Maduka, Balogun, Awoniyi among notable names missing in Peseiro’s provisional 40-man list

Maduka, Balogun, Awoniyi among notable names missing in Peseiro’s provisional 40-man list

Coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled Nigeria’s provisional 40-man list for the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Maduka Okoye, Odion Ighalo and Leon Balogun are among notable names missing in the shortlist to CAF for the continental competition. Balogun has been a regular in the Super Eagles since 2014, while Okoye was the team’s goalkeeper in the 2021 AFCON. Odion Ighalo on the other hand, recently returned to the Super Eagles squad, but has been dropped for the tournament.

AFCON 2024: Maduka, Balogun, Awoniyi among notable names missing in Peseiro’s provisional 40-man list

Balogun has been left out of the 40-man list by Jose Peseiro – Getty image Injured Taiwo Awoniyi is also absent as expected, due to his injury. However, Ahmed Musa, despite limited recent appearances, and Kelechi Nwakali, former Golden Eaglets’ captain, are part of the provisional squad. The list comprises six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, eight midfielders, and 13 attackers. Notable names include Francis Uzoho, Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Osimhen, who leads the attack front, alongside the likes of Terem Moffi, Umar Sadiq, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze. Meanwhile, the squad will further be trimmed to 27 players for the final tournament, which kicks off on January 13, 2024.

“God will judge you” – Saidi Balogun calls out Kiekie, Wumi Toriola

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“God will judge you” - Saidi Balogun calls out Kiekie, Wumi Toriola“God will judge you” - Saidi Balogun calls out Kiekie, Wumi Toriola Famous Nollywood actor, Saidi Balogun sometimes referred to as Saheed Balogun, publicly calls out junior colleague, Wumi Toriola and skit maker, Kiekie in a somewhat homourous manner. The actor who was on a movie set with the duo took to the image-sharing platform, Instagram to post a photo of himself with Kiekie, and Wumi Toriola who was in a pregnancy costume.

Saidi balogun

Saidi Balogun While sharing a photo Saidi Balogun jokingly expressed confusion at how he could have impregnated the junior colleague in the movie role. In his words; “@kie_kie__ God will judge you; and @wumitoriola, I no come, you no come, how pregnancy take come?”

“God will judge you” - Saidi Balogun calls out Kiekie, Wumi Toriola

The post has since generated a wave of humourous reactions as many applauded the actor for his comic relief.  

Arsenal set Folarin Balogun price tag amid interests

Arsenal set Folarin Balogun price tag amid interests

Arsenal has reportedly slapped a £35 million price tag on Folarin Balogun following his successful loan spell last season with Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims. The striker has grabbed the attention of several clubs in Europe, including in the Premier League following news that he wants to leave.

Arsenal set Folarin Balogun price tag amid interests

Folarin Balogun celebrates a goal scored for Reims. Source: Getty AC Milan, Inter, RB Leipzig, and Napoli are among the European clubs expressing interest in securing his services. Crystal Palace, a Premier League rival, is also keen on Balogun. Initially, RB Leipzig appeared to be leading the race for Folarin Balogun’s signature but has now shifted focus to alternative targets upon learning of Arsenal’s valuation. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, is actively seeking to bolster their forward department, especially with talisman Wilfried Zaha potentially departing the club. Balogun has emerged as a prime candidate on their shortlist, alongside their previous target, Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson. Balogun is desperate for first-team football and does not want to go out on loan again. Arsenal, on the other hand, are prepared to sell the United States international but for a steep fee that could price him out of a move. Arsenal set Folarin Balogun price tag amid interests Folarin Balogun unveiled as a USMNT player. Source: Twitter Arsenal are already preparing for life without Balogun and the funds could be spent before he even leaves. The Gunners have agreed to a £65m fee for Kai Havertz from Chelsea who will compete with Gabriel Jesus up top. Eddie Nketiah also remains at the Emirates and is expected to fill in as a squad member. That leaves no space for Balogun, who is keen on being the main man at another club. Football fans eagerly await the outcome of this transfer saga, as Balogun’s next destination could have a significant impact on his career trajectory. Whether he stays in the Premier League or moves abroad, the talented striker’s journey is set to continue with high expectations surrounding his future performances.  

