SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

Sport
AFCON 2019: South Africa’s Zungu names most dangerous Super Eagles players
 


South Africa midfielder, Bongani Zungu has said Nigeria’s midfielders and attackers are the most dangerous players in their squad.
Bafana Bafana will take on the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Zungu has been one of the key players for his nation at the tournament, starting each of their last three games and netting the winner against Namibia.
He was in the South Africa side that shocked the Super Eagles 2-0 in Uyo two years ago and missed the return leg in November 2018 due to a knee injury.
“With Nigeria, they are a good team, from tomorrow we will start watching their videos and see how they play.

“For now, I am just happy with this win, we will focus on Nigeria from tomorrow.
“They have got top midfielders, they have good attackers, I can’t spot one that I can say is the best.
“There is a number of them that are the best, for us it is just to have confidence because we are a good team and we showed character tonight, and hopefully we carry on from here, try to improve, be humble and take every game as it comes, and hopefully we’ll get more positive results,” Zungu told reporters.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Lukaku chooses new club
 


Manchester United’s top striker, Romelu Lukaku has chosen a move to Inter Milan over Serie A champions, Juventus, according to Calciomercato.
Another Italian side, Napoli are still interested in the Belgium international.
Lukaku has made it clear that he wants to leave Old Trafford this season and has been heavily linked with Inter Milan and Juventus.

Although Inter have been leading the race to sign the striker, they are yet to make an official bid as reports suggest they cannot afford him.
Juventus and Napoli have been linked as potential alternatives for the Belgian, but he has decided that he wants to team up with former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte, at San Siro.

[Edoman]

Women's World Cup: Snoop Dogg lashes out at U.S. Soccer Federation for underpaying women footballers






Snoop Dogg went off on a rant on Instagram, as he joined the campaign for members of the U.S. Women's National Team who won the Women's World Cup on Sunday, to get paid like their male colleagues. 
 
Centering his outburst on a report which revealed that the U.S. women's soccer players only made $90,000 per player in bonus money for reaching the quarterfinals, while the men would have made $500k for reaching the same stage, the rapper also took a swipe at their male colleagues who according to him can't move past the first round of any world competition but earn jumbo pay. 

'The sorry-ass f***ing men from the U.S. soccer team, everyone's s***, ain't ever gonna win s***, can't even get out the f***ing first round,' the 47-year-old entertainer said on Instagram. 'Man, pay them ladies, man. 'Pay them girls what they worth.'

 
It was further learnt that after the big win on Sunday over Netherlands, the US Women National Team will reportedly walk away with $260k per player, while the men would have banked $1.1 mil each.  
 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#SnoopDogg congratulates the #USWNT on their fourth World Cup. Demands for equal pay like their male colleagues
A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial) on Jul 8, 2019 at 8:24am PDT

 
Effort to resolve the discrepancy have already been initiated by the team. Recall that in a lawsuit filed in March, the U.S. women alleged that the U.S. Soccer Federation has continued to pay them less than the men 'for substantially equal work.' The lawsuit goes on to mention a discrepancy in training and travel conditions, as well as an inequality in promotion and development. 

by Linda Ikeji at

[Edoman]

Super Eagles stars show off their abs at the beach as they unwind ahead of AFCON clash with South Africa (Photos)






The Super Eagles of Nigeria squad took to the beach on Sunday to unwind after eliminating defending champions Cameroon 3 - 2 on Saturday to advance to the next stage of the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

Striker, Odion Ighalo alongside Alex Iwobi, Chidozie Awaziem and other stars were all pictured during the outing to the beach.
 
Nigeria will face South Africa in a Quater final clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday 8pm.
 
See more photos below.
 

 


 

by Linda Ikeji

[Edoman]

Emmanuel Amunike quits as Tanzania's coach after AFCON exit






Emmanuel Amunike has reached an agreement with the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) to terminate his appointment as the national team coach following their elimination in the group stage at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
 
The Taifa Stars which Amunike helped qualify for its first AFCON in 39 years, lost 2-0 to Senegal, 3-2 to Kenya and 3-0 to Algeria, to finish bottom of Group C with no point.
 
The statement published on the official website of the TFF reads; 

“The Tanzania Football Association (TFF) and the national team coach, Emmanuel Amunike, have reached a joint agreement to terminate the contract between us.
“TFF will announce the TAN coach who will lead the national team for Chan matches. TAN coaches will be announced after the Emergency Committee meeting on July 11, 2019.” 

