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Sport

CHAN: Elegbeleye, Gaiya call for proper management of Nigerian football league

NAN-S-22
CHAN
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, Feb. 5, 2018 (NAN) A former Director-General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye, on Monday said a proper management of the Nigerian football league was needed now more than ever.

Elegbeleye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that this would help in ensuring that Nigeria wins the next edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

He said Morocco’s success at the 2018 CHAN it hosted goes a long way to show the quality of its league.

The former House of Representatives member said the way the Moroccans managed their league was more professional than what was obtainable in Nigeria.

“We have a lot of talents in this country, but unfortunately we don’t know how to manage it.

“However, I hope that in the next championship in 2020, we will with a proper management of the Nigerian league be able to win the trophy,’’ he said.

In another interview, a former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya, said foolball was not all about winning.

Gaiya said that Nigeria lost to Morocco because they were better prepared for the tournament.

He said the 4-0 thrashing of the home-based Super Eagles by the Atlas Lions at the Complexe Mohamed V stadium in Casablanca was expected.

“The Moroccans were better prepared and they made use of all the opportunities they had to win the championship,’’ Gaiya said.

He, however, said Nigeria did not perform badly considering that this was its third appearance in the CHAN event.

“Nigeria has tried, being its third appearance in CHAN. We first appeared at South Africa in 2014, where we came out as number three. Now we have come out as number two.

“So, I think it is a gradual progress and a smart improvement.

“Now, we should work hard to improve on our league and, hopefully, the next time we are participating we should be able to win the CHAN trophy,’’ the former lawmaker said.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Super Eagles crumble for Morocco’s Atlas Lions to romp to CHAN glory

NAN-S-4
Champions
Abuja, Feb. 4, 2018 (NAN) Morocco romped to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Nigeria in the final of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Sunday.

The Atlas Lions joined DR Congo, Tunisia and Libya on the CHAN honours board after they overpowered the Super Eagles, who played most of the second half with just 10 men.

Morocco gave an early warning of their attacking potency when striker Ayoub El Kaabi headed home from Ismail Haddad’s corner kick in the seventh minute.

But the goal was correctly ruled out because the ball had passed out of play in its flight.

El Kaabi took centre stage again in the 15th minute when he met Haddad’s left-flank cross with an acrobatic overhead kick and rattled Nigeria’s crossbar with the effort.

It did underline the Atlas Lions’ early dominance.

Nigeria came into the game a little more as the first half wore on, but the hosts remained dangerous in attack and finally broke the deadlock just before the interval.

A slick move put Abdeljalil Jbira free down the left flank, with his pullback from the by-line picking out Zakaria Hadraf.

The winger fired a low shot into the back of the net, beating goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye low to his right.

Things went from bad to worse for the Super Eagles when Peter Moses, who was already on a yellow card, scythed down Mohamed Nahiri early in the second half.

The Atlas Lions duly made the most of their numerical advantage, with Walid El Karti doubling their lead on the hour mark.

This was after he headed home on the rebound after Ajiboye saved Haddad’s shot, before Hadraf added his second a few minutes later to make it 3-0.

A Morocco win at this tournament would not be complete without a strike from El Kaabi.

The forward duly notched his ninth of the 2018 CHAN when he redirected a shot from Nahiri in the 73rd minute to complete the scoring.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Nigeria survive Sudan to reach CHAN final

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Eagles
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 31, 2018 (NAN) Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday beat Sudan 1-0 at Marrakech in Morocco to advance to their first-ever final match appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an early goal by Okechukwu Gabriel helped the home-based Eagles secure a spot in the final.

There, they will meet hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco on Sunday.

As early as the 12th minute, the Super Eagles were dealt a huge blow when goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa sustained an injury, forcing him to be replaced by Dele Ajiboye.

Three minutes later, Sudan had a glorious opportunity to grab the lead, but Ajiboye was quick to read the danger and put it under check.

However, it was Nigeria who found the back of the net a minute later when Gabriel beat Elhadi Akram from close range with a low shot.

In the 25th minute, Gabriel came close to bagging his brace when his left-footed shot sailed inches wide of Akram’s left corner.

