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 Sports › Re: Morocco Beats Argentina To Win U-20 World Cup by johnie: 8:18am On Oct 20, 2025 |
Newsgeek24:Congrats to Morocco. Their huge investments in football development are paying off. They might just win the world cup in 2030, or earlier! |
| Sports › Pinnick Slams S’african Sports Minister For Wishing Eagles Failure In World Cup by johnie(op): 8:13am On Oct 20, 2025 |
By Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s former FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has asked South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, to learn to speak as a statesman rather than voicing as a street urchin. Pinnick’s comment is a direct reply to comments made by the South African sports minister on Robert Marawa’s Marawa Sports Worldwide, at the weekend, wishingNigeria not to qualify for the World Cup from the playoffs starting in Morocco next month. According to McKenzie: “I want Nigeria to lose. They must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go,” observed the minister in anger over his perceived Nigeria’s role in the deduction of three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March. But Pinnick who is a serving Deputy Chairperson of FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, a position that gives him strong voice in the corridors of world football, told THISDAY yesterday that McKenzie lacks the decorum of a minister in a developed economy like South Africa. “If it is the wish of God that Nigeria should qualify for the World Cup, the South African sports minister’s careless statement cannot stop it from happening. It is unfortunate to have someone like McKenzie appointed a minister in a developed, civilized country like South Africa. I know several people in South Africa who are knowledgeable in football matters who will not speak with such hatred like McKenzie. “For instance, SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, is a respected football voice worldwide who will not go that route of hate. Dr Jordaan can never speak such careless statement about wishing Nigeria bad. The CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe who is my Boss is another fine gentleman, deeply rooted in continental and global football matters. These two gentlemen and several others know the consequences of fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier. The South African sports minister should just shut up instead of embarrassing the country with his careless, unfounded statements against Nigeria,” observed the former NFF president who once served as CAF’ FIrst Vice President. Pinnick recalled that in 2018, Nigeria suffered the same consequence for fielding ineligible Shehu Abdullahi against Algeria in a World Cup qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. “FIFA deducted three points and three goals from Nigeria’s total points. We didn’t blame anyone because we knew we were at fault. NFF or our Sports Minister at the time didn’t blame anybody or country because we knew we were at fault. “The South African Football Association (SAFA) I am sure are aware that it was their mistake and have owned up to the error. Why then should a sports minister decides to put the blame for the consequences on Nigeria?” queried Pinnick who wants the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to re-examine the quality of McKenzie in his cabinet. He therefore urged the South African sports minister to learn how to speak from his Nigerian equivalent, Shehu Dikko, who is Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC). “Dikko was my deputy president when I was NFF president. He’s a fine gentleman who does not dabble into NFF matters despite the fact that he understands football business. As Chairman of the NSC, Dikko can never speak about South Africa the way McKenzie did against Nigeria,” stressed the FIFA committee deputy chairperson. Pinnick insisted that South Africans should be grateful to the Super Eagles for defeating Benin Republic in Uyo otherwise it should have been the Cheetahs that picked the direct qualification ticket to the World Cup. “I will rather say that this minister is an ingrate for not thanking Super Eagles for defeating Benin Republic in Uyo. He didn’t realized that if Benin had won or drawn the match in Uyo, South Africa will not be the beneficiary of the Group C direct qualification ticket for the World Cup.” The former NFF President is however happy that the Super Eagles have regained their form and ready to fight for the sole ticket in Morocco and go to Mexico to grab one of the two tickets on offer in the Intercontinental playoffs. Nigeria advanced to the African playoffs as one of the four best-ranked runners-up across the nine groups. They will face Gabon on November 13 for a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico March next year. McKenzie is rooting for Gabon’s Panthers to come out on top as he wants Nigeria to pay for its alleged role in Bafana Bafana’s sanction. https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/10/20/pinnick-slams-safrican-sports-minister-for-wishing-eagles-failure-in-world-cup-playoffs/ Original thread: https://www.nairaland.com/8542166/2026-wcq-super-eagles-must#137164501 |
| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 7:39am On Oct 19, 2025 |
Love800:The Spanish Liga F is currently the best female league in the world followed by the French Division 1 Féminine. The English Women's Super League (WSL) is fourth after the German Frauen-Bundesliga. Winners of the The Best FIFA Women's Player and Ballon d'or since 2021 have all been players from the Spanish Liga F. The 2025 winner, Aitana Bonmati, won 3 times consecutively since 2023. Alexis Putellas won in 2021 and 2022. Both of them play for Barcelona FC. |
| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 5:56pm On Oct 18, 2025 |
SmartPolician:Starting 61 years later than the Men’s World Cup, the women’s tournament expanded from 26 to 64 matches in just 32 years, catching up with the men’s format. Regarding average attendance, the women’s World Cup has almost doubled from around 19,600 to nearly 30,900 in 32 years, while the men’s average attendance increased from about 32,800 to almost 53,200 over 93 years. These trends suggest the women’s World Cup is not only catching up to the men’s World Cup, but is doing so at a much faster rate. If this rapid growth continues, the women’s World Cup could match or surpass the men’s in total and average attendance in the coming decades. With an unprecedented two million fans flooding the stadiums in 2023, it’s clear the world is finally recognizing the extraordinary skill and electrifying excitement that women bring to soccer. https://theconversation.com/the-fifa-womens-world-cup-is-closing-its-gap-with-the-mens-tournament-213840#:~:text=The%20men's%20World%20Cup%20grew,nearly%20two%20million%20in%202023.
