by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, Uncategorized, World Cup
As Nigeria counts down to its crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, concerns are mounting over the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department following the injury scare to first-choice shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.
During a candid discussion on Brila FM’s Breakfast Show – No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, Nigerian football icons Augustine Eguavoen and Victor Ikpeba weighed in on the situation, cautioning against placing too much responsibility on teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
While both legends acknowledged the youngster’s talent, they insisted that the 15-year-old is not yet ready for the demands of senior international football.
“I was surprised by his call-up because the goalkeeping role at this level is not for youth teams or Flying Eagles,” Eguavoen, the NFF’s Technical Director, said. “This small boy doesn’t yet have the experience. He should go, learn, and train with the big boys, then return to the junior ranks. That exposure will help him improve, but for now, he isn’t ready.”
Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year and member of the NFF Technical Committee, echoed Eguavoen’s sentiments, though he praised the decision as a much-needed wake-up call for Nigerian goalkeepers.
“It’s good for Harcourt to be in the squad—it shows every goalkeeper in Nigeria needs to step up,” Ikpeba stated. “If a 15-year-old is being considered, it’s a signal to the rest. But realistically, he should still feature at U-17 and U-20 level. Hopefully, Nwabali recovers, because experience will be crucial in these qualifiers.”
Nwabali’s early exit in Chippa United’s 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay left fans anxious, though the South African club is yet to officially confirm the extent of his injury. His absence could spell trouble for Nigeria, who sit fourth in Group C with only seven points—six adrift of leaders South Africa.
With just days before facing Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, and South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9, the pressure on interim coach Eric Chelle and the squad is intensifying.
For now, legends Eguavoen and Ikpeba are united in their call: Harcourt’s future is bright, but Nigeria must pray for Nwabali’s recovery if the Super Eagles are to soar.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes a decisive turn for Nigeria as the Super Eagles have announced their final 23-man squad for the crucial qualifiers in September.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will once again marshal the defence, while all eyes will be on striker Victor Osimhen to spearhead the attack. The squad, revealed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday in Abuja, is a fine blend of seasoned internationals and hungry newcomers eager to make their mark.
Midfield maestro Alex Iwobi is joined by Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika in anchoring the center of the pitch, while the forward line boasts dazzling names like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon.
The defence will see trusted legs in Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, with Germany-based Felix Agu and Belgium’s Benjamin Fredericks rewarded for their recent form. In goal, Stanley Nwabali returns as the likely first choice, backed by Amas Obasogie and Adeleye Adebayo, who makes a comeback after impressing in Greece.
Two forwards—Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare—have also earned call-ups after catching the eye in the June friendly against Russia.
The Super Eagles begin their campaign on September 6 in Uyo, where they host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before traveling to Bloemfontein on September 9 for a high-stakes showdown with South Africa.
As the NFF highlighted, this selection is “a balance of experience and fresh energy,” with Nigeria determined to roar their way into the global spotlight once again.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Cameroon head coach Marc Brys has delivered a firm message regarding Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké’s potential switch to the Indomitable Lions.
Speaking on the matter, Brys made it clear that he has no intentions of reaching out to the striker, who had previously pursued a future with France.
“I haven’t contacted him. He invested everything in trying to represent France and didn’t succeed. Now Cameroon is being treated as second choice — and I don’t need that,” Brys stated.
The Belgian tactician stressed that his focus is on players committed to Cameroon’s cause: “We already have good players who play with heart. I don’t need a star. If someone doesn’t value this shirt, then he doesn’t deserve to come here.”
Ekitiké’s international future remains uncertain, but for now, Brys has drawn a clear line in the sand.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey delivered a night to remember in Razgrad as Ludogorets overturned the odds to book their spot in the UEFA Europa League group stage with a thrilling 4-1 victory over KF Shkëndija on Thursday.
The 27-year-old, only just back from a lengthy injury layoff, came off the bench in the 83rd minute and instantly transformed the game. With the tie balanced on a knife’s edge, Tekpetey struck in the 98th minute of extra time to restore Ludogorets’ lead before unselfishly setting up Eric Bille in stoppage time, sealing the comeback in emphatic fashion.
The Bulgarian champions had entered the clash trailing 2-1 from the first leg in North Macedonia. Early goals from Edvin Kurtulus and Ivaylo Chochev seemed to put them in control, but Fabrice Tamba’s strike for Shkëndija dragged the playoff into extra time at 3-3 on aggregate.
Just when nerves began to creep in, Tekpetey’s brilliance proved decisive. His goal-and-assist cameo not only underlined his return to full fitness but also offered Ludogorets renewed attacking firepower ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
For Tekpetey, it was the perfect statement: a reminder of his quality, resilience, and ability to shine under pressure.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
AS Roma booked their place in the next stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a commanding 2-0 victory over FK Aktobe — and it was Super Falcons star Rinsola Babajide who lit the spark.
In the 40th minute, Babajide turned creator-in-chief, delivering a clever assist for Marta Pandini to break the deadlock. Barely a minute later, Giulia Galli struck again, giving the Italian champions a two-goal cushion before halftime.
Babajide, fresh off her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations glory, featured for 69 minutes, leaving her mark on the game. Meanwhile, her Nigerian compatriot Shukurat Oladipo was a rock in defense, completing the full 90 minutes to help secure the clean sheet.
Roma now march on with confidence, with Babajide proving yet again why she is becoming a key figure on both the European and African stage.
