Sports
Morocco AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Fire Blanks in Kigali
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.
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has expressed his surprise at Manchester United’s decision to sell midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scotland international was transferred to Napoli during the summer transfer window for a fee of £25.7 million and has made a strong impact in Serie A, scoring two goals and providing an assist in his last three matches.
“I’m very surprised,” Zola said on Wednesday (via Metro UK). “I could not believe that Manchester United released him, to be honest. I don’t really know what the reason is, but obviously for Napoli, it’s been a great deal. I think everybody loves him so far; he’s scored goals and performed very well. He left me a little bit dazzled, to be honest, I didn’t expect that.”
Zola also noted the significance of McTominay’s success for Italian football, stating, “It is a big thing for Italian football; he is doing very well.”
Gateway United has officially terminated the contract of their head coach, Samson Omiponle, as confirmed by the club’s management. The decision to part ways with Omiponle takes immediate effect.
The Abeokuta-based club is now actively searching for a new coach ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. Gateway United will compete in the Southern Conference Group A for the new campaign, which is set to kick off on Saturday, November 30.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has stated that there have been only two errors made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the current English Premier League season. VAR has faced significant scrutiny since its introduction in 2019, but Webb asserts that the technology is showing improvement and that mistakes are being minimized after a rocky start.
During an appearance on the Stick to Football Podcast, Webb addressed the management of expectations regarding VAR, noting, “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view.’”
He also highlighted the role of an independent panel comprising ex-players that reviews decisions weekly. According to this panel, only two VAR errors have occurred this season, a significant reduction from the ten errors reported at the same point last year. Webb’s comments suggest a positive trend in the application of VAR in the Premier League, aiming to enhance the accuracy and reliability of officiating.
Amuwo-Odofin Comes Alive as Lagos Lawmaker Hosts Stakeholders in Town-Hall Meeting
“Give Tinubu 40 Years, He Won’t Go Anywhere” – Adebayo
Jos DisCo to Launch Feeders Management System and Bilateral Arrangements
-
Entertainment22 hours agoDavido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Business22 hours agoWike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Entertainment22 hours ago‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Sports22 hours agoMessi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
-
News22 hours agoTCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
-
Business22 hours agoShehu Sani Criticizes World Bank Over Nigeria’s Economic Outlook
-
Foreign24 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Entertainment22 hours agoVan Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”