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Showing posts with label AFCON. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AFCON. Show all posts

Tuesday, 4 December 2018

Sierra Leone disqualified from 2019 AFCON qualifiers

December 04, 2018 0

Sierra Leone have been disqualified from the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifying competition, the Confederation of African Football said on Monday.
World football governing body, FIFA had suspended the Sierra Leone Football Association in October due to “government interference”.
CAF’s decision means Kenya and Ghana are assured of first and second place in Sierra Leone’s Group F and have therefore booked their place in next year’s finals.
“Sierra Leone is disqualified from the qualifiers and all its matches are annulled,” CAF said in a statement.
The row stems from the decision of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption commission to sack SLFA president Isha Johansen and general secretary Christopher Kamara during an ongoing probe into corruption and mismanagement.
In October, CAF cancelled two matches pitting Sierra Leone against Ghana due to the dispute between Freetown and FIFA.
The 2019 finals have been plunged into uncertainty after CAF last week stripped Cameroon of the right to host the tournament, citing delays caused by infrastructure work.
The organisation has yet to determine the new host country but said it would reach a decision by the end of the year.
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Thursday, 29 November 2018

CAF to decide on 2019 AFCON host

November 29, 2018 0
The Confederation of African Football will discuss on Friday in Accra the staging of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations following reports that host nation Cameroon’s preparations were in difficulties.
The executive committee meets in the Ghanaian capital Accra on the sidelines of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations tournament, an official of the Cairo-based told AFP.
A report of the last two inspection visits to central African state Cameroon will be made during the meeting.
CAF inspectors recently travelled to the country, which last hosted the tournament in 1972, to check security, infrastructure, stadiums and accommodation.
After the executive committee meeting, a decision whether Cameroon should continue as hosts of the June 15-July 13 African football showpiece is set to be made.
If Cameroon are rejected, CAF will have to launch a new application procedure to designate another host country for the biennial tournament first staged in Sudan 61 years ago.
Morocco, who lost out to a United States/Mexico/Canada bid to host the 2026 World Cup, have regularly been reported as possible replacements for Cameroon.
At a September executive committee meeting in Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh, CAF noted “a significant delay in the realisation of the infrastructures” necessary for holding the Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

No plan B

However, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad declared the following month during a visit to Cameroon that his organisation “did not have a plan B.
“CAF has never thought about withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon… it depends on Cameroon,” he stressed after talks with head of state Paul Biya.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, Cameroon Football Federation head Happi Dieudonne assured executives that “Cameroon would be ready” to organise the Cup of Nations.
Cameroon is experiencing a tense security situation with persistent attacks by Boko Haram jihadists in the north and a conflict between the army and separatists in the two English-speaking regions.
The 2019 Cup of Nations will be the first to feature 24 teams — up from 16 at the 2017 edition in Gabon.
It will also be the first Cup of Nations played during June and July after the last CAF president, Issa Hayatou, refused to budge from the traditional January/February timetable.
The January kick-off meant many Africans with clubs in the leading European leagues had to leave their clubs in the middle of the season for up to six weeks.
Cameroon, as hosts, and 12 other countries, including record seven-time champions Egypt, have qualified for the 2019 tournament.
The other 11 places will be decided during the final qualifiers in March.
(AFP)
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Saturday, 17 November 2018

AFCON 2019: Buhari hails Super Eagles

November 17, 2018 0
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon in June 2019.
The Eagles secured their ticket following the 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg Saturday.
The Super Eagles now led the Group E, with ten points. South Africs are second with nine points but have a difficult last game to play away to Libya who are third with seven points.
Either of the two teams can pick the last ticket of the group to Cameroon. South Africa need a draw, and Libya a win.
President joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in commending the Super Eagles for their spirited and disciplined performance against a very formidable opponent which earned them qualification with the final match against Seychelles a mere formality.
In a statement by Femi Adesina, the media adviser, President Buhari has keenly followed the senior national football team’s progress in the qualifying stages.
“President Buhari is enthused by their confidence, sense of patriotism and professionalism, and commends these attributes to other Nigerians.
“He equally commends the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Supporters Club, especially Nigerians residing in South Africa who turned out in great numbers to cheer the players, for a job well-done, and assures them of the unflinching support of the Federal Government going forward.
“The President wishes the young Nigerian football ambassadors more successes as they prepare for the AFCON tournament in Cameroon,” Adesina added.
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Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Super Eagles players arrive camp ahead of crucial match against South Africa

November 13, 2018 0

Officials of the Super Eagles were pleasantly surprised yesterday when the bulk of the players invited for this weekend’s Cameroon 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa arrived the team’s camp ahead of today’s opening training session.
The early birds are Henry Onyekuru, Kelechi Iheanacho, returnee Mikel Agu, Theophilus Afelokhai and Moses Simon.
Afelokhai is making his second coming to the Eagles having been involved in the squad when the late Stephen Keshi was head coach. He came in as replacement for first choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, who has been ruled out by injury.
Onyekuru is returning to the team as replacement for the injured Odion Ighalo after missing the games against Libya. Agu has not played for Nigeria since he was omitted from the team to the Russia 2018 World Cup.
A Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official told The Guardian yesterday that Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins and Sunday Adeleye are also in camp.
Others expected today are William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Daniel Akpeyi and Brian Idowu.
Wilfred Ndidi is out of the game having received two yellow cards in the qualifying series.
Super Eagles are expected to fly to Johannesburg on Thursday evening for the match scheduled for Saturday.
The team’s official training programme begins today at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, but according to the Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, Thursday’s session would be closed to observers.
Ibitoye said the team would fly to Johannesburg aboard a chartered flight at 5.00 p.m. and return immediately after the game to prepare for next Tuesday’s friendly against Uganda at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
“We are focused on beating South Africa and I am sure we will get the desired result.”
He revealed that the team would train twice daily from today until they leave for South Africa.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana coach, Stuart Baxter, has said that he holds no fear over facing Nigeria at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
According to timeslive.co.za, the Briton said he expects Nigeria to have vengeance on their minds when they arrive in Johannesburg after unexpectedly going down 0-2 to Bafana Bafana in Uyo in his maiden match in June last year.
‘‘We do have Nigeria first‚ in the small matter of an African Nations Cup qualifier‚” he said yesterday.
‘‘Everybody knows the list of injuries that we have had. Everybody knows what I said in the first press conference (a week ago) that despite that (the injuries) I want to speak about the players that we do have because even though we respect Nigeria, we do not fear them.
‘‘I think we still have enough talent‚ enough desire and if we can structure a game plan in the next three or four days‚ I think by the time we run out onto the FNB Stadium we would be confident‚ we would not be complacent‚ because Nigeria have just come from a (2018) World Cup (in Russia).
‘‘They are undefeated since we beat them the last time (in the first qualifier in June last year) and they will certainly want to wreak their revenge.
‘‘So‚ we will be ready and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need.”
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Monday, 29 October 2018

Nigeria names squad for AFCON qualifier against South Africa

October 29, 2018 0
Image result for Nigeria names squad for AFCON qualifier against South Africa
Nigeria have again left out captain Mikel John Obi from next month’s crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in South Africa after they named a 23-man squad.
China-based Mikel Obi, who made his Nigeria debut in 2005, has not played for the country since he captained the team to the World Cup in Russia in June.
Officials have said the former Chelsea star was previously left out of the squad to allow him time to recover from niggling injuries.
But he has since fully recovered and is now playing regularly for his Chinese club, Tianjin Teda.
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has recalled Sporting Charleroi striker Victor Osimhen and midfielder Mikel Agu, who is based in Portugal.
Villarreal young forward Samuel Chukwueze has been handed his first call-up.
Nigeria play South Africa in Johannesburg on November 17.
They top Group E with nine points from four matches, a point ahead of second-placed South Africa.
Nigeria will also host Uganda in a friendly at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on November 20.
Nigeria squad:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Elche/ESP), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United/RSA)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino/ITA), Adeleye Aniyikaye (IfeanyiUbah), Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United/ENG), Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), William Ekong (Udinese FC/ITA,), Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion/ENG,), Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes/SPA), Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07/GER)
Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC/ENG), John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISRl), Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal FC/POR)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr/KSA), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City/ENG), Moses Simon (Levante/ESP), Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi/BEL), Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai/CHN), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/ENG), Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux/FRA), Isaac Success (Watford/ENG); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal/ESP)
Standby: Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray/TUR), Chidozie Awaziem (Porto/POR), Nyima Nwagua (Kano Pillars), Sunday Adetunji (Enyimba), Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars)

(AFP)
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Saturday, 27 October 2018

