Latest news with #EricChelle
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Man Utd or Barca' - wia Osimhen dey go next?
Nigeria boss Eric Chelle dey expect Europe top sides to show interest for Victor Osimhen afta di striker help fire Galatasaray win di Turkish title. Di 26-year-old dey set to return to parent club Napoli afta e score 37 goals for 41 games during dis season loan spell wit di Istanbul giants. E get one year remaining for im contract for Italy, but e dey expected to leave Napoli as e no dey part of coach Antonio Conte plans. Wit im future undecided, Osimhen don dey left out of di Super Eagles squad for di international friendly away against Russia on Friday. "Victor is, for me, di best striker for di world," Chelle tell BBC Sport Africa. "For am e dey difficult to come for dis game becos e play a season wit a lot of pressure. "Di reality na say transfer window dey. During dis time, a player like am no dey focused at 100%. "I need to protect am physically and mentally, becos maybe e go [and get a transfer move]. "Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So e need to dey focused on dat." Osimhen wan score 'even wen e dey sleep' Osimhen, an Under-17 World Cup winner for 2015, na second on Nigeria all-time list of top scorers wit 26 goals. E spearhead di Super Eagles attack for di 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, wia di West Africans finish as runners-up, and e dey crucial to bring back di hopes of reaching di 2026 Fifa World Cup. Nigeria only pick up three points from dia first four matches wen Osimhen dey absent wit injury, but di striker score three goals wen e return for March as di Super Eagles secure a win ova Rwanda and a draw against Zimbabwe. Chelle say e "neva see a competitor" like di former Wolfsburg and Lille front man. "E wan win evritin during training. E crazy," Chelle, 47 tok. "Wen di training session finish, e want to stay on di pitch and score again and again. "I tink maybe even wen e sleep e wan score too." Russia a 'great nation of football' Nigeria travel to Moscow afta winning di Unity Cup friendly tournament on Saturday. Di Super Eagles overcome fierce local rivals Ghana 2-1 last Wednesday and den beat Jamaica 5-4 on penalties afta a 2-2 draw for di final. Russia dey banned from competitive internationals following di invasion of Ukraine for February 2022, yet Chelle still expect a challenging encounter as e build towards di next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers for September. Dose games, at home against Rwanda and away for South Africa, go dey crucial as Nigeria look to bridge di six-point gap to Group C leaders Bafana Bafana. "Russia na great nation of football," Chelle tok. "Dem need to play some international games becos wit di war, e dey difficult for dem. Dem get lots of great players for dia league. "I tink a lot of pipo go come to watch di game. "Di reality na to work for September, for di next window for di World Cup qualifiers. Dis na our goal."
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Maybe Man Utd or Barca' - where next for Osimhen?
Nigeria boss Eric Chelle expects Europe's top sides to show interest in Victor Osimhen after the striker helped fire Galatasaray to the Turkish 26-year-old is set to return to parent club Napoli after scoring 37 goals in 41 games during this season's loan spell with the Istanbul has one year remaining on his contract in Italy, but is expected to depart Napoli as he is not part of coach Antonio Conte's his future undecided, Osimhen has been left out of the Super Eagles squad for the international friendly away against Russia on Friday."Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world," Chelle told BBC Sport Africa."For him it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure."The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%."I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move]."Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that." Osimhen wants to score 'even when he sleeps' Osimhen, an Under-17 World Cup winner in 2015, is second on Nigeria's all-time list of top scorers with 26 spearheaded the Super Eagles attack at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the West Africans finished as runners-up, and has been crucial in reviving the side's hopes of reaching the 2026 Fifa World only picked up three points from their first four matches when Osimhen was absent with injury, but the striker netted three goals when he returned in March as the Super Eagles secured a win over Rwanda and a draw against says he has "never seen a competitor" like the former Wolfsburg and Lille front man."He wants to win everything during training. It's crazy," Chelle, 47, added."When the training session finishes he wants to stay on the pitch and score again and again."I think maybe even when he sleeps he wants to score too." Russia a 'great nation of football' Nigeria travel to Moscow after winning the Unity Cup friendly tournament on Super Eagles overcame fierce local rivals Ghana 2-1 last Wednesday and then beat Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the remain banned from competitive internationals following the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, yet Chelle still expects a challenging encounter as he builds towards the next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in games, at home against Rwanda and away in South Africa, will be crucial as Nigeria look to bridge the six-point gap to Group C leaders Bafana Bafana."Russia is a great nation of football," Chelle said."They need to play some international games because [with] the war it is difficult for them. They have lots of great players in their league."I think a lot of people will come to watch the game."The reality is we work for September, for the next window for the World Cup qualifiers. This is our goal."
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dessers scores to help Nigeria beat Ghana and reach final
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers scored his third goal for Nigeria to help his country to a 2-1 win over Ghana in the Unity Cup semi-final at the Gtech Community Stadium in 30-year-old, earning his seventh cap, gathered a low cross from Remo Star right-back Sodiq Ismail on his chest after a slip from Razak Simpson and slotted home coolly from 12 yards after just 15 second Nigeria goal had also come in London in a 2-1 win over Ghana, from the penalty spot, in the same friendly competition a year time, Nations centre-half Simpson deflected the ball into his own net for Nigeria's second goal and, although Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante prodded in a reply from eight yards with 20 minutes remaining, it was Dessers' side who progress to the Unity Cup holders will face Jamaica, who beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday, at Brentford on Saturday - new head coach Eric Chelle's fourth game in charge.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE: World Cup qualifier match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE! Nigeria are back in World Cup qualification action this afternoon as they host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles look in resurgent mood under new head coach Eric Chelle after star striker Victor Osimhen returned to fire them to a comfortable 2-0 victory away in Rwanda in his first game in charge on Friday. That was a much-needed victory for the three-time African champions, who had made a disastrous start to qualifying. They will be strong favourites to make it successive victories and raise hopes of securing a place at next summer's finals as they face a Zimbabwe team who sit rock bottom of Group C with no wins after Thursday's 2-2 draw with Benin in Durban and are missing key players such as captain Marvelous Nakamba of Luton. However, Michael Nees' side showed impressive character to fight back from a two-goal deficit to claim a point after goals from Wolves midfielder Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona. The Super Eagles look to have a fully-fit squad to choose from today after Chelle allayed any injury concerns over Osimhen and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Follow Nigeria vs Zimbabwe live below! Kick-off time: 4pm GMT | Godswill Akpabio Stadium How to watch: FIFA+ Nigeria team news: Osimhen and Osayi-Samuel fit Zimbabwe team news: Captain Nakamba injured Standard Sport prediction 14:08 , George Flood The second-half substitutions of Victor Osimhen - on a hat-trick at Amahoro Stadium - and Bright Osayi-Samuel in Kigali on Friday had led to questions over whether the pair might be injured and in danger of missing today's visit of Zimbabwe. However, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle dismissed any fitness concerns ahead of the game in Uyo with Fenerbahce right-back Osayi-Samuel having seemingly now shaken off a knock. 'No problem; all the players are fine and ready for the match,' he said. 14:01 , George Flood TV channel and live stream: Today's game is being broadcast live via FIFA's in-house streaming service, FIFA+. It is free to watch with a registration. 13:59 , George Flood Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's live coverage of today's 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Zimbabwe in Uyo. The Super Eagles are out to make it back-to-back wins under new head coach Eric Chelle to get their qualification bid on track after Victor Osimhen notched a brace in Friday's much-needed 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali. Zimbabwe are winless at the bottom of Group C, but showed impressive fight to come back from 2-0 down to draw with Gabon in their last outing. Kick-off at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is at 4pm GMT, so stay tuned for build-up, team news and live updates.
