by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Boniface Speaks Out on CAF Player of the Year Exclusion
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Okoh Boniface has expressed disappointment over his omission from the 2024 CAF Player of the Year nominee list. Despite a stellar season under Xabi Alonso, where the 23-year-old clinched the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal while remaining unbeaten domestically, Boniface was left off the prestigious shortlist.
Last season, Boniface featured in 51 matches across all competitions, with his team losing only once—a heartbreaking UEFA Europa League final against Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta. His remarkable contributions came despite a three-month absence due to an adductor injury, which also ruled him out of the upcoming AFCON tournament.
CAF’s 10-man shortlist included fellow Super Eagles players Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy. Boniface, however, felt his accomplishments warranted recognition.
“Based on what I did last season, I should be on the list,” Boniface said in quotes shared by Brila FM. “But I’m not stressing over it.”
When asked about his pick for the award, Boniface backed Lookman, a teammate and Ballon d’Or nominee. “Lookman, for sure, deserves it. If I were nominated, I’d pick myself, it’s normal.”
Boniface recently returned to action for Nigeria, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin, a result that confirmed the Super Eagles’ qualification for AFCON 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The journey to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco is nearing its thrilling conclusion, with only five qualification spots remaining as Matchday 6 looms. With the tournament scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, 19 teams have already punched their tickets, including Nigeria, South Africa, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria Secures Group D’s Top Spot
The Super Eagles of Nigeria confirmed their qualification in dramatic fashion during the penultimate round. Libya’s narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda earlier in the day guaranteed Nigeria a top-two finish in Group D. However, the group’s final fixtures remain crucial, as Libya, Benin, and Rwanda are still locked in a fierce battle for the second spot.
In a tense encounter, Victor Osimhen found the back of the net to salvage a 1-1 draw for Nigeria against Benin, securing the Eagles’ position at the top. Benin, however, faces a must-win scenario in their final game against Libya, while Rwanda will need nothing short of a miracle in Uyo, where they face the group leaders.
Other Groups Set for Decisive Showdowns
Group I: Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique are set for a high-stakes winner-takes-all clash.
Group H: Tanzania hosts Guinea in another pivotal encounter with qualification on the line.
Group F: Sudan requires just a draw against Angola to qualify but risks elimination with a loss, potentially allowing Niger to sneak through.
Group C: Botswana must overcome Cape Verde and Mauritania while tackling an intimidating away match against already-qualified Egypt.
Teams Already Qualified for AFCON 2025
Hosts: Morocco
Qualified Nations: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Speaking at the prestigious Sharjah International Book Fair, Mohamed Salah opened up about the challenges and triumphs of his time at Liverpool. Reflecting on the competition they faced, Salah described how Manchester City’s dominant generation made their journey to success even more remarkable.
“We were up against one of the strongest versions of Manchester City,” Salah shared, “which made the challenge even greater. But we were fortunate to have a complete team that gelled quickly. By our third year together, we had adapted so well that we were able to lift trophies.”
His words painted a vivid picture of a Liverpool side that evolved into champions through resilience, teamwork, and an unshakable belief in their potential. Salah’s reflection captivated the audience, as he credited the collective effort of the team for their historic achievements.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen, the dynamic Napoli striker currently on loan at Galatasaray, finds himself at the center of intense transfer speculation. The 25-year-old, instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A triumph last season, has been linked with a move to Premier League giants Newcastle United and Chelsea. However, reports suggest a January transfer to Tyneside is highly unlikely.
Newcastle United, eager to bolster their attack, have identified Osimhen as a prime target. Yet, Napoli’s sky-high valuation and the complexities of midseason transfers are seen as significant barriers. With Newcastle heavily reliant on Alexander Isak for goals and creativity, the Nigerian star could have provided much-needed reinforcement.
Chelsea, another contender for Osimhen’s signature, may reignite their interest after failing to land him last summer. While Nicolas Jackson has impressed for the Blues, adding a striker of Osimhen’s caliber would enhance their firepower. The allure of Stamford Bridge and the Premier League could tempt the forward if the right offer materializes.
Osimhen’s summer saw him courted by several European powerhouses, including Chelsea, but Napoli’s financial demands scuppered any deal. Instead, he joined Galatasaray on a late loan move. As his future remains unresolved, the Nigerian star will aim to focus on his football while waiting for clarity on his long-term destination.
Whether it’s St. James’ Park or Stamford Bridge, Osimhen’s next move promises to be a defining chapter in his career. For now, his availability continues to spark intrigue across Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Bright Osayi-Samuel, the dynamic Super Eagles full-back, has shared his thoughts on working under the legendary Jose Mourinho, labeling the Portuguese tactician as both a father figure and a demanding mentor. The 25-year-old Nigerian international has thrived under Mourinho’s guidance since the manager took over Fenerbahce this summer, aiming to break Galatasaray’s stronghold on the Turkish Super Lig.
Osayi-Samuel, who joined Fenerbahce in 2021, has flourished this season, featuring in 11 matches, including a standout performance in the Europa League against Manchester United. Reflecting on Mourinho’s influence, he said in an interview with Brila.net:
> “He’s like a father figure. But if you get on his wrong side, he can be your biggest enemy. Overall, though, I love him so much. He’s done so much for me so far, and he’s the best manager I’ve ever had, and I have had him for less than six months.”
Mourinho’s arrival has rejuvenated Fenerbahce, propelling them to second place in the league as they push to dethrone Galatasaray. For Osayi-Samuel, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager’s methods are a perfect fit, and he remains eager to grow under Mourinho’s mentorship:
> “I just want to keep learning as much as possible under him and improve as a player.”
On the international stage, Osayi-Samuel continues to shine for the Super Eagles, earning his 18th cap in Nigeria’s recent 1-1 draw with Benin. With Ola Aina unavailable, he is expected to play a key role in Monday’s AFCON qualifier against Rwanda.
Already qualified for the 2025 AFCON, Nigeria is keen to reclaim glory after narrowly missing out on gold in the 2023 edition, where Osayi-Samuel was a standout contributor.
