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Tag: Super Eagles

Victor Osimhen Apologises To Nigerians For Missed World Cup, Promises Strong AFCON Performance

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has apologised to Nigerians for the team’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and has vowed to give his all at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking on Sunday, Osimhen, whose comments were shared by CAF-accredited photojournalist Pooja on X, acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the Super Eagles but stressed that neither he nor his teammates felt pressured. “The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world. Still, there is no pressure on me, my teammates, or the coach because we know the quality we have,” he said. He described AFCON as a chance to redeem the team after the World Cup disappointment. “This AFCON is an opportunity for us to right our wrongs and show Super Eagles fans everywhere that there is so much more we can give,” he added. Osimhen also issued a direct apology to Nigerians for missing out on the World Cup. “We’re so sorry. We have to say we’re sorry for not securing a World Cup spot. I know the disappointment on many Nigerian fans’ faces. Life happens, but we have to keep moving forward,” he said. Looking ahead, Osimhen expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed at AFCON, highlighting the need for effort and focus in every game. “This tournament is our chance to do well and aim to win. It won’t be easy; we have to fight for every ball and every match. We must give our best to reach the final, and that’s where we will aim to lift the trophy,” he said.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Aim for Three Points Against Taifa Stars in Opener

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Nigeria and Tanzania clash in the first match of Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday with the Super Eagles favoured to pick all three points to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day. The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship, after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters. Surely, the setting is similar to the Biblical David Vs Goliath situation, with Nigeria having participated in 20 previous editions, clinched three titles, won the silver medals on five occasions, taken the bronze medals eight times, and played a total of 104 matches. Nigeria is the most decorated team in the 68-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations, though Egypt have seven titles, Cameroon have five and Ghana have four. Inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening, Coach Eric Chelle, who told CAFonline.com last month that Nigerians expect their team to win every match, will most probably set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (new captain), Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. He has excellent options in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu. Gamondi will most likely weave his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq). These two are very experienced warriors on the international stage and know when to deal and dither. There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League), and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC). More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu (who would emerge Player of the Tournament) and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga (now Chairman of Tanzania’s National Sports Council) clashed in the opening match of the 12th AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1, to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time. Fès is expected to be cold on Tuesday, just like most parts of Morocco presently, but the Super Eagles are determined to ride through the climate and post a result that will stimulate greater interest of Nigerian ball fans at home and in the diaspora in the 35th AFCON finals.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Target Fourth Crown as Biggest AFCON Kicks Off