 
Amunike signed a two-year deal with the TFF in 2018, after he left Sudanese side Al Khartoum SC.

by Linda Ikeji at 08/07

[Edoman]

I’ll sack Gernot Rohr if I were NFF boss' – Segun Odegbami






Segun Odegbami, a former national team captain says he would have sacked Gernot Rohr after Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to Madagascar at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations if he were the Nigeria Football Federation boss.  
 
Odegbami who was a guest on Channels TV, faulted Rohr’s attitude during Nigeria’s matches, saying the coach was “too relaxed” even when the Nigerian team were losing. He advised the NFF to consider a vocal coach in their next appointment. 

“If I was in charge of Nigerian football, Gernot Rohr would have been on his way home. I’m sorry that is a bit harsh, but you could see how he selected players, particularly in that match against Madagascar.
We could have been out of this competition now, because of his selection of players for that match. See coaches like Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho, they are the 12th players. They are by the side of the field, they are directing their players.
They are shouting on referees, they are doing things. That is the sort of thing Nigerian players need. Nigerian players don’t want somebody who will just sit quietly and not say a word. They won’t hear his voice.
You won’t help them with difficulty. Our nature is to be loud, to be compelled and driven to the wall. Our nature is not to just relax” Odegbami said during the interview.

by Linda 

[Edoman]

Ghana Knocked Out Of AFCON

The Black Stars have been knocked out of the 2019 African Cup of Nations by Tunisia after a dramatic shootout which saw Caleb Ekuban’s penalty saved. 

The match was decided on spot-kicks after it finished 1-1 after extra-time. 

Tunisia took the lead after Taha Khenissi’s shot went in off the post but the Black Stars levelled in stoppage time as Rami Bedoui headed into his own net to force the match into extra time. 

With neither side able to find a winner in the 30 minutes, the match went to penalties with Caleb Ekuban’s miss proving costly for the Black Stars. 

Tunisia will now move on to face Madagascar in the quarlerfinals. 

An impressive first 20 minutes saw the Black Stars pin Tunisia in their own half and create a number of goal scoring opportunities. 

Kasim Nuhu Adams came closes for the Stars early on as his header from a corner hit the upright. 

Andre Ayew’s follow-up was blocked but the referee had already whistled for a foul. 

The Black Stars were in control at this stage with Thomas Partey, playing in a more advanced position central to their play. 

Afriyie-Acquah, starting for the first time at the AFCON let fly from 30 yards but his effort was tipped around the post by the Tunisian keeper. 

The Tunisians’ first forays forward caused some discomfort for the Stars players but some impressive defending from Andy Yiadom, Kasim Nuhu and Thomas Partey prevented the Tunisians from taking the lead. 

Down the other end, Thomas Partey was proving to be a nuisance as he latched on to Afriyie Acquah’s ball forward and fired over. 

The Black Stars then thought they had broken through when Andre Ayew cleverly backheeled Jordan Ayew’s cross into the net but the referee ruled that the ball had come off the arm of Partey in the build-up. 

The referee waved away protests from Ayew and Partey as the teams went into the break level.


The Black Stars started the second period strongly as well but it was the Tunisians who created the clear-cut opportunities. 

Wahib Khazri, on as a second-half sub, run free down the right-hand side, his cutback found Taha Khenissi but his shot was blocked by Kasim Nuhu. 

Tunisia were definitely getting closer and almost scored again as Ellyes Skhiri headed against the crossbar. 

The North Africans found their goal eventually as Khazri’s deft touch found Wajdi Kechrida on the right. His pull-back was slammed in off the post by Khenissi. 

The goal sparked wild celebrations in the Tunisian end of the stadium as the Ghanaian players and fans put their heads in their hands in despair. 

Kwesi Appiah brought on Caleb Ekuban and Asamoah Gyan for Afriyie Acquah and Andre Ayew as the Black Stars searched for an equaliser but it was Mubarak Wakaso who came close for the Black Stars as his long-range strike was tipped onto the post by the Tunisian keeper. 

With the Black Stars seemingly heading out of the AFCON a freekick delivered into the box by Wakaso was headed past his own keeper by Rami Bedoui to take the game into extra time.


