Latest News
Emilio Nsue scored the first Africa Cup of Nations hat-trick since 2008 as Equatorial Guinea beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 on Thursday to close in on a place in the last 16.
Nsue opened the scoring midway through the first half before a sparse crowd at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium and added two more goals in the second half in a remarkable performance.
The result leaves Equatorial Guinea, who held Nigeria 1-1 in their opening game, with four points in Group A, which also contains hosts Ivory Coast.
With the four best third-placed teams advancing to the last 16, the Nzalang Nacional (National Thunder) are ideally placed to progress as they look to emulate their run to the quarter-finals two years ago.
Captain Nsue, 34, is the first player to score three times in one game at the Cup of Nations since Soufiane Alloudi did so in the first half for Morocco in a 5-1 win over Namibia at the 2008 edition in Ghana.
Born in Mallorca, Nsue began his career at Real Mallorca and played more than 100 times for them in La Liga.
He was part of the Spain team that won the Under-21 Euro in 2011 alongside the likes of David de Gea, Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara and Juan Mata.
But he later opted to represent the country of his father and captained the Equatorial Guinea team that reached the AFCON semi-finals as hosts in 2015.
Having later played in the English Championship with Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, Nsue now turns out for Alicante-based Intercity in the Spanish third tier, sometimes playing at right-back.
Leading the Equatorial Guinea attack here, Nsue opened the scoring in the 21st minute but Guinea-Bissau drew level in the 37th minute when Esteban Orozco turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Franculino Dju.
Guinea-Bissau, chasing a first ever AFCON win in their 11th match at the tournament, were awarded a penalty moments later as Dju went down under a Saul Coco challenge.
But with Mama Balde ready to take the kick, the Rwandan referee came across to review the images and eventually overturned his decision.
Josete Miranda restored Equatorial Guinea’s lead two minutes after the restart, the assist coming from a long kick downfield by goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
Nsue then took centre stage, converting a cross from the left flank on 51 minutes and then rounding the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick just after the hour mark.
The goal was eventually given after initially being ruled out for offside, with Ze Turbo pulling another one back for Guinea-Bissau late on.
AFP
Ivory Coast, the host of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), takes on Nigeria in the second group stage match of Group A today, Thursday, January 18.
Ivory Coast enters this match following a convincing 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the tournament’s opening game.
Nigeria, on the other hand, played a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea. Victor Osimhen secured the sole goal for the Super Eagles, making him the player to keep an eye on this evening.
Ivory Coast Team news
Ivory Coast did not have Haller available last time out, with the Borussia Dortmund forward battling an ankle injury, and a late decision is likely to be made on his fitness on Thursday.
Brighton’s Simon Adingra was also absent against Guinea-Bissau but could return to the squad against Nigeria this evening after resuming training.
Should Haller miss out, then Red Star Belgrade striker Jean-Philippe Krasso can be expected to lead the line again, having scored in his country’s opener.
As for Nigeria, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who filled in for the absent Wilfred Ndidi, was forced off the field on a stretcher during the match against Equatorial Guinea.
He will not be available for this game, although his injury is believed to be not serious.
Porto midfielder Zaidu Sanusi has beaten Joe Aribo to replace him, while Samuel Chukwueze is also recalled after the AC Milan winger was only named on the bench in the Super Eagles’ first match.
Ivory Coast XI: Y. Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Boga, Krasso, Kouame
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
[TheNation]
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, appeared in court on Thursday to request a variation of his bail conditions.
He is seeking a review of certain terms in his existing bail conditions.
Emefiele is currently facing trial on six counts related to procurement fraud amounting to N1.2 billion.
He was released from Kuje Correctional Centre on December 23, 2023, 34 days after being granted bail by the judge.
Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court is presently hearing arguments on the matter, and further details will be provided shortly.
Details later…
Togo legend, Emmanuel Adebayor is rooting for Victor Osimhen to make the difference for the Super Eagles against Cote d’Ivoire, DAILY POST reports.
Nigeria will take on hosts, Cote d’Ivoire in a Group A encounter at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium on Thursday (today).
Osimhen scored in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea on Sunday but also wasted a number of good chances.
Adebayor has however backed the Napoli hitman to make the difference for the Super Eagles against the Elephants.
“I’m here in the Super Eagles hotel to support the team and offer my support to Osimhen,” the former Arsenal and Manchester City star told DAILY POST in an exclusive chat in Abidjan.
“He is doing well and is a pride to our continent. We all must rally round him to give him our support.
[Dailypost]
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro has confirmed that Alhassan Yusuf won’t be fit enough for the team’s 2023 AFCON game against the hosts, Ivory Coast on Thursday.
Alhassan Yusuf was one of the last set of players to join the Super Eagles’ AFCON squad. He replaced the injured defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi less than three days to the commencement of the tournament.
Interestingly, coach Jose Peseiro was able to incorporate him into the team fast enough and started him in the Super Eagles’ opening AFCON game against Equatoria Guinea on January 14.
Unfortunately, Alhassan Yusuf who currently plays for Belgian first-division club, Royal Antwerp, suffered a knock in the game and had to be substituted in the 69th minute.
Before he left the game, Nigeria had come from a goal down to equalize 1-1. Unfortunately, that was the final scoreline of the game.
Most football enthusiasts believed that Yusuf gave the best account of himself in the game due to his tireless run, timely interceptions, and passes.
Unfortunately, the Super Eagles won’t have his services when they take on Ivory Coast who won their opening game against Guinea-Bissau 2-0.
After the game, Alhassan Yusuf said: “I think I am happy with my performance but disappointed we didn’t win, I think we created a lot of chances but hopefully the goals will come in our next game.”
He added, “I suffered a cramp, but I will see how it goes.”
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the game between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, Jose Peseiro said: “Yusuf is out but he may be back for our last group game.”
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has revealed his side must be at their best to beat Cote d’Ivoire in their second game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The two giants of African football will clash at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Thursday.
Peseiro said his team must stay compact and play with good organisation in the game.
“We are expecting a great match, full stadium, fantastic atmosphere as well. We need to play with good organisation, be impactful in our approach and express ourselves, “Peseiro told a press conference attended by DAILY POST in Abidjan on Wednesday.
“We also have to improve from the first match. It is important for us to maintain our style and enjoy the game. We must also defend well and convert our chances.”
The Portuguese also has kind words for his team’s opponent, describing Jean-Louis’s side as a “very good team”.
“Cote d’Ivoire is a very good team, good organisation, good coach and good players,” he added.
“But we want to win and we will do everything within our capacity to come out victorious.”
A former Nigerian international, Garba Lawal, has said Thursday’s second Group A match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire is a golden opportunity for the Super Eagles to atone for the opening day 1-1 draw with the less illustrious National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’ Ivoire.
While the three-time African champions only managed to force their opponents to a draw, the Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire were imperious in their opening group match against Guinea Bissau which they won 2-0 to sail to the top of the table.
The draw left the Super Eagles joint second with Equatorial Guinea who will take on Guinea Bissau in the group match to be played before the highly anticipated clash of the former AFCON winners.
Anything less than a draw will definitely spell doom for the Coach Jose Peseiro led Super Eagles who exited the last edition in Cameroon at the Round of 16 after they suffered a slim 0-1 loss in the hands of the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
Speaking to Daily Trust ahead of tomorrow’s match, the former Super Eagles utility player said the squad of 2024 is left with no option than to get a result that will keep them in the competition.
He said even as it is going to be a very difficult match, if the Super Eagles will play with the required confidence, they would get a decent result against their opponents.
“The Super Eagles must move on from that game against Equatorial Guinea. If they are to forge ahead, they must not lose against Cote d’Ivoire. But it is going to be a very difficult match.
“To either win or draw the match, the Eagles must believe in themselves and play with confidence. If they are confident enough, they will overcome the Ivorian hurdle,” said the Olympics champion.
Lawal, therefore, said the Super Eagles stand a good chance against Cote d’ Ivoire but they need a bit of luck to be able to convert the chances that will come their way.
According to him, ill-luck contributed substantially to the slip against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
“They played out their hearts but were unlucky to miss the goal scoring opportunities that came their way. I pray they will be lucky against the Elephants in the crucial match,” said Lawal.
Two second-half goals from Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko gave Mali a 2-0 win over South Africa in their opening match of the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire Tuesday night.
The thrilling encounter saw Mali dominating the possession to extend their unbeaten streak in opening games at AFCON.
Hamari Traore gave the West African side the lead in the 60th minute before Lassine Sinayoko scored six minutes later to increase the tally.
South Africa’s Percy Tau, however, missed a first-half penalty.
The Tuesday’s game not only solidified Mali’s standing in Group E but also reinforced their aspiration to claim the AFCON title with their attacking prowess in full display and setting a promising tone for their campaign in the tournament.
Mali, which has never lifted the trophy despite being seasoned participants with 13 appearances, was determined to make a significant impact this year judging by their 2-0 dropping of Bafana Bafana in their opener game.
The defeat adds pressure on South Africa as they must get good result against Namibia, who earlier on Tuesday beat Tunisia 1-0, to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Next up for Mali is a clash with Tunisia, which suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat against Namibia.
[Leadership]
Jose Mourinho has finally broken his silence after his dismissal as manager of Roma.
Following an emotional departure from the Roma training ground on Tuesday, he was seen fighting back tears, The Sun reports.
Mourinho expressed his gratitude to the passionate Roma fans through a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
The manager posted a video montage of his best moments while in charge of the club and wrote in Italian, “Sweat, blood, tears, joy, sadness, love, brothers, history, heart, eternity.”
