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After Disappointing Performances, NFF Set To Appoint Foreign Technical Adviser For Super Eagles
AFOLABI
The Nigeria Football Federation have announced plans to appoint a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles, while under-fire Finidi George is set to return to his assistant role position following the poor start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles drew 1-1 against South Africa in Uyo on Friday before losing to Benin Republic on Monday. The results drew criticisms from Nigerians and the Minister of Sports summoned the Nigeria Football Federation few hours after the loss.
The meeting between the minister of sports, Senator John Enoh, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and other members of the apex football body in Nigeria took place on Thursday.
Following the meeting, the NFF announced its plan to employ a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles ahead of the Nations Cup qualifiers and the remaining matches in the World Cup qualifiers.
Finidi George is expected to assist the new technical adviser, who will be appointed in the next few weeks.
The NFF also revealed plans to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect.
The board also expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the national assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team.
The Super Eagles will return to action in September for the Nations Cup qualifiers.
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has disclosed that he envisions Inter Miami as the club where he will conclude his illustrious playing career. However, he has no immediate plans to retire.
In an interview with ESPN, Messi, who is under contract with the MLS side until the end of the 2025 season, expressed his sentiments.
“Yes, at this moment, I believe it will be my last club,” Messi stated to ESPN. However, he added, “I’m not ready to leave football either.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved legendary status with Barcelona, securing four Champions League trophies and ten La Liga titles during his tenure.
Messi notably led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America and played a crucial role in their 2022 World Cup campaign. He is preparing to represent Argentina this month in the upcoming Copa America in the United States.
Following his departure from Barcelona after a lengthy tenure from 2004 to 2021, Messi spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami last year. He played a pivotal role in the club’s early success, including winning the Leagues Cup.
“It was a challenging decision to leave Europe and come here,” Messi admitted. “Being a world champion influenced my perspective.”
Messi’s arrival has significantly boosted MLS’s profile in the United States, with stadiums consistently selling out and his jersey becoming the top choice among MLS fans.
Looking ahead, Messi contemplates representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. He also reflects on the inevitable conclusion of his remarkable career.
“Football has been my life. I love playing. I enjoy training every day, playing matches,” Messi shared. “There’s a bit of fear about it ending, but I try to enjoy every moment. I feel fortunate to have great teammates and friends at my club and the national team.”
Messi emphasized his appreciation for the small football details he knows he will miss once he retires.
Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin Republic national football team and former coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, asserted that his team, the Cheetahs, displayed superior discipline compared to the Eagles following their historic 2-1 triumph over Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier held in Abidjan.
Benin’s victory at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny saw Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie score after Raphael Onyedika had initially put Nigeria in the lead. This cements Benin’s ascent to the group summit with seven points. Meanwhile, Nigeria languishes in fifth place with only three points from four matches, sparking concerns that they will miss out on a consecutive World Cup appearance since their 2022 disappointment.
In a post-match interview, Rohr praised his team’s organization and hunger for goals, contrasting it with the Super Eagles’ performance.
“These players consistently demonstrate solidarity. They possess a strong belief and scoring ability,” Rohr remarked. “Our organization was spot on. After conceding the first goal, perhaps they thought the game was won, but my team’s reaction and determination were immense to mount a comeback.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles expressed regret to Nigerians for their disappointing form in the qualifiers. In a tweet from the team’s official handle, they vowed to rally and secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“We’ve held discussions among ourselves and are determined to fight till the end to achieve the seemingly impossible task of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.”
The Eagles’ next fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are scheduled for March 2025, visiting Rwanda on March 17 and hosting Zimbabwe on March 25.
Super Eagles skilled winger, Ademola Lookman, has been named as Atalanta’s Player of the Month for both May and June.
Naija News reports that Lookman surpassed Gianluca Scamacca and Ederson in the voting process to clinch this prestigious award.
During these two months, the 26-year-old talented winger managed to score six goals and provide three assists, showcasing his exceptional abilities on the field.
Concluding the season with a total of 17 goals and eight assists in various competitions, Lookman truly proved to be a valuable asset for Atalanta.
Naija News reports that Lookman has been a revelation for Atalanta since joining them in 2022.
His contributions have been significant, both statistically and in terms of the team’s overall success:
Lookman has been a prolific scorer. In his two seasons at Atalanta, he’s amassed a total of 30 goals, finishing as Atalanta’s fifth-highest scorer in Serie A during his first season.
