Sports

Why I didn’t use Boniface against South Africa – Finidi

Published

4 months ago

June 8, 2024

Why I didn’t use Boniface against South Africa – Finidi

Nigeria’s head coach, Finidi George, has shed light on his decision not to field Victor Boniface in Friday night’s encounter against South Africa.

Despite the promising striker’s potential inclusion from the bench, Finidi explained that the circumstances on the field of play prompted a change in plans.

Also read : Why Finidi was named Super Eagles coach – NFF

“We thought about bringing him in, he was supposed to come in, but when we had Ajayi complain that he couldn’t continue, we had to reverse that,” Finidi acknowledged in a post-match interview on Friday.

The coach noted a tactical shift, ultimately leading to Boniface’s exclusion from the match.

However, Finidi was quick to reassure fans that the talented forward’s opportunity may still come. “We have another game definitely if he’s up and doing he’s going to play,” he stated.

Addressing the criticism and demands from some quarters regarding player selections, Finidi emphasised the importance of on-field performance over external pressures.

“For me, it’s what you can give to me on the field of play. Everybody wants this player or that player to play, but at the end of the day, if the player is not performing, you guys will still be shouting take him off, so let us do our job. We know who is good to go,” Finidi declared.

On Friday, the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

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Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute.

The match ended at a stalemate, however.

The results mean that Nigeria is placed fifth in a table of six teams after three matches in the 10-match competition.

Nigeria, in three matches, has drawn all three.

The group winners will qualify for 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and United States; four best-ranked runners-up go into play-offs and winners enter an inter-continental tournament where six nations will compete for two places.

Meanwhile, the game marked Finidi’s first game as Super Eagles coach.

Super Eagles will travel to Abidjan to face third-placed Benin on June 10.

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Hervé Renard reveals he almost coached Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Published

4 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Hervé Renard almost coached Super Eagles

Hervé Renard revealed that he was close to becoming the Super Eagles head coach after receiving a lucrative offer from the NFF.

French coach Hervé Renard has disclosed that he was close to accepting the role of head coach for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

After Finidi George’s exit, Renard was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with a lucrative offer, which he ultimately declined after careful deliberation.

Also read: Eagles express disappointment after AFCON defeat

Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen now leads the team into the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.

French football tactician Hervé Renard recently revealed that he was on the verge of becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Renard, who has enjoyed successful stints coaching Ivory Coast and Zambia, shared that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the unexpected departure of Finidi George in May.

Renard was a top candidate for the position, particularly after negotiations with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through, leaving Nigeria’s national team without a permanent coach.

Renard confirmed that the NFF made him the most lucrative offer of his career. However, after careful consideration, he declined the opportunity.

Speaking with French outlet *L’Équipe*, Renard explained, “I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for a few days, even weeks, before eventually turning it down. It was the best offer I’ve had so far, but it didn’t suit me in the end.”

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Meanwhile, Augustine Eguavoen, who is currently serving as interim coach, is preparing the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.

Eguavoen, who has led the team in the past, expressed his interest in a permanent role but outlined key conditions, including a long-term contract, patience, and continuous support from the NFF.

Eguavoen said, “If I were to take the job permanently, I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply because it’s not a small task. I’d need a long-term contract, patience, and clauses in the deal because you don’t win every day.”

Eguavoen also mentioned that his previous coaching stints were too short for him to implement his vision for the team, in contrast to the extended periods given to coaches like Clemens Westerhof and Gernot Rohr.

Sports

Matheus Nunes arrested on suspicion of stealing phone at nightclub

Published

1 day ago

October 2, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone at a Madrid nightclub, following an altercation.

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone at a nightclub in Madrid.

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone at a nightclub in Madrid.

Also read: Man City close in on €40m deal for Chelsea’s Kovacic

The 26-year-old Portuguese international was allegedly detained in the early hours of September 8 at La Riviera, a popular nightclub, after an incident involving a 58-year-old man.

According to reports from Spanish daily *El Mundo*, the arrest occurred around 5:30 a.m. after the man attempted to photograph Nunes in the restroom without his consent.

In a moment of anger, Nunes allegedly took the man’s phone and refused to return it.

Police were called to the scene and found the phone in Nunes’s possession, leading to his arrest and subsequent questioning at a local police station.

Nunes, who was born in Brazil, is now facing legal scrutiny as he navigates the fallout from this incident.

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Sports

Kylian Mbappe fit for Champions League clash with Lille

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Kylian Mbappe fit for Champions League clash with Lille

Kylian Mbappe has returned to Real Madrid’s squad for their Champions League match against Lille after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Kylian Mbappe has recovered from injury and will travel with Real Madrid for their Champions League clash against Lille.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has recovered from a hamstring injury and will travel with the squad for their Champions League clash against Lille.

Also read: Mbappe buys French football club

The 25-year-old star had sustained the injury during Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Alaves on 24th September, forcing him to sit out the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.

AS reports that Mbappe feels confident about his recovery, though a final decision on whether he will play remains pending. Despite the uncertainty, his presence in the travelling squad offers hope for Madrid fans eager to see him return to the pitch.

However, Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is sidelined with a groin injury.

Fran Gonzalez and Sergio Mestre will provide cover for Andriy Lunin as Madrid faces Lille in this crucial European fixture.