by Silas Boahene | Jan 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal’s manager, Aliou Cisse, has rejoined the team after a hospital visit prompted by stomach pain on Friday. The head coach of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) champions received “reassuring” test results, according to a statement from the Senegalese Football Federation released on Saturday.
Earlier that Friday, Cisse’s team secured a 3-1 victory against Cameroon, securing their spot in the last 16 of the 2023 tournament. This win marked the Indomitable Lions’ second consecutive triumph in the group stage.
The federation explained that Cisse, who took on the managerial role in March 2015 and led Senegal to their first Afcon title two years later, was under medical care in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. This location served as the venue for both of Senegal’s initial matches in the tournament.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Dear compatriots, I empathize with your situation. Many among you were not born in Cameroon and have not experienced playing for a local club there.
Having guidance from a Cameroonian coach is invaluable for a footballer, spanning from the early stages of their career to its culmination. Those born in the country seem to wield excessive influence over the leadership, and this has repercussions. In Cameroon, I learned the essence of being a soldier for the national team, a commitment that transcends personal interests.
Recently, Cameroon endured a humiliating setback, revealing a deficiency in wholehearted patriotism. Allow me to share my personal perspective—I would willingly play two matches in a single day for the love of our beautiful country. This selfless dedication is reminiscent of legends like Roger Milla and François Omam Biyick.
Can you believe that Cameroon compensated us with less than 10% of what we earned elsewhere? Despite the financial disparities, the commitment to representing our nation should outweigh all material wealth. Some criticize the excessive use of reserve players; however, the fear of putting everything on the line for the homeland should surpass any monetary concerns.
Take, for instance, Manga Onguené, who sacrificed by playing with a broken foot for our country. He surpassed me in skill at the time and continues to exhibit unwavering respect for his homeland.
I acknowledge my own limitations, and I recognize that there might have been a mistake in bringing some of you into the team solely to play for the flag. Nevertheless, I am optimistic that post-AFCON, there will be a shift. A patriotism test will be instituted to ensure that only those with genuine love for Cameroon represent our nation on the football field. Wishing you all the best in the ongoing competition!
by Silas Boahene | Jan 21, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
www.sportblog247.com brings you a roundup of standout performances from Nigeria’s football exports across various European leagues and beyond on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
England:
- Tom Dele-Bashiru scored a 13th-minute penalty for Watford in their 1-1 draw against Bristol City.
- Jamilu Collins featured for Plymouth Argyle in their 3-1 victory over Cardiff City.
Spain:
- Asisat Oshoala won her first trophy of the year with Barcelona, securing a 7-0 triumph over Levante in the Supercopa Femenina final.
- Toni Payne netted for Sevilla in a thrilling 3-1 win against Villarreal in the Primera Division Femenina.
La Liga:
- Umar Sadiq played the full match as Real Sociedad secured a slim 1-0 win away to Celta Vigo.
Italy:
- Maduka Okoye made several excellent saves for Udinese, but they suffered a 2-3 home defeat to AC Milan. Isaac Success came on as a second-half substitute.
Germany:
- Nathan Tella scored for Bayer Leverkusen in their stoppage-time 3-2 win at RB Leipzig, maintaining their unbeaten run.
France:
- In the Femenine Division 1, Oluwatosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran helped Stade de Reims to a 1-0 win at home to Guingamp.
- Nicole Oyeyemisi Payne made her full debut for PSG in an 8-1 triumph over Bordeaux.
Belgium:
- Tolu Arokodare and Yira Sor were unable to secure a win for KRC Genk, settling for a 1-1 draw with Cercle Brugge.
Scotland:
- Cyriel Dessers scored, and Leon Balogun was an unused substitute as Rangers cruised to a 4-1 victory over Dumbarton in the FA Cup.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 21, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala kicked off 2024 on a high note by securing her first trophy of the year with Barcelona’s victory in the Supercopa Femenina. Oshoala, a second-half substitute, witnessed Barcelona’s commanding 7-0 triumph over Levante in the final at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque in LeganĂ©s.
Barcelona’s dominant first-half display featured braces from Salma Paralluelo and Graham Hansen, along with an Ona Batlle strike, giving them a 5-0 lead at halftime. Graham Hansen completed her hat-trick after the break, and Aitana BonmatĂ added another goal in the 57th minute.
Although Oshoala came off the bench in the 64th minute, she didn’t contribute to Barcelona’s goal tally. The team had secured their spot in the finals by defeating Real Madrid 4-0, while Levante overcame Rasheedat Ajibade’s Atletico Madrid with a 3-1 victory.
Oshoala’s latest triumph adds to her impressive collection, bringing her total club honors to 12 since joining Barcelona in 2019. The former Rivers Angels star has clinched four Spanish league titles, two UEFA Women’s Champions League honors, three Copa de la Reina, and three Supercopa de España Femenina.
With this success, Oshoala solidifies her position as the most successful African woman in European football history.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have resumed training following their successful match against Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, the return of Royale Antwerp defensive midfielder Alhassan Yusuf to the squad has sparked conflicting reports about his injury status.
Yusuf, who picked up an injury in Nigeria’s opening AFCON clash against Equatorial Guinea, participated in yesterday’s training session, suggesting ongoing efforts for recovery. Nonetheless, contradictory information has emerged, with reports from a conversation between Brila FM and Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro indicating that Yusuf might be ruled out of the upcoming match against Guinea-Bissau.
Addressing the situation, Peseiro stated, “[Alhassan] Yusuf cannot perform in the next match, impossible, but Zaidu [Sanusi] has gone to check today. We have two days; the match is on the 22nd, and we have 48 hours [to determine his availability].”
While uncertainties persist regarding Yusuf’s participation, the Super Eagles are focused on their Monday fixture against Guinea-Bissau, aiming to conclude the group stage positively. The Nigerian squad is diligently exploring all possibilities to finish the group stage in excellent form.