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| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 5:37pm On Oct 18, 2025*. Modified: 6:16pm On Oct 18, 2025 |
Love800:Linda Caicedo, currently plays for Real Madrid. She is the first and only one to play at U-17, U-20 and Women's World Cups and score at all of them, in a single year, all by the age of 18. She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the age of 15 but overcame it to showcase her talent on the world stage at the 2022 U-17 World Cup in India where she helped her team to the finals and was joint highest goal scorer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K5mgRNHSmY You should also find out about Vicky Lopez who is a highly decorated young Spanish player and had a Nigerian mother. She plays for Barcelona. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlJGhA6aecU She points to the sky at 1:27 in memory of her late mum. Linda and Vicky met at the final match of the 2022 U-17 World Cup.
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| Sports › Re: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Must Not Qualify – South Africa's Sports Minister by johnie: 8:58am On Oct 18, 2025*. Modified: 7:23am On Oct 19, 2025 |
robosky02:The minister is known to be xenophobic. Here was his take during the Chidinma Adetshina beauty contest debacle: South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie – known for his xenophobic rhetoric – only added fuel to the fire. “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all the facts before I comment, but it gives funny vibes already,” McKenzie posted on X. This statement set off a barrage of online abuse, escalating into manifest threats – despite the fact that Adetshina was born in South Africa and therefore qualified to compete. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/17/how-a-beauty-queen-became-the-face-of-south-africa-nigeria-tensions Chidinma Adetshina eventually went on to contest and win the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. She then represented Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024 where she was first runner-up, against contestants from 126 countries. Adetshina's placement is Nigeria's ever highest at Miss Universe. Adetshina was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania as the highest ranked African Contestant of 2024 “The best revenge is massive success.” — Frank Sinatra The best response Nigeria can give the minister is to not only qualify for the world cup but also do better than South Africa at the tournament. 71 Likes 5 Shares |
| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 8:16am On Oct 18, 2025 |
Goodlady:
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| Sports › Falcons, Flamingos, And Eagles: Is Morocco Nigeria’s New Ground Of Glory? by johnie(op): 8:09am On Oct 18, 2025 |
In July this year, the Super Falcons did Nigeria proud, winning the CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco in spectacular fashion. The tournament concluded with the Falcons’ captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, clinching the Player of the Tournament award, while Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Esther Okoronkwo and Michelle Alozie were named along with these two in the Team of the Tournament. Nigeria's Justin Madugu was named Coach of the Tournament. Chiimaka and Madugu were later named among nominees for Ballon d'Or awards. Meanwhile, the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup is currently taking place in Morocco, with the Falconets competing for glory. Looking ahead, the Africa playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring the Super Eagles, will also be held in November, once again in Morocco. The late revival of the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup hopes through their victory over Benin is reminiscent of the Super Falcons’ dramatic comeback from a first-half two-goal deficit against Morocco in the WAFCON Finals. Can Nigeria make it a historic treble on Moroccan soil? That would be truly remarkable!
