Tag: Super Eagles

Pinnick Asserts Eguavoen Has No Godfather, Urges Players To Sacrifice

September 9, 2024 (updated September 9, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, has insisted that interim head coach of the Super Eagles Augustine Eguavoen has no godfather.

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Pinnick also urged players to have the mindset of ‘wanting to die for their country’.

He spoke following Eguavoen’s recent return to the Super Eagles on an interim basis.

Recall that the NFF appointed Eguavoen as interim coach of the Super Eagles last month after failing to reach a final agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia.

Eguavoen was given the task to lead the Super Eagles in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda in September.

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When asked about Eguavoen having a godfather, Pinnick told Arise News: “Eguavoen is absolutely nothing, not like that. If you remember the Shuaibu Amodu time, as a technical director, even in major teams in global football, a technical director takes charge when there is a vacuum in the coaching crew.
“That is what happened. Eguavoen is still the technical director of the Nigerian Federation. If it was someone else, that person would have taken charge.

“I believe that it is more about the players, not even the coach. The players should look at that green-white-green flag, should look at that emblem and say “I want to die for Nigeria.”

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Nigeria Advances to Final Olympic Women’s Football Qualifiers

February 27, 2024 (updated February 27, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that the Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, has triumphed over their West African counterparts, Cameroon, for the Olympic games.

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The Super Falcons secured a spot in the final round of qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in a thrilling encounter on Monday in Abuja.

The Super Falcons will now contend against either longstanding rivals South Africa or Tanzania for a chance to compete in the prestigious event.

The decisive moment came in the 15th minute when Esther Okoronkwo netted a crucial goal at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. Okoronkwo seized the opportunity after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina deflected Rasheedat Ajibade’s chip, giving Nigeria a vital 1-0 aggregate lead over the Lionesses.

Despite Cameroon’s relentless efforts, the Super Falcons held firm, spurred by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s exceptional saves, notably thwarting Menene Meyong’s header in the 32nd minute.

In a tense second half, Bihina showcased her prowess, denying multiple attempts by Ajibade, Echegini, and Nigerian substitutes Akudo Ogbonna and Asisat Oshoala.

Nnadozie further reinforced Nigeria’s defense, notably blocking Marie Ngah Manga’s close-range effort in the 60th minute. Cameroon’s hopes dwindled as substitute Marie Enganemben received a red card, leaving them with 10 players.

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Looking ahead, Randy Waldrum’s squad eagerly anticipates the outcome of the South Africa versus Tanzania fixture, scheduled for Tuesday. South Africa currently holds a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Dar es Salaam.

The final showdown for Nigeria to secure their first Olympic appearance since Beijing 2008 is set for April.

Super Falcons Determined to Overpower Indomitable Lionesses, Says Ajibade

February 26, 2024 (updated February 26, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that Super Falcons and Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed unwavering determination ahead of Monday’s clash against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

Despite a strong performance at the Stade de la Reunification in Douala, Cameroon, Randy Waldrum’s squad narrowly missed securing a goal, leaving them hungry for victory in the upcoming match at the M.K.O Stadium in Abuja.

With an Olympic berth hanging in the balance, both teams are poised for a fierce battle in the return leg. Ajibade emphasized the team’s collective goal, stating, “Our objective remains to get the Olympic ticket.”

She further underscored her personal ambition, highlighting the significance of representing Nigeria at the Olympics. “Personally, I have never played at the Olympics and that is the case with an overwhelming majority of players in this team.

“We are determined to take this opportunity. We have another ninety minutes to claim the final-round ticket, and we are focused on a positive result,” Ajibade affirmed.

Joining the squad are Ashleigh Plumptre and Coach Randy Waldrum, marking their return after the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup. Their presence bolsters Nigeria’s lineup as they strive for Olympic qualification.

The showdown between Nigeria and Cameroon is set to unfold at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium in Abuja at 4 pm on Monday. As the pursuit for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris intensifies, anticipation mounts for a riveting encounter.

Ivory Coast Triumphs In Stunning Comeback Victory Over Nigeria

February 11, 2024 (updated February 11, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that in a thrilling finale at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback to clinch their third title by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan.

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The hosts’ victory will be etched in the annals of the tournament’s history as one of its most memorable moments.

Nigeria initially took the lead against the run of play, with captain William Troost-Ekong, the former Watford centre-back, heading the Super Eagles in front at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in the 38th minute. The goal caught Ivory Coast off guard but failed to dampen their spirits.

The Ivorians fought back valiantly, showing resilience and determination. Franck Kessie, rising at the far post, met Simon Adingra’s corner with precision in the 61st minute, deservedly leveling the score and igniting hope among the home crowd.

Despite Ivory Coast’s earlier struggles, including a crushing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the final group stage match, they persevered through the knockout phase. Victories over formidable opponents Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo paved the way for their dramatic showdown with Nigeria in the final.

Sebastien Haller emerged as the hero for Ivory Coast, sealing their triumph with a sublime flick from another Adingra cross in the 81st minute. For Haller, the former West Ham striker, the victory held profound significance, marking a triumphant return from his battle with testicular cancer diagnosed in 2022.

Haller’s pivotal goal not only secured the championship but also etched his name in Ivorian football folklore. His resilience and perseverance symbolize the spirit of the team and the nation, encapsulating the journey of overcoming adversity to achieve glory on the grandest stage of African football.

The celebrations that ensued across Ivory Coast echoed the euphoria of a nation united in jubilation. The third AFCON triumph will be cherished as a testament to the team’s unwavering resolve and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

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As the final whistle blew, Ivory Coast basked in the glory of their remarkable comeback, their victory resonating far beyond the confines of the football pitch. It stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of the human endeavor, inspiring generations to come.

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