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The Super Eagles will play a friendly match against Guinea’s Syli Nationale in Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to a statement by Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, indicated that the friendly match was part of the Super Eagles’ preparation ahead of a feast of Guinean attrition in the group phase at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Head Coach José Peseiro has the opportunity to put to the crucible different patterns and tactics against quality opposition.
“The friendly game is coming only seven days before the three-time champions’ opening game against Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nacional inside Abidjan’s Stade Alassane Ouattara,” it said.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles are in Group A of the four-week, 24-nation finals alongside host nation Cote d’Ivoire and Africa’s other two Guinean nations – Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
The Syli Nationale was one of Africa’s strongest teams in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the silver medals at the 1976 AFCON in Ethiopia.
They gave the so-called big teams a good run for their money at the Africa Cup and in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The Eagles pipped Syli Nationale 1-0 in a group phase encounter at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
Far back in 1981, Syli Nationale held the Eagles to a 1-1 draw in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Conakry, and in Lagos, Nigeria won with a long-range Henry Nwosu strike to the far corner of Abdoulaye Keita’s goal.
“Monday’s encounter has been scheduled for the Bani Yas Stadium.
“It is sure to slightly open a window into the mind of Coach Peseiro and how he intends to line up his army when Africa’s flagship football championship begins next weekend,” it added.
The 2023 AFCON which kicks off on Jan. 13 will end on Feb. 11. (NAN)
Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo, who won four World Cups as a player and coach, has died aged 92. Zagallo was a winger in the Brazil team who won back-to- back World Cups in 1958 and 1962, starting in both finals. He managed the side widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time, includ- ing Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto, to glory in 1970.
Zagallo’s final World Cup triumph came as Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant coach in 1994. He returned as Brazil manager after that tournament and led them to the final in 1998, where they were beaten by hosts France. Zagallo was the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager – a feat that has since been matched by Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps.
“With enormous sadness, we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo,” a statement on his official Instagram account said. “A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.”
Africa Footballer of the Year award winner, Victor Osimhen, has said the Super Eagles’ target going to the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is for the team to win the ultimate prize. The Napoli of Italy forward during the team’s dinner in Abu Dhabi, the Super Eagles’ camp, where he was honoured by his teammates after winning the award as the best player on the continent, said they are going to do well.
“The most important thing now for us is to go to Ivory Coast and win the trophy,” he said. “I believe in this group, and we have a bunch of talented players to execute the job, fingers crossed, and we are going to do so well.” Nigeria would be seeking their fourth title after winning it in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The Super Eagles are in Group A alongside host, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau. The Jose Peseiro side will begin their quest for the title with a game against Equatorial Guinea on January 14 before confronting the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on January 18, before a final group phase clash with the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22.
Their first two matches will hold at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattara, while the date with the Wild Dogs will be at the Stade Houphouet-Boigny – where the Eagles tackled Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.
Naomi Osaka, a globally renowned tennis champion, has not only captivated audiences with her sportsmanship on the court but also emerged as a dynamic entrepreneur. Her ventures into various business reflect her diverse interests and strategic vision. With a reported net worth of $60 million according to Forbes, Osaka has diversified her portfolio beyond tennis, venturing into skincare, talent management, media production, health food, and sports recovery technology.
Here, we explore five key ventures that encapsulate her business acumen:
- KINLÒ: Championing Skincare for Melanated Skin
In 2020, Osaka launched KINLÒ, a skincare brand focused on the needs of melanated skin, a niche often overlooked in the beauty industry. This venture stemmed from her personal experiences and understanding of the specific skincare challenges faced by people with darker skin tones.
The range of products offered by KINLÒ includes specially formulated sunscreens and moisturizers. These products are designed to offer effective protection and nourishment, addressing issues like sun damage, which are more prevalent in melanated skin.
KINLÒ’s success is rooted not just in its products but also in its mission to educate and advocate for better skincare practices for all skin types. Osaka’s involvement goes beyond business; it’s a platform for her to champion inclusivity and community health.
