Tag: EAGLES

Peseiro backs Osimhen to lead Super Eagles’ to AFCON glory

Jose Peseiro is confident in Victor Osimhen’s ability to guide Nigeria to victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Osimhen played a vital role in the team’s qualification for the tournament, emerging as the top scorer with 10 goals during the qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen – Getty image The Super Eagles’ head coach, Peseiro emphasized the importance of having Osimhen in the Super Eagles squad, stating the striker’s potential to make a difference at the Cote d’Ivoire tournament. Speaking at a celebratory dinner in Abu Dhabi to honour Osimhen’s recognition as Africa’s best player, Peseiro stated, “From our team, he (Osimhen) was the highest goal scorer during the qualifiers. “Of course, his teammates helped him to achieve that. I hope and wish he wins the highest goal scorer and helps us win the tournament,” he added.

Coach Peseiro on criteria for Super Eagles team selection

Coach Jose Peseiro, has revealed the process behind securing the 25-man squad for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. The team will depart for Abu Dhabi, UAE on Tuesday for a six-day training camp and two friendly matches ahead of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Peseiro said that the coaching staff took several weeks to evaluate the players before finalizing the squad. “We set out to pick the best available players, considering their performance for both their clubs and the national team.

Coach Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles team – Getty image “We also looked at their current form, fighting ability, and their impact on the team’s atmosphere,” he explained. Peseiro said that they had to narrow down the initial pool of 72 players to 42 before settling on the final 25. He highlighted the case of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, who is making his debut for the national team, explaining that the decision was based on thorough analysis and personal observations. Regarding the upcoming camp in Abu Dhabi, Peseiro pointed out that “The camp will allow us to fine-tune our strategies for the AFCON. “The friendly matches against Burkina Faso and DR Congo will provide valuable insights as we prepare for the tournament.” Looking ahead to the continental tournament, the coach expressed his ambition to win the competition, while acknowledging the tough challenge posed by Nigeria’s group opponents. He also said that his men are ready to compete at the highest level, and are determined to bring home the title.

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Super Eagles name 25-man squad for AFCON 2024

The Super Eagles have officially announced their 25-man squad for the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Coach Jose Peseiro revealed the squad on Friday, through the Nigeria Football Federation’s official channels. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising talents across all positions. Among the notable names are Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze.

Super Eagles name 25-man squad for AFCON 2024 – Getty image The list also features Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Francis Uzoho, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Kenneth Omeruo, Ademola Lookman, and Umar Sadiq, among others. Coach Peseiro made a selection of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards. He also included South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali, NPFL star Olorunleke Ojo, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Preparations for the tournament will see the Eagles undergo a training camp in the United Arab Emirates before traveling to Côte d’Ivoire. The team is set to face tough competition in Group A, where they will go head-to-head against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. Below is the full list: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali
Francis Uzoho
Olorunleke Ojo Defenders: William Troost-Ekong
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Ola Aina
Zaidu Sanusi
Bruno Onyemaechi
Semi Ajayi
Calvin Bassey
Chidozie Awaziem
Kenneth Omeruo Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi
Raphael Onyedika
Joe Aribo
Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi Forwards: Victor Osimhen
Victor Boniface
Kelechi Iheanacho
Moses Simon
Ademola Lookman
Ahmed Musa
Umar Sadiq
Samuel Chukwueze

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Super Eagles coach to drop 16 players from provisional list to CAF

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, will drop 16 players from his 41-man provisional squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations. According to a source close to the team, the move aims to streamline the team for the tournament scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in six Ivoirian cities. Teams are allowed to register up to 27 players for the tournament, but Peseiro is opting for a “manageable 25” to ensure tactical flexibility during the tournament. The team is scheduled for friendlies against Burkina Faso and DR Congo in a pre-games competition in Abu Dhabi before heading to Cote d’Ivoire.

Super Eagles coach to cut down squad for AFCON 2024 The source, as reported by The Guardian, stated, “Everything is set for the team’s departure for Abu Dhabi, where we will play tune-up matches against Burkina Faso and DR Congo in a three-nation pre-games competition.” He added, “As we speak, the chosen players’ clubs have been notified and have agreed to their departure for Abu Dhabi starting from this weekend.”

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Super Eagles’ Lookman bags brace in Atalanta’s 3-2 win against Milan

Super Eagles’ star Ademola Lookman bagged a brace for Atalanta in a 3-2 win against AC Milan on Saturday’s Serie A clash. Lookman opened scoring for his side in the 38 minute, but was leveled by Olivier Giroud, just before halftime. Controversy surrounded Milan’s equalizer, with Yunus Musah’s challenge on Lookman ignored, leading to a corner that Giroud converted with a powerful header. Meanwhile, Giroud, returning from a suspension, aimed to make an impact in the game, but Atalanta’s defense proved resilient.

Super Eagles’ Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman – Getty image Lookman had a chance to give Atalanta the lead at halftime, but a glaring miss kept the score level. The second half got intensified, with Lookman restoring Atalanta’s lead after a brilliant buildup with De Ketelaere. A vital moment came when Maignan’s crucial saves denied Atalanta a two-goal lead. However, Milan responded with a well-worked goal, as Pulisic assisted Luka Jovic to level the score at 2-2. Davide Calabria’s late red card reduced Milan to 10 men, setting the stage for a dramatic win for the host. In stoppage time, Luis Muriel’s audacious back-heel flick secured Atalanta all three points in the frantic encounter.