In spite of good moves and dominance by the Falcons of Jediane in the dying stages of the half, it was 1-0 at halftime for Salisu Yusuf’s men.

Nigeria looked threatening in the second half, but they were soon slowed down when Ifeanyi Ifeanyi was sent off in the 58th minute after a dangerous tackle.

Coach Zdravko Logarusic’s men would take advantage of the situation to dictate the pace, and Osman Ismaeil saw his powerful shot going wide, with Ajiboye a spectator.

With three minutes to go, Sudan were also reduced to 10 men when Bakri Bachir received a red card for bringing down Solomon Ojo.

Ajiboye however kept the Nigerian team in the lead after producing two brilliant saves in the 90th minute to ensure they are through to the final.

The defeat for the Sudanese means they will meet the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the third-place play-off on Saturday.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

CHAN 2018: Hosts Morocco advance into final

NAN-S-23
Morocco
Abuja, Jan. 31, 2018 (NAN) Hosts Morocco have advanced into the final match of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a 3-1 defeat of Libya after extra time on Wednesday.

The competition’s first semi-final match, played in Casablanca, saw the hosts once again inspired by Ayoub El Kaabi, who scored two goals to take his tournament tally to eight overall.

The Atlas Lions will now play in the final on Sunday.

Morocco created their first opening as early as the fifth minute, as Achraf Bencharki put Ismail Haddad in on goal.

While the winger chipped the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper Muhammad Nashnoush, Libyan defender Motasem Sabbou got back to clear from almost under his own crossbar.

And that same crossbar was rattled just past the midway point of the first half.

Midfielder Salaheddine Saidi’s header to a Bencharki free kick rebounded off the woodwork.

The Atlas Lions also saw right-back Mohamed Nahiri send a shot on target direct from a free kick.

Nashnoush was able to punch the ball clear to ensure his side went to the break level at 0-0.

Libya offered little in attack for the first hour of the match, but on 63 minutes they nearly claimed the lead.

This was after striker Saleh Al Taher got on the end of a corner kick and powered a header on target.

But Moroccan left-back Abdeljalil Jbira cleared off his own goal line.

Yet in the 73rd minute it was Morocco who finally broke the deadlock.

Substitute Zakaria Hadraf did some great work down the left flank before chipping in a cross from the by-line which was headed home by Ayoub El Kaabi.

If the hosts thought their prolific striker’s goal was going to be enough, they were sorely mistaken.

In the 86th minute, goalkeeper Anas Zniti was caught in possession, allowing Abdulrahman Khalleefa to score an equaliser and send the game into extra time.

But El Kaabi was not finished, and in the seventh minute of the extra half hour he pounced again to complete his brace.

A corner kick was poorly dealt with by Libya’s defence and El Kaabi was gifted a simple tap-in at the far post to make it 2-1.

Morocco finally killed off Libya’s challenge in the 117th minute when Walid El Karti won a soft penalty kick.

He converted it himself to make the score 3-1 and seal a place in the final.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Home-based Super Eagles gaining confidence with each CHAN 2018 game, football enthusiasts say

NAN-S-2
Confidence
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 24, 2018 (NAN) Several football enthusiasts have hailed the home-based Super Eagles for their victory over Equatorial Guinea, pointing out that the Eagles were gaining confidence with each game.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the home-based Eagles came from a goal down to beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 on Tuesday at Agadir.

It was in a 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C clash in Morocco.

Victory for Nigeria sealed their place in the knockout stages as group winners, with goals from Anthony Okpotu, Ekundayo Ojo and Rabiu Ali condemning Nzalang Nacional to a third straight defeat.

A cross-section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN on Tuesday in Abuja noted that the Eagles were more impressive against the Guineans.

Some of the respondents added that the team have been growing in confidence right from their very first match.

Musa Talle, Chairman of FCT Football Association, said the players gave a good account of themselves against an Equatorial Guinea side which deployed so many tactics to frustrate the Eagles.

“We thank God for this victory. Indeed it wasn’t an easy game as the Equatorial Guineans had nothing at stake but pride to play for.

