Nigerian tennis icon, Aruna Quadri has suffered food poisoning which has forced him to withdraw from the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships.
The World Table Tennis Championships started on Friday, in South Korea, and most table tennis enthusiasts were stunned not to see Aruna Quadri in action.
Due to the uncertainty over his absence from the tournament, the 33-year-old Nigerian tennis icon took to his official Facebook page to announce his health condition.
In the post, the 2023 African Champion said his current illness wouldn’t permit him to participate in the tournament as he wished team Nigeria luck in the tournament.
“Unfortunately, I will not be participating in world championships in Busan, I am seriously ill with food poisoning,” he wrote.
“I wish the team good luck.”
Note that Japan easily walked over Nigeria’s men’s tennis team led by Segun Toriola on Friday, February 16.
While noting that the absence of Aruna Quadri made it easier for the Japanese to defeat Nigeria in their first group stage game, Toriola insisted that his table tennis team will make it out of the group.
“I am aware that the Japanese are afraid of Aruna and their coaching crew have been worried about the formation of their team but when the news filtered that Aruna would not be coming, they were a bit relieved that they have a bye to the next game,” Toriola said.
“But we can’t give up even though it is a big blow to the team here in Korea and we will not give up hoping that we can progress from the group.”
The Nigerian table tennis team are expected to reach the quarter-finals of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships to grab one of the eight spots available for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Super Eagle’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, has seen his transfer value skyrocket to a whopping N3.8 billion following his outstanding performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nwabali saved two penalty shots in Nigeria’s semi-final match against South Africa.
The goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in Super Eagle’s successful campaign during the African Cup of Nations, has garnered attention from several clubs both locally and abroad, resulting in a considerable increase in his market worth.
Following a couple AFCON matches, Nwabali was valued at 250,000 pounds on the transfer market.
Stanley Nwabali is now worth two million pounds (more than N3.8 billion), according to insiders at Chippa United.
Rumor has claimed that the South African team wants to maximize profits from the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Brilla.net reports that many clubs, including Union Saint Gilloise, are interested in Nwabali’s services.
Pooja, a sports photojournalist, also wrote about it on X:
“Nwabali now worth over £2m after AFCON. One month the tournament & his worth skyrocketed. Mr. Composure.”
As reactions continue to trail the recently concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations, Here are ‘prophecies’ and predictions of some clerics that attracted knocks and kudos from netizens
There was a high level of anxiety among football lovers in Nigeria as the senior national team, the Super Eagles, squared up against the host of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast, in the final in Abidjan, last Sunday.
Millions of Nigerians at home and in Abidjan had high hopes that the Eagles would crown their impressive campaign with victory at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
But the match ended 2-1 in favour of Ivory Coast and came as a rude shock to Nigerians and other supporters of the Eagles who expected the Nigerian team to lift the trophy as the favourite, based on its impressive performance.
No doubt, the tournament came with different surprises, including a shocking exit of some highly ranked teams.
However, among the other interesting features of the competition were the several prophecies and predictions made by religious leaders on and off social media about the outcome of scheduled matches leading up to the finals.
In Nigeria, prophecies about the outcome of football matches are not new and are studiously followed by many football fans, some of whom use them as their tips for sports betting.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that while some of the prophecies do have true outcomes and tend to authenticate the spiritual calling of the men on the pupil, others fail woefully, resulting in the clerics being viciously trolled online by angry Nigerians.
For years, the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Temitope Joshua, was known for giving prophecies about the outcome of football matches, several of which his followers claimed were accurate.
Last Tuesday, an old video of the late cleric predicting the outcome of the 2012 AFCON final match between Zambia and Ivory Coast went viral on TikTok.
The 12-year-old video which was shot live at the SCOAN, located in Ikotun, Lagos, captured the moment the well-known preacher shared what God supposedly told him about the winner and the penalty shootout that would decide the outcome of the 2012 match.
“This victory is for a country you are not expecting. Just to make them smile because of the past record they have – what happened to them in their history. God wants to make them happy because of the victims of what happened to them in the past,” he was quoted by the church’s Emmanuel TV website as saying.
