Sports

Nigeria’s Quest for Glory: What the Super Eagles Need to Do to Lift the AFCON Trophy

Published

10 months ago

February 11, 2024

Nigeria’s Quest for Glory: What the Super Eagles Need to Do to Lift the AFCON Trophy

Sahara Weekly Reports That a historic clash between two West African giants awaits in the final of the 2023 AFCON. Can Nigeria overcome Cote d’Ivoire and claim their fourth continental crown?

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will face each other in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tonight, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the continent’s most successful teams. The Super Eagles are aiming to win their fourth AFCON title, while the Elephants are seeking their third. In this article, we will analyze how Nigeria can overcome the challenge of their West African rivals and bring the trophy home.

History and Rivalry

The history and rivalry between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in previous AFCON tournaments and other competitions is long and fierce. In fact, they have met seven times in the AFCON, with Nigeria winning four times, Cote d’Ivoire winning twice, and one draw. One of the most memorable matches between the two teams was the 1994 AFCON final, where Nigeria defeated Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 with goals from Emmanuel Amuneke and Rashidi Yekini. Another memorable match was the 2013 AFCON quarter-final, where Nigeria stunned Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 with goals from Emmanuel Emenike and Sunday Mba.

Form and Performance

The current form and performance of both teams in the 2023 AFCON has been impressive and consistent. According to the official AFCON website, Nigeria has scored 12 goals and conceded 4, while Cote d’Ivoire has scored 10 goals and conceded 3. The top scorer of the tournament is Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who has netted 6 goals in 5 matches, followed by Cote d’Ivoire’s Nicolas Pepe, who has scored 4 goals in 5 matches. Both players have expressed their confidence and determination ahead of the final. Osimhen said: “We are ready for the final. We have worked hard to get here and we want to make our country proud. We respect Cote d’Ivoire, they are a great team, but we are not afraid of them. We have the quality and the spirit to win the trophy.” Pepe said: “We are motivated for the final. We have shown our strength and character in this tournament and we want to finish the job. We know Nigeria is a tough opponent, they have a lot of talent, but we have our own weapons and we will fight until the end. We have the experience and the ambition to win the trophy.”

The current form and performance of both teams also reflect their strengths and weaknesses. Nigeria has a balanced and versatile squad, with players who can play in different positions and roles. They have a strong and solid defense, led by William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun, who have formed a reliable partnership at the back. They have a dynamic and creative midfield, with players like Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, and Joe Aribo, who can control the tempo and dictate the play. They have a fast and lethal attack, with players like Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, who can create and score goals from any situation.

Cote d’Ivoire, on the other hand, has a more experienced and star-studded squad, with players who have played in some of the top leagues and clubs in Europe. They have a physical and powerful defense, with players like Eric Bailly, Serge Aurier, and Wilfried Kanon, who can dominate the aerial duels and block the shots. They have a skillful and inventive midfield, with players like Franck Kessie, Jean-Michael Seri, and Max Gradel, who can dribble, pass, and shoot with flair. They have a potent and clinical attack, with players like Pepe, Wilfried Zaha, and Jonathan Kodjia, who can score goals from any angle and distance.

Strategies and Tactics

The possible strategies and tactics that Nigeria can employ to win the match are based on their strengths and the weaknesses of their opponents. Nigeria can use their speed and creativity to create chances and score goals against Cote d’Ivoire’s defense, which has been prone to mistakes and lapses in concentration. A good example of this was Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Cameroon in the quarter-finals, where Nigeria scored three goals in 15 minutes, thanks to the quick and clever movements of Osimhen, Chukwueze, and Iwobi. Another example was Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Senegal in the semi-finals, where Nigeria scored two goals from counter-attacks, thanks to the pace and skill of Osimhen and Moses Simon.

Nigeria can also use their balance and versatility to adapt to different situations and scenarios in the match. Nigeria can switch between different formations and systems, depending on the scoreline, the momentum, and the opponent’s tactics. For instance, Nigeria can start with a 4-3-3 formation, with Osimhen as the lone striker, Chukwueze and Iwobi as the wingers, Ndidi, Etebo, and Aribo.

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Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Published

4 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight championship titles and cemented his place in boxing history with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday night.

The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor across the board, marking his second consecutive win over Fury. This victory extended Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, with 14 knockouts, adding another chapter to a career already highlighted by Olympic gold and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.

A Masterclass Performance

Usyk, 37, showcased his signature precision and relentless pace, repeatedly catching Fury with clean left hooks and dominating the latter stages of the fight. Fury, at 6ft 9in (206cm) and weighing a career-high 281 pounds, attempted to impose his physicality but was unable to break Usyk’s composure.

The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk wearing traditional Cossack attire during his entrance, while Fury entered the arena dressed in a festive Santa-inspired robe to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

The early rounds were competitive, with Fury landing powerful jabs and body shots. However, Usyk’s endurance and tactical brilliance began to shine in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian landed sharp combinations and dictated the tempo, including a stunning uppercut in the final round that left little doubt about the outcome.

