Morocco 2024: Madugu Upbeat Falcons Will Soar As Cape Verde Storm Abuja
Coach Justin Madugu has expressed deep faith in his Super Falcons’ squad to excel when they clash with their Cape Verdean counterparts in a 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round, first leg qualifier at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening. “We are without a few regular players for various reasons but we are not here to dwell on that. The Super Falcons’ team remains the Super Falcons anytime, anyday and anywhere. We have players in camp who will do justice to the badge and get us the qualification ticket to the AFCON. “Surely, we would have wanted a couple more days for the team to train together, but the fixture is the fixture and the window is the window, and we just have to make do with what we have and get the best out of the arrangement. Everyone in camp will play their part for the Super Falcons to qualify for Morocco 2024.” A total of 20 of the 21 invited players were at the team’s camp on Tuesday morning, with only University of Pittsburgh of America’s Deborah Abiodun still expected. Nine-time champions Nigeria reached this final stage of the qualification series following the withdrawal of Sao Tome’s senior girls from a second-round fixture in September. The delegation of Cape Verde’s senior girls flew into Nigeria’s capital, Abuja on Monday morning, and the visiting team will have its official training at the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Wednesday evening from 4pm. Thursday’s encounter will begin at 4pm, with Madugu most likely to hand leadership of the rearguard to Mexico-based veteran Osinachi Ohale, who was among the first players in camp, and with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade to lead a midfield and attack that could include Peace Efih, Toni Payne, Esther Onyenezide, Omorinsola Babajide, Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, in the shortlist for the CAF African Player of the Year awards holding in Morocco this weekend, will be in goal. The 13th edition of Africa’s flagship women football championship will be staged in Morocco in July next year. For the encounter in Abuja on Thursday, the Confederation of African Football has picked Ghanaian official Ama Boateng-Nkansah as referee, with her compatriots Doris Darko, Alice Chakule and Barikisu Salifu as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Oumou Sy from Guinea will be commissioner while Madeleine Somda from Burkina Faso will be the referee assessor. For the return leg in Praia on Tuesday, 5th December, Liberian Sylvina Welma Garnett will be the referee with her compatriot Hannah Moses as assistant referee 1. Sierra Leoneans Precious Amara and Humu Marah will be assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively, while Oumou Souleymane Kane from Mauritania will serve as commissioner and Fadouma Dia from Senegal will be in the role of referee assessor.
Uba Sani Unity Cup: Nigeria U-15 Coach, Bassey Talents’ Quality High
Coach Bassey Patrick of the national U-15 team has expressed delight with the quality of talents that have so far been discovered at the ongoing Governor Uba Sani football tournament in Kaduna state. Speaking with our correspondent in one of the match venues on Sunday, coach Bassey who is one of the technical committee member, put together by Tijani Babangida to select talent form the football tournament maintained that this is the best way to go in discovering talents for Nigeria football development. “I am very very satisfied because I think that is the only way to go for the improvement of football in this country. Go to the grassroots, go to the local government you will see raw talents that need to be harnessed by coaches for greater height, and we have seen talents in all the matches that have been played in this zone “I mean we have seen talents here and with proper coaching and coordination they would do better and they will represent the state well. “And we believe other members of the technical crew have seen talents in their various zones, and all I can say is that it is really great for the people of Kaduna state. While hinting on the quality they are looking for in the process of selecting the players, Coach Bassey said. “Age is part of it because you cannot go and pick players that have only few years to offer no matter how good he is. We are looking at players that would be relevant for the state and for the Nation in the next ten to fifteen years. Meanwhile, results from some of the matches played on Sunday saw Chikum local government defeating Birni Gwari by two unreplied goals, while Kaduna South and Giwa local government played out a goaless draw. Lere defeated Sabon Gari by two unreplied goals, Kachia and Jaba played out a goaless draw. In the other results, Zaria lost zero one to Kudan, Ikara also lost by the same goal margin to Soba local government, while Kubau was thrashed three by goals to one by Makarfi. Hostilities continue today in all the center in the last day of the group matches as the teams seek qualifications to the next round.
