Liberia 0 vs 2 Nigeria: Why Odion Ighalo was left out - Gernot Rohr

Coach Gernot us happy that Ighalo returns to the Super Eagles but he was left out of the matchday squad as Nigeria defeated Liberia by 2-0 in Tangier 

The Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has explained why the returning Super Eagles striker was left out of the 2022 World Cup match between Nigeria and Liberia played in Tangier, Morrocco on Saturday (13 November 2021) evening. 

Nigeria defeated Liberia by two goals to nil courtesy of two penalties scored by Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa in the 15th and 93rd minute to ensure the Super Eagles left Morrocco with all the three points at stake, without Odion Ighalo in the matchday squad.  

In the post-match conference, Gernot Rohr told journalists present that the Al -Shabab FC forward played no part in the game despite coming out of international retirement because of his late arrival at the team's camp in Morrocco and he is expected to play the game the next game against Cape Verde in Lagos on Tuesday.  

Rohr said:  "We are happy to have him back, he only arrived on Thursday that's why he couldn't participate in this match.  

"I hope that in the next match next Tuesday he will be able to help us much more." 

When he was quizzed on why Odion was forced out of retirement even though Victor Osimhen has successfully filled the void created by his absence, the coach has this to say 

"No, the reason why we asked Ighalo to come back is that we have such a young team, they are very young 22, 23, 21," Rohr said. 

"Our strikers are all very young, Ejuke is coming now, Chukwueze is coming back from injury.

"Everybody is young, we need somebody to help them with his experience in the striker position and he's a good goalscorer we know it." Said the coach.  

Nigeria the after five matches with 12 points while Cape Verde follows with 10 points after defeating the Central Africa Republic by 2-1 on Saturday evening. 

The Super Eagles need a point against Cape Verde in Lagos to qualify for the final of the qualifying series. 

The final round will have all the 10 group winners square up to form a pair of 5 fixtures and the winner of each of the fixtures will represent Africa in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

LIB vs NIG: Super Eagles' coach is ' confused' with choices as Ighalo, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze return

With Odion Ighalo, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, back in the team Coach Gernot Rohr is 'confused' with choices as he selects the starting eleven against Liberia in the 2022 World Cup qualifier on Saturday. 

All is set for matchday 5 between Liberia and Nigeria in the CAF 2022 World Cup qualifier as Liberia host Nigeria in Tangier Morrocco on Saturday, (13 November 2022) by 5 pm.  

The Super Eagles has the full complement of players invited for the encounter as the team has been preparing hard for the game all through the days leading to the weekend. 

Odion Ighalo joined on Thursday after accepting the offer from the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) to rescind his international retirement decision. 

Other players that also returns to the team after a bout with Injury are Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, making the team stronger than ever in the qualifiers on paper, hence making the selection of the starting eleven a sweet headache for the coach.

Nigeria needs a victory and hope that Cape Verde failed to beat the Central African Republic to book a place in the final round, hence there is no margin for error starting from starting eleven.

The team has been charged by the NFF led by the president, Amaju Pinnick to avoid errors after their last training on Friday as it will put pressures off their shoulders going into the final game in Lagos, against Cape Verde on Tuesday, (16 November 2022).

" The spirit is great and I believe you will do the job tomorrow. Let us leave very few rooms for mistakes; in fact, no room for errors at all" began Amaju Pinnick

"The three points are important and we should put them in our bags as we fly back to Nigeria tomorrow night", Amaju concludes.  

So the job starts with the coach, by ensuring he picks the best from the pool of fantastic players he has in camp and armed detailed match plan to get the needed result. 

Here is our predicted eleven based on the situation report from the Super Eagles camp in Tangier, Morrocco.

Predicted lineup 

The coach needs to outdo his Liberian counterpart in the tactics and strategies game and ultimately choose the best combination of players that can get the job done. 

The coach may likely adopt a 3-5-2 formation based on the strength of the players and their performance in camp, according to reports. 

Goalkeeper 

Maduka Okoye will keep the number one hand glove as he remained the safest hand in the team.  

Defence 

The defence line may likely stand on the tripod stand of William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun and Chigozie Awaziem. 

Reports have it that Awaziem is one of the central defenders in camp and he is one of the reasons the coach may switch to three the accommodate the versatile defender. 

Midfielders 

Ola Aina is in contention for a starter shirt as a right wing-back and he is in pole position to get the coach's nod for a place on the right side of the wing. 

Zaidu Sanusi is in contention to return to the team after he missed out on the last two games due to poor form. 

The Porto FC defender is likely to be the man on the left wing-back for the team, ahead of Jamilu Collins due to his speed and higher recovery rate. 

Wilfred Ndidi will be anchorman through the middle, and may likely play behind Alex Iwobi as both players to the squad after matchday one of the qualifier against Cape Verde in Lagos. 

Chidera Ejuke is also in line to get the nod on the left side of the midfield, continuing from where he stopped at the last qualifier where he shone like a diamond in the sky.  

While Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze may likely start from the bench according to our camp source who witnessed the team's tactical training on Thursday.

Attack 

The two-man attack favours Kelechi Iheanacho playing behind Victor Osimhen, 

While Odion Ighalo may likely start from the bench as his late coming has greatly reduced his chances of starting ahead of any of the two. 

The Possible Line-Up 

Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Chigozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Zaidi Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Chidera Ejuke, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen.

How it panned out the last time Liberia hosted Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier 21 years ago

Christopher Wreh double wreck the Super Eagles the last time Liberia hosted Nigeria In a World Cup qualifier 21 years ago. 

The Super Eagles will file out on Saturday (13 November 2021) away to Liberia in the 2022 World Cup in Tangier, Morrocco. 

The clash will be the third time the lone stars will be hosting their Nigeria counterparts in a World Cup qualifier, with both sides winning one apiece.