Why I keep my life private – Zainab Balogun opens up

Why I keep my life away private – Zainab Balogun

Why I keep my life away private – Zainab Balogun

Why I keep my life away private – Zainab Balogun Renowned Nollywood actress, Zainab Balogun opens up on her decision to maintain a private personal life and keep it separate from the public eyes. The British-Nigerian actress made this known in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo.

zainab balogun

Notable Nollywood actress, Zainab Balogun. Credit: zainabbalogun / Instagram. Zainab Balogun emphasized that having one’s private life exposed to the public can lead to various challenges and complications. She emphasized that compared to other celebrities who live for the gram, she is more of a traditional person. In her words; “It was a deliberate choice because I’m very conscious of the separation of power between the industry and myself, and when you dabble into all this without the consciousness of what the consequences are, it is quite problematic. “My personal life is very personal. It’s not out for public consumption. That’s not my work, that’s my life. “There are people who do not have issues with talking about how they spent a hundred thousand dollars on an outfit they wore to the AMVCAs. I would not be that person because there is not a lot of truth in that. I have to be conscious of my audience and the people I’m setting the pace for. It is a lie that nobody needs. “So, I’m okay with giving you that which I’m okay with you criticising or having an opinion on, but I’m quite traditional, so my personal life is not for public consumption nor the opinions of others.”

How medical disorder affected my marriage — Zainab Balogun

How medical disorder affected my marriage — Zainab Balogun

Famous Nollywood star, Zainab Balogun, breaks the silence on her medical struggle with endometriosis which significantly affected her marriage. In a heartfelt conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the actress openly shared her experiences with the medical condition that plagued her for more than twenty years.

zainab balogun

Nollywood actress, Zainab Balogun months sometime in 2023. Credit: zainabbalogun / Instagram Endometriosis by definition is a disorder characterized by the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, resulting in symptoms such as intense pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, and potential fertility challenges. Zainab Balogun bravely discussed the difficulties she encountered as a result of this condition and acknowledged her husband, Dikko Nwachukwu, for his unwavering support throughout her journey. Zainab Balogun on husband’s role during medical issue “Yes, of course, my husband was supportive. You know, you have to take the village mentality when it comes to dealing with something as big as this. You realise that you are going to need the therapist, the back-rubber, and the make-me-laugh person. So, it would be hard to do something like this alone [without the support of my husband]. Not even just because of the physical aspects, but more so, the mental and emotional aspects.” Why I didn’t share photos of my wedding in 2018 Alongside sharing her struggle with endometriosis, the actress also addressed her choice to keep her wedding photos from 2018 private. She affirmed that she didn’t want the publicity. “I did not share my wedding photos. I don’t know who did it. The only person who had permission to share one image, which was like a beauty image, was my make-up artist. I was very comfortable with nobody seeing an image from my wedding. I mean, my personal life is very personal. It’s not out for public consumption because that is not my work, that’s my life.”

Huge blow for Nigeria and England as Folarin Balogun switches allegiance to United States

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After months of speculation, Folarin Balogun has finally agreed to represent the United States of America (USA) over England and Nigeria. The 21-year-old made the decision to switch his allegiance having been snubbed by England boss Gareth Southgate. The Arsenal signee, who is currently on loan with French side Reims, was born in the US to Nigerian parents but raised in England. Huge blow for Nigeria and England as Folarin Balogun switches allegiance to United States Balogun played for the US at under-18 level, before switching to England’s Under-21s. He withdrew from the squad in March because of injury and will not play in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship. FIFA rules allow players to switch national eligibility before making a competitive senior appearance at international level. FIFA on Tuesday, May 16, announced that Balogun’s switch from England to the U.S. has been approved, paving the way for him to become US Men National Team (USMNT) next star striker. Speaking to US Soccer’s official website, Balogun said the decision was a “no-brainer” and he feels at “home”. Huge blow for Nigeria and England as Folarin Balogun switches allegiance to United States He said; “When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, ‘What took you so long?’ “To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.” .@Balogun on what it means to represent the United States 🗯️ — U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) May 16, 2023 Balogun previously said he’s open to representing Nigeria. The prolific striker has scored 19 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches for Reims this season. Following the switch, he is expected to join the U.S. team at the CONCACAF Nations League finals next month.