SPORTS

Godfrey Oboabona Slams Libya Over Super Eagles’ Ordeal And Urges Strict Action From CAF

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Godfrey Oboabona slams Libya over Super Eagles' ordeal | fab.ng

Nigeria defender Godfrey Oboabona (34) has criticized the Libyan Football Federation for their mistreatment of the Super Eagles. Eguavoen has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to implement strict rules. He wants to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The three-time African champions faced a difficult situation in Libya. This happened in the days before their Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Libya.

The Libyan opponents left Augustine Eguavoen’s team stranded at an abandoned airport for more than 15 hours without any help. They used this tactic to make the Nigerian team feel uneasy before the match at Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi.

The players expressed their concerns on social media. Eventually, rescuers came to Al-Abraq and helped the team. The Nigerian team then decided not to play the match because they worried about their safety.

Godfrey Oboabona shared his thoughts on the troubling incident. He believes violated the principles of fair play and respect in football. He also offered suggestions to CAF on how to address this issue.

“It was truly a terrifying experience, but the most important thing is that the boys (Super Eagles) are safely back home after that frightening ordeal. I expect the Confederation of African Football to take action and prevent incidents like this in the future,” the 2013 AFCON winner said.

“If this is what we consider home advantage, it’s truly disgraceful, and it shows how far we still have to go on this continent. The Libyan Football Federation has no justification for their actions, which go against the principles of fair play and respect.

“Aware that they couldn’t compete with the Nigerians, they resorted to such actions, but their plans backfired. I expect CAF to not only impose a heavy fine on the Libyans but also to disqualify their national team from the tournament as a warning to other countries.”

The Libyan team had lost all of their previous matches against Nigeria. They desperately needed to win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the biennial African football tournament alive.

Godfrey Oboabona captained Sunshine Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League. He led them to semi-final finishes in two tournaments. They reached this stage in the 2011 CAF Confederation Cup. Also, they made the semis in the 2012 CAF Champions League. Oboabona shared his experiences from these events. He discussed how they impacted African football.

He said,

“I can relate to what Augustine Eguavoen’s team experienced, as I faced similar situations several times while representing Sunshine Stars in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

“Our hosts, particularly the North Africans, often resorted to these tactics to demoralize us. I believe we should have moved beyond these issues by now because, in the end, it’s our football in Africa that will continue to suffer.

“If this persists, our top players may refuse to participate in international fixtures played away from home, and even European clubs might hesitate to release them.

“I hope for a future when the world’s biggest stars choose to end their careers playing for African clubs, but incidents like this could stand in the way of that dream.

“This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and CAF’s failure to impose strict penalties on offenders has only encouraged such behaviour, as teams are now desperate to win at any cost.”

Although they have played one fewer game, Eguavoen’s team is leading Group D with seven points. The former Rizespor defender believes that there is nothing that can stop the 2023 AFCON runners-up.

“Nothing will stop Nigeria from qualifying for Morocco 2025 at this rate. They remain unbeaten in all three matches played so far in Group D, and if they maintain this momentum, they could finish the qualifying series without a single loss.”

CAF has confirmed that they have received an official complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation. Consequently, they have sent the case to their disciplinary board for investigation.

For more sports updates, check here.

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Thomas Tuchel Confirmed As England Manager From 2025

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SPORTS

Thomas Tuchel Confirmed As England Manager From 2025

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Reporter

Thomas Tuchel Confirmed As England Manager From 2025 | fab.ng

The Football Association (FA) appointed Thomas Tuchel (51) as the new England manager. They announced this decision on Wednesday. The German has signed an 18-month contract. The contract starts on January 1st and will continue until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

He is the third foreign manager to coach England, following Sweden’s Sven Goran Eriksson and Italy’s Fabio Capello.

“I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team,” Tuchel said. “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.

“To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”

The FA interviewed several candidates in their search for a new manager to replace Gareth Southgate, who left in July. They identified Tuchel as their “preferred candidate” among those interviewed.

