Nigeria Super Eagles Update

BREAKING NEWS: Finidi George has been appointed as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

Congratulations! 🇳🇬

Kelechi Iheanacho backs Finidi George for the Super Eagles coaching job, noting that he was impressed with how he managed the team's formation during the match against Ghana, even without assistant coaches.

It was observed that Jose Peseiro's tactics significantly reduced Kelechi Iheanacho's playing time in the AFCON tournament, as he often only utilized a front three attacking set-up of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze.

🗣"The coach, Finidi, has done a fantastic job," Iheanacho remarked on Finidi's brief tenure as interim coach, according to Afrik-Foot.

"He has had limited time to work with us, with just him handling the team currently. Hopefully, he will be given more opportunities with the team," Kelechi Iheanacho added.

What are your thoughts?

Congratulations Nigeria 🇳🇬 👏

Camp Update

NFF Dismisses Idea Of Eguavoen As Super Eagles’ Interim Coach - Sports!

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described the purported appointment of former Nigeria international, Austin Eguavoen, as an interim manager of the Super Eagles after Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro stepped down at the weekend as ‘a joke taken too far’.
Though Eguavoen has been the NFF’s Technical Director since 2020, he was appointed the Super Eagles manager on an interim basis for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, following the departure of German coach Gernot Rohr.

He later returned to his Technical Director’s job after the Super Eagles crashed out of the AFCON 2021 following an agonising defeat to Tunisia in the round of sixteen.

Following the exit of Peseiro at the weekend, there has been overflowing news in a section of the main media and social media that Eguavoen has been mandated by the NFF to step in as the interim manager of the Super Eagles. While Enyimba International coach, Finidi George, who was Peseiro’s assistant to the recently concluded AFCON in Cote d’Ivore, will serve as Eguavoen’s assistant until the NFF names a substantive manager for the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming international engagements, including the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup double-header against South Africa in June 2024.

But a decent source at the NFF yesterday dismissed with a wave of the hand the purported Eguavoen’s link to the Super Eagles job, adding that the former national team captain is not even being considered to take over on an interim basis.

“There’s nothing for Eguavoen as far as I know, and, in fact, nobody ever mentioned him in any capacity for the Super Eagles,” the source said, adding that those thrusting Eguavoen forward for the job are only jokers.

“I think those guys are just joking. Nobody has mentioned Eguavoen as Super Eagles’ interim manager.”

Incidentally, some callers on the Lagos-based Sports radio station, Brila FM, have kicked against the possible return of Eguavoen as the Super Eagles manager; they described him as a misfit for what is regarded as one of the most high profile coaching jobs in the world.

“Please, tell the Nigeria Football Federation not to appoint Eguavoen as Super Eagles coach; we no go to the World Cup again because that Baba don’t know anything o. He is not a better coach o and we no go gree NFF o,” an angry caller said yesterday.

Another said:“ Who did this to Nigeria? Has Eguavoen forced himself upon us? I think we have to blame the NFF, who don’t know what they are doing. The NFF has not come out with any categorical statement after Peseiro ‘s contract expired. I think it’s the prerogative of Eguavoen to step in as an interim coach since he’s the Technical Director of the NFF, but all we want now is for the NFF to do the right thing.

Austin Eguavoen has step in as Nigeria super Eagles interim gaffer. He will be assisted by Finidi George, who has stayed the longest with Peseiro among all indigenous coaches appointed to work with the Portuguese by the Amaju Pinnick led board for 22 months.

Who should be the new Super Eagles Coach after Poseiro?

1) Emmanuel Amunike
2) Herve Renard
3) Finidi George
4) Jurgen Klinsman

Asisat Oshoala: Breaking Records and Redefining Excellence in African Football

A trailblazer on the pitch, Asisat Oshoala's remarkable journey to greatness continues to inspire. With an unparalleled six-time African Player of the Year title, she stands tall as the most decorated African female footballer in history. Her groundbreaking achievements include being the first African woman to score in a Champions League final and clinch the prestigious trophy.

