Nigeria has been drawn in Group D for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers along with Benin, Libya, and Rwanda.
This draw will these teams compete for the top 2 spots in the tournament to be hosted by Morocco.
The preliminary round is slated to take place between March 18 and 26, 2024. The first and second rounds will follow from September 2 to 10, 2024. Subsequently, the third and fourth rounds are scheduled between September 7 and 15, 2024.
The final rounds of the qualifiers are planned for November 11 to 19, 2024.
While Benin Republic will play under the guidance of Gernot Rohr, Nigeria is yet to appoint a new coach after the resignation of Finidi George.
Former Super Eagles coach Ex coach, Finidi George said he returned to his boyhood club to help them return to their glory days.
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has revealed he is aware of the tough road and challenging task ahead of his team at the 2024 Olympics campaign which will kick off against Brazil on July 25 at the Stade Bordeaux.
Speaking in a recent interview, Waldrum reveals his confidence in the squad he has selected, believing it could be a special group.
“I think this one could be a special group. We’ve shown our quality against some of the best teams in the world at the World Cup and hopefully, we’ll do the same at the Olympics,” Waldrum said.
The American coach is pleased with the team’s direction, despite a rocky start.
“I love the direction that we’re headed. After a rough start, I think we’re moving in a good direction. There’s a lot of upcoming talent as we start to transition some of the older players out after the Olympics and bring in new young talent. I believe we can achieve great things at the next level.”
As part of their preparations, the Super Falcons will face Canada in a friendly match on July 17 in Sevilla, Spain.
This will be followed by matches against Spain on July 28 and Japan on July 31 at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
This location is popularly known for where the Super Eagles defeated Spain 3-2 during the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Super Eagles coach Ex Coach, Finidi George have been officially announced as the new head coach of Rivers United.
At his unveiling as Rivers United’s new head coach, he spoke about closing old chapters and taking on new challenges. Finidi aims to win top trophies in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with the team.
“I’m very happy to be here. This is where I grew up and began my football career with Sharks. Now, I’m back as a coach,” Finidi said.
He mentioned that the team’s good performance last season inspired him to take the job. ” Rivers United is a very big team, and seeing the results last season inspired me to come back here as a Protector Boy, you know, come back here and see how I can impact a little bit.”
Finidi George also wants to give back to Rivers State, saying, “I decided to take this challenge because I want to contribute to the place that helped shape my career. I’ve been working in Abia State for some time, and I think this is an opportunity for me to give back. That’s why I decided to take this challenge to come back to Rivers State.”
Determined to work hard and achieve success with Rivers United, Finidi said, “I’m not here for fun. The Garden City is nice, but I’m here to work and help this big team achieve its goals. I’m here for a purpose, and that is why I decided to take this challenge and come back to this very big team, Rivers United,” Finidi concluded.
Portuguese club Boavista has officially signed Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Alhassan.
Alhassan joined Boavista from Belgian second-division team Beerschot and has signed a two-year contract, making him the club’s first summer signing.
The 27-year-old midfielder previously played for CD Nacional in Portugal between 2018 and 2022, is excited to return to the country he considers his second home.
“I am very happy. Signing for Boavista was an easy decision, firstly because I know how great the club is and also because I have already played in Portugal, which I consider to be my second home,” the former Nigerian U-20 star said.
“I am very excited about this challenge and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start this adventure. I usually play as a defensive midfielder, but last season I often played in central defence. I am a team player and I am always available to help my teammates, whatever the position.”
Alhassan becomes the third Nigerian player at Boavista, joining Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi, who are also key members of the squad.
International Table tennis champion Offiong Edem has urged the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to establish a national league.
Benin Republic Head Coach, Gernot Rohr is confident of securing a spot for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, despite being in a challenging group that includes Nigeria and Rwanda.
