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Tag: Super Eagles

We Achieved Our Objectives With the Unity Cup Tournament, Russia Games – Gusau

Fola Badmus04 mins

President of the Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has asserverated that the Federation is delighted to have achieved its objectives for making the Super Eagles prosecute the Four-Nation Unity Cup Tournament in London and the friendly match with the Russia senior national team in Moscow, all within the past 12 days. “I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case. The principal goal was to provide windows for the Coach and his crew to take a look at new players that might be positive additions to the team going forward. “I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup) that we won, and the friendly match with Russia that we drew, provided for him and his assistants.” Gusau reflected on the Super Eagles’ triumph in the Unity Cup Tournament (in which the Super Eagles defeated Ghana and Jamaica) and the gutsy draw with Russia, and expressed satisfaction with the output of most of the playing personnel. “Apart from the regulars that we already know what they are capable of, the tournament in London afforded us the opportunity to see players like Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche and Igoh Ogbu. We saw more of Cyriel Dessers. The home-based professionals (Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Collins Ogwueze) did not fare badly either. “In Russia, we saw more of Uche and we saw Tolu Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excellent on his return and captain Ekong held the defence unit well. Now, we have options in defence, midfield and the attack, and I am quite satisfied with the team’s output in the three matches.” The Super Eagles defeated the Black Stars 2-1 in an entertaining Unity Cup semi-final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, and then outlasted Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final three days later. Tolu Arokodare scored in the second half to stalemate the clash with Russia’s Sbornaya at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday, following Semi Ajayi’s inadvertent own goal in the first period. “Now, we have good options in all areas as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and I am certain that the technical crew is happy with that,” Gusau added.

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Int’l Friendly: Super Eagles Seek to Sustain Winning Mentality Against Russia’s ‘Boys’

Fola Badmus06 mins

Fresh from winning the four-nation Unity Cup tournament in London, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will seek to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions since the beginning of this year, when they take on the Sbornaya (The Boys) of Russia at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday night. It is the first official meeting for both countries at senior level, and though Russia have not played competitively since February 2022, they have been busy playing friendly games, the last one being a 5-0 routing of Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the VTB Arena in Moscow on 25th March. The win took their winning streak to eight games. Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on 21st March, were held to a 1-1 draw at home four days later by Zimbabwe in the same series, and then defeated Ghana 2-1 on 28th May before overpowering Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw on 31st May to win the Unity Cup tournament in London. While still in the form of that single and mammoth USSR, the Soviet Union hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in 1985. The host nation defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a group phase match in Minsk, but when both teams clashed in the tournament’s third-place match, Nigeria triumphed 3-1 after a penalty shootout following 0-0 in regulation and extra time in Moscow. On Friday, Franco-Malian Eric Chelle will be put out a squad that will be determined to earn a critical win for Nigeria, in order to sustain the winning mentality built from the Unity Cup tournament, and also set their eyes confidently on an even more critical couple of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches coming up in September. The Super Eagles, lying fourth in their group, will host Rwanda’s Amavubi in the first week of September, and fly out to Johannesburg four days later to tackle group leaders Bafana Bafana of South Africa in what could be a flaming war. Injuries and withdrawals have combined to tweak Chelle’s ensemble for this encounter, but the spine of the squad is largely intact, with only the fore missing telling performers, such as reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, the peerless Victor Osimhen and AC Milan of Italy’s Samuel Chukwueze – who was in imperious form in London. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has another opportunity to reign between the sticks, with Igoh Ogbu and Benjamin Fredericks (from the Unity Cup in London) tugging for the rearguard shirts with captain William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi. A rich midfield cast includes Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel and Saviour Isaac. Much will be expected of Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, as Krasnodar FC’s former junior international Olakunle Olusegun hopes fervently for his first senior cap. The iconic Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, in which France defeated Croatia 4-2. During the competition, Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the group phase, and also eliminated Spain 4-3 after penalty shootout in the Round of 16, at the same Luzhniki Stadium. Friday’s encounter will kick off at 8pm Russia time (6pm Nigeria). SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England) Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)

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Int’l Friendly: Injuries, Withdrawals Alter Chelle’s Army to Face Russia