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Nigeria’s arrival in Fés on Thursday evening, aboard a chartered flight from their final training camp in Cairo, signalled the reality of a stout challenge for a fourth continental title as the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals commence in the Kingdom of Morocco on Sunday. Winners at home in 1980, and in Tunisia in 1994 and South Africa in 2013, the Super Eagles will launch their onslaught for another title against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday in the historical city of Fés, with the added impetus of wanting to appease their teeming fans at home and in the diaspora over failure to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in the Far West. The retirement of William Troost-Ekong, on the margin of the team’s departure to Cairo for their final training camp, has opened the door for midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi to take the captain’s armband, with veterans Simon Moses and Alex Iwobi, and prolific forward Victor Osimhen as possible assistants. The much-anticipated opening ceremony on Sunday, featuring among others, Nigeria’s globally-acclaimed singer Davido at the iconic Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, will be followed by the opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros, with the Atlas Lions hoping for a great start to continue their incredible run of glory in international football. Nigeria, who won their first AFCON title on home soil 45 years ago after defeating Tanzania in their first match, will strive for a huge win in order to be in good stead and retain a winning mentality ahead of clashes with difficult customers Tunisia (on Saturday, 27 December) and Uganda (on Tuesday, 30 December). Coach Eric Chelle opened a window on his frame of mind going into the tournament when he spoke to CAFOnline.com last month. “When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything.” It is the reality that he faces and has to deal with especially after the World Cup miss. Tanzania, coached by Nigeria legend Emmanuel Amuneke (a 1994 AFCON winner) to qualify and participate at the 2019 finals in Egypt, will be making only their fourth appearance at the competition, and a second consecutive appearance following their outing in Cote d’Ivoire. They have played 9 matches overall, drawing three and losing six, without a single win. Tunisia have 21 previous appearances at the championship (one more than Nigeria), and consistency is their middle name, Morocco 2025 being their 17th consecutive appearance. Their only previous triumph was on home soil in 2004, when they edged Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tension-soaked Final in Rades. The Carthage Eagles have played a total of 83 matches at the AFCON, winning 25, losing 28 and drawing 30. Among their previous losses were a 2-4 reverse to co-hosts Nigeria in 2000, and a lone-goal defeat by the Eagles in the third-place match of the 2019 finals in Egypt. There was another contentious third-place match, in Ghana in 1978, that was awarded to Nigeria after the Carthage Eagles walked off the pitch following a goal by Baba Otu Mohammed. Tunisia eliminated Nigeria in the Round of 16 in Cameroon four years ago. Uganda’s Cranes have always proved difficult customers for the Super Eagles in any qualifying campaign or championship. Philip Omondi scored both goals to eliminate Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 1978 championship in Ghana, and since then, even with star-studded squads, the Eagles would always struggle against the Cranes. Their clash in Fes on Tuesday, 30th December is something to look forward to. Uganda will be heading to their eighth participation in the AFCON, though they missed out in the last two finals in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire. The Cranes have played a total of 23 matches at the finals, winning only 4, drawing 3 and losing 16. Their runner-up position in Ghana in 1978, when they were crushed by Opoku Afriye-led Black Stars in a festive Final in Accra, remains their best result till date. On the balance, the Super Eagles, who have played a total of 104 matches across their 20 previous outings, are expected to safely negotiate their way through the group stage in Fes, and then take it one-game-at-a-time in the knockout rounds in Morocco. President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) expressed his belief in the team to deliver in the North African kingdom. “We have prepared the team with the objective of lifting the trophy. The FIFA World Cup miss still bites, but if we are able to win the Africa Cup of Nations, it will go a long way to assuaging the feelings of our fans at home and in the diaspora, and it will also be good for the present generation of Super Eagles as they will have at least one major triumph to their name.” Gusau’s administration has done remarkably well to maintain the very best standards in travel, accommodation and other logistics for the team, despite challenging times and downturn in the global economy. “It has not been easy, but we have to continue to appreciate and show that we value the contributions of the players and officials at all times. They have to travel and lodge in convenience, and that is something we must always find a way to work out despite the challenges that the Federation faces. “I have confidence in the coaches and the players that we have to turn the present gloom around and make Nigeria proud in Morocco.”

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Wilfred Ndidi Appointed New Captain of Super Eagles

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Wilfred Ndidi has been appointed the new captain of the Super Eagles The midfielder succeeds William Troost-Ekong, who recently retired from international football, marking a fresh leadership chapter for the Nigerian national team. The announcement was made on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Friday. Ndidi, who plays for Besiktas, stressed the importance of unity and collaboration in his new role. “It’s a huge responsibility, but with the support of the players, everything will go smoothly,” he said. “I’ve spoken with several teammates to share our vision and seek their backing. The staff are also part of this—everyone is in it together. We discussed the tasks ahead, and it’s essential that we all remain on the same page.”

