Connect with us

Sports

Aboubakar Tipped To Join Africa’s Greatest Footballers

Published

on

Cameroon Captain, Vincent Aboubakar could be one of the greatest African footballers, according to the legendary Roger Milla.
The 30-year-old is one of the standout performers at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring six goals in five matches played so far.
South Africa’s Benni McCarthy and Egypt’s Hossam Hassan boast a better tally with seven goals during the 1998 edition hosted by Burkina Faso.
Impressed by the Saudi Arabia based striker’s displays in the 33rd edition of the African football showpiece, the two-time African Player of the Year is not ruling the possibility of Aboubakar being an African football great.
“Aboubakar could be one of the greatest African footballers,” said Milla
“Unfortunately, two years ago he suffered a very serious injury which sidelined him for four months.
“I’m very happy for him because he came into Afcon in good form. When he’s playing, it’s as if the whole country wants to make up for lost time and they want him to win.
“I hope he gets a goal against Egypt – and why not in the final?”
Cameroon is eyeing a sixth African title on home soil, however, they must negotiate their way past Egypt in last night’s semi-final billed for the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.
According to Milla, who lifted the diadem on two occasions during his active days, his country can power on to emerge as champions if they could defeat the North Africans in the last four.
“Egypt is a good footballing nation and they’ve proved that over the years,” he continued.
“Cameroon might not have the technique of the Egyptians, but Cameroon have the aggression to win and the power to beat any team.
“I think Cameroon will be motivated, but it’s a difficult Afcon and it’ll be difficult to get past Egypt. I think that if we can get past Egypt, Cameroon will be favourites.
“I’ve watched a lot of Afcon, I am a supporter of the Indomitable Lions.

Continue Reading

Sports

CAFCL: Finidi Laud Players Over Impressive Performance 

Published

on

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt head coach, Finidi George, has lauded his players (boys) after they defeated Les Aigles du Congo 1-0 in the second leg of preliminary round of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).
He admitted that the game was a perfect display of football artistry from both sides but believe that his players  will  grow stronger against Black Bulls in the second preliminary round in Mozambique.
.
Finidi said this on Sunday shortly after his side saw off Les Aigles du Congo 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
 This feat qualified the pride of Rivers State for the second round of the preliminary stage by 1-0 goal aggregate, as their opponents forced them to goalless draw in Congo.
“It was not far from a perfect display, my players to get the job done by getting the only goal of the game. We know it has not been easy, but we’ll build on this win.
“The most important thing is that we have scaled through this round and  now we will focus on our next opponent” Finidi said.
He noted that the players were nervous in the first half and missed key opportunities to seal the tie early.
” We had chances, but there were lapses and mistakes, during first half break we advised them to  calm down, in the second half, we also created more opportunities but could not convert the chances as they come ” he said.
Finidi also explained the inexperience of his squad, with several players making their continental debut.
“Most of my players have not played at this level before, so the nervousness was expected. In every game, they’ll gain confidence. I’m not worried, they will get better,” he stated.
The former Super Eagles Coach assured fans that Rivers United are ready for the Mozambican champions and make a statement.
“We’ll prepare well for the Black Bull. It’s going to be tough but this win gives us something to build on” he added.
Rivers United will travel to Maputo for the first leg of the second preliminary on October 17, 2025 before returning to Uyo for the return leg where the winner over the two legs will make it into the group stage of the CAFCL.
By: Kiadum Edookor
Continue Reading

Sports

Umuahia Hosts Africa Para- Badminton Championship 

Published

on

A badminton fever has gripped Umuahia with the arrival of over 150 athletes and 60 officials from 14 countries for the maiden Abia International Para-Badminton and All-African Badminton Championship.

The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.  On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.

Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.

Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.

“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.

“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”

Continue Reading

Sports

FIFA U20: Flying Eagles Narrowly Loss to Norway 

Published

on

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.

Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.

Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.

Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.

Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.

 

Continue Reading

Trending