Sports

AFCON Finals: Key Moments Grom First Half Of Nigeria Vs Ivory Coast

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

It was quite a stunning first-half game in the finals of the ongoing 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations in, Ivory Coast.

The host nation, Ivory Coast, took much of the possession with six total attempts at goal while half of them were on target.

In the 8th minute, Ivorian player, Simon Adingra burst into the box and only had the keeper to beat, but sent a poor shot well over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie asked for some medical attention with his painful gestures. The extent of his injury was yet to be discovered at that time.

At the 14th-minute mark, a corner from Max Gradel was intercepted by the Nigerian defence.

A rough tackle by Victor Osimhen in the 27th minute made the referee blow his whistle for a foul which prompted a reaction from Coach Jose Peseiro who was stunned as referee Dahane Beida showed him a yellow card.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was forced into action in the 34th minute to thwart Simon Adingra’s attempt.

He found himself some space after latching on to a pass and unleashed a shot to the right post but couldn’t beat the keeper. The referee and his assistant both pointed at the corner flag.

Seven minutes away from half-time, Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong jumped higher than an Ivorian defender before nodding the ball into the top-left corner of the post.

In added time, Seko Fofana had a good opportunity from long range. His shot was directed towards the middle of the goal, but Nwabili was alert and made a comfortable save.

Sports

NPFL Announces Resumption Date For Second Stanza

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has announced a date for the start of the second stanza of the 2025-26 season.

The second stanza will commence on Wednesday, 14 January, 2026.

The fixture will start with mid-week games across all the designated NPFL centers.

The NPFL disclosed this in a letter addressed to all the clubs.

The league body urged clubs to expect fixtures congestion in the second stanza.

Rivers United occupy top position on the NPFL table with 37 points from 19 matches.

Sports

Chelsea Coach Hails 3 Players For Keeping Team Together After Maresca’s Departure

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

Chelsea interim coach, Calum McFarlane has hailed three Blues players for keeping the team together after Enzo Maresca departed from the Premier League west London club.

Speaking after Chelsea’s recent Premier League 1-1 draw with Manchester City, McFarlane lauded Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Enzo Fernandez for their leadership and unifying influence in the Blues’ squad.

“I think it is a good moment to speak about the players. This is not an easy job,” McFarlane told reporters after the match.

“There is a lot of change that has gone on. Enzo was incredibly successful with this group. Some of them were shocked by the decision to sack Maresca.

“The character that they have shown today. Reece is a big one. Reece, Tosin and Enzo have really dragged the group together.”

Chelsea’s next Premier League tie is against Fulham on Wednesday.

Sports

AFCON: Jesus Saved My Life – Super Eagles Defender, Calvin Bassey

Published

18 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey has revealed that Jesus Christ saved his life.

Speaking to reporters in Morocco as Nigeria prepares for their AFCON Round of 16 match against Mozambique on Monday night, the Fulham star also opened up about his struggles in life in the past.

“Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior; He saved my life and helped me so much,” Bassey expressed.

“I have been through hard periods and it is been something I have been able to hold on to.”

Bassey has solidified his position as a vital player for the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle.