Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Rwanda Head Coach Torsten Frank Spitller Reacts to AFCON 2025 Qualifying Draw. Rwanda head coach Torsten Frank Spitller has expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying draw. The Amavubi have been drawn into a challenging group alongside Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Libya. Adding to the difficulty, Rwanda also shares a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with Nigeria and Benin. Spitller voiced his concerns about the draw, highlighting the repetition of opponents. “It’s actually a little bit sad that we have two teams in the group, Nigeria and Benin, with whom…

Turkey Defender Merih Demiral Handed Two-Match Ban for Ultra-Nationalist Salute. Turkey defender Merih Demiral has been given a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during his country’s Euro 2024 victory over Austria. Demiral, 26, was pivotal in Turkey’s 2-1 win against Austria, scoring both goals to secure a quarter-final spot against the Netherlands on Saturday. However, his celebration of the second goal, a ‘wolf salute’ associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, has drawn significant controversy. The group is linked with Turkey’s ruling coalition party, the National Movement Party, and the gesture is banned in Austria and France.…

Emi Martinez the Hero as Argentina Secure Copa America Semi-Final Spot. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was the standout hero as Argentina advanced to the Copa America semi-finals with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ecuador. The match, held in Houston, ended 1-1 in normal time before proceeding straight to penalties. Argentina got off to a shaky start when captain Lionel Messi’s chipped effort struck the crossbar. However, Ecuador failed to capitalise on this early advantage, with Martinez saving their first two spot-kicks from Angel Mena and Alan Minda. Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister successfully converted…

Super Eagles to Kickoff AFCON 2025 Qualifying Campaign Against Libya. The Super Eagles will kick off their quest for qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an away match against Libya. On the same day, Rwanda will host the Benin Republic. These fixtures mark the start of a challenging qualifying campaign for Nigeria as they aim to secure their place in the prestigious tournament. Despite the groups for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers being drawn, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) did not immediately release the match fixtures. According to the format by CAF, the top-seeded teams of…

Nigeria Drawn in Group D for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers. The draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualifiers was held in Johannesburg on Thursday, setting the stage for Nigeria’s campaign to reclaim continental glory. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Group D, alongside Benin, Libya, and Rwanda. Forty-eight African countries will vie for qualification to the 35th edition of the biennial Africa showpiece, with the goal of dethroning current champions, Côte d’Ivoire. The defending champions secured their title by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final of this year’s tournament in Abidjan. The…

Erik ten Hag Signs New Deal with Manchester United Until 2026. Manchester United has confirmed that Erik ten Hag has signed a new contract, extending his tenure as manager until June 2026. “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together,” said Ten Hag. “Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.” Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work…

Nigeria placed in Pot 1 ahead of AFCON 2025 Draw. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Pot 1 for the upcoming draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the draw procedure on Wednesday, confirming that a total of 48 teams will participate in the official draw. Nigeria, currently ranked fifth in Africa, joins hosts Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Pot 1. This top-tier placement highlights Nigeria’s strong standing in African football and sets the stage…

NFF Plans Early Camping for Flying Eagles ahead of U-20 African Nations Championship. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has announced plans for the Flying Eagles to begin early preparations ahead of their 2024 WAFU B Championship campaign. In an exclusive interview with BSN Sports, Gusau revealed that the camp will be opened well in advance, providing the team with over two months of training to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for the regional competition. Gusau expressed his disappointment with the recent performance of the Nigeria U-17 team at the WAFU B competition, where they…

Coach Waldrum Selects Ajibade, Nnadozie, Oshoala, and 15 Others for Super Falcons Olympic Squad. Head Coach Randy Waldrum has announced his final selection for Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France. The roster includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, forward Asisat Oshoala, and 14 other talented players. Waldrum’s selection reflects a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with Ajibade leading the team as captain. Nnadozie, known for her remarkable goalkeeping skills, will be a key player between the posts, while Ohale’s defensive prowess is expected to strengthen the backline. Oshoala, a…

Finidi George Appointed as New Technical Manager of Rivers United FC. Rivers United Football Club has announced the appointment of Finidi George as their new Technical Manager. This confirms the report by Govima Sports which was released last month. Finidi George, a former Nigerian international, football legend and Coach brings a wealth of experience to the club. Known for his exceptional playing career, which included stints at Ajax and Real Betis, George’s appointment is a significant step for Rivers United as they aim to build on their recent successes. The club is confident that George’s expertise and vision…

Ethan Mbappé Set to Join Lille on Long-Term Deal. Lille are on the verge of completing the signing of Ethan Mbappé, the younger brother of former Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé. Ethan, who has been undergoing medical tests, is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Ligue 1 club as revealed by Fabrizio Romano. Contrary to recent speculation, Ethan Mbappé was never in discussions with Real Madrid. His full focus remained on finding a solution within Ligue 1, leading to his decision to join Lille. The transfer will be completed on a free transfer, marking a significant…

Turkey Defender Merih Demiral Under Investigation by UEFA for Ultra-Nationalist Salute. Turkey defender Merih Demiral is facing an investigation by UEFA after appearing to make an ultra-nationalist salute during his country’s 2-1 victory against Austria. The 26-year-old, who plays for Al-Ahli, scored twice to secure Turkey’s place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, where they will face the Netherlands. Demiral celebrated his second goal with a ‘wolf salute’, a gesture linked to the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, which is associated with Turkey’s ruling coalition party, the National Movement Party. The gesture is banned in Austria and France. “I…