Sports

AFCON: ‘Nigeria Thirsty For Victory’ – Sports Minister Charges NFF, Peseiro

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2023

Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro to ensure the Super Eagles emerge champions in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The competition will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

The minister issued the marching orders on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with the NFF and Peseiro to discuss strategic plans and preparations for the AFCON.

Enoh expressed concern about the Super Eagles’ performances, particularly given their slow start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

DAILY POST reports that the Eagles were held to uninspiring draws by both Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

According to the minister, Nigerians are passionate about the round leather game and are eager to win the AFCON after more than a decade of waiting.

“Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget.

“That is how important football is because whatever happens to it happens to us as a country.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unflinching support for Nigerian football, emphasizing the need for rigorous planning and unified strategies in propelling the national team to victory.

Sports

AFCON 2025: Four Teams Qualify For Round Of 16

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

South Africa became the fourth team to confirm their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana edged a five-goal thriller against rivals Zimbabwe, winning 3-2 on Monday evening.

Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring for Hugo Broos’ side, before Tawanda
Maswanhise equalised in the 19th minute.

Lyle Foster restored South Africa’s lead five minutes after the break, but Aubrey Modiba drew the match level in the 73rd minute.

The winning goal came with eight minutes remaining, as Oswin Appollis converted from the penalty spot.

The result took South Africa to six points, one behind group winners Egypt. Both sides have qualified for the next round, alongside Nigeria and Algeria.

Sports

AFCON: Uganda Coach Lists Three Things His Team Must Do Against Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

Uganda head coach Paul Put has outlined three key areas his side must focus on to secure victory against Nigeria when both teams clash in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations tie.

Put’s side must claim all three points against the Super Eagles or risk an early exit from the competition. The Cranes have just one point in Group C after their opening two matches.
A win against Nigeria could see Uganda qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Put said that for Uganda to overcome Eric Chelle’s side, they must “concentrate be very prepared and win their duels” against Nigeria.

“We have to go for it [win against Nigeria] and we will do it,” Put said.

“Nigerians play at a high level in Europe, so we have to be very concentrated, very prepared and win our duels, which is one of the strong points of Nigeria.”