Tag: Super Eagles

The Super Eagles will come up face to face with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa tonight knowing that only the maximum points can brighten their  2026 FIFA World Cup prospect  even as the rank and file of the coach Finidi George-led  side exude confidence ahead of the showdown in Uyo, TUNDE LIADI  reports…

After an unimpressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with two points in their opening two matches , the Super Eagles of Nigeria will  tonight slug it out with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a must –win tie to spring back their qualification hope.

The  super Eagles were held to an identical 1-1 draw by Lesotho in Abuja and Zimbabwe in Kigali last November under former  Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro. But the team bounced back to reckoning at the  2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire in February where they were edged  in  the final by the host country following a 2-1 loss.

Finidi George who was first Assistant Coach to Peseiro , has since  been  named as the Super Eagles’ substantive  coach and would  face  his  baptism of fire today against South Africa.

The fixture between both nations used to be one sided affair in favour of Nigeria  but it has become a tug of war now with the last meeting at the 2023 AFCON semi -final  ended  in a photo-finish  in a penalty-shootout win for Nigeria.

Head-to-head in  previous 15 encounters, Nigeria  has the upper edge  with eight wins, five draws and two  losses  but such  record would count for nothing in today’s showdown in Uyo as  both countries  keen on a top of table finish  in the group C that  also housed  Lesotho, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin Republic.

Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey urged his teammates not to look down on the Bafana Bafana whom they are meeting again few months after that nervy  semi -final clash at the 2023 AFCON.

“We take confidence from the victory over South Africa at the last AFCON but at the same time we can’t look down on them looking at how strong they were in that game in Cote d’Ivoire,” the  Fulham FC defender said. “We both pushed each other in that game and it was tough.

 “We know what to expect from the game and we are ready for the game.”

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 26: Lookman, Iwobi swell Super Eagles camp

The former Ajax and Rangers defender affirmed they have nothing to be afraid of with the support of the home fans: “Having our fans at the stands supporting us is always a confidence booster. We are looking forward to the game.

“No, we haven’t lost any game. I believe everybody knows how good we are now. At AFCON we got to the final. I don’t think we showed them all that we have at AFCON. We still have more games to go and we have got a team that has been together for the past two years. We are building something positive. Even though we are experienced, we are still a young team.”

Bassey added that the Eagles would strive to take their chances better but noted that the strike action embarked on by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) slowed down the team’s preparation for the game.

“We will ensure we take our chances and duly come away with the three points.

“It is always annoying because you want to spend more time with your teammates knowing that international periods are always so short. We know the manager would have loved to take full advantage of the period of time we should have been together but we have been together for quite some time and the head coach knows all the players.”

Another Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel has pumped up his teammates to go for the three points that will brighten their World Cup chances.

“Every game is important especially after we drew our first two games. The game with South Africa is so important for us. We know that South Africa will like to beat us because of what we did to them at the AFCON,” noted the 26-year-old Fenerbahçe defender. 

Equally, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka has enjoined his teammates to approach today’s World Cup qualifier will all seriousness to ensure they do not miss out of  another World Cup after  the  debacle of missing  Qatar 2022.

“It is very important because it is a World Cup qualifier. We missed out last time and right now it is a very important game and winning it will put us in the right mood ahead of the next game with Republic of Benin. We have to give the game all that we have got,” Onyeka stressed. “They (South Africa) are a very good side and I believe they were the best team at the AFCON because they were really good with the ball movement and they also understand themselves.”

On the part of Bayer Leverkusen attacker, Victor Boniface,  he said he was looking forward to the fixture with South Africa noting that it is a game they cannot afford to toy with.

The German Bundesliga and German  Cup winner  continued to reflect on his fantastic debut season in Germany and he thumbed up the performance of his teammates whose collective contributions made their feats of the just concluded season possible.

“It feels great and I am really happy. I am proud of myself, the team and everyone in general. It was a big achievement and we are super elated about it,” he said.”I give God the glory. Hard work, dedication and sacrificing are the secrets.

“I give kudos to everyone in the team. For me Scoring those goals is not just about me but for  everyone in the team. We were all part of the history making.

“We are looking forward to the game (against South Africa) and hopefully we will get a result. Every game is important.”

Meanwhile,  Bafana Bafana Head coach Hugo Broos  remain optimistic that  his side can  get a favourable result out of  the Godswill Akpabio Stadium ahead of their clash against Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Bloemfontein at the Free State Stadium.

“We want to have a good result against Nigeria because this is a qualifier for the World Cup and we don’t think about revenge. Losing the game should not be a disaster because, after that, we still have six games to play, but I would rather not have a defeat to Nigeria,” the former Club Brugge manager said in quotes revealed by IOL.

Broos insisted that regardless of the result, he has confidence in his team’s ability to cross the line to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We know all about them but they also know all about us. I think they will not start the game with the same mentality they had at AFCON because they know how strong we are. We have to use our status of being the team that finished third at AFCON but at the same time, we must stay humble. We still have to work, fight and produce the same mentality we showed at AFCON,” the Belgian concluded.

