by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, International, Nigeria
Nigeria’s sports minister, John Enoh, has issued a new statement concerning the exclusion of sprinter Favour Ofili from the Women’s 100m race at the ongoing 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Enoh revealed that he had reached out to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) to investigate the issue after Ofili herself disclosed her exclusion, citing administrative failures by the AFN and NOC.
In a statement released on Friday, Enoh expressed his frustration over the situation, noting that the NOC has been actively working to address the problem. He stated that officials, including NOC President Engr Habu Gumel, have been diligently involved in resolving the matter with World Athletics.
Enoh emphasized that while other countries may be facing similar issues, his primary concern is identifying who is responsible for Ofili’s omission and understanding the communication process between the AFN, NOC, IOC, and World Athletics.
He called for answers to several key questions post-Olympics and urged Ofili to remain focused on her other events. Enoh also encouraged the rest of Team Nigeria, particularly the athletics team, to stay motivated and continue striving for success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Simon Moses, forward for the Super Eagles and Nantes FC, has sustained another injury just as Nigeria prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic in September.
Moses, who had previously been sidelined by a fractured fibula during the latter part of the 2023-24 season, returned to action only to suffer a new injury. Despite a successful comeback and a key performance in a pre-season friendly against Laval, he is now facing more trouble.
Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré has expressed concern about Moses’ recurring ankle issues, along with a knee problem affecting another player, Adel Mahamoud. Kombouaré hopes these injuries are not too severe.
Moses’ previous absence from Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin was felt significantly, as the Super Eagles struggled in those matches. His potential absence for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers poses a further challenge for the team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an open call for applications for the role of head coach of the U20 Men’s National Team, also known as the Flying Eagles. The official notice is available on the NFF’s website.
Applicants must hold at least a CAF B License, have a minimum of five years of coaching experience, be familiar with Nigeria’s domestic football scene, and demonstrate strong leadership and effective communication skills in English. Integrity, transparency, and a proven track record of success in coaching over the past three years are also required. Candidates should be prepared to collaborate with the NFF Technical Department and Sub-Committee, and work harmoniously with NFF leadership.
The application deadline is midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024. The successful candidate will be selected following a comprehensive screening process.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigerian U20 women’s football team, known as the Falconets, will depart for Colombia on August 18 to compete in the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. This year’s tournament will feature 24 teams, with Nigeria, Morocco, Cameroon, and Ghana representing Africa.
The tournament runs from August 31 to September 22 and will be hosted in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, with matches taking place at Estadio El Campín, Estadio El Techo, Estadio Atanasio Girardot, and Estadio Pascual Guerrero.
Placed in Group D, the Falconets will face Germany, Venezuela, and the Korea Republic. The team, which has qualified for every edition of the U20 Women’s World Cup and reached the finals twice, will play international friendlies in Colombia as part of their preparations.
The group stage draw is as follows:
- Group A: Colombia, Australia, Cameroon, Mexico
- Group B: France, Canada, Brazil, Fiji
- Group C: Spain, USA, Paraguay, Morocco
- Group D: Germany, Venezuela, Nigeria, Korea Republic
- Group E: Japan, New Zealand, Ghana, Austria
- Group F: Korea DPR, Argentina, Costa Rica, Netherlands
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Tottenham Hotspur is considering a £40 million offer for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, who had an impressive 2023/2024 Premier League season with 19 goals and three assists. Spurs, managed by Ange Postecoglou, are looking to bolster their attack after Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich. However, Bournemouth is reportedly holding out for a minimum of £65 million for Solanke. Tottenham’s current transfer record stands at £62 million, set for Tanguy Ndombélé. Despite previous interest in Victor Osimhen, Tottenham’s focus has shifted as negotiations for the Nigerian striker have stalled.