Lookman’s biggest moment came in the 2023/24 Europa League final. He single-handedly secured Atalanta’s first European trophy with a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a one-legged European final since 1969.
The Nigerian player brings more than just goals for Atalanta. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for teammates make him a constant threat on the wing.
Former international Victor Ikpeba has challenged Super Eagles players to step up their fight to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles have endured a stuttering start to their campaign, failing to record a win in four matches.
Finidi George’s side currently occupy fifth position in Group C with a paltry three points from four games.
Ikpeba, who represented Nigeria at two World Cups, said the players must up their game.
“The players have become too comfortable, they now have to step up and take full responsibility,” he was quoted by SCORENigeria.
“The talent is there in the team for them to turn things around next year.
“History will be kind to them when they fight back and qualify Nigeria.
“We missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and it was a special tournament.”
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed anger at the mix-up by the Beninoise Football Federation in playing the old Nigeria national anthem before Monday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Abidjan.
NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said the NFF handed a recording of the new national anthem of Nigeria to the Benin FA authorities at the Match Coordination Meeting in Abidjan on Sunday evening.
He said: “We gave them the recording of our new national anthem, only for them to play the wrong one at the beginning of the match. We protested strongly, and insisted that the Super Eagles would not start the second half until the new national anthem of Nigeria was played.”
The Benin FA authorities eventually played the new national anthem of Nigeria before the commencement of the second half of the match.
The match ended 2-1 in favour of Benin Republic, which propelled them to the top of the Group C with seven points from four games.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ poor performances during the June FIFA window.
The Super Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in its third and fourth game respectively in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
These results leave the Super Eagles with a total of just three points from a possible twelve of the four games played thus far in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Senator Enoh expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcomes, especially considering the substantial support the NFF has received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addition to the open and positive working relationship between the Ministry and the NFF.
He said, “The recent results are unacceptable. Despite the immense support from President Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have underperformed.
“The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment caused both Government and the generality of Nigerians.”
Senator Enoh emphasized that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF.
He said: “Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation for why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards since after the last AFCON.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Finidi George, has stressed that there is “no special formula for winning” after leading the team to suffer an unexpected 2-1 defeat at the hands of Benin Republic.
Finidi George, who spent over 20 months as the assistant coach of the Super Eagles, was expected to have it easy as the head coach since he is conversant with the team.
However, the former Enyimba of Aba manager has proven to be finding it difficult to come up with a winning strategy for the highly talented and star-studded Super Eagles squad.
Recall that when he served as the interim coach of the Super Eagles in March, he beat Ghana in an international friendly and then lost 2-0 to Mali in another friendly match.
Despite the defeat to Mali, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) deemed him fit for the permanent coaching role.
Under his watch as the team’s head coach, the Nigerian team came from behind to draw 1-1 with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7.
As if that was not bad enough for Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Finidi George and his boys allowed Benin Republic to come from behind to defeat them 2-1 in Abidjan.
After the defeat, coach Finidi George said: “There is no special formula for winning, we have to see how we can get the best out of the players.
“Everybody must be committed and with that commitment, I believe we will win games and if we can win games, the battle will still be there. We can’t throw in the towel because we have only three points, we have to find a way to get these players back in a way they can perform.”
Note that the Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently sitting in the 5th spot out of 6 teams in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are four points away from first placed Benin Republic.
The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has summoned the Nigeria Football Federation and demanded a detailed technical report on the Super Eagles’ following their last two disappointing performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifying series in the June window.
The Super Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in their third and fourth games of Group C.
These results leave the Eagles with a total of just three points from a possible 12 in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
In a statement shared by the minister’s office, Enoh expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, especially considering the substantial support the NFF had received from President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the positive working relationship between the ministry and the federation.
Nigeria’s chance of playing at the 2026 World Cup is in jeopardy, following a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles, looking to bounce back from their 1-1 draw with South Africa last Friday, started on a good note, thanks to Raphael Onyedika’s excellent finish in the first half.
However, Finidi George’s men went into the break behind, as the Beninese scored twice before the interval thanks to Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie.
The result leaves Benin Republic at the top of Group C with seven points, while Nigeria remains fifth with three points.
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Saudi Arabia Pro League club, Al Ahli are ready to meet Victor Osimhen’s release clause.
According to Italian news hub, II Mattino via Calcio Napoli, Al Ahli are, however, yet to convince the player to make the move.
The release clause in Osimhen’s contract is reportedly around €120- £130m.
The 25-year-old rejected a move to another Saudi club Al Hilal last summer.
The Nigeria international is expected to leave Napoli this summer.
He has consistently been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
[DailyPost]
![U-17WWCQ: Flamingos thrash Liberia 4-1 in first leg tie [VIDEO]](/media/k2/items/cache/56dc4faa3428a258b9c74b7392448fb8_XS.jpg?t=20240610_090711)
The Nigerian U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, secured a comfortable 4-1 victory against Liberia in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The match took place on Sunday evening at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
The Flamingos, under the leadership of coach Bankole Olowookere, dominated the game from the outset.
Abidemi Moshood opened the scoring in the 19th minute, setting the tone for a deluge of goals.
Just ten minutes later, Peace Effiong extended the lead with a well-placed shot.
Harmony Chidi added to Liberia’s woes, netting Nigeria’s third goal nine minutes before halftime.
Substitute Blessing Ifitezue sealed the victory with a fourth goal 16 minutes from full time.
Liberia managed to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, but it was too little, too late to challenge Nigeria’s dominance.
The reverse fixture is scheduled for next weekend at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
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Premier League giants Arsenal have reportedly dropped their interest in Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, due to his €130m price tag amid player swap rumours, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
After four successful seasons at Napoli, Osimhen is expected to call time on his career with the 2022/23 Serie A champions this summer, as confirmed by club president Aurelio de Laurentiis.
The Partenopei have fought hard to keep hold of the Nigeria international and agreed a new contract with their star striker last December, but his terms only run until the summer of 2026.
With Osimhen’s contract also including a release clause worth around €130m (£110.6m), De Laurentiis has resigned himself to losing the former Lille man to one of Europe’s financial powerhouses ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Arsenal have been one of a handful of clubs tipped to move for Osimhen, alongside Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, although the latter will not make an approach due to the recent capture of Kylian Mbappe.
It has also been reported that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is against the signing of the 25-year-old as well, as he does not believe that Osimhen is a striker who can link play and drop deep, which is one of his principal requirements.
As a result, a two-way fight could have materialised between PSG and Arsenal, the latter of whom were apparently informed that a part-exchange deal involving Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu could have been their ticket to an agreement.
However, according to Sky Italia, Arsenal have informed Napoli that they are not bowing to their £110.6m demands, especially after breaking their own transfer record with the £105m capture of Declan Rice last year.
Arsenal still rate the striker highly but cannot justify forking out a nine-figure fee, which is also the case with most of Osimhen’s other suitors, so De Laurentiis may be forced to relent on demanding that the Nigerian’s release clause is paid in full.
The Napoli president is now under added pressure to accept a lower fee for the Nigerian due to the arrival of Antonio Conte, who wants to reunite with Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku in one of his first acts as head coach.
PSG are now considered the favourites for Osimhen’s signature, as the ex-Lille man is not keen on moving to Saudi Arabia, and the French champions will save €200m (£170.1m) in yearly wages now that Mbappe has departed.
Osimhen topped the Serie A scoring charts in the 2022/23 season with 26 strikes and netted 15 times in 2023/24 missing a large part of the season due to injuries and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match between Rangers and Enyimba in Week 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was called off after a late penalty was awarded to the Flying Antelopes.
The crucial Oriental Derby on Sunday was a title decider, with Rangers at the top of the league with 60 points and Enyimba just two points behind.
The stadium was packed with fans for the intense match, which was going well until the referee awarded Rangers a penalty in the 101st minute with the score at 0-0.
The decision sparked protests from Enyimba players, and despite efforts to resume play, the game was disrupted by fans invading the pitch.
Opinions are split on the fairness of the penalty, as the Enyimba defender seemed to pull back the Rangers striker who was attempting a shot on goal inside the box.
A win tonight would have allowed Rangers to establish a five-point lead over Enyimba with only two matches remaining in the season.
“Rangers 0-0 Enyimba #RANENY #NPFL24 #TheFinalStretch.
“Match interrupted after penalty awarded to Rangers in added time,” the NPFL wrote on its X platform.
The league body has not yet commented on the match or the next steps.
See video below:
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Trouble at Enugu as referee awards a late penalty to Rangers, prompting Enyimba players to stage a walkout and Enyimba fans to invade the pitch and disrupt the match. pic.twitter.com/4O6Y6NmnlZ