Sports
Ibrahim, Two Others Dropped From Eagles AFCON 2013
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has dropped four players from his preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Kilmarnock’s Rabiu Ibrahim, Kano Pillars’ Papa Idris, Henry Uche of Enyimba and Turkey-based Uche Kalu, who is injured, were released from Nigeria’s training camp in Portugal this week.
Keshi had already accepted he would be without Millwall defender Danny Shittu and Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United for the tournament.
Ibrahim’s late arrival for the camp in Portugal and lack of playing time with former Scottish club Celtic ultimately cost the former youth international his place.
The decision by Keshi means that Ibrahim can now concentrate on seizing a second chance in Scotland and make up for a ‘tough’ four years at Sporting Lisbon, PSV Eindhoven and Celtic.
The 21-year-old switched from Celtic to Kilmarnock last week after failing to become a first-team regular in Glasgow.
“It’s not just been tough, it’s been heartbreaking. You join a new club and you want to impress and show what you can do,” he told Tidesports source.
“I just need someone who believes in me and will give me a chance to make a contribution.
“I’m so eager to achieve something at Kilmarnock and be a success at this club because I now understand the Scottish game.
“This new year is something I am really looking forward to. Deeply, I hope to finally settle down this year.”
A member of the Nigeria side that won the 2007 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, Ibrahim was hailed as a successor to Jay-Jay Okocha in the Nigerian midfield that has lacked a creative verve over the years.
Keshi is expected to have announced his final 23-man squad late yesterday, a day before the final deadline for submitting players for the tournament.
Nigeria begins their Nations Cup campaign against Burkina Faso on 21 January before Group C games against champions Zambia and finally Ethiopia.
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
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.
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.