Home Archives
Daily Archives

May 30, 2024

Ademola Lookman, Atalanta, UEL, Bayer Leverkusen
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Lookman Earns Spot in African Best XI

by Brila
written by Brila

  • Ademola Lookman reached two finals with Atalanta this season

  • The Winger scored a hat-trick in the UEL Final

  • He won the U-20 FIFA World Cup with England

 

Super Eagles and Atalanta striker, Ademola Lookman has been named in the African Team of the Season selected by French broadcaster Canal+ Sports.

 

 

Lookman had an outstanding season, leading Atalanta to its first trophy in 61 years by winning the Europa League against Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen.

Leverkusen, who were on a 51-game unbeaten streak, were defeated by Atalanta in the final, where Lookman netted a hat-trick to secure his first trophy at the club.

Despite the impressive performances of other Nigerians including Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface, they did not make the list.

In February, Lookman was also named in CAF’s Best XI of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a solid debut campaign with the Super Eagles.

He scored three goals and provided one assist, helping the three-time African champions reach the final.

 

African Team of the Season

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams

Defenders: Tapsoba, Kossounou, Chancel Mbemba

Midfielders: Achraf Hakimi, Pape Matar Sarr, Mohammed Kudus, Wilfried Singo

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Serhou Guirassy, Ademola Lookman

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Finidi George
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Give Finidi Time and Support – Ekpo

by Joseph Obisesan
written by Joseph Obisesan

  • Finidi was appointed the Super Eagles head coach in April

  • He will oversee his first official competitive game against South Africa

  • The 53-year-old earned 62 caps for Nigeria

 

Former Nigeria international, Friday Ekpo has called for support and autonomy in payers’ selection for Super Eagles head coach Finidi George.

 

“Let’s support the coach to form a very solid team.”

 

Ekpo insists that Finidi’s task of building a “solid” Eagles is incumbent om him getting ample time to scout and select the best players for his system.

“This is going to be Finidi George’s first match, so we should give him ample time to select and pick the very best of players; both home and abroad, so that we can have a very good game coming on the 7th in Akwa Ibom State,” Ekpo told Brila.net

“Let’s support the coach to form a very solid team that will play in South Africa,” he said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Dele-Bashiru Attracts Interest from Italy, Saudi Arabia

by Joseph Obisesan
written by Joseph Obisesan

  • Dele-Bashiru is a Manchester City academy product

  • The 23-year-old has a contract with Hatayaspor until 2026

  • He has earned on Cap for Nigeria

 

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is reportedly attracting significant interest from several Saudi Arabian clubs.

Dele-Bashiru, who joined Turkish side Hatayspor on a free transfer last summer after departing Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, has caught the eye with his performances in Turkey.

According to Turkish journalist Ertan Suzgun, multiple clubs from Saudi Arabia are keen on securing the services of the Nigerian midfielder.

Additionally, Italian Serie A club Lazio is also rumored to be interested, indicating his rising stock in European football.

Dele-Bashiru’s contract includes a release fee clause, which stipulates €7 million for international clubs and €2.5 million for domestic clubs.

The 22-year-old is currently part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to face South Africa and Benin Republic.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ahmed Musa
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

2026 FIFA WCQ: Ahmed Musa Urges Super Eagles to Deliver

by Joseph Obisesan
written by Joseph Obisesan

  • Ahmed Musa is the most capped Nigerian Player

  • He was left out of the 23-man squad for June’s WC Qualifiers

  • Nigeria missed out of qualification for the 2022 World Cup

 

Super Eagles winger Ahmed Musa has called on his teammates to put in their utmost effort in next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

“the players understand what’s at stake and I will want them to go all out and win both games.”

Musa emphasized the critical nature of these matches, highlighting the necessity for victories to bolster their qualifying campaign after a sluggish start.

“Everyone knows the importance of both games, the players understand what’s at stake and I will want them to go all out and win both games,” Musa was quoted by SCORENigeria. “I am upbeat they will do this.”

The Super Eagles are set to face South Africa in Uyo on Friday, June 7. Following this crucial encounter, they will travel to Abidjan for the game against Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.

Currently, the Super Eagles are third in Group C with two points from two matches, making the forthcoming games pivotal for improving their standings and maintaining their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Cape Town Tigers
FeaturedOTHER SPORTS

The BAL: Hoopers Get South African Opponent in 3rd Place Game

by Tunde Williams
written by Tunde Williams

  • Rivers Hoopers fell short in the semi-final against Al Ahly Ly

  • The Nigerian Champions are aiming to finish on the podium

  • No Nigerian club has ever reached the playoffs at The BAL

 

Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Al Ahly Ly in the semi-final of the Basketball African League, losing with a final score of 89-83 in overtime.

The game began with Al Ahly taking an early lead, courtesy of Kelvin Murphy’s free throws.

However, Hoopers swiftly responded with Kelvin Amayo’s shooting from the distance to keep the Nigerian team in contention.

Throughout the game, both teams traded blows, with Lual Acuil and Will Perry showcasing remarkable performances.

Despite Hoopers’ efforts to close the gap after trailing by nine points at one stage, they ended the first quarter six points behind, with a score of 21-15.

The second quarter saw intense action, with fouls and rebounds playing a significant role.

Al Ahly managed to extend their lead to 11 points by halftime, with a score of 48-37.

The Hoopers came out strong in the second half, led by Devine Eke and Captain Anthony Koko. Amayo continued to display his offensive prowess, but missed opportunities, including free throws, allowed Al Ahly to stage a comeback.

A late surge from the Hoopers in the third quarter, fueled by Eke and Amayo, gave them a narrow four-point lead going into the final period, with a score of 62-58.

