Latest News
South African club, Chippa United are demanding €2m to sell their Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, DAILY POST reports.
Nwabali has been one of the standout performers for Nigeria at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The 27-year-old has kept three clean sheets in four outings for the Super Eagles in the competition.
The shot stopper has also cut the eye with his impressive displays for Chippa United this season.
Belgian Pro League outfit, Union St Gilloise are reportedly leading the chase for Nwabali.
The former Katsina United goal tender is a major doubt for Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 quarter-final clash with Angola on Friday.
He sustained a knee injury in the Super Eagles Round of 16 victory against perennial rivals, Cameroon last Saturday.
Mikel Arteta, it is reported, has no plans to leave Arsenal for Barcelona this summer. This is coming against the background of rumours that he will replace Xavi.
Recall that there had been a sensational report in Spain claiming he could walk away at the end of the season, MailOnline reported.
Sport, a Catalonia-based publication, claimed that Arteta has told those close to him that he is considering stepping away from his post early.
Sources close to Arsenal have adamantly denied that there is any truth in the Catalan press reports. They said Arteta was committed to managing the Gunners.
Barcelona are looking for a new manager this summer to replace Xavi. And they have close links to Sport, who claim that Joan Laporta is a big fan of Arteta.
Arteta
Arteta is tied down to a contract running until 2025. And with the Gunners challenging for the Premier League title and Champions League as the season nears its climax.
Arteta took charge at Arsenal in 2019 after leaving his role as Pep Guardiola’s trusted No. 2 at Manchester City. He has gone on to win three trophies during his spell in north London. He got the FA Cup and the Community Shield twice.
The Spaniard also guided Arsenal to a sensational Premier League title charge last season. It ensured they returned to the Champions League.
Arteta progressed through the famed La Masia academy at Barcelona. But he struggled for opportunities and then joined Rangers in a deal worth £6 million in 2002.
Xavi
Xavi announced he would leave Barcelona shortly after their 5-3 defeat by Villarreal.
Speaking post-match, he said: “Before you ask me the pertinent questions, I want to announce that as of June 30, I will not continue as Barca coach.
“We have been talking about it with Laporta and with the sports area. And, as a cule, I think that the club needs a change of dynamic. Thinking about the club and the players; I think they will free themselves and will be calmer.
‘Thinking as a club man I think, ‘The best thing is to leave on June 30’.
“That said, I will give my best in the remaining four months. I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.”
Arteta, who has managed 211 matches at Arsenal and won 121 of them, may well now be seen as a strong contender to step in to replace Xavi. MailOnline
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been selected by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for random drug tests at the tournament.
A source told DAILY POST that Osimhen was tested against hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon.
“(He was) tested against Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon. That is twice in four games,” the source said.
The Napoli striker was fouled for the penalty that gave Nigeria a 1-0 win over the Ivorians.
Osimhen then put in a ‘battering ram’ performance against the Indomitable Lions as they won 2-0 in a last-16 clash on Sunday.
He set up the first goal for Ademola Lookman and was a constant menace for the Cameroonians, before he was replaced by Paul Onuachu late in the game.
Osimhen’s only goal came in the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first fixtures.
The current CAF Player of the Year is expected to lead the line for the three-time champions when they face Angola in the quarter-finals this week.
[DailyPost]
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given special praise to five Super Eagles’ players while reacting to Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 victory against Cameroon on Saturday night.
Sanwo-Olu, who watched the AFCON encounter on Television in Lagos, also urged Jose Peseiro’s side to keep the momentum forward as they qualified for the quarter-final.
Recall that a brace from Ademola Lookman gave Nigeria a 2-0 win over Cameroon.
In a series of tweets via his X account after the game, the government wrote, “I totally enjoyed the Super Eagles’ incredible display of teamwork and determination tonight against the team from Cameroon.
“From Osimhen’s hard work to Lookman’s brace to Ekong and Bassey’s very solid performances as well as Nwabali’s solidity, kudos to the entire team.
“Onto the quarterfinals! Let’s carry this momentum forward, Super Eagles. Best of luck in the next round, and may our journey in #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 continue to shine bright.”
Meanwhile, former Nigeria international, Nwankwo Kanu has reacted to Super Eagles’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 victory over Cameroon on Saturday night.
Reacting, Kanu, in a post via his X account, congratulated Jose Peseiro’s side and hailed their combined effort against Cameroon.
