Sports

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has left Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lend the President’s unwavering support to the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they take on South Africa in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire later this Wednesday. According to a statement by the President’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the Vice President’s visit will strengthen the deep-rooted connection between football and national identity in Nigeria. His presence will…

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, the immediate-past Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, Ned and Regina Nwoko, and others, on Friday, February 2, arrived Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, to rally behind the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they face Angola in the quarterfinals. Nigeria vs Angola is the first quarter-final game of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations by 6pm today. All eyes are on the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they slug it out against Angola in the AFCON Cote d’Ivoire 2023. The target for Nigeria is to qualify for the semi-final. See…

Stanley Nwabali has been named in the starting line-up for Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash with Angola. Head coach Jose Peseiro has named an unchanged line-up for the encounter billed for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan. Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi will play as right and left-wing backs respectively. Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey will maintain their partnership in central defence. As expected, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi will take charge of the midfield. Talismanic forward, Victor Osimhen will lead the team’s attack, Complete Sports reports. The Napoli hitman will be supported by…

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to improve their performance and do better in the final stages of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. Tinubu’s message was conveyed to the national team through the Minister of Sports, John Enoh, who spoke to the players from Abuja via Zoom on Wednesday night. According to Enoh, the President was not too impressed with the showing of the team during the group stage. He said, “I had a meeting with the President yesterday. I went to the villa for something else and the President cornered…

The Kalu Idika Okwara Foundation Unity Cup 2023/2024 will hold from December 27 to January 2 at Ndi Ibe Community School Field, Ndi Ibe Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State. The competition, sponsored by Chief Kalu Idika Okwara, an oil and gas expert, is expected to cost an estimated sum of N5,000 000. Also, there will be prizes for the best player of the competition, highest goal scorer and and best behaved team. Our correspondent learnt that the former governorship hopeful had already put the competition’s pitch in good shape, as well as donating nets and kits, which include…

The Super Eagles’ 40-man provisional squad for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire has been unveiled. Though, there is no official confirmation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning the list. The provisional list is made up six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, eight midfielders and 13 forwards. Goalkeepers Amas Obasogie, Ojo Olorunleke and Christian Nwoke are the only home-based players included. Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Chippa United first choice Stanley Nwabali make up the six goalkeepers shortlisted. William Troost-Ekong and Kevin Akpoguma are making a return to the team and will fight for a final spot in…

Holders Manchester City will play Copenhagen in the last 16 of the Champions League, while Arsenal face Porto. Copenhagen, who finished above Manchester United in their group, reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2011. The first legs take place on 13-14 or 20-21 February and the second on 5-6 or 12-13 March. City and Arsenal are seeded, meaning they will play the second leg at home. Record 14-time winners Real Madrid meet RB Leipzig, while Inter Milan - runners-up last season - play Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich face Lazio. Victor Osimhen’s Napoli will face Spanish giant…

Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino has explained why Christopher Nkunku remained an unused substitute in their 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday. Nkunku was named in the Blues’ matchday squad for the first time since he arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer by the Argentine coach. English midfielder Cole Palmer and Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net as Pochettino’s men recorded a rare win at Stamford Bridge. The 51-year-old manager, speaking after the game, said he did not want to risk Nkunku for the game, with the player only just returning to full fitness following…

Victor Osimhen has been crowned the 2023 African Footballer of the Year in a momentous event that solidified his status as one of the best players in the world. Monday’s award capped off a sterling year for the Super Eagles forward whose historic feat in the imperial Moroccan city of Marakesh ended Nigeria’s 24-year-old wait for Africa’s top individual prize. Legendary Kanu Nwankwo was the last Nigerian to win the award and that was in 1999. The prize is a recognition of Osimhen’s exploits for his Napoli club side and the national team where he is a key member. He…

Cole Palmer has earned his first call-up to the England senior squad ahead of their European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Chelsea in recent weeks. He has struck four goals in his last six matches, the latest of which was a nerveless penalty in our 4-4 draw against Manchester City. Palmer has also registered four assists for the Blues this term and earned praise from Mauricio Pochettino. 'He's still a young kid but it's amazing what he is giving to the team,' the Chelsea head coach explained. 'I am so…