Sports
Super Eagles arrive in Cape Verde for 2022 World Cup qualifier
Players of the senior men’s national football team and their officials on Monday arrived in Cape Verde bubbling with enthusiasm, ahead of Tuesday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles players and officials arrived at the Amilcar Cabral International Airport at about 10.30 a.m.
Their arrival was confirmed on the team’s official Facebook page.
“We have landed in Sao Vincente, Cape Verde! GAME On…” a statement on the Super Eagles official Facebook page read.
The team was however unable to arrive at their earlier designated airport at Sao Vincente, venue of the match, as the airport was closed down.
“We have arrived Cape Verde! However, we are currently at the Amilcar Cabral International Airport as we couldn’t land in Sao Vincente where the match will be played because the Cesária Évora Airport had closed.
“We’re still here and will take off from here soon. It’s just an hour flight. Thanks for your support always!” an earlier statement read.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles began their 2022 World Cup race on a winning note after defeating visiting Lone Stars of Liberia 2-0 in Lagos on Friday.
They will face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde on Tuesday.
The Gernot Rohr-led team currently lead the Group C table with three points, two points above hosts Cape Verde who played out a 1-1 draw against Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Thursday.
NAN also reports that the Nigerian team is however depleted ahead of playing away to Cape Verde due to COVID-19 red-alert UK restrictions on the Island country.
Rohr will not have the services of all the Britain-based players, including Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
The former Manchester City forward was “Man of the Match” against Liberia and scored the match’s two goals.
Others who would not be available for Tuesday’s tie include defenders Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers) and William Ekong (Watford FC).
The rest are midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers), and striker Alex Iwobi (Everton FC).
The team had their final training session on Sunday morning before taking off to Cape Verde.
Tuesday’s match will hold at the 5,000-capacity Estádio Municipal Adérito Sena in Mindelo, from 2 p.m. Nigerian time.(NAN)
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
Van Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business12 hours agoOkpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
News24 hours agoDemolition: Press Under Siege As Taraba Govt Issues Ban Memo
-
Banking8 hours agoFree Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign13 hours agoSci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment5 hours agoDavido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment5 hours ago‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Foreign7 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign7 hours agoExpressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality