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AFCON: Eguavoen Bars NFF President, Others From Super Eagles’ Dressing Room

The Interim Coach of the Super Eagles Austin Eguavoen has barred the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and other guests from the team’s dressing room during half-time breaks.

Eguavoen made the announcement at a press conference on Sunday.

He said the decision was taken to prevent the players from losing concentration.

Pinnick was in the Super Eagles’ dressing room at halftime to motivate them during the encounters against Egypt and Sudan.

But Eguavoen said the NFF President and other guests will no longer be allowed in Sunday’s Round of 16 clash against Tunisia.

The coach explained that the half-time break is needed for the players and coaches to discuss tactics.

He said, “We talked about timing and I am still talking about it. It’s our culture – motivation is good.

“Guests can have short discussions with the team at the restaurant and not inside the dressing room.

“Against Egypt was the only time when the NFF president and the Air Peace president came to see the team and it was five minutes.

“In the second and third games, no one came to see the team. I don’t think this will happen tomorrow (Sunday).”

Nigeria will on Sunday night play Tunisia in the round of 16 of the competition.

Just In: AFCON 2021: 12 Tunisian Players, Head Coach To Miss Nigeria Match

At least twelve key players in the Tunisia national football team will reportedly miss their African Cup of Nation, AFCON, match against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will meet in round 16 of the ongoing 2021 AFCON tournament on Sunday.

Tunisia head coach, Mondher Kebaier, according to reports will also be absent to see his squad battle three times AFCON winners at the Roumdje Adjia Stadium, Garoua, Cameroon, tomorrow.

The report which portrays a major setback for the Tunisian side was disclosed on Saturday at a pre-match briefing, Naija News reports.

It was gathered that the Tunisian camp was infiltrated with the dreaded COVID-19 disease.

Speaking at the press, Tunisia’s assistant coach, Jalal Al-Qadri, said at least 12 players in the Tunisian squad had tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the game against Nigeria.

Kebaier was also not present at today’s pre-match press conference, Naija News understands.

The key players that would be absent are Wahbi Khazri, the captain who scored twice in their 4-0 win over Mauritania, Aissa Laidouni, Dylan Bronn, Ghaylène Chaalali, Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Mohamed Romdhane, Ali Maâloul, Ben Hmida, Aymen Dahmen Yoann Touzgha and Issam Jebali.

Setback For Comoros As Goalkeepers, Coach Contract COVID-19 Ahead Of Match With Cameroon

Comoros are in trouble as two of their goalkeepers at the AFCON have tested positive for Covid-19.

The coach of the team Amir Abdou also tested positive for the virus.

“The coelacanth affected by the Covid with 12 positive cases, among them, the coach Amir abdou, our only two guardians: Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada (Ben Boina being injured),” the Football Federation of Comoros tweeted on Saturday.

Comoros will face Cameroon on Monday in the round of 16 of AFCON.

Cameroon have been impressive in the competition and they finished top of Group F with 7 points.

The indomitable lions of Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar is leading the score chart with 5 goals in the group stage.

Comoros have also been impressive, especially defeating four times AFCON champions Ghana 3-2 in the last game of Group C.

They finished the group stage as one of the best teams finishing third in their Groups.

The video posted at @fedcomfootball also revealed that midfielders Nakibou Aboubakari, Yacine Bourhane, striker Mohamed M’Changama and defenders Kassim Abdallah and Alexis Souahy have tested positive for Covid-19.

The team’s General Manager, El Hadad Hamidi said, “We are trying to do everything in our power to find alternative solutions but without the coach, without major players and especially without our only two goalkeepers who remained, the situation is quite complicated.”

AFCON: Nigerian Refugee Girls Show Support For Super Eagles

Players from the women’s football team in the Minawao refugee camp attend an Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) game.Players from the women’s football team in the Minawao refugee camp attend an Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) game.

Young Nigerian refugees, who received tickets for the Nigeria-Sudan match, took a bus to Garoua in northern Cameroon to support the Super Eagles at the African Cup of Nations.

It has been years since they fled Nigeria and the abuses of the jihadists of Boko Haram, for years they have lived in a refugee camp in Minawao, in the far north of Cameroon. Nigeria beat Sudan 3 goals to 1, it is with a smile that Lucy recounts this adventure.

“Since the time that they informed us that we were going to support our team, Nigeria, we were very happy, Lucy recalls. As soon as we entered the car and started moving, we were smiling. And then they (Nigeria) won, and we were very happy with them. We are wishing they bring the cup to Nigeria.”

In their camp in Minawao, these young girls play football. They have set up a team and train when they can, with the means at hand. Opened in July 2013, the camp has 70,000 refugees, and the soccer field occupies part of this camp. Recently, a donation from German cooperation enabled the boys to obtain a few jerseys and balls, but nothing for the women’s team. To pursue their passion, these young people are waiting for equipment.

“Sometimes when we are playing, we don’t have shoes for playing. That is a problem. Sometimes we have pain in our legs, sometimes we don’t have jerseys, we just go and play with our clothes like that, so if it is possible, we need shoes and jerseys.” explains Christine David, a player from the Minawao camp.

Over time, situations like that of the Nigerians begin to be forgotten by the big donors. Camp officials are pleading for more resources because needs are changing and the conditions for development must now be created.

JUST IN: ‘’Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen not entitled to salary yet’’ – NFF Declares

Interim coach Austin Eguavoen will be entitled to only win bonuses as the Super Eagles gaffer at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Eguavoen was appointed on a short-term deal after the Nigeria Football Federation sacked Gernot Rohr in December.

Rohr was Nigeria’s longest-serving manager after taking charge in August 2016, but had his contract terminated after leading the Eagles to the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs and sealing a spot at the Nations Cup in Cameroon.

The Franco-German also led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup and guided the team to third-place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

“Eguavoen is on the payroll of the NFF and he won’t be entitled to salary for the role he is playing as an interim coach of the team,” President of the NFF Amaju Pinnick stated recently on Arise TV.

“He will be entitled to the winning bonuses as the team progress at the tournament.”

Eguavoen has already won his opening two group games at the tournament which has sealed their place in the round of 16 in the competition

Excitement as Emirates Super Jumbo Lifts Real Madrid For Spanish Super Cup

Real Madrid is all set for their epic match against Barcelona. The Emirates A380 emblazoned with the blue Expo 2020 “mobility” livery lifted one of the most popular clubs in global football all the way from Madrid, Spain, to defend their title at the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals on July 12.

Onboard this special charter flight, guests and players from the Spanish club experienced the airline’s signature inflight services to rest and unwind in complete comfort ahead of their much-anticipated match.

This included exquisite onboard gourmet meals and full flatbeds with premium bedding in First and Business Class, over 4,500 channels of the latest movies, TV shows and music on Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system, and Emirates’ famous shower spa at 40,000 ft. above ground.

Emirates’ friendly and professional crew ensured the well-being of all onboard, with enhanced health and safety measures and the observance of protocols such as the wearing of masks.

Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the iconic double-decker A380 aircraft which attracts excitement from aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters wherever it flies. Customers also love the Emirates A380 experience for its spacious cabins and award-winning inflight products in all classes.

Since 2011, Emirates has been Real Madrid’s official main sponsor, bringing together two of the world’s most globally recognised brands in aviation and football.

With a global fan base of 500 million, the Spanish Club has established itself as a major force in sports, and has consistently played in the top division since its inception.

As the world’s largest international airline, Emirates continues to connect Real Madrid with fans and spectators from every corner of the globe, through various events that create moments of inspiration and joy.

Aston Villa agree Philippe Coutinho Loan Deal from Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona, the Premier League club said on Friday.

“Welcome, Philippe Coutinho!” the club said in a Facebook post. “Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park.”

AFP

Chelsea ‘Can’t’ Win Premier League This Season – Tuchel Admits

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has lamented the current situation with the club, expressing doubt about his team winning the 2021/22 English Premier League title.

Tuchel’s submission is coming after Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have played 20 games in the ongoing campaign and currently sit in second place with 42 points, a point ahead of Liverpool which has a game in hand.

Thomas Tuchel’s side has been affected by a series of injuries and some of the player’s including a coach is currently infected with COVID-19 disease.

According to the Blues manager, it will be ‘stupid’ to think they (Chelsea) are in the Premier League title race.

