Sports
Sports minister wants local coach for Super Eagles job
Sports minister, Sunday Dare, may have thrown his weight behind the choice of a local coach to take over the Super Eagles coaching job.
Speaking during TotalEnergies AFCON Trophy Tour in Lagos, yesterday, Dare spoke glowingly on the exploits of Nigerian ex-players, who led the Super Eagles to success in past editions of the competition.
“At the 1980 AFCON, a 16-year-old schoolboy, Henry Nwosu, was in the Nigerian squad. Alongside established stars like Best Ogedegbe, Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, Felix Owolabi, Christian Chukwu and others, and they delivered Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title. The entire nation stood still for them.
“Many members of that squad became renowned coaches after their active playing days and made a huge impact in the game. The captain of that squad, Christian Chukwu would later be the assistant coach when Nigeria won the title for the second time in 1994, and the head coach in 2004 when the Super Eagles won the bronze. Interestingly, both tournaments were held in Tunisia.
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“Another product of the 1980 squad was Kadiri Ikhana, who became the first coach to lead a Nigerian club side, Enyimba FC of Aba, to the most prestigious club trophy on the continent in 2003. Ikhana was voted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Coach of the Year after his feat.
“In 1994, a golden generation of Nigerian players lived up to the hype and fulfilled their potentials by clinching the AFCON trophy in Tunisia. Led by their captain, Stephen Keshi (now late), arguably the biggest influence in Nigerian football ever, Keshi and company swept aside all the oppositions along their path to claim Africa’s biggest football prize. We cannot forget the roles played by superstars like Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh, Peter Rufai and others in that squad.”
He continued: “Keshi would later lead the Super Eagles to Nigeria’s third AFCON title as head coach in 2013. He was the second man in history to win the tournament as a player and head coach after Egyptian legend Mohammed El Gohary.
“Keshi’s 1994 teammates – Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh have had their stints as Super Eagles head coaches at one time or the other. Some others like Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nduka Ugbade and Mutiu Adepoju have also had successes as coaches with junior national teams and club sides in Nigeria. Mutiu Adepoju is currently an ambassador for the Spanish La Liga.
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“Nigeria’s last triumph at the AFCON is so significant. Stephen Keshi, the chief coach and his assistant, Daniel Amokachi were 1994 AFCON winners, Sylvanus Okpala, one of the fitness coaches was a 1980 AFCON winner, while the goalkeeper coach, Ike Shorounmu was an AFCON silver medalist in 2000 and bronze medalist in 2002.
“I am looking forward to seeing that headline tomorrow. For us in Nigeria, the AFCON is an important tournament. Football is in our DNA. We eat, sleep and talk football all the time. We are football-loving people and we love our Super Eagles.
“Football is a unifier, the strong force that binds the spirits of all Nigerians together. Religious, cultural, ethnic and political differences and considerations take the back seat when the Super Eagles are playing. This explains our hope, excitement and optimism as we look forward to the kickoff of the 33rd edition of the tournament in less than 50 days,” Dare stated.
He commended TotalEnergies for its commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, as well as its partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“I am excited to see the AFCON trophy here. I have taken this photograph, and every morning, I will pray with it. My dream is to see the Super Eagles win our fourth AFCON trophy in Cameroon.”
Guardian
Sports
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut, and 19 years after being battered into retirement, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson will climb back into the ring on Friday for a Netflix-backed bout that has drawn widespread condemnation across the boxing world.
Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division during an imperious reign in the late 1980s, is lacing up the gloves once more to take on Youtuber Jake Paul, 27, in an officially sanctioned fight at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.
The fight, which will be comprised of eight two-minute rounds, was initially due to take place in July but was postponed in May after Tyson required medical treatment on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles after vomiting blood due to a bleeding ulcer.
That gory mid-air emergency has provided another piece of ammunition for the numerous critics who have condemned Friday’s contest as a macabre circus act that poses an unacceptable level of risk for Tyson, who last graced a professional ring in 2005, when he was beaten via a technical knockout after quitting on his stool against Irish journeyman Kevin McBride.
– ‘It shouldn’t be happening’ –
“Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson retired from boxing, and was shot to pieces, right? I mean, completely shot,” the prominent British fight promoter Eddie Hearn said this week.
“If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you’re an idiot. It shouldn’t be happening.”
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Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren echoed those sentiments.
“Mike Tyson is 58 years of age and he shouldn’t be fighting,” Warren said after the bout was announced. “It’s as simple as that.
“Anyone with an ounce of brains knows that it is ridiculous. You can be on a motorway stuck in a traffic jam and you get to the end of it and all it is is people who have stopped to look at a crash — and that’s what this is.”
Tyson, who US reports say is being paid around $20 million for Friday’s contest, has brushed off the concerns for his wellbeing, insisting when critics from the boxing world are motivated by jealousy.
“I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say,” he said earlier this year. “The people who said that wish they were up here. No-one else can do this.”
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Sports
Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan was arrested on Wednesday amid allegations that he misused the organization’s funds for personal purposes, as reported by local media.
Jordaan, renowned for his pivotal role in securing South Africa as the host for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, sought to block his arrest on Tuesday by filing an urgent application.
However, the Johannesburg High Court is scheduled to hear his case only on Thursday, leaving him vulnerable to arrest.
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The arrest stems from a raid by police on the SAFA offices in March, after which police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the allegations are that “between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation’s resources for his personal gain, including hiring a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations company, without authorisation from the SAFA board.”
Jordaan, 73, and his reported co-accused, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, are due to appear in court later on Wednesday.
Neither Jordaan nor SAFA responded to a request for comment from Reuters, but in his affidavit to court seeking to block his arrest, he denies any wrongdoing.
Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
(Reuters)
Sports
Newcastle make Osimhen transfer target
Newcastle make Osimhen transfer target
Newcastle United have joined the race sign Victor Osimhen as the English club seeks to bolstering its attack with the prolific Nigerian star next year.
The club’s owners, Public Investment Fund is reportedly ready to activate the Nigerian’s £113m release clause.
Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder reports that the Magpies are among several clubs jostling for the service of the 25-year-old striker, who is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli.
The former Lille striker has been in an tremendous form since joining Galatasaray in September, netting eight goals in nine appearances across all competitions, including six strikes in six Turkish Super Lig.
His latest contribution came in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Samsunspor, where he scored twice to maintain Galatasaray’s unbeaten run and extend their lead at the Turkish Super Lig summit to six points.
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Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has set a minimum price for any potential suitor.
“There are many clubs interested in Victor Osimhen. Galatasaray cannot take Osimhen if it does not pay a net fee of €75m,” Manna stated.
Newcastle’s interest comes after an inactive summer transfer window, with manager Eddie Howe keen to strengthen his attacking options. Fans are already agog by the prospect of pairing Osimhen with current striker Alexander Isak, though profit and sustainability regulations at St James’ Park could hamper any potential deal.
Chelsea and several Saudi Pro League clubs maintain their interest in the striker following failed moves last summer, setting up what could be an intense battle for his signature in 2025.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilıcalı have shown little interest in pursuing Osimhen, citing the club’s existing forward options.
“There is Dzeko, there is En Nesyri, and there is also Cenk. Who will play?” Ilıcalı questioned during a recent television appearance.
Newcastle make Osimhen transfer target
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