Glittering Career Highlights:

🏆 Nigerian Women's Premiership (2014 Rivers Angels)

🏆🏆 Nigerian Women's Cup (2013, 2014 Rivers Angels)

🏆🏆 African Women's Cup Of Nations (2016, 2018 - Nigeria 🇳🇬)

🏆 English FA Women's Cup (2015 Arsenal)

🏆🏆 Chinese Women's Super League (2017, 2018 Dalian Quanjian)

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Primera Division (FC Barcelona)

🏆🏆 UEFA Women's Champions League (2021, 2023 Barcelona)

🏆🏆🏆 Supercopa de Espana Femenina

🏆🏆🏆 Copa de la Reina

Historic Moments:

Oshoala's legacy extends beyond domestic triumphs. She etched her name in history during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup by becoming the first African woman to score in three consecutive tournaments, marking her presence in the 2015, 2019, and 2022 editions.

Individual Accolades:

🏅 African Women's Footballer of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023

🏅 African Women's Championship Golden Boot: 2016

🏅 BBC Women's Footballer of the Year: 2015

🏅 African Women's Championship Golden Ball: 2014

🏅 African Women's Youth Player of the Year: 2014

🏅 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Boot: 2014

Asisat Oshoala's impact transcends borders, cementing her status as a true icon of African football.

AFCON: The final was our worst game, the home support penalised us - Peseiro!

you and congratulate you, you can also lose your ground. You are in the clouds and you think you are too beautiful and that is also the best way to fall. You have to find the right balance and it’s not easy in football, especially for young players who have never set foot in Africa. Mental trainers are also there for that. And we, the coaches, protect them from that, by saying “only listen to us”. And my staff helped me a lot. My captains too, like Troost-Ekong, Omeruo and Musa. I asked them at the beginning to explain and show me how the players reason and how to adapt and what strategy to choose for everything related to the selection, not just the footballing side.

Seeing other national selections approach you, must that be flattering? Surely you are not insensitive?

Yes it’s good. Especially now and after this tournament. We lost in the final, but everyone recognizes our very good work. But it’s also thanks to the players and we can’t do anything without them. We are only coaches, we are not geniuses. I am happy. I am grateful to them and also to the staff. It’s hard work and it’s even harder in Africa. The players believed in us and gave their best, even those who didn’t play. And I apologize to those I was unable to satisfy, particularly in terms of playing time. I have always worked and chosen for the best in the national selection. If I could, I would have put 25 players on the field each time. Because they all had the potential to play. Thanks to them.

Do you enjoy the work of a coach more than that of a club coach?

These are different contexts. I like both. Before, I liked clubs more because we are in contact with the players on a daily basis. But I adapted to this new role as coach. I would say that I love both jobs equally. Coaching also means choosing players, watching a lot of matches throughout the week. But in both cases, we remain a coach. It’s the best activity in the world. It’s very motivating and it gives us a lot of emotion. In fact, the most important thing for me is the project.

What can we wish you for the future?

Earn. I would like to play in the World Cup, I would like to work in England, work in Brazil… I have already been to many countries. Nine countries and four continents. All the experiences I’ve had, I’ve enjoyed. Because there were connections and emotions, even in the teams where we did not have good results. I would like to continue working, with projects where we will be able to aim for success. And where I will continue to do my job because I love football.

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has opened up on his next coaching steps after AFCON 2023.

Peseiro led Nigeria to the final of the just concluded AFCON 2023, losing 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast in a nervy final.

The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician is reportedly a free agent following the expiration of his contract with the NFF and is yet to decide on his next coaching job.

Peseiro has been linked with the vacant Algeria job and insists he has up to 7 offers on his table.

“I told everyone to come back at the end of the month. What is certain is that I want to continue coaching and I need to choose wisely,” he told Goal.

“At this moment, I repeat, all options remain possible. I received a lot of options and a lot of contacts from national teams or clubs.

“I would say 5, 6 or 7 offers.

“I let them all know that I need to rest and that when my contract expires I will talk about it and start thinking about other projects. And decide my future. For now, I need to take a break and be calm.

“But I listen to the proposals and projects that are offered to me. And I evaluate whether I like it or not.”

