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Morocco AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Fire Blanks in Kigali

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Super Eagles Extend Unbeaten Record Against Amavubi, Remain Top of Group

Nigeria and Rwanda played to a scoreless draw at the refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday. Despite the stalemate, the Super Eagles maintained their position at the top of their AFCON 2025 qualifying group, benefiting from their 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.

The match echoed previous encounters between the two sides in Kigali, where Nigeria secured a 1-1 draw during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and a 0-0 draw in a 2013 AFCON qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen made a single change to the lineup that faced the Cheetahs, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replacing Alex Iwobi. Early in the game, Nigeria missed a clear chance to take the lead when defender Bruno Onyemaechi misfired after receiving a perfect pass from Ademola Lookman. Wilfred Ndidi also saw his shot saved by Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari shortly after.

As the match progressed, Rwanda’s Bonheur Mugisha and Kevin Muhire tested the Super Eagles’ defense, but Nigeria had their own chances. Lookman had a goal disallowed in the 22nd minute after the referee ruled that a Nigerian player had fouled a defender in the buildup. Victor Boniface missed a key opportunity in the 25th minute, and Onyemaechi failed to score from a rebound off Boniface’s shot, which hit the upright in the 37th minute.

Just before halftime, Onyemaechi, who frequently found himself in scoring positions, headed wide from an Olaoluwa Aina cross. In the second half, substitute Moses Simon saw his shot blocked by Ntwari, and Lookman had another attempt saved by the Rwandan goalkeeper.

Rwanda nearly took the lead in the 68th minute through Jojea Kwizera, but his shot missed the target. Late in the game, Mugisha’s powerful shot was parried by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Substitute Raphael Onyedika and Victor Osimhen both had opportunities to score in the final minutes, but Ntwari stood firm to deny them.

The Super Eagles will next face the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in mid-October.

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EPL: Amorim Clears Air on Replacing Guardiola at Man City

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Sporting Lisbon head coach, Ruben Amorim, has addressed the ongoing speculation regarding his potential appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City. With Guardiola’s contract expiring next summer and no current negotiations for an extension, rumors have been swirling about who might take over should he depart.

The speculation intensified following the appointment of Hugo Viana, a close associate of Amorim, as City’s new director of football. However, Amorim clarified in an interview with Cabine Desportiva that his career path is separate from Viana’s, stating, “Hugo Viana and I, we have different and separate paths. His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Manchester City. We just have a very professional relationship, which will not last forever.”

Amorim’s remarks aim to quell any misunderstandings about his future while emphasizing his focus on his current role at Sporting Lisbon. As Guardiola’s future remains uncertain, City fans and pundits will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.

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Moses Simon: How Mosquitoes Almost Finished Us at Libya’s Al Abraq Airport

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Super Eagles star Simon Moses has recounted the harrowing experience endured by the Nigerian national team during a prolonged 17-hour ordeal at Libya’s Al Abraq airport, where fears about health hazards posed by mosquitoes compounded their distress.

Initially set to land in Benghazi, the team was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, located over 200 miles from their intended destination. Upon arrival, the players found themselves locked inside the airport with no food or water, forced to spend the night on the floor of the departure lounge.

In an interview with L’Équipe, the 29-year-old forward from FC Nantes described the experience as akin to a hostage situation. “We felt as though we were taken hostage. When we arrived, there was no one to assist us. We ended up saying that we would have to sleep there,” Simon explained. Despite efforts from the Nigeria Football Federation to secure accommodations, access to the nearby hotel was restricted for the team.

The absence of basic necessities heightened their discomfort as they struggled against swarms of mosquitoes throughout the night. “We stayed there, without a bed, without food or water, in the middle of the mosquitoes,” he added, expressing concern for the team’s health.

Simon noted the palpable fear among the players during this ordeal. “When you see that they’re blocking the road and locking the doors in the airport, naturally you worry that something is going to happen to you,” he said, reflecting on the anxiety that permeated their situation.

Fortunately, the team safely returned home on Monday evening. Expressing relief, Simon confirmed his readiness to participate in the upcoming match against OGC Nice on Sunday, stating that there is no question of him being unavailable.

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Osimhen: “I Didn’t Want Anyone to Decide My Future”

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Victor Osimhen has shared insights into his recent move to Turkish Super League champions Galatasaray, emphasizing his determination to take control of his own career. The Nigerian striker made the switch after unsuccessful negotiations with both Chelsea and Al-Ahli, ultimately securing a season-long loan to Galatasaray.

Reflecting on his decision, the 25-year-old noted that he initially intended to remain at Napoli until January. However, his plans shifted when Galatasaray reached out to him. “I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and leave in January,” Osimhen explained during a media session at the Galatasaray training center. “But I think for me it was fair also to stay there because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me.”

Osimhen emphasized the importance of making choices that align with his personal aspirations, particularly in light of not securing the move he had originally hoped for. “It was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred,” he added.

Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has made an impactful start to the season, scoring two goals and providing four assists in his first four games. His performance reflects both his talent and commitment to making the most of his new opportunity in Turkey.

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