The board confirmed their decision to appoint Tuchel last week (Tuesday, October 8th). They delayed the announcement to “minimize distraction” during the latest international camp.

Anthony Barry, an English coach, will assist Tuchel in his new role.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham said,

“We are thrilled to have hired Thomas Tuchel, one of the best coaches in the world and Anthony Barry who is one of the best English coaches to support him. Our recruitment process has been very thorough.

“Thomas was very impressive and stood out with his vast expertise and his drive. Anthony is a top English talent and also has international experience with Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Portugal.

“Fundamentally we wanted to hire a coaching team to give us the best possible chance of winning a major tournament, and we believe they will do just that. Thomas and the team have a single-minded focus on giving us the best possible chance to win the World Cup in 2026.”

The FA also confirmed that Lee Carsley will continue to be England’s interim manager for their two remaining Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month.

After that, Carsley will return to his role as Under-21 boss, allowing Tuchel to take charge of the senior team.

The FA conducted an extensive search to replace Southgate. The FA contacted Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola to inquire about his interest in the position. This search led them to identify Tuchel as the next England manager.

Tuchel has had great success at the club level, but this will be his first experience managing an international team.

Throughout his career, he has managed six clubs, including Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and most recently Bayern Munich.

In 2021, Tuchel led Chelsea to the Champions League title and also won the Club World Cup. However, he was fired a year later.

He also won domestic league titles with both PSG and Bayern, which he left at the end of last season.

Managing England will be Tuchel’s first job since leaving Bayern. Also, his main goal will be to lead the Three Lions to victory for the first time since 1966.

Under Southgate, England reached the finals of Euro 2020 and 2024 but lost to Italy and Spain, respectively.

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Nigeria Aims To Extend Unbeaten Streak Against Libya In AFCON Qualifier

Published

5 days ago

October 11, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

2025 AFCON: Nigeria Aims To Win | fab.ng

Nigeria will seek to extend their unbeaten run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification as they take on Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Super Eagles are in a strong position to secure a spot in the biennial tournament after a commanding victory over the Benin Republic and a hard-fought draw with Rwanda. Meanwhile, Libya faces a different challenge.

The recent appointment of Nasser Al-Hadhiri as Libya’s head coach, following the sacking of Serbian Milutin Sredojevic, could give the Mediterranean Knights a much-needed boost. Libya last competed in AFCON when it was co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

As all eyes turn to this showdown in Akwa Ibom, key factors will determine which team comes out on top.

2025 AFCON: Maximizing Victor Boniface’s Potential

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been in incredible form, scoring five goals in his last six appearances for the Bundesliga champions. However, his performances with the Super Eagles haven’t matched his club form, as he has yet to score in eight matches, a stat that doesn’t reflect his true ability.

Boniface has been in fabulous goalscoring form for Leverkusen

With African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen sidelined due to fitness issues, the responsibility to score falls squarely on Boniface. While the former Bodo/Glimt star has the potential to be a lethal threat, coach Augustine Eguavoen and his staff must develop a strategy that creates clear chances for the Germany-based striker to thrive.

Prevent Libya from Scoring First

Libya has scored first in their last two matches, highlighting the offensive threat they could pose in Uyo. In contrast, Nigeria hasn’t had to come from behind in their recent fixtures, a situation the Libyans will aim to change.

Statistically, the Super Eagles struggle when they concede first. To avoid a setback, Nigeria’s defence must remain solid and focused, ensuring they convert the chances they create.

Leveraging Offensive Strategies

With Osimhen out, Nigeria still has 23 fit players available, while Libya brings 28 to the contest. Coach Augustine Eguavoen has plenty of attacking options, with seven strikers at his disposal as they face the 1982 AFCON runners-up.

Despite Osimhen’s absence, the Super Eagles have enough firepower to minimize his impact. Eguavoen should capitalize on this depth to secure a result, ideally before the 60-minute mark.

Handling Set-Pieces, Crosses, and Counterattacks

Nigeria’s recent matches have seen opponents attempt long balls behind their defence, though these efforts were largely contained. This tactic is likely to be used again by the Libyans, known for their direct style of play.

