Fenerbahce head coach José Mourinho has praised Nigerian striker David Okereke for his remarkable record of scoring against three teams he has managed.
Former Nigerian international Mobi Okparaku has reaffirmed his belief in Paul Onuachu’s quality, despite the striker’s ongoing struggles at Southampton.
Former Nigerian international Mobi Okparaku has commended Super Eagles B interim coach Augustine Eguavoen for including NPFL legend Rabiu Ali in the squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship, CHAN qualifiers.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has named a 25-player squad for Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, ahead of the 2024 WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup, scheduled to take place in Ghana from December 12 to 26.
The Flamingos, fresh off a strong performance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where they reached the quarter-finals and won the FIFA Fair Play Trophy, are gearing up to make their mark in the regional competition.
Olowookere’s squad draws heavily from players who impressed during the World Cup campaign, including standout midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who netted four goals in the tournament.
Also included are key figures such as goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and defenders Taiwo Adegoke, Jumai Adebayo, and Prisca Nwachukwu.
The Flamingos have been placed in Group B of the competition, alongside the U17 girls of Cote d’Ivoire and Niger Republic, while Group A consists of hosts Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin Republic.
All invited players are expected to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to begin preparations.
Here is the full list of the 25 players called up for WAFU B camp:
Goalkeepers:
- Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
- Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
- Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
- Chiamaka Enebeli (RoyalTom FC)
Defenders
- Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy)
- Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
- Ayomide Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Prisca Nwachukwu (Heartland Queens)
- Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
- Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens)
- Oghenemairo Obruthe (Lagos City)
Midfielders
- Saida Adebiyi (Confluence Queens)
- Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
- Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
- Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Fatimoh Solaty (Dannaz Ladies)
Forwards
- Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
- Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
- Mary Nkpa (Abia Angels)
- Blessing Ifitezue (Rivers Angels)
- Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
- Mary Mamudu (Edo Queens)
- Precious Oscar (Bayelsa Queens)
- Janet Akekoromowei (Nasarawa Amazons)
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi could be facing an English Football Association (FA) charge after writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow-coloured captain’s armband during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United, according to reports.
The armbands, featuring the Rainbow Laces campaign logo, were distributed to all 20 Premier League clubs to support LGBTQ+ rights.
The initiative, backed by Stonewall, promotes inclusivity and diversity in football, but Guéhi’s religious message could be in breach of the FA’s kit regulations.
According to the Laws of the Game, players are prohibited from displaying “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images” on their kit.
The rule, under Law 4, permits only “initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect, and integrity,” such as the Rainbow Laces campaign.
Any violation can lead to disciplinary action from the national football association or FIFA.
Marc Guéhi, who is a devout Christian, chose to write the religious message on the armband, which could be seen as a violation of the law, given the armband’s association with LGBTQ+ causes.
The FA’s kit rules explicitly forbid any religious or political messages on clothing, with disciplinary measures potentially following any breach of these regulations.
The controversy follows a similar incident involving Ipswich Town captain, Sam Morsy, who also chose not to wear the rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs.
Sam Morsy chose not to wear the rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs
Morsy, a practicing Muslim, wore a plain black armband instead. Ipswich Town issued a statement supporting Morsy’s decision, emphasizing the club’s commitment to inclusivity while respecting his personal beliefs.
“Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone,” the statement read.
“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband due to his religious beliefs.”
“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”
As of now, the FA has not confirmed whether Guéhi will face any action, but the case is under investigation.
The situation raises further questions about balancing personal beliefs with the football community’s push for LGBTQ+ support and inclusivity.
A controversial refereeing decision during a soccer match in southeastern Guinea has led to a devastating tragedy, with at least 56 people confirmed dead, following violent clashes and a deadly crowd crush.
Montpellier striker Akor Adams has revealed how former Super Eagles star John Utaka has been instrumental in his development since his move to the French club in August 2023.
Adams joined Montpellier following a prolific spell at Norwegian side Lillestrøm, where he netted 28 goals and provided seven assists in 50 appearances.
The draw for the Emirates FA Cup third round has thrown up some thrilling ties, with holders Manchester United set to face record 14-time winners Arsenal in a blockbuster encounter.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress captain, Evelyn Akhator, has announced the joyful arrival of her baby, a moment she describes as a blessing.
Fans and fellow athletes have rallied behind the basketball star, congratulating her on this new chapter in her life.
Akhator, who led the Nigerian women’s national basketball team in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, also shared her gratitude to God for the safe arrival of her child.
The announcement was made via a heartfelt message on social media, where she shared her deep joy and thanksgiving: “God be praised.”
Akhator, who currently plays for Lillestrøm Lions in Norway, is one of the most experienced and decorated players in the Nigerian women’s national basketball team, the D’Tigress.
Over the years, she has become known for her leadership, hard work, and incredible resilience on and off the court.
One of the most notable chapters in her career came during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Akhator captained the D’Tigress while pregnant. She led her team with courage, helping them perform admirably on the global stage.
Though Nigeria didn’t make it past the quarterfinals, their strong performances throughout the tournament were a testament to Akhator’s leadership and dedication.
The 2020 Olympics were not the first time Akhator made an impact. Since making her debut with the D’Tigress in 2016, she has been an integral part of the team’s success.
Under her leadership, the team won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in 2017 and 2019, and qualified for multiple international tournaments, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Akhator’s combination of strength, intelligence, and leadership skills has earned her admiration both within Nigeria and internationally.
As for her involvement in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Akhator did not participate with the D’Tigress team, as she had taken time off for her pregnancy. However, her legacy and influence remain strong, as she continues to inspire the current generation of Nigerian female athletes.
Her commitment to both her sport and her country has made her a role model, showing that women can excel in both their careers and personal lives.
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