With the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in full swing, Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh,  has called on the Super Eagles to shift their focus from their recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and concentrate on the crucial task of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles are set to face Bafana Bafana today  at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, and Senator Enoh stated that Nigeria must approach the tie as a make-or-break one, as victory will put the team back on track for qualification.

“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest showpiece in football,” Senator Enoh emphasized. “We cannot afford to miss out on the World Cup again. The disappointment of missing the last tournament, especially after the disappointing home match against the Black Stars, must drive us to ensure we qualify this time.”

He  urged all stakeholders, including players, coaches, and support staff, to be fully committed to the qualification campaign.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 26: Lookman, Iwobi swell Super Eagles camp

 “All hands must be on deck to ensure the team qualifies for the World Cup,” he stressed. “I urge the players to get the job done in the first half of the game by scoring early goals, so they are not under pressure in the second half.” 

“The upcoming match against South Africa is critical,” he said. “The players need to put the AFCON glory behind them and concentrate fully on this task. Early goals will be key to taking control of the game and ensuring a less pressured second half.”

Senator Enoh concluded by expressing confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory.

He said:  “We have the talent, the passion, and the support of millions of Nigerians. Let’s channel that into a winning performance and take a significant step towards World Cup qualification.”

Ahead of his departure to the Super Eagles camp which opens in Uyo today, Enugu Rangers’  late call up, Kenneth Igboke, has vowed to  do his best to justify  his inclusion  for  the June  2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

Left-back Igboke has replaced injured Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The youngster broke into the Rangers first team last season from the junior team.

He said he  was grateful for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at this level.

 “I am indeed delighted with this opportunity extended to me and I promise to make the best possible use of it to ensure that our country’s flag is hoisted at the next FIFA World Cup 2026,” he told Rangers media.

Read Also: Enugu Rangers open three points  lead  in NPFL

 “I feel so excited, I feel so happy to have been given this chance and I promise to be an excellent ambassador of my club, Rangers International F.C and the NPFL, organizers of the league, where we showcase our talent every week.”

He further said:“I have the confidence that it would be a worthwhile experience for me and other home-based invitees to ensure we make room for more to be invited.

 “With my fans’ and club members’ prayers and support, I shall defend our nation creditably.”

Players, coaches, and backroom staff of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ mounted a guard of honour for him at

at their training session at ‘The Cathedral’  as prayers were said for Igboke’s positive impact in the Super Eagles.

As Finidi, backroom staff  arrive Uyo  

Super Eagles have replaced Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella with Turkey-based forward Ibrahim Olawoyin for 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.

Super Eagles announced that Tella excused himself from the qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

Former Enugu Rangers star Olawoyin has been on top form for Turkish club Rizespor.

Finidi leads Super Eagles backroom staff into Uyo

Meanwhile, Super Eagles backroom staff led by new head coach Finidi George have already arrived Uyo ahead of next week’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Read Also:

The backroom staffs include Finidi’s newly appointed assistants. The Super Eagles will be booked into Le Meridian Hotel in Uyo AS players called up for the World Cup qualifiers will start reporting to camp today

The Super Eagles welcome South Africa on Friday, June 7 in Uyo, before they travel to Abidjan, Coue d’Ivoire, where they will tackle Benin in a second World Cup qualifier on June 10.

The Super Eagles are third in Group C after drawing their first two qualifying games.

Finidi George has made a strong case for the inclusion of players from the domestic league in the Super Eagles by saying he believes that as many as seven such players could be so considered.

He has now added that he believes the NPFL stars can compete favourably in defence and midfield with their Europe-based counterparts.

Read Also: Eight prominent singers who have appeared in Nollywood movies

“We have a lot of good strikers, who are doing well in Europe, week in, week out. So, I believe players from the league can hold their own in midfield and defence,” Finidi said during his media tour.

NFF technical director Augustine Eguavoen has already announced that a percentage of players from the home league will now be involved with the Super Eagles.

Finidi also said he would consider the return of traditional wingers to the Super Eagles.

At the delayed 2023 AFCON, Jose Peseiro played inverted wingers with the fullbacks bombing down the flanks.

Spate of injuries that has ravaged some of Super Eagles players may have delayed the team’s list for next month’s FIFA World Cup 26 double header against South Africa and neighbouring Republic of Benin, NationSports can exclusively report.

No fewer than four key players comprising Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Troost-Ekong (PAOK), Samuel Chukwueze (Milan) and Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)  are already down with various forms of injuries even with words rife that the  team’s talismanic Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen,  might not also not be available for the crucial encounters in June.

The Super Eagles will take on Bafana Bafana in Uyo on June 7 for a MatchDay 3 encounter and then travel to face The Cheetahs on MatchDay4 in their CAF-forced adopted home ground in Abidjan on June 10.