The match ended in favour of Zambia. Although Joshua did not disclose the name of the team that would secure victory, the church said the outcome of the match was “true to the prophetic word” of its founder.
2023 AFCON ‘prophecies,’ predictions
Yul Edochie
A day before the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa, actor-turned-pastor of True Salvation Ministry, Yul Edochie, said that Nigeria might be in for a surprise.
Taking to Instagram, Edochie wrote, “Why am I having the feeling that South Africa may surprise us tomorrow? God abeg oo. Super Eagles no gree for anybody oo. Kwechili. Leave no stones unturned. Bring home the trophy.”
Our correspondent observed that the actor came under fire for his post. For instance, a netizen named John Peiller wrote, “Very smart way to prophesy. So you can say you say that South (Africa) won but if Nigeria wins, then you can say you prayed against defeat. This country and cruise.”
Another netizen, Akosa Obinna, wrote, “Because you are carnal and guesswork without faith is just as good as guesswork period! Man of gosh. There are no supernatural powers, (it) is either you analyse with experience or expertise or rest till the game is over.”
Before the final match, Edochie, in a post on his Instagram page gave another prediction that the Super Eagles would defeat Ivory Coast.
“Today’s game will not get a penalty shootout. Nigeria will comfortably defeat the Ivory Coast,” he had written.
However, on Sunday, February 11, the Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-1 to the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
Edochie’s page was swamped by Nigerians expressing their dissatisfaction and called his prophecy bogus.
One of them, named @iam_baron, said, “With due respect sir, close down (your) church.”
Another user, @Official queendee, wrote, “And then what should we think now? For the second time you have prophesied lies.”
Reacting amid the backlash, on Monday, Edochie in a post attached a photo of the Super Eagles team and its coach, Jose Peseiro, wrote, “It is well. Thank you Super Eagles.
“Getting to the finals is as good as winning. We are proud of you all. Great performance in the tournament.”
In a subsequent post showing the Nigerian flag, the Nollywood actor turned pastor added, “I love my country, Nigeria. Win or lose, good or bad, we pin here. Better days ahead. Giant of Africa.”
Elijah Ayodele
The spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, who garnered much popularity for his predictions about politics, economy, and sports, also gave his prophecies regarding AFCON.
In a video said to be dated September 17, 2023, and shared on his TikTok page and which went viral before the final match on February 11, the cleric was heard predicting that the Super Eagles would be knocked out of the semi-finals.
He stated, “Talk about CAN 2024, if Nigeria will do much preparation, listen, and do all that is needful (sic), Nigeria will get to the finals. And if they do all that is needful (sic), they can lift up the cup.
“If they don’t do it, and do ‘bigmanism’ in the Nations Cup they will not perform. They will have a heavy crash.
“They will survive the elimination series but they will be knocked out of the semi-finals. That’s the fact. Nigeria has all it takes to win Cote d’Ivoire 2024 irrespective of anybody that is going to play but if they are doing big, big then they will fail.”
In another video that was not dated but was also shared via his TikTok account, Ayodele was heard saying, “The Nations’ Cup 2023, or 2024 in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria is supposed to qualify. If Nigeria listens, Nigeria can go far but of course, if they score best, Nigeria will lose it with slim chances; they will slip out the cup from them.
“So it’s quite unfortunate that Nigeria will go into this cheap… I see this as a cheap World Cup. Of course, Ghana, and Egypt will qualify in the B, and Senegal and Cameroon will qualify also.
“This Cote d’Ivoire 2024 is for Nigeria, but will they be able to coordinate and do what is needful (sic) for them to lift up the cup? That’s a question that I couldn’t answer.”
Nigeria went through to the final after defeating South Africa 4-2 on penalties.
Joel Atuma’s green-coloured flag prediction
Another cleric who is the senior pastor of the Lord Graces Provinces Church, in Umuahia, Abia State, Prophet Joel Atuma, in a YouTube video titled, ‘Another prophecy for AFCON,’ posted by the cleric on February 2, he said, “I want to say again and again that if you don’t have the colour green on your flag, you can’t carry this AFCON cup, and a northern nation can take up the cup. These are two things that Jesus said to me because what is happening on that soccer field is strategic to the voice and rising of the African nation.