- Evolve: Redefining Talent Management
Osaka, along with her agent Stuart Duguid, founded Evolve in 2022. This talent agency, led by a female athlete, is a pioneering initiative in sports management, particularly focusing on nurturing and representing emerging athletes.
Evolve is more than an agency; it’s a support system for athletes. It provides a range of services, including branding, marketing, and financial management, all tailored to the unique needs of sports personalities.
With Evolve, Osaka aims to bring a change in the athlete representation industry, especially by empowering female athletes and giving them a platform to excel both in and out of their sporting arenas.
- Hana Kuma: Breaking New Ground in Media Production
In partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, Osaka launched Hana Kuma in 2022. This media venture is a bold step into the world of content creation and distribution.
Hana Kuma focuses on producing culturally relevant and impactful content. It aims to tell diverse stories that resonate with a global audience, reflecting Osaka’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
This media company not only marks Osaka’s expansion into new business territories but also positions her as an influencer in the media industry, capable of shaping narratives and bringing untold stories to the limelight.
- Sweetgreen: Investing in Health and Wellness
In 2021, Osaka made a strategic investment in Sweetgreen, a brand valued at $3 billion. This move marked her as one of the youngest investors in the company, showcasing her foresight and belief in healthy living.
Sweetgreen’s focus on providing nutritious, sustainable food options aligns with Osaka’s lifestyle and personal values. This partnership underscores her commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle among her fans and the broader public.
As an investor, Osaka plays a significant role in guiding Sweetgreen’s branding and outreach strategies, leveraging her global influence to advocate for healthier food choices.
- Hyperice: Enhancing Sports Recovery and Performance
In 2019, Osaka acquired a stake in Hyperice, a company specializing in sports recovery technology. This decision reflects her understanding of the needs of athletes and her commitment to enhancing sports performance.
Hyperice is known for its cutting-edge recovery products, and Osaka’s involvement has not only added to her business portfolio but also allowed her to influence product development, using her insights as a professional athlete.
Her association with Hyperice is more than an investment; it’s a partnership that helps bridge the gap between athletic needs and technological solutions, reinforcing her position as an influential figure in sports technology.
Osaka’s evolution from a tennis superstar to a multifaceted entrepreneur is a narrative of ambition, insight, and versatility. Her diverse business interests, from skincare to sports technology, highlight her multifaceted persona and her ability to identify and capitalize on unique opportunities. Beyond her financial success, Osaka’s ventures are imbued with a sense of purpose, whether it’s promoting health and wellness or championing inclusivity and diversit
[billionaires.africa]
(All times in GMT)
Group Stage
– Jan 13, Saturday:
Group A:
Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau at 20:00
(Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara Stadium)
Jan 14, Sunday:
Group A:
Nigeria vs. Equatorial Guinea at 1400
(Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
Group B:
Egypt vs. Mozambique at 1700,
(Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium)
Ghana vs. Cape Verde at 2000
(Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium)
Jan 15, Monday:
Group C:
Senegal (holders) vs. Gambia at 1400,
(both Yamoussoukro)
Cameroon vs. Guinea at 1700
( Yamoussoukro)
Group D: Algeria vs. Angola at 2000
(Bouake)
Jan 16, Tuesday:
Group D:
Burkina Faso vs. Mauritania at 1400 (Bouake)
Group E:
Tunisia vs. Namibia at 1700 ( Korhogo)
Mali vs. South Africa at 2000 ( Korhogo)
Jan 17, Wednesday:
Group F: Morocco vs. Tanzania at 1700 (San Pedro)
Democratic Republic of Congo vs. Zambia at 2000 ( San Pedro)
Jan 18, Thursday:
Group A:
