Latest news with #SuperEagles'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria: Super Eagles survive second half onslaught to set up Jamaica clash in Unity Cup final
Nigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final following a hard fought win over Ghana. Super Eagles head coach Eric Challe said ahead of kick-off that he wanted to use this game and next month's friendly against Russia as preparation for their remaining World Cup qualifiers. Challe certainly got the result he would have wanted, but he may have some reservations about the second half performance as a vastly experienced Nigeria side almost let a two-goal lead slip against their Ghanaian counterparts. With the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and in particular Victor Osimhen, all rested, it meant an opportunity for several players based in Nigeria as well as Cyriel Dessers. The Rangers striker made the most of a rare start at international level by breaking the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, though most of the credit should go to Ismaila Sodiq. Racing down the right-wing, Sodiq picked out Dessers with a perfectly weighted cross and the centre-forward took one touch to set himself and then fired the ball into the back of the net. A few minutes later the Super Eagles' lead was doubled as Seyi Ajayi's header went in off Razak Simpson for an own goal before a brilliant save from Benjamin Asare and a clearance off the line denied Wilfred Ndidi making it three before half-time. Credit to the inexperienced Ghana side as they made a real game of it in the second half and reduced the deficit with 20 minutes to go as substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante scored his first international goal. Caleb Yirenkyi did his very best to mark his Ghana debut with a goal whilst Abu Francis was denied an equaliser by a superb save from Stanley Nwabali as Nigeria held on for the win. Their reward is a showdown with Jamaica on Saturday. The Reggae Boyz, now managed by Steve McClaren, came out on top in a five-goal thriller against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday night with Richard King scoring from the penalty spot deep into injury time to seal a dramatic 3-2 win.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
CHUKWUEZE WITH AN ASSIST, VICTORY FOR WALKER AND ENGLAND
Two Rossoneri players took to the pitch for their respective national teams on Friday 21 March. Sammy Chukwueze made a key contribution for Nigeria in their 2-0 victory over Rwanda on matchday 5 in World Cup qualifying: the Rossoneri No.21 provided a headed assist for Osimhen for the Super Eagles' second goal at the end of the first half. Nigeria currently sit fourth with six points in Group C. It was also a good evening for Kyle Walker and England, who kicked off their World Cup qualification campaign with victory over Albania. In Tuchel's first match in charge, the Three Lions won 2-0 at Wembley. Our defender played 95 minutes after starting at AC Milan WhatsApp channel is available: follow us!
CAF
29-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria's redemption mission begins at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, says coach Eric Chelle
Nigeria's quest for a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title will be fueled by a hunger for redemption, according to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Speaking after the tournament draw in Rabat on Monday night, the Malian tactician acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead but insisted that Nigeria's squad is motivated to go all the way. 'Yes, it's going to be difficult to win because there are 24 very good teams and some very good coaches,' Chelle admitted. 'I know I've got a team that's out for revenge, and I'm out for revenge too, so we're going to have a lot of fun.' Nigeria, drawn in Group C, will face 2004 champions Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in the group stage. While the Super Eagles boast a rich history in the tournament, having won three titles (1980, 1994, and 2013), Chelle and his team know that no opponent can be taken lightly. Tunisia, a long-time rival, knocked Nigeria out in the round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON, adding an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming clash. Uganda, making their eighth tournament appearance, and Tanzania, featuring for only the fourth time, will both be eager to cause an upset. With 16 AFCON medals—more than any other nation in tournament history—Nigeria will be expected to advance from the group, but Chelle remains cautious. The Super Eagles' agonizing 2-1 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in the 2023 final remains fresh in the minds of players and fans alike. That loss denied Nigeria a chance to add to their AFCON legacy, and Chelle believes it has only strengthened the team's resolve. 'We are out for revenge,' he stated confidently. 'We know what this team is capable of, and our goal is clear—to lift the trophy in Morocco.' With a squad packed with talent, including Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, and a solid defensive unit, Nigeria remains one of the tournament favorites. Beyond the competition itself, Chelle took a moment to acknowledge the tournament hosts, Morocco, for their hospitality and preparations. 'I'd also like to thank Morocco for the warm welcome. Shukran,' he said, using the Arabic word for 'thank you.' With Morocco hosting the AFCON for the first time since 1988, the atmosphere is expected to be electric. The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will see matches played across six Moroccan cities, adding to the spectacle. With 21 AFCON appearances, Nigeria remains one of the continent's footballing giants. The last two tournaments have seen the Super Eagles fall short of expectations, but Chelle's words signal a shift in mindset—this is a team ready to fight for the trophy once again. Their campaign begins in Group C, but the ultimate goal is clear: avenging the pain of 2023 and reclaiming Africa's biggest prize.
CAF
28-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ex-Nigeria captain Yobo confident in Super Eagles' title prospects after draw
Nigeria's legendary captain, Joseph Yobo, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' chances of clinching a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the 2025 tournament, following the official draw held on Monday in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Eagles were drawn into Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, East African duo Uganda and Tanzania—co-hosts of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. Reflecting on the group and Nigeria's historical pedigree, Yobo, a key figure in Nigeria's last AFCON triumph in 2013, was optimistic about the team's prospects. 'We have a good young crop and a new generation of players that have been together for a long time, so I don't think that understanding is a problem for them,' Yobo said. 'Looking at the group, it's never going to be easy for us, but knowing the Super Eagles, coming out of the group is never a problem.' Nigeria heads into the tournament with a storied AFCON history, boasting 16 medals from 20 appearances, including three titles (1980, 1994, and 2013), five runner-up finishes, and eight bronze medals. The team narrowly missed adding a fourth star in 2023, falling 2-1 to Côte d'Ivoire in the final. Yobo, who was also one of the assistants during Monday's draw, emphasized that the team's focus should not just be on progressing through the group stage but on securing the ultimate prize. 'I hope that we start very well and we can take that momentum to the final. We are building on our last performance at AFCON 2023, and it's about time we get our hands on the trophy again. I think we have the players and a wonderful new coach to do that.' Tunisia, the most decorated opponent in Group C after Nigeria, will pose a significant challenge. The North Africans famously knocked out the Super Eagles in the 2021 Round of 16 and boast one AFCON title from their 21 appearances. Uganda, making their eighth appearance, and Tanzania, featuring for only the fourth time, will aim to upset the odds. Yobo, however, remained confident, highlighting Nigeria's depth and the recent improvements under their new coach. 'We do have a very good team, the players are improving. It's all about carrying that energy from the group stages and keeping the momentum,' he noted. AFCON 2025, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, promises thrilling encounters with 24 nations vying for glory in Morocco.