The Super Eagles must avoid conceding fouls in dangerous areas, as Libya has skilled set-piece takers. William Troost-Ekong and the defence need to stay alert throughout the match to prevent any costly errors.

2025 AFCON: Neutralizing Al-Musrati

Al-Musrati will be key in midfield for Libya

At his best, 28-year-old Moatasem Al-Musrati is a dominant force in midfield. His physicality and ball distribution skills have been on full display this season for Turkish giants Besiktas.

While Nigeria has a strong midfield lineup, Al-Musrati remains a significant threat. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka will need to use their experience to keep the Vitória Guimarães midfielder in check and prevent him from dictating the flow of the game.

For more sports updates, check here.

SPORTS

Nigeria Vs Libya: When Is The AFCON Qualifier & Where Can You Watch?

Published

6 days ago

October 10, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

2025 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya | fab.ng

Libya will look to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They will take on three-time African champions, Nigeria away from home in the 2025 AFCON qualifier.

The Mediterranean Knights started their campaign with a shaky performance, managing only a 1-1 draw against Rwanda after taking an early lead at Tripoli Stadium. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, where, like the match against Rwanda, they scored first but couldn’t hold their advantage.

What will be the outcome of Friday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Libya🇱🇾?

— Shina Oludare 🇳🇬 (@sportingshina) October 10, 2024

Now, with a new coach at the helm, Libya will aim to stop the Super Eagles, who currently top Group D. Augustine Eguavoen’s squad remains unbeaten, having secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs and a goalless draw with Rwanda.

Nigeria heads into this fixture with confidence, having won all four of their previous encounters against Libya. Their last clash was a thrilling 3-2 victory on October 16, 2018, in Sfax, Tunisia.

Fab.ng has all the key details about the 2025 AFCON qualifier, including how to watch the match and information on the referees.

When is the AFCON qualifier?

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will clash with Rwanda’s national women’s team in a highly anticipated football match on Friday, October 11, with kickoff set precisely for 18:00 Central European Time.

Where to Watch the Game

Date: October 11, 2024

Time: 6 PM Central European Time

Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Tanimu

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi

20 now in camp #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/twBvvxQQLb

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 8, 2024

Libya Squad

Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wuheeshi, Abdeljawad Hameida, Mohamed Ayad, Mohamed Darebi

Defenders: Ahmed El Trbi, Ali Yousef, Subhi Al-Dhawi, Mehdi Al-Kout, Majdi Erteiba, Sanad Bin Ali, Ahmed Saleh, Mohammed Al-Shiteewi, Al Bahlul Bousahmin

Midfielders: Faisal Al Badri, Abdussalam Tubal, Omar Al Khouja, Suhaib Shafshuf, Bader Hassan, Muhanad Madyen, Osamah Al-Shuraimi, Nouraldin Al-Qulaib, Ahmed Saad

Strikers: Ahmed Krawa’a, Mouath Eissa, Fadel Ali Salama, Abdulmuyassir Boushibah, Ezzeddin El Maremi, Ahmed Elmsmari

Match Venue

Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo (Akwa Ibom International Stadium)

What has been said?

Semi Ajayi stressed the need for a win against Libya, saying the Super Eagles are determined to prevail.

“We know how important the match is for us, and we’ve worked hard to expect a win. Yes, we’re prepared, we’re determined, and we’re looking forward to getting the three points on Friday,” he told the media.

Coach @coacheguavoen speaks on team readiness for Libya games and more #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/ZlN28rG5z9

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 8, 2024

William Troost-Ekong, the MVP of the 2023 AFCON held in Cote d’Ivoire, has expressed a similar sentiment to Semi Ajayi, emphasizing the Super Eagles’ determination to win against Libya.

He said, “We want to be at the AFCON next year. We cannot afford to miss the tournament in Morocco.

“We’re working hard – players, coaches, officials, everyone – and we hope to achieve our dream.”