by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The Black Galaxies of Ghana received a significant morale boost ahead of their crucial CHAN qualifier against Nigeria as the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and several ex-national team players paid them a visit during their final training session in Accra.
Anthony Baffoe, the General Secretary of PFAG, led the delegation, which included former Black Stars defenders Isaac Vorsah and Sam Johnson, as well as midfield legends Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Godwin Attram. The visit, held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, December 21, 2024, aimed to inspire the team to overcome their archrivals in the high-stakes encounter.
The Black Galaxies will face Nigeria in the first leg of the tie at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 16:00 GMT (4 PM local time). The return leg is set for Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Nigeria. The aggregate winner will secure a coveted spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Ghana and Nigeria’s fierce football rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to this showdown as the Black Galaxies seek to assert their dominance and book their ticket to East Africa.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Gabriel Adedayo Osho, AJ Auxerre’s towering central defender and one-cap Super Eagle, has set his sights on lifting Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title as the team prepares for the 2025 edition of the tournament in Morocco. The 26-year-old, born in England to Nigerian parents, made his long-awaited debut for the Super Eagles last month in their 3-1 victory over Benin Republic.
Osho’s journey to the national team has been one of perseverance. His initial invitation to the squad in March under interim coach Finidi George was cut short due to injury. However, his recent debut not only marked a milestone in his career but also sparked a newfound determination to make history with the Nigerian team.
Reflecting on his experience, Osho shared his pride in donning the green-and-white jersey.
“It was special to play for Nigeria,” Osho said. “The emotions, the pride—it’s something I had never felt before. At first, I felt a little out of place, but the players welcomed me warmly. I even had mutual friends with some of them, like Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi, which made settling in easier.”
Osho has been enjoying life in Ligue 1, contributing defensively and offensively for Auxerre, who currently sit 15th in the table. His ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch, as seen in his goal against RC Lens, has not gone unnoticed.
Now, with AFCON 2025 and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Osho believes the Super Eagles have the tools to succeed.
“After what happened at AFCON 2023, it’s time to go further,” he said. “The quality of our team is the best in Africa. It’s time to prove this on the big stage.”
The AFCON 2025 tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will feature 32 of Africa’s finest teams. For Osho and the Super Eagles, the mission is clear: to bring the coveted trophy back to Nigeria.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Journey of Football and Brotherhood
Tijjani Reijnders, AC Milan’s midfield maestro, recently revealed the depth of his bond with Udinese defender Kingsley Ehizibue. Their friendship, forged in their hometown of Zwolle, has blossomed into an unbreakable brotherhood that transcends the football pitch.
Reijnders and Ehizibue began their professional journeys at PEC Zwolle, where their connection was first formed. Both players grew up in the Dutch city of Zwolle, and their shared passion for football brought them closer during their time at the club. Even after their careers took them in different directions, with Ehizibue moving to FC Cologne in 2019 and Reijnders joining AZ Alkmaar in 2018, the duo stayed inseparable.
Their paths converged once more in Italy, with Reijnders now donning the iconic red and black of AC Milan and Ehizibue representing Udinese. When their teams clashed at the San Siro in October, the emotions were high. Reijnders was sent off in the 30th minute, but Milan secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze. After the game, the two friends exchanged jerseys, showcasing their enduring bond.
Speaking about their friendship, Reijnders shared with Tutto Udinese:
“Ehizibue from Udinese is my best friend, and he was also my best man at my wedding. We played together at PEC Zwolle and are from the same city, Zwolle. Now we are both professionals, and we both play in Italy.”
Interestingly, Reijnders’ connection to Nigeria runs even deeper. His father, Martin, was an ardent admirer of Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida during the player’s time in the Netherlands in the 1990s. This admiration led him to name his son Tijjani in honor of the Nigerian winger.
As for Ehizibue, his Nigerian roots have also shaped his career. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents and raised in the Netherlands from the age of two, he remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles. Although he received a call-up in 2020, the pandemic disrupted his debut.
Reijnders and Ehizibue’s story is a testament to the power of friendship and the unifying spirit of football. From Zwolle to the bright lights of Serie A, their bond remains unshaken.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles Star Questions Morocco’s Role as Host
Victor Ikpeba, the former Borussia Dortmund and Monaco forward, has expressed his disappointment at the reaction of Moroccan fans to Ademola Lookman’s 2024 CAF Player of the Year win. The event, held in Morocco, sparked controversy when a section of the audience walked out as the Super Eagles winger was announced the winner, beating notable nominees such as Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams.
The video of the incident, which has since gone viral, drew widespread criticism, with Ikpeba leading the charge. Speaking on Brila FM, the 1997 African Player of the Year described the behavior as unsporting and urged CAF to reconsider hosting the prestigious awards ceremony in Morocco in the future.
“They shouldn’t take the event to Morocco again. It’s not fair. At events like the Ballon d’Or, you don’t see this kind of reaction. Someone has to win, and fans must accept it,” Ikpeba stated.
Ademola Lookman’s stellar performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and provided an assist, were instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the final. His contributions for Atalanta and the Super Eagles cemented his place as a deserving winner.
Despite the behavior of some fans, Ikpeba commended the integrity of the voting process, praising those who recognized Lookman’s achievements. “Those who voted for Lookman did so with class and honesty. He truly earned it,” he added.
Lookman’s win makes him the sixth Nigerian to claim the CAF Player of the Year award, joining legends like Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amunike, Rashidi Yekini, Ikpeba himself, and Victor Osimhen.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has declared that his team is fully prepared for the crucial 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoff against arch-rivals Ghana.
The two-legged showdown will kick off on Sunday, December 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the second leg slated for Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
In an interview with CAFOnline, Ogunmodede expressed confidence in his team’s readiness and outlined the efforts put into their preparation.
“Given the significance of this tie, we have been working diligently and passionately to prepare for Ghana,” Ogunmodede revealed. “Our focus has been on refining our strengths, addressing areas of improvement, and developing strategies specifically designed to counter Ghana’s strong points.”
The coach praised the commitment and dedication shown by his players during training, emphasizing that they are well-equipped to handle the challenge. “The players have displayed remarkable focus and determination throughout our sessions, and I am confident we are ready to face Ghana head-on,” he added.
This fixture comes with a sense of unfinished business for the Super Eagles, as they were narrowly defeated by Ghana on penalties in the previous CHAN qualifiers. The stakes are high, with both sides aiming to secure a spot in the 2024 CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
