Category: Sports

The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has admitted he made some poor decisions, despite a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday.

Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with three points as they chase a fourth continental title.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for Chelle’s men before Charles M’Mombwa levelled for Tanzania.

Ademola Lookman then struck the winning goal two minutes later.

Speaking after the game, Chelle said: “I made a lot of choices; some were good, some were not good.

“I told the journalists that I have my vision and I’m the coach.”

AFCON 2025: I made some bad choices – Chelle reacts as Super Eagles beat Tanzania

Smart City FC head coach, Olayiwola Dabiri, has vowed that his team will bounce back from their recent run of poor results.

The Lagos-based side have suffered defeats in their last two fixtures against Edel FC and Crown FC, respectively.

Smart City FC sit in seventh position on the Nigeria National League (NNL) Conference table with seven points.

Dabiri urged his players to put the setbacks behind them and focus on their target for the season.

“Tough losses, but we are not broken, heads up team,” Dabiri told the club’s media.

“We will bounce back as a team.”
Smart City will be in action in the NNL this season.

NNL: Smart City will bounce back from poor run — Dabiri

Semi Ajayi was named Man of the Match following Nigeria’s victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday night.

The Super Eagles began their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2–1 win over the East Africans.

Ajayi opened the scoring for Eric Chelle’s side with a superb header from Alex Iwobi’s cross in the 36th minute. It was Ajayi’s second international goal for Nigeria.

Aside from his goal, the West Bromwich Albion star also delivered a resolute display at the back.

The 31-year-old played for the entire duration of the game.

AFCON 2025: Ajayi scoops MOTM award in Super Eagles’ slim win over Tanzania 

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

AFCON 2025: Lookman scores winner as Super Eagles start campaign with 2–1 victory over Tanzania

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his starting line-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Group C clash with Taifa Stars of Tanzania, DAILY POST reports.

Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali will be in goal, cementing his status as the team’s first choice goalkeeper.

Chelle picked Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi as full-backs.

Regulars Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will feature as centre-backs.

Newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi will pair Alex Iwobi in midfield.

Victor Osimhen will lead a four-man attack that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Adams Akor.

Super Eagles X1 Vs Tanzania

Nwabali

Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi

Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze , Lookman

Akor, Osimhen

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles starting X1 vs Tanzania

Abia Warriors technical adviser, Imama Amapakabo, has said that their Matchday 18 victory over Warri Wolves was hard-fought.
The Umuahia-based club secured a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

Sunday Megwo’s last-minute penalty proved decisive in the game.

Amapakabo admitted that his team battled hard to claim the victory.

“The game against Warri Wolves was a difficult game for us,” Amapakabo told Abia Warriors media.

“Warri Wolves did well by containing my players, we didn’t do well in the offensive but I’m satisfied with the victory.”

Abia Warriors moved up to third position on the league table with 30 points. Their next game will be against Plateau United in Jos.

NPFL: Amapakabo relishes Abia Warriors’ win over Warri Wolves

Wilfred Ndidi has declared he is ready to take up his new role with the Super Eagles, DAILY POST reports.

Ndidi was officially appointed the new Super Eagles captain last week.

Former captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football on December 4.

Ndidi will lead the Super Eagles when they face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in their opening fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

The Besiktas midfielder insisted that taking up the captaincy will not put him under pressure.

“I’ve been here learning from the former captain Troost-Ekong, so there’s no pressure at all,” he told reporters in Fès, Morocco on Monday.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles captaincy not a big deal – Ndidi

Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okpara has attributed their Matchday 17 defeat to Kwara United to a loss of concentration.

The Prosperity Boys went down 2-0 to Kwara United at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl Stadium in Ilorin on Sunday.

Strikes from Babatunde Bright and Ini Emmanuel were enough to secure maximum points for Kwara United.

Okpara commended Kwara United for their resilience in securing the victory.

“We started the game well. Worst would have been a draw as we had the first half; Kwara United had the second half where they got the goals,” Okpara stated after the game.

“Kwara United played well to get the maximum points over Bayelsa United.”

Bayelsa United occupy 13th position on the league table with 23 points from 18 matches.

They will face El-Kanemi Warriors next in Yenagoa.

NPFL: Why Bayelsa United lost to Kwara Utd – Coach Okara

Enyimba head coach, Lawrence Ukaegbu, has attributed the team’s defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors to defensive errors.

The People’s Elephant suffered a 3-2 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Ukaegbu insisted that the Borno Army were fortunate to secure the victory.

“It was a good game but for the errors at the back which allowed them cheap goals,” Ukaegbu told Sportslighthub.

“I think they were lucky to escape defeat because if we had converted the chances we created, it would have been the other way round.”

Enyimba will face Kwara United next in Aba.

NPFL: Ukaegbu blames defensive mistake for Enyimba’s defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has tipped Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to take over from Harry Kane as the next England captain after the Bayern Munich striker retires from international football.

According to Rooney, Rice is the ideal replacement for Kane, adding that the 26-year-old is well-liked by every body.

“For me, Declan is the one who’s probably waiting for Harry Kane to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney stated on his BBC show.

“He was absolutely incredible [against Everton]. He’s the right one to take over [from Harry Kane] for me, because of his drive, his personality.

“Everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who’s close to him. He’s irreplaceable for England.”

‘Everyone loves him’ – Rooney names England player to replace Harry Kane as captain