Nigeria won It the first time Liberia hosted the Super Eagles a World Cup qualifier in 1984 by 1-0 in Monrovia en route to Mexico 86. 

The last time Liberia hosted Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier, the host shock the Super Eagles by 2-1 in a match played on the 9th of July 2000 in Monrovia at the Samuel Doe Stadium.  

The Super Eagles were fresh from the African Cup Of Nations where the team finished second at the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 and everyone expected the Super Eagles to enjoy a walk in the park on matchday 2 of the 2002 World Cup qualifier.  

But the Liberians were desperate to shock a fellow West African brother who stood by the country during the country's civil war which took the lives of many people.  

A victory will be a sign of victory for George Weah, who took it upon himself to rebuild the team and ensure that the country is reunited through football by spending his hard-earned money through playing professional football on the team.  

The 1995 Balon Dior winner used to be ' the FA, 'the coach, the motivator ' and the team's utility player. 

He adapted to any role available as long it will help the ambition of putting Liberia on the World map for positive things once again and playing at the FIFA World Cup is one of the cardinals of achieving that. 

The fact that the team has been together for over five years having played in the 1996 Nations Cup, no one sees them as a threat to the Super Eagles but they always have a chance especially with the bonding and spirit in the team. 

The Super Eagles remain the favourite going into the match despite the team going through transition after coming second at the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 African Cup Of Nations.  

Coach Bonfrere Jo lined up all foreign-based players which include Goalkeeper Ndubuisi Egbo, with Rabiu Afolabi, Christopher Kanu, Godwin Okpara and Chikelue Iloanusi forming the four men defensive line. 

The midfield pivoted on the duo of Sunday Oliseh, the team captain, Jay Jay Okocha, while the attack has and Garba Lawal and Pius Ikedia on the left and right wings respectively with Kanu Nwankwo playing behind Benedict Akwuegbu as the main striker in a 4-2-4 formation.  

The Liberians have the likes of Christopher Wreh, Joe Nagbe, George Gebro, Kelvin Sebwe, etc alongside the luxury of George Weah The Lone Stars is filled with decent players in every position as the era could pass for the beat generation of Liberia footballers. 

Just four minutes into the game, Joe Nagbe set George Weah on Goal, who picked Christoper Wreh in a cool position and the striker finished with a plumb to give the host the lead in the 4th minute to end the first half by 1-0. 

Before the Super Eagles could get back into the game when the second half resumes, Christopher wreh delivered the goal that wrecked the Super Eagles three minutes after the resumption of play.

The goal sent the full capacity stadium into a frenzy as the shout of goal vibrated the four walls of the stands at the Samuel Doe Stadium as their local heroes are 'disgracing ' the African giant' to the delight of the fans at the Stadium and on the streets of the Monrovia. 

Sunday Oliseh responded barely a minute after and by reducing the deficit for Nigeria in the 49th minute but the Lone Stars kept their discipline and win the game by 2-1 after ninety minutes. 

The introduction of Henry Nwosu and Henry Nwuzuirike couldn't do much after the coach introduced them to help the Super Eagles attack, replacing Akwuegbu and Pius Ikeda respectively. 

The Liberians shot to the lead in the group and remain on top until the final day, but they lost the return leg to Nigeria in Port Harcourt by 2-0 and a surprise loss to Ghana in Monrovia slipped off the World Cup ticket off their hand.

Nigeria defeated Ghana in the final of the qualifier to overtake the Liberians on the standings with 16 points to 15 points after eight matches after Amodu Shuaibu of blessed memory replaced Bonfrere Jo along the line to win three games on the bounce and became the first indigenous coach to qualify Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup.  

Unlike 31 years ago, the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier will take place in Tangier Morrocco as no Stadium is good enough to host the match in Monrovia.  

The Super Eagles need to avoid a defeat to ease their qualification process to the final round while the Liberians are o of the race already only have national pride at stake. 

The match will kick off by 5 pm local time on Saturday evening.

Everything Victor Osimhen said on the return of Ighalo to the Super Eagles

Victor Osimhen said the recall of the Odion Ighalo is good for the team, that the coaches and the Federation know what's best for the team.  

Nigeria Napoli FC forward, Victor Osimhen has reacted to the recall of the Odion Ighalo to the Super Eagles after two years of international retirement. 

The 2015 FIFA U-17 world cup golden shoe winner told the NFF media that he has a lot to learn from Odion Ighalo and looking forward to receiving him with open arms when he eventually joins the camp. 

"It's good for the team and of course the coaches and the Federation know what's best for the team",  began Osimhen when he was speaking with the NFF media in Tangier Morrocco where the Super Eagles are preparing to take on Liberia in the matchday five of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, 13 November 2021. 

The lanky forward continues  "We welcome him with open arms and looking forward to receiving him in the camp".

"Like I said before he's like a big brother to me and we love him a lot and I'll learn a lot from him, I admire him so much so I think for me it's one of the most important things to have him in the squad.

"We all have a common goal to qualify the nation for the World Cup and to do well in the AFCON so whatsoever thing that is good for the team I think the coach and the Federation will bring it into play," Osimhen concluded. 

Odion Ighalo retired from the Super Eagles after the 2019 African Cup of Nations where he won the highest goal scorer award with five goals to take to his international goals to 15 in 35 appearances for the Super Eagles.  

The 33-year-old played for Manchester United after he left the Super Eagles and he currently plays in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab FC.

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen has allayed the fears of the numerous Nigerian football fans as he declares himself as fit as fiddle and ready to go against Liberia on Saturday if we upon.

They were concerned that the striker may not be available for the crunchy ties against Liberia and Cape Verdy after he suffered a calf injury in training before Napoli FC clash with Salernitana on Sunday in Serie A.

