Category: Sport News
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have flown to Kigali in preparation for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Amavubi of Rwanda, scheduled for Tuesday.
The players and their officials left the Victor Attah Airport, Uyo on Sunday afternoon.
The Super Eagles plan two training sessions in Kigali before the clash with the home team.
The West Africans started their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Saturday.
The three-time African champions will face the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali on Tuesday.
Rwanda held the Mediterranean Knights of Libya to a 1-1 draw in Tripoli in their first game.
Nigerian footballer, Ademola Lookman has reflected on the Super Eagles’ impressive victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
Lookman was the hero as the Super Eagles started their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a thrilling 3-0 victory over their neighbour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.
The Atalanta winger scored Nigeria’s first and third goal of the game.
The 26-year-old was also named Man of the Match after the game.
Lookman took to the social media to celebrate the team’s victory.
“Take off ⚽️ ⚽️ ✔️” he wrote on X.
The Super Eagles will now shift attention to Tuesday’s away clash with the Amavubi of Rwanda.
William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles captain, is rooting for an indigenous coach to lead the team.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in June announced it will appoint an expatriate to lead the Super Eagles.
The NFF recently failed in their attempt to appoint German Bruno Labbadia as head coach of the three-time African champions.
The soccer house id still searching for a foreign coach to lead the team.
Troost-Ekong however voiced his support for a local coach to take over the post.
“I’ve always said that having a coach from Nigeria is an advantage. Someone who has been in our shoes and understands what we’re going through can bring that experience to the team,” the Al-Khaloood of Saudi defender told reporters in Uyo.
Former international, Augustine Eguavoen will lead the team in interim capacity for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Austin Eguavoen, the Super Eagles interim manager, has admitted that it is ‘headache’ for him to decide who will be in goal for Nigeria between Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye ahead of Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier against Republic of Benin.
Eguavoen, who spoke at his pre-match press conference, said both goalkeepers are all fit.
When asked who will start in goal between both goalkeepers against Benin, Eguavoen told reporters: “The headache in the entire team. 23 quality players, some quality players that are also not in the team right now.
“So, it is headache for the coach but the good thing is that they are all fit and we can always play with 11, the required number of players and the good thing is that the players also know that.”
The match will hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Austin Eguavoen, the Super Eagles interim manager, has said that he would have to decide today whether to start Victor Osimhen against the Republic of Benin.
Both teams will clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier on Saturday evening.
The match will hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Osimhen was the last player to report to the Super Eagles camp.
The 25-year-old had to sort out his future, following his failure to secure a move to Chelsea or Al Ahli from Napoli during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen ended up joining Turkish side Galatasaray on loan on Thursday, after which he arrived to join the Super Eagles in training in Uyo.
Speaking on whether Osimhen will start against Benin, Eguavoen said at his pre-match press conference:
“To answer that, you know we have a pool of 23 players. So it is something I have to sleep over and then decide who starts tomorrow.”
Sergio Aguero, the Manchester City legend, has revealed who gets his vote to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Sergio has picked Rodri, ahead of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
A 30-man shortlist was announced this week ahead of the award ceremony next month.
But Aguero has now publicly given his backing to former City team-mate Rodri to claim the coveted accolade.
In response to City tweeting about Rodri’s Ballon d’Or nomination, Aguero tweeted: “A perfect year, you deserve it. Come on Rodri.”
Rodri was part of the City squad that romped to to a record fourth straight Premier League title in May.
He also played a crucial role in guiding Spain to Euro 2024 glory.