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Super Eagles Lose First Match Under New Coach,Peseiro

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Cyril Desser netted his first goal as the Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 1-2 to Mexico in an international friendly game on Sunday.

Jose Peseiro, the three-time African champions handler, also became the first Nigerian coach to lose a debut game in twenty-eight years — after Amodu Shaibu led the team to a respectable 1-0 loss to England at the old Wembley on November 16, 1994.

In an enthralling game of two halves at the AT & T stadium in Arlington, Texas, Santiago Gimenez caught the Super Eagles defense napping to open scoring for the El Tri of Mexico in the 13th minute.

The South American side continued their forage upfront and almost doubled their lead in the 18th minute.

Francis Uzoho rose to the occasion to save the blushes of Nigeria in the 31st minute as Mexico kept on tormenting the Jose Peseiro’s side.

The first forty-five minutes ended 1-0 in favour of the CONCACAF team.

I’m the second half, the Eagles came out gun blazing, with Dessers netting the equaliser for Nigeria.

Barely a minute after the Nigerian side leveled up, William Troost-Ekong gifted Mexico an own goal when he headed into his own net to put the opposition ahead again.

The Super Eagles tried everything possible l to salvage a point from the game but all their efforts proved abortive as the game ended 2-1 in favour of Mexico.

The Super Eagles will play the second tune up game ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Ecuador on Tuesday in New Jersey.

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Williams Ekong’s own goal hands Mexico 2-1 win over Super Eagles

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Super Eagles’ captain William Troost-Ekong on Saturday cleared into his team’s net to gift Mexico a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in an international friendly at Dallas in the United States.

The match was the Super Eagles’ first of two international friendlies lined up by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). It was also head coach Jose Peseiro’s first game in charge of the team, and part of their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

While Nigeria failed to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup, El Tri are using the game to prepare for the event in Qatar.

The match was the first of three friendlies for the Mexicans before their CONCACAF Nations League opener against Suriname in June.

Santiago Gimenez opened the scoring for a makeshift Mexico squad in the 13th minute.

It was with a great finish as they got their international window off to a positive start In front of a healthy crowd in Arlington.

The Mexicans bossed the first half with Gerardo Martino using the second half primarily as an opportunity to integrate Diego Lainez and Edson Alvarez from the bench.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho made some superb saves to contain their opponents in the first half and keep the Super Eagles in the game.

Peseiro’s boys however grew more into the game in the second half and got a well-deserved equaliser through Cyriel Dessers in the 54th minute from a powerful header. It was Dessers first international goal for the national team.

However, defender Troost-Ekong inadvertently conceded an own goal in an attempt to clear the ball from a delicate cross into the penalty box in the 56th minute.

The match was thereafter cagey and saw the introduction of a few players from the Nigeria Professional Football League League (NPFL) towards the end, with about 20 minutes left.

Enyimba’s Victor Mbaoma, and Ishaq Rafiu and Chiamaka Madu (both from Rivers United) replaced Terem Moffi (Lorient FC, France), Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France) and Dessers (Feyenoord, Netherlands) respectively.

They helped the team to hold on for a commendable finish.

Troost-Ekong’s own-goal eventually proved the difference between the two sides, in spite of coming barely two minutes after Dessers equaliser for Nigeria.

Super Eagles will face Ecuador on Thursday before attention shifts to the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Mauritius in June. NAN




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AFCON 2021: The Eagles that Refuse to Fly

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The sudden defeat of the Super Eagles by Tunisia despite having nine point in the African Cup of Nations Tournament did not just disappoint Nigerians but has generated mix reactions across the country and in the diaspora leaving many in awe despite having a fantastic start defeating Egypt and Guinea Bussiau.

The defeat gave hope for Nigerians and her government enthusiasm to believe that the Eagles would win the AFCON tournament.

The government and notable Nigerians out of eagerness, excitement and motivation for them promised cash reward if they win.

Earlier on Sunday morning before the match against Tunisia began, President Muhammadu Buhari charged the Super Eagles to fly in their match against Tunisia the President spoke with Coach Augustine Eguavoen, , Captain Ahmed Musa , Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Abayomi Olonisakin.

Mr Buhari said: “You’ve been doing Nigeria proud. You’ve been winning. Please keep on winning. The Federal Government is supporting you, and I say thank you to all the technical crew and the players.. Please keep doing the country proud.”

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles could not get the chance to win their fourth title, just yet, after a 47th minute Youssef Msakni strike sent them out of the tournament.