But the revealed that the MRI scan shows it wasn't serious as first envisaged and he only took a rest for some days before the Sunday match, against Salernitana.

Osimhen said: "I feel good. After the MRI scan showed I had nothing serious it was important to rest for a few days before I play the game on Sunday. 

"Like I said before I'm always ready when I am called upon and to give my all for my country is one of the most important things in my career and of course I'm ready to come Saturday." 

Victor has started all the four games the Super Eagles have played in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and scored two goals for the team. 

The striker participated in both morning and evening sessions of the Super Eagles' training held on Wednesday, (10 November 2021) in Tangier. 

He is the favourite to lead the attacking of the team on Saturday, while Ighalo Is yet to join the camp, less than 48 hours to the match.

Nigeria University Games Association approves Boxing for 2022 NUGA Games

Students will now engage in Boxing in the University Games to discover boxing talents 

The Nigeria University Games Association, ( NUGA ) has approved Boxing as one of the games that will feature at the 2022 Nigeria University Games Sportspedal Media reports.  

The decision was part of the resolution of the NUGA council meeting held ahead of the upcoming games billed for the University of Lagos beginning from March 15 to March 22 2022. 

However, the event will only hold as a demonstration sport, but it will be considered as a medal-winning event for subsequent editions. 

Sportspedal Media reliably gathered that NUGA will be working with the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C for logistics support as the platform will be a good ground to hunt for new boxing talent.   

Furthermore, the council also upgraded Karate from none scoring event to a medal-winning event while women football, walking will also no longer be demonstration sports. 

NUGA was established in 1966 to organise the University games among Nigeria University students to foster unity and to serve as an avenue to discover burden sports talents.

National Development Plan: Sports development to gulp 80 billion naira in the next 4 years - 2021-2025

For the first time in the history of Nigeria National Development Plan, Sports is now included as a business with the plan to inject 80 billion into sports development and youth development gets 60 billion naira over 4 years- 2021-2025.  

 

Recall that in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020, Sports was excluded and ended up with zero budget.  

The approval to reclassify Sports as a business was given by President Muhammadu Buhari last year. ( 2020). 

The presentation of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development to the Federal Executive Council was instrumental in bringing sports into the business category in the budgeting process.

Thus, it can be said that the reclassification of Sports as business and no more mere recreation paved the way for sports in the National Development Plan, hence the 80 billion earmarked for sports. 

The second boost for this new budget is the efforts by the Ministry to deliver a National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP).

The Minister had championed the need to build a business model around Nigeria’s Sports Development with the mantra of Sports as a business.

Working with critical stakeholders, a final draft of the policy is under review by the Ministry of Justice.

Very interestingly, the NDP 2021-2025 harped on the legal and regulatory framework needed to drive Sports as a business, hence, the Sports industry and the budget were approved.

The NDP also gave Youth development a boost of 60 billion earmarked for youth development focusing on building a robust MSME growth, Entrepreneurship and overall  Human capital development now classified as under social development.

Under the NDP, Youth and Sports together have secured 140 billion- a record no doubt.

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is now on the National Steering Committee of the NDP 2021-2025. 

UFC GOAT: Between Isreal Adesanya and the next career move for Kamaru Usman

Will Kamaru Usman break the brotherly code by fighting Isreal Adesanya to take his career to the next level? 

Kamaru Usman has seen it all at the Welterweight division. He defeated number one contender Jorge Masvidal at UFC 268 to continue his reign in the category. 

The Nigerian Nightmare has also defeated four out of the top seven rated fighters in that category.  

He has broken all the records at the division just after two years he defeated Tyron Woodley to win the gold belt.  

With 15 successive victories, the longest in the history of the welterweight division and five title defences which tied him with St Georges Pierre as the longest consecutive defences in the 165kg category. 

Perhaps Kamaru has nothing to prove and can be regarded as the greatest of all time, GOAT in the welterweight division but there is a need not to rest on his oars. 

Having 'conquered' his territory the consensus is for him to move his career to the next level and before retiring from the octagon. 

The next level includes moving to the next weight category and winning a world title to become a winner in more than a division and probably doing a crossover fight against Canelo Alvarez. 

The two options will surely make not only sporting and financial sense but also cement his UFC legacy.  

The latter may be for greater fame, and payday but the former is a step up necessary for his career and records. 

But there is a snag, his friend and compatriot, Isreal Adesanya rules the next weight category. 

He is not willing nor ready to fight Adesanya unless for a 100 million dollar purse, a proposal which may never see the light of day. 

Keen followers of the game believe Kamaru has what it takes to defeat Isreal if only he is ready to break the brotherly code and move to the middleweight category and validate his greatest of all-time legacy in the game. 

For two former two titles holders, Henry Cejudo believes the only way Kamaru can be compared favourably with St Georges Pierre, the former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion is for Kamaru to win titles at least in two weight categories. 

He admonished Kamaru to put friendship aside and go for it for him to be truly considered as the pound-for-pound greatest of all time. 

“I’m sure if it’s the African pride, I kind of get that, but I don’t get that,” Cejudo said on “The Triple C & Schmo Show.” “Actually, as a matter of fact, I don’t get that because, to me, it’s all about legacy. Somebody else shortly is going to be able to go through the same run that Kamaru Usman did. 

"But the difference is that, can you win a second belt? And can you defend that second belt? And that’s what I want from ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’ I want him to go up. I want him to fight Izzy (Adesanya), and I just believe he has a perfect style to beat somebody like Izzy because he has wrestling.” said the former champion in two weight categories. 

“You’ve already lapped the division, Kamaru Usman,” Cejudo said. “You’ve already beat Colby twice. You’ve already beat Masvidal a couple of times, too. The winner of Masvidal and Edwards, I mean, you’re gonna beat Edwards again. There’s only one take in my side, and that’s saying go up and fight your African brother because this is about legacy.” said Cejudo

Does Kamaru need a second title to validate his GOATship in the welterweight category, even, at the expense of Israel Adesanya? Time will tell.

