Sports

Pinnick Hails Enyimba, Demands Self-belief against Raja

Published

8 years ago

September 24, 2018

Eric

The President, Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has advised Nigeria’s flagbearers in the semi-finals of 2018 CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba FC of Aba, to have unwavering self-belief when they confront Raja Casablanca of Morocco.

According to the federation’s Media Aide, Ademola Olajire, Pinnick gave the advise on Sunday while congratulating the “People’s Elephant” for their 5-1 defeat of Rayon Sports of Rwanda.

The match, played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, qualified the team for the semi-finals of the competition on a 5-1 aggregate.

“I want to commend the players and members of the technical staff for their endeavour in this competition so far.

“I watched their match against CARA Brazzaville in the group phase and I know the players and technical crew have great ambition and can go all the way to the final and do Nigeria proud by winning the cup.

“Their next opponents, Raja Casablanca, are a tough act. But Enyimba have the players and the technical team to plot victory and all they require is strong self-belief to conquer the Moroccans,” Pinnick said in statement by Olajire.

“ I appeal to all Nigerian fans and football stakeholders to give the club necessary support to make us smile as they are the only Nigerian club left in continental club competition this year.

(NAN)

Sports

England End Norway’s World Cup Dream, Berth in Semi-finals

Published

23 seconds ago

July 12, 2026

Eric

Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.

Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.

England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.

New York Times

Sports

Again, France Eliminate Morocco from World Cup

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Like it happened in 2022 in Qatar, France have once again eliminated Morocco from the 2026 World Cup. But while the 2022 edition happened in the Semifinals, Morocco’s elimination in 2026 occurred in the Quarterfinals.

According to a New York Times report, France brushed Morocco aside with another hugely impressive World Cup performance — but there was concern for Kylian Mbappe after he was forced off late on.

The report noted that Mbappe bounced back from having an early penalty saved to curl France into the lead with a fine finish. It was his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

“Mbappe then turned provider for France’s second, setting up Ousmane Dembele to finish low into the bottom corner.

France will next face either Spain or Belgium for a place in the final, with all eyes now on whether the 27-year-old can overcome that late injury scare,” the paper added.