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| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 7:35am On Oct 18, 2025*. Modified: 3:51pm On Oct 18, 2025 |
naptu2:For me, Esther Okoronkwo deserves this! The contributions of some players to their teams' success are sometimes underestimated. The contribution of Moses Simon to the last two goals scored again Benin and generally to the team, for instance. Also, Chukwueze's assists in the first two goals. 3 Likes 1 Share
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| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 7:33am On Oct 18, 2025*. Modified: 3:50pm On Oct 18, 2025 |
naptu2:Shakirat is a brilliant finisher. Glad to see her on this list. Nigeria doing well at the ongoing U-17 World Cup will be a big boost. |
| Sports › Re: CAF Unveils Nominees In Women’s Categories For The CAF Awards 2025 by johnie: 7:31am On Oct 18, 2025*. Modified: 3:49pm On Oct 18, 2025 |
naptu2:Looking forward to Nigeria U-17 doing very well at the World Cup in Morocco. That will be a boost to a strong competition for the best team national award between the Falcons and the U-17 Team |
| Sports › Re: Most Peaceful And Nicest First Eleven? by johnie: 1:34pm On Oct 14, 2025 |
Great100000:Looks like most people don't get the sarcasm. Any suggestions for a Manager/Coach? 2 Likes |
| Politics › Re: Elder Statesman Christopher Kolade Is Dead by johnie: 8:18pm On Oct 09, 2025 |
Focusmind:Thanks! |
| Politics › Re: Elder Statesman Christopher Kolade Is Dead by johnie: 3:21pm On Oct 09, 2025 |
Rest in Peace Sir! I thought about him recently. Akintola Williams, Gamaliel Onosode, Michael Omolayole, Ernest Shonekan Has the last of the boardroom gurus of that era gone? |
| Sports › Re: Argentina Beat Nigeria 4-0 In FIFA U-20 World Cup by johnie: 3:06pm On Oct 09, 2025*. Modified: 4:17pm On Oct 09, 2025 |
Mirasteel:Nigeria eliminated Argentina 2-0 in the round of 16 in 2023 when the tournament was hosted by Argentina The outcome of yesterday's match was sweet revenge for Argentina. https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/player/4de51c51-12d5-4eb2-9873-5b2b09dc4da0?catalogId=4b7dc5e5-ccf0-40ef-aec9-207186debb17&entryPoint=Default https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72sCzLcHljM |
| Sports › Re: Argentina Beat Nigeria 4-0 In FIFA U-20 World Cup by johnie: 11:24am On Oct 09, 2025 |
Nigeria's Flying Eagles look to erase bad memories at U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile Colin Udoh Sep 29, 2025 ,0:35 AM Nigeria's U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will return to the site of one of their most traumatic experiences as a team in search of a first ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title. Three and half decades after they subjected expectant fans to soul-crushing tournament performances, crashing out in the group stage after going into the 1987 event as one of the favourites, the Nigerians return to Chile to exorcise those demons. After a disappointing U20 AFCON, where they lost to South Africa in the semifinals, the seven-time African champions are desperately in need of a spark to rekindle support from their world-weary fans and get them back on onside. Two pre-tournament friendlies, in Rancagua and Santiago, provide cause for some optimism. They drew 1-1 with Chile in the first and beat Australia 3-1 in the second. Returning veterans Daniel Bameyi and Daniel Daga, who were both part of the last class, provide experience needed to guide the current crop as they face Norway on September 29, Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombia on October 5 in group play. How Chile destroyed an entire team's careers If the Flying Eagles are hoping to emulate Ghana and become only the second African team to win the FIFA Under 20 World Cup, they could not have picked a worse venue to make that attempt. Chile is the site of Nigeria's most traumatic experience at this tournament. Two years after stunning the world, and probably even themselves, by winning the first ever FIFA Under 17 World Cup, the core of that team, led by captain Nduka Ugbade, headed to Chile to mount a challenge at the next level. Joining Ugbade from that world-conquering Golden Eaglets team were goalkeeper Lucky Agbonsevbafe, midfielders Sani Adamu and Victor Igbinoba, along with striker Jonathan Akpoborie. Akpoborie and Igbinoba scored both goals in that historic Eaglets win over Germany. But the abundance of talent did not end there. The team also the electrifying skills of Etim 'Maradona' Esin, arguably one of the most naturally gifted players to have come out of Nigeria. Not to mention the silky, rangy passing of John Ene Okon, Willy Opara's outstanding shot-stopping, and the emerging midfield genius of Thompson Oliha, who went on to become a Super Eagles stalwart and won the 1994 AFCON. With all of that talent, it was no surprise that the team travelled to Chile with great fanfare and huge expectations, with fans and media back home crowning them champions even before they had kicked a ball. It did not take long for those hopes to be brutally extinguished. Clinically exposed by Brazil in their opening game, they were torn apart in a 4-0 demolition. And then, in a game they were expected to canter to an easy win against Canada, a late goal saw the North Americans claim a 2-2 draw. Italy applied the coupe de grace with a 2-0 defeat as the Flying Eagles returned home, tail between their legs and bottom of a group they were expected to contest with Brazil. Opara, touted as the next great goalkeeper prior to the tournament, saw the sun set on his senior international career after that. Things got so bad even at club level that he left ACB in Lagos to pursue a career with Orlando Pirates in South Africa. The story was the same for the majority of the team. Oliha was the only member of that squad to enjoy a significant senior international career. It