CAFWCL: Rivers Angels in stormy waters as Mamelodi Sundown close in on a semi-final berth

It's been stormy so far for Nigeria's Champion, Rivers Angels at the ongoing CAF Women Champions League in Cairo after the team suffered a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday, (9 November 2021) evening.   

Rivers Angels will blame their loss on dodgy officiating as two penalty shouts were denied by the referee early on in the match.   

The team ran out of luck in the 17th minute through a controversial goal by Zanele Portia Nhlapho, which proved to be the game’s lone goal that decided the match.

The centre referee judged the whole part of the ball to have crossed the goal line when the striker's shot rocked the post and bounced on the line but was palmed out by the Rivers Angel goalkeeper, Adjei Charlotte.   

The controversial goal put Sundowns on top of group B with six points.

The South African champion needs just to avoid defeat in their match to qualify for the semi-finals.

The second loss in three days condemned the Nigeria team to the bottom of group B after the conclusion of matchday two with zero points, and zero goals, with a minus-four goals deficit.

The Angels of the rivers will have to swim swiftly against the tides in the stormy waters and win their last game against Vihiga Queens of Kenya with as many as four goals. 

Furthermore, Mamelodi Sundowns need to do them a favour by defeating AS FAR of Morrocco on Friday by 4 pm (13 November 2021), before they could qualify from the group to join Mamelodi Sundowns in the semis.  

A look at the standings after matchday two, AS FAR, Vihiga are tied on 3 points, but Vihiga leads on the superior head to head and they need to defeat Rivers Angels to be guaranteed a place in the semi-final. 

This is the precarious situation Rivers Angles find themselves in, of which they need monumental transformation to stay afloat after matchday three on Friday.

Nigerian club shortlists 21 coaches for vacant technical positions ( Full List)

Mighty Jets International football club of Jos has shortlisted 21 coaches for possible appointments into various technical positions ahead of the 2021/2022 season, sports pedal Media reports. 

According to the club statement released on Tuesday, (9 November 2021), the lucky candidates were drawn by the technical committee of the club. 

The interview for the best picks will be conducted on Wednesday, (10 November 2021) by 2 pm at the club office, Mighty Jets Office, behind Plateau Hospital on the way to Green Valley Suites. 

The statement which was signed by the club's director of communication, Mbum Ferdinand reads in parts: 

" The following shortlisted coaches have been invited for an interview:

Tony Ogharanduku

Stephen Lokrit

Danjuma Sabo

Peter Langai

Isyaka Haliru 

Aminu Musa

Shehu Laka

Najib Mabo

Japhet Buwah

Glory Aghomoh

Garba Musa Bombers 

Mike Goodwin 

Charles Kopdi

Nura Nakargo

Ado Garba 

Umar Ahmed Tanko 

Uche Okafor 

Davou Pam  

All candidates are to come with the originals and photocopies of their credentials". 

Mighty Jets International Football Club will play in the Nigeria National League, NNL, and the FA Cup popularly referred to as the Aiteo Cup.

All the intrigues as Super Eagles number one goalie moves to the English Premier League

Sparta Rotterdam confirmed on their official website on Monday (November 8, 2021) evening that Nigeria number one goalie, Maduka Okoye has agreed on a move to the English Premier League at the end of the 2021/2022 season. 

The 21-year-old shot-stopper who was contracted to Sparta Rotterdam till 2025 will not serve out the contract at the Kasteel. 

Sparta Rotterdam Technical Director, Henk Van Stee confirmed that Maduka Okoye development as a goalkeeper has been very great hence they are willing to allow him to join a top competition that is good for his career.  

“We took over Maduka Okoye transfer-free from Fortuna Dusseldorf in the summer of 2020 and signed until 2025, but both parties knew that an early departure would be very real.” 

“Sparta would prefer to let Maduka go alone to top competition. If Premier League clubs show interest, it will be very difficult for the club, player and agent to postpone a transfer. 

"Then it is important for us to get the best possible conditions for Sparta and we believe that we have succeeded,” Henk told the club official website. 

The intrigues

The club knew they may lose Okoye to the bigger leagues at the end of the season, so they quickly get the Watford deal over the line under the best possible condition for the club, the player and Watford FC.

Part of the conditions for a transfer, in particular, was Maduka Okoye would finish the season at Castle, helping the club to retain their Eredivisie status. 

This will afford him to have more game time before the Africa Cup Of Nations and gain more international exposure, which will help him be in good shape for the number one shirt competition next season at Watford FC before proceeding to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

“Agreement has been reached with Watford and that is important for our selection and sporting objective to remain in the Eredivisie. This is also important for Maduka because then he can gain even more experience at the highest level in the Netherlands and will be the first keeper of Nigeria to go to the Africa Cup in January," said Van Stee. 

The arrangement Okoye himself describe as  'perfect' both at the sporting level and for financial reasons though the parties involved agreed that the financial details of the deal won't be pronounced for now.

" Of course I am very proud that I can play in the Premier League, but also that I can play at Het Kasteel for our fans until the end of the season. Of you,rse, I wanted this, but I also want to close it well with Sparta and that is why this is the best choice.” Okoye the club website. 

Henk concluded on the non-disclosure of the transfer fees.  “The only thing I can say about it is that it is an amount that cannot be refused for Sparta for an outgoing transfer. In any case, Maduka must finish the season on a rental basis at Sparta.”

CAFWCL: All eyes on coach Okon as Rivers Angels face tricky Mamelodi Sundowns

Rivers Angels coach, Edwin Okon has given assurances that all is well in the camp of the team now but he must away to galvanise to get the needed result on the pitch on Tuesday evening to overcome the setback the team suffered in their first match at the ongoing CAF Women Champions League, CAFWCL. 