A cagey first half had it highlights the first of which arrived when Wilfred Ndidi flashed an overhead kick wide as early as the second minute as Nigeria looked to open the scoring.

The first real chance of the evening fell to the Tunisians, but Wilfred Ndidi came to the rescue with a goal-line clearance.

Nigeria responded almost instantly through Joe Aribo, but the Rangers man, after receiving a decent ball from Moses Simon, saw his shot blocked at the last second.

The Carthage Eagles were rattled and could have conceded just past the quarter of the hour, but Taiwo Awoniyi could not get his head to make contact with a side-footed Samuel Chukwueze cross.

The Villarreal winger and Aina combined well on the right flank before the Chelsea academy product sent a low cross into the box which arrived behind Awoniyi.

The rest of the half fizzled out without much Falmouth action as both teams were content keeping the ball away from their area as much as possible.

Moments into the second half, Tunisia broke the deadlock after a fierce Youssef Msakni drive left Okoye with egg on his face.

It was the first time the Augustine Eguavoen-led side would concede the first goal at the Afcon in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles reacted well, raising the tempo, but the ball did not fall kindly to any of Awoniyi or Iheanacho as they pressed for an equaliser.

The evening turned for the worst for Nigeria when the Eagles were reduced to ten men. Alex Iwobi, minutes after coming off the bench, was shown a straight red card for a rash stamp.

Still, Simon should have equalised for Nigeria after a Peter Olayinka cross found him in the box. But goalkeeper Ben Said kept out the Nantes man’s shot.

Okoye saved a fierce Tunisian drive as the North Africans exploited the spaces left behind by the attacking Nigerians.

The Super Eagles were relentless, though, and Simon flashed a free-kick just wide after good work from Umar Sadiq.

Ndidi sent another shot wide when well-placed and Sadiq missed another sitter late on as the crucial equaliser eluded the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s 100% record in Cameroon ends on a sad note. The Super Eagles leave Cameroon with Tunisia processing to face Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile many questions comes to mind on whose fault it is for making the eagles not to fly, the formation by Austin Eguaveon, the eagerness to receive the reward promised or the nature of the tournament characterized by its hype, excitement and disappointment where even the giants are fallen.

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Eagles To Face Tunisia As Emefiele Promises $50,000 For Each Goal

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Following their emergence as the leader of group G, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn to play 2004 African champions Tunisia in the round of 16 at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match is expected to be played on Sunday at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon.

Poor form Tunisia had finished third in Group F behind Mali and The Gambia after losing 1-0 to the West African nation in their final Group F encounter.

The team qualified to the round of 16 as one of the best losers after gathering just three points.

Tunisia recorded one win in the group against Mauritania and lost to Mali in controversial circumstances before a 93rd minute goal from Musa Barrow condemned them to third place in their group.

The Eagles are familiar opponents with the North Africans, having defeated them 1-0 in the third-place match of the 2019 tournament in Egypt, with Odion Ighalo scoring the only goal of the encounter.

Meanwhile billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has promised the Super Eagles the sum of $250,000 (N102.89m) if they win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Eagles will also receive N49,389,600 ($120,000) for the six goals they scored in the group stage of the competition based on the promise made by the Coalition Against COVID-19.

CACOVID is a private sector-led platform established to assist the government in combating Coronavirus in the country.

The Coalition had promised to reward the squad with the $20,000 for each goal scored in the group stage.

The Eagles finished the group stage with six goals, which amounted to $120,000.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, who represented CACOVID during a visit to the team’s camp in Cameroon, said their impressive group stage performance convinced CACOVID to increase the amount for every goal scored to $50,000 in the round of 16.

He said, “I came with a message from the CACOVID. The CACOVID is the coalition of private-sector companies that was set up to fight COVID-19 in Nigeria and they have been happy with the performance of the team

“During the meeting I had with the captain (Ahmed Musa) and the coach (Austin Eguavoen), I delivered a message from CACOVID and the message is that, for every goal that is scored, the team will receive the naira equivalent of $20,000 so far, you have earned for yourself the naira equivalent of $120,000.

“We held a CACOVID meeting again because everyone is overjoyed for everything you’ve done so far, CACOVID has asked me to raise the ante.

“From the round of 16, for every goal scored, you will earn for yourselves as a team the naira equivalent of $50,000.

“Also, Femi Otedola, who is a member of CACOVID, has asked me to tell you that if you lift the trophy, he has in the bank for you, the naira equivalent of $250,000. This is just the beginning and I can assure you that if you win your round of 16 games, another promise might be made.”

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Like Eguovoen: Nigeria doctors can perform better than your multi-million dollar foreign doctors – Reno told Buhari

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Self-styled opposition voice and alleged President Buhari tormentor, Reno Omokri has lashed out to President Buhari to rejig Nigeria health system, encourage Nigeria medical practitioners whom he said would perform better than President Buhari Multi-Million Dollar foreign doctors and cut waste that had led to untamed borrowing.

Following a congratulatory message extended to the Super Eagles over their unique performances in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations AFCON tournament by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Super Eagles victory

Reno in response reminded the President that the wonderful performance of the Eagles is the handiwork of a local coach, Augustine Eguavoen and a clear indication that if waste is controlled, Nigeria would borrow less and if Nigeria health system braced, Nigeria wouldn’t lose the much capital flight it loses to foreign medical trips.

“Augustine Eguavoen, is doing better than the multimillion dollar foreign coach, Gernot Rohr.

“Maybe our local doctors would prove to be better than your multimillion London doctors if you give them a chance.

“Maybe our local economy will get better if you stop taking external loans and start cutting internal waste.

“If Augustine Eguavoen can do it with the little he has, believe me, you can do it with the much you have!

Reno used the opportunity to appeal to President Buhari to pay Eguoveon very well like the foreign coaches.

“On a serious note, our government should consider paying Augustine Eguavoen the same mega bucks they paid Gernot Rohr. We cant pay Rohr millions for delivering failure and pay Eguavoen less for delivering success. My people, do I speak well in this? Reno asked.

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‘The Eagles are super and soaring’ – Twitter celebrates Nigeria win over Sudan

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Football enthusiasts across social media have commended the Super Eagles following their 3-1 victory over Sudan at the 2021 Africa Cup of the Nations.

Saturday’s result at the Roumde Adjia Stadium was Nigeria’s second win in Cameroon and it secured their qualification to the Round of 16.

Samuel Chukwueze gave the West Africans an early lead with his third-minute strike and they doubled it on the stroke of half-time through Taiwo Awoniyi’s header.

After the interval, Moses Simon capped his man-of-the-match performance with a fine individual goal in the 46th minute.

Read Also: Mohamed Salah Fails To Shine As Super Eagles Defeat Egypt In AFCON Opener

Nigeria’s performances in Cameroon have earned praise for Eguavoen who took up the role of head coach on an interim capacity in December as the country guns for a fourth Afcon title.

Shatta Wale when he finds out Nigeria has now won 2 games in a row pic.twitter.com/vTkLtITRFC

— Duke of Ibadan 🀄️ (@_AsiwajuLerry) January 15, 2022
One of the sweetest times to be Nigerian is when watching the Super Eagles 🦅 play well🥳🥳#AFCON2022

— O’Semilore❤💝 (@O_Sheymelore) January 15, 2022
A stellar performance from the Super Eagles. Keep soaring🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬⚽⚽💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿 #TeamNigeria

— The Learned Hoodlum #EndSARS (@PurpleHirbiscus) January 15, 2022
Super Eagles are the strongest team in AFCON presently#TeamNigeria

— Tomiwa Olubiire (@TheAfrikaboyTAB) January 15, 2022
Go super eagles! We move 💪🏾 https://t.co/ULvYjv0t4a

— Eniola 🤎 (@OluwaCici) January 15, 2022
Super Eagles making Nigerians proud and happy. That’s how it should be

— Annie (@Annie10055648) January 15, 2022
The team is not sharp enough….playing cameroun and Senegal will be a big challenge…they are still jittery….funny how most of the players are left footers and can only play with 1 leg….we need to show class….so far team have been average

— Segun Abin…… (@Segelabams) January 15, 2022
If Osimhen were here, Nigeria would be top scorer at this tournament. The drop-off in quality when Awoniyi goes off and Umar comes on is very visible.

— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) January 15, 2022
This Nigeria team is too big for this Afcon competition, we need something bigger, give us teams like Germany or France please.

— valking ♔ 🇦🇷 (@_VALKlNG) January 15, 2022
Ghanaians watching Nigeria score 3 goals in a game with their 247 constant light pic.twitter.com/BAyEgDTPHd

— Edmund 💉 (@EdmundOris) January 15, 2022
Moses Simon gave a pass; still ran to convert the chance. Has been mad impressive at #AFCON2021 . Tricky, fast, always looking to take on opponents & draw fouls. Only thing missing sometimes has been his final ball. Rohr was playing this talent as a defender. 🥺😭 #TeamNigeria

— E (@iamOkon) January 15, 2022
Rohr has blood on his hands for what he did to Moses Simon.