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Ahmed Musa Retires From Super Eagles After 15-Year International Career

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Ahmed Musa has officially retired from international football, closing a 15-year chapter with the Super Eagles that established him as Nigeria’s most capped player and one of its most accomplished modern internationals. In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Musa reflected on his career and the honour of representing his country. “After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles. From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me,” he said. Musa recalled his early days, saying, “I was just a young boy when the journey started. I remember being invited at the same time to the U-20, U-23, and the Super Eagles. I was young, still learning, and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about.” He also highlighted the pride of reaching 111 caps for Nigeria. “Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect. To become the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football is a great honour. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it.” Musa looked back on some of his career milestones, including winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and making history at the FIFA World Cup. He was the first Nigerian to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match, achieving the feat against Argentina in 2014, and later became the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups, netting twice against Iceland in 2018. “Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria. Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for,” he said. Musa expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, support staff, administrators, and Nigerian fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. “As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know that this bond will never be broken. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Thank you, Nigeria. Thank you for everything,” he added. At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third stint and has remained with the four-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions, taking on the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season.

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NFF Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players, Boosting Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into DR Congo’s use of potentially ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports. DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco and ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off. The Congolese team has since advanced to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, the NFF has raised questions about the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs. Reports indicate that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of DR Congo passports, it is alleged they did not formally renounce their previous nationalities, potentially violating the country’s constitution. “NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also confirmed the federation’s challenge, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition. “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has renewed hopes for Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following their failure to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar. DR Congo has made a single FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Reveals How He Quit Football For Barbing Before Super Eagles Call-Up

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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s road to the Super Eagles has been anything but straightforward, with the midfielder revealing that he once abandoned football entirely to learn barbing before finding his way back to the game. The young midfielder is among the new names included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His career began in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Remo Stars, where his performances later earned him a move abroad. He is currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan. Speaking to Super Eagles media, Akinsanmiro explained that football was part of his life from an early age, largely due to family influence. “Well, daddy inspired me a lot, he was once a footballer, and my two brothers too. They were footballers too. I took a lot of interest in the game while watching them play.” Despite that strong foundation, he admitted that there was a period when he walked away from the sport to focus on another profession. “Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbing. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father and brothers for their support.” The Super Eagles invitation, however, came as a major surprise to him, especially after missing out on a previous chance due to injury. “I was not expecting it to be honest, the first time I was contacted was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I was injured and couldn’t make it.” He described the emotional moment he received the latest call-up, calling it the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “So, when this invitation came, I called someone close to me. I was actually shedding tears because it was a dream come true for me.” Akinsanmiro also reflected on his struggles with Nigeria’s youth teams and the doubts that followed. “I have been trying to play for the national team, from U-17 to U-20. Then, I felt maybe I was not good enough. I told myself I will keep pushing and doing my possible best, may be one day the invitation will come.” That perseverance has now paid off, as the midfielder prepares to take the next step of his career on the continental stage with the Super Eagles.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Battle Pharaohs in Cairo Friendly

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Three-time winners Nigeria and seven-time champions Egypt will be at each other’s jugular at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday evening, in a friendly match meant to prepare both teams for their campaigns at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals kicking off in Morocco on Sunday. Both teams will have the opportunity to test a clutch of newbies, with Nigeria manager Eric Sékou Chelle able to field the likes of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal, if he so desires. Pharaohs’ Coach Hossam Hassan, himself an AFCON legend, scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 edition of the championship in Burkina Faso, finishing as joint top scorer with South Africa’s Benni McCarthy, whose team ended up with the silver medals. Hassan will most probably weave his gameplan for the friendly match and the AFCON tournament itself around Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who, despite a hefty trophy shelf, is looking for his first AFCON title. There will also be Manchester City of England’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet. There are also CAF Champions League holders Pyramids’ Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, and UAE-based Ibrahim Adel, as well as Mostafa Mohamed of FC Nantes in France. Chelle is most likely to set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The match will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time). As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 28 players in Nigeria’s final list were in Cairo, with more players expected to arrive before Monday evening’s training session. The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday. Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), is already themed NAIJA 4 THE WIN, and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, 23rd December with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won. The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés. The Pharaohs, who are the only country to have achieved three consecutive triumphs (2006-2010), have to negotiate things with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, as well as Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B. Their matches will take place at the Stade d’Agadir in the city of Agadir.

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