Premier League: Arsenal Beat Burnley 3-1 To Level Leaders Man City
Arsenal outclassed Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to move second in the Premier League table and hand the visitors a sixth straight defeat in all competitions. Goals from Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Arsenal victory but their afternoon ended on a sour note when Fabio Vieira was sent off for a reckless challenge. Arsenal climbed to 29 points in the standings, level with leaders Manchester City and one point above north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who lost 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the early kickoff. “Really happy with the result, especially the performance. How dominant we were against a team that is very difficult to dominate. “The amount of situations that we generated I think we fully deserved to win the game,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters. Burnley’s crisis deepened as they sit 19th with four points following their 10th defeat in 12 games. Vincent Kompany named an unchanged Burnley side for the first time this season and they did well to keep Arsenal at bay even as Arteta’s team dominated possession and piled on the pressure in search of a breakthrough. The London side scored on the stroke of halftime when Bukayo Saka headed the ball across the six-yard box and Trossard leapt into the air to head home Arsenal’s 1,000th goal at Emirates Stadium. However, celebrations were muted as the Belgian clattered into the post and winced in pain as he held his arm before returning to the pitch after treatment. Burnley levelled against the run of play in the second half when a blocked shot fell to Josh Brownhill and the skipper’s effort took a deflection to beat the helpless David Raya in Arsenal’s goal. The scores were level for barely two minutes, however, as Arsenal won a corner and Trossard’s dangerous delivery found Saliba, who nodded home from a yard out. Zinchenko made it 3-1 with an improvised volley after Burnley failed to clear a corner. “Take nothing away, we played a fantastic side. The way Mikel has the team working is outstanding. “For putting in the performance we did, we’re relying on other factors like luck or individual moments but on the two set plays that wasn’t the case,” Kompany said. Vieira saw red for a high boot when he caught Brownhill on the knee but Arteta had no issues with the decision after criticising the officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United. “Tough place to go. We defended very well for the majority of the game. The timing of the first goal kills us. “When we go level second half, you don’t want to concede straight away after. They are stupid goals for us,” Brownhill said. In other games, struggling Manchester United beat Lutton FC 1-0 at Old Trafford while Wolves stun Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.
Int’l Friendly: Super Eagles Beat 10-Man Mozambique 3-2
In an international friendly, the Super Eagles secured a 3-2 victory over a 10-man Mozambique team in Portimão, Portugal. Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, and Moses Simon scored crucial goals, marking Nigeria’s first friendly win in 55 months. The last friendly win dated back to March 2019 when Paul Onuachu’s early goal led to a triumph over Egypt. Despite falling behind due to Catamo’s early goal, Moffi equalized in the 19th minute, and Onyeka put Nigeria in front at the half-hour mark. In the added time of the first half, Moses Simon added a third goal from the penalty spot. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage following a red card in the first half, Mozambique managed to score a second goal through Bangal ten minutes into the second half. This victory boosts the Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 34th AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Champions League: Arsenal Return With A Bang, Madrid Win; Man United Lose
Arsenal made a triumphant return to the Champions League, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium in their first campaign in six years. The Gunners displayed an electrifying first-half performance, storming to a 3-0 lead on a rainy night in north London. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after eight minutes, capitalizing on a rebound when PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez could only parry Martin Odegaard’s shot into the path of the England winger. Saka played a crucial role again, setting up Leandro Trossard’s goal to double Arsenal’s lead 12 minutes later after Gabriel Jesus broke clear. Jesus continued his impressive performance, adding Arsenal’s third seven minutes before half-time with a powerful rising shot that left Benitez with no chance. In the second half, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made several changes with an eye on Sunday’s derby against in-form Tottenham, but his team maintained complete control. Odegaard sealed the victory with a powerful 20-yard strike, making it 4-0 with 20 minutes remaining. In another Champions League match, Manchester United faced a tough challenge against Bayern Munich, with Harry Kane playing a pivotal role in his new team’s 4-3 victory. Kane contributed an assist and scored from the penalty spot, bringing his goal tally this season to five in all competitions. United’s Rasmus Hojland scored his first goal for the club early in the second half, giving them a glimmer of hope at 2-1. However, an error by goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Leroy Sane’s shot to slip under him in the 28th minute, giving Bayern a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Serge Gnabry scored a precise low shot to make it 2-0. United made an effort to mount a comeback, but injuries and a lack of options from the bench hampered their ability to compete. Casemiro managed to score a second goal for United, providing a glimmer of hope, but Mathys Tel’s late strike for Bayern sealed the 4-2 victory. In another Champions League match of the night, Jude Bellingham secured a late 1-0 victory for Real Madrid with an injury-time tap-in against Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabeu. This marked Bellingham’s sixth goal in six matches since joining Real Madrid this summer. Federico Valverde’s 94th-minute shot deflected into Bellingham’s path, allowing him to tap into an empty net. Union Berlin, making their Champions League debut, were unable to respond in the final minute, as Real Madrid claimed the late win.
AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen Nets Hat-trick As Eagles Maul Sao Tome 6-0
Ballon d’Or nominee, Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick that took his tally to 10 in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and also ensured Nigeria finished as group winners in the race to Cote d’Ivoire. Having drubbed their opponents 10-0 in both teams’ first encounter in the Moroccan city of Agadir in June 2022, the Eagles, who had already qualified for the finals no matter the scoreline, were in no danger on the lush turf of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. They expectedly started on the front foot, in front of a capacity crowd of 30,000 spectators, but Semi Ajayi’s firm header off a corner kick by Kelechi Iheanacho in the second minute was punched away by goalkeeper Ronaldo Silva. Silva was by far the busiest of the two goalies on the night, and had to be alert and active four minutes later as England-based forward Taiwo Awoniyi turned and struck a fierce one inside the box. He would however, have no answer when Osimhen, with seven goals in five previous qualifying matches, rose above the defence to head in from close range off a corner kick by Ademola Lookman. Awoniyi’s header missed narrowly three minutes later, but the visiting goal-tender again had to pick the ball from his net in the 27th minute when Lookman received a pass from on-field captain Wilfred Ndidi and sashayed past two defenders before tucking it past the goalie for Nigeria’s second of the evening. Seven minutes into the second half, Awoniyi had the crowd on his feet when he chested a flick by Iheanacho and blasted past Silva from close range. Everything was on a roll and Osimhen scored his ninth goal of the qualifying campaign in the 70th minute, when he won and converted a penalty kick with Silva sent the wrong way. With 10 minutes left, the goal king did his Ballon d’Or nomination no harm with a third goal after a flowing move that had substitute Samuel Chukwueze and Awoniyi contributing. There was still time for Chukwueze to score a sixth, with five minutes left, after he was picked out by fellow substitute Victor Boniface on the left side of the visitors’ defence. Osimhen deservedly won MTN’s Most Valuable Player of the Match award and pocketed the sum of N1 million naira, while Lookman was selected the Man of the Match and picked up a cheque for N1 million from Nigerian Breweries PLC. Next up for the Super Eagles is a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles also in Uyo on 17 November.
Premier League Recap: Arsenal, Newcastle triumph; Brighton overwhelm newcomer Lutton
Arsenal embarked on their fresh Premier League journey with a tense 2-1 victory at home against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The opening half witnessed goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka, securing Arsenal’s win while Newcastle exhibited a remarkable performance, crushing Aston Villa 5-1. During the Arsenal encounter, Taiwo Awoniyi of Forest and Nigeria momentarily unsettled the Gunners with a late goal, narrowing the lead to 2-1 after trailing for the majority of 79 minutes. Despite this, the win propelled last year’s runners-up to three points, level with leaders Manchester City. The victory margin, however, placed them second due to goal difference, as the reigning champions outperformed Burnley 3-0 on Friday. The match’s kickoff experienced a 30-minute delay at Emirates Stadium due to turnstile issues, hampering the fans’ timely entry. Nevertheless, Arsenal initiated the game with vigor, asserting dominance through possession and penetrating Forest’s defense. Although an early defensive mishap provided Brennan Johnson an opportunity to approach the goal, his shot soared over the bar, leaving Forest’s manager Steve Cooper in exasperation. Arsenal’s perseverance paid dividends as they overcame Forest’s resilient defense. This breakthrough occurred when Gabriel Martinelli’s exquisite pirouette baffled defenders, setting up Nketiah to slot the ball past former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner. The lead doubled merely six minutes later when 21-year-old Saka seized the ball at the edge of the box and elegantly curved his shot from a distance, thwarting Turner’s chances of a save. Brighton Shatters Lutton’s Premier League Return with Convincing 4-1 Win In one of the exhilarating goal-filled fixtures on Saturday, Brighton and Hove Albion dampened Luton Town’s aspirations for a successful comeback to top-tier football. Brighton achieved this through a comprehensive 4-1 triumph against Lutton in their Premier League clash. Lutton, reentering the top division after a 31-year absence, found themselves on the defensive for a significant portion of the game. They visibly fatigued towards the end, enduring the consequences of Brighton’s dominance. Solly March initiated a 1-0 lead at halftime, followed by Joao Pedro, a new signing, converting a second-half penalty to amplify the home team’s advantage. Despite Carlton Morris pulling one back for Lutton through a penalty and late goals from substitutes Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson displaying Brighton’s dominance, the overall narrative showcased Brighton’s prowess. Noteworthy was March’s precise header from Kaoru