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AFCON 2025 Qualifier: CAF Forcing Super Eagles to Play Against Libya – Sports Minister

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has given an update concerning Nigeria’s match against Libya after the Super Eagles were held hostage in the country.
Reacting, Enoh claimed that the Confederation of African Football, CAF, are “insisting” that Nigeria play Libya on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles players have said they will boycott the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, after they were held hostage at the Al Abraq Airport over 15 hours after arrival in Libya.
But in a post on X, Enoh revealed that he has spoken to CAF president, Patrice Motsepe and the Secretary-General, Mosengo Omba.
He tweeted: “This morning, I was on a conference call with CAF President and CAF Secretary General.
 
“While the CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team to participate in tomorrow’s match.
 
“I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first,the safety of the team and their safe return, urging that CAF should focus on working with us to achieve this.
 
“There must be a serious adverse consequence to the Libyan football federation for this unspeakable behaviour.
 
“This can not be through insisting that Nigeria still takes part in this match given the very obvious situation.”
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AFCON Qualifiers: Libya vs Nigeria – Date, Time And Where To Watch 2nd Leg Fixture

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are getting ready for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

Nigeria enters the clash in strong form, remaining undefeated in their first three group matches.

They started their campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, followed by a goalless draw away to the Amavubi of Rwanda.
In their most recent fixture, the Super Eagles edged out Libya with a 1-0 win, securing their top position in Group D.

Libya, however, faces a more difficult path. The Mediterranean Knights currently sit at the bottom of Group D, having managed only one point from three games.

After a 1-1 draw at home against Rwanda in their opening match, they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic and another 1-0 loss to Nigeria.

Despite their struggles, Libya will be aiming to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming match against Nigeria.

The second leg presents an opportunity for them to seek revenge and improve their standings in the group.

Libya vs Nigeria: Time, date and where to watch

The match, set to take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, will kick off at 8 PM local time. Fans can watch it live on AfroSport TV.

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AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Nwabali Trolls Libya Over Time-Wasting Antics

Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, has trolled the Mediterranean Knights of Libya for their time-wasting antics.

Nasser Al-Hadiri’s side frustrated the Super Eagles by feigning fouls on different occasions during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday.

Nigeria won the game 1-0 with Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru netting the decisive goal four minutes from time.

Commenting on the time wasting tactics used by the Libyans, Nwabali wrote in pidgin with a laughing emoji on his X handle: “Who come wise pass?” This translates to mean, ‘Who is the wiser person now?’, referring to how the Libyans tried to play smart by wasting time.

Libya will host the Super Eagles in a matchday four encounter in Benina next week Tuesday.

A win in the game will see the Super Eagles seal a place at the AFCON 2025 finals which will be hosted by Morocco.

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Ballon d’Or: I Would Vote For Ademola Lookman – Atalanta Coach, Gasperini Says

Gian Piero Gaseperini, the Atalanta manager, has said his Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman.

Lookman is the only African player nominated for the award this year.

The Super Eagles wrote his name in history books, after he scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

Gasperini has now said that feat is enough for him to vote Lookman.

He told Sky: “My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman.

“His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League.”

The winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 28.

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Ballon d’Or Organizers Announce New Rule For Winner

The organizers of the Ballon d’Or awards, France Football, are set to implement a new rule from this year.

With over two weeks left before the ceremony takes place on October 28, there have been whispers about who will take the prize home.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior is widely expected to be named winner ahead of names like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodri.

Vinicius was outstanding as Los Blancos won the LaLiga and Champions League titles last season.

But according to The Athletic correspondent, Mario Cortegana, the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or will not be interviewed by France Football before the award is held – as it was always the tradition.

Cortegana claims the winner will know he has won when the envelope is opened during the live ceremony.

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AFCON Qualifiers: Osimhen Is Spiritually With Us Against Libya – Eguavoen Says

In preparation for Nigeria’s Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya in Uyo on Friday, coach Austin Eguavoen stated that the team has sufficient firepower to compensate for Victor Osimhen’s absence.

Osimhen would not feature in the two-legged tie after suffering an injury during Galatasaray’s Super Lig encounter against Kasımpaşa on September 28.

The diagnosis revealed a strain and minor bleeding in his left posterior muscle group and that meant he will not recover in time for the trip to Uyo.
In his pre-match interaction with the media, Eguavoen said although Osimhen is a key part of the team, there are those who will step up to the challenge.

“It’s a huge miss. We all know how important and impactful Osimhen can be, but we have other players who can fit into his shoes. He’s not here physically, but I am 100% sure he is here spiritually with us,” Eguavoen told NFF TV.

After Friday’s game at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, the Super Eagles will travel to fulfil the reverse fixture next Tuesday, October 15.

Nigeria currently tops Group D with four point from two games.

Tomorrow’s fixture will kick-off 5 PM Nigeria time.

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GOAT: What Cristiano Ronaldo Did After I Excluded Him From Top 10 – Ex-Real Madrid Star

Antonio Cassano, a former Real Madrid forward, has told the club’s all time scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo that he does not like him as a player.