“So, they deployed all manner of tactics just to frustrate and destabilise the Eagles, especially after they scored the opener against the run of play.

“Overall, I will say it’s a much more improved performance compared to the Eagles’ first and second games and I hope they can continue to improve and gain momentum as they progress in the tournament,” he said.

Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman of FCT Football Coaches Association, said the match was a difficult one and required a lot of technical and tactical approach.

“It’s more difficult facing a team playing for pride, because the pressure was always going to be more on us to achieve the desired result and I am happy the boys didn’t allow the pressure get to them.

“They were composed and played with patience. Even at times when the Equatorial Guineans tried to get on their nerves, they never fell for it, but remained calm and focused on the game.

“These are the qualities of a great team and I see them finishing well,” he said.

Bamigboye also praised the team’s Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf, for his technical and tactical prowess, saying that his ability to read games was second to none.

“We played our last two games in a loose 4-3-3 formation with Rabiu Ali given the licence to roam —- something that hadn’t really paid off.

“But it was nice to see Yusuf try out a 3-5-2 formation as Sunday Faleye, playing close to Tony Okpotu, helped the Lobi Stars’ goal-poacher remember his route to goal.

“Okpotu is a finisher and does his best work in the opponents’ box, while Faleye is the runner with a bag of tricks.

“Proximity to each other could open up a symbiotic relationship from which the team would reap in the knockout stages.

“Osas Okoro was also a constant menace on the right flank as the opponents could do absolutely nothing about his dangerous crosses into their vital area,” he said.

Former Flying Eagles coach Samuel Abimbola said the team was a work in progress, urging Nigerians to be patient with the team because they were improving in every department with each game.

“There were complaints from different quarters that the Eagles did not play too well in their first two matches, but from experience I was one of those who were not quick to criticise the team.

“I knew this team was a work in progress. Even though they found it difficult to convert their goal scoring chances, they didn’t concede until today and largely controlled the matches against Rwanda and Libya.

“You could see the difference today (Tuesday). They had a total of 18 shots with nine on target, compared to their first game where they registered more than 24 shots against the Amavubis, but ended up with not even a single goal.

“Then, they managed to score a goal in their next game against Libya which was a very cagey affair, I must confess.

“This clearly shows that the team is improving with each game and that is how it is supposed to be,” he said.

Abimbola also singled out Ojo for praise, adding that the goal he scored against Equatorial Guinea was one of the contenders for the goal of the tournament.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles will next meet the runners-up from Group D which has Angola, Congo and Burkina Faso still in the running for places in the knockout stages.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

CHAN 2018: Nigeria look good for quarter-final berth, but can still be better

NAN-S-8
Eagles
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 20, 2018 (NAN) The home-based Super Eagles face Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday knowing they are just a step away from Nigeria’s second-ever quarter-final berth at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

In this ongoing fifth edition of the competition in Morocco, newcomers Equatorial Guinea stand between them and a place in the knock out round in their final group game at Agadir.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after a disappointing barren draw against Rwanda on Monday, the Eagles have not appeared with the intent to take charge of the group.

A lone goal victory against Libya on Friday helped to displace the table-toppers, and they now only need to avoid defeat against Equatorial Guinea to progress.

They should be aware that a loss is dangerous, as Libya can go on to draw with Rwanda for both sides to advance ahead of Nigeria on goals difference.

But a win is necessary on Tuesday to get to seven points and an opportunity to head into the last eight as group leaders.

The task before the Eagles may however look quite easy, but with Rwanda looking hot and just a point separating Libya from the joint table-table toppers, the Eagles cannot afford any slip-up.

The Amavubis would be nursing the very lofty ambition of finishing top of the group so as to avoid meeting Group D winners who could be any of their regional rivals.

Libya, after a bright start, will fight till the last with the hope that Nigeria will slip up.

The Eagles therefore must avoid any form of complacency and affirm their qualification by winning Group C, and only a massive win over Equatorial Guinea can ensure this.

One stark reality from the Eagles’ two matches is lack of goals, which may quite rightly be a reflection of the local league.

In the NPFL, the average number of goals per match is two, and one of them most often would come from the penalty kick spot.