Mitoma’s cross in the 36th minute, epitomizing Brighton’s control over the game. Joao Pedro, secured in the preseason from Watford, extended the lead through a penalty, following a debatable decision involving Lutton captain Tom Lockyer. While Lutton managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from the penalty spot by Morris, Adingra capitalized on a defensive lapse to reinstate Brighton’s two-goal lead. Ferguson concluded the match with Brighton’s fourth goal in injury time, underscoring Lutton’s return as a sobering experience. Newcastle’s Brilliant Display Decimates Aston Villa 5-1 Alexander Isak’s clinical finishing propelled Newcastle United to a resounding triumph over Aston Villa in the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. Newcastle commenced the game at St James’ Park with fervor, and new signing Sandro Tonali translated their dominance into a goal by converting Anthony Gordon’s inviting cross in the sixth minute. Moussa Diaby responded for Aston Villa within five minutes, elegantly controlling a half volley with his weaker foot after Ollie Watkins’ flick on. Amidst the dynamic start, Isak restored the lead for Newcastle as he adeptly slotted home Sven Botman’s cut-back across the box. Isak further showcased his skill by delicately chipping the ball over Emiliano Martinez for his second goal, granting the home side a comfortable two-goal lead after Ezri Konsa’s mishap in his own penalty box. Callum Wilson contributed another goal following a seamless passing sequence, while Harvey Barnes capitalized on a clear run to mark his competitive debut with a goal. This victory continued Newcastle’s strong momentum from the 2022-23 campaign. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged his team’s progress as they secured a Champions League berth for the first time in two decades the previous season. The challenge now lies in sustaining their top-four standing amidst a highly competitive Premier League season, coupled with their participation in Europe’s premier competition. In contrast to the prior season, which lacked domestic cup success and European engagements, Newcastle now faces six midweek Champions League matches between September and December. To address the increased demands, Howe made three summer signings, with Tonali standing out as a prominent addition. Tonali, a former AC Milan player, immediately made his Premier League debut, contributing not only a goal but also harmonizing effectively with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in a promising and dynamic midfield. Gordon, initially slow to acclimatize after joining from Everton, demonstrated an impressive transition from his standout performance in the summer’s European Under-21 Championship. Gordon’s effectiveness, along with the contributions from new signings, hints at Newcastle’s readiness to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
Arsenal beat Man City to win 2023 Community Shield
In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal secured a psychological boost to the new football season that begins next week, by defeating Manchester City on penalties to claim the 2023 Community Shield. After a relatively uneventful 70 minutes in the season opener, Cole Palmer seemed to have sealed the victory for City with a sensational strike. However, Leandro Trossard equalized in the 101st minute, sending the game to a dramatic penalty shootout. Substitute Kevin de Bruyne’s strike hit the crossbar, followed by Rodri’s saved effort, paving the way for Fabio Vieira to score the decisive penalty, clinching the silverware for Arsenal. The win provided a morale boost for Arsenal, who had led the Premier League for 248 days last season before falling short in the title race as City secured a Treble, including the Champions League and FA Cup. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, had expressed the desire to avenge last season’s defeats against City, and his side displayed impressive determination throughout the match. The Gunners’ summer signings, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, all made their competitive debuts, further strengthening the team’s core. While Community Shield victories do not necessarily guarantee Premier League success, Arsenal reveled in the positive result after a disappointing end to the previous season. Guardiola praised Arsenal’s summer transfers, acknowledging their strengthened squad. Despite City’s three major trophies in the last season, including the Premier League, they faced defeat in their third consecutive Community Shield appearance. Nonetheless, City remains focused on their primary goal of defending the Premier League title. Mateo Kovacic, one of City’s notable summer signings, displayed a strong performance in midfield. Although Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland had an off day in front of goal, City remains confident in their abilities to deliver a remarkable campaign. Overall, Arsenal’s Community Shield victory serves as an encouraging start to the season, instilling confidence and optimism for the challenges ahead. City, despite their Community Shield losses, is determined to maintain their dominance and continue their pursuit of more silverware in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
FWWC: Spain mauls Switzerland 5-1 to berth quarterfinals