The Arsenal legend wrote: “KAN U BELIEVE IT YESSSSSSSS KANU BELIEVE IT Super Eagles Nigeria are on their way to the quarterfinals #AFCON2023. Combined effort everyone @ng_supereagles, more goals ahead congratulations.”
On his part, Nigeria attacker, Victor Boniface, who withdrew from the Super Eagles squad at AFCON due to injury, wrote: “Respect brother @victorosimhen9.”
[NationalDaily]
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Angola in the next round of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Nigeria will play the Giant Sable Antelope in the AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals by 6pm, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Decisively, Ademola Lookman’s brace gave Nigeria the win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a hard-fought game.
Moreover, the Super Eagles remain unbeaten in the tournament.
According to CAF Online, Angolan forward, Jacinto Dala says they deserve to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The team defeated Namibia on Friday 3-0, with Jacinto Dala involved in all three goals.
Worthy of note, Angola have reached the last eight of the tournament for the first time since their run to the semi-finals in 2008.
“We had a good performance today. The team deserved this qualification, and I’m very happy we made it happen.
“I will say the commitment and the involvement of all the players helped me win this man of the match,” he said.
Nigeria at Egypt 2019
In the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt, the Super Eagles knocked out Cameroon in the Round of 16.
They came from behind and secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
Meanwhile, Ighalo’s brace in the 19th and 63rd minutes, combined with Iwobi’s 66th-minute winner, overcame Bahoken and N’Jia’s goals.
The Cameroonians scored in the 41st and 44th minutes.
Also, William Troost-Ekong sealed the deal with a last-minute winner (89th minute) against South Africa in the quarterfinals after a tense 1-1 draw.
In the semifinals, Nigeria faced Algeria in a nail-biting contest.
Despite Ighalo’s 72nd-minute penalty, Ekong’s unfortunate own-goal and Riyadh Mahrez’s goal in the 90+5 minutes secured Algeria’s spot in the final.
They won 2-1.
Nigeria beat Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place playoff. Odion Ighalo’s 3rd-minute goal was enough to secure victory for the Eagles.
[Punch]
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, is expected to make four changes to his starting XI for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 clash with Cameroon on Saturday.
Sources in Ivory Coast told DAILY POST that captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Sanusi Zaidu and Ademola Lookman are pencilled down to start the match.
Troost-Ekong and Zaidu have been recovering from injury, while Iwobi and Lookman were left on the bench for the final Group A fixture against Guinea-Bissau.
Alhassan Yusuf, who has not played since the first group game, is also fit again, but will be among the substitutes.
Peseiro is expected to go with a 3-4-3 formation against the Indomitable Lions.
Kick-off for the game is 9:00 pm WAT.
[DailyPost]
Africa’s fiercest rivalry will be rekindled in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday as the Super Eagles of Nigeria face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The neighboring countries endured different group stages, with the Super Eagles enjoying a cruise into the knockouts with one-nil victories over Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.
Cameroon, meanwhile, were on the verge of a shock exit at the hands of Gambia but they managed to qualify after scoring two stoppage time goals.
Kick-off time and venue
Nigeria vs Cameroon is scheduled for a 9 pm kick-off on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The match will take place at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.
Where to watch
The match can be seen on DSTV Supersport channel 202, NTA among others.
Nigeria Team News
Jose Peseiro has found success with a 3-4-3 formation in Nigeria’s last two matches, with Fulham defender Calvin Bassey impressing at left cennter back.
Alhassan Yusuf, William Troost-Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi are all back from injury issues, and have been pictured in training.
Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman are competing to flank Victor Osimhen while Alex Iwobi may expect to replace Joe Aribo in the middle of the park.
Read Also: Nigeria vs Cameroon: Musa, Onuachu, Anthony swell Eagles camp to 21
Cameroon Team News
Cameroon’s preparation has focused on Andre Onana’s situation, with the Manchester United goalkeeper reportedly involved in a bust-up with national team chief Samuel Eto’o after being dropped for the Gambia game.
Fabrice Ondoa, is Onana’s main competition for the number one spot.
Veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar may finally be fit to make his bow at the 2023 AFCON.
[TheNation]
Cameroon Forward, Faris Moumbagna insists the Indomitable Lions are fired up for their Round of 16 clash against Nigeria.