Teams which score goals commit players to the opponents’ area, with a creative midfield standing before a solid defence.

Apart from during set-pieces, the Eagles normally had just two players in the box against Libya, and if they continue like this, they will continue to struggle to get goals.

If there is one thing the Super Eagles must get right in their subsequent matches, it is their finishing.

They registered more than 24 shots against the Amavubis, but ended up with not even a single goal.

As much as they will need goals against Equatorial Guinea, they will much more need them in the quarter-finals and beyond.

In spite of the seeming inadequacies in the first game, coach Salisu Yusuf kept faith with the same starting line-up against Libya, and this shows his confidence in them.

Hopefully, they will make amends with a better showing against Equatorial Guinea who are yet to open their goal scoring account but have conceded four goals in the championship so far.

However, the best for the Eagles going forward may be to rest key players like Anthony Okpotu and Rabiu Ali.

This is to avoid them picking up injuries like the one suffered by Ifeanyi Ifeanyi.

Clearly, Emeka Ogbugh is the most technical forward in the CHAN team, especially as he has been able to see and exploit opportunities, especially on breakaways.

But he has been backing himself into cul de sac.

The coaching staff must tutor the Rivers United forward on how he should deploy his technical ability to help the team create more fruitful goal scoring chances and also score.

The team can obviously improve in all aspects, though the defensive foundation of Stephen Eze and Orji Okagbue in central defence is already in place.

However, Yusuf will have to tinker with his midfield and attack to get the best out of these set of players.

NAN reports that the championship which began on Jan. 13 is expected to end on Feb. 4.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

CHAN 2018: Wasteful Super Eagles held by Rwanda’s Amavubi

NAN-S-21
Eagles
Abuja, Jan. 15, 2018 (NAN) The home-based Super Eagles failed to claim a win as they were held 0-0 by Rwanda in their opening match of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Monday.

Nigeria and Rwanda settled for a barren draw in their Group C opener at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangiers, Morocco.

The stalemate leaves the Super Eagles in joint second position in the group, two points behind Libya who beat Equatorial Guinea 3-0 earlier on Monday.

Libya maintains top spot of the group thanks to their 3-0 humbling of Equatorial Guinea in the earlier kick-off.

It was a frustrating night for the West Africans who saw the post and crossbar deny them no less than three occasions.

But superb saves from Rwanda goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye also added to their misery.

The home-based Eagles were the better side, dominating possession in both halves but failed to do the most important thing – goal scoring.

With veteran Rabiu Ali leading Nigeria’s onslaughts, youngster Sunday Faleye was unlucky to see his header from Osas Okoro’s assist bounce off the crossbar in the opening minutes with Ndayishimiye completely beaten.

In the 38 minute, Ali wasted a golden opportunity to send Nigeria into the lead, volleying wide after the Rwandan goalkeeper had spilled a cross onto his path.

The Amavubi will survive yet another scare from the Super Eagles four minutes before the interval, after a long drive from Ali came off the post with Ndayishimiye beaten yet again.

The second half resumed on the same tempo with Rwanda coming into the picture following the introduction of nimble footed AS Kigali midfielder Savio Nshuti.

In the 78 minute, the upright came to the rescue of Amavubi for the third time after substitute Ibrahim Mustapha’s header from an Ali corner kick hit the post to the relief of Rwanda.

Nigeria next face Libya on Thursday whilst Rwanda battle Equatorial Guinea.

The championship which began on Saturday is expected to end on Feb. 4.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

CHAN 2018: Late goal hands Sudan victory

NAN-S-11
Championship
Abuja, Jan. 14, 2018 (NAN) Sudan edged Guinea 2-1 in a 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A match at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca in Morocco on Sunday.

The victory takes the Falcons to second spot in the group standings, while Guinea are placed third on the table.

The Falcons broke the deadlock 19 minutes into the game through Omer Koko, after Elsamani Saaldelden had provided an assist.

Guinea managed to level matters through Sékou Camara 10 minutes after the restart with Mohamed Bangoura providing an assist.

However, Sudan pushed forward in numbers as they looked to restore their lead against the west Africans.

