Sports

NFF confirms stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo

Published

4 weeks ago

June 5, 2024

NFF confirms stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo

Demola Olajire, the Director of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed on Tuesday that the Super Eagles players stranded in Lagos and Abuja finally arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some Super Eagles players faced difficulties joining the rest of the team in camp due to the joint NLC/TUC strike. The strike led to the shutdown of the country’s airports on Monday, preventing some players from flying to Uyo from Lagos and Abuja.

On Monday, only 15 of the 23 players managed to train in Uyo and returned to their camp at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. The NFF stated, “15 players trained on Monday morning in Uyo. Head Coach Finidi George told the players afterwards that the three points at stake in Friday’s encounter must end up in Nigeria’s kitty.”

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The statement also noted that defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka, and forward Paul Onuachu were already in the country and trying to make their way to Uyo.

However, a check confirmed through a text message from Olajire that the stranded players had indeed arrived in Uyo. “They just landed in Uyo,” Olajire said.

He further confirmed that the players had landed at the Victor Attah International Airport around noon aboard a private jet arranged by the NFF. They were subsequently driven to the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort to join their teammates for lunch.

The timely arrival of these players ensures that the Super Eagles can proceed with their full squad preparations for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.

NFF confirms stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo

Sports

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Published

14 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Super Eagles’ former forward, Emmanuel Amuneke

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Super Eagles’ former forward, Emmanuel Amuneke, is set to return to coaching after a year away from the sidelines.

The former Tanzania coach has previously assisted Samson Siasia as well as Augustine Equavoen in the national team.

Amunike’s last role was with Zambia’s Zanaco FC, where he served as both coach and consultant before leaving in 2023.

He recently applied for the Super Eagles head coach position, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) opted for Finidi George instead

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According to reports from Owerri, Amunike is close to joining Heartland, which plans to return to the elite NPFL next season.

The report added that Amuneke, who has been quietly working with his hometown club, has started recruiting players for the upcoming season.

Heartland FC was relegated to the NPFL after finishing in the 19th position on the 20-team table last season.

The club is reportedly planning to buy the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits, who earned promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL), but face participation issues due to their affiliation with Remo Stars.

Amuneke, 53, has extensive coaching experience in domestic and international football.

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Sports

Asisat Oshoala scores first-ever penalty for Bay FC in NWSL

Published

14 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Asisat Oshoala Scores First-Ever Penalty for Bay FC In NWSL

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Bay FC player to score a penalty in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Oshoala scored the winning goal in Bay FC’s 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville.

She calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot, 14 minutes before the end of the match.

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This record-setting goal adds to the former Barcelona star impressive start at Bay FC, where she previously scored the club’s first-ever goal on her debut in the USA.

Since joining the club, Asisat Oshoala has now scored three goals.

Meanwhile, her international teammate, Uchenna Kanu, did not feature in Racing Louisville’s matchday squad for the game.

Asisat Oshoala Scores First-Ever Penalty for Bay FC In NWSL

Sports

Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

Published

16 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

Nigeria attacker Ademola Lookman has been named the Best African International Footballer at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra.

The Atalanta star got the award after a remarkable season with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and his Italian club. Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen and win the UEFA Europa League last season.

He outperformed Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmund Tapsoba to clinch the title. Lookman succeeds his compatriot and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who won last year after leading his team to the Serie A title and later secured the CAF Africa’s Best Player award.

Lookman is now a strong contender for Africa’s top individual football award this year.

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The former Fulham and Leicester City player had a standout year, guiding Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final and scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final.

He also played a key role in Atalanta’s fourth-place finish in Serie A, with 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

In a video message, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for the consideration, the recognition, and the votes. This means a lot to me and my family. I wish I was in Ghana, but my heart is with you all. Thank you and God bless.”

Also celebrated at the Ghana Football Awards was West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus. He won two awards, including Ghana Player of the Year, for his excellent season in England and his contributions at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kudus’ solo goal against Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League was named the best goal of the night.