by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, USA
English-born Nigerian starlet Tyrique George has revealed the Chelsea players who have been guiding him as he transitions to first team football. The talented winger was named in Chelsea’s traveling squad for their USA tour and made his unofficial debut for the first team on Thursday, playing 45 minutes in a pre-season match against Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium.
Although Christopher Nkunku made headlines for scoring Chelsea’s first goal in the 35th minute, it was George’s long-range effort that led to the goal. His shot was blocked, allowing Marc Guiu to set up Nkunku for the finish.
George, who came close to making his debut last season by being named in matchday squads against Everton, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, spoke to Chelsea’s official website after the Wrexham match. He highlighted the senior players who have been helping him and boosting his confidence.
“I think my confidence grew as I got more into the game, and I got more used to the opposition full-back and what the other players on my team were going to do,” George said. “Having Levi [Colwill] down my side really helped because he was telling me when to stay, when to go outside, and when to come inside a bit more. And Christo [Nkunku] too when it came to needing to run in behind.
“The likes of Raheem [Sterling], Noni [Madueke], and Carney [Chukwuemeka] have also been giving me advice during the tour, and it all helps with my confidence and being able to just play my own game. When you are quite new to the group, having someone like Raheem give you advice when he has played at the highest level for so many years really helps. Having the chance to play alongside all these top players has been really good. You are learning new things every day from really experienced players.”
The 18-year-old faces a significant challenge to secure a place in the first team for the new season due to intense competition. However, he aims to impress new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and show that he is ready for first team football. George will have another opportunity to showcase his skills when Chelsea faces Celtic at the Notre Dame Stadium tomorrow.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Brazil secured a narrow victory over Nigeria in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics, but it was far from an easy win. Sportblog247.com reports that Brazil goalkeeper Lorena da Silva Leite and goalscorer Gabi Nunes both acknowledged the tough challenge posed by the Super Falcons.
Gabi Nunes scored the only goal of the encounter in the 37th minute, securing Brazil’s third consecutive win over Nigeria. Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons, aiming for their first Olympic win since 2004, had their chances in a keenly contested affair in Bordeaux. Goalkeeper Lorena made crucial saves, denying Chinwendu Ihezuo and Christy Ucheibe before Brazil took the lead. She also stopped a close-range effort from captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the second half as Nigeria searched in vain for an equalizer.
After the match, Lorena emphasized Brazil’s preparation and unity as key factors in their victory. “Brazil is well-prepared,” she said, according to Football Sierra Leone. “Arthur [Elias] is doing an excellent job, and we saw today how strong our group is. Nigeria is a tough team, but we deserve to win. Our team is united and always ready to compete.”
Gabi Nunes echoed Lorena’s sentiments, highlighting the hard work required to secure the win. “I’m really happy with this game,” Nunes said. “It was tough, but our team is amazing. We worked hard to play well, and I’m pleased to have scored and helped the team. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy this moment.”
Legendary Brazil forward Marta also lauded Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for her performance. Speaking post-match, Marta called Nnadozie “a great goalkeeper” and praised her resilience. Marta had a goal disallowed for offside but provided the assist for Gabi Nunes’ game-winning goal. “It was frustrating [the disallowed goal], of course,” Marta said. “But the most important thing is that we didn’t complain, we kept chasing, and then we managed to find a pass for Gabi. She hit a great shot, beating the Nigerian goalkeeper.”
Nnadozie, who posted four consecutive clean sheets in the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games against Cameroon and South Africa, was a standout performer despite Nigeria’s loss.
The Super Falcons now face an even tougher challenge as they take on the current Women’s World Cup champions, Spain, in their next game at the Stade De La Beaujoire.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has praised the Super Falcons of Nigeria following their narrow loss to Brazil in their 2024 Summer Olympics opener, as reported by Sportblog247.com.
Ikpeba, a former AS Monaco forward, commended the Nigerian team for their effort, noting that they played with great heart and determination for both their country and the continent.
Randy Waldrum’s squad surprised the Canarinhas, making it difficult for the South Americans in their first Group C match at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium. Despite the loss, the 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions had 15 goal attempts, with Gremio goalkeeper Lorena making several remarkable saves to prevent Nigeria from taking the lead.
Ikpeba, quoted by ScoreNigeria, acknowledged the Nigerian side’s efforts and their near misses. “You just must commend the girls; they gave everything, played with heart, determination, and passion,” said Ikpeba. “They had their moments in the first half, but unfortunately, they didn’t capitalize on them. They probably lacked the quality in attack, but they have everything to be proud of.”
The former Super Eagles player, capped 31 times, emphasized that the Nigerian men’s senior national team could learn from the Falcons’ valiant effort. “The Super Eagles must learn from how they fight for each other,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Nigerian women’s team faces an even tougher challenge as they take on the current Women’s World Cup champions, Spain, in their upcoming game at the Stade De La Beaujoire. Ikpeba believes that Nigeria’s key to progressing from the group lies in their match against Japan. He expressed confidence in the Falcons’ ability to compete fiercely against Spain and Japan.
“They are a very physical side, and the coach has set them up well. They will certainly make life difficult for the other teams in this group, Spain and Japan,” he predicted. “It may not be entirely a lost cause against Spain in their next game, but I believe the key to qualification will be against Japan. They need to win that game to stay alive.”
A draw against Spain and a victory against Japan could still put Nigeria on course for the next round of qualifications.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Umar Sadiq’s time in Spain may be coming to an end, with recent reports linking him with a move to Greece, Sportblog247.com understands.
Following an uneventful spell at Real Sociedad, the Nigerian striker is eager to join a club where he can play more regularly. Last season, the Super Eagles forward started only 14 of the 34 games he played for Sociedad, scoring a mere three goals and adding one assist.
Despite his low output, Sadiq is not lacking suitors. Four La Liga clubs, including Getafe and Valencia, are reportedly interested in signing him. Interest in Sadiq extends beyond Spain’s borders, with Greek giants Olympiakos also targeting the Nigerian forward.
According to a report on B92, the Super League club is keen to add Sadiq to an attack force that already includes Moroccan attacker Ayoub El Kaabi.
Sadiq is no stranger to embracing new challenges in different countries. Since arriving in Europe in 2014, the Kaduna-born star has played for clubs in Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland, Serbia, and Spain.
The 27-year-old forward was at his most prolific during his time with Almeria, a club he joined in 2020 while they were in the Spanish second division. Sadiq registered an impressive 43 goals and 19 assists in just 84 appearances, helping Almeria gain promotion to La Liga. In 2022, he secured a club-record transfer to Real Sociedad and scored on his league debut in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.
Unfortunately, Sadiq suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury shortly after and was later ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has criticized players with dual nationalities who prioritize playing for European countries over their African countries of origin, as reported by Sportblog247.com.
Over the years, an increasing number of players of African descent have been eligible to represent European countries. Some became citizens because they were born there, while others had one foreign parent.
Due to this, Nigeria has lost talents like Jamal Musiala, Dele Alli, Bukayo Saka, and many others.
Meanwhile, there are others who decided to switch to Nigeria because they were not called up to the national team of the European country they wanted to play for.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has expressed his displeasure on the issue, as he believes that playing for Nigeria should be a no-brainer.
“They say they want to play for England, France, or another country. And then, they wait, and they keep waiting and waiting, then when they get to 25 or 26 and they don’t get a call-up, they call Nigeria,” Mikel said on his ObiOne podcast.
“We shouldn’t be treated as second options. We are not second options. You should be proud of your African roots. You should be proud to represent your African country.
“I want the best players to play in Africa, so you rather make a decision and stand by it. If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it, sit and wait.
“If you don’t get a call up, then you don’t get a call-up. Don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30 when you’re past your best before calling Nigeria.”
Because of the issues surrounding the Super Eagles and the allure of playing for the top foreign countries, most players with dual nationalities often opt to play for the latter. Nonetheless, there are a few, like Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, and Joe Aribo, who opted to play for Nigeria early in their career.