Rohr says he cannot promise AFCON 2019 title

October 27, 2018 0
Image result for Rohr says he can't promise AFCON 2019 title
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has said he cannot promise that the team will win the Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria are on the cusp of sealing qualification for the tournament after their absence from the last two editions of the competition in 2015 and 2017.
The Eagles currently sit atop Group E with nine points after four matches and will be away at second-placed South Africa in Johannesburg on November 17.
A victory for the Eagles in the match will seal their passage to the tournament, which holds from June 15 to July 13, 2019. Only the top two teams in the group will qualify for the first-ever 24-nation tournament.
However, Rohr, who spoke on Supersports during the week, said the team were working hard for their next match but said he could not promise that he will lead the team to their fifth continental title in Cameroon.
“We are working very hard to make sure that we get the necessary points in our next match in South Africa. We know that the match will not be easy but we are working well to make sure our players are in good conditions before the match,” he said.
“We want to make sure that we don’t lose the match just like what happened in our first match. We know that a good result in the match will put us at ease before the visit of Seychelles in our last match at home. We want to finish top of the group.
“For the AFCON, we are determined to ensure that we qualify because we know that for two editions, Nigeria were not there. The fact that we didn’t qualify from the group stage at the World Cup in Russia has been one of the factors that is driving the team because we know that Nigerians were not happy after we couldn’t get to the second round.
“But I cannot promise that we will win the tournament in Cameroon. We want to win it but it will be too early to make promises. Our attitude as a team has been to be modest and take each match as it comes. We also don’t underrate any opponent we play against. This is a young team and they are hungry for success. We have a good professional philosophy and we want to go as far as possible in any competition but we are not making any promises.”
The former Burkina Faso coach said he would continue to explore the possibility of playing Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi in the central midfield role.
Iwobi was instrumental in Nigeria’s victories in their qualifying double-headers against Libya in Uyo and Sfax as he created chances for striker Odion Ighalo as well as wingers Ahmed Musa and Samuel Kalu.
The former Bordeaux manager said, “Iwobi has played very well in the play-making role. We saw him when he played in the role in the friendly against England in London. We also saw him do well in the role against Libya.
“He plays more than the play-making role. He distributes the ball well and also plays for the team. I am concerned about what he does with the ball and what he does off the ball – and he has impressed in these areas. He works very well for the team and we are impressed with him. But we have to conserve what he is going on well for the team.”
Meanwhile, Rohr is hoping that Ademola Lookman will switch allegiance to represent the Eagles.
The 21-year-old was impressive on loan with German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig last season though he has struggled for game time since he joined Everton in 2017 from Charlton Athletic.
The 65-year-old coach is confident that the youngster will add value to his team if he makes the switch.
“He plays for the youth now but we hope he can change his mind and play for us,” Rohr told BBC Sport.
“He’s a player we know can add something to the team. Getting a player to change his national choice is not easy, quick and the process is never so straightforward. First we must be sure he wants to come. And hope to get it cleared by FIFA. Then the most important part is that he brings something new, different and better than we have.
“Every coach wants options, we’ve been lucky to get some players and if we get him, Lookman will give us more options. But we have to be careful about how we go about this because Nigeria have some good players at home and playing outside.”
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Wednesday, 17 October 2018

Ighalo dedicates brace against Libya as birthday gift to his son

October 17, 2018 0
Image result for Ighalo brace against Libya
Super Eagles attacker, Odion Ighalo has dedicated his brace against Libya to his son, Samuel, who will be a year older on Wednesday.
The Chanchung Yatai’s prolific striker told reporters after the Eagles defeated Libya 3-2 that he is happy to be back on scoring form.
“I am dedicating my goals to my son who will be a year older tomorrow,” Ighalo said.
“I am happy for today’s three points again and that we are able to achieve our aim which is to secure the three maximum points.
“We are drawing closer to qualifying for the Nations Cup in Cameroon next year.
“All praise to God Almighty and I thank my teammates for their support as always.
“We played as a team and won as one too.”
Ighalo’s brace against Libya has taken his goals tally with the Eagles to 10 in 25 appearances.
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Tuesday, 16 October 2018