“I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-match, sporting a bruised right eye. “But I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”

A Legacy Sealed

Usyk’s victory solidified his standing as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Already the first undisputed heavyweight of the four-belt era, Usyk joins the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.

The bout, reported to have a prize purse of $190 million, also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. Usyk, who served briefly as a soldier during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, celebrated his victory by hoisting a symbolic sabre belonging to Ukrainian nationalist hero Ivan Mazepa.

Fury’s Uncertain Future

The defeat leaves Fury’s future in doubt. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, Fury now stands at 34-2-1. His attempt to reclaim glory after a brief retirement in 2022 has been marred by back-to-back losses to Usyk.

Usyk, on the other hand, continues to add to his already remarkable resume, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his technical skill, resilience, and determination. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, Usyk’s reign appears unshakable, and his place among boxing’s all-time greats is firmly secured.

Sports

Lille Netted Just €7M from Osimhen’s €70M Napoli Move, Club President Reveals”

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Lille Netted Just €7M from Osimhen’s €70M Napoli Move, Club President Reveals”

Lille’s financial gain from Victor Osimhen’s high-profile 2020 transfer to Napoli was far less than expected, with the French club earning only €7 million despite the deal being valued at over €70 million. The shocking revelation was made by Lille’s President, Olivier Letang, who explained that the €7 million figure was the net result after factoring in the purchase price of Osimhen, four Napoli players who never played for Lille, and various intermediary fees and commissions.

“The net amount, after accounting for the player’s purchase, four players valued at €20 million who never featured for us, as well as intermediaries and commissions, was around €7 million,” Letang told L’Equipe TV.

This disclosure comes amid ongoing investigations by both Italian and French authorities into the circumstances surrounding the transfer, though Napoli has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Napoli’s legal team highlighted the club’s clean record, with lawyer Mattia Grassani emphasizing that the club had been acquitted after facing scrutiny from multiple judicial levels.

Letang, who took over as Lille’s President months after Osimhen’s departure, has now shed light on the intricate financial details behind the deal that saw Osimhen move to Italy. The striker’s move to Napoli would become a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him to stardom and helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Born in the tough environment of Lagos’ Olusosun community, Osimhen’s rise to prominence began at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with a record-breaking 10 goals. After stints at Wolfsburg in Germany and Charleroi in Belgium, Osimhen’s impressive performances at Lille led to his transfer to Napoli, where he went on to score 76 goals in 133 appearances. In 2023, he helped Napoli end their long wait for the Serie A title, earning the Serie A Golden Boot and breaking records, including becoming the highest-scoring African in Serie A history.

Currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen has continued his impressive form, with 10 goals and five assists in just 14 appearances. Though contracted to Napoli until 2026, his future remains uncertain, as his contract includes clauses that could facilitate a permanent departure either in January or the summer. The details of his transfer and the shifting dynamics between player and club add another layer to the complex and ongoing saga of Osimhen’s career.

Sports

Controversy in Morocco as Lookman Beats Hakimi to African Player of the Year Award

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Controversy in Morocco as Lookman Beats Hakimi to African Player of the Year Award

Moroccan football enthusiasts have expressed disappointment following Atlas Lions captain Achraf Hakimi’s loss in the race for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.

Atalanta’s Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman clinched the prestigious title during the CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday evening. Lookman’s achievement sees him succeed compatriot Victor Osimhen, marking consecutive wins for Nigeria in the category.

Lookman’s stellar performances in 2024 made a compelling case for his selection. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic Europa League triumph, notably scoring a remarkable hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final—the Italian club’s first-ever European title. Additionally, the 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three goals and an assist, and earning a spot in the official Team of the Tournament.

Speculation leading up to the awards had suggested that Hakimi was the favorite for the accolade, given his outstanding contributions to both the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain throughout the year. Reports from Moroccan and French media fueled expectations of a Hakimi win, only for Lookman to be announced as the victor.

The decision has drawn criticism from Moroccan football analysts and fans. Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji, a prominent sports commentator, told 365scores: “It is a great regret for all Moroccan fans, and for all those who follow football in Morocco, because Achraf Hakimi presented distinguished levels throughout the year with the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain.”

Another sports analyst, Abdel Salam Kourahi, suggested potential internal politics within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) might have influenced the outcome. He remarked, “Perhaps there were understandings, calculations, and divisions within CAF that tipped the scales in favor of the Nigerian over the Moroccan international at the last minute.”

Some fans also pointed to past decisions by CAF, noting that Yassine Bounou, a key player in Sevilla’s Europa League victories in 2020 and 2023, was similarly overlooked for the award.

Lookman’s victory represents a milestone for Nigerian football. It is the first time in three decades that the nation has produced back-to-back winners of the African Player of the Year award, harking back to the consecutive victories of Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

While Lookman’s achievements are undeniably remarkable, the debate over the decision underscores the intense passion and pride that the African Player of the Year award evokes across the continent.