Asked if Chelsea can still compete for the title, the German coach replied: “How should we be in it? We have seven Covid-19 cases. We have five or six players out for six or more weeks. How should we compete in a title race?

“We would be stupid to think we can do it out of Covid and injuries and just play, and everybody would be stupid to do it without 23 fit players.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side is going to lose more games before the end of the 2021/22 English Premier League campaign.

The Spanish professional football coach who spoke in a post-match interview after City’s Premier League 1-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night, said he is afraid the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal may close up with points in no distance time.

Naija News reports that English young star, Phil Foden’s first-half goal secured City a 1-0 victory over Brentford.

Asked whether Manchester City were in control of the ongoing EPL campaign, Guardiola told Amazon Prime that, “There are 54 points to play for. It is not expected to have this distance for eight and nine, but Liverpool play one game less.

“But it is 54 points. In December, no one is champion. We are going to lose games. I see in my mind Arsenal, Chelsea, Southampton coming.

“54 points to play… 54.”

He added, “We have a game in London against Arsenal, maybe one of the top teams right now, the best Arsenal in the last four or five years.

“I cannot say more than congratulations to the team, but we must focus.”

BREAKING: Osimhen Tests Positive For COVID-19 10 Days To AFCON

Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen has tested positive for COVID-19, just 10 days to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Napoli made the disclosure on its official website.

23-year-old Osimhen who is in Nigeria’s squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to return to Naples to assess his cheekbone injury on Friday.

He had been ruled out for three months following the injury, but later received green light from doctors to resume training.

However, the swab test he underwent in Nigeria before boarding on Thursday (today) came back positive, so the forward didn’t leave his native country.

“SSC Napoli announces that the player Victor James Osimhen tested positive, asymptomatic, at Covid-19 during the execution of the swab before the trip to Italy, where a check-up by Prof. Tartaro was scheduled for tomorrow,” reads a statement on the club’s website.

” Consequently, the local authorities have ordered the isolation of the player and the check-up will be rescheduled after the negativization and his return to the community.”

Nigerians React As NFF Meets Mourinho for Super Eagles Job

Nigerians have reacted to the report that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) contacted AS Roma manager, Jose Mourinho, to take over as Super Eagles coach.
Naija News earlier reported that NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, had said the federation held talks with Mourinho and Serbian Mladen Krstajic in a bid to get a top-class coach for the national team.

Pinnick while speaking with sports journalists in Lagos said the National team would get a new coach within the next week or thereabout.

He further stated that Portuguese Jose Peseiro, a former Real Madrid assistant coach and FC Porto head coach, was on the three-man shortlist for the Eagles coaching job.

Reacting, Nigerians have taken to social media to express their views on the claim made by the NFF president.

Some Twitter users slammed Pinnick and the NFF members for embarking on a fruitless journey while others were unconcerned about the news.

Below are some of the reactions culled online:

@eebig6 wrote: “They met him to advise and refer someone for the Job. According to a rumour, Mourinho suggested Venezuela coach, his fellow Portuguese.”

@kingrichwise wrote: “This man Pinnick wan really take Nigerians do picnic Face with tears of joy
Can’t imagine what even come through his mind or the entire NFF to have to think of approaching Mourinho.
Scam process Police cars revolving light Nigerians should watch out.”

@MosesIbhas wrote: “Africans amazes me. You mean no one is qualified for the job within the nation? Mourinho didn’t wake up to be who he is today, opportunities were given him to prove his worth. If Oliseh failed don’t stop there try anoda retired super eagle and bring the best out him. Wat of JJ?”

@Mikkyoko wrote: “You wan see Crazy abi, Mourinho way no get joy when it comes to Money matter.”

@Teri4PF wrote: “You owed Rohr over 10 months salary. Na Mourinho wey don make over £130m through getting sacked una wan go collect? I laugh in football heritage.”

@Ruinin_football: “You sack Rorh for playing boring pragmatic football, and now you want to appoint another defensive manager.”

@Amaju18: “What are u meeting him for. Why do we reduce the crises of our football to coaches alone?”

@irigo_m wrote: “The way I burst into laughter. NFF is trying to be serious or trying to accomplish an impossible task?”