“And I remember that I said on Sunday that Osimhen has been released from that place and he is going to get closer and closer because there is something that God is doing in African nations. I want you to watch what is going to happen, because the Nigerian match is going to be minus one.
“The people who know my format know my format. That match is going to be minus one. I want to reiterate that if you don’t have green, the Nations Cup is not for you.”
Atuma, who claimed to have received a message from God, added, “God said to me that this AFCON is a statement (and) not a tournament. Angola has never beaten Nigeria.
“I will come back to tell you if Nigeria will win this trophy or not but I won’t be open. I will still encode it because the prophet will speak in quotes and parables, it is not for everybody, but let Osimien (sic) know that there is a gang up against him. All I will do for him is to slow down the time.”
Marcus Tibetan
Ahead of the Nigeria versus South Africa match last Wednesday, a prophet from the Celestial Church of Christ, Marcus Tibetan, expressed confidence the Super Eagles would defeat the Bafana Bafana in the AFCON semi-finals, claiming that “the Lord” revealed it to him.
“You know, the Lord revealed this to me. I’ve seen it before and I’ve told you that the first and second matches are going to be slow, but the third match is going to be firebrand.
“I told you in the Wednesday service that we are going to buckle up to take the trophy because the trophy belongs to us. But with what the Lord revealed, as they did to Cape Verde in the last match, because the people of South Africa are too diabolical, and playing with four penalties into one direction, it has an ulterior motive. There is something behind it.
“Our own we need to kill the match in the first half and they have to change some of the players but most of the players that should have been used have gone.
“(Victor) Osimhen has to step in a little. It could be 4-1 or 4-0 tomorrow, 4-0 is very eminent (sic). Tomorrow is our day and we will get it tomorrow,” he said in a video shared on YouTube by 12 Start TV.
Elijah Abiri
The founder of Jesus Alive Ministry International, Elijah Abiri, describes himself as a “prophet of fire” on his Facebook biodata. On January 26 he prophesied in a post that Cameroon would defeat Nigeria by three goals to one.
The Cameroon-based cleric, who told his followers not to see his prophecy as a parable, also instructed the coach of the Indomitable Lions, Rigobert Song, and another ex-international, Samuel Eto’o, to let the players use olive oil and salt to bathe in a bucket before the game commenced to secure victory.
He wrote, “Any arrow fired at you, backfired right now! Three-one is the score for Cameroon versus Nigeria in favour of Cameroon. This time I’m not talking in parables, I said Cameroon is winning Nigeria period! it’s written and it’s done, watch.”
But the game ended in Nigeria’s favour. Angry netizens dug up the cleric ‘prophesy’ and lambasted him.
In another video posted on Instagram on January 19, Abiri could be seen being conveyed on a motorcycle while he reeled out a prophecy about an impending match between Cameroon and Senegal.
“It is 30 minutes to the game between Cameroon and Senegal and I’m here to announce to you that Cameroon will win (against) Senegal. Cameroonians start celebrating, Cameroon will win Senegal today.
“We are going to trash Senegal. Three goals for Cameroon and one goal for Senegal. Tell the world that I am coming from a mission, I am done with the assignment. It is written and it is done.”
Again, at the end of the match on January 19, the reverse was the case as Cameroon lost 3-1 to Senegal.
Clerics using fake prophecies to make money – Mbaka
The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry in Enugu, Fr Ejike Mbaka, expressed displeasure over some Nigerian clerics who regularly dished out fake prophecies and conducted false miracles to make money and fame.
The cleric, who stated this in a video clip uploaded on the ministry’s official Facebook page, and YouTube channel on Sunday.
He said, “Many of us (clerics) have started using this preaching and prophecies to mine money. I call it ‘money mining.’ The worst is that they have started using prophecies as though it is betting. Prophetic trial and error.
“Such things do not last. What is fake will fade. If you want to make money, enter into business and do it. Stop using the name of God to dupe people. If you want to be famous, you can be famous by any other means.”
