Sports
Fans Express Disappointment In Home-based Eagles
Home based Super Eagles led by ex-international, Daniel Amokachi last weekend failed to qualify for the second African Nations Championship slated for Sudan for the second time.
This followed the team’s goalless draw against the Mena of Niger at the Sanni Abacha Stadium, in Kano.
The Eagles needed to score three unreplied goals against Niger to qualify for the tournament afte losing the first leg encounter in Niamey 2:0.
Chibuzor Okoronkwo, had a golden opportunity of at least ensuring that Nigeria scored a goal, via the penalty spot but he missed it.
Not even the six minutes added time could make any difference, as the resolute visitors ensured their defence and goal were not breached.
It would be recalled that prior to Angola 2010 Nations Cup, erstwhile Super Eagles Coach Amodu Shaibu stated categorically that no home based player would make his squad, because they were not good enough. This statement raised dust from different quarters.
While, it seems Shaibu Amodu has been vindicated by the home based Eagles, fans are divided in their opinions concerning the statement accredited to former Eagles’ coach.
Wobo said, Nigeria has the potentials and quality players in the local league that can rule not only Africa, but the world. He went further to say that Heartland FC of Owerri reached last season CAF champion league. Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United both reached the semi-finals of CAF champions league and Confederation Cup respectively.
And about 90% of players in these clubs that achieved these facts are Nigerians that ply their trade in our league.
He believes that the Home based Eagles failed to qualify because they were hurriedly put together. There was no time for early preparation and blending of the players.
In his reaction, Onyekachi, a football fan, should accept the fact that our league is poorly organized, thus given rise to poor players. According to him, twice we have failed to qualify for the same tournament. It simply means that our home-based players are not good enough, he stated.
“I don’t even watch Nigerian League, because of the high rate of insecurity at the stadium, no live telecast of the matches etc. How would I know if we have the potentials or not? He queried.
However, some fans expressed utter disappointment over the outcome of theCHAN qualifier when they said, they were highly disappointed that a country whose league is rated as the best in Africa could not qualify for a tournament meant for players in African League.
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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