by FSL News | 7 Nov, 2020 | African News, Sport News
- The Confederation oF African Football, CAF have confirmed that all November African Nations Cup qualifiers to be played behind closed doors.
- CAF says all matches will be played in an empty stadium due to the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic across the globe.
- This comes after the end of a video conference with National Security and Safety Officers of its member federations on Thursday.
As a result, Sierra Leone and Nigeria are among others will have to contest without spectators in November’s doubleheaders.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ players are expected on Monday, November 9 at Eterno Hotel while the match officials and the delegation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be accommodated at the Edo Heritage Hotel in Benin City ahead of honouring their 2022 qualifier.
The tie is billed for Friday, November 13 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium without fans.
In another development, Samuel Ikpea, the National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), has called on Federal Government to change the “no fan” decision imposed despite Caf statement.
Ikpea was quoted as saying on Friday in Lagos that the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were not being fair.
“We are disappointed with this decision which denies football fans access into the stadium for the match.”
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by FSL News | 6 Nov, 2020 | African News, Sport News
- Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo is set to Miss Super Eagles game against Sierra Leone at the newly refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City 13th November.
Omeruo, 27, who signed for Chelsea from Standard Liege in January 2012, confirmed the news that he will be on the side-lined for at least two weeks.
The experienced defender has refuted reports that he is back from the injury he sustained during Leganés 1-0 win over Mirandes last Sunday.
Nigeria German coach Gernot Rohr will be a worried man after the news of Omeruo’s injury ahead of his side’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
The defender took to Twitter to reaffirm the news.
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by FSL News | 4 Nov, 2020 | African News, Sport News
- Jupiler Pro-League top scorer, Paul Onuachu will replace injured Moses Simon, who was injured during Nantes defeat at the weekend.
- Simon was subbed off in the 25th minute of Nantes’ 3-0 defeat to PSG in Ligue 1 on Saturday due to an adductor injury.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced the news on their Twitter page ahead of the doubleheader against Sierra Leone 13th and 17th November.
The Genk striker registered his ninth of the season against KAS Eupen on Friday in their 4-0 victory at home.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has predicted that the three-time African Champions would have tough contests against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
The veteran footballer disclosed this in a chat with Brila.net saying that football, especially in Africa, have no minors or pushovers.
He also stated that lower-ranked nations will always work towards upsetting footballing pedigree like Nigeria.
“No more pushovers in African football. Most countries will work double to showcase themselves against Nigeria.”
The Super Eagles top the group L, accruing 6 points from two wins against Lesotho and the Benin Republic.
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by FSL News | 29 Oct, 2020 | African News, Sport News
Nigeria German technician, Gernot Rohr, has named Super Eagles top poacher Victor Osimhen for Sierra Leone cracker.
Other notable inclusions are skipper Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, midfield enforcer Oghenekaro Etebo, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi also made Rohr selection.
Next month’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be matchday three and four of the race to Cameroon.
The contest will be played at the newly refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City 13th November with the reverse fixture in Freetown 17th November at the Siaka Stevens Stadium.
The NFF says there are seven players on standby, including defender Abdullahi Shehu, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, midfielders Ramon Azeez and Samson Tijani, and forward Paul Onuachu.
Players are expected to report at the Protea Hotel Emotan in Benin City on Monday 9th November.
The Super Eagles are leading Group L after their opening two victories against Benin and Lesotho. The Squirrels of the Benin Republic standing second followed by Lesotho.
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by FSL News | 24 Oct, 2020 | African News, Sport News
- Nigeria midfielder, John Ogu, has urged his team-mates to boycott upcoming matches in protest at police brutality amid continuing violence in the commercial capital, Lagos.
The Super of Nigeria to face Sierra Leone in a back to back African Cup of Nations qualifier next month, but Ogu, who has 26 caps, said a boycott would “make a statement”.
In recent weeks, thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets of Lagos to protest against a police unit called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Allegations of the army killing demonstrators were denied. President Muhammadu Buhari has urged protesters to stop demonstrating and engage with the government.
Ogu, 32, in a strong message, told the World Football Show on BBC World Service radio: “What is the point in representing the country if this is what the politicians, the people we’re representing, can do to us?
“I feel like this is the best thing to do right now until they get back to their senses and listen to us.
“We want a good government, the police brutality to stop, we want the Sars to stop, we want the killings to stop, we want good laws, we want job opportunities. It’s just crazy.
“I believe most of my colleagues understand where I am coming from, I wish we can do this.”
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by FSL News | 24 Oct, 2020 | African News, Sport News
Goals from Mohsen in the opening five minute, Hussein el Shahat 26th and Yasser Ibrahim 59th respectively were enough as they proved too strong for their Moroccan counterparts having won the first leg of the semifinal 2-0 last weekend.
Wydad grabbed a consolation goal through Zouhair El Moutaraji nine minutes from the end.
The Egyptians advanced to this year’s final following a 5-1 overall.
Al Ahly’s South African boss, Pitso Mosimane, is not new to this stage of the competition. He won it with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.
His side will now face either Morocco’s Raja Casablanca or Cairo rivals Zamalek in next month’s final which will take place in Egypt.
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Sierra Leone | Highlights -