The Black Stars were quickest out of the blocks for extra time as Andy Yiadom forced Tunisian keeper Mouez Hassen into a decent save. 

He then made a much more comfortable save diving to his right to grab a weak head from Asamoah Gyan. 

The Black Stars were threatening but the Tunisian’s almost took the lead from Wahbi Khazri’s effort but Richard Ofori did well to tip it over. 

Jordan Ayew could have won it in the second half of extra time for Ghana but his shot after Asamoah Gyan’s flick on flew just wide. 

Substitute Kwabena Owusu was then set up by Jordan but his shot at the end of extra time but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper with the game heading into the penalty shoot-out. 

Wakaso took Ghana’s first penalty, just about beating Tunisia’s substitute keeper Mustapha. 

After Tunisia had scored their first, Jordan Ayew stepped up and found the back of the net with ease.

Khazri took Tunisia’s next spot-kick slotting home before Caleb Ekuban’s penalty was saved by Mustapha. 

Dylan Bronn fired home Tunisia’s next kick firing into the top corner but Lumor Agyenyenu responded by sending the keeper the wrong way. 

Yassine Meriah then scored to make it 4-3. 

Needing to score to keep Ghana in the competition, Thomas Partey found the top corner with his kick. 

However Tunisia went through and broke Ghanaian hearts as Sassi converted his side’s final penalty.

https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/2019-AFCON-Black-Stars-knocked-out-on-penalties-by-Tunisia-761703

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Juventus board to sign £75million star from EPL club

Published
 
on
 July 9, 2019
By
 Don Silas [/url]


Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has told the club’s board to sign £75million Manchester United striker, Romelu Lukaku, this summer.
According to Fox Sports, Ronaldo is keen on seeing the Belgium international play for the Serie A champions next season.

The newspaper is also reporting that Juventus’ new manager, Maurizio Sarri is keen on improving his options in attack this summer since striker Mario Mandzukic is growing old and Lukaku could be a perfect replacement for the former Bayern Munich star.
DAILY POST had reported that [url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/07/transfer-lukaku-chooses-new-club/]Lukaku has already made it clear that he wants to leave Old Trafford this summer.
The former Chelsea and Everton attacker has been heavily linked with Inter Milan and Juventus.

The 26-year-old joined Man United from Everton in 2017.
He scored 12 Premier League goals in 32 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side last season.
PORT
Transfer: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Juventus board to sign £75million star from EPL club
[img=46x0]https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e5ab1a5a998f33fc8d72f29ed5dd175?s=46&d=mm&r=g[/img]

[Edoman]

PORT
Transfer: Arsenal sign defender from Chelsea

Published
 
on
 July 8, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Arsenal have confirmed the signing of teenage defender Jason Sraha from Premier League rivals.
Sraha was among the 12 first-year scholars unveiled by the Gunners on Monday.

“Jason recently joined us from Chelsea. He is a left-footed centre back with a calm and composed attitude in and out of possession,” the club said in a statement on their official website.
In the 2019/2020 season, Sraha will be hoping to make his debut in the U18 Premier League, after failing to do so during his time at Chelsea.

All players in their U17 year are required to start the season on a scholarship arrangement, before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday.


[url=https://dailypost.ng/sport-news/]SPORT

[Edoman]

SPORT
AFCON 2019: Why I cried before press after Tunisia defeated Ghana – Mubarak Wakaso

on
 July 9, 2019
By
 Don Silas [/url]


Ghana midfielder, Mubarak Wakaso, has explained why he cried in front of the press after his side was defeated by Tunisia at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, round of 16 on Monday.
The Black Stars’ hopes of lifting a fifth continental title ended, following a 5-4 loss on penalties to Taha Yassine Khenissi’s men, after the game ended 1-1.

Wakaso said he could not hold back his tears in front of the press during his receipt of the Man of the Match award because he thought Ghana would win this year’s AFCON after working hard in all the matches they had played.
“I can’t even describe how we are feeling but the only thing I have is I need to thank my colleagues the whole time for their support,” Wakaso said at the post-match press conference.
“It’s part of the game. I think we need to think about our future – that’s the only thing we can do.

