The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May. The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football. In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing…
Author: Obaloluwa Joshua
Read More
By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS The international friendly between Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and their Egyptian counterpart has been cancelled. The encounter was called off after both countries were drawn in the same group for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Nigeria and Egypt were earlier expected to meet in two warm-ups in Cairo on February 25 and 27. Morocco and Amajita of South Africa are the other countries in the group. Incidentally, the Flying Eagles will open their campaign at the U-20 AFCON against Egypt. It is now left to be seen whether the NFF will organise another round of…
By Obaloluwa, Joshua, LAGOS Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, Arsenal have confirmed. The Germany international sustained the injury at the Gunners’ Dubai training camp this week. The London club also revealed that the striker will only return to action next season. “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week,” Arsenal said in a statement. “Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin…
By Obaloluwa Joshua The Russian Football Union, RFU, announced on Thursday, the country’s senior men’s national team will clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly in June. The friendly will hold at a yet to be named venue on Friday, June 6. The encounter will serve as part of Nigeria’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles will take on the Amavubi of Rwanda and Warriors of Zimbabwe in a matchday four and matchday five fixtures next month. The three-time African champions have more World Cup qualifying games line up for the latter part…
By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS Terem Moffi is back in full training with French Ligue 1 outfit, OGC Nice after a lengthy injury layoff. Moffi was sidelined for several months after sustaining an ACL injury in training during pre-season. The 25-year-old has not featured in a competitive game since playing for 51 minutes in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Squirrels of Benin Republic last June. The Nigeria international will hope to return to full action with Les Aiglons before the end of the month. The forward joined Nice from another Ligue 1 club, Lorient on loan in January…
Seven-time champions Nigeria, Flying Eagles will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26th April – 18th May. The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition, and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago. Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted…
Shooting Stars technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote has described the 2-0 defeat suffered by his team against Kwara United as a temporary setback. The Oluyole Warriors had their unbeaten run halted by the Ilorin based side who scored a goal in each half to grab all points in the rescheduled matchday 20 tie. Ogunbote admitted that it was an off day for his boys. “This is just a temporary setback, we need to pick our pieces and ake the positives from it. “You see sometimes, when you do not manage success, you pay a price and sometimes, when you taste defeat…
By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS Major League Soccer, MLS, club San Diego FC have announced Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Tems has joined their ownership. Tems, according to club joined the ownership group through her company The Leading Vibe. “We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization.” “Tems is an extraordinary artist…
By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been named among the top seeds for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. 12 countries have already qualified for the biennial competition, with one more slot to be filled. Cote d’Ivoire, as the host country, is automatically preassigned to position A1 in Group A. Holders Senegal will take up the position C1 and the Flying Eagles, who finished third two years ago, take up position B1. The teams will be divided into three Groups (A, B and C), with Group A containing five teams and Groups B and C…
By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS Manchester City defender John Stones says it is important for the team to stay despite their 3-2 Champions League play-off first-leg loss to Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola’s side led 2-1 courtesy of two goals from Erling Haaland but the holders won the keenly contested encounter through two late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham. Stones said it is important for City to have a positive mindset going into the reverse fixture next week at the Santiago Bernabeu. “Again, a few games after the Arsenal one, I don’t know how to put it into words straight away,” stated…