Rivers Angels must negotiate a victory but they face a tricky tie against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Women Champions League on Tuesday by 7 pm in Cairo otherwise the Nigerian champion will be kicked out of the competition.  

Nigeria women football was dealt a big blow when Rivers Angels failed to lift a glove against AS FAR of Morrocco in the game played on Saturday as Sanna Mssoudy three goals make a joke of Rivers Angels' favourite tag. 

But they have a chance to bounce back and change the narrative as they confront Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in their second match on Tuesday. 

The recent rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa in women football will be rekindled and it makes the tie a very trickish one for the Nigerian side. 

Rivers Angels are rooted at the bottom after matchday one AS FAR tops the group with three points followed by Mamelodi Sundowns both sides only separated on goal difference while Vihiga is third. 

The Nigerian champions need to win their next two games to stand a chance of qualifying from the group starting with a win against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday, ( 8 November 2021)  but how the Nigeria Champion lost the first game didn't offer significant hope. 

The coach, Edwin Okon singled out the late arrival of the team to the venue of the competition in Cairo after the loss as an excuse for the no-contest witnessed on Saturday but no excuse will be tenable if the team fails to win against Mamelodi Sundowns.  

Okon promised a better performance when he said  "For now all is well with the team, we've rested enough & also had our first official training yesterday" said Okon.  

The coach knows the players are low in confidence and that he must do all to lift their spirits and be ready mentally for the job at land.

"My job is to pick up their spirit, let them know that the game is over and recover for the next matches,” Okon said after the match.

"We will try to correct the lapses we had in our first game and ensure we give our fans back home a better performance tomorrow." The chief scout of the Super Falcons told the media ahead of the game against the South African Champion. 

All eyes will be on coach Edwin Okon to make all these changes and restore Nigeria's pride in Africa women football. 

A victory against Mamelodi Sundowns will not only keep the Angels in the competition it will also be sweet revenge to the humiliation suffered by Super Falcons in the hands of the Bayana Bayana at the Aisha Buhari Cup in Lagos.

CAF Women Champions League: Will River Angels ride on Super Falcons' dominance to conquer?

Rivers Angels of Nigeria will have to battle the pressure of Super Falcons' dominance in Africa football to win as the maiden CAF Women Champions League begins in Cairo. 

The Super Falcons has won nine out of the eleven editions of the Africa Women Cup Of Nations ( AWCON) to show the gap between  Nigeria and the rest of Africa in terms of women football. 

This rich history of Super Falcons on the continent will no doubt put an extra burden on Rivers Angel to go all out and conquer as they represent Nigeria in the inaugural competition. 

The Angels' coach Edwin Okon, understands this fact and he is not settling for less. 

The 51-year-old gaffer has set a minimum target of winning the trophy at the end of the three weeks competition which kicks off on Friday, November 5, 2021, in Cairo.

“Our target is the title as we’ve prepared well for the tournament. My calculation and focus are on winning the trophy. I have made the players understand the burden of the challenge on us". 

The club has dominated Nigeria Women football over the years and will be competing with intimidating records of having won the NWFL Six times and the Federation Cup Eight times all in a space of Eleven years.  

The team from the oil-rich state has been a great conveyor belt for players to get into the national teams. 

The club boasts of Perpetual Nwokcha and Asisat Oshoala as former players both of whom have won the Africa Women footballer of the year a combined 8 times and plenty of others who have helped the Super Falcons dominate the continent over the years. 

Winning the maiden edition will be a good way to further extend Nigeria's dominance of women football on the continent beyond just the Super Falcons. 

It will also it will boost the club's pedigree beyond being just a local champion. 

No doubt they are one of the favourites to win the trophy. 

However, they have to compete with seven other top teams on the continent to actualise their dream as well live up to the rich history of Nigerian women football on the continent.  

 

The Nigerian Champion will put their credentials to test first against AS FAR of Morrocco on Saturday ( 6 November 2021) by 7 pm. 

An opening day victory is key, this will restore confidence and reassurance as the team's ego was deflated by Hassacas of Ghana in the final of the WAFU B qualifying competition when they lost unexpectedly by 3-1 in Accra. 

And winning their first game against the Moroccan champion will also put the team in good stead navigating group B which has Kenyan side Vihiga Queens and  Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies of South Africa. 

A top-two finish in the group will set up a semi-final clash with any of Hassacas of Ghana, Wadi Degla FC of Egypt, As Mande of Mali and Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea, all group A of the competition. 

Hassacas FC defeated Malabo Kings by 3-1  and Wasi Degla defeated As Mande with the same scoreline to shoot into an early lead, after the conclusion of group A matchday 1 as both sides left no doubt they are in Cairo for business.  

If River Angel's can convert the pressure from the Super Falcons dominance on the continent to a source of strength and inspiration, the team have enough in history and pedigree as a backup to go all the way 

Kamaru Usman ready to fight Isreal Adesanya

 

UFC Welterweight champion, kamaru Usman is ready to fight Isreal Adesanya but not for cheap, as the Nigerian Nightmare will only entertain to compete with Isreal for a fight purse not less than a hundred million dollars. 

Kamaru who is preparing for his fifth title defence against Colby Covington in UFC 268 billed for the MGM Arena in New York on Saturday, November 6, 2021, told ESPN about making a U-turn on his initial stand of never to fight Isreal Adesanya. 

“Adesanya is my guy, that’s something me and him would have to discuss. There’s a difference between fighting and competing,” Usman told ESPN during UFC 268 fight week. 

The Auchi born then went to name a price for the fight between brothers to happen.

 

“If I and he decide we want to compete, and the UFC is throwing 100 million dollars at us, then we’ll make it happen,” said Kamaru Usman. 