“My reason [for being so emotional and weeping in the press conference] was that I thought this tournament was for us due to the hard work we’ve been putting in, in every match.
“That is the reason why I’m like this right now but still we have a future so we need to think ahead.”
Ghana will now have to wait until Cameroon 2021 AFCON to possibly end a 39-year trophy drought.
EARCH





[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

Steven Gerrard speaks on becoming new Newcastle manager

 


                         
Rangers manager, Steve Gerrard has refuted rumours he could be the next Newcastle United boss.

The Liverpool legend has been linked with the Premier League coaching job recently vacated by his former boss Rafael Benitez.


But the 39-year-old has now emphatically denied speculation he was considering a move to Tyneside.

“Fake news. Not that I’m aware of,” Gerrard said to the Scotland’s Daily Record .

Gerrard landed his first senior coaching role at Rangers in May 2018, following a stint in charge of Liverpool’s youth teams.


In his first full season at Ibrox, he led the club to second position in the league behind city rivals Celtic.

[Edoman]

Dani Alves blasts Messi for outburst at Copa America
 


                           
Brazil captain, Dani Alves, has criticised his former Barcelona team-mate, Lionel Messi, after the Argentina star alleged that the Copa America was corrupt following his side’s loss to the Selecao.

Messi hit out at CONMEBOL and the tournament as a whole following the semi-final defeat and once again after Argentina’s third-place clash with Chile, a game he was shown a straight red card.


He suggested the officials had been favouring the tournament hosts throughout the competition.

Alves, who captained Brazil to winning their first Copa in 12 years, put aside his friendship with Messi and called his action “disrespectful”.

“A friend is not always right just because he’s a friend. You can say it in the heat of the moment, but I still won’t agree.


“Firstly, he’s disrespecting an institution such as the Selecao, in my view. Secondly, he’s being disrespectful with several professionals who put a lot of things aside so they could be there fighting for a dream.

“I’m a friend who always tells the truth when it’s due, and I think he was wrong for saying these things,” Alves told SporTV’s ‘Bem Amigos’.

[Edoman]

Chelsea legend claims club will regret replacing Sarri with Lampard

 



                          
Chelsea legend, Gianfranzo Zola, has said the club made a mistake by allowing Maurizio Sarri to leave the club.

Sarri only spent one season at Stamford Bridge, leading the Blues to a third-place finish in the Premier League and Europa League glory.


He has now agreed a deal to take over at Juventus, while Chelsea have appointed former midfielder Frank Lampard.

Asked if Sarri would have liked to have stayed at Chelsea, Zola told talkSPORT: “Yes, very much. I think the best of Maurizio’s work comes not in the first year but more from the second year onwards.

“Looking at the way he works, it takes a little bit of time to put in place what he wants to do and also he is very demanding on the players.


“But, after the players get used to it, they get better and better and the work becomes more effective.

“It’s a pity, because I think it would have been good for the club if Maurizio stayed and it would have been good for Maurizio as well.”

[Edoman]

AFCON: Odion Ighalo, Sadio Mane Top Goalscorers' Chart (see Table)



AFCON 2019 tournament has entered the quarterfinal stages which will start on July 10 - Players like Odion Ighalo, Sadio Mane, Adams Ounas, Cedric Bakambu have all scored 3 goals

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo is expected to lead his side's attack against South Africa Eight teams are now left competing at the ongoing 2019 African Cup of Nations following the elimination of reigning champions Cameroon and hosts Egypt. 

Players Goals Assists 1. Odion Ighalo of Nigeria 3 1 
2. Adam Ounas of Algeria 3 1
3. Sadio Mane of Senegal 3 0 
4. Cedric Bakambu of DR Congo 3 0 
5. Stephane Bahoken of Cameroon 2 0
6. Andriamahitsinoro of Madagascar 2 1
7. Mohamed Yattara of Guinea 2 0
8. Wilfried Zaha of Ivory Coast 2 0
Youcef Belaili of Algeria 2 0 
10. Michael Olunga 2 0
21. Riyad Mahrez of Algeria 2 0
12. Mickael Pote of Benin 2 0 
13. Emmanuel Okwi of Uganda 2 0 
14. Ahmed El Mohamady of Egypt 2 0 
15. Mohamed Salah of Egypt 2 0 
16. Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco 2 0 
17. Jordan Ayew of Ghana 2 0 

Source: https://ngg.ng/2019/07/09/afcon-odion-ighalo-sadio-mane-top-goalscorers-chart-see-table/

[Edoman]

Soccer fans in Kaduna on Tuesday tasked Super Eagles to do everything possible to win their next match with South Africa and qualify for semi finals. The soccer fans, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the Super Eagles should approach the match with determination and play as a team. 