Read Also: Portugal name Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024 squad

With the games barely two weeks away, South Africa  coach Hugo Broos has already named a provisional 31-man list for their June encounters against Nigeria  and Zimbabwe, while coach Finidi George is reportedly  sweating on capable replacements for his injured players.

 “The coach and his team are working on the squad list for the two matches against South Africa and Benin  Republic, but the truth is that  they are still looking for capable and good replacements for Ekong, Zaidu, Chukwueze and Simon who are already out injured,” a decent source privy to the arrangements told NationSports last night. “The biggest one is that of Victor Osimhen, since nobody is sure if he will be available.

“Of course, there are other capable strikers like Victor Boniface but I think they are looking at other options,” he added.

Ahead of the eagerly awaited  next month’s FIFA World Cup 26 qualifier between Republic of Benin and Nigeria, erstwhile Super Eagles‘ coach Gernot Rohr has declared that no quarter would be given by his  Cheetahs when both neighbouring countries meet  in Abidjan.

Both Nigeria and Benin are down in the ladder in Group  C behind Rwanda and South Africa after an indifferent  start in their opening two matches. While third-placed  Super Eagles took only two points after an identical 1-1 draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, bottom-placed Cheetahs amassed just one point after a 2-1 loss to South Africa and a goalless draw to Lesotho, hence the two sides will be hard pressed for good results on Matchday 3 and 4.

New Super Eagles coach  Finidi George at his unveiling penultimate Monday in Abuja has boasted about his desire  to take the available six points off both South Africa and Benin in the double headers.

But Rohr, who last qualified Nigeria for Russia 2018, believes George’s stance could be likened to the common saying that ‘if wishes were horses, beggars would ride’, adding that The Cheetahs will be at the ready  for the Super Eagles.

 “Of course, we (Benin) are preparing our list for the game in June,” Rohr told Nationsport days after  taking part in an exhibition  match along with French greats Alain Giresse, Zinedine Zidane, amongst others, in the Centenary celebration of Bordeaux. “It’s normal for  George to say he wants to win his two games, but  everybody wants to win their games. I know South Africa  won’t be easy for Nigeria in Uyo and they will also come to face us (unfortunately for us not in Cotonou) but in Abidjan for their second  match.”

Read Also: Rivers to celebrate Fubara with  International Marathon

But after holding African champions, Cote d’ivoire, to a 2-2 draw and a narrow 1-0 loss to Sadio Mane’s Senegal   during the international  window in March, Rohr reckoned that his side will be at the ready for the Super Eagles.

“We did two good friendlies  against Cote d’Ivoire  and  Senegal in March and we should be ready; we are just waiting for the end of the leagues and I’m sure in about two weeks’ time, our definitive list for the two matches will be ready.

 “Though we are going to be opponents, it will be another opportunity to see my friends,  because football, first and foremost, is about relationships and friendships.

 “There will be emotions but we are professionals; and everybody has to do his job,” Rohr, who will be 71 on June 28, noted.

Hoffenheim Youth  Team   coach Ben James  believes  his partnership  with George Finidi  and  Daniel Amokachi  would bolster  the fortune of  Nigeria’s   senior men’s national team, adding the Super Eagles is already blessed with quality players that  need little tinkering to succeed.

At  Monday’s  unveiling of  George as head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) President  Ibrahim Gusau revealed that James has been picked along  with Daniel Amokachi as assistants, as well as Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeepers’ trainer), Chima Onyeike (Fitness Trainer) and Mehmet Ozturk (Analyst). 

Speaking exclusively with former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila fm  yesterday, the 53-year-old James currently attached with Hoffenheim Youth  Team  in German , enthused  about the prospect of working in the national team .

“ I feel  great  to be able to come  and serve my fatherland,” the former Stationery Stores defender said in an interview with former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze  on Brila fm.“ It’s been a while that I left Nigeria  and I have been doing the work(coaching) for a long time and it’s a good thing that  Finidi has given me the chance to work with him; I feel great anyway.”

Read Also: Enoh, Gusau  galvanize total support for Finidi

James  who reckoned  that ‘goals are the beauty of the game’ as his coaching mantra, said  the quality of attackers  alone at the disposal of  the Super Eagles is enormous, adding  the likes of Victor Osimhen  and Victor Boniface  have distinct qualities that would but the team in good stead.

“Nigeria has a rich crop of  talented strikers with different characters and I mean  they get their peculiar  style of play,” he said.“ But let me use just  two of them (strikers) to  explain what I mean; and I want to use both Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.

“ For instance, Osimhen is not a creative player but a finisher  while Boniface can create and finish  because he’s good on one-on-one . But Osimhen  smells goals  and his own is like ‘ just give me the ball and let me do the damage; just let me  wound them’ and that is Osimhen for you.

 “ While Boniface is skilful , Osimhen is always ready to do the damage inside the 18-yard box.

“ But having said that, it would be wrong to  say one player is better than  another  but every one of them get  certain quality; super quality  that can be used at any time, ” he added.