by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Prampram, Ghana — July 10, 2025
As Nigeria prepare to lock horns with Ghana in the opening match of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has made it clear that the encounter is more of a stepping stone than a grudge match.
Speaking during the official pre-match press conference, Zubairu dismissed any notion that his side is fired up by the historic rivalry with the Black Satellites. Instead, he emphasized the broader vision—preparing thoroughly for the FIFA U20 World Cup in September.
> “We don’t have any advantage over Ghana. That’s not why we are here. We just want to assess our team and begin organizing for the World Cup,” the coach explained.
Although the WAFU U20 tournament wasn’t originally part of their roadmap, Zubairu sees it as a timely opportunity to test his squad.
> “This tournament came at the right time for us. It’s a good platform to evaluate the team and build towards the World Cup—that is our main focus,” he added.
The Flying Eagles only regrouped a week ago due to the sudden inclusion of the tournament in their schedule, but Zubairu remains optimistic.
> “We’re ready, but this is not really the competition we’re aiming for. We had to quickly reorganize because of this tournament, and we’ve done that.”
Still, he didn’t downplay the intensity expected in the clash with Ghana, recognizing the rivalry that adds flavor to any Nigeria-Ghana fixture.
> “The history between Ghana and Nigeria is always there. Even if it’s community football, it draws attention. The rivalry is clean but fierce.”
Nigeria go into Thursday’s clash as defending champions, having defeated Ghana in the final of the previous edition held in Togo. While fans may be focused on regional bragging rights, Zubairu and his team have their eyes on global glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles B Squad Brimming with Confidence as CHAN Preparations Intensify in Ikenne
With the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) drawing closer, optimism and determination are running high in the Super Eagles B camp as 28 players battle for a spot on the final squad list. The team is currently camped in Ikenne, Ogun State, intensifying preparations under the watchful eye of Head Coach Eric Chelle, who recently unveiled a 35-man provisional list on July 4.
The CHAN tournament, reserved for players active in their domestic leagues, offers a rare international spotlight for home-based talent, and the competition in camp has been fierce.
Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, noted that the players were channeling both excitement and pressure into strong performances as they vie for selection.
After a rigorous midweek training session, several players shared insights into the atmosphere in camp.
Remo Stars defender Nduka Junior described the training as a true test of endurance and skill. “The sessions have been good, and the pressure is real. Everyone is giving their all. The coach is demanding the best from us,” he said.
Aniekeme Okon of Rivers United echoed those sentiments, calling the atmosphere highly competitive. “It’s a big opportunity, and everyone is pushing hard. The spirits are high, and we’re working hard to show our tactical quality,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Leonard Ngenge of Ikorodu City expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the setup. “The coach believes I deserve to be here, and I’m grateful. I’m staying confident and doing all I can to make the final list,” he said.
Nigeria, runners-up at the 2018 CHAN edition, have been drawn into a tough Group D for the 19-nation tournament. They will face defending champions Senegal and Sudan at Amman Stadium on Zanzibar Island, before clashing with Congo at the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
With fierce internal competition and a challenging group ahead, the Super Eagles B squad is leaving nothing to chance in their quest for continental glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Gabriel Heinze, the former Argentina international known for breaking Nigerian hearts at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has officially joined the Arsenal first-team coaching setup.
The Premier League giants confirmed the appointment via their official website, naming Heinze as a new addition to Mikel Arteta’s backroom team. He replaces Carlos Cuesta, who recently departed to take up a role at Serie B side Parma.
Heinze famously scored the only goal in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their World Cup opener in South Africa. Rising unmarked just five minutes into the match, he met Juan Verón’s corner with a thunderous header, beating Chidi Odiah’s effort to clear off the line and sealing all three points for La Albiceleste.
The 46-year-old is no stranger to English football, having enjoyed a three-year stint at Manchester United from 2004 to 2007. He also has close ties with Arteta, with whom he played at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001–02 season.
Heinze’s football journey also intertwined with Nigerian stars — he shared the PSG pitch with Austin Jay-Jay Okocha in 28 matches and later lined up alongside Taye Taiwo at Olympique Marseille in the late 2000s.
Having last managed Newell’s Old Boys before stepping down in December 2023, Heinze now embarks on a new chapter in North London, adding South American grit and defensive expertise to Arteta’s technical staff.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) have been dealt a major blow, with seven players from the Super Eagles B provisional squad officially ruled out ahead of the tournament.
The CHAN tournament—reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in their home domestic leagues—has strict eligibility rules, and five of the affected Nigerian players have been rendered ineligible after sealing overseas transfers.
According to a statement from the team’s management, Abubakar Sadiq (Plateau United), Philip Adejo (Abia Warriors), Saviour Isaac (Rangers), Papa Daniels Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), and Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City) have all moved abroad, automatically disqualifying them from participating under CAF rules.
To add to the team’s woes, Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi has been ruled out due to injury, while goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt of Sporting Lagos remains unavailable due to commitments with Nigeria’s U-20 national team.
This sudden depletion has left Head Coach Eric Chelle and his technical team scrambling for alternatives, though the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to confirm whether replacements will be named.
Nigeria, who were runners-up in the 2018 edition, had been hoping for a strong title push this time around. With the final squad announcement on the horizon, fans will be watching closely to see how the Super Eagles B regroup ahead of the continental showdown.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
With the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship set to ignite regional rivalries, Black Satellites captain Aziz Misbau has boldly declared his side’s readiness for the opening showdown against Nigeria. The match, scheduled for Thursday, July 10 at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, will see two of West Africa’s football powerhouses battle it out in Group A.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Ghanaian skipper delivered a message of quiet confidence.
> “Nigeria is a big country and we respect them, but we are very ready for this game,” said Misbau. “There is no pressure on us to beat Nigeria. We respect them, but it’s a normal game.”
The statement mirrors the composed mood in the Ghana camp, where head coach Desmond Ofei has been drilling his squad with intensity in recent weeks. With home advantage on their side, the Satellites are targeting a revenge win over the Flying Eagles—who defeated them in the final of the last edition held in Togo.
Misbau, a center forward with leadership qualities beyond his years, will be a crucial figure in Ghana’s campaign for regional dominance. His composure and determination are seen as key to unlocking Nigeria’s well-drilled defense.
Group A features Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin, with only the top teams advancing to the semi-finals. The stakes are high, and the opening fixture could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
A large turnout is expected in Prampram as Ghana look to launch their title charge with victory over their biggest rivals.
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT | Venue: Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, Prampram