will take a place on the podium for the Flying Eagles to exorcise the ghosts of Chile that haunt many a Nigerian football fan of a certain generation. They must channel the Miracle of Damman If returning to Chile stirs up memories that Nigerians would rather forget, being drawn alongside Saudi Arabia might be a counterweight that brings better memories of this competition for Nigeria. It was in that country, back in 1989, that the Flying Eagles created one of the most stirring comebacks in football history, what has come to be known as "The Miracle of Dammam". Playing in the quarterfinal against the Soviet Union at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Dammam, the Nigerians were three goals down at half time and looking out of it. Within the hour mark that score had gone up to 4-0 and it looked like the Soviets were going to run up the score on the hapless Nigerians. Many Nigerian fans, following the game at home, switched off. Only a hardy few remained to follow the radio commentary. Nigeria looked down and out. But the Flying Eagles had other plans. Three minutes after that fourth goal, Dimeji Lawal scored what looked to be only a consolation from a well-worked freekick. But then, with 15 minutes to go, it was another freekick that got Nigeria going. Chris Ohenhen ripped in a spectacular effort to bring score to 4-2. Could Nigerians dare to believe? Not yet... Maybe? Less than 10 minutes after Ohenhen's goal, midfielder Samuel Elijah sneaked in behind the three Soviet defenders on the left channel, found space on the top of the box and let fly. The comeback was well and truly on. The Flying Eagles had momentum and within one minute of that goal, they were level. Slick midfield play found Nduka Ugbade on the right channel, he held off his man and fired a rocket into the roof of the net. Like a movie, it was 4-4! Back home in Nigeria, the scenes across the country, even with the game still on, were simply incredible. Fans poured into the streets in celebration, TV sets were turned back on, and time seemed to stand still. The score stayed the same after extra time and the game went to penalties, where the Flying Eagles converted all five of their kicks, and the demoralized Soviets only managed to make three of theirs, with Nigeria goalkeeper Emeka Amadi saving Mirjalol Qosimov's kick. Nigerians went wild, history was made and legends were born. Perhaps the current group might want to draw inspiration from there. Seeking the U20 Holy Grail Nigeria became the first African country to win a FIFA world title when the Golden Eaglets won the inaugural Under 16 World Cup in 1985. That age group has gone on to win four more world titles, making them the most successful country at that level, with Brazil a close second, one title behind them. They also became the first African country to win an Olympic gold medal in football when they beat Argentina in the final of the 1996 Games in Atlanta. But despite being one of the top youth countries in the world, the one title that has eluded them at age group level has been this one. They have come close enough, finishing as runners-up to Portugal 1989 in Saudi Arabia and in 2005 in The Netherlands, where a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina pipped them to the post. Since then, their best performances have been two quarterfinal appearances, in Canada two years later and at the tournament in Argentina in 2023, where they were denied a place in the semifinal by South Korea after extra time. The current team have not experienced the same sort of high expectations that teams of the past have carried into this tournament. Although they are expected to advance from a group that includes Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia, few back home expect them to do much better than a semifinal place at best. Daga, Bayemi to join exclusive club Nduka Ugbade, Abdul Jaleel Ajagun (2011, 2013), Kayode Olanrewaju (2011, 2013), Edafe Egbedi (2011, 2013) and Wilfred Ndidi (2013, 2015), Moses Simon (2013, 2015) are all veterans of this tournament for the Flying Eagles, but they have something in common that others who have played for the team do not have. All six belong to a rarefied group of players who have participated in two U20 tournaments for Nigeria. Ugbade, following his U17 heroics in 1985, played at the U20 World Cup in 1987 and was the only surviving member of that nightmare to make it to the 1989 squad, a first for Nigeria. For 23 long years, he was the only player to do so. And then three came along all at once. The trio of Ajagun, Olanrewaju and Egbedi, who followed up their participation in the 2011 tournament with a second in 2013. Ajagun made some additional history of his own when he became only the 13th player to score at two tournaments. The trio were immediately followed by Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon at the very next tournament. It is now the turn of the two Daniels to join the exclusive club. When the tournament gets underway this weekend, Daniel Daga and Daniel Bameyi will swell the ranks of that club to eight. https://africa.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/46384432/nigeria-flying-eagles-look-erase-bad-memories-u20-fifa-world-cup-chile |
| Sports › Re: Argentina Beat Nigeria 4-0 In FIFA U-20 World Cup by johnie: 11:14am On Oct 09, 2025*. Modified: 3:02pm On Oct 09, 2025 |