Fola Badmus04 mins

A number of withdrawals and injuries to some players have combined to alter the list of players who will appear for Nigeria in Friday’s international friendly match in Moscow, from the original list drawn up by Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle. The goalkeeping sector is unaffected as first choice Stanley Nwabali was not listed for the trip in the first place, as a result of the upcoming burial rites for his late parents. Italy-based Maduka Okoye and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie will still fight for the goal-tender’s starting shirt. In the rearguard, captain William Ekong is in Moscow alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel, joining the Unity Cup trio of Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu. However, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina excused himself from the friendly, and Coach Chelle has had to draft in the Unity Cup duo of Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredericks. Former junior international Fredericks impressed on his debut against Jamaica on Saturday. In the midfield, injury to Wilfred Ndidi has handed Enugu Rangers’ ace Saviour Isaac the opportunity to shine. Isaac is a key member of the Eagles B, which will participate in the African Nations Championship finals in August. He will join Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Papa Daniel Mustapha to fight for shirts in the middle of the pack. At the fore, Unity Cup ace Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Iheanacho, have excused themselves to attend to family matters, while Spain-based Sadiq Umar has suffered an injury. Nathan Tella’s United Kingdom passport is undergoing a renewal process, so he is unable to travel. This situation has left Chelle with only Victor Boniface, Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, and he has had to call up Russia-based former junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar FC. The team, which arrived in Moscow on Monday, will begin training sessions on Tuesday. The match will take place at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, which is the largest football stadium in Russia and the ninth-largest in the whole of Europe. SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England) Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia)

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Super Eagles Lift Unity Cup in London

Fola Badmus63 mins

Christantus Uche converted the winning penalty as Nigeria beat Jamaica 5-4 in a shootout to win the Unity Cup, defending the title they won 19 years ago. The friendly tournament was hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and staged for the first time since 2004, when the Super Eagles first got their hands on the trophy. They did so again here, as after a 2-2 draw in normal time the shootout began with six perfect penalties. Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson then stepped up and smashed his effort off the top of the bar and over. Amari’i Bell made no mistake with his spot-kick to keep Jamaica in it, but Uche had the decisive moment as he calmly slotted home to start the Nigerian celebrations. It had been an entertaining 90 minutes in west London, with the six yellow cards and several flashpoints suggesting both teams were viewing this as much more than just a post-season friendly. Moses Simon put Nigeria in front inside ten minutes, finishing from close range after Cyriel Dessers had put a dangerous ball into the middle, but Jamaica were level almost immediately. Renaldo Cephas was a constant threat throughout the match and he created the equaliser, charging down the left wing and producing a superb cross for Kaheim Dixon to provide the finishing touch. It remained level heading into the break, before Nigeria again made a quick start to a half. Samuel Chukwueze initially appeared to be crowded out when the ball came to him on the edge of the box, but the AC Milan star worked it onto his left foot and drilled a finish into the bottom corner. Jamaica equalised for a second time just after the hour mark and in familiar fashion. Cephas broke free out wide and his delivery was once again perfect, with Jonathan Russell the man to this time fire beyond Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria looked the more likely to find a later winner as they won a succession of late corners, before Wilfred Ndidi then sent an effort whistling past the post in stoppage-time.

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Super Eagles’ Goalie Nwabali Announces Parents Burial Date

Fola Badmus31 mins

Super Eagles and Chippas United of South Africa goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has announced burial arrangements for his parents. The shot stopper lost parents, Late Chief Godpower Onyekamu, aged 72 and Late Mrs Grace Nnyebuchibeya Nwabali aged 63 passed away early this year. According to the burial arrangements as posted by the Goalkeeper, funeral rites is slated between 6th and 7th of June in Okwuzi Egbema, Rivers State. “About time to put my dad and mum to rest. “Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never see you again. “Different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy,” Nwabali wrote on his official twitter handle now X.

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Unity Cup Tournament: Super Eagles, Reggae Boyz Light Up London

Fola Badmus35 mins

Nigeria, winner of the only previous edition in the year 2004, will seek to retain their title against the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica in a potentially-explosive Unity Cup Invitational Tournament final match at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in west London on Saturday evening. This year’s tournament has delivered handsomely on the sporting, cultural and friendship platforms, fulfilling most of the objectives of the organizers for different races in the United Kingdom to bond better and experience cutting-edge entertainment in an atmosphere of sheer euphoria and no-strings-attached camaraderie. Neither the Reggae Boyz nor the Super Eagles had it easy making it into the final, as they were stretched to the limit by the Soca Warriors and the Black Stars respectively. The Boyz led 2-0 against the Warriors, only to see their opponents draw level, and had to wait for a fortuitous added-time penalty to emerge victorious. The Eagles also led 2-0, after only 19 minutes, and looked to be coasting to a resounding win, only to take their feet off the pedal. Ghana’s youthful ensemble, led by the veteran Jordan Ayew, had the momentum for much of the second half, and after a well-taken goal by Brandon Thomas Asante, came very close to netting the equalizer in added time, only for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to rise to the occasion. The stands at Gtech on Saturday evening will be a sea of green-and-white and yellow-and-black, but more than that, a festival of dancing, drumming, high decibel-singing and competitive spirit in an exhilarating atmosphere are guaranteed. Off the pitch, a lot of wrist-pumping and chest-bumping will be in motion. Nigeria’s victory over bitter regional rivals Ghana on Wednesday was identical to their win over the same opponents in a friendly match in the Moroccan city of Marrakech in March last year, and even saw Cyriel Dessers, who scored the first against the Stars 10 months ago, doing the same on Wednesday with greater poise. On Saturday, Coach Eric Chelle will not only be looking for a third win in four matches for three-time African champions Nigeria. The prospect of holding a trophy after only four matches in charge makes it more appealing. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Waliu Ojetoye and Junior Nduka, midfielder Saviour Isaac and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Nathan Tella and Adamu Abubakar who sat out the win over Ghana will be hopeful of getting minutes, alongside Germany-based wing-back Felix Agu, now cleared to represent Nigeria. Former junior international Benjamin Frederick, called up in place of the absent Christantus Uche, will also be hopeful of seeing action at some point. Nigeria and Jamaica enlivened the city of Kingston in a memorable 2-2 draw in a friendly match prior to the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France.

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Unity Cup: Super Eagles, Black Stars In Explosive Clash in London

Fola Badmus47 mins

Three-time African champions Nigeria and four-time champions Ghana will bring alive the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament in London on Wednesday when both regional rivals clash in the second semi-final of a tournament of immense cultural and sporting relevance. Both teams bring a number of critical elements into the encounter taking place at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, including a 74-year rivalry in which Ghana have smiled more than Nigeria, but either team has felt like they lost a World War 3 whenever results did not go their way. Until March last year, when they won a friendly match against the Black Stars 2-1 in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles had not beaten their West African foes in 18 years. That was when Taye Taiwo’s shot from a free-kick outside the box condemned the Black Stars to defeat in a group phase encounter in Port Said, at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars won the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification pitching both teams together, on the away goal rule, and retain the bragging rights of the biggest win in their clashes – a 7-0 spanking of then Red Devils in a Jalco Cup match in Accra on 30th October 1955. Ghana also won the two teams’ only previous clash at Brentford, running away 4-1 victors in a friendly encounter on 6th February 2007. However, the Super Eagles have equally had their day in the sun, such as the 3-0 trashing of the Black Stars in Port Harcourt to earn passage to the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, and eliminating the Cup holders from the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. Wednesday’s clash in west London is another opportunity for the Super Eagles to prove their mettle, with Head Coach Eric Chelle having called an interesting blend of home-based talent and boys based overseas. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to be in goal, with Semi Ajayi, Felix Agu, Sodiq Ismaila, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Nduka, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Waliu Ojetoye available for slots in the defence, and Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Saviour Isaac and Collins Ogwueze tugging for the midfield shirts. Christantus Uche was yet to arrive in the team’s Doubletree By Hilton Ealing abode as at Tuesday evening. Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Sikiru Alimi and Adamu Abubakar are available for Coach Eric Chelle in the fore-line, as Tolu Arokodare, who a few days ago clinched Belgium Pro League’s top scorer award, was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday night and might not feature having not trained with the team. NIGERIA, GHANA IN HISTORY 20 0ct 1951 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 5 Ghana 0 11 Oct 1953 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0 30 Oct 1954 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 0 30 Oct 1955 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 7 Nigeria 0 27 Oct 1956 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 0 27 Oct 1957 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 3 Nigeria 3 25 Oct 1958 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 2 10 Oct 1959 (Olympics Qualifier): Nigeria 3 Ghana 1 26 Oct 1959 (Olympics Qualifier): Ghana 4 Nigeria 1 22 Nov 1959 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 5 Nigeria 2 28 Aug 1960 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 4 Nigeria 1 10 Sep 1960 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 2 Ghana 2 9 Oct 1960 (Nkrumah Cup): Nigeria 0 Ghana 3 29 Oct 1960 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 1 Ghana 1 8 Apr 1961 (AFCON Qualifier): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0 30 Apr 1961 (AFCON Qualifier): Ghana 2 Nigeria 2 17 Dec 1961 (Friendly): Ghana 5 Nigeria 1 10 Nov 1962 (Friendly): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0 23 Feb 1963 (Nkrumah Cup); Ghana 5 Nigeria 0 30 Oct 1965 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 0 Ghana 4 7 Nov 1965 (Zik Cup): Ghana 3 Nigeria 0 23 Jan 1967 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 2 Ghana 2 12 Feb 1967 (Zik Cup): Ghana 2 Nigeria 0 22 Oct 1967 (Zik Cup): Ghana 2 Nigeria 1 23 Dec 1967 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 2 Ghana 2 10 May 1969 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 2 Ghana 1 18 May 1969 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 1 Nigeria 1 8 Jan 1973 (All-Africa Games): Nigeria 4 Ghana 2 10 Feb 1973 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 2 Ghana 3 – abandoned, match awarded 2-0 to Ghana 25 Feb 1973 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0 11 Aug 1974 (Festival): Nigeria 1 Ghana 0 17 Aug 1974 (Festival): Nigeria 0 Ghana 1 24 Aug 1975 (Festival): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2 30 Aug 1975 (Festival): Ghana 3 Nigeria 0 4 Sep 1977 (Ecowas Cup): Nigeria 2 Ghana 1 8 Mar 1978 (AFCON): Ghana 1 Nigeria 1 21 July 1978 (All-Africa Games): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0 1 May 1983 (ECA Anniversary): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0 15 Oct 1983 (Olympics Qualifier): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0 30 Oct 1983 (Olympics Qualifier): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2 5 Mar 1984 (AFCON): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2 27 July 1986 (Friendly): Ghana 2 Nigeria 0 2 Sep 1990 (AFCON Qualifier): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0 13 Apr 1991 (AFCON Qualifier): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0 23 Jan 1992 (AFCON): Ghana 2 Nigeria 1 9 Mar 1994 (Friendly): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0 28 Aug 1999 (Friendly): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0 11 Mar 2001 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0 29 July 2001 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 3 Ghana 0 3 Feb 2002 (AFCON): Ghana 0 Nigeria 1 15 Dec 2002 (Friendly): Ghana 0 Nigeria 1 30 May 2003 (LG Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 1 23 Jan 2006 (AFCON): Ghana 0 Nigeria 1 6 Feb 2007 (Friendly): Ghana 4 Nigeria 1 3 Feb 2008 (AFCON): Ghana 2 Nigeria 1 28 Jan 2010 (AFCON): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0 11 Oct 2011 (Friendly): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0 25 Mar 2022 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0 29 Mar 2022 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 1 Ghana 1 23 Mar 2024 (Friendly): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2

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Unity Cup 2025: Africa Meets The Caribbean in London on GOtv

Fola Badmus23 mins

The 2025 edition of the Unity Cup kicks off today in London. The competition returns after 21 years, ready to deliver a week of football, culture, and community. Running from May 27 to 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, the tournament features four national teams: Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, each competing in a straight knockout format. It’s football with flair, backed by a deeper mission: celebrating the enduring ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Today’s opener sees Trinidad & Tobago face Jamaica at 7:45 pm, while tomorrow brings a blockbuster clash between long-time West African rivals Nigeria and Ghana at 7 pm. Winners advance to the final on May 31, with a third-place playoff earlier that day. But Unity Cup 2025 is more than a sporting contest. It doubles as a diaspora culture festival, with music, food, and performances that reflect the richness of African and Caribbean heritage, especially among UK-based communities. Launched in 2002 to promote unity through sport, the tournament returns at a time when questions of identity, solidarity, and representation feel more urgent than ever. Its comeback is both timely and symbolic. For participating teams, the stakes go beyond pride. Nigeria, for example, sees the Unity Cup as a valuable warm-up ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifiers, giving the coaching crew a chance to test combinations and sharpen the team’s rhythm. With top-level football, carnival-like atmosphere, and GOtv bringing it straight to your screen, Unity Cup 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of connection, on and off the pitch. Stay tuned to GOtv for match details and coverage updates.

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