Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons storm Mexico

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January 27, 2023

Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons storm Mexico

Nigeria jousts with Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia for the Guanajuato Revelation cup

Nigeria’s tougher-than-nail right back Michelle Alozie, fends-off a USA invader in their friendly in 2022

Head Coach Randy Waldrum has called up 23 Super Falcons for next month’s Revelation Cup Tournament in Leon, Mexico City.

The Nigeria Super Falcons stars going to Mexico are Captain Onome Ebi, Spain-based forward Asisat Oshoala, and long-time number-one goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Hosts Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Nigeria are pitted to clash at the tournament in Guanajuato State, Mexico, from the 15^th to the 21^st of February, to prepare the contestants for the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria will face hosts Mexico in the tournament’s second game. Their match-up starts at 4 pm Mexico time (10 pm Nigeria time) Wednesday, February 15, three hours following Costa Rica’s clash with Colombia in the tilt opener.

On Saturday, February 18, Super Falcons take on Colombia at 1 pm in Mexico (7 pm Nigeria time) before the duel between Costa Rica and the host nation.

Costa Rica will engage Nigeria in their last games at 5 pm (11 pm in Nigeria) Tuesday, February 21, before Mexico and Colombia spar in the curtain closer.

Nigeria’s delegation to the tournament will depart the country’s shores on Saturday, February 11.

The Super Falcons will tackle co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and the debuting Republic of Ireland at the biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup finals this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

THE INVITED Super Falcons:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne, France)

Defenders: Onome Ebi (Levante Las Planas (Spain); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Glory Ogbonna (ALG Spor, Turkey); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Akudo Ogbonna (Rivers Angels)

Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna United, Sweden); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA); Regina Otu (AS Saint-Etienne, France)

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona Femenin, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint-Etienne, France); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Rayadas Monterrey, Mexico); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Uchenna Kanu (Tigres Femenil, Mexico)

GFA agree personal terms with Chris Hughton

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January 26, 2023

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GFA agree personal terms with Chris Hughton

New Black Stars boss will cost Ghana $70,000 per month

Ghana Black Stars edged out South Korea 3-2 at last year’s FIFA World Cup

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has agreed to pay former Brighton & Hove manager Chris Hughton seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) monthly salary as the new Black Stars coach.

Sports Joust reliably gathered that the executive committee members of the GFA met on December 22nd in Kumasi, where they approved the appointment of the former Tottenham FC of London defender as the new coach.

A report from Accra Ghana discloses that Chris Hughton was picked ahead of other shortlisted candidates because his salary, allowances, and bonuses demand were within the budget of his new employers.

The report further stated that the GFA is considering canceling the earlier scheduled interview with Manchester United assistant coach Steve Maclaren and former Real Betis manager Hector Cuper later this month due to their excessive salary demands.

Steve Maclaren wants one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) monthly salary, while Hector Cuper also demands one hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) monthly wages, excluding bonuses and allowances.

The executive committee, however, agreed that Chris Hughton’s deal was a fair bargain and may unveil him in the first week of February 2023.

Chris Hughton was the technical adviser of the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar last month.

Crayon lures Osimhen to Manchester United

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January 25, 2023

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Crayon lures Osimhen to Manchester United

Nigerian music star trolls Napoli striker on the internet

Charles Chibueze Chukwu, popularly known as Crayon

According to ESPN, Victor Osimhen is reportedly high on Manchester United’s list of transfer targets for the summer of 2023, United in Focus reports.

Interest is understandable; Nigeria international Osimhen is Serie A’s top goalscorer and has fired Napoli to the top of Serie A at the mid-way point of the season.

Osimhen, 24, is five years younger than transfer alternative Harry Kane and has yet to hit his peak. He is quick, dynamic, and an exciting center-forward who could fit well into Manchester United’s attack.

The forward’s priority is to win his first league title with Napoli. But he can’t escape the Manchester United transfer talk.

Victor Osimhen has been urged to sign for Manchester United by award-nominated Nigerian musician Crayon, who reached out to him on social media.

