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AFCON 2019: Yobo Wants Rohr To Start Musa, Ighalo

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Former Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo, has said that Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo, should have been included in the starting XI against Burundi on Saturday.
The introduction of the two players by Gernot Rohr in the second half proved to be a masterstroke, as the Super Eagles went on to win 1-0 in Alexandria.
With the score tied at 0-0, Musa was introduced for captain John Obi Mikel in the 58th minute, while Ighalo replaced Paul Onuachu in the 73rd minute.
Four minutes after his introduction, Ighalo netted the winner.
In his reaction to the result, Yobo identified Musa and Ighalo as important players in Gernot Rohr’s squad, who would have given the team a strong start in the first half.
“The two players who came on [in the second half] should have started the game because they have the experience, Ighalo and Musa. Ighalo with his experience at the World Cup and everything.
“These are new players coming in, sometimes they don’t have the structure. The structure that is there when you take out two of the most important players in the team. Musa is important and Ighalo is the main man that everything has to go around with his performance in the qualifiers.
“Sometimes when you see these players not started, it takes time for the team to get used to a new pattern of play and that’s what we saw in the first half.
“The second half, when the changes were made, we got better. It doesn’t mean those that started the game are not very good as well but sometimes coming into the AFCON, you’re building a new team.
“They haven’t been with the team for a while, as much as they are good, it might take them some time so it is safe when your strong players, players that can win you games when they are ready, it is always good to throw them in. It gives you a better chance,” Yobo told Tidesports source.
Nigeria are top of Group B after gathering three points in their opening match. They will take on Guinea in their next group fixture on Wednesday.

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RSG Pledges To Develop  Baseball 

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Rivers State Government has pledged to provide training pitch for Baseball in the State.
The Director of Sports in Rivers State Sports Council, Obia Inyengiyikabo made pledge on Tuesday in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the five days Intensive Capacity Development Course For Baseball Coaches.
Inyengiyikabo said the State Government has given priority to sport development.
” Yes we are happy for the five days Intensive Capacity development programme for baseball coaches in Nigeria.Sure by the grace of God the Governor of the  State Sir Siminialayi Fubara will provide Baseball pitch.
” This  programme, I am sure will be an eye opener for our youth to fall in love with the game. I appreciate the Global Sports Partners for finding Rivers State worthy host the  programme”,  Inyengiyikabo stated.
Meanwhile the Director of Global Sports Partner’s Coach Justin Rhondes from United States of America ( USA) expressed joy for the turnout.
He stated that seeing the coaches and players impressive turnout was  indication the game was popular in Nigeria.
” We Global Sports Partners, our key word is partner, so for us we are ready to come back to Nigeria any time.
“The  few days we have stayed  Coaches and players has benefited a lot from the programme”, he said.
Kiadum Edookor
 

 

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CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

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Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials,  depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo. 

 

The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.

 

This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.

 

He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm. 

 

According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.

 

“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.

 

 

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FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling from 44th to 45th globally while maintaining sixth position on the African continent.

The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.

Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.

Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.

The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.

Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.

 

 

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