Also speaking in a phone interview with PUNCH, the pastor of Multiply Christian Network, Daniel Okunoye, described predictions for football games as an aberration that had replaced the gift of prophecy in the church.
According to him, the gift of prophecy, as contained in the Bible, is operated based on some guidelines.
“For instance, true prophecy is directed at the church for edification, exhortation or comforting a member of the body of Christ. A prophecy wasn’t meant to be like predictions utilised for mundane issues like soccer or other things that have no bearing on the church.
“There is a difference between prophecy and psychic reading. True prophecy comes from the Spirit of God and not from the heart of the person speaking it and it’s not based on lucky guesses or human knowledge.
“These people who make it their trade to predict outcomes of football matches under the guise of Christianity are making a mockery of the faith they profess. They worship money and fame,” Okunoye added.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe seems to be edging towards a Real Madrid move, with excitement already building in the Spanish capital.
The 25-year-old France captain informed PSG officials he intends to leave in the summer at the end of his contract, a source close to the Ligue 1 champions said Thursday.
Madrid are in pole position to sign a player whom they have moved for several times in the past only to be rebuffed, although they declined to comment when asked by AFP.
Spanish media report Madrid’s offer to Mbappe is lower than in 2022 when he decided to renew his PSG contract, with Cadena SER saying he wants 50 million euros ($54 million) gross a season along with a hefty 120 million euros signing-on bonus.
Media outlet Marca claimed that Mbappe has already informed club bosses “that he only wanted to play for Real Madrid” and added that he informed the Spanish giants of his decision to leave PSG on Tuesday, 48 hours before it was revealed from a source close to PSG.
With the numbers and financial fair play impact left for Madrid’s accountants to manage, supporters and local media are starting to dream of what may come.
“The countdown has started,” wrote Marca earlier in the day.
“Seven years later everything points to Mbappe’s arrival being a reality from July 1.”
Mbappe had the chance to join Madrid from Monaco in 2017 but chose PSG instead, perhaps cowed by the difficulty of ousting Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema from the attack.
Now he could lead the line alongside Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
“That would be perfect,” Luis Caceres, the president of Real Madrid’s fan club federation told AFP.
“He’s the best player in the world, that’s undeniable. We’ve seen him play and we know what he can do, he’s a great player.”
Mbappe, yet to win the Champions League, could still cross paths with record 14-time winners Madrid in this year’s competition.
Spanish newspaper AS say Madrid will “keep silent” on Mbappe while the two sides are still competing in Europe.
Last June a Real Madrid fan did manage to lure club president Florentino Perez into giving a clue away about Mbappe’s future.
Enrique Higueras, 22, stumbled across Perez outside a restaurant and asked him if he would bring Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Yes, but not this year,” replied Perez.
Higueras, a student doctoring in sports science, told AFP he believes Mbappe will succeed if and when he arrives.
“I am sure that he will play at Madrid and make history,” said Higueras.
“I don’t think Madrid needs Mbappe to win the Champions League… but obviously if Mbappe joins then the chances of winning that precious trophy go up a lot.”
‘Bitterness’
However some supporters still recall Mbappe’s snub and perceived slights since.
Oscar Movellan Martinez, a 42-year-old business consultant and self-described “huge fan” of Madrid, said he was not happy with Mbappe seemingly mocking Los Blancos after renewing his PSG deal.
“What happened in 2022 I can understand, for the pressure the kid received… in the media all the way up to (French president Emmanuel) Macron,” said Movellan.
“What I didn’t like was the attitude after… I understand that he might have been pressured to renew with PSG when he wanted to come to Madrid, but I don’t understand his reaction.”
If Mbappe does join Madrid in the summer then it may take a few goals from PSG’s all-time top scorer to smooth things over.
“I think the fans at the Bernabeu will have a bit of bitterness at the start, but look — it’s a fanbase that even whistled (Zinedine) Zidane back in the day,” added Movellan.
Others are cautiously choosing not to trust Mbappe will join until it is made official.
