Sports
2021 AFCON: Why Super Eagles performed poorly, by Rohr
Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has said the poor condition of the pitch at the Siaka Stevens stadium, Freetown, was responsible for the poor performance of the team against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Tuesday’s match.
The Super Eagles played an uninspiring goalless draw against the Leone Stars in the reverse fixture of their Group L 2021 AFCON qualifier.
The Eagles remain leaders of the group with eight points after four games, while Sierra Leone are third with three points.
Rohr, reviewing the game on the team’s official Twitter account, praised the performance of some his players, singling out Maduka Okoye for being the most impressive, and lamenting the long ball tactics used by the home team, which scuttled the efforts of the Eagles’ to secure the much needed three points.
Rohr stated, “The team did well, especially our goalkeeper who had a very good match. Last time, he conceded four goals, which was not his fault. And today, he showed everyone what he can do. Our defence did well, but the pitch was very difficult to play good football and they were playing long balls.
“The point means we stay top of our group and I believe we are in the right direction.”
The Eagles will in their next match play away to Benin Republic in March 2021.
Sports
Napoli put fresh hurdles before Galatasaray to grab Osimhen
Napoli put fresh hurdles before Galatasaray to grab Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s much published move away from Napoli is still hanging in the balance after the Serie A side made additional demands on Galatasaray before they would approve his transfer to the Turkish champions.
Besides Galatasaray paying the balance of 35 Million Euros next year, Napoli have also asked that they get 20% of the transfer fee in the event that Osimhen joins another club.
According to Football Italia, the Osimhen’s transfer saga is reminiscent of last summer’s when the ‘Nigeria international’s future was dominating headlines with very little genuine progress’, to the degree that he handed in a medical note to avoid attending pre-season duties with Napoli.
While Galatasaray have agreed to pay the full €75m asking price, the clubs reportedly continue to haggle over the payment structure.
The latest reports are that Galatasaray have offered to pay €40m upfront with another €35m in instalments, but that Napoli turned that down.
But transfer pundit Matteo Moretto claimed that the Partenopei want the full €35m by the end of 2026 plus a percentage of the sell-on fee.
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Giving further details, Yagiz Sabuncuoglu in Turkey noted that the percentage is 20 per cent, an unusually large amount for a player with Osimhen’s transfer history and pedigree.
In a related development, Victor Osimhen reportedly missed Napoli’s first pre-season yesterday after he handed in a sick note while he waits for the completion of his permanent transfer to Galatasaray.
As the deal has not yet been officially completed, Osimhen remains a Napoli player.
However, the 26-year-old did not report for the first day of Napoli’s pre-season training under Antonio Conte .
Osimhen spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 official appearances.
Napoli have tried repeatedly to make Osimhen reconsider the proposal from Al-Hilal, but he is refusing to even consider the Saudi Pro League at this point.
Napoli put fresh hurdles before Galatasaray to grab Osimhen
Sports
Super Eagles legend Kadiri Ikhana critically ill
Super Eagles legend Kadiri Ikhana critically ill
Kadiri Ikhana, a revered former Super Eagles defender and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, is battling for his life at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State.
The 68-year-old legend, affectionately known as “Kawawa”, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and is currently undergoing emergency blood transfusions and intensive care. His health reportedly deteriorated rapidly, prompting his transfer from a previous facility.
News of his worsening condition was shared by ex-international and former captain, Segun Odegbami, on Monday morning.
Austin Braimoh, former Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, is currently footing Ikhana’s escalating medical bills to keep the football icon alive.
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Ikhana’s legacy in Nigerian football is immense. As a soldier-turned-athlete, he was a defensive pillar in Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON victory over Algeria in Lagos – the country’s first continental title. At club level, he was a standout figure for Bendel Insurance FC during their golden era in the late 1970s.
Post-retirement, Ikhana emerged as one of Nigeria’s most successful coaches, famed for nurturing young talent and clinching domestic titles with multiple clubs. His services to the nation earned him the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) honour. He later served as an ambassador for Air Peace, staying active in promoting football.
His current plight has reignited calls for better healthcare and welfare support for retired Nigerian athletes. The football community is still mourning the recent death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away just two weeks ago.
The alarming trend of neglect facing Nigeria’s football heroes has triggered widespread criticism, with fans and stakeholders urging the government and football authorities to act.
Super Eagles legend Kadiri Ikhana critically ill
Sports
WAFCON: Super Falcons secure top spot in Group B despite draw against Algeria
WAFCON: Super Falcons secure top spot in Group B despite draw against Algeria
The Fennecs of Algeria held Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 0-0 draw in their last group game of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Justine Madugu’s side finished first in Group B with seven points after three games.
The nine-time winners will meet Zambia’s Copper Queens in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Nigeria dominated possession, but Algeria held solid at the back.
Ifeoma Onumonu and Jennifer Echegini both came close to opening the scoring for Nigeria in the first half.
The Super Falcons struggled to generate scoring opportunities in the second half.
Algeria finished second in the group, with five points from three matches.
Tunisia and Botswana played to a 1-1 tie in the other group game.
WAFCON: Super Falcons secure top spot in Group B despite draw against Algeria
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