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BREAKING: CAF postpones 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

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BREAKING: CAF postpones 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

BREAKING: CAF postpones 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

 

BREAKING: CAF postpones 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football CAF, has postponed the 2023 African cup of Nations. The competitor which was supposed to take place in Cote d’ Ivoire from June 2023 has now been postponed to January 2024.

The decision was one of the key decisions taken during the Confederation of African Football(CA) Executive Committee meeting held on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

“The 2023 Afcon will now be played between January and February 2024,” Mostepe told the media during a press conference in Morocco.

“This is one of the issues we discussed during our congress meeting here in Morocco and the official dates will be communicated later.

 

 

 

 

 

“It is after deliberations we came into the decision, we have partners and even though we make decisions, it is out of respect that we take the advice we are getting that we cannot take a risk [to host the tournament] and so that is why we have made the necessary announcement today [Sunday].

“It is not good for African football to play a tournament that can be washed out, it is not good for Africa and the continent at large and so we have to postpone it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motsepe, however, lauded Ivory Coast for the preparations they have already put in place to stage the tournament.

“I am happy and impressed with the infrastructure put in place by Ivory Coast in readiness for the tournament and I am sure they will host a very good tournament,” Motsepe continued.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are one of the teams eyeing qualification for the next AFCON tournament and they have started the qualification series quite well; winning their first two games against Sierra Leone and then Sao Tome and Principe.

At the last edition of the biennial football tournament held in Cameroon, the Super Eagles despite showing early signs of promise crashed out in the second round in a 1-0 loss to Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senegal went on to be crowned champions after defeating Egypt on penalties in the final.

It is worthy to note that the AFCON tournament held in Cameroon also suffered its own fair share of postponements.

 

 

 

 

 

However, unlike this case where CAF is making a decision due to weather contingencies, the tournament in Cameroon was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

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Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

 

Red-hot Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has made a bombshell decision to quit Atalanta at the end of the season, informing his family of his imminent departure. The news, confirmed by top Italian journalist Sacha Tavolieri via Sky Italia, has sent shockwaves through the transfer market.

According to reports, it’s a done deal—Lookman will not wear the Atalanta jersey next season. His fractured relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, which worsened after his missed penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League last-16, has accelerated his departure. The Nigerian star has reportedly grown disillusioned with his treatment at the club, particularly in light of Gasperini’s critical remarks in the Italian press.

Lookman has been on the transfer radar for over a year and a half, and his stock remains high, particularly in the Premier League. The London-born forward, who etched his name in Atalanta history with a legendary hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, feels his contributions have not been adequately recognized in the dressing room.

Despite his dissatisfaction, Lookman has still managed to contribute to 29% of Atalanta’s goals this season, netting 12 times and providing five assists. However, at 27, he is eager to secure a move that matches his ambitions, with major suitors already circling.

Liverpool have taken the first steps in securing his services, viewing him as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, who could leave in the summer of 2025. Arsenal have also made inquiries but are yet to make concrete moves like the Reds. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Pro League remains a lucrative option, with Lookman reportedly open to a big-money switch if the right offer comes his way.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Ademola Lookman’s signature is heating up, with European giants and cash-rich Saudi clubs all vying for the Nigerian’s services. One thing is certain—his time at Atalanta is coming to an explosive end, and a high-profile move is on the horizon.

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Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

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Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

 

In what promises to be one of the most hotly contested battles in Nigerian football history, reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, is poised to challenge Victor Osimhen, the incumbent holder of the prestigious “King of the Pitch” title at the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The much-anticipated nominations were unveiled on Thursday at Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, Lagos, in a star-studded event organized by Shina Phillips, who vowed to uphold the awards’ tradition of integrity and transparency.

Lookman’s rise to prominence, following his African Footballer of the Year win, has set the stage for an epic duel between the Atalanta forward and Osimhen. The Super Eagles’ goal-scoring sensation and Galatasaray star, Osimhen, is the current record-holder of the “King of the Pitch” award, having claimed the title three consecutive times—making him the only player in the award’s decade-long history to achieve such a feat.

However, Osimhen faces fierce competition, not just from Lookman but also from Williams Troost Ekong, the Super Eagles stand-in captain currently plying his trade at Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.

The Ultimate Showdown for Nigerian Football Supremacy

Osimhen’s dominance at the 2024 Pitch Awards cemented his legacy as Nigeria’s best forward, but Lookman’s electric form this year has made him a genuine contender. With both stars leading the line for the Super Eagles, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the 2025 edition.

Ademola Olajide, Director of Communication for the Nigeria Football Federation, revealed the nominees for all 18 award categories at the unveiling ceremony. The categories span every facet of Nigerian football, from grassroots development to media excellence.

Key Categories and Nominees

  • Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Undize, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
  • Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).
  • Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg, Germany).
  • Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy).
  • Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC); Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).

The Queen of the Pitch award will also be hotly contested, with Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, U.S.), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino, Spain), and Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France) all vying for the honor.

Other notable categories include Sam Okwaraji Award (for outstanding contribution to football), Football-Friendly Governor of the Year, and State with the Best Grassroots Development Program, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to football at every level.

A Celebration of Nigerian Football Excellence

With the Nigeria Pitch Awards growing in prestige each year, all eyes are now on the ceremony to see who will claim the coveted “King of the Pitch” title. The rivalry between Lookman and Osimhen has already captured the nation’s imagination, and football fans are bracing for an unforgettable showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nigeria’s football elite prepare for the most anticipated awards ceremony of the year.

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Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

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Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

 

Southampton’s head coach, Ivan Juric, has heaped praise on Nigerian duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their crucial goals secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, lifting the Saints’ spirits in a turbulent season.

Heading into the match at Portman Road, Southampton had endured a disastrous run of form, managing just one win in 23 league outings. The poor results had left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, struggling to find consistency. However, Aribo’s first-half opener and Onuachu’s late winner ensured the Saints claimed all three points, marking Juric’s first victory since taking charge of the club.

After the match, an elated Juric expressed his delight with the team’s resilience and singled out Aribo and Onuachu for their outstanding performances.

“It’s a great feeling,” Juric told Southampton’s official website. “I think we’ve played even better games, like against Manchester United, but didn’t get the points. Today, we suffered in some moments, but the guys showed great character, and we deserved the win.”

The head coach particularly praised Onuachu for his persistence and impact off the bench, highlighting his decisive goal as a testament to his hard work.

“It was a great moment. He [Onuachu] deserved it because he worked hard. It’s his second goal, and I believe he can score more. His work rate for the team has been fantastic,” Juric said.

Aribo, who has played in various positions this season, also earned special recognition for his versatility and commitment.

“Joe [Aribo] is a great guy. He always puts the team first—whether he’s playing in attack, midfield, or even defense. Today, he played left centre-back in the second half, and he did an amazing job. He worked really hard, and his performance was fantastic,” Juric added.

Southampton Still in Trouble Despite Crucial Win

While the victory was a morale booster for the struggling Saints, their position in the league remains precarious. With just nine points from 24 English Premier League games, Southampton still sit at the bottom of the table and are facing the real threat of relegation to the EFL Championship.

However, the performances of Aribo and Onuachu, along with Juric’s growing influence on the squad, offer a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround in their campaign. The Saints will need more inspired performances from their key players if they are to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their Premier League status.

As Southampton prepares for their next crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Aribo and Onuachu to continue delivering when it matters most. Can they help the Saints pull off an unlikely escape? Time will tell.

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