Nigeria beat Libya in reverse fixture to go top of Group E

October 16, 2018 0
Odion Ighalo scored a brace as Nigeria moved to the brink of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification.
The Super Eagles are top of Group E with nine points after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Libya.
A brace from Ighalo and a well-converted effort by Ahmed Musa allowed Nigeria to overcome a comeback attempt by the Mediterranean Knights.
Nigeria began the match pressing high up the pitch in a bid to force Libya out of their trademark shot passing game and the North Africans were rattled by the tactic.
Ighalo was at the centre of things. He helped Eagles take the lead on 13 minutes when Musa found him with a pinpoint pass that split open the Libyan defence.
Instead of folding, Gernot Rohr’s side continued to approach the game positively and created problems for the hosts.
The tactic paid dividends on 17 minutes when Musa pounced on Ighalo’s pass to poke home.
Libya pressed and got a goal through Mohamed Zubya in the 34th minute.
The striker’s finish gave Libya more confidence and they could have levelled up late in the first half.
Facing the prospect of losing their first match at home in the qualifiers, the Mediterranean Knights responded with more purpose in the second half.
Ahmad Benali equalised for Libya with 16 minutes left on the clock but Ighalo had other ideas as he scored his fifth goal in two games.
Nigeria are now one point ahead of second-placed South Africa who drew 0-0 against Seychelles.
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Monday, 15 October 2018

Gernot Rohr expects Libya rematch to be tough

October 15, 2018 0
Image result for Gernot Rohr expects Libya rematch to be tough
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr says he expects a challenging Africa Cup of Nations qualifier rematch against Libya on Tuesday despite trouncing the north Africans at the weekend.
Odion Ighalo, the former Watford striker now at Chinese club Changchun Yatai, bagged a hat-trick as Nigeria thrashed Libya 4-0 in the southern town of Uyo on Saturday.
They will square up again in Sfax in Tunisia, the adopted home of war-ravaged Libya.
Rohr said he expected the Libyans to provide a stiffer challenge as they seek to avenge the heavy loss.
“We need a big fighting spirit to beat Libya again,” he insisted.
“It will be a difficult game because after losing 4-0 in Uyo they will be aggressive, they want revenge.”
Rohr added: “We have to be stronger to win again. It’s not finished yet.
“Libya were not defensive (in Uyo) and they could also have scored. They played well, they were fighting.”
The Franco-German coach said the Super Eagles won because their strikers outran Libya’s flat-footed defence.
“Our quick strikers tried to be efficient against the slow defenders of Libya,” Rohr explained.
“We scored an early goal from good pressing and in the second half, they left space in their defence because they tried to score also and we had more opportunities to score.”
Turkey-based Ogenyi Onazi and Shehu Abdullahi have been ruled out of Tuesday’s match after picking up injuries.
Onazi has an inflamed Achilles, while Abdullahi did not complete Saturday’s game due to a leg muscle injury.
Nigeria are now second in Group E with six points from three matches, a point behind leaders South Africa.
Libya are third with four points, while Seychelles have yet to record any points.
The top two teams in the group will advance to the finals in June 2019.

(AFP)
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Saturday, 13 October 2018

Nigeria beat Libya 4-0 in AFCON qualifier

October 13, 2018 0
Image result for ighalo scores hat trick as nigeria thrash libya
Odion Ighalo bagged a hat-trick for Nigeria as the Super Eagles thrashed visiting Libya national team 4-0 in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
The match was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Ighalo, who plies his trade with the Chinese club, Changchun Yatai, grabbed the first goal from the penalty spot after a blunder from the Libyan goalkeeper in the second minute.
In the 58th minute, Arsenal’s midfielder, Alex Iwobi, delivered a lovely pass to Ighalo who maintained his composure, dribbled the goalkeeper and scored his second goal for Nigeria. He completed his hat-trick 10 minutes later after latching on a cross from Ahmed Musa.
Samuel Kalu completed the Super Eagles victory at the 91st minute.
The Super Eagles are second on the table with six points from three matches behind South Africa who are on seven points.
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Sunday, 7 October 2018

Okunowo says Super Eagles will beat Libya in AFCON qualifier

October 07, 2018 0
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A former Barcelona defender, Gbenga Okunowo, says the Super Eagles will not disappoint in the double-header 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.
Nigeria, who are currently placed third in Group E, have two tough games against the Mediterranean Knights.
“I’m 100 percent certain the Super Eagles’ abilities to perform well. They won’t disappoint their die-hard supporters,” Okunowo told TheCable.
“The Super Eagles will play their next two games in the qualifiers against Libya who have done well so far.
“It’s a very delicate and crucial stage in the qualification campaign. Having missed the last two Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles won’t want to fail this time around. That explains my confidence in them.”
Okunowo said coach Gernot Rohr’s choice of players and the inclusion of fresh legs will yield a positive result for the country.
“Gernot Rohr has done well by inviting fresh legs for the games with the North African side,” he said.
“I believe that will bring about desirable and positive results for the team. The won’t fail in their duties.”


Okunowo featured for Nigeria at the 2000 AFCON.
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