This is a sharp contrast to what he told reporters in Lagos the last he visited when he prefer two Nigerians holding a world title to having one Nigerian holding two world titles. 

 “I don’t see myself fighting him. Having two belts in Nigeria is better than just having one guy hold two belts. There’s no desire there. That’s my guy. He’s special.” Usman told Journalists in Lagos. 

Isreal Adesanya presently holds the middleweight world title in the UFC.

UFC 268: Time, how to watch, purse, undercards as Kamaru Usman set for another title defence on Saturday

The ' Nigerian Nightmare' Kamaru Usman makes a return to the Octagon on Saturday, November 6, 2020, in UFC 268 for another title defence in 2021.  

The Welterweight titleholder will face Colby Covington at the MGM Arena at the UFC 268 main event on Saturday night. 

The fight which is the second meeting between the fighters will be Kamaru Usman's third title defence in 2021 alone and it will take his title defence to five in total since he defeated Tyron Woodley in 2019 to win the title.  

The 32-year-old Nigerian American recorded a TKO over Colby in his first title defence in 2019 as Colby retired after Kamaru broke his jaw in the final seconds of the fifth round of the keenly contested fight. 

Kamaru has since gone on a roller coaster to defeat Jorge Masvidal twice and Gibert Burns once with TKOs and Knock Outs while Covington recorded around five TKO over Tyron Woodley in the solitary fight he had since he was defeated by Kamaru.

All is now set for their second meeting as both fighters will go head to head in the octagon for the Welterweight belt. 

Time of the event 

The start time for the main event depends on the duration of the undercards but the earliest time both fighters can step on the Octagon is midnight E.T which is 5 am West African Time on Sunday. 

How to watch 

The fight can be streamed live on ESPN via Pay Per View. 

It will also be live on Super Sports, DSTV in Nigeria and on some live sports apps on the internet. 

The Purse  

No official release of the purse for the fight but the last time Kamaru dought he took home an improved purse of 1.5 million dollars and he expected not to settle for a lesser amount this time.  

Undercards 

Apart from the Usman/Covington2, other mouth-watering encounters make UFC 268 a special night. 

The co-main event will see UFC women’s Strawweight champion Rose Najamunas, defend her title against former champion and No. 1-seeded contender, Zhang Weili. 

Another fight to look out for on the night is the fight between is the PPV opener, the banger between Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler, the fact that the winner of the fights may have a title shot next, makes it a fight to follow.

It is time to rebuild and reboot' - Abdul Sule, President, All Nigeria Football Players Union (ANFPU)

Newly appointed President of the All Nigerian Football Players Union (ANFPU) Abdul Sule has urged all present and retired footballers to demonstrate core values that would help them remain relevant during and after playing the game of soccer. 

Sule who was a former Super Eagles player was appointed as President of the body, in a well-organised ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, which was attended by ex-footballers, and top NFF Officials, including the Second-Vice President of the NFF, Shehu Dikko.

"It is time to rebuild and reboot the players union association in our country. It requires vision, trust, knowledge and courage. ANFPU is a players-led organisation, which demonstrates the values of ensuring a better life for the present and retired footballers in Nigeria.' Sule Said. 

"As a former player, who has played both in the local league, the national team and also abroad. I believe I have a deep understanding of the player's position within the game and will contribute significantly to the growth of the organization.

"This historic initiative will provide courage for all footballers in the country. Their voices will be heard and together, we can think of ways to develop, and protect players rights, both male and female.

"The association also aims at inspiring the younger players for more achievements and restoring hope to the retired footballers. 

"Generally, we are looking at galvanizing the football playing community, through a strategic support system that would bring a new life into the Nigerian Football environment. 

"We have so many opportunities, partnerships with the club owners and also with the Football Federation, as we are affiliated with them and have all it takes to be a union. 

"We have started work and are willing to accept players who are eligible to join the association. We are poised at helping the current and ex-players achieve their dreams. This is the main motive behind the association.

UFC 268: Khabib Nurmagomedov backs Kamaru Usman to smash Covington

 

UFC Welterweight champion has received Khabib Nurmagimedov's backing to go all out to defeat Colby Covington on Saturday, in the UFC 268. 

On a Face-Time call, shared by Usman on his social media page, Khabib told Kamaru to smash Colby Covington and defend his belt. 

Khabib said:  “My energy with you, brother… Honestly, I want him to smash this guy like he did the first time. Let’s go, Kamaru. Pound-for-pound best in the world. Kamaru Usman, Nigerian Nightmare, African Power. Let’s go, brother. I’m with you.”  

The ' Nigerian Nightmare' will take on Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 268 at the MGM arena in New York on Saturday.

The Nigerian - American will be defending his title for the fifth time since 2019 when he defeated Tyron Woodley to win the title. 

This will be the second fight between the team fighters, as Kamaru broke Colby's jaw and stopped him in the fifth round through TKO in his first title defence. 

Okoli ready to help Al Mokawloon tame ENPPI

A tough, physical encounter against ENPPI is on the cards for Saturday night’s first away league match of the season for Al Mokawloon. 

The Egyptian Premier League encounter takes place at the Petrosport Stadium (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) with a kick off set for 6 pm.

The last kick-off as the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in Cairo. Overall, in the head-to-head record, there have been 30 matches played, with ENPPI winning 16, Al Mokawloon 5, and nine draws.

Al Mokawloon won their first game of the season against El Sharqia Dokhan 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from new signing John Okoli. 

“It’s very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season,” said Okoli to the Media.

“So it’s vital that we go out on Saturday night and get all three points against ENPPI.

“Preparations have gone well this week. We have settled in well – everything’s in place and we know what’s expected of us on Saturday.