Flying Eagles and Chile ’87 disaster By David Ngobua Sat, 31 May 2025 3:21:14 WAT I know many of you may not recall what has come to be known as the Chile disaster. However, for those of us who followed the tragedy, it remains one of the most embarrassing moments for Nigerian football. After so much hype and great expectations, the then national U-20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, led by Coach Chris Udemezue of blessed memory, put up a dismal outing at the 1987 FIFA U-20 Championship in Chile. Pitched against Brazil, Italy, and Canada, the star-studded team failed to win a single match and crashed out at the group stage. The atrocious performance of the Flying Eagles came as a huge disappointment because apart from the fact that the team was filled to the brim with immensely talented players from the best clubs in the country, Nigeria had won a bronze medal at the previous edition in Mexico, raising hopes for a better outing in Chile. But that was not to be as the team that paraded Etim Esin- one of the best players Nigeria has ever produced, crumbled like a pack of cards in Chile. After a 4-0 hammering by Brazil in the opening match, they managed to draw 2-2 with Canada in their second match but a 0-2 loss to Italy in the last group match sealed the fate of the Flying Eagles. Although the early exit came as a shock to many, it wasn’t a surprise to those who closely followed the team’s preparation for the youth tournament. After winning all but one of their qualifying matches, the camp of the Flying Eagles was somehow divided over the final list of players for the Championship in Chile. Since the Nduka Ugbade inspired team had just won the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-16 tournament in China, many felt that most of the outstanding players in that victorious squad should be included in the Flying Eagles. Surprisingly, it became a contentious issue as some felt there should be no preferential treatment for the Eaglets. In the end, the former U-16 players dominated the squad contrary to the wishes of some officials. Apart from the selection headache for coach Udemezue, another major incident that destablised the team happened a few days to the kickoff of the tournament in Chile. The best player in the team, Esin, was shot in the thigh by armed robbers after he broke camp rules to go clubbing with two of his teammates. The nation was thrown into mourning because some reports had it that he had died in the unfortunate incident. But Esin survived, and everything was done to ensure that he recovered quickly to travel with the team to Chile. It became a contentious issue because many felt that he should be excluded from the squad to serve as a deterrent for others but no one dared make such a costly mistake with the player who carried the hopes of the team. The delinquent Esin was so good that he was nick-named “African Maradona” after the legendary Diego Armanda Maradona of Argentina. So, despite his exceptional qualities and inestimable value, his selection brought about divisions in the team. Although the Flying Eagles arrived in Chile with unresolved issues, nobody saw what was coming. There was so much belief in the prodigious talents who were in their prime and eager to conquer the world. The Chile 87 squad was made up of some gifted players like Etim Esin, Nduka Ugbade, Thompson Oliha, John Ene Okon, Adeolu Adekola, Jonathan Akpoborie, Nosa Osadalor, Lawrence Ukaegbu, and Sani Adamu. Despite the mishap in Chile, most of these players went on to play for the Super Eagles. Late Thompson Oliha was in the Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 AFCON and debuted at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. In fact, those who were old enough to follow events in Nigerian football in the 80s would attest to the quality of these players who laced their boots for the best clubs in the country. Unfortunately, they were the same players who recorded what is commonly referred to as the Chile disaster. Thirty-eight years later, Flying Eagles are returning to Chile to participate in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Will they atone for that shambolic performance in 1987? This is in doubt considering the lacklustre displays by the present squad at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt. [/b]Although the Coach Aliyu Zubairu-led team managed to qualify for the junior World Cup and won bronze medals, their overall performance was anything but satisfactory. The players failed to exhibit the usual flair Nigerian football teams are known for. It may be argued that what is important is the ticket to represent Africa which they won, but the truth is that the underwhelming show exhibited by the team portends danger as they prepare for tougher matches in Chile. [b]Many have said it is another disaster waiting to happen. While reflecting on the performance of the team in Egypt, I saw nothing other than the same problems that have bedeviled our national youth teams: the vested interest of agents and football administrators who pack every youth team with their players for personal benefits. I also saw traces of age falsification – what we euphemistically call football age. These twin evils were evident in the Flying Eagles to the recent AFCON. Therefore, I had to agree with a content creator and football enthusiast known by the name “The Big Bird” who alleged in a recent viral video that “agents and football administrators have privatised our youth teams where they bring their own players there, package them, give them CV just so these players can move abroad. “And when these transfers go through, everybody involved gets a cut. So, now you can see that the main purpose of youth teams has been defeated. Instead of creating and developing future Super Eagles, we are creating and profiling players just for export. We have mortgaged the future of the Super Eagles just for quick deals that are benefitting only a few people.” “That is why for some time, we have not seen players graduate from U-17 to U-20 and to the Super Eagles. Different years, different people, different faces. So, it must dawn on us that the Super Eagles have no future from the youth teams, and our suffering in the national team hasn’t even started. Even if Nigeria ends up winning that tournament (2025 U-20 AFCON), it will benefit only a few people. It will be a big loss to Nigeria as a footballing nation.” Indeed, the Flying Eagles failed to win their eighth AFCON title, but like “The Big Bird” foresaw, some players were showcased for personal gain, leaving national interest in jeopardy. So, to stand any chance of breaking the FIFA World Cup jinx, the present Flying Eagles squad must be overhauled and strengthened with more quality players. Most of the players that we took to Egypt are not World Cup material. The only way to avoid another disaster in Chile is to weed them out of the team. https://dailytrust.com/flying-eagles-and-chile-87-disaster/ |