Isaiah Benjamin, Chairman, Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, Kaduna chapter, said although expectations were high, however, with a good play, the Eagles would be victorious. “South Africa is certainly not a team that can be taken for granted. The Super Eagles must put in more efforts to scale through to semi finals. “Indeed, the games are getting tougher, but with determination and team play, I see them emerging victorious,” Benjamin said. 

A Sports Analyst, Vincent Akinbami , expressed optimism that with team work, there would be a good outcome. “What was lacking in the team before was team work and team spirit, but so far, I will say they have been adjusting. “With the Egyptian fans behind us and the new spirit in the team, I see them scaling through. “Iwobi is beginning to know the responsibility bestowed upon him; the attackers too are building confidence. I see them beating South Africa and getting better with every match till the cup is won,” Akinbami said. Another Sports Analyst, Jide Bodunde, said the Super Eagles needed extra efforts to win the match. 

“On paper, you expect the Super Eagles to win, but football has gone beyond that. “Super Eagles had not defeated South Africa in the last five meetings. South Africa have had one win and finished the remaining four in draws. “I believe the Super Eagles will beat South Africa but it won’t come easy. A country that eliminated the host country (Egypt) and pre-tournament’s favourite in the presence of over 60,000 fans should be taken seriously.

“They have players like Tacey Taw who loves scoring against Nigeria and Lorch who scored the goal against Egypt as their key men. They should therefore be closely watched,” he said. Bodunde expressed happiness with Odion Ighalo for rediscovering his scoring form which, he said, was good for the Super Eagles. According to him, Alex Iwobi is also one key player for the Super Eagles. “My biggest worry is our defence line. They were shaky against Cameroon, thereby exposing the goalkeeper, a situation that made him to concede two easy goals. 

“My prediction is 2-1 in favour of the Super Eagles,” the sport analyst said. A Football Fan, Abdulmalik Yusuf, said with determination, Super Eagles would win the match. “We are winning the match in spite of having a confused coach who, up till now, does not know his first 11. “The players should be determined and the outcome will be good,” he said. Yusuf said Nigerians were ready to support the team with prayers but appealed to the Federal Government to give them necessary encouragements to boost their morale. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/dont-take-south-africa-for-granted-fans-caution-super-eagles.html

[Edoman]

Arsenal confirms the appointment of Edu as their new technical director 




 
Premier League club, Arsenal hace confirmed the appointment of Edu as their new technical director after their former midfielder left his role with the Brazil national team.
 
The 41-year-old former Brazilian midfielder who made 127 appearances for Arsenal over five seasons between 2000 and 2005, will be responsible for player scouting and squad recruitment.
 
According to the club, Edu's brief will also involve coordinating the club's first-team coaching staff and work within the academy.

Edu said: Arsenal has always had a special place in my heart and I'm thrilled to be returning to this great club in this new role.
'We have a strong squad and some very talented young players with fantastic people at every level. I'm looking forward to helping make a difference.'
Arsenal Head of football Raul Sanllehi said: 'We're very excited that Edu is joining the team. He has great experience and technical football knowledge and most importantly is a true Arsenal man.
'He understands the club and what we stand for to our millions of fans around the world.
'His arrival is the final and very important part of the jigsaw in our development of a new football infrastructure to take us forward.
'He will be working closely with Unai Emery and the first-team coaches, and will play a relevant role leading our football vision and ensuring we have - and follow - a solid philosophy through all our football activities.'
by L

[Edoman]

SA Fans want close marking for Iwobi, Musa and Ighalo

[/url]
[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/eagles-agaisnt-zimb-1.jpg]



South African fans and analysts alike have dubbed Eagles trio of Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi as danger men, urging coach South Africa coach Stuart Baxter to ensure they are given close marking.
The three players according to South Africans have shown in the course of the ongoing tournament in Egypt that they can do damage given the slightest opportunity.
Musa is considered a threat because of his ability to create space on one hand and also drop deep to collect ball to flag off attack on the other.
Odion Ighalo who has already scored three goals is tipped to aim for more goals and could be a handful for Bafana Bafana defensive duo of Thulani Hlatshwayo and Buhle Mkhwanazi whose job it will be to prevent him from wreaking havoc. Alex Iwobi they further noted has a blistering pace on a good day and that could be problematic for Bafana Bafana.

