Sports
Nigerians Renew Calls For New Eagles Coach
Following Super Eagles’ loss to Syli Stars of Guinea in Sunday’s Nations Cup qualifier, some football enthusiasts have renewed the call for a competent coach for the team.
Some of the enthusiasts told newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday that it was high time a competent coach was appointed.
Mr Gabriel Abakpa, an Asokoro resident, said that it was time to end the gimmick in the appointment of Samson Siasia as the substantive coach for the Super Eagles.
“Let’s get someone who understands the mentality of the local players to handle the team and build a structure for our football.
“In my opinion, Samson Siasia possesses all these qualities to take us to the next level; he can do it, he took us to the Olympics and made us proud,” Abakpa said.
He faulted the tactics of coach Austin Eguavoen for the team’s defeat in last Sunday’s game in Conakry.
“I believe that if the coach was technically sound enough he could have effected changes that would have turned the game around in Nigeria’s favour.
“So it still could be blamed on the coach because he didn’t know what to do at a particular time; his over-reliance on certain players had no impact on the team,” he added.
He, however, said Nigerian football needed a total overhaul for the country to regain its lost glory.
“Once they build a structure for the Super Eagles, I can tell you that our football will get to the next level,’’ he said.
On his part, Ossom Raphael, another Abuja resident, said the technical crew of the team was not effective in the game.
He said a change would be the best thing, but advised the authorities to be cautious about it.
“I think it’s high time we did something about our coach; I feel we should go for one with class, not necessarily a foreign coach, we can make do with a local coach,” he said.
Ossom, however, said the football house could not be entirely absolved of blame over the dismal performance in Conakry on Sunday.
“I think the crisis rocking the football house contributed to the performance of the Super Eagles in Conakry last Sunday; it also affected them psychologically,” he said.
Mr Jacob Nimzing, a sports journalist in Abuja, said that it was time to give the home-based players a chance in the new team.
“I believe the home-based players can do better if they are encouraged, particularly if they are camped for a good time, and with the right technical inputs they can deliver,” he said.
The Tidesports source reports that the Super Eagles trail Guinea in second position with three points from two matches in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
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