| Sports › Re: Argentina Beat Nigeria 4-0 In FIFA U-20 World Cup by johnie: 11:03am On Oct 09, 2025 |
naptu2:It's chilly for Nigeria in Chile again! Thank God we progressed from the Group Stage this time. Memories of Chile '87 rekindled.  Losing 4-0 to Brazil in the opening match A 2-2 draw with Canada in the second match A 0-2 loss to Italy in the last match of group stage and we were out. The '87 Flying Eagles had a lot of promise. Etim Esin was in a world of his own. Let's hope we bounce back in 2027 like we did at Saudi '89 when we got to the Finals through the Damman Miracle. 2 Likes |
| Crime › Re: Lagos State Police Command Beefs Up Security In Lekki And Environs by johnie: 5:54pm On Sep 03, 2025 |
naptu2:Thanks for providing this background. Explains quite a lot of what I have witnessed in the area in recent years. The issue of Okada riders is another conversation altogether. |
| Sports › Re: Rasheedat Ajibade Signs For PSG by johnie: 12:22pm On Aug 26, 2025 |
naptu2:A big congrats to Rash! All the best in France and Europe. Looking forward to the powerful combination with Jennifer. |
| Sports › Re: Super Falcons' Chiamaka Nnadozie Nominated For Ballon D'or Yashin Trophy by johnie: 5:27pm On Aug 07, 2025 |
Definitely deserves it! She's put in the work. Kudos Chiamaka! |
| Sports › Re: Ann Chiejine: Super Falcons Goalkeeper Trainer Who Won WAFCON As Player & Coach by johnie: 4:44pm On Jul 31, 2025*. Modified: 5:14pm On Jul 31, 2025 |
johnie:Those punches by Faith and Sukurat in the clips above may seem routine but not making such cost Nigeria the WAFU B U20 Men's Cup just last week when our keeper, Harcourt, who had been good all through the tournament fumbled the ball in the air. Watch from 5:38 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyshpgqjfQ It is good when you have a goal keeper who has good timing and is bold. |
| Sports › Re: Ann Chiejine: Super Falcons Goalkeeper Trainer Who Won WAFCON As Player & Coach by johnie: 4:29pm On Jul 31, 2025 |
naptu2:I totally agree with you and am very happy with the progress made by Chiamaka and Rasheedat. Ijamilusi was a team mate of Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat and Chiamaka at the 2016 U-17 World Cup but did not make the 2018 U-20 team. I am glad she has now been able to find a place in the Falcons and hope she can now go abroad. Her combination with Esther Okoronkwo in the 2025 WAFCON were very super. She also won two penalties in the tourney - one against Zambia and the one leading to the equaliser against Morocco. A number of people were not happy that Gift Monday (another member of the 2018 U-20 cohort) did not make it to Morocco but having now won the tourney, may pardon the coach. This was his explanation before the tournament for not taking her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ouOc3Xmfw I am happy with the transition to the Falcons made by Tosin Demehin, Deborah Abiodun, Sukurat Oladipo from the 2022 U-20 cohort. Other players coming through the ranks to look out for include Esther Onyenezide, Rofiat Imuran, Opeyemi Ajakaiye, Janet Akekoromowei and Flourish Sabastine. I eagerly looking forward to the 2025 U-17 World Cup holding in Morocco starting in October this year. The Flamingoes really have to be at their very best given that the recent feat achieved by the Falcons. The fact that the tournament will be hosted by Morocco and also that they have France and Canada in their group will not make the task easy. These clips from the qualifiers show their potential: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NmGrFn5EO8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=detJ2EaIE8M |
| Sports › Re: Ann Chiejine: Super Falcons Goalkeeper Trainer Who Won WAFCON As Player & Coach by johnie: 12:04pm On Jul 31, 2025 |
naptu2:Precious Dede was our longest serving keeper. I was very worried about who would succeed her until Chiamaka came along. Chiamaka has surpassed my expectations and significantly raised the standard. It may be early days but who are we grooming to meet up to the high standard? I look forward to seeing the following and more: Faith Omilana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Nn1wVCwDE? Sukurat Bakare https://www.instagram.com/grazef6productions/reel/DAvvCHnIX7n/ Anderline Mgbechi: She won the 2025 Nigeria Women's Football League's Best Goalkeeper Award but also scored the decisive penalty to clinch the League title for Rivers Angels . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nga0hR3Gjlo |
| Sports › Re: Ann Chiejine: Super Falcons Goalkeeper Trainer Who Won WAFCON As Player & Coach by johnie: 9:21am On Jul 30, 2025*. Modified: 2:50pm On Jul 30, 2025 |
@naptu2, another request from me. Can you do a piece on the pioneer promoters of female football in Nigeria? Notable names (I have left out administrators except Gina Yeseibo) include: Simbiat Abiola - Simbiat Abiola Babes (or was it Kankanfo Babes?) Princess Bola Jegede - Jegede Babes Alhaja Ayo Omidiran - Omidiran Babes Eddington Kujebola -Ufuoma Babes Gina Yeseibo - Former Board Member of the Nigeria Football Association. Larry Eze - Larry Angels Ian Neilsen - National Marketing Manager of 7Up Bottling Company Maryam Abacha - Donated the first WAFCON trophy Aisha Falode - Sports Journalist Henrietta Ukaigwe - Sports Journalist The pioneering efforts of these people and others not mentioned is what we are reaping now. We should remember them at a time like this. 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Sports › Re: Ann Chiejine: Super Falcons Goalkeeper Trainer Who Won WAFCON As Player & Coach by johnie: 9:01am On Jul 30, 2025 |
