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Sport

Nigeria survive Sudan to reach CHAN final

NAN-S-30
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)
VO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

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

NAN-S-7
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)
RCO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)