In the post’s comments section, Roma supporters showered Mourinho with gratitude for his tenure as the team’s manager.
In his first season in charge, Mourinho won the inaugural Europa Conference League, and in his second season, he finished runner-up in the Europa League.
He was let go in a statement on the football club’s website on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Mourinho and his staff will immediately leave the club.
The statement read, “AS Roma can confirm that José Mourinho and his coaching staff will leave the club with immediate effect.
“We would like to thank José on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.
“We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.
“We wish José and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours.”
Mourinho was unveiled as the Giallorossi’s 60th coach in May 2021.
[Punch]
Organizers of Anthony Joshua V Francis Ngannou’s heavyweight boxing clash have confirmed that the bout will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 8.
The Anthony Joshua V Francis Ngannou bout will take place on a Friday to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which is set to take place in Jeddah on Saturday, March 9.
A few weeks ago, 34-year-old Joshua, was downplaying his desire to fight Ngannou, who is known to be a former UFC champion. However, after Joseph Parker defeated Deontay Wilder, the Nigerian-born British boxer changed his focus to the Cameroonian boxer.
Joshua is also looking forward to competing for the IBF title if it becomes vacant following the undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, hence, his bout with Ngannou is a step to achieving that.
Ngannou is a significant underdog against the two-time heavyweight champion of the world. However, Joshua chose to fight the Cameroonian-born American fighter instead of Parker to minimize the risk of losing according to most boxing pundits.
Aside from that, the Anthony Joshua V Francis Ngannou bout is seen as a bigger way to end the “Riyadh Season” which started last summer.
Recall that the 37-year-old former UFC champion didn’t make his professional boxing debut until October when he faced Tyson Fury and lost by a close margin.
The boxing world was shocked last year when Fury, who had never lost a bout, was knocked down by a left hook from the Cameroonian.
The 35-year-old British fighter, Fury, will take on Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 in an attempt to become the first heavyweight champion to win all boxing titles undefeated since 1999.
Note that the 36-year-old Usyk is the current WBA, WBO, and IBF champion; while Fury is the WBC champion.
More...
The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has been named the winner of the Fifa Best Men’s Coach at the award ceremony held in London on Monday, January 15.
Pep Guardiola won the award ahead of Filippo Inzaghi who led Inter Milan to the final of the UEFA Champions League during the 2022-2023 season, and Luciano Spalletti who led Napoli to win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years last season.
Note that Inzaghi is currently the manager of Salernitana in Italian Serie A and Spalletti is currently the head coach of Italy national team.
Pep Guardiola won the award ahead of the aforementioned managers after leading Manchester City to win the historic treble – Champions League, Premier League, and the FA Cup – last season.
Manchester City have won the Premier League and the FA Cup a couple of times but last season was the first time in the history of the club for them to win the Champions League.
After winning the award, Pep Guardiola said: “I want to share this award with Simone Inzaghi and Luciano Spalletti.
“Our owners of Man City and our CEO for starting the brilliant idea of the city football group. thank you to my backroom staff and our players. eight years we’ve been together. living with them has been a pleasure.
“Thank you to my dad. I am so happy he is here tonight and of course my brothers and sisters. Thank you to my kids and my wife. It would never be possible to live as a professional without her.”
Vinicius Junior struck a first-half hat-trick to fire Real Madrid to Spanish Super Cup glory in a thumping 4-1 win over rivals Barcelona on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
Robert Lewandowski struck for Barcelona, who had defender Ronald Araujo sent off in the second half on a dismal night for the Spanish champions.
Rodrygo rounded off Real Madrid’s rout as they won the competition for the 13th time, avenging last year’s final defeat by record 14-time winners Barcelona.
“(Vinicius) needed two or three games to get back to his best level, and he’s back to it,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian has now gone level with Zinedine Zidane on 11 trophies won at the helm of Los Blancos, behind only Miguel Munoz on 14.
“It was a tough game for us, I think the result is too favourable, given how Barcelona played,” he added.
Spanish champions Barcelona were hoping a victory could kick-start their season, as it did last year, but were left soundly beaten, after Vinicius netted two early goals.
“We’re raging at the defeat … we have to learn from losses and we have other competitions to play for, I believe in this team,” Sergi Roberto told Movistar.
“Losing against Real Madrid always hurts and I think those two goals in (the first) 10 minutes had a big impact on the game.”
Barca coach Xavi turned to a four-man midfield to try and keep the ball to reduce Madrid’s opportunities to counter attack with flying wingers Vinicius and Rodrygo — it didn’t work.
Spain international Pedri started in place of winger Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring injury in the semi-final win over Osasuna.
