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Category: AFCON

  • Jose Peseiro Resigns As Super Eagles Coach

    Jose Peseiro Resigns As Super Eagles Coach

    Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, has tendered his resignation.

    The Portuguese former forward disclosed this in a post on his X handle, formerly Twitter, on Friday.

    According to Peseiro, he concluded his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday.

    The gaffer wrote: “It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm.

    “We feel a sense of fulfillment.

    “We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the players, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

    “Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are.

    “A big hug to all of you.”

  • Tinubu Rewards Super Eagles With National Awards, Flats, Lands

    Tinubu Rewards Super Eagles With National Awards, Flats, Lands

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday honoured the Super Eagles of Nigeria with the national award of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), presenting them with flats in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and parcels of land. 

    The announcement was made during a reception for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation, led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

    The president praised the team, coach, crew, and management for their dedication and perseverance throughout the Africa Cup of Nations, where they secured the runner-up position. 

    Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to stay positive, highlighting the team’s remarkable journey and calling for unity and continued effort towards national success.

    “Let this passing event not dispirit us but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.

    “To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” the president said.

  • List Of of Nigerians Who Died Watching Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana Semi-Final Clash

    List Of of Nigerians Who Died Watching Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana Semi-Final Clash

    The thrilling Semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing AFCON tournament has left a sombre note for some football enthusiasts in Nigeria.

    Tragically, amidst the tension and excitement of the match, several Nigerians lost their lives while watching the game at various locations across the country. 

    Here are some of the notable incidents:

    1. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh:

     A former member of the House of Representatives representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, passed away on Wednesday evening during the Nigeria vs. South Africa AFCON semifinals match.

    Dr. Ojougboh reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and slumped when South Africa scored a penalty against Nigeria.

    2. Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi:

    The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, also succumbed during the semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa.
        He complained of feeling dizzy and collapsed at home after watching the match, eventually passing away before receiving medical attention.

    3. NYSC Corps Member:

    A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Adamawa State, identified as Samuel from Kaduna State, reportedly collapsed and died during the penalty shootout stage of the Nigeria vs. South Africa match.

    Samuel fainted just before the final kick, and despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    4. Mikail Osundiji:

    In Abeokuta, Ogun State, 43-year-old Mikail Osundiji tragically died while watching the semi-final match.
    Osundiji went into shock and collapsed after Nigeria’s second goal was cancelled by the referee, despite showing no signs of sickness prior to the incident.

    These heartbreaking incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for caution even during moments of excitement. 

    While football brings joy and unity, it’s essential to prioritize one’s health and well-being.

    As the Super Eagles advance to the final, Nigerians mourn the loss of these passionate fans and hope for victory in their honour. 

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.

  • Nwabali Faces Threats from South African Fans Following Heroic AFCON Performance

    Nwabali Faces Threats from South African Fans Following Heroic AFCON Performance

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, currently playing for Chippa United in South Africa, has allegedly received threats from disgruntled South African fans after his stellar performance against the nation in the AFCON tournament.

    Former Super Eagles international Idah Peterside disclosed the threats on Channels Television, revealing that some fans warned Nwabali against returning to Chippa United post-AFCON.

    The goalkeeper has reportedly been cautioned not to go back to South Africa, with displeasure stemming from his pivotal role in preventing the host country’s team from reaching the finals.

    Although there haven’t been reports of actual violence, Peterside highlighted the concerning messages, stating, 

    “People have sent messages to the goalkeeper threatening him. I hear some people are telling him not to come back to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score. We have not heard of any violence, but just threats. They have been threatening him and threatening some people.”

    Nwabali exhibited his goalkeeping prowess during the semi-final clash against Bafana Bafana, making crucial saves in regulation time and stopping two penalties during the shootout.

  • Kwara University deputy bursar dies watching Super Eagles AFCON semi-finals

    Kwara University deputy bursar dies watching Super Eagles AFCON semi-finals

    The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, on Wednesday night, died while watching the semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing AFCON.