Saifeldin Bakhit snatched a late winning goal for Sudan with 15 minutes left on the clock and this time it was Mohamed Bashir, who provided an assist.

Sudan contained Guinea in the closing stages of the match and they secured a 2-1 victory in their first match of the tournament.

In another match also played on Sunday, debutants Nambia stunned Cote d’ Ivoire 1-0 in a Group B encounter at the Stade de Marrakech.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the home-based Super Eagles will begin their CHAN campaign against Rwanda on Monday.

Libya will take on Equatorial Guinea in the other Group C encounter.

The championship which began on Saturday with tournament hosts Morocco whipping Mauritania 4-0 is expected to end on Feb. 4.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Akanni urges home-based Super Eagles to use CHAN to showcase talent

NAN-S-3

CHAN
By Aderonke Ojediran-Lawal
Lagos, Jan. 2, 2018 (NAN) Ex-international, Waidi Akanni, on Tuesday urged the home-based Super Eagles to take advantage of the upcoming Morocco 2018 Championship for African Nations (CHAN) to enhance their profile.

Akanni said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the players should use the tournament to showcase their talents.

Cue in audio (Akanni)

“I think the players should just take that (championship) as an opportunity to showcase themselves; a lot of people think Nigeria is ready for the World Cup or preparing for the World Cup.

“CHAN should be an opportunity to see whether some of these players can also be part of that World Cup team.

“So the only thing I’d like to say to the players (is), whether or not they’ve adequate preparations, they should go out there and just showcase their talent.

“Hopefully some of them will have the opportunity to be in the World Cup team.

Cue out audio

NAN reports that CHAN 2018 will kick-off on Jan.13 with the opening match featuring hosts, Morocco and Mauritania at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, while the Super Eagles are expected to tackle the Amavubis of Rwanda in Tangier.

The tournament is scheduled to end on Feb.4. (NAN)
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Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Emmanuel Yashim

Sport

Morocco 2018: Fans urge NFF to ensure CHAN Super Eagles get good attention

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Attention
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Nov. 18, 2017 (NAN) Football fans in Ebonyi have urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give the CHAN Super Eagles the same level of attention it presently gives the Super Eagles Team A.

The fans, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abakaliki, were reacting to the CHAN 2018 Final Draw held on Friday in Rabat, Morocco.

NAN reports that Nigeria has been drawn in Group C based in Tangier alongside Libya, Equatorial Guinea and Rwanda, with the competition holding from Jan.13 to Feb. 4.

Emmanuel Anya, former Chief Press Secretary to Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, advised that preparations should commence immediately with the conduct of the draws.

“The team’s coaches should immediately submit their preparation plans to the NFF which in turn should put modalities in place to ensure a successful performance at the competition.

“The relevant football authorities should understand that Nigerians are passionate about their national teams, whether it is the female teams, the CHAN team, the Super Eagles or any other,” he said.

Hillary Obiesie, Secretary of Ebonyi Sports Council, advised the NFF to immediately convene a meeting with the CHAN Super Eagles coaches and players.

He said this was necessary to solve problems associated with match bonuses and other allowances.

“The same meeting held with the Team A should be convened immediately to prevent bonus row situations as recorded during the last WAFU Nations Cup in Ghana.

The relevant football authorities should also understand that most of the players currently in the Team A passed through the country’s domestic league.

“So, they should pay equal attention to the CHAN Super Eagles team, and not make them feel inferior,” Obiesie said.

Martin Asokuh, a mining expert and football buff, urged the NFF to engage Rohr in the CHAN Eagles’ team preparation and participation in the competition for the country’s overall benefit.

“Rohr by designation should supervise the entire national teams as his technical expertise will correct the team’s flaws which were noticed during the qualifiers and the WAFU Nations Cup.

“The Eagles Team A would fortunately be free during the CHAN 2018 period and it will afford Rohr the opportunity of discovering players that should compete for selection for the World Cup of June,” he said.

Thelma Nwadike, a teacher and football enthusiast, urged the NFF to organise for the team friendly matches with participating countries for an effective team preparation.

“Efforts should be intensified to improve on the team’s third-place finish at the 2014 edition in South Africa,” she said.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)