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Enyeama reveals lack of interest in Super Eagles following forced exit

Vincent Enyeama has disclosed that he lost the desire to follow the Nigerian national team after his forced retirement in 2015. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, who was the bane of any striker in his active days, expressed the unsatisfactory treatment he received, particularly during a dispute with coach Sunday Oliseh that led to his exit. “Sincerely, I’ve not been following Nigerian football right from the day I left, and with due respect, I was really treated like shh… “I mean I was treated like a piece of used material; so I decided to put a block between me and the national team, and that went on for a long time,” Enyeama said during a recent interview with Hotsports.

Vincent Enyeama – Getty image Despite suggestions from fans for him to take on a role as a goalkeeper coach to mentor new talent, Enyeama emphasized the emotional experience the incident had on him. “I really put a stop to watching Nigerian football and the national team because I was deeply hurt.” However, he acknowledged his many accomplishments, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and securing back-to-back CAF Champions League titles with Enyimba in 2003 and 2004. The 41-year-old expressed gratitude for the glories and laurels he achieved throughout his career, noting that he is gradually reconciling himself with the football system.

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We have good local league players fit for Super Eagles

After several abroad-based call-ups, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has called for the inclusion of star players in the local league. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Let’s Do It Again‘ campaign in Lagos, Musa urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to also prioritize homegrown talent in the country’s national team selections. He emphasized the importance of supporting local players to strengthen the foundation of the national team. Musa, who is a product of Nigeria’s youth development system, believes that while overseas-born players of Nigerian descent contribute quality to the team, adding home-based players is essential for long-term success.

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa – Getty image He urged the NFF to encourage coaches to scout for domestic talents, stating, “I started from the local league and grew to play overseas.” Expressing concern about players’ motivations to move abroad, Musa pointed at the need for Nigerian league clubs to meet their financial obligations to players. He noted the impact of timely payments on retaining talents, “If they get their salary regularly, they will not think of going outside because they have everything they need here.” Regarding criticism and pressure on the national team, Musa called for an all round support, urging fans and journalists to be more encouraging than overly critical. He revealed that the negativity affects players’ performance and even influences premature retirements. Meanwhile, the ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign aims to rally support for the Super Eagles in their quest to win the Cote d’Ivoire 2024 African Cup of Nations, which the Nigeria skipper believes is achievable, with the right support.

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Zimbabwe eyes first win in 42 years as Super Eagles brace for battle

Zimbabwe Warriors gear up to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The clash is slated for 2pm on Sunday (today) at Stade Huye in Rwanda, with Zimbabwe as the host. Both teams, having settled for draws on matchday one, seek to clinch their first victory in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles bagged an unexpected 1-1 draw against Lesotho, while Zimbabwe held Rwanda to a goalless draw.

Nigeria Super Eagles – Getty image The Warriors carry a historic weight into this match, hoping to secure their first win against the Super Eagles in 42 years. Their last win dates back to a friendly game in 1981, in a 2-0 encounter. Subsequently, the Warriors have faced four defeats and claimed two draws in their last six encounters with the three-time AFCON champions. The history includes a goal tally of four for Zimbabwe and 14 conceded against the Nigerian national team. Both teams last clashed in a friendly in 2019, ending in a goalless draw in Asaba, Delta State. Meanwhile, this is the second time the Warriors and Eagles find themselves in the same World Cup qualifying group, with their first meeting going way back to the 2006 tournament. In preparation for the showdown, Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella secures a spot in Nigeria’s starting lineup, following a 4-3-3 formation chosen by head coach Jose Peseiro. The team will be led by goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, with Terem Moffi from OGC Nice leading the attacking front.

BATTLE brace EAGLES eyes Super win years Zimbabwe

Osimhen missed as Super Eagles begin 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with 1-1 draw against Lesotho

Super Eagles of Nigeria – Pooja photos The Super Eagles of Nigeria have started their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho on Thursday. Jose Peseiro’s men couldn’t create clear chances at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, and struggled to convert the few created by the duo of Kelechi iheanacho and Moses Simon. The visitors, Lesotho took the lead in the 56th minute with a goal by Motlomelo Mkwanazi, putting the Nigerian side on the back foot. However, the Super Eagles salvaged a response with Semi Ajayi’s 67 minutes goal.

Moses Simon taking on Lesotho player – Pooja photos on X Pressure continued on the Lesotho side, courtesy of Simon and iheanacho, who sent several balls into the opposition’s box but none was converted. Lesotho who have only won two out of their last 11 games, pulled so many delay tactics, to secure a draw from the three-time AFCON Champions, and succeeded. The match shows how much the Super Eagles misses star striker Victor Osimhen each time he’s not playing. Osimhen is currently recovering from an injury and couldn’t make it for the double qualifying matches. Meanwhile, the draw leaves the Group G standings open, with Nigeria set for a redemption opportunity against Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday.

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Omeruo, Iwobi 20 other Super Eagles stars arrive camp ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The Super Eagles camp has now seen 22 players for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Six players earlier checked into the Four Points Hotel base on Monday, and have now been joined by additional 16 players, bringing the total to 22. According to reports, the only player missing player is Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, who is a late replacement for the injured Maduka Okoye. The team is set to kick off their training sessions at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo later on Tuesday evening. Super Eagles arrivals – Getty image Coach Jose Peseiro will lead the Super Eagles squad to their first qualifying match against Lesotho on Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. They will also have an away fixture against Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on November 19.

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