    Nigeria won the match against South Africa by 4-2 goals on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1-1.

    Sources close to the deceased but who spoke on condition of anonymity said Abdullahi went to a sports centre in the Sango area before he started feeling uneasy.

    One of the sources said, “The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for a penalty kick.

    “He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest not knowing that his BP had gone up.

    “On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango and he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and before he could be attended to, he died.

    “He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites.”

    The university’s Director of Information, Dr Saedat Aliyu, confirmed Abdullahi’s death.

    Aliyu, however, stated that the cause of death was yet to be ascertained by the management of the university.

     Super Eagles’ Victory: Shettima pledges government reward for AFCON finalists
    “Yes, he died last night. He was hale and hearty and was full of life on Wednesday at his office. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus” she said

    A statement by the university said, “This is to announce the death of Mr. Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi of the Bursary Department.

    “Janazah will be held this morning, and his remains will be interred at the Hausa Muslim cemetery, Apata Yakuba, Oyun area, Ilorin, at 9 am.”

    Also, a former federal lawmaker in Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, died while watching the Eagles’ match..

    A source close to the politician said, “Cairo Ojougboh, a medical doctor died during the Nigeria vs.South Africa match.

    “The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when SA scored.”

    In the same vein, a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State also reportedly died during the game. 

    The corps member identified only as Samuel from Kaduna State, allegedly passed away just before the final kick which secured Nigeria’s win in the match, The Nation reports.

  • AFCON: How Delta Monarch Slumped, Died After Super Eagles Penalty Kick Was Cancelled

    AFCON: How Delta Monarch Slumped, Died After Super Eagles Penalty Kick Was Cancelled

    The Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom, Chief (Dr) Cairo Ojougboh, is dead.

    Sources indicate that Ojougboh’s demise coincided with the moment a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria during the AFCON match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Bouake, Ivory Coast.

    The tension escalated when Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, netted a penalty at the 67th minute, only for South Africa to be granted a spot-kick shortly after.

    VAR intervened, overturning Nigeria’s apparent second goal by Victor Osimhen due to a foul on South African player Percy Tau in the 18-yard box.

    While the circumstances surrounding Chief Cairo Ojougboh’s death remain unclear, speculation suggests that it occurred at the exact moment a penalty was awarded against Nigeria.

    Reports suggest he possibly collapsed and succumbed to a heart attack following the cancellation of the penalty.

    Despite the incident, Nigeria secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory, advancing to the final.

  • Nigerian Governors gift  N200m to Super Eagles

    Nigerian Governors gift  N200m to Super Eagles

    Nigerian Governors under the umbrella of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have doled out N200 million to the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their Semi Final clash against South Africa.

    Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Enoh on Wednesday made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Diana-Mary Nsan.

    The Minister commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Chairman of the Forum, including all members for the swift response, after he raised the need to motivate the team ahead of their semifinal clash.

    Enoh confirmed that the N200m has already been redeemed to the players by the Forum.

    “I want to thank the Progressive Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Uzodimma of Imo for galvanising and redeeming the sum of N200 million to the Super Eagles.

    “The Super Eagles have shown immense commitment and tenacity through every match, this shows that they are on the path to conquer the continent again and bring home the coveted Cup of Nations.

    “Therefore, we must rally support for them because upon their shoulders lie the enormous responsibility to make Nigeria our great Nation proud,” Enoh said.

    Nigeria will on Wednesday (today) take on perennial rivals, Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake by 6 pm (Nigerian time) at the on-going 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The match will be a repeat of the 2000 AFCON semi-finals in Lagos, which saw Nigeria defeat South Africa 2-0.

    Also in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, Nigeria again showed superiority by eliminating the Bafana Bafana 2-1 in the quarter -final stage.

