ soccer gold winner at Atlanta 1996, told NationSports. “The most important thing now is winning all the games because we know it’s not going to be  easy games.”

    Adepoju,  a 1994 AFCON winner  with the  Super Eagles  en route to USA 1994 World Cup equally spoke in the same vein, adding  the Chelle and his wards must  consolidate  on  Friday’s win over Rwanda against Zimbabwe.

    “The performance of the Super Eagles was impressive  in the last game against Rwanda in Kigali compared to what  we have seen  in recent  previous matches,” noted Adepoju, who also represented Nigeria  at the France 1998 and Korea/Japan  World Cups.“ I still believe they can even do much better but this is just the new beginning ;  they should not just relax  and they  should make sure they play  well and win the next game against  Zimbabwe.”

     “A win against Zimbabwe will give them  more confidence  and  push them up on  the (Group C ) table,” noted the Headmaster  who scored in the 3-2 win of Spain at France 1998.

    Speaking further on  the challenges  of the Super Eagles, Garba said the players have to dig deep into their arsenals in order to turn around their fortunes in the race to pick a ticket to next summer’s World Cup to be jointly hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

    “If the players can bring out the drive in them, everything is possible,” Garba who forced legendary goalkeeper Andoni  Zubizarreta to conceed  an own goal  in that famous  Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat of Spain at the France 1998 World Cup. “We are talking about World Cup qualification, and  to be a  participant at the World Cups  is  a massive for any  player and to represent your country at this level  is  the biggest thing in football.”

  • Super Eagles: Muhammed hails  Chelle’s management style

    Super Eagles: Muhammed hails  Chelle’s management style

    The forward-looking Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association(FCTFA), Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed, believes the profound leadership qualities of coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, would on the long run, bode well for the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

    Speaking against the backdrop of Friday’s thrilling 2-0 victory against Rwanda in Kigali, Muhammed, said the Super Eagles played with purpose and conviction, adding things  can only get better under the Franco- Malian trainer.

    “Congratulations to Nigeria, the NFF, players fans for this decisive away victory  against Rwanda,” Mohammed  told NationSports. “It’s never easy to go and get  such important result but  the team showed hunger, grit and composure.”

    Mohammed, the hard-working NFF Congressman, believes the leadership capacity of new  Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, was there for all to see in his first game, adding such diligence would be vital in the remaining five matches starting with tomorrow’s  match in Iyo against Zimbabwe.

    “The new coach has come in with a new spirit and close man-management approach I seem to like him,”  Mohammed said with his usual cherry smiles. “He could be a near perfect fit if he keeps getting the right results.

    “He also has shown that  he wants to be a lot more domiciled  local than being a  coach in the diaspora which will translate positively for our league as well as  growth and identification for the home

    based player.”

    Read Also:NFF accepts Carloha as official automobile partner for  National Teams

    Nevertheless, Mohammed is of the firm belief that it’s not yet Uhuru for the Super Eagles in their quest for the qualification for World Cup 26, saying it would be a shame if the current generation of Super Eagles fail to make it to the Mundial even as he enjoined them to gird their loins in the remaining  five fixtures which starts tomorrow with  the tie against Zimbabwe in Uyo.

    He continued: “We are not out of the woods ( with the victory  in Kigali)but we have sent a signal to other teams that we mean business and we with  all intent and purpose, we want the ticket and will not settle for less.

    “If we win on Tuesday against Zimbabwe it will be a massive boost. Of course, it is not entirely in our control as other team results affect us but nonetheless let’s get our job done and hope our other opponents drop points and we end up with the ticket and on the plane to the World Cups in the  US, Canada and Mexico.

    “ Imagine a World Cup without this generation of talented Nigerian players? I can’t believe  Osimhen has not experienced playing at that stage and we have a bunch of very special players in this squad including  Ademola  Lookman, the current African player of the Year, they must get a chance to shine at the world’s biggest football stage.”

    Mohammed  would in the spirit of the on-going  Ramadan, prayed for the  success of the Super Eagles as they battle for a slot for World Cup 26.

    “Let’s keep believing and plan  for each and every scenario ahead so we don’t slip up again,” he said. “In the end, I believe the Nigerian spirit will lift us and take us to where we want to be.”

  • Man-of-the Match: Goldberg, Life Continental, Zagg energise Super Eagles

    Man-of-the Match: Goldberg, Life Continental, Zagg energise Super Eagles

    As Nigeria’s Super Eagles set  for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo tomorrow, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its brands—Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink—is set to further energize the team by recognizing the game’s standout performer with the ‘Man of the Match’ award. 

    The initiative, dubbed ‘Operation Super Eagles Sustain the Tempo’,  the initiative underscores the brands’ commitment to Nigerian football according to the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Olaoluwa Babalola. 

    “Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink are deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, embodying values of strength, unity, and determination. Football is a unifying force in Nigeria, and this initiative is our way of celebrating the players who give their all for the badge. We want to see the Super Eagles dominate, and we believe this recognition will serve as extra motivation,” Babalola remarked. 

