by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a historic and hard-fought match, Edo Queens triumphed over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on Saturday night to secure their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco. The win marks a significant achievement for the Nigerian team, who are making waves in the prestigious competition.
Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, praised the remarkable performance of the Nigerian champions, commending the team for their resilience and fighting spirit. “We congratulate the Edo State Government and everyone involved in the team’s incredible progress,” Gusau said. “The ladies displayed true Nigerian spirit, fighting back to defeat the Cup holders. This victory shows their determination, ambition, and resilience, and I believe they have the potential to go all the way and win the title.”
The match had a dramatic turn when Sundowns, who have been dominant in every edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League since its inception in 2021, took the lead in the 24th minute through Melinda Kgadiete. However, the Nigerian side refused to back down. In the dying moments of the match, Emem Essien capitalized on a mistake by Sundowns’ goalkeeper to level the score. Then, just five minutes later, Mary Mamudu sealed the win with a clinical finish after a brilliant assist from Super Falcons’ forward Goodness Osigwe.
With this thrilling victory, Edo Queens now top Group B, and the defending champions Sundowns have been eliminated. Edo Queens will face TP Mazembe from DR Congo in the first semi-final on Tuesday, while hosts AS FAR of Morocco will take on Masar FC of Egypt in the second semi-final.
In their earlier matches, the Nigerian champions defeated Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 3-0 and held Masar FC to a goalless draw, showcasing their strength and determination throughout the competition.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, is contemplating giving Moses Simon his first start in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, following his impressive performance as the Super Eagles’ top assist provider so far. With three assists to his name, Simon is second only to Mozambique’s Bruno Langa in the assist standings, and his potential inclusion in the starting lineup is gaining momentum after Ademola Lookman’s injury ruled him out for the upcoming match against Rwanda.
Despite Simon’s contributions, he has struggled to secure a regular starting spot, often playing second fiddle to Atalanta’s Lookman as an inverted winger. Simon’s only start in the qualifiers came in a match against Libya, while he has featured off the bench in encounters with Benin and Rwanda.
Eguavoen, speaking at a pre-match press conference, acknowledged Simon’s qualities, describing him as “energetic, quick, and smart.” While the coach has yet to confirm the lineup, the absence of Lookman has opened the door for Simon, with many fans and analysts urging Eguavoen to give the Nantes forward a chance to shine from the first whistle in the crucial match against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
“I know what Simon can bring to the team,” Eguavoen said. “I’ll think about it,” he added, hinting that the decision could be made closer to the match.
With only 18 outfield players available due to the absences of Lookman and Ola Aina, the Super Eagles are looking for fresh energy and inspiration to secure a win in this critical AFCON qualifier.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
A Rising Star Embraces His South African Heritage
Born in Johannesburg to a Nigerian father, 20-year-old SuperSport United center-back Ime Okon has made a heartfelt declaration about his international future. Despite being eligible to play for both South Africa and Nigeria, Okon has chosen to pursue his dream of donning the Bafana Bafana jersey—a decision influenced by his upbringing, family, and personal aspirations.
Okon’s journey began in the streets of South Africa, where he grew up steeped in the culture and passion for the game. Though proud of his Nigerian heritage, his heart belongs to the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts, a sentiment he shared in a candid interview with iDiski Times.
“I grew up here, everything I know is South African,” Okon revealed. “For my Nigerian family, they’ve always told me to follow the path that makes me happy. South Africa is all I know. Playing for Bafana has always been a dream for me and my family. My mom would always say, ‘One day, Bafana Bafana!’ Wearing that jersey would mean the world.”
Okon’s impressive rise through the ranks at SuperSport United earned him promotion to the senior team in July 2023. His defensive prowess has also caught the eye of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who included Okon in the preliminary squad for friendly matches against Namibia and DR Congo in September 2023. Although he didn’t make the final squad, Okon’s trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time before he cements his place on the national team.
Additionally, the young defender’s potential has drawn attention internationally, with links to Danish giants FC Midtjylland, hinting at a promising future both locally and abroad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has provided insights into the release of Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman from the squad ahead of Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Aina, who has been a pivotal figure throughout the qualifiers, was excused following an agreement with his club, Nottingham Forest. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Eguavoen revealed that the deal was reached before the Benin game, contingent on Nigeria securing qualification for the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
“You know, relationships are key,” Eguavoen said. “Before the Benin game, I spoke with an official from Nottingham Forest, and Nuno [Espírito Santo], their manager, later messaged me to request Ola Aina’s release if we qualified. I agreed because maintaining relationships is important. We’ve got other players who can step up.”
The 28-year-old fullback, who has started all the qualifiers so far, is expected to feature for Nottingham Forest against Arsenal next weekend, provided he regains full fitness. His absence could pave the way for Bright Osayi-Samuel to earn his first start in the qualification series.
Similarly, Ademola Lookman, a key attacking option and 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee, has also been excused from the game due to fitness concerns. Lookman, who has contributed two goals during the qualifiers, reportedly requested to sit out as he was not at full fitness.
“Ademola is slightly hurt,” Eguavoen explained. “He told me he could play at 70%, but I decided to release him to maintain a good relationship. We’ve already qualified, so it’s the right thing to do.”
Eguavoen’s decision reflects a broader strategy to balance the needs of the national team and club relationships, especially with key players like Aina and Lookman crucial to their respective sides.
Adding to the absences, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has also been granted compassionate leave following the passing of his father. Despite these setbacks, Eguavoen expressed confidence in the remaining squad’s ability to deliver against Rwanda.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has shed light on the decision to give Gabriel Osho his debut during Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifier against Benin and the rationale behind substituting him at halftime.
Osho, a Reading-born defender currently plying his trade with Auxerre in Ligue 1, was handed his first Super Eagles start as Nigeria opted for a three-man defense. Eguavoen revealed that Osho’s inclusion was a result of extensive scouting and a need to fill the gap left by the injured Semi Ajayi.
“Gabriel Osho is somebody we have been following, and because of Ajayi’s injury, someone needed to be drafted in. We felt it was time for Gabriel to come on board,” Eguavoen explained.
Despite the initial optimism, the Super Eagles found themselves trailing at halftime. The coach made a tactical decision to shift from a back three to a more attacking formation, replacing Osho with Raphael Onyedika.
“We were trailing by a goal at the end of the first half, and we needed to revert to a back four. I explained to him that he was coming off to allow for an offensive adjustment,” Eguavoen clarified.
The tactical switch bore fruit, as Nigeria managed to improve their play in the second half, though the focus now shifts to their next game against Rwanda on Monday, November 18, in Uyo. With 11 points from five games, the Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the upcoming tournament but are keen to finish the campaign on a high note for their home fans.
