Former Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has revealed how fans influenced his recall into the team in 1994 for the African Cup of Nations.
Nigeria won the title in Tunisia in 1994 with Rufai being one of the key players in the team.
Dodo Mayana explained all that transpired while speaking to the Egypt news outlet Btolat.
“I was excluded by the coach at the time. I would not have participated in that tournament had there not been demands from the fans.”
“In the end, I participated in the matches and contributed to Nigeria winning the title in Tunisia. There were strong confrontations, especially Egypt in the group stage”, he said.
Rufai conceded 3 goals throughout the tournament and he was also in goal for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup in the United States the same year.
Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has donated four brand new vehicles to Lobi Stars Football Club to enhance their movement and arrest the challenges they faced when plying the road to honour games.
Performing the ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia thanked the Management, Staff and Players for the wonderful results they have recorded so far.
“We thank you so heartily for putting smiles on the Benue People. Football is very infectious whether you are a player, a fan or not, once you hear that Lobi Stars are out there, you are just looking forward to hearing a good news and am proud to associates with all of you, I thank you for making me and this administration proud”. Governor Alia maintained.
The vehicles donated include; 32 seater Toyota Coaster bus, two 18 Seater Toyota buses, and one Toyota Hilux.
Meanwhile, The Governor also gave out two cows and a cash donation to Lobi Stars goalkeeper, Lucky Abdullahi who will be getting married soon as part of his government contribution to identify with him.
The Governor in another development approved payment of 12 months outstanding match bonuses to the Club as part of efforts to motivate the team.
While assuring the entire team of playing her matches at Aper Aku Stadium before the end of the current season, Governor Alia promised to upgrade Aper Aku Stadium to an international standard.
The Governor particularly thanked His Deputy who is the Chairman of the club, Barr Sam Ode, Youths, Sports and Creativity Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyiange and the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the club, Dominic Iorfa for their harmonious working relationship.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode thanked the Governor for trusting him and the Vice chairman to pilot the affairs of the club.
Barr Ode particularly thanked the VC, Mr. Iorfa for his vast knowledge of Football administration which has been helpful in the growth of the club.
While handing over the keys of the vehicles to the VC on behalf of the Government, the Youths, Sports Creativity Commissioner, Rt . Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange thanked Governor Alia for his gesture to alleviate the club’s challenge and assured him of judicious use.
The team Captain, Daniel Atsaka in his remarks on behalf of the players congratulated the Governor and his Deputy for their victory at the Supreme Court, thanked them for their consistent support in terms of prompt salary payments and ensuring a conducive environment for them with a promise not to disappoint.
Highlight of the event was presentation of Jerseys to the Governor and his Deputy as well as the handing over of the vehicle keys to the Vice Chairman.
The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has approved the re-appointment of the technical crew of the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, led by Coach Bankole Olowookere, which led the team to Nigeria’s first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, in India in 2022.
According to the country’s football house, the NFF Technical and Development Committee made the recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the Executive Committee.
After coming through their group stage attrition, the Flamingos had beaten the United States of America after a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals but lost to Colombia in the semi-finals.
In the third-place, the Flamingos were held to a 3-3 draw by Germany but prevailed after a penalty shootout to win the bronze medals.
Olowookere retained his position as Head Coach, just as Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach), Morufu Adeyemo (Assistant Coach) and Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeepers’ Coach) also retained their positions.
Meanwhile, the Flamingos will begin the race to qualify for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with an away game against their counterparts from the Central African Republic, with the first leg scheduled for Bangui on the weekend of 2nd – 4th February, while the return leg holds at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 10th February.
With world football-governing body FIFA having increased the number of participating teams at the final tournament to 24 teams from the 16 that took part in India in 2022, Africa now has four slots at the finals.
This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has made an official announcement regarding the rearrangement of Matchday 18 fixtures.
This decision comes in light of Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which demands special consideration for scheduling.
With Nigeria set to play in the AFCON on Sunday, the NPFL has proactively adjusted its Matchday 18 fixtures to avoid any clash with the crucial football event.
This strategic move ensures that football fans can fully engage with and support both the national team at AFCON and their local NPFL clubs.
The NPFL continues to demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to the football landscape, prioritizing the interests and preferences of the fans.
This adjustment aligns with the broader commitment to fostering a harmonious football calendar that accommodates various competitions, ultimately enhancing the overall football experience for enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Heartland FC and Kwara United match on the 14th of January 2024, was rescheduled to Saturday 13th of January 2024, while it’s Monday football between kastina United against top table Remo Stars, 2nd on the log lobi Stars will welcome Kano Pillars also on Monday
With just a few days remaining until the commencement of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast (AFCON), anticipation is building.
The West African country is set to welcome the entire African continent for the second time in history, marking the first occasion since its previous hosting in 1984
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, heads into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the top earners.
The highest-paid coach is Djamel Belmadi- €208,000 per month.
Assuming the managerial role of the Algerian national team on August 2, 2018, 46-year-old Belmadi quickly made his mark.
Steering Algeria to victory, he secured his first international trophy for the country during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Desert Foxes of Algeria head coach team’s flawless journey to the final included notable wins over Senegal in both the group stage and the ultimate showdown.
