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Messi remains greatest footballer, Ronaldo not bigger player than me – Eden Hazard

Former Chelsea ace, Eden Hazard has suggested that Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo is not a bigger player than him in terms of ‘pure football.’

Hazard also insisted that former Barcelona captain Lionel Messi still remains the greatest footballer.

Speaking recently with L’Equipe, Hazard said, “Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one. I loved watching the Barcelona player, less so at the end, but he is the greatest in history.


“It is impossible to take the ball away from him. Cristiano is a bigger player than me but, in terms of pure football, I honestly don’t think so. Neymar, maybe. After that, he’s no better than me.”

Hazard retired from football at the age of 32 last October.

Ronaldo and Messi are still playing at age 38 and 36, respectively.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles soar into 2023 AFCON semifinal

The Super Eagles put up a professional performance to eke out a 1-0 win over surprise quarterfinalists Angola. A first half goal from Ademola Lookman, his third in the tournament, was all the Nigerians needed to book their place in the semi-final for the 16th time, where they will take on DR Congo or Guinea, who play the second quarterfinal later on Friday night.

Stanley Nwabali was fit enough to start in goal, and coach Jose Peseiro went with the same team that defeated Cameroon. Nwabali kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet to become the third Nigerian goalkeeper to keep four consecutive clean slates at the AFCON after Best Ogedegbe in 1980 and Ike Shorunmu in 2002.

The Eagles could have scored in the first minute with a loose ball in the Angola box, but Frank Onyeka’s shot was blocked after Ademola Lookman failed to get the ball on target. The Palancas Negras threatened immediately after through Agostinho Mabululu, but Nwabali diverted his shot for a corner kick.

In the 23rd minute, Osimhen threatened with a header, but Antonio Signori held on. The Napoli forward had another chance for a header in the 35th minute, but he glanced the ball out. Angola pushed back and won back-to-back corners in the 36th and 38th minutes.

And then Lookman struck. Moses Simon sped past Kialonda Gaspar, and with Osimhen’s run taking away other defenders, Lookman rifled the ball past Signori into the roof of the net. The Eagles created another goal-scoring chance in the third minute of added time in the first half, but Zaidu Sanusi dithered in the box and lost the opportunity to cross.

Nigeria had more ball possession in the first stanza, more shots on target, and comfortable control of the contest.

The second half saw Angola coach Soares Goncalves introduce Zini for Estrela as the Angolans sought new ways to breach the Eagles’ resilient defence. Osimhen teed up Alex Iwobi on the edge of the Angola box, but his shot was blocked for a corner kick. Sanusi had a shooting chance, but his shot was wide off target.

In the 59th minute, Angola produced their best goal-scoring chance after Iwobi had turned over possession. Fredy, quiet all evening, slid the ball through the Nigerian defence, and Zini was one-on-one with Nwabali, but his shot struck the post, and Ekong cleared the immediate danger.

Simon weaved past two Angola defenders on the hour, but his shot was blocked as the Eagles tried to find a second insurance goal. Sanusi played his free-kick over the wall, but it was tame and comfortably gathered by Signori. The Eagles thought they had that second goal in the 75th minute, but Osimhen had strayed marginally offside before heading past Signori.

VAR drew their lines, and Osimhen’s wait for a second AFCON goal continued. In the 81st minute, Lookman fed Osimhen, who created a shooting chance, but his shot was blocked. Nwabali was called to make two saves as the Eagles held on for their fourth consecutive clean sheet and a place in the semifinal, the 16th in the country’s history.

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AFCON: CAF Unveils $7m Prize For Champions, Runner-up $4m

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the prize money for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), setting the stage for an intense battle as teams vie for the prestigious trophy. As the tournament progresses into the quarter-finals, it’s clear that there’s more than just glory at stake.


The winning team of the 2023 AFCON will earn a substantial $7 million, marking a significant achievement in their football journey. The runner-up is also set for a generous reward, receiving $4 million, while the semi-finalists who do not advance to the final will each be awarded $2.5 million.


Teams making it to the quarter-finals will be granted $1.3 million, demonstrating the tournament’s high regard and competitive spirit. Additionally, participants who exit at the round of 16 stage are not left behind, with each team receiving $800,000.