“Until I see him sign, I won’t believe it, after what happened in 2022,” added Caceres.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has said he is in no rush to move to a European club.
Nwabali was one of the revelations of the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where the Eagles finished as runners-up.
He was only drafted into the squad just few weeks before the commencement of the tournament and handed the first choice position.
The 27-year-old went on to impress as he kept four consecutive clean sheets.
Also, in the penalty shootout win against South Africa, he made two saves.
According to reports, his brilliant performance for the Eagles has attracted interests from some European clubs and one of such clubs is Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Commenting on talks about a move to Europe Nwabali told Arise News, via Soccer Laduma:“People have been sending messages like they want me to move to Europe or they want me to move to a bigger club.
“I really appreciate that, but to be honest, one thing about me is that I always feel comfortable even if I’m in a small place; I don’t like to rush.
Meanwhile, Nwabali could be back in action for Chippa on Saturday when they will host Cape Town City.
Chippa United, on 18 points, are 13th on 18 points in the 16-team South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
[Leadership]
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday, said his administration will sustain purposeful governance and administrative efficiency because they are helping the people of the state to engage in ventures that bring honour.
Fubara spoke when he hosted the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who participated in the just concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The governor, who announced a N20million reward for Nwabali said he will also be bestowed with the honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State.
Fubara also gifted N30 million to the Super Eagles’ crew who were present.
In a related development, for emerging as champions in the Louis Edem National League competition, Fubara gifted N50 million to the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team.
This was contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the governor, Boniface Onyedi, and made available to newsmen.
Fubara said in providing leadership, his focus was to create an enabling environment in which Rivers people will continue to feel encouraged to do the right thing to align with what he is doing in changing the narrative of how Rivers State is perceived globally.
The governor commended the Rivers-born Nwabali for his excellent goalkeeping in the Super Eagles team, playing alongside other patriots in the just concluded AFCON, which has made Nigeria proud.
He said, “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali and our wonderful team.
“We are here again in just about four months after you won a local trophy.
“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind us to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically but they give joy and fulfilment.
“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance and administrative efficiency.
“So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”
He urged residents of the state to continue to consciously do positive things that promote the state and attract honour.
The state Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, lauded Fubara for his support that motivated the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team to clinch the national league trophy as champions.
Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Justice and one-time Super Eagles player, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, while recognising the impact of sports development in the state, commended the purposeful leadership of ubara.
[Punch]
If members of the House of Representatives have their way stop sports betting said to be a pastime of 60 million young Nigerians may soon become a thing of history in the country.
This followed a resolution by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at the plenary in Abuja on Thursday.
The lawmaker had in the resolution complained that the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is weak or has neglected regulations of sports betting in the country.
He said this have given rise to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and addiction.
Nwogu added that it had also led to strain or broken relationships due to lying or stealing from friends and family, financial problems, legal issues, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.
He harped on the need for campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and underage participation.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting.
The House also mandated the Committee on Inter–Governmental Affairs to conduct a Public Hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting in Nigeria.
It urged the committee to report back to it within four weeks for further legislative action.
The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has revealed that over 65 million Nigerians actively engage in betting, spending an average of 15 dollars daily.
NLTF also said Nigerians spend an estimated 975 million dollars daily on online sports betting, which amounts to about 356 billion dollars annually.
It was estimated that about 60 million Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 engage in sports betting.
Many young Nigerians also engaged in sports betting to get succour from the hardship in the country
The NLTF lists 58 betting companies approved to operate in Nigeria on its website.
NAN
Africa Cup of Nations Runners-up, Super Eagles of Nigeria have moved up by 14 spots to placed 28th in the world in the February FIFA ranking.
In the ranking table published on the website of the world football governing body on Thursday, the team garnered 1,522 points as against the 1,474 points garnered in December 2023.
The upward movement further shoot up the Super Eagles as the third placed team on the continent, behind Morocco and Senegal who have 1663 (12th) and 1620 (17th) points.
However, the newly-crowned African champions Cote d’Ivoire, reaped the rewards of their continental triumph on home soil by being in the 39th place having moved up by 10 spots.
