by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As the Super Eagles gear up for their final AFCON qualifier against Rwanda on Monday, November 18, interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has reignited discussions about the potential return of veteran defender Leon Balogun to the national team.
The 36-year-old, who debuted for Nigeria in 2014 and last represented the team in 2022, remains an influential figure at the club level with Rangers in Scotland. Despite his absence from international duty, Balogun has been pivotal this season, featuring in 11 matches across all competitions.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Uyo, Eguavoen praised Balogun’s professionalism and left the door open for a return, particularly with the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
“It is possible, you cannot rule out,” Eguavoen remarked when asked about Balogun’s potential recall.
Balogun’s former defensive partner and close friend, William Troost-Ekong, also heaped praise on the experienced defender, emphasizing the value he brings to the pitch and his inspirational journey.
“Leon is a fantastic player. He helped me a lot. We had some amazing times together. He is still going strong at 36,” Troost-Ekong shared.
Acknowledging Balogun’s battle with injuries and the pressure of playing for a club like Rangers, Troost-Ekong highlighted his professionalism and dedication to the game.
“It is not easy to be playing at a club like Rangers under so much pressure. He had some issues with injury but has shown great professionalism to still be performing at 36. I miss him as a good friend, but we remain in contact.”
With the Super Eagles already securing their spot in the 2024 AFCON in Morocco, fans are eager to see if Balogun could make a triumphant return to the squad as they prepare for the tournament and beyond.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to round off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a clash against the Amavubi (Wasps) of Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Although Nigeria has already secured qualification with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Benin last week, head coach Augustine Eguavoen will be keen to end the campaign on a high note despite missing key players like Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, and Ademola Lookman.
Fortunately, Nigeria boasts a wealth of talent capable of stepping up to the challenge. Here are five players expected to lead the charge:
1. Victor Osimhen – The Relentless Goal Machine
At just 25, Victor Osimhen has cemented his reputation as Nigeria’s premier striker. His crucial equalizer against Benin reaffirmed his status as a reliable finisher. With 23 goals for the Super Eagles, Osimhen remains motivated to close in on Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37. Against Rwanda’s defense, the Galatasaray star could very well find the back of the net multiple times.
2. William Troost-Ekong – The Defensive Anchor
After a shaky outing against Benin, Troost-Ekong will be eager to redeem himself. The captain has been a dependable leader for the team over the past ten months, and his ability to organize the backline will be crucial to shutting down Rwanda’s attacking threats.
3. Maduka Okoye – The Shot-Stopper’s Redemption
With Stanley Nwabali unavailable, Maduka Okoye is set to reclaim his spot between the sticks. The Udinese goalkeeper has faced criticism in recent months but will aim to silence his doubters with a commanding performance. Rwanda’s attackers may find it difficult to beat a motivated Okoye.
4. Moses Simon – The Spark in Attack
Simon’s introduction in the second half against Benin injected much-needed creativity into the Super Eagles’ attack. With Ademola Lookman absent, the Nantes winger’s experience, dribbling, and crossing ability will be instrumental in breaking down Rwanda’s defense.
5. Wilfred Ndidi – The Midfield Maestro
Wilfred Ndidi’s influence in midfield remains undeniable. The Leicester City star registered an assist in the 2-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe and will aim to replicate that performance. His ball-winning ability and sharp passes will ensure Nigeria controls the game’s tempo.
As Nigeria takes on Rwanda, the Super Eagles will rely on this quintet to deliver a dominant performance and give the fans in Uyo a thrilling finale to the qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As Nigeria gears up for their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, interim coach Austin Eguavoen has come under scrutiny for his decision to omit in-form strikers Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare from the Super Eagles squad. Despite their combined 18 goals this season—Dessers with 10 for Rangers and Arokodare netting eight for KRC Genk—the duo remain on the sidelines.
Instead, Eguavoen stuck with familiar names like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Kelechi Iheanacho, while also recalling Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq. The inclusion of Osimhen and Boniface was widely praised given their outstanding performances, but Iheanacho and Sadiq’s selection sparked debate.
Iheanacho, who plays for Sevilla, has yet to score in La Liga this season but boasts two Copa del Rey goals. Sadiq, on the other hand, has struggled for game time and remains goalless across all competitions. The decision seemed questionable when Iheanacho was substituted at halftime during the 1-0 win over Benin after failing to impress, while Sadiq was left on the bench entirely.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Rwanda, Eguavoen addressed the backlash. He cited his preference for players he has previously worked with, explaining that familiarity in tight international windows often takes precedence over form.
“These games come three to four days in between, so I stick to people I have worked with in the past,” Eguavoen said. “When the opportunity comes, the national team belongs to everyone. Dessers and Arokodare will get their chance, but right now, I focus on those I know well.”
While Dessers has earned six caps for Nigeria, he is yet to feature under Eguavoen, while Arokodare still awaits his debut. Interestingly, Boniface is the only forward in the squad without prior experience under the caretaker coach, raising questions about Eguavoen’s criteria.
For now, Eguavoen insists the door remains open for the duo, urging fans to trust his decisions as he works toward securing Nigeria’s place in AFCON 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Ibrahima Konaté, known as Ibou, has been handed the prestigious captain’s armband for France in tonight’s highly anticipated match. The Liverpool defender will take on the leadership role as the team faces off against their opponents in a crucial fixture. This marks a significant milestone in Konaté’s international career, as he steps into a more prominent role for Les Bleus. His leadership and experience at the club level with Liverpool have earned him this opportunity to lead his national team on the pitch. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Ibou will handle this responsibility in what is expected to be an intense game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The hopes of a nation shattered on Friday as Ghana’s Black Stars were officially knocked out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification race. A 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda ended Ghana’s dream of returning to the continental tournament, marking the first time since 2004 that the Black Stars would not be part of the competition. For Ghanaian football fans, the heartbreak was palpable as they watched their team crumble under the weight of lofty promises that were never delivered.
At the center of the storm is Otto Addo, the coach appointed to revitalize the national team after Chris Hughton’s departure. Once hailed as the savior of Ghana football, Addo’s tenure has now become a cautionary tale of unmet expectations. With just three draws and two losses in five matches, the Black Stars’ record under Addo is dismal, and his tactics have drawn harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Under Addo’s stewardship, the team failed to show the dominance expected of a squad brimming with talent. The Black Stars, who have been four-time AFCON champions, couldn’t muster a single victory in their qualification group, leaving many wondering how a team with such potential could underperform so drastically. For many, Addo’s promises of a renewed Black Stars were nothing more than “snake oil,” a term now used to describe his failed vision for the team.
The backlash has been swift and unforgiving. Ghanaian fans took to social media to vent their frustrations, calling for not just the sacking of Addo, but a complete overhaul of the Black Stars’ management and the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The failure to qualify for AFCON has larger implications, potentially damaging the team’s reputation and financial prospects. Sponsorship deals and endorsements tied to the national team’s presence in the tournament will likely take a hit, while players will miss out on a golden opportunity to showcase their talents on the continental stage.
As the dust settles, the question remains: Was this failure a one-off blip, or is it the beginning of a worrying trend for the Black Stars? The GFA now faces mounting pressure to act quickly, either to dismiss Addo or provide a clear plan for rebuilding the national team ahead of future competitions. For now, Ghanaian football fans are left to mourn the loss of a proud tradition, as the Black Stars’ absence from AFCON 2025 becomes a bitter pill to swallow for a nation whose passion for the sport runs deep.