Nigeria's Osimhen & Boniface Makes 2024 Top 10 World Best Strikers;
1. Erling Halaand
2. Harry Kane
3. Kylian Mbappe
4. Victor Osimhen(NIGERIAN)
5. Lauaro Martinez(ARGENTINE)
6. Heung Ming Song
7. Victor Boniface(NIGERIAN)
8. Julian Alvarez(ARGENTINE)
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
10. Robert Lewandoski.
(SPORT Bible)

Nigeria missed Boniface in AFCON2023. We hope he'll be ready along Osimhen, for CAF WC Qualifiers and next year's afcon as well. Only Nigeria and Argentina have 2 players on the list. Congrats to them all.

Highest Paid Coaches in Africa Yearly

1. Marcel Koller | $1.94 million | Al Ahly 🇪🇬

2. Walid Regragui | $700,000 | Morocco 🇲🇦

3. Jose Peseiro | $600,000 | Nigeria 🇳🇬

4. Rhulani Mokwena | $537,000 | Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦

5. Faouzi Benzarti | $480,000 | Wydad Casablanca 🇲🇦

6. Hugo Broos | $474,000 | South Africa 🇿🇦

7. Manqoba Mngqithi | $474,000 | Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦

8. John Maduka | $458,000 | Royal AM 🇿🇦

9. Jose Riveiro | $411,000 | Orlando Pirates 🇿🇦

10. Eric Tinkler | $411,000 | Cape Town City FC 🇿🇦

11. Aliou Cisse | $388,000 | Senegal 🇸🇳

12. Steve Komphela | $379,000 | Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦

Source: Africa Facts Zone

FIFA Ranking: Nigeria ahead of Ivory Coast, Haaland’s Norway after biggest move in 11 years

Nigeria has moved 14 places in the latest FIFA Ranking, sitting well ahead of AFCON champions Cote d'Ivoire, and Erling Haaland's Norway.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are flying high after being officially ranked as the third-best team in Africa in the recently released FIFA World Ranking.

Nigeria soars in FIFA Ranking
According to the latest release by FIFA, the Super Eagles are now ranked 28th in the world following the run in Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria finished runners-up after a painful 2-1 defeat to host nation Cote d’Ivoire in a widely watched final last Sunday.

But despite the heartbreak, the Jose Peseiro-led young side earned plenty of admirers as they soared through the tournament before missing out narrowly on a fourth title.

Nigeria’s move from 42nd in the world to 28th is the highest move for the Super Eagles in 11 years, with the team matching the May 9, 2013 position.

The Super Eagles are now ranked behind Morocco, who moved one spot to 12th and Senegal, who are ranked 17th after moving three places.

Elsewhere on the ranking
Nigeria is now ahead of Erling Haaland’s Norway, ranked 46th in the world, and African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, who moved 10 places to 39th.

AFCON2023

Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong and Ademola Lookman make CAF-11-man team of the tournament.

AFCON: Amuneke: I’ll Accept Eagles Job If NFF Finds Me Worthy
completesports.comFeb 13, 2024 3:19 PM

Amuneke: I’ll Accept Eagles Job If NFF Finds Me Worthy
Former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke, has expressed his readiness to be Super Eagles coach if given the opportunity to work in that capacity.

Amuneke made this known in an interview on News Central TV, where he stated that if the country finds him fit to add value to the team, he’s willing to accept the chance.

“I am a Nigerian, all my life I have served Nigeria as a player. If Nigerians now find me fit to add value to the team, of course, it is a welcome development.

“But for now it is not necessary to talk about this issue.We have to support the team and other Nigerians, they are going through a lot of sadness.

“We all want the best for our country, the best for our football. This has to be respected.”

The 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist also lamented the poor utilisation of Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen in the team’s attack at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nation.

He said that the Napoli striker spent a lot of time helping the team to defend.

“You know in this AFCON, Osimhen spent a lot of time helping the team to defend, and when you have a striker that is so dangerous, move a lot and then at the end of the day he is coming to defend. I think it reduces his quality.

“Osimhen is a player that when you look at him, moves a lot and needs players that can actually, you know, give him those balls into spaces where he can become effective and functional.”

Alex Iwobi has come under severe attack on social media since the end of the African Cup of Nations. People have insulted, mocked and posted all kinds of things about him. This has caused him to delete all his pictures on Instagram except one.

Some of the people that led the attack on him, like Tunde Ednut and Very Dark Man, have made U-turns and condemned fans for attacking Iwobi. There have even been rumours that Iwobi is planning to quit the Super Eagles.