Ancelotti brought in midfielder Toni Kroos, who like in the thrilling semi-final derby win over Atletico Madrid, was jeered by spectators at the Al-Awwal Park stadium in Riyadh, for criticising players moving to the Saudi league from Europe.
One of the first was Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinicius’ celebration brought him to mind after opening the scoring in the seventh minute.
The Brazilian, recently back after injury, was sent through by a perfect pass by Jude Bellingham and he slickly rounded Inaki Pena before slotting home.
Vinicius imitated Ronaldo’s classic jump and spin celebration in homage to Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer.
Three minutes later, Vinicius pounced again, this time set up by Rodrygo who exploited Barcelona’s high line and cut the ball across for his compatriot to slide in.
– No fightback –
Xavi’s side scrambled furiously for a response and Ferran Torres hit the crossbar before Andriy Lunin tipped Lewandowski’s follow up over.
Lunin, selected over Kepa Arrizabalaga who let in three against Atletico, produced another solid stop to deny Torres from a tight angle.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper could do nothing, however, to keep Lewandowski’s vicious volley out in the 33rd minute, hammered in hard and low from the edge of the box.
Araujo swiftly gifted Vinicius a chance to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot by tugging back the forward in the box.
Vinicius drilled his penalty into the bottom left corner for his first Clasico hat-trick to double his goal tally against Barcelona — he had previously scored only three in 15 games.
Xavi rolled the dice with a triple substitution, sending on attackers Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez, but Madrid soon had their fourth.
Araujo completed a dismal night by earning a red card as he crashed through the back of Vinicius for a second booking.
Rodrygo was in the right place at the right time to convert after Jules Kounde blocked a Vinicius cut-back searching for Bellingham.
Kounde cleared a low effort from England international Bellingham off the line as Madrid sought another to rub salt in their rivals’ wounds late on.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Equatorial Guinea drew first blood in the 37th minute when Iban Salvador scored a well-placed shot, leaving the Super Eagles’ goalie, Stanley Nwabali, motionless.
An instant response from Nigeria following a kickoff saw Victor Osimhen head an equalising goal for Nigeria before the break.
Despite many chances, Nigeriafailed to get the winning goal. Although Osimhen scored his first AFCON goal on his first appearance, he, in the 75th minute, missed a big chance.
Nigeria, in Group A, will further challenge Ivory Coast, and Guinea Bissau later in the tournament.
Popular Nigerian rapper, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, has said that he doesn’t see the Super Eagles winning the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Naija News reports that the AFCON tournament commenced on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with the inaugural match featuring the host country Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) against Guinea Bissau at Alassane Ouattara stadium.
Nigeria is expected to play their first match of the tournament at 3 PM today against Equatorial Guinea.
However, Ruggedman has expressed doubt about the Super Eagles winning their fourth AFCON title this year.
The 50-year-old entertainer poured out his heart while speaking about his admiration for football, Super Eagles, Manchester United, Victor Osimhen, and more, during a recent interview with The PUNCH.
Speaking on his favourite sport growing up as a child, Ruggedman said: “Growing up, like most young kids across Nigeria, I enjoyed and still enjoy football. I love playing football. I also represented my secondary school in a relay race once but it obviously was not my calling.”
On whether his parents were a discouraging factor from pursuing a career in sports, Ruggedman said: “They did not need to discourage me because I did not take up any sport as a career.
“I was and I still am very passionate about football. I grew up reading football comic books like Roy Of The Rovers. I became a football lover in the early 1980s from watching “Big League Soccer.”
Speaking on his journey into the entertainment industry, he said: “From a very young age, I just loved music. Growing up, I was more into music shows on TV like Top of The Pops, Soul Train and Kessingsheen Hit Show.”
I Hope They Do But I Doubt Super Eagles Winning AFCON
When asked whether he is a fan of the Nigerian National Football team, Ruggedman answered in the affirmative.
However, he downplayed their possibility of winning the tournament, saying: “As a Nigerian, yes I think they can win it but realistically and with the way we seem to have lost a couple of warm-up matches towards the competition, coupled with the history of politics being played in players selection, I do not see us winning it. I hope we do, but we all know games are not won by hoping.”
Announcing his pick on best African player of all time, the singer said: “I know some will argue that I might be choosing him because he is Nigerian. Some will say he did not win much during his time playing, but I choose Jay Jay Okocha any time, any day. To me, he is the most naturally skilled footballer I have ever seen.”
Osimhen Is My Favourite
Ruggedman, during the interview, picked Napoli’s striker as his favourite player in the Super Eagles squad, Naija News reports.
He said: “My friend, Victor Osimhen. Not just because we are friends, but his stats speak for him. He has achieved a lot as a footballer, broke our jinx and won the African Best Player award, which Okocha didn’t even win, and what he did last season in the Serie A is phenomenal.”
On his opinion on whether the male and female national teams should earn the same, he said: “I believe they should be paid their value.”