by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh, has commended the outstanding performances of Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali in Nigeria’s thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory against South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, as reported by Sportblog247.com.
Despite overcoming health complications, Osimhen showcased another impressive display, working hard and winning the penalty that William Troost-Ekong converted for Nigeria’s opening goal. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, hailed as one of Nigeria’s best performers at the AFCON, delivered a stellar showing, making crucial saves during the match and two crucial saves in the penalty shootout.
Former Juventus ace Oliseh took to Twitter to express his admiration, particularly highlighting Nwabali’s composure, belief in God, and reassuring smile that helped secure Nigeria’s spot in the AFCON final. Oliseh referred to Nwabali as another hero born after Osimhen’s stellar performance.
With the Super Eagles advancing to the final, Oliseh praised the entire team, singling out Osimhen and Nwabali for their exceptional contributions. Nigeria will face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the title decider, while South Africa will play DR Congo in the third-place match.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
After a hard-fought victory over South Africa in the AFCON 2023 semi-final, numerous players with Nigerian roots extended their congratulations to the Super Eagles, as reported by Sportblog247.com.
William Troost-Ekong, the team captain, broke the deadlock in the second half with a penalty, while Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, saving two spot kicks and securing Nigeria’s spot in the final.
Players with Nigerian heritage, including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, former Liverpool and Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, and ex-Chelsea players Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham, expressed their joy and urged the Super Eagles to clinch the championship.
Foreign-based players such as Bayern Munich’s Joshua Zirkzee, who plays for the Netherlands but has Nigerian roots, England U-23 international Noni Madueke, and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, also joined in the celebrations.
With a thrilling win, Nigeria is set to face Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2023 final at the Stade Olympique Allasane Ouattara on Sunday.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa, has expressed his disappointment at not guiding Bafana Bafana to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Despite a memorable tournament that saw South Africa reach the semifinals for the first time in 24 years, they fell short against Nigeria, losing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
Broos believes Nigeria did not do enough to deserve a spot in the final at the expense of his team. Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s second-half chances and the winning penalty, Broos highlighted South Africa’s strong performance, particularly in the first half.
The Belgian tactician expressed his frustration, stating that if South Africa had capitalized on their late chances, they would be heading to the final instead of Nigeria. Broos commended his team’s overall performance throughout the tournament and expressed pride in their achievements.
Despite the disappointment, South Africa will face DR Congo in the third-place match, while Nigeria will meet hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the title decider.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars player, Laryea Kingston, has opened up about his journey to letting go of bitterness towards the national team more than a decade after being excluded from the squad for the 2010 World Cup. Despite his influential role in the qualifying matches, Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac left him out due to carrying a red card from the qualifiers, making him ineligible for the World Cup’s first two matches.
Reports suggest Kingston initially reacted strongly to his exclusion, but he has now stated that he has moved past the resentment he once felt towards the Black Stars. Reflecting on his experience, Kingston highlighted the mistreatment of players by the national team management, citing Asamoah Gyan’s situation with the captaincy transfer to Andre Ayew as another example.
Kingston stressed the need for a healing process within the team to mend relationships and enhance success. He emphasized that many former players leave the national team with bitterness, and initiating a healing process is crucial for fostering positive connections and unity.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has officially announced the appointment of Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah as the new Technical Director. With a background from the University of Northern Iowa, USA, and extensive experience as the Director of Coaching Education, Professor Mintah brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, succeeding Bernhard Lippert.
Formerly the head coach of Cape Coast Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs and holding academic positions at Azusa Pacific University in California, USA, Professor Mintah has been instrumental in shaping coaching education and strategic planning at the Ghana Football Association. His responsibilities included overseeing tactics, formations, and ensuring coaches received proper training for effective leadership and player development.
Possessing an Elite CAF A Instructors License Certificate, Professor Mintah’s diverse experience includes serving as an Interim Assistant Coach for the Ghana Black Stars during the 2014 CAF Qualifiers. Additionally, he held the position of Head Coach for Ghana Premier League side Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs from 2010 to 2014.
In his new role, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah will collaborate with the Technical Directorate staff to influence and shape the technical direction of the Ghana Football Association.
