Sports

As the Super Eagles Prepare for AFCON 2024

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2024

Eric

By Kunle Famoriyo

It is just a few days to the kick-off of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d Ivoire. The question on the lip of every Nigerian therefore, is whether the Super Eagles can replicate their 1994 and 2013 prowess to win their fourth AFCON title. Can the present crop of players, managed by Portuguese born Jose Peseiro, conquer the African continent?

The performance of the Super Eagles since Coach Peseiro took charge has been worrisome to say the least.

Recall that many years ago, the national team was a force to reckon with. The mention of the Nigerian national team, no matter the category, creates fear in the hearts of the opponents. Nigeria was like Goliath to the Israelites but today, we cannot even bite small nations like Zimbabwe and Lesotho with the array of stars in our squad. The present squad has a very potent attack in the guise of Victor Osimhen, Boniface, Chukwueze, Lookman, Sadiq, among others. These boys are dangerous on a good day, but can they find the rhythm that will deliver the coveted trophy to the more than 200 million expectant Nigerians on February 11, 2024, when the tournament will anchor. Wait and see is the watchword!

It is sad however, that Wilfred Ndidi will miss the tournament due to injury, and the presence of Iheanacho is not guaranteed. A very good attack needs a solid defence like the “Rock of Gibraltar” and a coordinated midfield. Does our team have what it takes?

Equatorial Guinea is waiting for us on the 14th of January, Ivory Coast on the 18th, and Guinea Bissau on the 22nd. Can the Eagles devour their preys?

Some of our players have been doing well for their clubs, but can they replicate the performance at AFCON 2023? The inclusion of only one home-based player (Olorunleke Ojo) of Enyimba FC to the AFCON squad is an indication that Peseiro does not have faith in our professional league, and does not want to develop it. There are good players in the country, but they are not being considered for the national team, which is a big slap on NPFL.

The journey to capture our fourth title begins in a couple of days and to have a successful competition, the NFF and the Ministry for Sports must work together with the team, providing every necessary support to encourage excellence. This is not the time to interfere with the selection of players for a particular match. Match bonuses should be paid when due. A repeat of what happened before the last women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand should be avoided.

Meanwhile, I, as well as other Nigerians, were excited to see Nigerian table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, coming from two sets down to defeat Hugo Calderano of Brazil, to qualify for the quarter-final of the WTT at Doha. He exhibited the Nigerian spirit of ” l can do it”. In the same vein, I much believe that if all hands are on deck, and the players play all the matches without complacency no African nation, no matter how experienced, will challenge them. Then, victory will be ours. Nigeria, argubly have the best players on the continent presently, and that status is expected to reflect in all their games.

It is time for Nigeria to be the African Champion again!

Famoriyo Adekunle writes from Lagos

Sports

CAF Acknowledges Akor Adams’ Goal Tribute to DR Congo Superfan

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Eric

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has publicly acknowledged Super Eagles striker Akor Adams following his goal celebration in Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Adams scored Nigeria’s second goal against the Desert Foxes, making amends for earlier missed chances and helping the Super Eagles secure a place in the semifinals.

However, it was his celebration, rather than the finish itself, that drew widespread attention across the continent.

Tribute to DR Congo superfan

After finding the net, the Sevilla forward marked the moment with a gesture inspired by DR Congo superfan Mboladinga ‘Lumumba’.

The Congolese supporter has become a familiar figure at the tournament for standing throughout all DR Congo matches as a tribute to the legacy of former prime minister Patrice Lumumba.

Adams’ celebration mirrored Mboladinga’s stance, a move widely interpreted as a sign of respect and solidarity beyond national lines. The moment resonated with fans and officials alike, quickly gaining traction on social media.

CAF Reaction and fan response

CAF highlighted the gesture on its official X account, sharing an image of Adams’ celebration alongside a brief but pointed message. “Standing still. Akor.,” the continental body wrote.

The post prompted a wave of reactions from football fans across Africa. A user identified as @MrChirenga commented, “Love the fact that Africans are becoming more and more united fam … Love from Zimbabwe.”

Another fan, @abuagoody, praised Adams’ qualities, writing, “Such an impressive player. The last players that played like him for Nigeria are John Utaka, Brown Ideye and Uche.”

Others focused on Adams’ technical ability, with @MouxCaa adding, “Akor Adams is a type of player you see touching the ball and you automatically know it’s a professional footballer.”

Sports

AFCON 2025: BUA Group Chair Rewards Super Eagles with $1.5m for Beating Algeria

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Eric

Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has announced a substantial financial reward for the Super Eagles following their 2–0 win over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final on Saturday.

In a congratulatory message to the team, Rabiu praised the players for their outstanding performance, saying the victory lifted the spirit of Nigerians and renewed national pride as the team advances in the tournament.

To spur the Super Eagles on ahead of the semi-finals, the BUA president pledged USD $500,000 to the players if they win the semi-final match, with an additional USD $50,000 bonus for every goal scored in that game.

Rabiu also announced an even larger incentive should Nigeria go on to win the tournament.

According to the pledge, the team will receive USD $1,000,000 for winning the final, alongside USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the title match.

He wished the players continued success as they carry Nigeria’s hopes into the latter stages of the competition, urging them to keep making the nation proud.

The Super Eagles will now focus on their AFCON semi-final clash as support and excitement continue to grow nationwide following their impressive victory over Algeria.

Sports

Renowned Boxer Anthony Joshua Survives Ghastly Road Accident

Published

2 weeks ago

December 29, 2025

Eric

World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday survived a ghastly road accident in Makun, Ogun State.

Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two persons were said to have died on the spot.