At the upcoming AFCON, Belmadi stands as the highest-paid coach, boasting a monthly salary estimated at €208,000
Taking the number two position is the former Al Nassr and Spartak Moscow, Benfica coach Rui Victoria- €200,000 per month.
Taking the helm of the Egyptian national team on July 12, 2022, 53-year-old Rui Vitoria, inked a four-year contract. As per the terms of his agreement with Egypt, Vitória commands an impressive monthly salary of €200,000.
On the third list of the highest-paid coach is Jean Louis Gasset – €108,000 per month.
At 70 years old, this French ex-midfielder now serves as the current manager of the Ivory Coast National Team. The coach from Ivory Coast commands an impressive monthly salary of €108,000.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria coach José Peseiro earn €70,000 per month.
Jose Peseiro is entrusted with guiding the Super Eagles to their fourth continental crown. On May 15, 2022, Peseiro assumed the role of the head coach for the Nigerian Men’s Football Team.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese currently earns $50,000 per month
The fifth highest-paid coach is Walid Regragui- €60,000 per month.
After guiding Morocco to the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance since 1986, and achieving further success by reaching the quarter-finals with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in the round of 16, Walid is set to lead the Moroccan National Team in the 2023 AFCON.
The Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos earn €50,000 per month.
Hugo was named Head Coach for the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on May 5, 2021, and is gearing up to participate in the AFCON tournament for the second time in his career.
His prior experience includes leading the Cameroon National Team to victory in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The defending champions national team coach Aliou Cissé is the 7th highest paid coach as €46,000 per month.
At the age of 47, Aliou Cisse is set to undertake the challenge of defending the AFCON trophy in 2023. His previous success includes leading Senegal to victory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where they secured their first title by defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the final.
Chris Hughton- €46,000 per month. Chris Hughton, the Head Coach of the Black Stars, ranks as the 8th highest-paid coach at the 2023 African Cup of Nations Tournament.
The 65-year-old assumed the position as head coach of the Ghana national team on February 12, 2023, and is poised to guide the team in his inaugural AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
Rigobert Song – €29,000 per month. Rigobert Song, the Head Coach of Cameroon, holds the 9th position among the highest-paid coaches at the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament. Following their hosting of the previous edition, where they reached the semi-finals on home soil, Song aims to surpass the semi-final stage in Ivory Coast.
Jalal Kadri- €11,000 per month. At 52 years old, Jalal Kadri holds the 10th position among the highest-paid coaches in the lineup for the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast. His tenure as Tunisia’s head coach began on January 23, 2022.
Anthony oluwaseni Joshua will take on ex- UFC star Francis Ngannou in a 10-round bout in Saudi Arabia.
This was announced by Matchroom and Queensberry on Friday night.
A date for the fight will be confirmed next week, with a press conference planned for January 15 in London.
The pair will clash in what will only be Ngannou’s second professional bout.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing fight last October.
However, Fury won a split decision, but Ngannou is now ranked in the WBC’s top 10 of heavyweight contenders.
Joshua had been provisionally scheduled to face Deontay Wilder following his win over Otto Wallin on December 23. However, that clash was scuppered by the American’s defeat to Joseph Parker.
MMA correspondent Ariel Helwani revealed the news on social media. In a video posted online, he said: “Massive breaking news from the world of combat sports,” he said. “I’ve had it confirmed that it is a done deal, it is going down, Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion is returning to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
“He is returning to action later this year to face the man who had an incredible 2023 in his own right. The man who just won on ‘day of reckoning’ on December 23, the only and only ‘AJ’, Anthony Joshua. It is a done deal.”
Helwani added that a press conference would take place in London later this month to confirm a date for the clash. Should Joshua, 34, prevail, he will be expected to then take on the victory of the Oleksandr Usyk v Fury unification bout, that also takes place in Saudi on February 17.
Injured Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of action for 3 months.
Ndidi is already sidelined with an injury and has missed the Foxes last two games.
Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca, confirmed that the combative midfielder will miss action for the next 3 months.
The defensive midfield player was initially selected for the Super Eagles team for the upcoming African Cup of Nations but was excused from the team due to an injury.
Ndidi has been a key figure this term for City, who currently hold a 10-point lead at the top of the second-tier standings.
The manager stated that he is awaiting a more detailed assessment of the former Genk midfielder’s injury.
”Probably for Wilf, it will be a long time,” Maresca told reporters.
“It could be three months. It looks like a muscular problem, but an important one, so we will see in the next hours but the situation for Wilf is probably the clearest one.”
However, Ndidi will be out of contract in the summer, and with this injury problem turning up, not likely a transfer target for anyone in January.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Mohammed Isa as the new Assistant Kit Manager for the Super Eagles
Popularly called Gazman, Isa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role. His exceptional skills in seamless logistical operations have earned him recognition within the football community as well as close relationships with players like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar.
Gasman and Portuguese goalkeeper coach Nuno carrapato are two new faces in the camp of the Super Eagles.
