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Fresh facts about how Finidi George beat fan favourite Emmanuel Amuneke and other applicants to the Super Eagles job have emerged, The PUNCH reports.
Monday, the Nigerian Football Federation approved the recommendations of its Technical Committee to appoint Finidi as coach ahead of over 60 other local and foreign applicants.
Some of the other coaches who applied are US U-19 coach Michael Nsien, Spain-based former Katsina United coach Henry Makinwa, Sylvanus Okpala and Daniel Amokachi. Former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao and Dutchman Danny Bujis also reportedly applied for the job.
A member of the NFF Technical Committee, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said some stakeholders had tried to influence their decision in favour of their candidate.
He said Technical Committee members, however, resolved to stick to their guns and pick the best candidate for the position no matter whose ox was gored.
“Some of these people think they are the masters of the game, but they don’t know that some of us have been in this game for some time too. Do you know they set up a WhatsApp platform to decide and influence who will become the coach of the Super Eagles. But we snubbed them,” our source said.
“It could have been the other way round and we would still move on and support whoever the NFF picked.
“We know that some candidates that were not picked for the job would complain, that’s life for you. The important thing now is to support who is there and see how we can qualify for the World Cup. Now we have a manager, he’s going to coach the team, he has the desire to coach and he’ll definitely sit down with the federation officials to sort out his contract.”
On how they arrived at Finidi as the best choice for Eagles, our source said with just weeks to the crucial World Cup qualifiers against rivals South Africa, they needed someone who had an in-depth knowledge of the squad, and not a new coach who would come with a new philosophy alien to the players.
He added that Finidi, having served for 20 months under Peseiro, emerged the right man for the job, while his knowledge of domestic and continental football as current NPFL champions Enyimba also gave him the nod.
Our source added, “Finidi, with due respect to him, has been on ground, and he’s in tune with the dynamics of the modern game, and that for us is a big plus. He’s working with Enyimba, won a league title for them, has coached on the continent and he’s been busy coaching in recent years.
“At the national team level, he’s been with the Eagles as assistant and we know we have some tricky World Cup qualifiers ahead. A new coach might come in with tactics that the players will struggle to adapt to. We don’t need that now.
“Also, as a coach who understand the domestic league very well, his experience in this regard will come in handy when selecting players for the home-based players.”
The Technical Committee member added monetary considerations also played a role in Finidi’s choice for the job.
“Who will pay a foreign coach $70,000 in today’s Nigeria? The money is just not there,” our source added.
Meanwhile, some of the applicants have spoken on the process that led to the appointment of the new coach.
Even though Emmanuel Amuneke described the process as “fair”, he admitted that there was no interview to select the best candidate for the job.
“There was no interview (for the job), neither was there any talk about the job with the federation. There was no contact from the federation nor was there an offer to take the job. They have chosen a new coach, who is one of us, we just need to move on and support him,” Amuneke said.
When asked if he thought the process of selecting the candidate for the coaching role was transparent, US U-19 coach Michael Nsien, who also applied for the job, said, “It depends on people’s standards of process. There weren’t interviews, which I think is basic, it would give the appearance (that it was transparent) at least.”
Nsien, a former U-23 national team star, is positive Finidi will get a competent backroom staff to work with.
“Hopefully he is surrounded with good staff,” he said.
Another applicant, Sylvanus Okpala, who won the AFCON title in 1980 as a player and as an assistant coach in 2013, declined comments on the process that saw Finidi emerge as the winner but congratulated the former Ajax star.
He said, “The important thing is that Finidi has been selected and he is there now. All he needs is the support of everyone to excel, but the biggest support he can get is the one he gives to himself to be successful and take the Eagles to where they belong.
“I feel okay with Finidi’s appointment as the new Super Eagles coach because all of us cannot be there and obviously only one person will be appointed among us. I congratulate him and I wish him the best, hoping that he will take the Eagles to the next level.”
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of Euro 2024, national team coach Domenico Tedesco said Tuesday.
Real Madrid’s Courtois has missed the entire season with a knee ligament injury and suffered a further setback in March which required another knee operation.
Capped 102 times since his international debut in 2011, Courtois said last December that he was giving up on playing at the European Championship in Germany due to his left knee injury.
“On this topic, everything has already been said. I don’t want a tit for tat situation,” Tedesco told German media on Tuesday.
Courtois has been on frosty terms with Tedesco since June 2023, after being overlooked as captain following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne, with Romelu Lukaku instead chosen to wear the armband.
Tedesco pointed out that by announcing his decision in December, Courtois had allowed the Belgian staff to prepare other options.
“We are focusing on players who are in good shape,” he said.
The 31-year-old Courtois returned to the Real Madrid group on Monday ahead of the Spanish club’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he hopes to have Courtois back for Saturday’s league game against Cadiz ahead of the Champions League second leg.
[Vanguard]
The talented Nigerian international goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has made an indelible mark in the annals of history by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to be honoured as the top goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league).
Naija News reports that throughout this season, the 23-year-old Super Falcons goalkeeper has showcased her exceptional skills, particularly in saving penalties, solidifying her position as one of the finest goalkeepers on the global stage.
Nnadozie triumphed over fierce competition from Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG, emerging as the deserving recipient of this prestigious individual recognition.
“It’s very pleasing because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties.
“She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer, but we will try to keep her,” said Pierre Ferracci, the president of Nnadozie’s club, Paris FC.
Naija News reports that Nnadozie has been unrivalled in saving penalties this season, leading Europe with an impressive seven saves.
Recall that Nnadozie was also awarded CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023.
Paris FC is currently in third place in the league standings with 42 points, trailing Paris Saint-Germain by eight points and Lyon by 11 points.
After winning the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year award, Nnadozie expressed her gratitude on social media platform X, stating that she was thrilled to have received this honour.
“A big thanks to everyone who voted for me, and also a special appreciation to my coaches and teammates for all the support and encouragement, to my amazing family, and to Naija fans Una too much. GOD DID,” she added.
Former African Footballer of The Year, Victor Ikpeba, believes the appointment of Finidi George as Super Eagles coach will be a blessing to home-based players.
After waiting almost two months, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Finidi George as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Before his appointment, Finidi served as the Super Eagles’ assistant coach for 20 months and was the head coach of Enyimba of Aba.
Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Super Eagles coaching job, said the former Nigeria international, who won the NPFL with Enyimba last season, will provide opportunities for homegrown players.
“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on Monday Night Football aired on SuperSport.
“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”
Reports claimed that Finidi George signed a one-year contract with the NFF with a one-year extension option. His first assignment is to lead the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The journey to that goal will commence on June 3 when the Super Eagles take on South Africa in their third game of the qualification series. After the game in Uyo, the Eagles will fly to Abidjan in Ivory Coast to take on Benin Republic on June 10.
Nigeria is currently third in Group C, a point behind second-placed South Africa, and two points below first-placed Rwanda. Hence, the Eagles are expected to win their games this June to increase their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations,” Ikpeba said.
“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach.”
Everton have already established contact with Wilfred Ndidi over a summer move.
Ndidi has less than two months on his contract with Leicester City and is not expected to sign an extension.
A number of clubs have already expressed interest in signing the defensive midfielder.
Anticipating they could face stiff competition for the Nigeria international, Everton have decided to send their proposal to the player early.
Ndidi, according to reports, is yet to decide his destination.
The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League.
The Foxes won the Sky Bet Championship title after a 3-0 victory over Preston North End on Monday.
Finidi George has been appointed as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Finidi’s appointment in a communique on Monday.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, blocked manager Carlo Ancelotti’s request to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer, according to Relevo.
Ancelotti had made Kane his top target ahead of this season.
It is believed signing the England captain was even a bigger priority for him than landing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti was looking to replace Karim Benzema, who left as a free agent for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
But Perez refused to sanction the move, as he has set his sights on signing Kylian Mbappe this year.
Peres was willing to let Madrid play without a real number nine, before signing Mbappe on a free transfer.
Kane ended up joining Bayern Munich and has scored 42 goals in as many games in all competitions, helping Thomas Tuchel’s team to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will come up against Madrid.
Paris St Germain, PSG, were crowned Ligue 1 champions for a record-extending 12th time on Sunday, as their third straight title was wrapped up.
This was following another dominant domestic campaign when second-placed AS Monaco lost 3-2 at Olympique Lyonnais.
PSG, who missed the chance to secure the title on Saturday when they drew 3-3 draw with Le Havre, have 70 points, 12 ahead of Monaco with three games remaining.
“Winning the league is fantastic, but winning Ligue 1 for the twelfth time is even more special for everyone connected to Paris Saint-Germain.
“We’re going to enjoy this moment as a family. And also keep working hard, game after game, until the last moment of the season,” PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on the club’s website.
Monaco were the only side left who could prevent PSG lifting the title, but their faint hopes were extinguished in Lyon as they fell to their first defeat in nine games, despite taking an early lead.
