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WAFCON 2022: Nigeria, Cameroon rekindle rivalry in crucial bat`tle for World Cup, semi-final ticket

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The stakes are high in Thursday’s quarter-final matchup between Nigeria and Cameroon. While the Super Falcons are chasing a ninth consecutive World Cup qualification, the Indomitable Lionesses are chasing a pound of flesh, having been denied the WAFCON title on four occasions by the Falcons.

After both teams finished as runners-up in their respective groups, the two continental football powerhouses will be involved in a supremacy battle to determine not just who faces hosts Morocco in the semi-final but who also gets Africa’s third automatic ticket to the World Cup

While the Super Falcons have clearly triumphed in past meetings with their neighbours Cameroon, many believe caging the Indomitable Lionesses may be a herculean task this time.

This is because the Nigerian women no longer look and play like their fiery past when they easily blew every opposition away on their way to nine titles.

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Cameroon’s motivation of making a third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup will appeal enough to see them throwing everything they’ve got at the Super Falcons.

Cameroon started somewhat slowly in Morocco, drawing with Zambia, but they picked up and their impressive efforts afterward earned them the quarter-final fixture against perennial champions Nigeria.

Interestingly, the Super Falcons also started on a shaky note; losing 2-1 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in their opening match of Group C.

But Coach Randy Waldrum-led side has since buckled up; winning their next two games, conceding no goal.

“We are ready to face Cameroon,” Waldrum declared after the Super Falcons arrived in Casablanca on Monday.

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The Falcons will draw inspiration from their impressive record against the Indomitable Lionesses.

Cameroon suffered a 6-0 spanking from the Falcons in the semi-finals of the 1998 Women Africa Cup of Nations (which Nigeria hosted and which was the first edition) but things have improved a bit for the Lionesses since then.

In the semi-finals of the 2010 edition in South Africa, the Falcons thumped them 5-1. Both countries contested the Final matches of the 2014 and 2016 Women AFCON.

In 2014, in Windhoek, Namibia, the Falcons registered a 2-0 victory to lift the trophy for the seventh time. In 2016, in Yaounde, the Lionesses, despite playing in front of their cheering fans, were heartbroken when Desire Oparanozie scored a late goal to hand the trophy to Nigeria for the eighth time.

Four years ago, in Accra, both teams also met in the semi-final stage. It was a tough duel that ended 0-0 after regulation and extra time, but the Falcons again prevailed 4-2 after a penalty shoot-out on the way to their ninth title.

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Though the Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi, admits the Cameroon clash will be a tough one, the 39-year-old was quick to assure of the team’s readiness to do their best for a positive result.

“Of course, we know what to expect. The Cameroonians also want to go to the World Cup. But we have never missed the World Cup and we won’t start now. Our eyes are fully focused on Australia & New Zealand, and then we can start talking about the trophy.” Ebi declared.

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Nigeria’s 4-0 win against Burundi is the biggest victory so far in Morocco and the Super Falcons boast of the most lethal attack after the group stage with their seven-goal haul.

While we expect Coach Waldrum to keep faith with the attacking pair of Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu, who have scored two goals each, the American may have other tricks up his sleeve to unsettle the Cameroonians.

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Arteta admits Arsenal’s title hopes are out of their hands after Chelsea draw

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Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Premier League title race, Chelsea draw, Gabriel Martinelli, Pedro Neto, Liverpool, Manchester City, football news

Mikel Arteta acknowledges that Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League this season are beyond their control after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea left them 9 points behind the leaders.

 

 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has conceded that his team’s chances of winning the Premier League title this season are now out of their hands, following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal in the lead, but Pedro Neto’s equaliser for Chelsea saw the points shared, leaving the Gunners in fourth place and nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

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Also read: Arteta confident Arsenal can end winless streak in crucial Chelsea clash

 

The draw added to Arteta’s woes, as Arsenal are also behind Chelsea and Manchester City in the standings. Despite the setback, Arteta remains focused on ensuring his squad remains fit and ready for the challenges ahead.

When asked about the club’s title race aspirations during his post-match interview, Arteta admitted, “There’s nothing that we can do about that. What I’m praying is that we have the team fully physically equipped

. It’s been a nightmare. So I’m just asking that because the desire and how much we want it, there’s no question.”

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Arsenal’s injury concerns have been well-documented, and Arteta has been vocal about his desire to have a fully fit squad for the remainder of the campaign.

However, with their chances of securing the title now looking slim, the focus will likely shift to maintaining a strong position in the top four and securing a place in next season’s Champions League.

