Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, has allayed concerns over Wilfred Ndidi’s absence from the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ndidi’s injury has led to him being replaced by Royal Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf. Gusau expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well without Ndidi, stating, “I don’t have any tension because I know we played a lot of matches without Ndidi, and we won a lot of matches without Ndidi.”
Gusau emphasised Yusuf’s potential impact, citing his notable performances in the UEFA Champions League. “The young boy that was brought in now, Yusuf, is also doing wonderfully well with his team.”
“When they played against Barcelona, you can see the performance he put on in the win against Barcelona in the Champions League,” Gusau stated. Drawing parallels to Sunday Mba’s AFCON 2013 impact, Gusau hopes Yusuf could make a similar mark.
“He’s also a young boy, maybe it’s an opportunity for him to do a miracle. Don’t forget everybody did not have confidence in Mba when we went to the AFCON in 2013, and at the end of the day, Mba was part of the players that performed a miracle,” Gusau noted.
The focus, he reiterated, is on the Super Eagles as they prepare for AFCON, with an upcoming preparatory match against Guinea. Gusau highlighted, “Nobody knows what Yusuf is going to be in the team, so it’s not about Ndidi, it’s about the Super Eagles.”
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2’s rising star, Cyprian Kachwele, is set to make his mark on the international stage as he joins the Tanzania men’s national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The 18-year-old striker, acquired by Whitecaps FC 2 in August, aims to showcase his talent in Tanzania’s Group F matches against Morocco, Zambia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo on January 17, 21, and 24, respectively.
Kachwele’s journey to the national team is remarkable, considering his recent move to Vancouver in November ahead of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
The product of Azam FC, known for his goal-scoring prowess, has swiftly adapted to the Canadian soccer scene. This call-up not only emphasises Kachwele’s individual growth but also underlines the global platform that MLS NEXT Pro provides for emerging talents.
As the AFCON 2024 kicks off, all eyes will be on Kachwele, who will be looking to make his senior international debut and contribute to Tanzania’s quest for success in the tournament.
Follow our blog for exclusive insights into Kachwele’s AFCON journey and updates on how he leaves an indelible mark on this prestigious competition.
Dynamo Moscow winger Moumi Ngamaleu received a call-up to Cameroon’s national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ahead of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Ngamaleu replaces Francois-Regis Mughe, who prioritised his club Marseille over AFCON. The 29-year-old, part of the 2021 AFCON semifinalist squad, is set to join the Indomitable Lions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Cameroon’s 10-day training camp includes a friendly against Zambia. Drawn into Group C with Guinea, Gambia, and reigning champions Senegal, Cameroon opens the tournament against Guinea on January 15 in Yamoussoukro.
Former Gent midfielder Sulayman Marreh’s inclusion in Gambia’s provisional AFCON squad stirred confusion among supporters.
Despite leaving Gent without securing a new club, the 27-year-old finds himself in coach Tom Saintfiet’s lineup for the upcoming tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
With questions surrounding Marreh’s readiness, given his current lack of match fitness, the impact he can make in the central areas remains uncertain.
For Marreh, this opportunity serves as a chance to attract potential suitors and resurrect his career after leaving the Buffaloes in the summer.
Having started his European journey with Granada and later joining Watford, Marreh’s AFCON participation may well be a pivotal moment in his quest for a new chapter in his football career.
In anticipation of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for a preparatory fixture. Scheduled for January 8, the team, led by Jose Peseiro in his first AFCON experience, will face Guinea.
Currently stationed in Dubai, the Super Eagles will travel to Ivory Coast next week. To fine-tune their skills, they’ve secured a friendly against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on January 8, serving as their sole preparation game before the prestigious tournament.
Guinea, with notable players such as former Liverpool star Naby Keita, Leipzig midfielder Ilaix Moriba, Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, and Le Havre forward Mohamed Bayo, poses a formidable challenge.
Nevertheless, Nigeria, under the guidance of Jose Peseiro and featuring stars like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze, are confident in their quality.
The 25-man squad is gearing up for their AFCON journey, kicking off on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea. Subsequent matches include a face-off against hosts Ivory Coast and a group stage finale against Guinea-Bissau.
