SPORTS
AFCON 2023: Football Enthusiasts Optimistic of Nigeria`s Victory Over S/Africa
Football enthusiasts across the country are optimistic that the Nigeria Super Eagles will triumph over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semifinals at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d`Ivoire.
The respondents who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday, said that the Eagles have the capacity win and progress to the final.
NAN reports that Nigeria and South Africa will clash in the seminal of the ongoing AFCON at the Stade De Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire at 6pm today (Wednesday)
In Jos, Jerry Udoh, a journalist and football fan, said that going head-to-head, Nigeria has the upper hand against the South Africans.
Udoh said that Nigeria played South Africa 14 times and won seven times; South Africa came out on top twice, while they shared the spoils on five occasions.
“Naturally, Nigeria has an advantage over the South Africans; the last time they met in the African Cup of Nations’ quarterfinal, Nigeria won 2-1.
“As a sports enthusiast and as a Nigerian fan, I expect them to win, and I believe they will win,’’ he said.
Samson Adesoji, a sports commentator, expected a difficult encounter for Nigeria on two grounds.
“He believes that Nigeria has what it takes to beat the South Africans, and that is the reason why he gave advice.
“To me, this is a done deal. If you see the boys, you will know that this is a different Nigerian team that wants to make a point.
“When you see the Eagles, you will see cohesion and commitment in the team, individual players who are ready to make the country proud.
Agabus Pwanagba, another football fan and ardent supporter of the Super Eagles, foresees a fiercely contested match.
He said that the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa had been there for a long time, but Nigeria most of the time came out on top.
Pwanagba believes that Nigeria’s performance in the tournament was better than that of South Africa, but cautions that every game needs a different approach.
According to him, the rivalry would be reignited, and it was going to be a tight game, but he expects Nigeria to overcome Bafana Bafana.
Katdapba Gobum, a veteran journalist and sports lover, sees the game as a game of wits, but I believe Nigeria would win 2-1.
“From every indication, our boys are prepared just like the South Africans, but we are going to match their tactics by tactics and we will prevail.
“I believe this year is our year, and no one can stop us, not even South Africans,’’ he added.
In Benin, Emmanuel Ajibola, Secretary of the Edo Football Association, said he was optimistic Nigeria would triumph over South Africa in the first semi-final of the tournament.
He said though the Super Eagles were underrated, their performance had shown that Nigeria had a solid team for the competition.
“For the fact that they only conceded one goal so far shows that we have a team. They may not be playing to our taste, but the coach knows what he is doing.
“The coach has a pattern that he wants them to play and they are playing to instruction. As long as they did that, to God be the glory, it has been helping them.
“I am a very positive person and Nigeria is my country. To me, Nigeria will carry the day tomorrow. Nigeria will be victorious against South Africa.
“I believe Nigeria will have more goals against South Africa than ever in the tournament. We may likely have more than two goals tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Jethro Ibileke, a sports journalist and analyst said going by the antecedent, Nigeria would have a good outing against their South African counterparts.
He, however, cautioned the team against loss of concentration, urging the Nigerian boys to go for more goals in the game.
“We need to score more goals. We lost so many chances (against Angola). We need to take advantage of those chances.
“ When you miss your chances, the opponents will punish you for that. Our strikers need to be sharp,“he said.
In Enugu, Enugu State Football Association Secretary, Sunday Ugwu said that he was very confident the Eagles would win the encounter.
“As a Nigerian, I want them to win and as a fan I want them to win.I just hope they will be at their best today, ” he said.
Ugwu, however, urged the team not to underrate the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Emma Nweze, a Sports writer also expressed the hope that the Super Eagles will win their match against the South Africans.
“I am very confident Nigeria will carry the day with a 3-1 score line, ” he said.
Norbert Okolo said though South Africa is playing their best this time but I trust that the Eagles will emerge victorious.
“South Africa is good no doubt but if our boys play their best, they will surely win the match, ” he said
In Kano, a football fan, Simon Okafor, advised the Eagles to maintain the tempo that gave the team victory against Angola in the quarter finals.
He urged them to replicate the standard against Angola when they meet South Africa in their semi-final match.
Mustafa Adamu, commended the team for its victory against Angola but said that a more tactical opponent would punish it, over their missed chances.
According to him, the Eagles have exhibited a good fighting spirit by beating Cote d` Ivoire, Cameroon and Angola.
Abubakar Musa, a football administrator, urged the attack to be calm and composed to enable them to utilise their chances.
“The team’s strikers are talented but they need to improve on their finishing,” he said.
Amina Yahaya, a fan of the Eagles urged Nigerians to pray for the team to ensure that they overcome the South African opposition and win the trophy.
“We should pray that the team should do well to advance to the final, of the tournament,” Yahaya said.
In Asaba, Sam Erhunmwunsee, a journalist with the FRCN, said the Eagles must show character and determination in the game against South Africa.
“I expect the Super Eagles to display a high sense of agility over their South African counterparts.
“I know the Super Eagles will make Nigerians proud with a two zero victory over South Africa, “he said.
Uche Offor, a trader in Asaba, said the odds favours the Super Eagles to go through to the final.
“To me, South Africa does not pose any challenge to Nigeria at all, but that does not mean we should go to sleep.
Former players of Bayelsa United on Wednesday donated a set of jerseys to the club to support their preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Presenting the jerseys to the club, leader of the players and former Chairman of Bayelsa United, Ebiki Timitimi, said the gesture was their little way of contributing to the club’s campaign in the NNL.
Timitimi said the former players remain committed to the growth and development of the club and appealed to critics to be constructive in their assessments.
“As ex-players of the club, we deemed it fit to support the team in our own little way.
We decided to give a set of jerseys to the club as they start their pre-season friendlies.“Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but we should criticise constructively by engaging the management to hear their side of the story before jumping to conclusions.
“Criticising them publicly without proper knowledge of the subject matter,” he added.
Receiving the jerseys on behalf of the Chairman, Peter Singabele and the Management Board, Godson Ekadi described the gesture as a significant show of solidarity from a key constituency of the club.
Ekadi said that the donation, the first major support from stakeholders ahead of the new season, will serve as a huge morale booster for the board, technical crew, and players.
“It is a wonderful statement that has been made today by the ex-players, because when you get support from your immediate constituency, it means that it’s going to be a wonderful season for us.
“Because this is the first gift we’re getting from stakeholders, and we’re calling on others to toe the line of the ex-players.
“It’s like our season has already started because of this gesture they have shown not only verbally, but also by giving a set of jerseys to the club,” he said.
He called on corporate organisations, stakeholders, and International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state to emulate the ex-player
London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.
The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.
She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.
Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.
“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.
“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.
“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”
Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.
She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.
Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and Mapi Leon.
Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hoped to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.
Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konate rolled up their pre-game T-shirts ahead of Real Madrid’s match at Elche on Tuesday to obscure the message of support for the people of Ceuta.
Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, bordering Morocco and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.
Players from both sides walked on to the pitch at Elche’s ground, Martinez Valero, wearing white T-shirts carrying the message “Todos somos caballas” translated as “We are all Ceutans” along with references to the Spanish autonomous city.
While most of the players wore the shirts fully, Mbappe, Vinicius and Konate had theirs rolled up to around chest height, obscuring some of the slogan.
Mbappe and Vinicius then removed their shirts before the pre-match handshake, while Konate kept his on for longer. Their team-mates and the Elche players continued to wear the shirts through the pre-match formalities.
This is not the first time Real Madrid have shown support for Ceuta. Before their Champions League meeting with Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on 8 September, supporters in the south stand displayed cards featuring the coat of arms of the autonomous city, while the rest of the stadium joined the tribute with a round of applause.
The initiative was part of a wider show of support for Ceuta, following a major migration crisis in the Spanish territory after thousands of people entered from Morocco.
At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July. Most swam around a border fence and at least 100 people died during the crossing, according to figures from Ceuta’s mayor.
Although most returned, as many as 5,000 remain in makeshift camps or are sleeping on the city’s streets and beaches, leading to unrest in the autonomous Spanish city in North Africa.
Locals have expressed safety concerns and some have destroyed shelters and blocked aid being supplied to the migrants.
The representatives of the players have been asked for comment.
The episode came shortly before a dramatic night for Real Madrid, who recovered from surrendering a two-goal lead to beat Elche 3-2, with Carlos Espi scoring the winner in stoppage time.
Mbappe was among Madrid’s scorers, while Vinicius started the game.
The pre-match gesture also highlighted the differing approaches among players and clubs to the Ceuta campaign.
Barcelona did not take part in the initiative, while players at other La Liga fixtures had worn the shirts as intended.
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