The visitors scored with a little over 20 seconds on the clock, with Wissam Ben Yedder tapping home Takumi Minamino’s cross at the back post.
But Monaco were 2-1 down within 25 minutes through goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma.
Ben Yedder brought the sides level again on the hour mark, heading home a floated ball into the box by Youssouf Fofana.
But it was Lyon who found a winner six minutes from time with Malick Fofana scoring from outside the area.
After Saturday’s draw which kept the champagne on ice, PSG manager Luis Enrique was unconcerned, safe in the knowledge that their far superior goal difference meant the title was all but assured.
“We’re champions. I don’t care if there’s a party or not.
“We have a goal difference of plus 29 on the second place, I already feel like champions. Even if we don’t score any more points, we’ll be champions,” the coach said.
The Spaniard, who took over at PSG at the end of last season, was proved right, as they secured their 10th title in 12 seasons without having to play another game.
The champions have suffered just one league defeat this season, against Nice in September and while they made a slow start to their campaign, once they took top spot after matchday 12, they never looked back.
PSG went 3-1 down to relegation battling Le Havre, but a Goncalo Ramos goal late in added time salvaged a point, and extended their unbeaten league run to 26 games, but the manager said that didn’t concern him.
“I don’t care if I’m undefeated. That goal gave us the title.
“That, and for the rage I had because we didn’t play much. We’re missing two titles, we’re going to do everything we can to get them,” Luis Enrique said.
PSG are still involved in the Champions League, and they also have the Coupe de France final against Lyon to come, in what could turn out to be the club’s finest ever season.
Striker Kylian Mbappe is leaving at the end of the campaign, and would love to bow out on a high, and this season is already his best in terms of goals scored, netting 43 times in all competitions.
It has long been PSG’s goal to win the Champions League, but few expected it in the manager’s first season.
Now that the league title is secured, the treble-bid is on, beginning on Wednesday with the semi-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said their remaining two away fixtures at Fulham and Tottenham will be “difficult.”
Guardiola was speaking after they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.
The result keeps City one point behind leaders Arsenal, although they have one game in hand.
On the remainder of the season, Guardiola said: “Everything can happen, Liverpool have dropped points in the last few games but that can happen to us, can happen to Arsenal, so tough games for everyone. Fulham away and Spurs away will be difficult.
“I would prefer not to have a long week [off] and to play the Champions League semi final.
“But in the circumstances we have two or three days to recover and prepare for all the finals that we have.”
Former Arsenal midfielder, Paul Merson, has said the team will beat Tottenham Hotspur in their North London Derby on Sunday.
The Gunners have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League if they defeat their rivals.
Merson, speaking with Sky Sports, claimed that Mikel Arteta has better players than Spurs.
He said: “I expect Arsenal to win this game because Tottenham will play gung-ho football, almost saying you have a shot and then we have a shot.
“That won’t work against Arsenal – they’ve got better players than Tottenham. They’re a better team, more of a unit and they’ll win the football match.
“I can’t see anything but an Arsenal win knowing how Tottenham like to play.
“They just open the game up and say, ‘we’ll see who can score more goals’. That will be so hard to do against Arsenal, who are a far superior football team.”
[DailyPost]
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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appointed the Nigerian Chess Master cum Guinness World Record contester for the longest Chess Marathon in history, Tunde Onakoya, as the Sports Ambassador of the State.
Gov Abiodun made this known on Thursday when Onakoya visited his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, who was impressed with Onakoya’s achievement on the global stage, said it could not have been possible without determination, resilience, and hard work.
The governor likened the travails of the Chess Master to those of millions of youths in Nigeria who are struggling to make something of their lives, stating that his achievements in the face of difficulties are a testimony that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth, or parent’s status in society.
Abiodun also announced the commencement of the State Chess Competition, which will be held in all parts of the state in honour of Onakoya.
He said, “I can see why you continue to be inspiration to many young people across the length and breath of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and future.
“Today, we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival in the next nine months or thereabouts and we are boasting that we are set to host the best National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country and coincidentally, chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.
“I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breath of the state. Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador, we will leave it to you to design that competition from the local government all the way to the state level.
“But we as your state, we will have a sponsor in the Tunde Onakoya Prize, for the winner of that competition.”
Italian Serie A side, Napoli, have reportedly lined up a series of strikers, including two Nigerians, they are considering signing as a replacement for Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen who has been the talisman of Napoli in the last three seasons is expected to leave the club at the end of this season if any of his suitors pay the club’s asking price.