Rigobert Song’s side has endured an underwhelming start to their campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The four-time champions managed to qualify from their group, recording one win and two draws.
The Indomitable Lions will need to improve on their performance to stand any chance of beating the Super Eagles.
Moumbagna claimed that the team is in a positive mood going into the game with their perennial rivals.
“We prepared well, the atmosphere was good in the group. We are going to stay in the same state of mind and continue to give the best of us,” the Olympic Marseille star told a press conference in Abidjan.
” We are going to approach this match with 200% effort. We are going to give everything on the pitch like we did against Gambia, we are not going to give up”.
Saturday’s encounter is billed for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan. It will start at 9pm Nigeria time.
[DailyPost]
Nigeria and Cameroon will renew their Africa Cup of Nations rivalry in a round of 16 clash of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday (today) in Ivory Coast, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Eagles finished second behind Equatorial Guinea in Group A, while Rigobert Song’s men relied on a late 3-2 comeback win against The Gambia to progress behind Senegal in Group C.
The Eagles will be aiming to avoiding another round of 16 AFCON exit as they were dumped out at this stage by Tunisia at the last edition in Cameroon.
And in a bid to reach his first ever AFCON quarter-final, Jose Peseiro has hinted that he will maintain the 3-4-3 formation that saw his team edge past both AFCON hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau by the odd goal.
This system evolves to five defenders (three centre backs and two full backs) when the team are defending to the frustration of the other team.
Peseiro is also expected to keep faith with mostly the same players who have got the team to this stage of the competition. This means means that the trio William Troost-Ekong – if fit, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman are expected to be recalled to the starting line-up for the encounter.
Speaking ahead of the game, Peseiro revealed that he won’t be changing his team against the Indomitable Lions.
“At least one goal, we’ll attack well and defend together, you do that and we win,” Peseiro said.
“I have studied many of the matches between both teams but tomorrow (today) our objective is to win the match.
“I will try to stick with what I have been doing and hope our players start scoring more goals soon. The statistics say we are the team with the most goalscoring opportunities, and for that I cannot change my team or formation.”
Peseiro’s side has struggled for goals at tournament, netting three times despite heading into the knockout stage as the competition’s top creators, fashioning more clear-cut chances (13) than the other 23 sides.
The Nigerian Football Federation Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, who was on-field captain for the squad that won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia, believes that the Eagles can soar over the Indomitable Lions if they play with flair and flexibility.
“Cameroon will always come with determination and grit,”Eguavoen said.
“The Eagles have to be even more prepared for them and deploy the greater flair and flexibility that we have.”
Meanwhile, Cameroon’s head coach, Rigobert Song, has revealed that he is aware of the threat Nigeria poses to his team’s chances of reaching the quarter-final and was swift to add that a comprehensive strategy is in place to curtail the fearsome attack of the Eagles led by Victor Osimhen.
Song, converted the decisive penalty in a shoot-out at the 2000 AFCON final in Nigeria after extra time scores were level at 2-2.
The former Liverpool, West Ham United and Galatasaray player acknowledged Osimhen’s prowess, hailing him as a “wonderful striker”.
However, he swiftly shifted the narrative, emphasising that the concentration of his team is not singularly on Osimhen but extends to the entire Nigerian squad.
“We have strong respect for Nigeria because they’re a very good side. “But we have our plans in place on how to approach this game.
“We respect him (Osimhen). He’s a wonderful striker. But our concentration is not just on him. It is on the entire team. We know what we need to do, and our strategy is in place. We know that our main focus is for Nigeria. They are a strong team. We are doing everything because we are here to win.”
With reports pointing to the return of Vincent Aboubakar from injury, Cameroon could be tempted to play the centre-forward from the start against the Eagles.
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has said the team’s approach against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday is to defend as a unit while being clinical in front of opposition goal.
The gaffer said this on Friday in Abidjan at a pre-match press conference ahead of the epic clash.
“I don’t want to concede goals tomorrow (Saturday), I want to score at least one. If we do this, we will beat Cameroon,” Peseiro said.
The coach switched to a more defensive 3-4-3 formation in the group stage resulting in scrappy wins against Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau and a draw against eventual group A leaders Equatorial Guinea.
The coach said the most important thing at this stage was to win and advance to the quarter-finals stage.
