Sports

Super Eagles Camp Bubbles With 17 Players Now In Abu Dhabi

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Editor

A total of 17 players have arrived at the Super Eagles’ camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of the team’s campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-time African champions are hoping to end a 10-year wait for the biggest football prize on the continent.

According to a tweet on the Super Eagles official Twitter (now “X”) handle, a total of 17 players were amongst early birds at the team’s training camp in Abu Dhabi.

The players included Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon, Olorunleke Ojo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Boniface.

Others are Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

NAN also reports that the Super Eagles camp in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, came alive on Wednesday, following the arrival of the players and the coaching crew.

The 17 players have been welcomed to the training camp by head coach Jose Peseiro, and his crew as preparations for the 2023 AFCON began with the first official training on Wednesday.

“Team captain Musa is among the first to report to camp, and the former Leicester City man has been joined by fellow 2013 AFCON winner Omeruo, Nantes winger Simon, and Enyimba FC goalkeeper Ojo.

“Fulham’s duo of Iwobi and Bassey, as well as West Brom’s Ajayi, Southampton midfielder Aribo, Brentford’s Onyeka, and Nottingham Forest defender Aina have landed from England.

“Portugal-based defenders Awaziem, Onyemaechi of Boavista, and Porto’s Sanusi are also in the camp, as well as Atalanta forward Lookman, Bayer Leverkusen’s Boniface, Club Brugge’s Onyedika and Fenerbahce’s Osayi-Samuel,” it said.

It said that still been expected in camp were Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho, and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabili and Francis Uzoho.

It added that William Troost-Ekong and Umar Sadiq were also expected to join the team in the coming hours.

The Super Eagles will have their second official training on Thursday as they intensify preparations ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Wilfred Ndidi has dropped out of the team after suffering an injury.
Royal Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf has been called up as a replacement for the defensive midfielder.

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.