Now Super Eagles and Super Falcons players have risen in support of Iwobi. They have taken to their social media pages to show support to the midfielder.

Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyber bullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime. It’s hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behavior.

Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad.

Instead of spreading negativity, let’s show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let’s uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat. 🦅🇳🇬 THANKS

Full List:AFCON2023 AWARDS!

The 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations ended on Sunday night on a disappointing note for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they lost the trophy to the host nation, Ivory Coast.

The Ivorians won 2-1 against Nigeria, courtesy of goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller who helped The Elephants clinch their third AFCON trophy.

Below is the full list of awards given at the AFCON:

Ecobank Best Goalkeeper
Ronwen Williams – South Africa

Air Côte d’Ivoire Fair Play Team award
South Africa

Puma Golden Boot winner
Emilio Nsue – Equatorial Guinea (5 goals)

Puma Silver Boot winner
Gelson Dala – Angola (4 goals)

Puma Bronze boot winner
Mostafa Mohamed – Egypt (4 goals)

TotalEnergies Man of the competition
William Troost-Ekong – Nigeria

Best Young Player award
Simon Adingra – Ivory Coast

Best Coach award
Emerse Faé – Ivory Coast

HT.Live' 38 mins | | FINAL🏆

Goal! Nigeria🇳🇬
William Troost-Ekong

Nigeria🇳🇬 1-0 Ivory Coast🇨🇮

Captain Fantastic William Troost-Ekong breaks the deadlock and give Nigeria the lead with beautiful header!

What's Your time zone?Wave your flag

Our Boys Are Ready!

Send Your Wishes

Finale!

AFCON2023: Iwobi Needs To Be Replaced For The Final - Sunday Wale Adeniran - Sports -

Ola Aina is one of the best players not only for Nigeria but in the whole of this tournament but the moment he was moved to the left wing back due to Zaidu's absence, he struggled a bit in our last game. The day I feared the young lad was the day Nottingham Forest, his club in England faced Manchester United. He showed them pepper.

If Zaidu is fit, he should start. At least, the number one job of a defender is to stop the opponent and in that aspect, you can't fault him; it is just that modern football also demands wing backs or full backs, depending on the team set up, to also be attack minded and players like Roberto Carlos are responsible for that. Lol

The nucleus three of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Troost-Ekong have proven to be a very solid shield for the goalkeeper and the goalkeeper himself whenever he is exposed which has been rare, he never disappoint. So the backline is settled.

The trio of Osimhen, Lookman and Simon upfront have been giving every team we have played serious headache and Cote D'Ivoire will not be an exception.

Nine out of eleven positions have been taken care of so far with two positions left: DM and CM, defensive midfielder and central or attacking midfielder which have been manned by Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi respectively. And while I rate the Brentford of England player 8/10 so far in his DM role for the Eagles, I rate the Fulham man, Iwobi 5.5/10.

And I think that Peseiro and his team of coaches understand this and that is the reason Super Eagles creativity has been from the wings especially through Aina and Simon while Lookman has emerged as the talisman with Osimhen dragging opposing defenders with his runs there by creating space for Eluku.

If therefore, there will be any change at all in the starting 11, I will like to see only Yusuf Alhassan take the place of Iwobi. He will make the midfield a bit more solid and his passes are more accurate.

The Ivorians rely a lot on the midfield and we must not allow them take charge. Iwobi is the reason Osimhen overworks. I love him but let's leave sentiment.

Over all, I don't see their luck carrying them beyond silver medals tomorrow

🚨 A blue card is to be introduced in football 🟦

The new card will see players removed from the field for 10 minutes if they commit a cynical foul or show dissent, per The Telegraph 👀

4 Nigerians🇳🇬 d!£d of [CARDIAC ARREST] while watching the Super Eagle🦅🇳🇬 Semi-final match against South Africa yesterday.🥺

1. A former federal lawmaker in Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh

2. Kwara State University Deputy Bursar, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi

3. A member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State identified as Samuel

4. High chief Osundu Nwoye from Anambra, a business mogul in Abidjan also died in Ivory coast while watch the match yesterday.

May their beautiful souls rest in heavenly peace,