naptu2:Naptu2, I requested for this some time in this past. https://www.nairaland.com/8070044/chiamaka-nnadozie-been-nominated-goalkeeper/1#129586899 Thanks for responding! I eagerly look forward to seeing Chiamaka's exploits in England and on the podium at the FIFA Awards. She deserves it. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Sports › Re: This Is Haruna Lukman When He Wás Just A Teenager (photo) by johnie: 2:10pm On Jul 29, 2025 |
I lost confidence day I met Messi at 2010 W’Cup – Lukman 5th August 2022 Midfielder, Lukman Haruna, captained the Golden Eaglets to a third triumph at the U-17 World Cup in 2007. The 31-year-old, who also featured at the 2009 U-20 World Cup and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in this interview with JOHNNY EDWARD, opens up on his encounter with Argentine megastar Lionel Messi, his regrets not playing in Europe’s elite leagues and more What have you been doing lately? I’ve been training and hoping to get a new team before the end of this transfer window. I train with my former academy here in Lagos. You captained the Golden Eaglets squad that won the 2007 U-17 World Cup in Korea. As a young player back then, what was the feeling like? It was a dream come true for all of us in the team. We all came from poor backgrounds and we both knew that in Nigeria only winners are cherished. No room for the second best here. So where did it go wrong? Injuries basically slowed my progress at some point. You are one of the Nigerians on the exclusive list of players who featured at the U-17, U-20 and the senior world Cups. How does that make you feel? I’m just lucky to find myself in this category. That’s all I have to say. I’m grateful to God for what He has done for me in my career so far. You played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What was it like coming up against Lionel Messi – a Ballon d’Or winner at the time – during the group clash between Nigeria and Argentina? People talk about Messi a lot, but I must tell you he is from another planet. It was a great moment for me. Seeing him walk down the tunnel that day, I won’t lie; I lost my confidence as a player that moment because he is a player capable of singlehandedly destroying any team. But I overcame it after our anthem was rendered but unfortunately we lost that game. I still have pictures of that game in my gallery where I came up against him. Each time the Eagles take on Argentina and I see those pictures, it rekindles old memories of my time in the Eagles. After that triumph in September 2007, you signed for Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco. That must have been one of the biggest moments in your career at that time, coming from a poor background? You can say that again. Coming from a country like Nigeria, it was not easy to get a deal to a top club like Monaco because it took time and hard work. I think my hard work paid off and things started booming for me. As a young chap then, I only trained for two weeks with the second team before I was drafted to the first team. It was a rapid rise I must say because things started going on well for me You have played for several European clubs. Which of these teams did you enjoy playing for the most? I had great time playing for all the teams I starred for from Monaco, Dynamo Kiev, Anzhi-Makhachkala, Astana and Palanga. I never expected I was going to play for Monaco, neither did I believe I would make a mega move to Ukraine then as well. So, I had good times at the clubs I played for before COVID-19 struck. I was not short of offers each time the transfer window reopened then because I was playing well. Do you regret not playing in Europe’s top leagues like the Premier League, Serie A or the Spanish LaLiga? Of course, I do regret that. and I’m not always happy when I remember that. I received an offer from Arsenal while I was playing for Monaco then but they turned down the offer. And after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Inter Milan came calling, but Dynamo Kiev also rejected the deal. Bordeaux and Olympiakos also made offers but they were all declined by Dynamo Kiev then as well. I got stuck there for a while due to injuries before I fought my way back. But I had good times at the club. Aside from that, injuries was one of the biggest regrets I had. How do you cope with your female fans? I'm used to them a lot. I don’t run away from them. I respect them a lot. My fans understand that I don’t run away from them. Most sportsmen live a luxurious lifestyle. Are you different? It depends on how people see me. I don’t think I live flashy, but I do what I want. I work hard, so I deserve to live the kind of life I want. Some footballers live very extravagant lifestyles, but I am different. I am just that normal guy who loves looking good always. I love my jewelry on me always. I have a lot of them in my wardrobe. Yes, they are expensive. I work so hard so I deserve to buy something good for myself. What’s your assessment of the current Super Eagles under new coach Jose Peseiro? The current Eagles are doing their best but they need more experienced players to guide the young team. I always use Argentina as an example, at 34, Angel Di Maria is still playing for them, likewise Lionel Messi, who is 35. They equally have young players in their squad, but these older players are in the team. [/b]So, we also need a few experienced players in the team, around the current crop of players because not qualifying for the World Cup is not a good thing at all. [b]How did you feel when the Eagles missed out on Qatar 2022? I’m not proud to say we didn’t do well during the two-legged play-offs. We were lacking in so many areas during both games. The midfield could not create chances for the strikers. All we did was just play the ball to the spaces for our forwards to chase down because we believe we had a striker that could leap high to head the ball into the net. We need midfield players with great confidence like Mikel Obi, who can send good passes to the strikers to score. The players in the team are good, but they still lack some elements, like confidence. They don’t want to take risks and life is all about risk. I understand why some of them are scared of taking such risks. It is because they are being called out for mistakes. They use it against you. https://punchng.com/i-lost-confidence-day-i-met-messi-at-2010-wcup-lukman/ |