Meanwhile former Bafana Bafana winger Daine Klate has believes the boys from the Rainbow City have all it takes to sing victory song but admitted that it will not come easy against Nigerian side that became more determined after that shocking defeat by debutants Madagascar in the group stage.
“It’s been good to see the positive response around the Egypt win and I hope the guys can go on and do something special against Nigeria,” Klate enthused.
 

[Edoman]

Neymar can leave PSG for the right offer-PSG

[/url]
[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Neymar.jpeg]


Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo is prepared to let Neymar go this summer if the right offer comes in.
The Brazilian forward has been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona and didn’t turn up for the start of pre-season at PSG on Monday.
After revealing that PSG had been in “superficial” talks with Barcelona over Neymar, Leonardo seemed to admit that the player had asked to leave when asked the question.
“It’s clear for everyone,” Leonardo said. “In football, you say one thing and then another thing the day after. It’s incredible, but that’s how it is.

“We’ve spoken with his representatives. Their position is clear but there’s only one thing that is certain for now: he has a three-year contract with us and, as we’ve not received any offers for him, we can’t discuss anything.
Read Also: Neymar loses Brazil captaincy to Alves

“Neymar can leave PSG if the right offer comes in,” Leonardo said in his first interview since returning to the club.
“But now we don’t know if anyone wants to buy him or at what price. All this can’t happen in a day, this I’m sure of.
After being asked what price PSG would demand for Neymar, Leonardo grew tired of talking about the Brazilian.
“You have to talk and negotiate, that’s all. No more questions about Neymar please,” Leonardo said.

Leonardo indicated that Barcelona would need to pay the money, not just rely on Neymar’s wishes to return home.
“This transfer changes lots of things whether it happens or not,” Leonardo went on.
“Then, with a matter of this dimension it’s not a question of sentiment. It’s a question of money.”

 

[Edoman]

#AFCON2019: Interesting head-to-head stats as Eagles battle Bafana Bafana

[/url]




The past days have been filled with intense build-up to what could easily pass as one of the most important games ever between [url=https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-south-africa-sends-egypt-packing-meet-nigeria-in-quarter-finals/]South Africa and Nigeria at the ongoing AFCON 2019 tournament in Egypt.
Both teams will battle for a place in the semi finals today in Cairo.

Here are interesting heads-to-head stats ahead of the game at the stadium of horror.

• Nigeria are three-time African champions while Bafana Bafana won the tournament as hosts in 1996.
  
• South Africa beat Nigeria away in their opening match of the AFCON qualifiers in June 2017 and were held 1-1 in the return fixture.
  
• Nigeria have not won South Africa in their last five meetings.
  
• The last time Nigeria defeated the South African national team was in a CHAN group stage game on August 19 ,2014 where Super Eagles won by 3-1 in Cape Town.
  
• Ahmed Musa was the last Nigerian player to score against South Africa. it was in an international friendly in 2015 which ended in a 1-1 draw at Nelspruit.
  
• South Africa have only managed to beat the Super Eagles twice in all and only once in a competitive game.
  
• Nigeria’s first defeat against South Africa came in 2004. The 2-1 loss in 2004 was in friendly game used to mark Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
  
• In 1992, Nigeria thumped South Africa 4-0 in Lagos on their return to international football after years of being banned owing to apartheid rule back. It was their first head-to-head meeting.
  
• The most recent head-to-head meeting between the two sides was in August 2013 for the Nelson Mandela Challenge at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Again Nigeria proved too much for South Africa by winning two-nil through Uche Nwofor’s brace of goals.
  