He expressed optimism that the team’s goal poacher and Napoli hitman, Victor Osimhen, would start firing again from the knockout stage.
“For our next match (Cameroon), Osimhen will score; he’s important for the team. He’s the top scorer, but this is a different tournament and tough competition.
“He deserves to reach the top position because against Equatorial Guinea, he created so many chances and he scored.
“Did Equatorial Guinea beat us? No, we shared the points, and I know we will beat them next time because it’s not easy in this competition,” he said.
The Portuguese tactician also dispelled rumours of a rift with Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, who has not featured in the tournament, owing to an earlier injury.
He hinted at the forward seeing some action in the crucial clash with Cameroon.
“There are a lot of negative stories out there. If there was something between us, Kelechi will not be here. I will not invite him.
“He was injured before the competition and was not with us in Abu Dhabi. He arrived before our first game and started work the following day.
“We have to work with our doctors on his recovery process. We believe in Kelechi, he is going to play and score for us in this competition,” Peseiro said.
Nigeria and Cameroon will clash in a blockbuster Round of 16 tie slated for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles will wrap up their preparations for the game with a training session at the Ecole Nationale de Police training pitch on Friday evening.
The last time both teams clashed at the 2019 AFCON, the Super Eagles came from behind to eliminate the Lions 3-2, in a thrilling encounter.
NAN
More...
Moses Simon has boasted that the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon can’t derail the Super Eagles ambition of emerging champions at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will keep a date with their perennial rivals in a Round of 16 contest at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Saturday.
The Super Eagles are desperate to add to their three titles in Cote d’Ivoire.
Simon restated the team’s ambition to go all the way in the competition.
“We don’t think about history, whatever happened between Nigeria and Cameroon belongs to the past, “the Nantes winger told a press conference in Abidjan on Friday.
” We are going to approach the game the same way, the mindset is to win and move into the next round.
” I have a clubmate (Jean-Charles Castelleto), in their team. I know his strengths and weaknesses.
“Our goal is to win the game and the trophy as well. We will take it game by game. We are ready for the game and won’t allow them stop us “
[DailyPost]
Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon has claimed fans are putting too much pressure on Victor Osimhen to score for the team at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen has registered only one goal in three appearances for the Super Eagles in the competition.
The Napoli hitman also squandered a number of scoring opportunities in Nigeria’s three group games.
Simon, however, said the focus should be on the team, not an individual.
“We know that we have the best striker in the world in our team, which is Victor Osimhen,” the Nantes winger told a press conference in Abidjan on Friday.
“There is too much pressure on Osimhen to score. We have all missed good chances in the competition. I missed a good chance in the last game too.
“For us it is not about an individual, it is all about the team. We all take responsibility for everything that happens on the pitch.”
Napoli and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has said his ambition at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast is to win the title.
He stated this while reacting to the criticisms trailing his poor scoring form at the ongoing tournament, in a recent interview with CBS Sports Golazo.
Osimhen said goal drought is “normal” for strikers but assured that his goals will come when it matters the most, stressing that the team is focused on progressing through the tournament and lifting the trophy.
“I know that when the time comes, my goals will come for sure. I know that one for sure. I’m a striker, I can go ten games without scoring which is normal,” he said.
“It’s easy for people to speak [criticize strikers] when you don’t score for two or three games. But for me, I don’t care about that. I’m focused on making sure that the team continues to progress and get to our target which is winning the AFCON. This is what I am after.”
DAILY POST reports that Osimhen has managed just one goal in three games at the AFCON so far despite Nigeria creating the most big chances (13) in the group stage of the tournament.
The striker will be hoping to increase the tally when Nigeria face Cameroon in the round of 16 game in Abidjan, on Saturday.
Reports emerging from the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire reveals that foreign scouts have arrived in Abidjan, to monitor the performance of Super Eagles star, Alhassan Yusuf.
Naija News learnt that English Premier League side, West Ham United and RB Leipzig from the Bundesliga have sent their scouts to Abidjan to evaluate the 23-year-old player.
It is anticipated that Yusuf will make a comeback in Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, following his absence in the previous two games due to a thigh injury.
This injury was sustained during the Super Eagles’ opening game against Equatorial Guinea.
The midfielder is said to have resumed full team training on Wednesday ahead of Nigeria’s next match in the AFCON.
Yusuf was included in Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 squad following injury to Wilfred Ndidi