Crayon, who has more than 470,000 followers on Twitter and 780,000 on Instagram, urged Osimhen to move to Manchester United in the summer once he has won the title with Napoli.

He wrote: “Howfa my bro! Osi nlaaaa! Man, U dey find you!!! Abeg, come Man U this summer after you win Serie A! Come collect big 9!!!”

Crayon has been nominated for three Sound City MVP Africa awards. Hours after his message to Osimhen, the striker replied to his countryman, responding to one of his music videos rather than the United message.

He wrote, “Crayway!!! Omo ope”, showing respect for his work in return, while the musician responded by lauding him, “Best striker in da world.”

Reflecting on the exchange, Crayon sent another message explaining he was excited to be recognized by Osimhen and said he was glad to be able to do what he could to try and help the club he supports, Manchester United.

He wrote: “Anything way make Man U sign Osimhen.”

Osimhen could cost a seriously high fee

As usual, Manchester United are chasing a player when his transfer value is higher than ever. His key role in Napoli’s Serie A title charge propels Osimhen’s market value.

This week Fabrizio Romano warned that Osimhen would likely cost Manchester United a club-record fee, higher than the £89 million spent on Paul Pogba in 2016.

Romano said: “My personal opinion is that Napoli will not accept anything less than £105m/£115m.”

Manchester United will need a takeover to go through to fund the move. Meanwhile, Osimhen will likely have to push for an exit, which won’t be easy if Napoli are reigning champions.

At the very least, he is in no doubt about the desire from supporters to see him in a Manchester United shirt.

UEFA Nations League finals draw finalized

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January 25, 2023

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UEFA Nations League finals draw finalized

As the Netherlands chase laurel and Italy pursue a redemption

Down to the final four

By Edwin Emeanua (Editor)

UEFA finalized its Nations League semi-finals pairing with Croatia lined up against the Netherlands on June 14th and Spain engaging Italy the next day.

The four national teams are set to resume international football after coming out victorious in their separate League A lots in 2022 and after competing in Qatar at the FIFA World Cup some weeks ago.

The Nations League semi-finals will occur in the Netherlands, at the Feijenoord Stadion in Rotterdam, and in Enschede, at the FC Twente Stadion.

Holland will attempt another shot at the title, this time on home soil after falling flat in 2019, losing to Portugal.

The FC Barcelona footballers spattered Spanish side, and many other La Liga stars will be displayed at the tournament.

The new coach of Spain’s national team, Luis de la Fuente, could feature the likes of Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba, Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and left-back Alejandro Balde in his arsenal in Holland.

Newly appointed coach Ronald Koeman and his Dutch national side have their work cut out for them as they take upon the consistently formidable Luka Modrić’s Croatia, a team that is further boosted in confidence by their third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.

Croatia’s team could include Josko Gvardio and talismanic midfielder Modric, who are again likely to pose man of the match performances like they did during the FIFA World Cup finals.

Modric is consistently the glue that holds together Croatia’s golden generation and is accepted as one of the most outstanding midfielders of all ages and the greatest footballer from Croatia.

Italy will pursue redemption following their dismal third-place finish in 2021 and absence at the 2022 World Cup.

NOC calls for early African Games preparation

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January 25, 2023

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NOC calls for early African Games preparation

As Nigeria plot to shame arch-rivals Ghana on home soil

African Games 2023 Mascot

By Edwin Emeanua (Editor)

Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) has tasked the nation’s sports federation to begin ernest preparations for the 13th African Games billed for Ghana from Friday, August 4 to Saturday, August 19, 2023.

“We have yet to start focussing on potential athletes for the African Games billed for Accra, Ghana,” says Tony Nezianya, the NOC publicist.

“We will have to rally the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and all other sports federations to start early preparations for this games.”

Nezianya, the image maker for the NOC, contends that serious preparations are required across the board for readiness for the expected challenge the host nation poses to Nigeria as a regional arch-rival.

He adds: “Are we going to unleash our male athletics stars like the women have taken the lead through the likes of Tobi Amusan?

