Eguavoen faces selection headache ahead Nations Cup opener - Newstrends
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Eguavoen faces selection headache ahead Nations Cup opener

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Austin Eguavoen

Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, faces a tough task picking who leads his attack when the Eagles kick-off their journey for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they play Egypt in Tuesday’s (today) Group D game at the Stade Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua, The PUNCH reports.

The Nigerian gaffer is also torn between starting the game with an out-and-out striker or deploy a false nine against the Pharaohs, our correspondent learnt.

The Eagles have been hit with the absences of key forwards Emmanuel Dennis, Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen.

Glasgow Rangers’ defender Leon Balogun and Omonia Nicosia’s Shehu Abdullahi also withdrew from the squad due to injury with the likes of Henry Onyekuru, Tyronne Ebuehi, Peter Olayinka and Semi Ajayi called up as replacements.

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Nonetheless, Eguavoen can still count on the likes of Chidera Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze, Je Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Nwakali and Wilfred Ndidi.

The former Eagles captain, who replaced Gernot Rohr in December, said, “In attack, we have options but I have not decided yet.

“We have Iheanacho who is a good option for us if we want to go with a false nine or Awoniyi, Olayinka and Umar if we have to play with a striker or go direct.

“We also need to decide on which partnership in defence for the game as nobody is guaranteed a place.”

Many expect the game to be tricky for both sides, especially as the winner of the tie will have a huge chance of finishing top of the group and avoid a difficult match-up in the round of 16 and Eguavoen admits his team will be going for a win against the Pharaohs.

“We have no worries. We respect Egypt, but Nigeria is a great team, and we didn’t come here to lose. I’m not looking for personal glory, but the most important thing I’m looking for is an achievement for Nigeria.”

The Eagles will be looking for their first competitive win over Egypt in 32 years.

The last time the Eagles beat the Pharaohs in a competitive game was in their second group game at the 1990 AFCON in Algeria, with fallen striker Rashidi Yekini grabbing the winner.

Since then, the three-time African champions have lost two times in competitive games against their North African rivals and drew twice.

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Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

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Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was on Monday involved in a fatal road accident in Ogun State, resulting in the deaths of two persons.

The accident occurred in the Makun area of Ogun State, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major traffic corridor linking the South-West to other parts of the country.

Eyewitnesses said Joshua was travelling in a Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN when the vehicle reportedly rammed into a stationary truck. The exact cause of the collision has not yet been established.

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A rescuer, Adeniyi Orojo, who participated in the emergency response, confirmed that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash. He added that two occupants of the vehicle died instantly at the scene.

According to Orojo, the accident occurred shortly before Danco Filling Station, in Makun, near the Sagamu Interchange, on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.

In the aftermath of the incident, concerned fans flooded social media with messages expressing worry over the boxer’s condition, while security agencies and traffic officials have launched investigations into the crash.

Attempts to reach the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, for official comments were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

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Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)

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Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)

World-renowned British-Nigerian boxing star, Anthony Joshua, was on Monday involved in a tragic road accident on the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a highway notorious for frequent crashes due to heavy traffic, speeding and poor driving culture.

The accident occurred around Makun area of Ogun State, according to eyewitness accounts, when Joshua’s vehicle collided with another car under circumstances that are still being investigated by security and traffic authorities.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the former heavyweight world champion sustained minor injuries and was promptly attended to, while two occupants of the other vehicle reportedly lost their lives instantly as a result of the impact. Their identities were yet to be officially confirmed as of press time.

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The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria’s busiest road corridor linking the commercial capital to the South-West and other parts of the country, has recorded numerous fatal accidents in recent years, despite ongoing reconstruction efforts by the Federal Government.

Joshua, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sports figures globally, commands a massive following both at home and abroad. News of the accident sparked concern among fans, while also reigniting public debate on road safety and emergency response on major highways.

Authorities were said to have commenced investigations into the crash, while traffic was temporarily disrupted at the scene.

The incident was first reported by The Punch.

 

Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)

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Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

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Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Best Middle East Player at the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards, held on Sunday in Dubai.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward triumphed over fellow nominees Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Salem Al-Dawsari in a fan-voted category recognizing top performers in the region’s football leagues.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the award on X, writing: “Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player Award at Globe Soccer 2025.”

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This marks Ronaldo’s second consecutive win in the category, following his 2024 success, highlighting his dominance in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr in 2023.

Ronaldo’s 2025 campaign has been remarkable, netting 40 goals since his February birthday—a remarkable feat for a player in his fifth decade.

The Globe Soccer Awards, held annually in Dubai since 2010, honor excellence across all areas of football, including players, coaches, clubs, and sporting directors.

Other notable winners at the 2025 edition included PSG, named Best Men’s Club after winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France. Individual awards went to Luis Enrique (Best Coach), Vitinha (Best Midfielder), Désiré Doué (Emerging Player), and Luis Campos (Best Sporting Director).

 

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

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