Recall that Osimhen attracted the attention of top clubs like Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal after scoring 26 goals and providing five assists in 32 league games last season.
The performance of the 25-year-old Nigerian striker helped Napoli to win their first league title in 33 years.
Even though Osimhen extended his contract with Napoli in December 2023, the Nigeria international and the Italian side are determined to part ways this summer.
Hence, a couple of strikers have been linked to the side as Osimhen’s replacement including Super Eagles stars, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.
Moffi has been one of the most prolific strikers in French Ligue 1 so far this season in which he has scored 11 goals for OGC Nice.
Though the 23-year-old Nigerian striker is currently under contract with Nice until June 30, 2027, PSG could price him away from the side this summer if they decide to.
Another alternative is Boniface, who has been unstoppable at Bayer Leverkusen since he joined the club last summer.
Even though injury kept him out of action for three months, the 23-year-old striker has scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists in 29 games in all competitions so far this season.
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Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna is also said to be a strong candidate to replace Osimhen if the Nigeria international finally leaves Napoli this summer.
Everton secured their first win in a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park since 2010 to leave Liverpool’s Premier League title aspirations in ruins after a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday.
The defeat leaves Jurgen Klopp’s men still three points adrift of leaders Arsenal and only one point in front of defending champions Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
“We need a crisis at City and Arsenal and we need to win football games,” said Klopp of his side’s shot at the title with four games to go of his reign.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin took Everton eight points clear of the relegation zone.
The Toffees now look certain to extend their 70-year stay in the English top flight despite being deducted eight points on two charges of breaching financial rules.
Klopp had never lost on his previous eight visits to Goodison but his final taste of the Merseyside derby was a bitter one.
Hopes of a glorious goodbye for the German after a nearly nine-year tenure that has transformed the club’s fortunes are fading fast.
According to reports, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is being lined up as Klopp’s successor and the past few weeks have exposed weaknesses that need addressing in a huge summer for the Liverpool hierarchy.
‘Energy, commitment’
The Reds have won just one of their last four league games and have also bowed out of the FA Cup and Europa League in recent weeks.
Klopp made six changes after resting a number of key players for Sunday’s 3-1 win at Fulham but did not get the response he desired.
Buoyed by their weekend win over Nottingham Forest to pull clear of the relegation zone, Everton are a side transformed from the one that went 13 Premier League games without a win between December and April.
“Delighted with the performance of our players and delighted for the Evertonians,” said Everton boss Sean Dyche.
“They’re a good side, we know that. The commitment and energy from us had to be there.”
Slow starts have been a recurring factor as Liverpool’s quest for four trophies has unravelled.
Everton thought they had a penalty in the opening minutes when Calvert-Lewin was tripped by Alisson Becker but VAR intervened to save the visitors as the striker was offside.
Alisson then clawed away a Calvert-Lewin header and Ben Godfrey nodded wide as Liverpool struggled to cope with Everton’s threat from set-pieces.
More comical defending from the Reds led to the opener on 27 minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister’s mishit fell perfectly for Branthwaite and the defender’s effort went in off the post despite Alisson’s best efforts.
Going behind woke Liverpool from their slumber and only a combination of wasteful finishing and Jordan Pickford preserved Everton’s lead until half-time.
Darwin Nunez blasted straight at the England number one when clean through before the Uruguayan teed up Luis Diaz to fire too close to Pickford.
Mohamed Salah’s loss of form has come at the worst possible time for Liverpool’s title challenge and the Egyptian sliced another good opening well over the bar.
Liverpool were camped in the Everton half after the break, yet the hosts pulled further clear just before the hour mark from another dead ball.
Calvert-Lewin was afforded a free header at the back post to power home Dwight McNeil’s corner.
Liverpool’s night was summed up when Diaz’s powerful effort came back off the post with Pickford finally beaten.
But it was Klopp who was crestfallen come the final whistle as he looks set to depart Anfield with just one Premier League title to his name.
[DailyTrust]
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has said he did not apply to be the team’s next head coach because of two reasons.
Since Jose Peseiro’s contract elapsed, several former Nigerian players have been linked with the job.
Enyeama has admitted he would have also applied if he had secured his coaching certificate and wasn’t focused on his hotel business.
He told Afrik-Foot: “For you to be able to coach the Super Eagles, you must be certified. That’s the minimum standard.
“That’s the number one reason, and then for the fact that I have been very busy developing and managing my hotel has taken a lot of my attention, and that business is the most important thing for me now.”
[DailyPost]