An Aitana Bonmati-inspired Spain took Switzerland to the cleaners 5-1 on Saturday to secure a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. This was the second time Spain hit five goals at Australia and New Zealand 2023, having defeated Zambia 5-0 in the group stage. The team’s midfield maestro and Player of the Match, Bonmati scored twice, with Alba Redondo, Laia Codina, and Jennifer Hermoso also on target in a dominant display. Spain hit the front early on when Bonmati superbly cut the ball back onto her left foot before slotting home with a clever finish. Switzerland soon equalised, though in a bizarre fashion. Spain defender Codina misplaced a pass back to goalkeeper Cata Coll, with the ball rolling into the net to the amazement of the Eden Park crowd. Jorge Vilda’s side responded defiantly to that shock blow and were back ahead. This was when Redondo – starting her first game of the tournament – expertly placed an opportunistic header beyond Swiss stopper, Gaelle Thalmann. Spain was relentless at this point and forged 3-1 ahead through the brilliant Bonmati. If her first goal was good, then this one was exceptional. With one stunning turn inside the penalty box, she dribbled three Swiss defenders and their goalkeeper, then calmly finished to double her team’s advantage. Spain put the result beyond doubt just before half-time when Codina atoned for her own goal by prodding in from close range following a goal-mouth scramble. The second half was a more competitive affair, with Switzerland substitute Meriame Terchoun’s snapshot forcing a smart save from Coll. Spain were to have the last word though, with Hermoso completing the scoring with a clinical strike. Spain will face the winner of Sunday’s tie between the Netherlands and South Africa in the quarter-final. Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coach told newsmen after the match that his team approached the game well and were very offensive which was key to their victory. “What I liked the most about the team was our competitiveness – how we went into the duels and how we won the duels. “We showed what we can do, even without being at our best level. We made history [by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time]. “We proved we are a team of 23 players and we are very happy,” he said. Ramona Bachmann, Switzerland forward expressed disappointment over the team’s defeat, admitting however that they lost to a better side. “Today it was just difficult. You could see that Spain was a class better. “In the first 20-25 minutes we had a few good attacks, but we weren’t clever playing them through to the end. “We wanted to be dangerous on the counter-attack, which worked out a few times in the first half, but not so much in the second,” she said.
AFCON 2023 Qualifier: Full house as Eagles eye early ticket against Leone Stars
All invited players are now in the camp of the Super Eagles in Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos as countdown begins for Sunday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying showdown with the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia. Table-toppers Nigeria, on nine points, will slug it out with the Leone Stars, four points behind and in third place, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville, Monrovia. The 22,000 -capacity arena will witness fireworks from 5pm Nigeria time (4pm Liberia time) as the Super Eagles seek to reach the finals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire early next year, with a game to spare. For the last edition of Africa’s flagship football championship, the Super Eagles qualified for the finals with a game to spare after Paul Onuachu headed in with few minutes left against Benin Republic’s Guepards in Porto Novo. Three-time champions Nigeria will fire from all cylinders at the Paynesville, conscious that second-placed Guinea Bissau, two points behind, are likely to inflict defeat on group whipping boys Sao Tome and Principe in the other match of the pool. In the last weeks of 2020, the Leone Stars famously came from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with the Super Eagles at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in another Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match (Cameroon 2021), and few days later, held the Eagles to a barren draw at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown. When both teams clashed on Day 1 of the ongoing series at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja a year ago, the Leone Stars drew the first blood before goals by Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen put Nigeria in the driving seat. The Eagles flew to Agadir, Morocco some days later to inflict a 10-0 defeat on Sao Tome and Principe, in the event setting a new international win-record. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Sudanese official Mahmood Ali Ismail as the referee for Sunday’s encounter, with his compatriot Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim as assistant referee 1. Liban Abdourazak Ahmed from Djibouti will serve as assistant referee 2, with Mohamed Diraneh Guedi, also from Djibouti, in the role of fourth official. Gambian Bakary Jammeh will be the commissioner while Kokou Djaoupe from Togo will serve as referee assessor.