AFCON second runners- up, South Africa climbed 8 spots to 58th, with Egypt (36th), Cameroon (51st) & Ghana (67th) dropping down after their early AFCON 2023 exits.
The Angolan side who were ousted in the last eight (93rd, up 24), are the biggest climbers in the latest installment of the global ranking.
In the points stakes, two-time Asian Cup winners Qatar (37th, up 21) chalk up the biggest tally (92.04 points) after capitalising on home comforts to successfully defend their continental crown.
Elsewhere, Jordan (70th, up 17), who were edged out in the final, make good ground, as do Thailand (101st, up 12), whose journey came to an end at the last-16 stage.
Qatar’s rise sees them enter uncharted territory, with two other teams also recording best-ever rankings.
Senegal (17th, up 3), which suffered shoot-out heartbreak at the hands of the eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire in the AFCON Round of 16, break new ground.
Tajikistan (99th, up 7) mark their maiden Asian Cup campaign by making a first-ever appearance in the top 100.
Other impressive performers are Equatorial Guinea (79th, up 9), South Africa (58th, up 8), Cabo Verde (65th, up 8), Namibia (107th, up 8) and Mali (47th, up 4).
‘I must go back to South Africa’ – Nwabali dismisses talks of leaving Chippa United amid threats
AdminSuper Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has confirmed he will return to Chippa United after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
There have been speculations linking the 27-year-old away from the South African club.
Added to that, Nwabali has been the subject of threats from fans in the country, after Nigeria beat Bafana Bafana at the tournament.
Nwabali saved two spot-kicks during the shoot-out as South Africa were eliminated in the semi-final.
But the goalkeeper has insisted he will be back at the Chilli Boys.
“I must go back to my club, but talking about the threats, this is football,” Nwabali said according to BluePrint as reported by KickOff.
“You can’t threaten someone because they also won some other teams too.
“How about if those they beat decided to keep threatening your players, would it make sense?
“It’s football, I don’t think there’s anything attached to it. Maybe it was just someone writing on social media.
“It’s cool to me because I spoke to my [Chippa United] chairman three days ago, but he didn’t say anything like all that stuff.
“So, he felt like, ‘No, it’s cool, you can come back’. I must go back to my club because they own me.”
Following the report of his contract expiration with the Super Eagles after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Jose Peseiro has emerged as a potential candidate for the coaching position of the Algeria national team.
Reports from Algeria suggest that the Portuguese coach is being seriously considered to lead the Desert Foxes.
Alongside Peseiro, former coaches Carlos Queiroz and others have also been associated with the job.
Naija News understands that the Algeria Football Federation is actively searching for a new coach after the team’s disappointing performance in Cote d’Ivoire, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
It is worth noting that Peseiro has previously been linked with a prominent Egyptian club, Zamalek.
Recall that Peseiro led Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final but failed to secure the title for the Super Eagles after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast.
More...
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the list of players included in the official XI for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) team of the tournament.
Three Super Eagles of Nigeria players were included in the list released by CAF. They are captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina.
South Africa has two representatives in the team, DR Congo has two, Equatorial Guinea has one, while the host nation, Ivory Coast, has three players in the team of the tournament.
The team is coached by Ivory Coast manager, Emerse Fae.
Here’s a full list of the team
Goalkeeper – Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Defender – William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)
Defender – Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
Left Back – Ghislain Konan (Ivory Coast)
Right back – Ola Aina (Nigeria)
Midfielder – Teboho Mokoena (South Africa)
Midfielder – Jean Michael Seri (Ivory Coast)
Midfielder – Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast)
Left Winger – Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Right Winger – Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Striker – Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)
Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen has once again taken a stand against the cyberbullying of his colleague, Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi, who faced severe criticism from fans blaming him for the AFCON defeat, was forced to delete his social media account to escape the relentless trolling.
Super Eagles’ stars, including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, have rallied behind Iwobi, expressing their love and support for the embattled player.
In a recent interview, Osimhen condemned the cyberbullying and called on Nigerian football fans to adopt a more constructive approach in expressing their opinions about players’ performances.
Osimhen emphasized the human aspect of football players, stating that they are not immune to the emotional toll of harsh criticism.
He urged fans to remember that footballers are people with feelings, and constructive criticism could go a long way in motivating players to improve their performance.
The Napoli striker pointed out the importance of fostering a positive environment for players, especially during challenging times.
Osimhen acknowledged that criticism is part of the game but stressed the need for it to be delivered in a manner that encourages growth rather than tearing down the morale of players.
Moreover, Osimhen revealed that the team has reached out to Alex Iwobi to offer support and encouragement.
He assured fans that Iwobi is resilient and remains committed to giving his best for the country in future competitions.
Osimhen urged fans to stand behind their national team and players, especially during challenging moments in the world of football.
See below;
Media
"Some of our fans should do better...What they have done to Alex (Iwobi) is out of this world and is not good"
— ???? @???????????????????????????????????????????????????? (@OneJoblessBoy) February 13, 2024
- Victor Osimhen pic.twitter.com/LnPkcWfgd7
Video of Ivorian goalkeeper allegedly 'wearing juju' during AFCON final sparks speculation [VIDEO]
AdminA video of Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana has caused a buzz online after an unusual item, allegedly ‘Juju,’ was tied around his waist during AFON final match against the Super Eagles.
The video, which surfaced online, shows a black material tied around the goalkeeper’s waist with a white rope, leading to speculations among viewers.
The video, allegedly taken during the match, has fueled rumours and suggestions that the black material might be a fetishistic item, possibly voodoo or juju .
Video sparks speculation over Ivorian goalkeeper's alleged use of fetish item
The controversy has intensified as fans and observers question whether such alleged rituals could have played a role in the Ivory Coast team’s performance, particularly in the AFCON finals.
It is noteworthy that Within Nigeria has not independently verified the authenticity of the video.
Media
Be like ivory coast use jazz for us during that AFCON final ???????? pic.twitter.com/flxEzcytQM
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) February 13, 2024
Explains Why Osimhen Struggled At 2023 AFCON
Former Super Eagles of Nigeria assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has explained that Victor Osimhen struggled at the 2023 AFCON because he was made to be too involved in defensive duties.
Victor Osimhen, who scored ten goals during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, managed to record just one goal throughout the tournament, as three of his other goals were cancelled after VAR interventions.
He was also seen limping towards the end of almost every game at the tournament, especially in the final against Ivory Coast on Sunday, February 11, which the hosts won with a 2-1 scoreline.
In his analysis of Victor Osimhen’s performance at the tournament, Amuneke, who discovered and nurtured the 25-year-old Napoli striker in the under-17 phase of his career, argued that the team’s defensive pattern at the 2023 AFCON didn’t work for Osimhen.
“You know in this AFCON, Osimhen spent a lot of time helping the team to defend, and when you have a striker that is so dangerous, move a lot, and then at the end of the day he is coming to defend. I think it reduces his quality”, Amuneke told News Central TV..
“Osimhen is a player that when you look at him, moves a lot and needs players that can actually, you know, give him those balls into spaces where he can become effective and functional.”
He added, “Chukwueze and Simon Moses likewise but of course, you must have players that can complement the effort of these players.”
Meanwhile, Amuneke, who was Super Eagles assistant coach under Austine Eguavoen during the 2021 AFCON, in which Nigeria finished in the round of 16, had said he is ready to head the team.
The current coach of the team, Jose Peseiro, is out of contract, and he expects the Nigeria Football Federation to extend his stay with the team, having accomplished the ultimatum of reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON.
However, there is a lot of push for the Portuguese tactician to be sacked due to his defensive style of football, which is believed to be one of the reasons Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of Jose Peseiro, most football pundits believe Amuneke should be appointed to replace the Portuguese tactician.
While reacting to that in an interview with Central Television, Amuneke said: “I am a Nigerian, all my life I have served Nigeria as a player. If Nigerians now find me fit to add value to the team, of course, it is a welcome development.
“But for now it is not necessary to talk about this issue.
“We have to support the team and other Nigerians, they are going through a lot of sadness.
“We all want the best for our country, the best for our football. This has to be respected.”