by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Just days before their crucial UEFA Champions League playoff against AC Milan, Feyenoord have made a bold decision to part ways with head coach Brian Priske and his entire backroom staff, including assistant coach Lucas Andersson Babalola and fellow assistant Björn Hamberg.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances, with general and technical director Dennis te Kloese explaining that the club had no choice but to take action.
“It is very disappointing for all parties that we had to come to this decision,” said te Kloese. “Although Feyenoord achieved some impressive results with Brian, especially in the Champions League, the first team’s performance has been far too inconsistent in recent months, and unfortunately, we see too little structural progress.”
While Feyenoord secured a 3-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend, the victory was not enough to erase the damaging defeats suffered in recent months. Heavy losses to Lille (6-1) in the Champions League, as well as setbacks against Ajax and PSV, ultimately sealed Priske’s fate.
Babalola’s Coaching Rise and Sudden Exit
For 28-year-old Lucas Babalola, this marks an abrupt halt to a promising journey alongside Priske. The Danish-Nigerian coach had played a key role in Priske’s backroom staff since their time at Slavia Prague, where he helped guide the team to a historic league and domestic cup double.
Babalola’s rise in coaching began in Denmark, where he built a reputation as a top analyst. His impressive work led to a key role at Sparta Prague in 2023, where Priske personally requested his addition to the staff. When the Danish coach moved to Feyenoord following Arne Slot’s departure to Liverpool, Babalola was once again a trusted part of his setup.
Now, with their time at Feyenoord cut short, the club faces the challenge of reorganizing its coaching structure just before a high-stakes showdown with AC Milan. The question remains: will this drastic change spark a turnaround, or will Feyenoord’s turbulent season continue?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The sun cast a golden hue over the Etete Sports Complex in Benin City as football enthusiasts gathered for the kickoff of this year’s Kada Unity Cup. Among the dignitaries present was former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, a man whose passion for Nigerian football runs deep.
As he took to the stage to declare the tournament open, his voice carried a tone of unwavering confidence. “A World Cup without Nigeria?” he asked rhetorically, shaking his head. “That won’t make sense.”
Igbinedion believes the Super Eagles have the firepower to soar above Rwanda when both teams clash in Kigali for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. He dismissed any notion of fear, emphasizing that the talent within Nigeria’s ranks should make qualification a straightforward mission.
“We have young, highly talented players excelling across Europe,” he stated. “If the NFF and the technical crew do their job right, Rwanda should not give us sleepless nights. I trust our boys to make us proud.”
Beyond the World Cup talk, the Kada Unity Cup itself was in full swing, bringing together military and paramilitary teams in a thrilling display of athleticism and sportsmanship. The atmosphere was electric as uniformed men battled it out on the pitch, proving that football remains a powerful unifier.
“This competition isn’t just about fun—it’s about fitness, mental sharpness, and camaraderie,” Igbinedion added. “With money and other incentives at stake, the competition is fierce, and we’re committed to making it bigger each year.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw has set the stage for an exciting showdown, with several Nigerian stars gearing up for crucial battles. Among them, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey’s Fulham have been handed a high-stakes clash against Manchester United—a chance for redemption after previous heartbreaks.
For Iwobi, this isn’t just another fixture; it’s a shot at revenge. Earlier this season, Fulham fell to United both home and away in the Premier League. Adding to the sting, their last FA Cup meeting in 2023 ended in dramatic fashion, with the Cottagers collapsing to a 3-1 defeat after going down to nine men. This time, the Nigerian midfielder will be aiming to rewrite the script when his side travels to Old Trafford in early March.
Meanwhile, Muhamed Tijani’s Plymouth Argyle faces a David vs. Goliath clash against defending Premier League champions Manchester City. Guardiola’s men are heavy favorites, making it an uphill battle for the Nigerian forward and his teammates. Yet, the beauty of the FA Cup lies in its surprises—can Tijani and Plymouth pull off the unthinkable at the Etihad?
Elsewhere, Jamilu Collins’ Cardiff City is set for a daunting trip to high-flying Aston Villa, while Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian duo, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, must first overcome Exeter City in the fourth round before setting up a potential meeting with Ipswich Town.
With a quarter-final spot and a hefty £225,000 prize on the line, these Nigerian stars have everything to play for. Will Iwobi’s Fulham finally get their revenge? Can Tijani’s Plymouth shock the world? The answers will unfold in March.
Full FA Cup Fifth Round Fixtures:
Preston North End vs Burnley
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City
Doncaster Rovers or Crystal Palace vs Millwall
Manchester United vs Fulham
Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle
Exeter City or Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Road to Glory Begins in Côte d’Ivoire
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, the record seven-time champions, are set to embark on another quest for continental dominance as the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw process takes shape. With CAF unveiling the tournament’s format, Nigeria has been placed among the top-seeded teams, alongside holders Senegal and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
The tournament, scheduled from April 26 to May 18, 2025, will feature 13 of Africa’s finest U-20 teams battling for supremacy. Nigeria secured their place after triumphing in the WAFU B regional championship, defeating arch-rivals Ghana in the final. Their impressive history, coupled with a third-place finish in the 2023 edition, ensures they remain one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy.
Tournament Format & Draw Process
The 13 qualified nations will be divided into three groups:
Group A: Five teams
Groups B & C: Four teams each
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals, third-place playoff, and final.
CAF’s ranking places Senegal, Nigeria, and Congo at the top, with Nigeria set to lead Group B. The draw will be conducted using five pots to ensure a balanced distribution of teams.
Flying Eagles’ Legacy & Mission for Glory
As the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have built a legacy of excellence. Their last triumph came in 2015 when they edged out hosts Senegal in Dakar. With an eye on reclaiming the title, the Flying Eagles will look to showcase their strength once again on African soil.
The journey to Côte d’Ivoire promises to be an electrifying spectacle, and Nigeria’s young stars are ready to soar in pursuit of another golden chapter in their storied history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
A Coach’s Warning: Managing Nigeria’s Talent is Key
As Eric Chelle settles into his new role as Super Eagles head coach, he faces a crucial test in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. With the team struggling in Group C, former national team boss Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has sent him a clear message: talent alone is not enough.
Nigeria boasts a squad filled with European-based stars, from Victor Boniface in Germany to Ademola Lookman in Italy. Yet, despite this firepower, the Super Eagles are currently fifth in the group, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin.
Onigbinde, a seasoned tactician who led Nigeria to the 1984 AFCON final, believes the country has all the tools to dominate. However, he warns that proper team management will be the difference between success and failure.
“If you consider Nigeria’s natural talent, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t beat Rwanda,” Onigbinde told Complete Sports. “Not just Rwanda, but every team in our group. The problem isn’t talent—it’s how we manage it.”
With crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Chelle has limited time to mold a winning team. His efforts to engage key players like Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, alongside scouting talent from the NPFL, will be vital.
Can Chelle bring Nigeria back to the World Cup for the first time since 2018? The journey continues, but as Onigbinde warns, talent without strategy won’t be enough.
