Nigeria kicked off their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) crown with a determined 2–1 victory over Tanzania in challenging, rain-soaked conditions in Fes. The Super Eagles made their early dominance count in the 35th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to power home a header from an inch-perfect Alex Iwobi corner, giving Nigeria a deserved lead. Eric Chelle’s men controlled much of the first half and looked poised to extend their advantage before the interval, but Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba produced a fine save to tip Samuel Chukwueze’s deflected strike over the crossbar. Nigeria thought they…
Author: Damilola Amuda
Hosts Morocco kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a tense but ultimately satisfying 2–0 victory over Comoros in the tournament’s opening match, played in rainy conditions in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions showed flashes of quality while also navigating moments of real discomfort against a disciplined opponent. Morocco had the perfect opportunity to settle early nerves inside 11 minutes when Brahim Díaz was brought down in the penalty area. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced a superb save, sticking out his left knee to deny Soufiane Rahimi from the spot. The…
It was another impressive weekend for Nigerian footballers plying their trade across Europe, with goals, assists, and standout performances highlighting their growing influence in top leagues. Sevilla Duo Deliver in Spain In Spain, Super Eagles pair Adams Akor and Chidera Ejuke were both on the scoresheet as Sevilla cruised to a dominant 4–0 victory over Real Oviedo in LaLiga on Sunday. Akor wasted no time making his presence felt, opening the scoring in just the fourth minute and later providing an assist in a commanding display. Ejuke capped off the rout with Sevilla’s fourth goal in the 89th minute, just…
Premier League leaders Arsenal needed a 94th-minute winner to see off bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates. As expected, the hosts immediately dominated proceedings with Bukayo Saka floating in an early cross that Jurrien Timber headed over. Despite the Gunners’ dominance, Hwang Hee-Chan had the game’s first shot on target in the 27th minute, as he sprinted away from Arsenal’s chasing defenders but saw his eventual effort routinely saved by David Raya. That moment still caused an issue for Mikel Arteta with Ben White going off injured shortly after. The Gunners were frequently frustrated by a stubborn five-man Wolves defence and took until the 70th…
Hugo Ekitike scored two goals to help Liverpool secure a deserved 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. With all the pre-match talk surrounding the return of Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian started on the bench for the Reds, who were looking to build on Tuesday’s impressive 1-0 victory at Inter Milan. Arne Slot’s side couldn’t have dreamed of a better opening to the contest, with Ekitike collecting a brave header from Joe Gomez and firing beyond Bart Verbruggen after just 46 seconds. Salah then came on in the 26th minute after defender Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury and Dominik Szoboszlai slotted in…
Cole Palmer scored his first goal since September as Chelsea ended a four-game winless run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old forward, still managing a groin injury that kept him out for more than two months, drew the first blood after 21 minutes in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel. Right-back Malo Gusto, who set up Palmer’s goal, then added a second just before half-time. Everton dominated the opening 20 minutes, with Iliman Ndiaye having two shots on goal and James Garner also going close.. Momentum then swung Chelsea’s way. Alejandro Garnacho squandered several…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced a shift in the date for the Super Eagles’ pre-AFCON 2025 friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Originally set for Sunday, December 14, the highly anticipated clash will now take place on Tuesday, December 16. According to the NFF, the adjustment was prompted by FIFA’s directive allowing clubs to retain their players until Monday, December 15 before releasing them for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. With teams unable to access their full squads earlier, the friendly had to be pushed back. In addition to the new date, the match has…
Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered drama, goals, as Ikorodu City remain on the top of the table despite being held to a stalemate in Bauchi. Ikorodu City Stay On Top After Stalemate In Bauchi Ikorodu City secured a valuable point on the road with a goalless draw against Wikki Tourists at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. The Oga Boys sit top of the log with 28 points from 16 matches, losing just once in their last 11 outings—form worthy of title contenders. Mbaoma Haunts Former Club As Remo Stars Edge Enyimba In Abeokuta, Remo Stars battled to…
It was a thrilling weekend for Nigerian footballers around the world, as several Super Eagles and Super Falcons players delivered standout performances for their clubs across Europe and beyond. Osimhen’s Brace Steals the Show in Turkey Victor Osimhen lit up Friday night football in Turkey, scoring twice to help Galatasaray edge Samsunspor 3–2 in a Turkish Super Lig clash at RAMS Park. The Super Eagles striker doubled his side’s lead in the 29th minute before sealing the win with a stunning bicycle kick deep into stoppage time. Osimhen’s heroics take his tally to 11 goals in all competitions this season. Elsewhere in Turkey, Anthony Dennis found the net…
Soungoutou Magassa netted an 83rd-minute equaliser to salvage a point for West Ham United against Manchester United at Old trafford. The match which ended 1-1 saw the hosts immediately come out on the front foot but the Hammers broke forward when they could and had the first big opportunity, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka pulled the ball back for Mateus Fernandes to hit a first-time shot that Casemiro deflected behind.However, the Red Devils drew the first blood when Dalot took one touch to control a deflected Casemiro shot eight yards out before beating Alphonse Areola with a tidy finish in front of the Stretford End after 58 minutes.…