Sports

World Cup Qualifers: Ex-international Commends FG, Blames Super Eagles For Loss

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2022

Ex-international, Waidi Akanni, has commended the Federal Government for a top notch preparation put in place in build-up to the Nigeria-Ghana World Cup Qualifiers.

According to Akanni, had it been the Super Eagles prepared the same way the Federal Government through the Ministry of Sports and Youths Development put everything in place, Nigeria would have defeated the last Word Cup qualifiers match against Ghana.

The Ex-international, while lamenting Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the World Cup, said the Federal Government deserves a pat on the back for the excellent preparation of the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Akanni, who is the CEO of Match International, noted that efforts put into the build-up was unprecedented in the country’s history: “Truth be told, I have never seen a situation in which we prepared for a game the way we did against Ghana. What we had could pass as exceptional preparation- not seen in recent times. The federal government through the sports ministry put everything into our preparation to ensure we had a world-class venue,” he said.

He continues: “The minister Sunday Dare and the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismail Abubakar, were on everybody’s neck to see that virtually everything needed was in place. The SA to the President Daniel Amokachi, Mary Onyali, the stadium manager, all the directors in the ministry worked round the clock.

“They all deserve a pat on the back. It is only unfortunate that on match day proper, our boys failed to come to the party a situation that saw us failing to pick the World Cup ticket.”

Akanni stressed that if the Super Eagles players had fought the way the sports ministry did ahead of the game Nigeria’s flag would have been hoisted in Qatar.

“We may not have qualified but those whose efforts deserve commendation must be commended,” Akanni stated.

Related Topics:#Super Eagles Ex-international Waidi Akanni

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EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

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EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

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Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

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EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.