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Category: Sports

  • NFF Considers Three Coaches to Replace Finidi George as Super Eagles Boss

    NFF Considers Three Coaches to Replace Finidi George as Super Eagles Boss

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has narrowed down its search for a new head coach for the Super Eagles to three candidates.

    This follows the resignation of Finidi George last weekend.

    With the team’s fixtures in the next window fast approaching in September, the NFF is under pressure to make a swift decision.

    According to sources, the three coaches in contention for the top job are Antonio Conceicao, Samson Siasia, and Salisu Yusuf.

    Antonio Conceicao, a Portuguese coach, boasts an impressive resume with stints in Romania, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia. His tactical skills and player development expertise make him a strong contender for the role. He was fired by Cameroon in 2022 but is eager to return to coaching.

    Samson Siasia, a former Super Eagles coach, also has an impressive coaching record, particularly with youth teams. He led Nigeria’s U-20 and U-23 teams to podium finishes at various tournaments, including the Olympic Games. Although his FIFA ban for match-fixing is set to expire in August, his controversial past still raises eyebrows.

    Salisu Yusuf, a Nigerian coach, has an impressive track record in the domestic league, winning NPFL titles with Kano Pillars. He has experience as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles and Head Coach of the Super Eagles B team.

  • ‘I Have Lost My Respect For Finidi George’ – Victor Osimhen Says As He Curses Critics 

    ‘I Have Lost My Respect For Finidi George’ – Victor Osimhen Says As He Curses Critics 

    Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, has taken to Instagram Live to blast the team’s head coach, Finidi George, for singling him out for criticism.

    Finidi George, who has reportedly resigned from his role as Super Eagles coach barely two months after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), appointed him, invited Victor Osimhen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

    Unfortunately, Osimhen pulled out of the must-win qualifiers because he was battling a muscle injury.

    In his absence, the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and went on to lose 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan.

    These two unexpected results have pushed the Super Eagles to the 5th spot out of 6 teams in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They are currently four points below first-placed Rwanda, second-placed South Africa, and third-placed Benin Republic.

    When coach Finidi George was asked why Victor Osimhen wasn’t in his squad for the qualifiers, the former Enyimba of Aba head coach reportedly said he wouldn’t beg the 25-year-old Napoli striker to play for the national team.

    This statement didn’t sit well with the reigning Africa Player Of The Year winner. Hence, he took to his Instagram Live session to share his side of the story.

    In the Instagram Live session, Osimhen stressed that he had evidence to prove that he had explained to George that he was injured and even requested to be in the camp with the national team to motivate his teammates.

    He said the coach refused to grant him the request and urged the football star to stay with his family.

    Osimhen further blasts his critics, especially those doubting his commitment to the Super Eagles, saying: “Eni kure, ogun kee anybody wey doubt my commitment.”

  • NFF Blames Benin FA For Wrong Anthem Played Before Super Eagles’ 2-1 Defeat

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has blamed the Benin Football Federation for the wrong national anthem that was played before the Super Eagles took on the Cheetahs on Monday, June 10.

    Super Eagles of Nigeria had to sing the old anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots” instead of the “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” ahead of their game against Benin at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan, Benin Republic’s adopted home ground.

    Note that the “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” anthem was used from 1960 when Nigeria gained independence until it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.

    But the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reintroduced it in May 2024 to replace “Arise, O Compatriots”.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria sang the reintroduced anthem before their 1-1 draw with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday, June 7. But they found themselves singing the just replaced “Arise, O Compatriots” before their 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic on June 10.

    However, while the Super Eagles were coming out for the second half of the game, the reintroduced anthem ushered them onto the pitch.

    After the disappointing defeat, NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, explained that the football federation had handed a recording of the new national anthem to the Benin FA authorities at the Match Coordination Meeting in Abidjan on Sunday.

    Also, a statement from NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, confirmed that the federation had given the recording of the new anthem to the Benin FA.

    “We gave them the recording of our new national anthem, only for them to play the wrong one at the beginning of the match. We protested strongly and insisted that the Super Eagles would not start the second half until the new national anthem of Nigeria was played,” he said.

  • UFC Star Francis Ngannou Loses 15-Month-Old Son

    UFC Star Francis Ngannou Loses 15-Month-Old Son

    Former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, has lost his 15-month-old son, Kobe.

    The former UFC star confirmed the development on social media after reports began going round in his native Cameroon.

    Francis Ngannou questioned why life is unfair.

    He wrote, “What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?” Ngannou posted on X. “Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m f tired.”

    Ngannou has also posted a message on Instagram: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.

    “I was my best self next to him and now I have no clude (clue) of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”

    The circumstances of Francis Ngannou’s son’s death are unknown at this time.

  • Finidi George is New Coach of the Super Eagles

    Finidi George is New Coach of the Super Eagles

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed former Super Eagles winger Finidi George as the new head coach of the nation’s senior men’s national team. 

    The decision was announced in a statement released on Monday, following approval from the NFF Board.

    Finidi George, a 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis forward, emerged as the preferred choice after the NFF’s Technical and Development Committee recommended his appointment. 

    He had served as an assistant to outgoing coach José Santos Peseiro for 20 months before taking over as interim coach.

    During his interim tenure, George led the team in two friendly matches in Morocco, where they secured a historic victory against Ghana, ending an 18-year winless streak, before succumbing to a defeat against Mali.

    Describing George as a member of the ‘Golden Generation’ that triumphed in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and shone at the FIFA World Cup finals in the same year, the NFF highlighted his distinguished playing career. 

    “With 62 caps for Nigeria, including appearances in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, George brings a wealth of experience to his new role,” the NFF noted. 

    His immediate task will be to steer the Super Eagles to victory in crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic. 

    With the team trailing in third place in Group C of the African campaign, the matches are deemed must-win encounters.

  • Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

    Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

    Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has said he refused to shake the hands of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, in a recent video, out of respect for him and his office.

    Musa said this in a statement via his Instagram page on Tuesday amid a social media storm surrounding a viral video showing his refusal to shake the Kano governor.

    In the video, the footballer was seen shaking hands with the Kano State deputy governor while bowing to the governor and seemingly ignoring his handshake.

    In the statement, Musa described his action as a sign of cultural respect while calling for a shift in attention towards the pressing issues facing the nation.

    The Super Eagles captain asserted that the significance behind his gestures emphasised the deep-rooted traditions of the Northern culture.

    He, however, expressed disappointment that the incident has garnered such widespread attention, even from national media outlets, diverting focus from more pressing matters facing the country.

    Musa urged Nigerians to redirect their energy towards finding solutions to the nation’s problems rather than getting caught up in needless distractions.

    He said: “It has come to my attention that a moment captured almost a month ago, has unexpectedly become the centre of attention on social media. It is disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion.

    “In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc. signifies the highest form of respect. This was my intention when I greeted the deputy governor in such a manner.

    “However, when it came to greeting the governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honouring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition.

    “It’s unfortunate that amidst all the pressing issues our nation faces – economic hardships, security challenges, religious clashes, and more – this seemingly insignificant moment has garnered so much attention.

    “What’s even more disheartening are the comments questioning my respectfulness, especially from those who don’t know me personally.

    “Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on where we choose to direct our energy. Shouldn’t it be towards finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society rather than getting caught up in needless distractions?

    “I urge us all to channel our collective efforts towards addressing the real issues at hand. Let’s focus on uplifting one another, fostering unity, and working towards a better future for all.”

  • Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou set to clash in heavyweight boxing match

    Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou set to clash in heavyweight boxing match

    Former World heavy weight champion and Nigeran-Britidh boxer, Anthony Joshua is set to clash with Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing match happening in Saudi Arabia tonight.

    The power-packed boxing fight between the two fighters will see them earn massive prize money and fight purses.

    The fight is organized by the head of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki Alalshikh, who is driving efforts to make Saudi the new home of boxing.

    It was gathered that Joshua is set to bank a whopping $50 million [£39 million] from this fight, not including pay-per-view sales. 

    While Ngannou is reportedly set to receive $20 million [£15.6 million], which is twice the amount he received for his highly praised debut fight against Tyson Fury last October.

    This is Ngannou’s second time boxing in the ring and he is sure to provide a stiff test for Joshua, who is fighting for the fourth time in under a year.

    The involvement of Saudi Arabia in boxing’s biggest fights has given rise to Joshua’s calibre of fighters benefitting from huge fight purses.

    The money involved is a testament to the growing commercialization of boxing, although the focus will, of course, remain on the in-ring action. 

    The fight will take place at Kingdom Arena in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.

    The undercard is expected to start at 11:00 a.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. GMT, and the ring walk for the main fight is anticipated to take place at 6:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 p.m. GMT.

  • Alex Iwobi returns to social media after AFCON drama

    Alex Iwobi returns to social media after AFCON drama

    After the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi has resumed his presence on social media, particularly Instagram.

    The Fulham star had deleted all his Instagram posts in response to criticism he faced over his performance during the AFCON final, where Nigeria lost 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire.

    Iwobi became a target of cyberbullying from some Nigerian fans, prompting him to remove all content from his Instagram account.

    However, he received support from teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Sports Ministry.

    Several weeks later, the Super Eagles midfielder returned to the platform with the post “Lately.”

    The post featured a snippet of what seemed to be an unreleased rap song.

    Iwobi’s return drew comments from fans, with teammates such as William Troost-Ekong, Frank Onyeka, and Kenneth Omeruo expressing their support in the comment section.

  • FIFA Debunks Introduction of Blue Card

    FIFA Debunks Introduction of Blue Card

    After reports emerged last week that the International Football Association Board had signed off on the trials of introducing blue card to football, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has rejected the proposed plan. 

    It would have been the first time since the introduction of the classic yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup that a new card would be used in football.

    However, following an immediate backlash to the plans, Infantino has now told Sky UK such card does not exist.

    “Blue cards? This is a topic that is non existent for us,” he said.

    “If you want a title it is: red card to the blue card. No chance, no way.”

  • 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.”