National Football Teams
Mutiu Adepoju: ‘I’m Delighted That Super Eagles Now Have Many Options’
Super Eagles’ midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has added his voice to reactions trailing Nigeria’s come from behind 2-1 win over Madagascar in their first match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, saying he felt excited seeing new players turn up in the squad.
Sports247 reports that Adepoju, who was fondly called ‘Headmaster’ during his playing days and is now an ambbasador for the Spanish La Liga in Nigeria, noted how the Super Eagles’ goals in the encounter at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo were scored by rookies.
With George Ilenikhena of Al-Itihad in Saudi Arabia and Moses Usor from LASK Lodz of Austria making hay on their debuts, thereby saving Nigeria from a potential home defeat in the Akwa Ibom State capital, Adepoju reckoned that the Eagles now have many options to bank on.
He, however, stressed that the players and their head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle must not rest on their oars, as they have many more matches to play before they pick the AFCON 2027 ticket, while also pointing out that other fixtures also lie beyond the continental showpiece.
“It’s a good way to start the qualifier with a victory, not minding that we conceded first. The most important thing is that the team won against Madagascar. I am delighted that we have so many options that can play for the Super Eagles.
“That’s a very good development. It is now left for the coach to know who he wants to start. He knows the composition of the team right from the beginning and will definitely know who to start,” concluded Adepoju, who scored six goals in 48 games for Nigeria.
Sports247 reports further that Adepoju shot into limelight as a member of Nigeria’s under-20 team that achieved ‘The Damman Miracle’ at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia, where he got a brace against United States in the semi-final but could not score in a final 2-0 loss to Portugal.
He got his senior debut against Togo in August 1990, then featured at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, helped Nigeria win the next edition two years later and was part of Nigeria’s maiden FIFA World Cup squad at USA 1994.
Adepoju was also in the squad to the 1998 Mundial in France, where he scored in a 3-2 win against Spain, a goal which he netted with his trade mark header and would declare years later that it was his proudest strike for Nigeria and best World Cup moment.
At club level, he featured for Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Julius Berger of Lagos, Real Madrid B, Racing Santander, Real Sociedad, Salamanca, Eldense and Cobeña of Spain as well as Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, Samsunspor of Turkey and AEL Limassol of Cyprus.
The post Mutiu Adepoju: ‘I’m Delighted That Super Eagles Now Have Many Options’ appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
National Football Teams
Super Falcons to Face Algeria in Two-Match Friendly Series Ahead of Future International Assignments
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face Algeria in a two-match friendly series during the November/December 2026 international window as the 10-time African champions continue preparations for future international engagements.
Sports247 reports that the double-header will see both teams meet first in the Algerian capital, Algiers, before travelling to Tizi-Ouzou for the return fixture four days later.
The first encounter is scheduled for Monday, November 30, at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, with kick-off set for 6:00 pm.
The teams will meet again on Friday, December 4, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou. The second match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.
The fixtures will provide the Super Falcons with an opportunity to test their readiness, assess their squad options and build match fitness ahead of their upcoming international commitments.
For Algeria, the two meetings against the reigning African champions will offer a valuable opportunity to measure their progress against one of the continent’s most established women’s national teams.
The Super Falcons, who have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times, will be looking to make the most of the international window through competitive action against the North African side.
With two fixtures scheduled within four days, the series is expected to provide both technical crews with useful opportunities to assess their players and fine-tune their preparations.
NIGERIA vs ALGERIA
First Leg
– Date: Monday, November 30, 2026
– Kick-off: 6:00 pm
– Venue: 5 July 1962 Stadium, Algiers
Second Leg
– Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
– Kick-off: 5:00 pm
– Venue: Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, Tizi-Ouzou
The post Super Falcons to Face Algeria in Two-Match Friendly Series Ahead of Future International Assignments appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
National Football Teams
Tanzania’s Early Arrival In Uyo Puts Super Eagles Under Instant Pressure Ahead Of Friday’s 2027 AFCON Qualifier
The decision by Taifa Stars of Tanzania to arrive early in Uyo ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has put their hosts under instant pressure heading into the game, Sports247 gathered.
Tanzania’s decision to arrive four days before the game billed for Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is mostly due to issues of acclimatisation, but there is also the extra psychological boost it gives them regarding familiarity with the environment.
As it were, while the Taifa Stars looked totally focused, with a full and complete squad on arrival, their hosts’ camp was far from full heading into Wednesday, which is just two days to the game.
While the visitors were able to quickly settle down and soon began full training, the only early arrivals in Nigeria’s camp were Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi on Tuesday evening, followed by Arthur Okonkwo, Benjamin Fredrick, Alhassan Yusuf, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Moses Simon.
A total of 14 players were expected to arrive Wednesday, which meant Nigeria’s plans were 48 hours behind those of the visitors, whom the Super Eagles must defeat home and away in order to topple Guinea-Bissau from the top spot of the group table.
Sports247 reports further that a shock 3-0 win for Guinea-Bissau at home against Nigeria took them top of the group with six points, while the Super Eagles are second with three points, followed by Madagascar on one point, same with Tanzania.
The post Tanzania’s Early Arrival In Uyo Puts Super Eagles Under Instant Pressure Ahead Of Friday’s 2027 AFCON Qualifier appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
National Football Teams
Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers
Nigeria have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with Victor Osimhen ruled out after sustaining a left knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Stuttgart.
Sports247 reports that the Super Eagles striker reportedly picked up the injury after slipping and falling while attempting to make a pass during the European fixture.
The playing surface appeared slippery, and the incident raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his injury.
Osimhen’s latest setback will be a significant concern for both Galatasaray and Nigeria, given his importance to their attacking ambitions.
The forward has become a central figure for the Super Eagles, and his absence leaves the national team without one of its most influential attacking options for the upcoming international fixtures.
Questions have also emerged over why the striker continued playing until the final whistle despite concerns that he had sustained an injury.
While the full circumstances surrounding the medical team’s decision remain unclear, an earlier assessment or substitution could have been considered to avoid exposing the player to further risk.
However, without an official medical explanation, it would be premature to conclude that his continued involvement worsened the injury.
For Nigeria, the timing could hardly be more challenging. The Super Eagles must now prepare to face Tanzania without a striker whose presence, movement and goal threat offer a major advantage in crucial qualifying matches.
The development also renews concerns about Osimhen’s recurring injury problems, with supporters hoping the latest setback will not keep him out of action for an extended period.
As the Nigerian international begins his recovery, attention will turn to the medical assessment and rehabilitation process, with both club and country eager to see him return to full fitness.
Everyone will be hoping for a successful recovery and a stronger return for one of Nigeria’s most important players.
The post Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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