Even the teams that finish third in their respective groups will see financial compensation, securing $700,000, and those ending their campaign at the bottom of their groups will get $500,000. These incentives highlight CAF’s commitment to supporting and rewarding the efforts of all participating teams.

Amidst the anticipation for financial rewards, the Nigerian team, the Super Eagles, are focused on clinching their fourth AFCON title as they prepare to face Angola in a crucial quarter-final match in Abidjan. A victory against Angola would not only advance Nigeria in the competition but also edge them closer to the substantial $7 million prize.


While the monetary incentives add an extra layer of excitement, the primary goal for the teams remains to secure the esteemed AFCON trophy. Winning the tournament is a testament to continental supremacy and an indelible mark in the annals of African football history.

With the quarter-finals underway, the competition is heating up, and fans across Africa are eagerly watching as the remaining eight teams contend for the trophy and their share of the lucrative prize pool.

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AFCON: Tinubu Calls Super Eagles Ahead of Angola Clash (Video)

President Bola Tinubu has uplifted the morale of the Super Eagles of Nigeria after calling them on video call.

The call was made ahead of Super Eagles match against Angola in the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament.


Speaking via video call from France, the President urged the players to reach for goals in the crucial Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Angola this evening.

The video call was posted on his son, Seyi Tinubu’s Instagram story on Friday, February 2.

Nigeria vs Angola is the first quarter-final game of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations by 6 pm today.

All eyes are on the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they slug it out against Angola in the AFCON Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The target for Nigeria is to qualify for the semi-final.

The winner between Nigeria and Angola on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the 40,000-capacity Peace Stadium in Bouake, will face the winner of Cape Verde vs. South Africa to be played also on Friday.

Media

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Last modified on Friday, 02 February 2024 16:14

Nwabali Starts As Eagles Remain Unchanged Against Angola

Stanley Nwabali has recovered to start in goal for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their quarter final match against Angola on Friday.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper was a doubt after being stretchered off the pitch in the round of 16 win over Cameroon in the 80th minute.

 

However, uncertainty trailed the Chippa United shotstopper’s possible presence in goal against Angola with reports of pain and light training in the media.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro also added in his press conference that Nwabali would require a late fitness test, and his presence indicates he passed the test.

 

The presence of Nwabali in the starting XI means Nigeria remain unchanged from their last match. Victor Osimhen leads the attack and will be supported by two-goal hero Ademola Lookman.

Iwobi will continue his deep midfield role, Calvin Bassey adding steel to a defence led by captain William Troost-Ekong.

 
 

Nigeria can become the first nation in the semi final of AFCON 2023 if they defeat Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan from 6pm.

Starting XI:

 

Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, Sanusi Zaidu; Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen

[DailyTrust]
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EPL: Arteta confirms Arsenal injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey has suffered an injury setback.

Arteta was speaking to the media on Friday, ahead of Liverpool’s visit in the Premier League this weekend.

The club had initially confirmed that Partey was back in full training.

 

But the Ghana midfielder missed the 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest and will now be unavailable for the top-of-the-table fixture against the Reds.

“With Thomas unfortunately we had a little setback a few days ago. He’s not going to be available in the squad.

“We don’t know if it’s a few days or weeks. He felt something in a very similar area & he wasn’t able to train the last few days,” Arteta said.

[DailyPost

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If Nwabali is not fit, I trust Uzoho – Super Eagles coach Peseiro

Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro says he has confidence in his other goalkeepers should Stanley Nwabali fail to gain fitness ahead of Angola clash.

Peseiro stated this while speaking in a press conference ahead of the quarter-final clash against the Black Antelope of Angola.


He said that Nwabali will undergo a late fitness test on Thursday and he will make his decision on whether to field him or not afterwards.

Peseiro, however, stated that should Nwabali fail to make it in time for the clash, he will play Uzoho in goal.

He said, “Today we will make the final decision. He will do one last test to see if he is really fit but if he cannot play, Francis [Uzoho] will play. And I trust him.”

Nwabali has conceded just once in four appearances for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Chippa United goalie has won Nigerians’ hearts with his performances at the ongoing AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The news of his training with his Super Eagles teammates on Tuesday came off as heartwarming with Nigerians anxious to know if he will be fit to face the boisterous Angola side.

The Super Eagles will take on the Black Antelopes in a quarter-final tie at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

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Last modified on Friday, 02 February 2024 08:01

Asisat Oshoala Says Goodbye to Barcelona Club, Joins Bay FC

Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, bid farewell to Barcelona Femini fans in an emotional post on Instagram on Thursday as she confirmed her departure from the club to join National Women’s Soccer League club Bay FC.

Oshoala completed her move to Bay FC on Thursday after signing a two-year deal with an option of another year for a reported fee of $162,000.

“As I bid farewell to this incredible team and the city that has been my home for the past five years, I am filled with mixed emotions,” Oshoala said in a post on Instagram.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to wear the Barcelona Femini jersey and represent this prestigious club.


“Since joining the team in 2019, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Together, we have lifted several trophies and these achievements are a testament to hard work, dedication and I feel privileged to have been a part of this team.”

The former Liverpool and Arsenal forward joined Barcelona permanently on a three-year deal after an impressive loan spell from Chinese side Dalian Quanjian in 2019.

She went on to make 162 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 117 goals, including a record-setting season feat in 2022, when she was the joint top scorer in the league with 19 goals.


The two-time Ballon D’or nominee top the scorers chart three times in Spain, helping the club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in 2021 and 2023, four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups and the Copa de la Reina three times.

She is the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and also score in the Champions League final in 2019.

She added, “But beyond the trophies and accolades, what I will cherish most are the relationships I have built with some of my teammates, coaches, staff and the amazing fans. You have become my family and I will forever be grateful for the love and support you have shown me.

“As I embark on a new journey, I want you to know that Barcelona Femini will always hold a special place in my heart. I will carry with me the memories, lessons and friendships that I have gained during my time here.”

Reacting to her arrival at the club, Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton, believes the Nigerian will bolster the club with her quality.

“To have the opportunity to add a player of Asisat’s quality, experience and winning pedigree to our roster is an exciting and important day for the club and the NWSL,” Rushton told the club website.

“She (Oshoala) brings a top-class mentality to the field combined with pace and technical ability that allows her to lead the line, while also giving those players around her the license to be creative and thrive in space. Asisat is a proven goal scorer at the most elite levels of World football, and she comes here to continue that with Bay FC.”


The six-time CAF Player of The Year winner will occupy an international roster spot and joins the team pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.

 

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AFCON 2023: Nwabali cleared to face Angola

Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has been cleared to feature for the Super Eagles against Angola on Friday, DAILY POST reports.

Nwabali was a major doubt for the game after sustaining a mild ligament injury in the Super Eagles Round of 16 victory against Cameroon.

The Chippa United shot stopper has now recovered fully from the injury.

 

The 27-year-old trained fully with his teammates at the Police College, Cocody, Abidjan on Wednesday night.

Nwabali has conceded just once in four appearances for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles will take on the Black Antelopes in a quarter-final tie at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

[DailyPost]

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No ‘Last Dance’: Ronaldo to miss Al Nassr friendly vs Messi’s Inter Miami

CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not have their proposed ‘Last Dance’ as the former has been ruled out of tomorrow’s friendly between Al Nassr and Inter Miami.

The 38-year-old Ronaldo has been nursing an injury, which caused his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr to cancel two friendlies in China last week.

Al Nassr manager Luis Castro revealed today that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not be available for the friendly in Riyadh against Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

“Ronaldo is in the final part of his recovery to join the group,” Castro told reporters today.

“We hope that in the next few days he can start working with the team. He will be absent from the game (against Inter Miami).”

Messi and Ronaldo faced each other and scored a year ago in Saudi Arabia as PSG beat a Riyadh All-Star XI 5-4, but Inter Miami’s visit this week was billed as the last chance for the stars, 36 and 38 respectively, to play against each other.

The two superstars have been big rivals for the past 15 years, especially the nine years they were in LaLiga at the same time, Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

[NaijaNews]

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