CAF
23-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: What to expect from Match Day 6 of the qualifiers
Following the successful conclusion of Match Day 5 of the qualifiers, CAFOnline takes a look at some exciting fixtures lined up for Match Day 6 of the qualifiers set to take place between 23 – 26 March 2025. Group A ● Egypt - Sierra Leone: Egypt, the leader of the group with 13 points, recently secured a 2-0 victory against Ethiopia, strengthening their position at the top. Sierra Leone, on the other hand, is looking to improve its standing.● Guinea-Bissau - Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso, second with 8 points, must win to stay in the race for direct qualification. Guinea-Bissau, although ranked lower, could play the role of a spoiler. Past encounters show a slight advantage for Burkina Faso, but every match remains open. ● Ethiopia - Djibouti: Both teams, at the bottom of the standings, are not going down without a fight. Ethiopia, despite its recent loss to Egypt, is the favourite against Djibouti, which has often struggled in these qualifiers. Group B ● Sudan vs. South Sudan: After holding Senegal to a 0-0 draw, Sudan remains at the top of Group B with 11 points. The Nile Crocodiles approach their next match against their neighbours with the ambition to assert their superiority and move closer to a historic World Cup qualification. Buoyed by positive momentum, Sudan faces a South Sudanese team still searching for its first win in these qualifiers.● Senegal vs. Togo: As the runner-up behind Sudan, Senegal must win to secure its position. Historically, Senegal has often dominated Togo, which could influence the morale of both teams. ● Mauritania vs. DR Congo: A crucial match for both teams aiming to move up the table. DR Congo has recently shown strong performances, but Mauritania, playing at home, could surprise. Group C ● Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe: The Super Eagles begin their comeback operation. With only 6 points, Nigeria lags in the qualification race, but their first win against Rwanda has revived confidence in the former African champions, led by Eric Chelle. Zimbabwe hopes to secure its first win in these qualifiers.● Benin vs. South Africa: South Africa, the group leader with 10 points, aims to maintain its lead over its closest rival, Benin, with 8 points. The Cheetahs will play at home, looking to take advantage of this. ● Rwanda vs. Lesotho: Both teams, in search of points, often play close matches. Rwanda recently suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Nigeria, while Lesotho aims to capitalize on this opportunity. Group D ● Eswatini vs. Mauritius: A match between two teams at the bottom of the standings. Eswatini has a slight advantage over Mauritius, but both will seek victory for pride.● Angola vs. Cape Verde: Cape Verde, leading the group with 10 points, looks to consolidate its position. Angola, with the home advantage, could cause problems. ● Cameroon vs. Libya: After being held to a 0-0 draw by Eswatini, Cameroon must win to reassure itself. But Libya who are under Aliou Cissé cannot be ruled out just yet. Group E ● Burundi vs. Seychelles: Burundi aims to capitalize on this match to improve its position. Seychelles, often struggling, will attempt to cause an upset. ● Morocco vs. Tanzania: Morocco, the group leader with an almost perfect record, aims to continue its momentum. Tanzania, although competitive, will need to outperform past performances to challenge the Atlas Lions. Group F ● Kenya vs. Gabon: A crucial match for both teams aiming to move up the table. Gabon, one point behind leaders Côte d'Ivoire, has shown strong recent performances, but Kenya, playing at home, could benefit from the support of its fans. ● Côte d'Ivoire vs. Gambia: Côte d'Ivoire, leading with a perfect record, seeks to continue its streak. Gambia, though competitive, will need a great performance to destabilize the African champions. Group G ● Botswana vs. Somalia: After losing 3-1 to Algeria, Botswana will look to bounce back. Somalia, on the other hand, held Guinea to a 0-0 draw, demonstrating its defensive solidity and potential to surprise in this qualification campaign.● Algeria vs. Mozambique: Algeria, the group leader, demonstrated its superiority with a convincing 3-1 victory over Somalia in the first match day of the qualifiers. Mozambique, despite a loss to Algeria in the second matchday, will attempt to cause an upset. ● Uganda vs. Guinea: Uganda recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to Mozambique, while Guinea disappointed with a 0-0 draw against Somalia. Past encounters between these two teams have often been balanced, suggesting an intense match ahead. Group H ● Liberia vs. São Tomé and Príncipe: After strong resistance against Tunisia, Liberia eventually lost 1-0. This leaves them in a delicate position ahead of their match against São Tomé and Príncipe, who are still seeking their first points in these qualifiers.● Tunisia vs. Malawi: Tunisia started the qualifiers strongly with a 1-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe. Malawi, after a 1-0 victory over Liberia, will look to continue from the confidence boosting result. ● Namibia vs. Equatorial Guinea: Namibia lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea on the first match day. This return match offers Namibia a chance for revenge, but Equatorial Guinea will look to repeat its victorious performance. Group I● Central African Republic vs. Mali: Mali began the qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over Chad, while the Central African Republic suffered a 4-2 loss to Comoros. Past encounters between these two teams are rare, making the outcome of this match hard to predict.● Madagascar vs. Ghana: Ghana won 1-0 against Madagascar on the first match day. Madagascar will look to reverse the trend in this return match, but Ghana, with its positive historical record, is the favourite. ● Comoros vs. Chad: Comoros started the qualifiers with a 4-2 victory over the Central African Republic, while Chad lost 3-1 to Mali. Comoros, on the rise in recent years, could capitalize on its momentum to claim the win.