“Our regional rivals Ghana must not diminish us even on home soil. Let’s rouse the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and other Federations to start preparations now.”

The qualifying play for the games is about to commence. The NOC PRO insists that Nigeria should ensure proportional representation of athletes in the event in Ghana through the qualifiers.

“What about the qualification tournaments,”? Nezianya queries.

“We must take our athletes’ qualification for the games more seriously. To make the desired impact during the Games, we must send an adequate amount of Athletes to Ghana. This can be possible only by preparing seriously for the qualifiers.”

The 13th African Games will be held in three Ghanaian cities-Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi-marking the second time in the tournament’s history that the events will be decentralized following the precursory edition held in Morocco.

In the 12th All African Games hosted by Morocco, Nigeria garnered 127 medals, placing 2nd overall behind only Egypt with 273 medals, with Ghana finishing in the 15th spot with 13 medals.

SPORTS CODES (DISCIPLINES) FOR THE

13TH AFRICAN GAMES, ACCRA 2023

Demonstration

Chris Hughton is wrong for Ghana

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January 25, 2023

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Favored for Ghana job because he can be manipulated- Ghana Parliamentarian Sam George

Sam George, Ghana Parliamentarian

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Ghana member of Parliament Sam George says former Brighton and Hove Albion coach Chris Hughton is the wrong coach for the Black Stars of Ghana.

George claims that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) gave the Black Stars job to Hughton even before the interview and announcement date because they could manipulate him.

George, who dropped this hint on Joy FM, alleged that the GFA appointed Chris Hughton shortly after advertising the job because of all the final three coaches shortlisted, Chris Hughton would be easily influenced.

Manchester United assistant manager Steve Maclaren, former Real Betis FC of Spain and Egypt national team coach Hector Cuper, and Chris Hughton are the three gaffers that made the final cut for the Ghana interview.

George, who represents the Ningo Prampram constituency in the Ghana Parliament, adds, “They’ve given the job to Chris Hughton already. They want someone they can manipulate—a coach they can use to do their business. A manager they can give their team list and say to him, this is my player; use him. Let’s not waste our time on those using the GFA to make money to feed their family.

“What was Baba Rahman doing on the field when Ghana played its last group match against Uruguay? You’ll see that the GFA president is Rahman’s agent if you check. They don’t care if a player has not kicked the ball for the past eight months. All they’re after is their gains.”

The member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also reveals that a repeat of what happened in Qatar, where GFA officials failed to allow Otto Ado to do his job, will prevent Chris Hughton from selecting the best for the Black Stars and may Jeopardize the team’s chances of winning the next African cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

The GFA is expected to announce the new technical adviser in February before Ghana’s Afcon qualifiers in March.

Lyon reject Malo Gusto Chelsea bid

EPL
Football

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January 23, 2023

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After the London club agreed to personal terms with the defender

Chelsea has seen a bid rejected for Lyon defender Malo Gusto with personal terms already agreed upon, posts Matthew Smith for Caughtoffside.

Reece James’ injury issues have been a key reason Chelsea is struggling this season. The lack of adequate cover is a major concern due to losing a talented player from the starting eleven.

Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have both played midfielders in his position this season, so it’s clear that a right-back to provide competition for James is important.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea’s bid for Lyon right-back Gusto was rejected.

The report claims that personal terms have already been agreed upon for Gusto, so you’d imagine there’s a good chance Chelsea could get this over the line.

Chelsea hasn’t been afraid to spend money during the January transfer window, and if personal terms have been agreed upon, then all that’s left is to agree to a fee with Lyon.

At least Lyon wants Gusto to stay at the club until the end of the season.

Black Stars coaching Job down to three

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January 23, 2023

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Steve McClaren, Hector Cuper, and Chris Hughton are the last three men standing

Black Stars Job: Chris Hughton, Hector Cuper, and Steve McClaren are still in the race

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Ghana Football Association (GFA) has shortlisted three among the Sixty foreign coaches that applied for the Black Stars job.

Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren, Hector Cuper, and former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton are the coaches that survived the cut.

Henry Asante Twun, Ghana Football Association communication director, says the coaches would be invited to Ghana for an interview early next month before picking the best of the lot ahead of the African cup of Nations (AFCON) in March.

” It is very important for the GFA to sign a technical adviser for the Black Stars on time because we want the would-be manager to settle down before the next Afcon qualifiers which is set to kick off in March. As you lay your bed, you lie on it. We want to get it right this time,” he said.

Sports Joust reliably gathered that members of the GFA are divided over who should be given the nod to handle the Black Stars at the next African cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year. While some want Chris Hughton to take over from Otto Addo after the world cup, others prefer Hector Cuper because of his wealth of experience in African football.

Chris Hughton was one of the coaches who assisted Otto Addo at the 2022 world cup in Qatar, where Ghana failed to go beyond the first round of the competition.

Ghana will take on Madagascar on March 20, 2023, before wrapping up the Afcon qualifiers with a home game against Central Africa Republic on March 28, 2023.r

‘Super six qualification is our goal’

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January 23, 2023

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NPFL Group B table toppers Abia Warriors brag

Nwosu Chigozie, Abia Warriors media officer

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Abia State Warriors media officer Nwosu Chigozie says it is the wish of the Club to play in the Super six and also quality for the CAF Champions League or the Confederation cup at the end of the season.

Chigozie, in a chat with Sports Joust, disclosed that the 1-0 defeat to Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi at home on match day 3 shows that the team needs to buckle up when they lock horns with Sunshine Stars of Akure in their next match on Wednesday.

Chigogozie said: “Our defeat to Lobi Stars on Sunday was a signal that we have to work harder if we want our wish to come true. We are going to Akure to make a statement against Sunshine Stars.”

Abia Warriors are currently leading the pack in group B with 6 points from 3 matches after beating Rangers International FC of Enugu 2-0 and Bayelsa United 3-1.

“We started very well this season, not because we are doing something different from other clubs. The secret behind our current position on the lease table is the fantastic support we are getting from Emeka Iyama’s led management. The combination of young and experienced players we signed this season is also helpful. The players receive their salaries and bonuses at the right time,” he added.

Bendel Insurance FC is leading group A with 9 points from 3 matches.

Abia Warriors placed 13th position with 50 points from 38 matches at the end of the 2021/ 22 season.

Nigeria Professional Football League Service

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January 21, 2023

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Nigeria Professional Football League Service

Group A Table Nigeria Professional Football League

#		W	D	L	Goals	+/-	Pts
1	Bendel Ins.	2	2	0	0	4:1	3	6
2	Remo Stars FC	2	2	0	0	3:0	3	6
3	Enyimba Aba	2	1	1	0	2:1	1	4
4	Kanemi Warriors	2	1	0	1	2:3	-1	3
5	Shooting Stars	2	0	2	0	3:3	0	2
6	Kwara United	2	0	2	0	0:0	0	2
7	Plateau United	2	0	1	1	4:5	-1	1
8	Gombe United	2	0	1	1	0:1	-1	1
9	Akwa United	2	0	1	1	0:2	-2	1
10	Nasarawa United	2	0	0	2	2:4	-2	0

Group B Table Nigeria Professional Football League

#		W	D	L	Goals	+/-	Pts
1	Abia Warriors	2	2	0	0	5:1	4	6
2	Niger Tornadoes	2	2	0	0	3:0	3	6
3	Rivers United	2	1	1	0	3:2	1	4
3	Dakkada FC	2	1	1	0	3:2	1	4
5	Lobi Stars	2	1	0	1	2:2	0	3
6	Sunshine Stars	2	0	2	0	2:2	0	2
7	Doma UTD	2	0	1	1	1:2	-1	1
8	Bayelsa	2	0	1	1	2:4	-2	1
9	Wikki Tourists	2	0	0	2	1:4	-3	0
10	Enugu Rangers	2	0	0	2	0:3	-3	0