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As the season progresses, Arteta will be hoping for a strong finish, but Arsenal will need other teams to slip up if they are to have any hope of mounting a title challenge in the closing stages of the campaign.

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Arteta confident Arsenal can end winless streak in crucial Chelsea clash

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Arsenal vs Chelsea preview

Arteta expects Arsenal to end their winless run in Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, backed by the squad’s renewed hunger for a Premier League victory.

 

 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team can bounce back in Sunday’s pivotal clash against Chelsea, following a challenging run of games.

Despite going without a win in their last three Premier League matches and facing setbacks across competitions, Arteta believes his players’ determination could spark a turnaround at Stamford Bridge.

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Also read: Guardiola bans player discussions with referees following Arsenal match

 

The Gunners, who were edged out by Inter Milan 1-0 in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter and narrowly defeated by Newcastle last weekend, are eager to return to winning form.

Although Arsenal had high hopes for a title challenge this season, a poor spell has left them trailing league leaders Liverpool by seven points.

Arteta, however, is confident that his players have the desire to overcome these recent struggles. “When you don’t win, it affects the mood and energy, but today I had a meeting with them. I sensed right away that they’re hungry and want to work hard. They’re a joy to work with,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

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Chelsea currently hold the fourth position, one spot above Arsenal in fifth. Another loss this weekend would dent Arsenal’s hopes of winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

The Gunners’ captain, Martin Odegaard, has been sidelined with an ankle injury since September, compounding Arsenal’s recent difficulties.

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Despite only returning as a late substitute against Inter, Arteta hinted that Odegaard might start against Chelsea, saying, “Having Martin back is a big boost. He’s been incredibly important, and hopefully, he can impact the team.”

Additionally, Arsenal have been affected by recent suspensions for Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard.

Arteta acknowledged the impact of these challenges but stressed that the solution to their struggles is within reach. “The problem is identifiable and resolvable,” he said, adding that he’s confident in the team’s overall improvement.

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“Watching the Inter match back twice, I’ve never seen my team perform like that. The margins are small, but we’re performing ten times better than last season.”

Despite the setbacks, Arteta remains optimistic. “There’s nobody inside or outside this building who wants to win more than I do,” he remarked.

With Odegaard’s return and a hungry squad ready to push forward, Arteta believes Arsenal are well-positioned to claw back into contention.

Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge will be crucial for Arsenal, not only to secure points but also to regain their momentum and revive their hopes of staying in the title race.

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Real Madrid target Ademola Lookman as potential replacement for Vinicius Junior

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Real Madrid target Ademola Lookman, Vinicius Junior replacement, Lookman Atalanta, UEFA Champions League, Nigerian winger

Real Madrid eyes Ademola Lookman as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior, with the Atalanta star impressing in both Serie A and Europe.

 

Spanish football giants Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior, whose future at the club remains uncertain.

The UEFA Champions League holders are keen on bringing the 27-year-old to the Santiago Bernabéu following his impressive form at Atalanta in Serie A.

 

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Also read: Ademola Lookman represents Africa at Ballon d’Or ceremony

 

Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for a fee of €9.35 million plus bonuses, has enjoyed a stellar run, accumulating 39 goals and 23 assists in 90 competitive appearances for the Italian side.

His contributions this season remain exceptional, with seven goals and five assists from 12 appearances, showing no signs of slowing down.

Real Madrid’s interest in the Nigerian comes amid speculation that Vinicius Junior could be on his way out of the club.

Reports suggest that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal are preparing a record-breaking €300 million bid for the Brazilian star, potentially eclipsing Neymar’s €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

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With Vinicius’ future uncertain, Madrid have reportedly turned to Lookman as a prime candidate to fill the void in their attack.

Lookman’s versatility on the wings, his blistering pace, and impressive dribbling skills make him an ideal fit for Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical approach.

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His ability to create chances and link up with teammates would complement Madrid’s attacking play, providing a potent threat in one-on-one situations.

The Nigerian’s performances over the past year, including a stunning hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, have made him a hot commodity in European football.

Lookman was also on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window, with a personal agreement reportedly already in place.

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However, Atalanta managed to keep hold of him for now, though a move could be imminent with top clubs like Real Madrid circling.

Atalanta’s star forward is currently valued at €60 million, a sum Real Madrid can comfortably afford. Lookman’s impressive rise has also earned him recognition on the global stage, as he was ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or ceremony and is considered a favourite to win the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

With the situation surrounding Vinicius Junior’s potential departure still unfolding, Real Madrid are prepared to move swiftly in their pursuit of Lookman, securing a talented winger capable of strengthening their squad and continuing their dominance on both domestic and European fronts.

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