Equatorial Guinea vs. Guinea-Bissau at 1400 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria at 1700 ( Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
Group B:
Egypt vs. Ghana at 2000 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
Jan 19, Friday:
Group B:
Cape Verde vs. Mozambique at 1400 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
Group C:
Senegal vs. Cameroon at 1700, (Yamoussoukro)
Guinea vs. Gambia at 2000 (both Yamoussoukro)
Jan 20, Saturday:
Group D:
Algeria vs. Burkina Faso at 1400 ( Bouake)
Mauritania vs. Angola at 1700 (Bouake)
Group E:
Tunisia vs. Mali at 2000 (Korhogo)
Jan 21, Sunday:
Group F:
Morocco vs. DR Congo at 1400 ( San Pedro)
Zambia vs. Tanzania at 1700 ( San Pedro)
Group E:
South Africa vs. Namibia at 2000 (Korhogo)
Jan 22, Monday:
Group A:
Equatorial Guinea vs. Ivory Coast at 1700 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara),
Guinea-Bissau vs. Nigeria at 1700 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
Group B:
Cape Verde vs. Egypt at 2000 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny), Mozambique vs. Ghana at 2000 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
Jan 23, Tuesday:
Group C:
Guinea vs. Senegal at 1700 (Yamoussoukro),
Gambia vs. Cameroon at 1700 (Bouake)
Group D:
Angola vs. Burkina Faso at 2000 (Yamoussoukro),
Mauritania vs. Algeria at 2000 (Bouake)
Jan 24, Wednesday:
Group E:
South Africa vs. Tunisia at 1700 (Korhogo)
Namibia vs. Mali at 1700 (San Pedro)
Group F:
Tanzania vs. DR Congo at 2000 (Korhogo)
Zambia vs. Morocco at 2000 (San Pedro)
*Last 16*
Jan 27, Saturday:
– (1) 1st D vs. 3rd B/E/F at 1700 (Bouake)
– (2) 2nd A vs. 2nd C at 2000 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
– Jan 28, Sunday:
– (3) 1st A vs. 3rd C/D/E at 1700 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
– (4) 2nd B vs. 2nd F at 2000 (San Pedro)
– Jan 29, Monday:
– (5) 1st B vs. 3rd A/C/D at 1700 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
– (6) 1st C vs. 3rd A/B/F at 2000 (Yamoussoukro)
– Jan 30, Tuesday:
– (7) 1st E vs. 2nd D at 1700 (Korhogo)
– (8) 1st F vs. 2nd E at 2000 (San Pedro)
*Quarter-finals*
– Feb 2, Friday:
– (1) Winners 2 vs. Winners 1 at 1700 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
– (2) Winners 4 vs. Winners 3 at 2000 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
– Feb 3, Saturday:
– (3) Winners 7 vs. Winners 6 at 1700 (Bouake)
– (4) Winners 5 vs. Winners 8 at 2000 (Yamoussoukro)
*Semi-finals*
– Feb 7, Wednesday:
– Winners 1 vs. Winners 4 at 1700 (Bouake)
– Winners 3 vs. Winners 2 at 2000 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
*3rd Place*
– Feb 10, Saturday:
– Losing semi-finalists at 2000 (Abidjan, Felix Houphouet-Boigny)
*Final*
– Feb 11, Sunday:
– Winning semi-finalists at 2000 (Abidjan, Alassane Ouattara)
Chelsea’s full squad to face Preston in today’s FA Cup third round tie at Stamford Bridge has been revealed.
According to Football London, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has a list of players that includes Christopher Nkunku, Djordje Petrovic and Enzo Fernandez to face Preston on Saturday evening.
Chelsea head to the game after beating Luton Town 3-2 in their game in the Premier League.
Here is the full list of Chelsea players available for the Preston clash:
Goalkeepers: Djordje Petrovic, Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom
Defenders: Alfie Gilchrist, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Ian Maatsen, Thiago Silva, Malo Gusto
Midfielders: Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Leo Castledine, Enzo Fernandez
Attackers: Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, Armando Broja, Deivid Washington, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku
The kick-off time for the match is 6.30 pm, Nigerian time.
[DailyPost]
The much-anticipated bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou is officially confirmed, set to unfold in Saudi Arabia later this year. A press conference scheduled for January 15 in London will unveil the exact date of this 10-round battle, as announced by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, part of Riyadh Season.
Originally, Joshua was set to face Deontay Wilder post his victory over Otto Wallin on December 23. However, this plan disintegrated when Wilder faced defeat against Joseph Parker, nullifying their proposed match.
The clash between Joshua and Ngannou emerged after the former UFC star entered the WBC’s top 10 heavyweight rankings following his debut in professional boxing. Ngannou’s bout against Tyson Fury in October garnered attention, where he impressively floored the WBC champion in the third round, although ultimately losing in a split decision.
Despite opinions suggesting Ngannou’s performance merited a win, Fury secured a victory, solidifying his title fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Nevertheless, Ngannou’s skill and credibility as a contender in the heavyweight category were widely acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s recent win against Otto Wallin showcased his determination to regain supremacy in the heavyweight division. Demonstrating boxing finesse, Joshua dominated the match, prompting Wallin’s corner to halt the fight after five rounds.
The forthcoming clash between Joshua and Ngannou holds the promise of an electrifying face-off that has fans eagerly awaiting the details.
[Leadership]
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp joked Friday that he is not wishing Mohamed Salah too much luck at the Africa Cup of Nations as he prepares for a crucial spell of games without his top scorer.
Salah is away with Egypt for the tournament in Ivory Coast while Japan captain Wataru Endo will be involved at the Asian Cup in Qatar, with both players expected to go deep in the respective competitions.
That could mean they will not be back until the second week in February but Klopp said he sent them on their way this week without wishing them too much success.
“I said if I wish you good luck it would be a lie,” Klopp said ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie at Arsenal on Sunday.
“From a personal point of view, I would be happy if they go out in the group stage but that’s probably not possible. They can go on and win it.
“So it was ‘Good luck and come back healthy’. We have to deal with it and we will deal with it. I am pretty positive that we will find a way.”
Klopp does not really have a suitable replacement for Salah, who plays on the right side of his attack and has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season.
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was touted as a potential option but he has been ruled out for at least two matches with a hamstring injury sustained in the New Year’s Day win over Newcastle.
But Klopp, whose side are top of the Premier League, is confident Liverpool can fill the hole left by Salah.
“I think we played against West Ham (in last month’s League Cup quarter-final) without Mo on that side and Harvey Elliott played there,” he said.
“We have different offensive options who can all play that wing in a different way. Nobody else can play like Mo, it is not possible — we just have to use the boys with their skills.
“Do we want to play without Mo? No. In the past we didn’t have to do it often but we always found a way.
“But we play Arsenal and you can lose to Arsenal with Mo Salah so it’s possible to lose to them without him.”
Klopp said he was braced for a challenging January, even though there are fewer Premier League games due to a mid-season player break.
Liverpool’s game at the Emirates comes just two weeks after the title-chasing sides drew 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League and will be followed by the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Fulham on Wednesday.
“Some teams obviously don’t play that often in January,” he said. “We don’t have that, we have now with the semi-final, we have a proper rhythm.
“I think a re-match against Arsenal would really not be helpful, that’s how it is, because it just doesn’t fit in, would kill the winter break, stuff like this.”
[OpinionNigeria]
CABLE television service provider StarTimes has secured the rights to show the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Nigeria and other sub-Sahara countries.
StarTimes announced the rights acquisition today, two days after its rival SuperSport, who had broadcast the previous editions of the tournament, confirmed it would not be showing AFCON 2023.
The tournament will be held in from January 13 to February 11 across five cities in Cote d’Ivoire, with the Super Eagles of Nigeria one of 24 national teams taking part.
“In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine sports broadcasting, media giant StarTimes has officially secured the rights to air the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and all CAF events held in 2024 in Anglophone and Lusophone countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2025 Qualifiers,” StarTimes stated today.
“This strategic acquisition cements StarTimes’ commitment to delivering premium sports content to its viewers and reinforces its position as a leading player in the African media landscape.
“All the fifty-two matches will be aired exclusively on Sports Premium, Sports Life and Beta Sports channels.
“The Africa Cup of Nations, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stands as one of the most prestigious football tournaments on the continent.”
The Confederation of African Football had announced in November that it had sold the rights to AFCON and other competitions to New World TV, a relatively new outfit based in Togo, for the next three years.
New World TV in turn has redistributed the rights to channels across the continent, with StarTimes and some free-to-air stations set to show the matches of AFCON 2023 to Nigerians.
[NaijaTimes]
Nigeria’s highest ranked table tennis player, Quadri Aruna, has exited the World Table Tennis Men’s finals in Doha following a 0-3 (6-11 9-11 4-11) defeat to World number one, Zhendong Fan.
The quarterfinals game at the Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday saw the Chinese dominate the game.
Aruna, the World number 16, came close in the second set but Fan showed class and claimed victory.
The Nigerian had earlier defeated World number five, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano 3-2 in the Round of 16 before facing Fan in the Quarter finals.
The World number one will meet his compatriot Lin Gaoyuan, world number seven in the semi finals on Friday.
The tournament expected to end on Friday has a prize money of 340,000 US dollars.
[Leadership]
More...
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has increased prize money for the winner of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire by 40 per cent.
On its official website on Thursday, CAF said the winner of the TotalEnergies AFCON will receive $7 million.
Daily Trust reports that the 2023 AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with 24 countries participating.
According to the organization, the runner-up will get $4 million while each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5 million and each of the four quarter-finalists will get $1.3 million.
Patrice Motsepe, CAF President, while speaking on the development, said the body had over the past two years increased the prize money of the AFCON.
Motsepe said: “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions.
“We have increased the prize money of the AFCON Winner to seven million dollars which is a 40 per cent increase from the previous prize money.
“I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our member associations with their administrations.”
Months after welcoming his second child with his ex-girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi, Brazilian winger, Neymar is reportedly expecting his third child from a third baby mama.
Neymar recently welcomed his second child, a daughter named Mavi, with Bruna, who confirmed her breakup with the 31-year-old Brazilian star in November 2023.
The Brazilian model had to break up with the former Paris Saint Germain winger after he was caught on camera partying with unidentified women amidst a cheating scandal.
Despite their breakup, Neymar celebrated the birth of Mavi while recovering from a recent surgery to treat his Cruciate ligament tear.
Since Neymar left PSG for Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal on August 12, 2023, for a transfer fee worth €90 million, he has managed to play just five times in all competitions in which he has scored a goal and provided three assists.
He is struggling with non-football matters as he is battling to stabilize his fitness issues and football career. Brazilian showbiz website LeoDias has alleged that a Brazilian model is three months pregnant for the footballer.
The Sun also confirmed the report on Tuesday, January 2, but Neymar has yet to make any public reaction over the report, and the model in question is unknown.
If the report is anything to go by, it means that the footballer was cheating on Bruna, as alleged. Recall that last year, the Brazilian footballer publicly apologized to her for cheating on her.
Also, if the pregnancy rumour is anything to go by, Neymar will be a father to three children from three different women. He had his first child, 12-year-old Luca, with ex-girlfriend Carolina, and months-old Mavi with Bruna.
Former Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 male national team, Sebastine Broderick, has passed on at the age of 85.
Broderick’s wife confirmed the development on Wednesday.
He has been battling with an unnamed illness for over a year.
Broderick led the Golden Eaglets to success at the first edition of the U-16 World Cup in China in 1985.
He also won a silver medal in the 1987 tournament in Canada, which FIFA eventually upgraded to the U-17 World Cup.
Broderick led a coaching crew that also had Bala Shamaki and Christian Chukwu when Nigeria won in China in 1985.
He enjoyed a distinguished career both as a player and coach, representing the country at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, on Wednesday, said the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament would not be broadcasted on its platform.
It said the satellite failed to secure the broadcasting rights to broadcast the continent’s biggest footballing event on its SuperSport channels.
“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2-24, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.
“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.
“Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivaled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League, and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions,” the firm said in a statement on Wednesday.
The 34th edition of AFCON will begin on 13 January in Ivory Coast.
The PUNCH reports that three-time winners Nigeria will face the hosts, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
The Eagles, in their quest for a fourth continental title, will take on Equatorial Guinea on January 14 in their first match of Group A, before further clashes with host nation Ivory Coast January 18 and Guinea Bissau January 22.