  • Tinubu sends Shettima to Côte d’Ivoire to support Super Eagles against South Africa

    Tinubu sends Shettima to Côte d’Ivoire to support Super Eagles against South Africa

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima
    On Wednesday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lend President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    The spokesperson for the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said Mr Shettima’s trip to Côte d’Ivoire was at the instance of Mr Tinubu.

    The Super Eagles will take on South Africa in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire later this evening.

    According to Nkwocha, the visit will strengthen the deep-rooted connection between football and national identity in the country.

    Mr Nkwocha said the vice-president’s presence would inspire the Super Eagles on the pitch and serve as a rallying point for millions of Nigerians cheering from their homes.

    According to him, this year’s AFCON has seen the Super Eagles soar to new heights.

    “With a dominant performance in the group stages and a thrilling victory in the quarter-final, they have established themselves as strong contenders for the title.

    “With this being their 15th semi-final appearance, Nigeria holds the record for most appearances at this stage. They will be aiming to replicate their success in 2013 when they lifted the trophy in South Africa,” he said.

    He further said Mr Shettima’s visit to Côte d’Ivoire would serve as a powerful call for national unity and support.

    “As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial semi-final match, Nigerians across the globe are urged to raise their voices and cheer their team. The entire nation stands behind the Super Eagles,” he said.

  • Nigerian-South Africa AFCON Semifinal: High Commission Urges Caution

    Nigerian-South Africa AFCON Semifinal: High Commission Urges Caution

    In anticipation of the Semifinal clash between Nigeria and South Africa at the on going African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has issued a stern warning to Nigerians residing in the host country.

    The advisory, titled “Safety Advisory for Nigerians During 2024 AFCON Semifinal Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,” emphasizes the need for Nigerians to exercise restraint and abide by the law before, during, and after the football match.

    Amid escalating tensions fueled by online provocations, the High Commission urged Nigerians to be vigilant of their surroundings and cautious of where they choose to watch the game, especially in public spaces. The warning comes in light of veiled threats circulating on social media directed towards Nigerians, including references to “Nigerians cooking jollof rice” and potential repercussions if the Super Eagles defeat the Bafana Bafana.

    Nigerians were advised to refrain from engaging in provocative behavior or loud celebrations should the Super Eagles emerge victorious. Instead, they were urged to maintain their reputation for good conduct and to report any instances of harassment or intimidation to the appropriate authorities.

    The Nigerian High Commission’s advisory underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and responsible behavior during this highly anticipated sporting event, urging Nigerians to support their team while remaining vigilant and law-abiding in the face of potential tensions.

  • AFCON ’24: FG Pledges Full support for Super Eagles

    AFCON ’24: FG Pledges Full support for Super Eagles

    The Federal Government has vowed to provide the necessary support for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the African Cup of Nations 2024 currently going on in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The leader of the Federal Government delegation and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio dropped the hint while speaking via Zoom from Cote d’Ivoire to assure Nigerians that the Nigerian team has the support of the Government of the day to excel at the football competition.

    Akpabio who led top Government officials including National Assembly members to Cote d’Ivoire to cheer the Super Eagles to victory against the Palancas Negras of Angola at the quarter finals of the ongoing African Nations Cup, said sports is a unifying factor which must be harnessed for the benefit of the youths.

    According to Senator Akpabio, “I was very ecstatic at the stadium when the Super Eagles scored against Palancas Negras of Angola. The entire stadium exploded with the Nigerian supporters and those who love Nigeria.

    “Our presence here to support the Super Eagles is evidence of the fact that the Government is serious about sports and youth development and I’m very excited about the victory.

    “When I was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I gave the youths the best stadium in West Africa and under President Bola Tinubu, we shall replicate this in all parts of the country.

    “The Government of the day is very youth friendly and we are poised to create the enabling environment for the youths of Nigeria to realize their potentials. We are very determined to give opportunities to our youths to take them away from vices and I say congratulations to all Nigerians for this victory,” he said.