by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Uyo, Nigeria – The Super Eagles are gearing up for their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda on Monday, but they will do so without three vital players: Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Stanley Nwabali.
The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed the absences on Sunday, throwing a twist into Augustine Eguavoen’s preparations for the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Challenges in Camp
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, was excused after the tragic passing of his father, while Ola Aina returned to the UK at Nottingham Forest’s request to feature in an upcoming Premier League fixture. Ademola Lookman, who has been pivotal in Nigeria’s qualifying campaign with two goals, left camp after picking up a knock during last week’s gritty 1-0 win over Benin Republic.
Despite having already secured a spot in the AFCON finals in Morocco, the Super Eagles remain motivated. Eguavoen emphasized that his team is determined to “go all out for victory,” even as Rwanda fights to keep their qualification hopes alive.
New Faces and Tactical Adjustments
In Nwabali’s absence, Maduka Okoye is set to make a return between the sticks. Bright Osayi-Samuel is expected to step in at right wing-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi fills in on the left. Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will marshal the defense as Nigeria seeks to maintain their unbeaten record against Rwanda.
In attack, Victor Osimhen will lead the line after his decisive goal against Benin secured Nigeria’s top spot in the group. The Napoli star is aiming to surpass the legendary Olusegun Odegbami on Nigeria’s all-time scoring chart. With Lookman unavailable, Moses Simon will play a crucial role in linking up with Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Sadiq Umar.
A History of Dominance
Nigeria boasts an unbeaten record against Rwanda, with two wins and four draws in their six encounters. While the stakes are higher for Rwanda, who need a win to keep their AFCON dreams alive, the Super Eagles are determined to build momentum for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers—where Rwanda will once again be their opponents.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
After a nearly three-year hiatus from international duty, Maduka Okoye is poised to make his long-awaited return to the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Udinese goalkeeper last featured for the national team in the infamous 1-0 defeat to Tunisia during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16—a game that drew sharp criticism and led to Okoye stepping away from the squad.
Now, with Nigeria gearing up for a crucial AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, the stage is set for Okoye’s redemption. His return is especially timely as Stanley Nwabali, another dependable option between the sticks, has been excused from the squad following the passing of his father.
Okoye vs. Uzoho & Nwabali: The Numbers Speak
Recent statistics highlight why Okoye remains a top choice for Nigeria’s goalkeeping duties. In 16 appearances for the Super Eagles, Okoye has conceded just 11 goals and kept an impressive 8 clean sheets. These figures underscore his efficiency, giving him an edge over his counterparts.
Francis Uzoho, the current first-choice goalkeeper, has 35 caps under his belt but has conceded 35 goals and managed 13 clean sheets. While Uzoho’s experience is undeniable, his higher goals-to-games ratio raises questions about his consistency.
Stanley Nwabali, who made a name for himself with a stellar performance at the 2023 AFCON tournament, has played 17 games, conceding 17 goals and earning 7 clean sheets. Though commendable, his stats fall short of Okoye’s defensive solidity.
A Chance to Reclaim Glory
For Okoye, this isn’t just a return—it’s a chance to rebuild trust with fans and teammates alike. The Super Eagles’ defensive setup has struggled for consistency, and Okoye’s strong club performances with Udinese could provide the boost Nigeria needs.
As the Super Eagles march toward AFCON 2024, all eyes will be on Okoye. Can he rise to the occasion and solidify his place as Nigeria’s undisputed number one? Only time—and his performance against Rwanda—will tell.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
In a night of high drama in Casablanca, Nigerian champions Edo Queens pulled off a sensational 2-1 comeback victory to eliminate defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from the CAF Women’s Champions League on Saturday, November 16.
Sundowns appeared poised for another deep run in the tournament after Melinda Kgadiete put them ahead in the 24th minute, courtesy of a precise assist from Karabo Dlamini. The South Africans looked set to defend their lead with a resolute display, holding off Edo Queens’ relentless attacks deep into stoppage time.
But just when Sundowns thought they had secured their place in the semi-finals, Emem Essien struck a stunning equaliser, igniting the Nigerian side’s hopes. Moments later, Mary Mamudu capitalised on a defensive error in the dying seconds, firing home the winner to seal an unforgettable triumph and end Sundowns’ quest for a third CAF Women’s Champions League title.
This marks the first time in the competition’s history that Sundowns, two-time champions, have failed to reach the final.
For Edo Queens, the victory is historic, propelling the debutants into the semi-finals, where they will face DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.
Other Semi-Finalists Set Stage for Thrilling Showdown
Elsewhere in Group B, Egyptian debutants FC Masar booked their semi-final ticket with a 2-1 win over Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). Sandrine Niyonkuru opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and Yassmine Zezo doubled their lead with an 85th-minute strike. Although CBE pulled one back through Senaf Wakuma, it was too late to alter the outcome.
FC Masar will now take on tournament hosts AS FAR in a North African derby on Tuesday, November 19, as the competition reaches its climax.
CAF Women’s Champions League Semi-Final Fixtures (November 19)
16:00 | Edo Queens vs TP Mazembe
19:00 | AS FAR vs FC Masar
With all four teams chasing glory, the semi-finals promise to deliver high-octane action and unforgettable moments.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
November 18, 2024 – Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will look to cap off an impressive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with an unbeaten record when they face Rwanda on Monday. The match, set to kick off at 6 PM CAT (GMT+2), provides Augustine Eguavoen’s men with the perfect stage to reinforce their dominance in Group D.
The West African giants secured their ticket to Morocco with a game to spare, following a 1-1 draw against Benin on November 14. Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer in that game ensured the Super Eagles maintained their four-point lead at the top of the group.
Under Eguavoen’s guidance, Nigeria has shown resilience, claiming two wins, two draws, and benefiting from a 3-0 walkover against Libya after the Mediterranean Knights were unable to fulfill their fixture last month. The team has built momentum following their runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON, making them one of the favorites for the upcoming tournament.
However, the Super Eagles face a Rwandan side with everything to play for. The Wasps held Nigeria to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Kigali and will need a similar or better result to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Currently third in the group, two points behind Benin, Rwanda must win and hope for an upset by Libya to leapfrog the Cheetahs.
Despite recording their first group victory with a 1-0 win against Rwanda, Libya’s struggles in the group have kept the second qualification spot open. Gernot Rohr’s Benin remain the favorites to join Nigeria in Morocco, but the final matchday could yet bring surprises.
Will Nigeria finish strong, or can Rwanda defy the odds? The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is set for an exciting clash.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra, Ghana — Ghanaian football is abuzz with excitement as Jerry Afriyie, the prolific U20 sensation, secures his first-ever call-up to the Black Stars for their final AFCON 2025 qualifier against Niger on Monday, November 18, 2024.
The 19-year-old forward, who currently plies his trade with lower-tier side Thoughts FC, has been a revelation in recent years. Afriyie’s remarkable performances have earned him accolades, including the Golden Boot and Best Player awards at the WAFU Zone B U20 Cup of Nations in Togo, where he dazzled fans with his ability to score decisive goals and create game-changing opportunities.
A pivotal figure in Ghana’s U20 squad, Afriyie was instrumental in their triumph at the 2024 African Games, where they clinched gold. His dynamic style of play and instinctive goal-scoring ability have cemented his status as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
With the Black Stars grappling with injuries to key players such as Alidu Seidu, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Jordan Ayew, Afriyie’s inclusion comes at a crucial moment. Fans are hopeful that his attacking flair will inject the spark Ghana needs to secure victory and solidify their place at AFCON 2025.
Afriyie is set to join the Black Stars camp for training on Sunday, eager to showcase his talents on a grander stage. The much-anticipated clash against Niger will kick off at 4 p.m. at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Ghana aiming to end their qualifying campaign on a high.