    Speaking on the partnership, Wasiu Ola Abiola, Head of Digital, Brand Media PR, and Sponsorships at Nigerian Breweries Plc, emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting Nigerian football at all levels. 

    Read Also: President Federation Cup: NFF fixes National Play-Off for Mar. 5

    “The Super Eagles are a source of national pride, and we believe in fuelling their passion with the energy and resilience that our brands represent. Through this ‘Man of the Match’ award, we aim to recognise excellence on the pitch while inspiring the players to keep pushing for success,” Abiola stated. 

    This partnership comes at a time when the Super Eagles are in a crucial phase of their World Cup qualification journey, with every game playing a pivotal role in their bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

    This initiative continues Nigerian Breweries’ long-standing tradition of backing Nigerian sports. Over the years, the company has been involved in various sponsorship deals across the national teams to grassroots football programs, strengthening its connection with the game and its passionate fans. 

    The Nigerian Breweries Plc’s  brands   had on 1st  February 2018 officially entered a sponsorship deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for all the national teams including the women.

    Since then, all the grades of the national team have had huge followership comparable to the football fan base of prominent clubs in Europe.

    With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze among the squad, the competition for the Man of the Match award promises to be intense.

    The winner will receive a cash prize of One million naira with additional brand rewards to mark their performance. 

    As the Super Eagles take on Zimbabwe in Uyo, Nigerian fans can look forward to not just an exciting match but also the continued support of home-grown brands championing Nigerian football excellence.

  • Onazi urges Eagles to stay focused on World Cup ticket

    Onazi urges Eagles to stay focused on World Cup ticket

    Former international Ogenyi Onazi has urged Super Eagles to remain focused in their quest to secure a 2026 World Cup ticket after their 2-0 win at Rwanda.

    The former Lazio midfielder congratulated them for a well-deserved victory and that the World Cup ticket is achievable with such spirit.

    “I want to first say a big congratulations to the Super Eagles because they played a decent game, this is the kind of attitude and concentration we need moving forward,” Onazi, who played at the 2014 World Cup, told SCORENigeria

    Read Also: NFF set to organize  CAF B-License Coaching Course

    “I just want them to use the same concentration and focus on the goal which is the World Cup ticket.

    “After this victory, my hopes are high that we can get it done for sure. I know all the boys don’t want to miss the World Cup, so the dream is coming alive.”

    The Super Eagles are fourth in Group C with six points from five matches, four points behind new leaders South Africa.

  • Super Eagles pocket $1,000 each for beating Rwanda

    Super Eagles pocket $1,000 each for beating Rwanda

    Super Eagles player received $1,000 as an appearance fee for Friday’s 2-0 win in Rwanda, which revived Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.

    Officials also informed SCORENigeria that each player will receive a camp allowance of $200 a day during the international break.

    In addition, it has now been clarified that they will be paid another $1,000 as an appearance fee for Tuesday’s match against Zimbabwe.

    Read Also: NFF set to organize  CAF B-License Coaching Course

    Nigeria will firmly get their World Cup qualifying campaign firmly back on course with a home victory over Zimbabwe after a rather difficult start.

    Nigeria have now climbed to fourth in Group C with six points from five matches.

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  • Super Eagles dedicate victory in Rwanda to bereaved Nwabali

    Super Eagles dedicate victory in Rwanda to bereaved Nwabali

    The Super Eagles have dedicated their vital 2-0 win over Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who lost both parents in the last few months.

    “On behalf of the team, we dedicate this victory to Stanley (Nwabali), he has been through a lot,” Super Eagles captain William Ekong said.

    Read Also: NFF excited  over choice of  Value Jet as Official Airline  

    “He has been an integral part of the team.

    “He was fantastic again today (Friday).”

    Ekong said the victory was made possible by the whole effort of the team, who enjoy a great team spirit like a big family.

  • Super Eagles’ coach demands more inspite Rwanda win

    Super Eagles’ coach demands more inspite Rwanda win

    Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, says the team still needs to improve in spite of the 2-0 victory over the Amavubi of Rwanda on Friday in Kigali.

    The encounter was a matchday 5 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    The Malian said at the post match conference that he is happy with the performance of his players against a tough Rwandan side.

    He expressed delight at the win but stressed the need for the team to improve ahead of there next game on Tuesday in Uyo against bottom placed Zimbabwe.

    “I just want to say it was a difficult game because Rwanda is a good side, I know the coach, he is a good coach, we made a great game too.

    “I am so happy and proud of my players, my guys and the Nigerian people” Chelle said.

    He said the team worked a lot in the last one week sourcing information for his players with lots of video sessions after two training practices.

    “I think the victory or the win is normal because in the first half they had only one chance to score.

    “We keep the ball in the 2nd half. We played two to three systems.

    “I am happy now because this is just one game. We have some weaknesses and some strengths, my job is to think about the game project” Chelle said.

    (NAN)