Head to Head record:

• Nigeria 2-0 South Africa, semi-final in 2000
  
• Nigeria 4-0 South Africa, group stage in 2004
  

Total head-to-head matches played: 13

• Nigeria wins: 6
  
• South Africa wins: 2
  
• Draws: 5
  

See Breakdown below:

1. 10 Oct 1992 Nigeria v South Africa            4-0      FIFA World Cup
   
2. 16 Jan 1993 South Africa v Nigeria            0-0      FIFA World Cup
   
3. 10 Feb 2000 Nigeria v South Africa            2-0     Africa Cup of Nations
   
4. 31 Jan 2004 Nigeria v South Africa            4-0      Africa Cup of Nations
   
5. 17 Nov 2004 South Africa v Nigeria           2-1      International Friendly
   
6. 01 Jun 2008 Nigeria v South Africa            2-0      FIFA World Cup
   
7. 06 Sep 2008 South Africa v Nigeria            0-1      FIFA World Cup
   
8. 14 Aug 2013 South Africa v Nigeria           0-2       International Friendly
   
9. 10 Sep 2014 South Africa v Nigeria           0-0       Africa Cup of Nations
   
10. 19 Nov 2014 Nigeria v South Africa          2-2       Africa Cup of Nations
    
11. 29 Mar 2015 South Africa v Nigeria          1-1        International Friendly
    
12. 10 Jun 2017 Nigeria v South Africa L        0-2        Africa Cup of Nations
    
13. 17 Nov 2018 South Africa v Nigeria         1-1        Africa Cup of Nations
    

[Edoman]

Be Wary of VAR, Eagles Warned ahead S/Africa Showdown

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been urged to be cautious of possible dangers or problems of Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) have decided to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from the quarter-final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.
It was originally planned to use VAR from the semi-final stage but it will now be brought-in from the last-eight games.
The three-time Africa champions will be trailing tackles with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday(today) by 8:pm for their quarter-final showdown and the Video Assistant Referee system will be used.

Nigeria were denied a penalty against Argentina after a VAR review (Image: EPA)
“This VAR will increase the possibility of drama, especially as Nigeria clash with rivals, South Africa in Cairo,” Nigerian football pundits had warned ahead the crunch showdown.
“The technical crew should be cautious of the danger of this VAR. It may save and at the same time it may ruin. So, the Eagles players should be cautious and pick up a lesson from the way Ghana was shutout from Round of 16 by Tunisia.

“There was a moment of controversy in the first half when captain Andre Ayew back-heeled a Jordan Ayew cross into the net, only for South African referee Victor Gomes to disallow the goal for a handball by Thomas Partey who set up Jordan Ayew.
“We all know it would have been a different case had Video Assistant Referees (VAR) been deployed earlier.”
“And so far, there have been several marginally offside calls and an erroneous handball decision, which have contributed to some countries’s early exit from the tournament, and have been the extent of controversy in Egypt for the battered reputation of African referees,” a pundit in an online TV said.
Nigeria pleased for the referee to consult VAR, only for him to reject the penalty claims anyway (Image: PA)

Nigeria & VAR in Russia 2018 World Cup

Others in a hard-tackle session previewing the knockout match in a terrestrial TV broadcast on Wednesday  would also want the Super Eagles to be cautious drawing references to 2018 FIFA World cup experience.
“In the match against Argentina at the group stage, Nigeria got into World Cup Group D match thanks to a Victor Moses penalty after Lionel Messi had opened the scoring. But, the African side thought they were deserving of a second penalty when Marcos Rojo headed the ball onto his own arm.

“The referee did not blow his whistle and moments later Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo wasted a glorious opportunity to score from 14 yards out. And once his shot flew wide he immediately appealed for a penalty.Ref Cuneyt Cakir refused to give a spot kick immediately and went to VAR, who then gave a goal kick after.”
“John Obi Mikel voiced his frustrations at the decision at full-time. It was a clear penalty for him” the analyst enthused.

VAR IN AFRICA 
VAR has not been extensively used on the African continent, but it has produced situations which have tarnished the game’s image and been part of the administrative malaise that caused FIFA to step in and take over the running of CAF from next month.
The second leg of the African Champions League final was abandoned in May in a row over the absence of the technology after was planned to be used.
When the referee disallowed an effort by Wydad Casablanca, they stormed off in protest that VAR had not been consulted, even though they had been told before the game that the system was not operational.
CAF president Ahmad Ahmad said not using the VAR system in the opening rounds OF 2019 AFCON was a “measure of prudence”.
“Those countries that use VAR did not rush into it from the start. It’s a technology that a lot of people don’t completely use yet,” he told reporters before the tournament.

OFFICIAL: AFCON Quarter-Final Fixture:
Nigeria vs. South Africa
 Wednesday, July 10
 8:00PM  
Cairo International Stadium