“ENPPI are a difficult team to play against – an aggressive, hard-running team - strong and physical, they play long balls. It will be a tough game, but we’re well prepared and looking forward to it.”

The former Saif Sporting star also emphasised that he is not under pressure to deliver.

“The team is very, very, very important. I prioritise overall success and not personal ambition. Every striker always want to score, but there is no pressure on my part to make it happen,” he said.d

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Lawal Wins MVP Award, Obindinma Best Goalkeeper

Flying Officers Cup 2021 is finally in the books after FC Robo Queens were crowned Champions for the first time, defeating 2019 winners Edo Queens by a lone goal. Some individual footballers did fantastically well and were celebrated at the end of the tournament. 

Player Of the Tournament (Taiwo Lawal, FC Robo Queens)

The FC Robo Queens forward was superb all through the tournament and was one of the reasons her team became eventual winners of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. She was always pushing forward and was a nightmare for every defenders she faced.  

The Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi' Award For Highest Goalscorer - Ibinabo Georgewill, Confluence Queens -3 Goals 1 Assist) 

Ibinabo Georgewill of Confluence Queens edged out Emem Essien to win the tournament's Golden boot award. Ibinabo scored three goals, same as Emem, but had one assist ahead. Unfortunately, Emem Essien's goal against Confluence Queens in the Semi-finals was taken off board after a video review showed that Confluence Queens defender, Micheal Joy actually headed the ball and not the Edo Queens forward. 

Young Player Of The Tournament - (Rukayat Shobowale, FC Robo Queens) - 

The young football maestro started all six games as the 'Lagos Landladies' went all the way to lift the coveted title. She was everywhere on the pitch, ensuring that her team never loses focus upfront. 

The Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi Award For Best Goalkeeper (Nkiruka Obindinma, Edo Queens)

 - The 2019 NWFL Premiership goalkeeper of the year was voted as the best safe hands at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. The Former Osun Babes goalie, conceded only one goal in 5 games that she participated in. She made some good saves too, yo help her side get to the final of the competition for the second time. 

Fair Play Award (Naija Ratels FC) -

 Naija Ratels weren't at their best in the Competition, but the players showed class and discipline all through the competition. The 'Ratels' exhibited exemplary behavior that promoted the spirit of fairplay despite going down against Royal Queens and FC Robo Queens in the competition. 

Goal Of The Tournament (Adaobi Okah, Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens) - 

The best goal of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup was scored by Edo Queens Adaobi Okah of Edo Queens against her former side, Sunshine Queens in the third quarter final encounter of the competition. 

Her extraordinary, strike from a far-right acute angle against Sunshine Queens was the cream of the crop.

Most Entertaining Team- (Ghana Police Ladies FC)-

 Even though they crashed out in the first round, the Ghanaian team won the hearts of fans with their style and should be credited for producing some fine moments of football. Juanita Aguadze, Jane Ayayiem, Ivy Kolli and others were on top of their game and never let loose guards at all.

2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Registration commences November 1

The registration process for the 2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be commencing on Monday, November 1, 2021 organisers have confirmed 

Interested participants in the February 12, 2022 race will have the chance to register online or by picking hard copy forms at the Marathon Office inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The forms for the 2022 race will also be made available in selected Access Bank branches. 

According to a press statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head of Communication and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, unlike the last edition which was restricted to only elite runners, the 2022 race will be open for all; including fun runners in the 10km category.

Thomas explained that across the world, road races have since returned to full capacity after the initial reduction in the number of participants and outright cancellations occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

He said “Yes, we are back to full capacity just like the other top races across the world. With the return of the 10km fun run, we should be having close to 80,000-100,000 participants at the seventh edition of our yearly race”.

Already seen as the biggest one-day event on the continent, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is set to become the first marathon in Nigeria to organize the 7th edition. 

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is also the first race to win a World Athletics Bronze Label in Africa after two editions and the first in the world to win the prestigious Silver Label after four editions. 

In terms of prize money, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon ranks among the top 10 in the world and terms of the number of participants, the Lagos race is proudly among the top five in the world.

Flying Officers Cup 21: FC Robo Queens Crowned Champions As Osun Babes Wins Bronze In Dramatic Shoot-out

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, FC Robo Queens have emerged as the Champions of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, Africa's biggest Women Pre-Season Championship, after earning a 1-0 win over 2019 Champions, Edo Queens in the final game at Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

The club which is making its debut at the tournament won the keenly contested game deservedly. 

The solitary goal of the game came in the 26th minute through Opeyemi Ajakaiye wonderful goal from about 33 yards which was the first goal conceded by Edo Queens in the tournament.

In the second half of the game, Edo Queens searched for the equalizing goal.

FC Robo Queens on the other hand tried to double its lead in the 60th minute but her effort went wide as they hold on to clinch the title.

FC Robo Queens coach, Emmanuel Orobosa Osahon became the third manager to win the Flying Officers Cup after Gabriel Adejor (Edo Queens) and Moses Aduku (Bayelsa Queens).

Earlier on, Osun Babes FC defeated Confluence Queens 9-8 on penalties.

Abisola Abiona missed her spot kick for Osun Babes while the duo of Hauwa Abdullahi and Oliver Jenifer missed their penalties for Confluence Queens.

Osun Babes defender, Kemi Abiodun converted the final penalty kick to win the third place match for the Omoluabi Queens..

Rukayat Shobowale (FC Robo Queens) - Young Player of the Tournament

Adaobi Okah vs Sunshine Queens (Quarter final) - Goal of the Tournament

Obidinma Nkiruka (Edo Queens) - Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Ibinabo Georgewill (Confluence Queens) -

Highest Goal Scorer

Naija Ratels FC - Fair Play Award

Ghana Police FC - Most Entertaining Team

Taiwo Lawal (FC Robo Queens) - Most Valuable Player of the Tournament

Ratel Foundation honors Tolulope Arotile, Ukaigbe, Others at 2021 Flying Officers Cup final

The 2021 Ratels Sports Development Foundation Heroes Awards will hold on Sunday, 24th October, 2021 at the Area 10 Sports Complex Abuja. The prestigious Awards will witness the decorations of Nigeria women football heroes as put together by the Organisers of this year's Flying Officers Cup.