| Sports › Re: This Is Haruna Lukman When He Wás Just A Teenager (photo) by johnie: 1:33pm On Jul 29, 2025 |
Super Eagles Midfielder Sent Off for Punching Opponent in U21 Match Super Eagles midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali finds himself in trouble again after being sent off in a U21 match against Birmingham City Academy, on Tuesday. The Nigerian international, who has four caps for the Super Eagles was already on a yellow card and ejected in the 78th minute after throwing a punch at a Birmingham player during a heated scuffle. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Since joining League One side Barnsley this summer, Nwakali has struggled to secure regular first-team action, appearing just twice and providing one assist. In an effort to help him regain fitness, Barnsley assigned him to the U21 team. However, his involvement was overshadowed by this latest incident. This isn’t the first time Nwakali has found himself in disciplinary trouble. In 2022, he was released by Spanish club SD Huesca due to what they cited as “disciplinary issues.” Though Nwakali claimed the dismissal stemmed from his decision to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations against the club’s wishes. His most recent stint with Portuguese side CD Chaves also ended poorly. During a match against Famalicão, he was substituted at half-time and later caught on camera using his phone on the bench. Chaves went on to lose 1-0, contributing to their relegation and Nwakali’s eventual departure. Once heralded as a rising star after captaining Nigeria to victory in the 2015 U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball Award, Nwakali’s career has been clouded by disciplinary setbacks. His recent altercation may lead to further disciplinary action, as Barnsley expected him to use his time with the U21 squad to develop and refocus. Nwakali’s recurring off-field issues have left fans wondering if he can still fulfill the promise he once showed as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents. https://www.brila.net/super-eagles-midfielder-sent-off-for-punching-opponent-in-u21-match/ |
| Sports › Re: This Is Haruna Lukman When He Wás Just A Teenager (photo) by johnie: 1:20pm On Jul 29, 2025*. Modified: 2:24pm On Jul 29, 2025 |
IMPARTIAL:Well said! The problem is sometimes not age but attitude. This was the problem of Kelechi Nwakali after winning the golden ball in the 2015 U-17 tournament where Osimhen got the silver ball. Nwakali was the captain of the trophy winning team just like Haruna Lukman. Osimhen kept his head down and played ball while Nwakali's achievements at the tournament got into his head. If Osimhen wasn't in the same cohort as Nwakali, the players of that 2015 Nigerian U-17 team would have been written off by now just as most people on this thread are doing now. 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: This Is Haruna Lukman When He Wás Just A Teenager (photo) by johnie: 1:09pm On Jul 29, 2025 |
ComeToJesus:Well said! 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: This Is Haruna Lukman When He Wás Just A Teenager (photo) by johnie: 10:03am On Jul 29, 2025*. Modified: 1:06pm On Jul 29, 2025 |
larryUG:How many of the European players I listed above are widely known for playing club football today? Did they play longer than any of the Nigerian players I have listed? How many of the team mates at the U-17 Championships of the European players I listed can you mention? Which clubs did they play for and for how many years? Omeruo played in the 2009 U-17 championships and still plays club football. Can you mention 3 European players in that tournamentthat still play? Can you mention 3 European players in the 2005 U-20 tournamentthat still play at Messi's level? Other notable players (with the year they stopped playing in brackets) who played in that competition but have stopped playing at the highest levels while Messi continues to play include the following: Netherlands- Ryan Babel (2021), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (2017) Spain - David Silva (2023) , Fernando Llorente (2022) and Cesc Fabregas (2023) Argentina - Pablo Zabaleta (2020), Sergio Aguero (2021) Germany - Marvin Matip (2019) USA - Freddy Adu (2021) Mikel stopped playing in 2021 Obasi stopped playing in 2021. Taye Taiwo stopped playing in 2022 Have you factored in the level of medical and other care Messi has had in his career compared to Chinedu Obasi and the Nigerian players? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK1Xzr2TJMQ |
| Sports › Re: This Is Haruna Lukman When He Wás Just A Teenager (photo) by johnie: 7:57am On Jul 29, 2025*. Modified: 8:41am On Jul 29, 2025 |
Obafemi Martins never played the age group competitions at national level but moved to Europe at age 16. He played in Europe between 2000 and 2013 before moving to the US and playing there till 2015. He moved to China in 2016 and retired in 2020. He played for the Super Eagles between 2004 and 2015 making 42 appearances and scoring 18 goals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcV68DSDNBc Photo: Martins at his first European club, Reggiana.
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