The Jos-born management expert expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is a tremendous honor to join the Super Eagles’ backroom team.”
“I am eager to contribute my knowledge and work alongside the talented team of professionals, supporting the players and coaching staff in our pursuit of excellence.”
Meanwhile, an update from the camp of the Super Eagles in Abu Dhabi ahead of the 2023 AFCON indicates that the proposed friendlies with Burkina Faso and Cape Verde has been cancelled.
Newsmen gathered that the Super Eagles are now to face Syli National of Guinea in a friendly game as part of preparations for the AFCON 2023.
The game between the Eagles and Guinea is billed for Monday, 8 January, 2024.
The hope of Nigeria’s table tennis star Aruna Quadri reaching the semi final of the World table tennis championship in Doha has been dashed.
The African champion started the championship on Wednesday on a winning note beating the Brazilian star Hugo Carlderano 3-2 in the round of 16.
The victory over Carlderano set up a clash against the World’s number-one Fan Zhendong.
In the round of 8 games played on Thursday morning, it was a stroll in the park for the Chinese star as he walloped Aruna 3-0.
The breakdown of the game indicated 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 in favor of Zhendong. The world’s Number 1 fan Zhendong will now face Lin Gaoyuan in the semi-finals.
Nigeria table tennis sensation Aruna Quadri started the 2024 season on a winning note as he defeated Brazilian International Hugo Calderano in Doha.
The top 16 table tennis players are slugging it out in the world Table tennis tournament in Lusail, Doha and Aruna is the only African player in the competition.
He faced the South American player on Wednesday afternoon and recorded a narrow 3-2 victory.
The African champion started the game slowly losing the first two sets 11-2, 11-7 but bounced back strongly to win 11-9, 12-10, 12-10 to progress to the quarter final.
The world Number 16 will now face world Number 1 table tennis player Fan Zhendong in the quarter-finals at the ongoing world Table tennis championship.
Ahead of the World Table Tennis competition in Lusail Doha, the organiser has conducted the draws for the tournament.
The top 16 table tennis players will compete for honours in the tournament slated to be held between the 3rd of January and to 5th, 2024.
Nigeria’s and Africa’s number one table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, will make his third appearance at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Final, which runs from January 3 to 5, 2024 in Doha, Qatar.
Aruna is the only African player to have featured in the WTT Finals since its inaugural edition in 2021.
According to the draw released on Tuesday afternoon, Nigerian star Aruna Quadri was handed tough opposition against Brazilian Hugo Calderano.
Quadri is not alien to Brazilian International as both players met on one of the tours in 2023.
Escaping Calderano means Quadri will have to face World number Fan Zhendong or Croatia International Darko Jorgic.
Getting to a respectable round will improve the confidence of the African champions after a dismal outing towards the tail end of 2023.
Meanwhile, Considered the lowest-ranked player among the competitors in Doha, the Nigerian is hoping to start the year on a good note in his quest to make his fourth Olympic Games appearance in Paris, France, later in the year.
The Black Stars of Ghana will be without the services of Thomas Partey at the 2023 AFCON 2023 in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.
Partey has been out of action since October and played just five games in all competitions this season, also suffering a groin problem earlier in the campaign.
The Arsenal midfielder underwent a procedure on a thigh injury in November.
The 30-year-old is expected to be fit and return to action by the end of January, but as he is still not available to play Ghana head coach Chris Hughton has not risked him in his squad. The black star tactician says: “The timelines of his recovery will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.”
Also, Partey is expected to stay in London to recover.
Other Ghanaian internationals such as; Kofi Kyereh, Baba Rahman, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Joseph Aidoo and Tariq Lamptey will miss out due to injury.
The Black Stars will get their campaign underway in Ivory Coast on 14 January against Cape Verde.
The four-time AFCON winners will also face Egypt and Mozambique.
Meanwhile, Premier League representation in the Ghana squad comes from West Ham and Crystal Palace forwards Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew.
The President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso has revealed that arrangements are in top gear to organise CAF Coaching Courses in the country.
According to him, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau along with th Secretary, Dr Muhammed Sanusi have put arrangements in top gear to have the course hold in Nigeria next year.
The former U20 AFCON winning Coach made this assurance while featuring in a WhatsApp group, Sports World co-hosted by Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR) and Wale Oye.
The NFCA supremo said the NFF knows the plight of Nigerian coaches and has put the Technical department on their toes to have the course hold next year.
“Let me assure you that the leadership of the NFF under Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and General Secretary, Dr Muhammed Sanusi understand the feelings of Nigeria Coaches.
“Even, as I speak to you the General Secretary has attended some course and seminars with our members , so he knows the feelings and plight of Nigerian coaches.
“I think the policy of CAF has been the issue affecting the program to hold in Nigeria as it does not want foreign coaches to train other coaches. CAF wants the coaches from the same country to train their coaches as they understand the Football culture of the land better than the foreigners.
“The NFF has always been on the neck of the Technical department to project our members for CAF Courses. I think it has been year 2017 we had the course held in Nigeria last and this has affected our members. CAF said we must have our footballing culture subsists and such our coaches must be the one to tutor us the courses.”
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