The distinguished awards would be handed over to individuals who have in a long way impacted the world of women football in the country and have commanded untainted characters which has portrayed them as icons.

Eigth different categories have been earmarked for the awards which takes place simultaneously with the final match between Edo Queens and FC Robo Queens. The categories are:

Post-humous Award, Life Time Achievement Award, Heroic Icon of the Year, Grassroots Women Football Icon of the Year, RSDF Gallantary Star Award, Women Football Promoter of the Year, Women Football Pioneer Award and Role Model Coach Award.

Four people were remembered and honoured in the Posthumous Awards category:

Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile: The first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigeria Air Force. She contributed significantly to combat operations against insecurity in the northern states of Nigeria. Arotile died from a head injury sustained in an accident at the Nigerian Air Force base.

Henrietta Ukaigwe: She was a veteran sports journalist cum women’s football promoter. Started FFIG – Female Football Interest Group comprising individuals, who actively promoted and energetically projected the women’s game and made it an item of consequence in the media and public space across the nation from the nineties. This group did not only report the game; it coalesced efforts and resources to organize women’s football tournaments and provided much-needed stout and meaningful support to administrators at that incipient stage.

Chief Larry Eze: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Larry Angels, It should be noted that Larry Angels and the likes of Rivers Mermaids metamorphosed to Rivers Angels in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

Chief Sunny Eghaghe Inneh: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Inneh Babes. Inneh babes metamorphosed to Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership

Lifetime Achievement Awards:

Chioma Ajunwa: Former athlete, notable for being the first Nigerian to win gold at 1996 summer Olympics. The first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. She remains only woman to compete at the FIFA world cup both  as a footballer and the Olympics as a track and field athlete.

She is now an assistant commissioner of Police.

Princesses Bola Jegede: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria played a pivotal role in Organizing the first women Inter-club competition in Nigeria in 1990. The establishment of her female football Club, Jegede Babes in the late 1980s culminated in the establishment of other female football Clubs in the country producing players for the nascent Super Falcons squad to the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991.

Ismaila Mabo: He was the head coach of the Nigeria women’s national team at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2000 Summer Olympics and 2004 Summer Olympics. He led Nigeria to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the team’s best ever result

Eddington Kujebola: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Ufuoma Babes of warri. Notable players for Ufuoma Babes were Florence Omagbemi, Mavis Ogun, Patience Avre, Uche Eucharia, Mercy Akide, Omo Love Branch, Nkiru Okieseme, Florence Iweta, Phoebe Ebimienkumo, etc.

Alhaja Ayo Omidiran: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of Omidiran babes, which left the football scene but are now back. She became a member of the Nigerian Football Association Board and remained there till 2005. Since 2006, she has been a member of the FIFA Women Committee.

Other Awards Include:

Heroic Icon Of The Year: Leah Shuiabu.

Women Football Promoter of the year: Phillip Shuiabu.

Women Football Grassroots Icon of the year: Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Women Football Trailblazer of the year: Aisha Falode.

Recall, Ratels Sports Development Foundation had earlier unveiled some great personalities at the draws of the tournament, and they are expected to be decorated for their astounding contributions to the women football development in Nigeria all along.

Flying Officers Cup 21 Final : 'Everyone Is In A Competitive Mood' - FC Robo Queens Players Talk Tough

FC Robo Queens player are high in spirit ahead of the final game of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup with Edo Queens on Sunday.

Folashade Ijamilusi and Lawal Taiwo exuded confidence in the team's resolve to return to Lagos with the trophy. 

"We are very happy and in good mood heading into tomorrow's final match. This is our first time playing at this tournament and to get to the final in our first attempt meant a lot to us Individually, as players and the coaching crew. I am very excited with the feat.

"We are on a revenge mission as we have played Edo Queens on several occasions last season and during the pre season. For sure, tomorrow's game will be a win for FC Robo Queens to avenge our recent defeat to Edo Queens in the third place match of Betsy Obaseki Women's Football Tournament. Before the kick off of this tournament, our believe have always been to win the tournament, even from Benin, we know that our main aim is to win this tournament." Says Folashade Ijamilusi. 

Lawal Taiwo on her part opined that the most important thing is for FC Robo Queens to break Edo Queens defence which is yet to concede any goal after five games.

She said: "By the grace of God, I will work towards scoring tomorrow to help me team win the trophy. The most important thing for the team is to win and I am optimistic that we are going to win the final game. We have been preparing well towards the game.

"We have played Edo Queens before now and have beaten them and we will surely win tomorrow's game in similar manner. Records are meant to be broken. The fact that Edo Queens are yet to concede a goal after five matches don't mean that we won't score them in the final. We will work towards beaking their defence to score and win them."

Essien Marylene who has also scored two goals alongside Folashade Ijamilusi and Lawal Taiwo also showed optimism that FC Robo Queens will clinch the title.

"I didn't envisage it that I will score two goals at this tournament but I thank God for the two goals. For me, I know that we will win the game against Edo Queens. If I start the game or not, I will give my best to ensure that the team win the game.

"The feeling and experience with FC Robo during this my first assignment with the club has been great and one that I wasn't expecting. The team is an encouraging one that motivates players to give their best. They even give young players mind to play. When a player make mistake, the team correct the player to improve. The team is a very good team."

The final match of the Flying Officers Cup, will come up by 3pm on Sunday at the Area 10 Sports Complex and will be shown live by Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Radio Nigeria Network Service.