Cassano, known for his criticism of the Portuguese, said this while divulging details of the interaction he had with Ronaldo.

The interaction followed the decision of the Italian to exclude Ronaldo from his Top 10 greatest players of all time lost.

Cassano said he got a message and a voice note from the Portuguese where he reminded him (Cassano) of his achievements.

Cassano ignored the 39-year-old in his list of the top 10, putting Ronaldo Nazario at the top spot.

Casano’s list also had the likes of Lionel Messi and other greats such as Pele and Diego Maradona.

The 42-year-old Casano told BSMT Podcast about his interaction with the Al Nassr captain.

“I said Ronaldo is No1, the Brazilian. Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t make my top five, or even top ten, because for me the quality of a player is another thing,” he said (via GOAL).

“Next thing, I finish the work I was doing and I get a text message from a +34 number, that’s Spain. It’s a list of all the trophies, goals and statistics.

“Then he sends me a voice note, telling me, ‘You disrespected me, don’t do anything like that again. You only scored 150 goals, you only won four trophies.’

“So I answered him. I say, ‘Dear Cristiano, listen to me. You think I disrespected you, I just don’t like you as a player. What’s the problem?’”

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Super Eagles Star, Ola Aina Reveals Reasons For Wearing Sagging Shorts

Ola Aina, the Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest defender, has opened up about his habit of sagging his shorts during football games.

Aina, known for his strong presence on the pitch, has often been seen with his shorts sitting lower than usual, a style that has sparked curiosity among fans.

Sagging of shorts in Nigeria often refers to the practice of wearing shorts or trousers below the waistline, often revealing a part of the u

nderwear or, in Aina’s case, sitting loosely around the hips.

While many might assume it’s a fashion statement, Aina revealed that his reasons are far more practical.

“Yeah, that’s, from young I’ve always been doing that. And it’s not for fashion or anything, there’s a reason towards that,” Aina said in an interview with Fanstribe released on Wednesday.

“You see this man?” he added, pointing at his thighs, “The size? And the one behind,” he continued, gesturing towards his buttocks, “It’s too big, so the shorts, it always goes up, you know, and it’s too uncomfortable.”

Aina went on to clarify that he chooses larger shorts to avoid the discomfort.

“So that’s why it’s always loose, so I take bigger shorts, you know, and this is why,” he said laughing

“Exactly, now you guys just leave me now,” he added.

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Former Liverpool Coach, Klopp Gets New Job

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has gotten a new appointment.
He has been appointed as head of football operations at Red Bull, which owns the Leipzig, Salzburg and New York clubs, the company said Wednesday.
Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years in charge, during which he breathed new life into the club and won the Premier League and Champions League.
His announcement in January that he was leaving came as a shock to the club’s fans but Klopp said he was exhausted by the role.
The 57-year-old’s new job with the Austrian energy drinks giant does not involve hands-on coaching.
According to a statement released by the company, “Klopp will not interfere in the day-to-day business of the clubs, but rather take on a higher-level strategic position.”
Klopp himself said: “I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs.
 
“After nearly 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn’t be more excited to be involved in a project like this.”
 
The 57-year-old will start his tenure on January 1, 2025.
Sky Germany reports Klopp’s contract includes an exit clause which allows him to take over as manager of the German national side should he be approached.
Klopp spends much of his time at his home on the Spanish island of Majorca and retains a sponsorship role with German sportswear maker Adidas.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, the managing director of Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund, told AFP’s German sports subsidiary on Wednesday he had discussed the Red Bull role with him.
“As always, I wish Jurgen good luck in his new job,” Watzke said.
“It was no surprise to me because we talked about it personally,” he added.
Earlier this month, Klopp was presented with Germany’s Federal Cross of Merit.
In addition to their extensive football interests, Red Bull are the principal sponsor of the reigning Formula One champion team of Max Verstappen.
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AFCON 2025Q: Nigeria vs Libya – Date, Time And Where To Watch

The eagerly awaited 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya’s Mediterranean Knights is scheduled to be held at Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo.

This match marks a key moment in Group D, as international football returns to the screen for fans across the continent.

After two matchdays, Nigeria leads the group, having secured four points, while Libya lags at the bottom with just one point.

The Super Eagles are in strong form, going undefeated in their first two qualifiers.

They opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and followed up with a goalless draw against Rwanda.

Libya, however, has struggled in the group stages. The Mediterranean Knights earned a 1-1 draw in their home opener against Rwanda but suffered a defeat on the road against Benin, leaving them with one point in the standings.

Nigeria’s solid start in the qualifiers puts them in a favorable position to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.

The Super Eagles also hold a psychological and historical advantage, having won all previous encounters with Libya.

However, the Mediterranean Knights will aim to defy expectations, seeking at least a draw in Uyo.

Despite Nigeria being the favorites, they will be without their top forward, Victor Osimhen, who has been in exceptional form since joining Galatasaray. His absence may test the team’s attacking prowess.

Time and Where to Watch Nigeria vs. Libya

The first leg of the Nigeria vs. Libya clash is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, with a 5 PM local time kick-off. Fans can catch the action live on AfroSport TV.

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