— Babanla (@biolakazeem) January 15, 2022
Nigeria’s Moses Simon just reminded us of Zidane with that 360-skill #AFCON2021

— Taiye Taiwo (@tayo_taiwo) January 15, 2022
The EAGLES are SUPER and SOARING again #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/5ZJxhTC6x1

— BAMIDELE, Francis (@BAMIDELEFranci9) January 15, 2022.

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Mohamed Salah Fails To Shine As Super Eagles Defeat Egypt In AFCON Opener

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated Egypt in the Group D clash of the African Cup of Nations.

Coach Austin Eguavoen’s men extended Nigeria’s head to head advantage against the Pharaohs after securing a 1:0 victory.

The Egyptians were faced with an unexpected defeat with Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, scoring a dramatic opener in the 30th minute of the first half.

Both teams have met 19 times with Nigeria defeating their Egyptian rival nine times, while five draws were recorded.

Prior to the start of the match, Liverpool striker, Mohamed Salah, was tipped as the man to watch in the clash between the two former AFCON Champions.

Salah have scored 16 goals in the 2021-2022 Premier League season.

But he failed to create a chance for the Pharaohs at the 30,000-capacity Stade Roumdé Adjia in Cameroon.

Some prediction sites had predicted Egypt to kick off their campaign with victory.

But the Super Eagles dominated the match with 58 per cent of the ball possession and nine shots on goal against Egypt’s three.

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Afcon 2021: Nigeria has enough talent to reach the final – Ighalo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Al Shabab striker Odion Ighalo believes Nigeria has a talented squad to reach the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ighalo rued his absence from Austin Eguavoen’s team after his Saudi Professional Football League club declined to release him for the competition in Cameroon.

He came back from international retirement last year and he was included in Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the African football fiesta.

Back in the 2019 edition, the former Manchester United star was the top scorer in Egypt with five goals to his name for the Super Eagles.

Ahead of the Group D opening match against Egypt at the Roumde Adjia Stadium on Tuesday, Ighalo encouraged the Super Eagles to fight for glory and better their last performance when they finished third.

“Here is me wishing the Super Eagles all the very best in the Afcon tournament. Sorry I can not be there, but I will be supporting the boys all the way,” Ighalo told NFF TV.

“We need prayers from Nigerians to support the team because with their prayers and support, we will make Nigeria proud. Go boys and make us proud, you guys can do it. We have enough talents in the team that can take us to the final.”

Following the refusal of Al Shabab to release the striker, Nigeria will not be able to select a replacement for Ighalo and will participate in the competition in Cameroon with 27 players.

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Super Eagles land in Cameroon, set for AFCON Victory

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior male football team have landed in Garoua town in Cameroon, the venue of their Group D matches of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicks off on Sunday.

Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, will have their first training session in Cameroon on Thursday evening at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, venue of their Group D games, including Tuesday’s explosive group opener against Egypt, seven-time champions.

Nigeria will also confront Sudan on 15th January and Guinea-Bissau on 19th January.

Italy –based Tyrone Ebuehi and fellow wing-back Jamilu Collins, who plays in Germany, are both expected to team up with the team in Garoua. Forward Odion Ighalo is ruled out as a result of issues with his Saudi Arabian club.

Ahmed Musa, Super Eagles captain who was part of the squad that won the trophy in South Africa 9 years ago, said he is confident that the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria with the trophy on 6th February.

While addressing the players just before they flew out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday evening, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, reiterated his conviction that the 27 players Nigeria would be fielding at the championship are good enough to lift the trophy and earn a fourth triumph for the country.

“I wish you good luck at the tournament on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria. We know how professional you are and we know you will take the same temperament to the AFCON. We pray against injuries and Covid-related health issues,” said Sanusi.

“The NFF is ready to give you all the support that you need, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria. The NFF President, Amaju Pinnick who is also a member of the AFCON Organizing Committee will join you in Cameroon in two days. Some of us will also be coming to give you the necessary support and encouragement.”

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development held a send-forth dinner for the team at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Tuesday night.

Nigeria’s 15 podium appearances in 18 participations in the AFCON is the highest tally in Africa’s flagship football championship. The only times they ended without winning a medal were in their debut in 1963, in Libya 40 years ago, and in Ghana 14 years ago. They have won the trophy three times (1980, 1994, and 2013), finished as runners-up four times (1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000), and picked up the bronze medals eight times (1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019).

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