However, Al Ahly refused to concede defeat, making several successful attempts to level the score.

A crucial three-pointer from Lual Acuil forced the game into overtime, where the Hoopers faltered, ultimately succumbing to a 13-8 loss in the extra period.

Following their narrow defeat in the BAL semi-finals, Rivers Hoopers will now face Cape Town Tigers in third-place matchup.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Samuel Chukwueze
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Chukwueze Doubtful for World Cup Qualifiers

by Brila
written by Brila

  • Samuel Chukwueze was left out of AC Milan’s squad on a pre-season trip to Australia

  • The 25-year-old is an important player in the Super Eagles

  • Nigeria will face South Africa and Benin Rep in crucial WC Qualifiers

 

Uncertainty continues to surround the fitness of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze after he was excluded from AC Milan’s friendly match against AS Roma.

Chukwueze sustained a muscle injury during the Rossoneri’s 5-1 win over Cagliari on May 1. As a result, he missed the last two games by AC Milan against Torino and Salernitana, due to the ailment.

Now, he has been left out of AC Milan’s trip to Australia, with Daniele Bonera summoning twenty-three players, but the Nigerian is not part of the traveling squad.

With just eight days before Nigeria takes on South Africa in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, and subsequently Benin on June 10, the winger’s fitness remains doubtful.

With Victor Osimhen also sidelined due to injury, Chukwueze’s absence would be another significant setback for the Super Eagles.

 

 

A Recurrent Injury?

Adding to the worries is Chukwueze’s history with similar injuries.

In October 2023, he suffered a comparable muscle injury, which caused him to miss three consecutive matches for AC Milan.

Super Eagles head coach Finidi George might be forced to call up another player or rely on Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Chidera Ejuke
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Ejuke Seeks New Challenge After Departure from Royal Antwerp

by Tunde Williams
written by Tunde Williams

  • Ejuke was on loan at Royal Antwerp last season

  • The Winger is contracted to CSKA Moscow until June

  • He has also been on loan to Schalke

 

Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke has left Royal Antwerp in search of a fresh challenge.

Ejuke was on loan with the club last season, but his performance fell short, netting just three goals in 29 league appearances.

Following discussions at the end of the 2023-2024 campaign, both Ejuke and Royal Antwerp have decided to part ways, opting not to extend their partnership any further.

The 26 year-old moved from CSKA Moscow to Belgium, after Russian clubs were banned from competing in Europe following the war with Ukraine.

However the contract with CSKA Moscow is also set to expire in June and he will become a free agent.

Before joining CSKA Moscow, the Winger excelled at Heerenveen and was sold for €12million in the summer transfer window of 2020.

The Nigerian forward is now reportedly eyeing a return to the Bundesliga, aiming to further develop his career and compete in one of Europe’s top leagues.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Enyimba
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Enyimba, Rivers United and 3SC Exit Federation Cup

by Tunde Williams
written by Tunde Williams

  • Defending Champions Bendel Insurance did not make it to the R16

  • Only two past winners are still in contention

  • The winner qualifies automatically for the CAF Confederation Cup

 

NPFL defending Champions Enyimba suffered elimination in the Round of 16 of the President Federation Cup on Wednesday.

Enyimba, recorded a shocking 1-0 defeat against Sokoto United at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja.

Despite multiple opportunities, Enyimba failed to convert from the penalty spot, ultimately sealing their fate.

Similarly, NPFL sides Shooting Stars and Akwa United were ousted by El-Kanemi Warriors and Kebbi United, respectively, both falling victim to 1-0 score lines.

In another clash, Sunshine Stars secured a 1-0 victory against Rivers United, with Lucky Nwafor finding the net in the eighth minute.

Rivers United, however, missed a crucial penalty opportunity late in the game.

 

The full results:

El-Kanemi 1-0 3SC

Ikorodu City 1-1 Inter Lagos (4-5 pen)

Kwara United 1-1 Abia Warriors (3-4 pen)

Kebbi United 1-0 Akwa United

Sokoto United 1-0 Enyimba

Katsina United 1-1 Pillars (7-8 pen)

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Rivers United

Wikki 0-1 EFCC

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Golden Eaglets, Nigeria, WAFU B U-17 Championship
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Garba Proud of Golden Eaglets Despite Missing AFCON

by Moses Ojewunmi
written by Moses Ojewunmi

  • Manu Garba is one of Nigeria’s most decorated youth coaches

  • He assembled the Eaglets three weeks before the qualifiers

  • The Eaglets finished third in the U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers

 

Golden Eaglets Coach Manu Garba expressed pride in his team’s performance at the WAFU B U17 Championship held in Ghana.

 

“I can say this tournament is one of my best achievements, because we only had three weeks in camp.”

 

Despite narrowly missing out on qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, Garba commended his players for their efforts on the field.

The Eaglets secured a hard-fought victory against Ghana, clinching a 3-2 win in the third-place match held on Tuesday.

The victory was not enough to earn the team spot in the upcoming AFCON.

Coach Garba attributed the team’s failure to qualify for the championship to challenges with late preparations.

Garba defended his record, emphasizing that he gave his utmost dedication and effort to lead the team to success.

“I’ve won the U17 and U20 AFCON and U17 World cup twice, one as an assistant and the second as head coach in UAE in 2013 with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho,” remarked the Golden Eaglets Coach.

“I can say this tournament is one of my best achievements, because we only had three weeks in camp with the boys and for them to have reached the semi-final and win the third place match. Is great.”

Manu Garba added he’s confidence in the Eaglets’ future prospects, highlighting the valuable experience gained from participating in the WAFU B U17 Championship.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts