Tag: Football

“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.

June 7, 2025 (updated June 7, 2025) Published by

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov following his error during the two sides’ 1-1 international friendly draw on Friday in Moscow.

Recall that Safonov mistakenly passed the ball to substitute Tolu Arokodare, who slotted home the Super Eagles’ equalising goal in the 71st minute. Semi Ajayi had earlier scored an own goal in the first half of the encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Reacting to the error made by the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, Chelle expressed his support for the 26-year-old by insisting that everyone makes mistakes.

“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.

Goals are scored precisely because of mistakes. I don’t think the goalkeeper is the only one to blame – it’s the result of the entire team’s actions. I follow the French championship and I can say: you’ve a great goalkeeper,” he added.

EPL: 3 teams qualify for Champions League after Europa final

May 23, 2025 (updated May 23, 2025) Published by

Three teams have now confirmed their places in next season’s Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur became the latest club to claim their spot, following their 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

Although they are likely to finish in 17th place, Spurs will compete in Europe’s elite competition thanks to the victory.

Brennan Johnson proved to be the hero in Bilbao, as he forced in the only goal of the match in the first half.

Tottenham will now join Liverpool and Arsenal as the only Premier League sides to be assured of Champions League spots for now.

Three more teams will qualify on the last day of the campaign.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are the teams that will be hoping to represent England.

BREAKING: Chelle Drops Osimhen, Lookman From Super Eagles Squad To Play Ghana, Russia (Full List)

May 21, 2025 (updated May 21, 2025) Published by

This was confirmed after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, released the list of invited players on Wednesday afternoon.

The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has left Victor Osimhen and Ademola out of his squad for play Ghana in the Unity Cup.

Osimhen and Lookman will also miss Nigeria’s games against Russia.

However, there is a return for goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and captain Ahmed Musa.

Just in:Nigerians flying eagle qualify for the world cup after a dramatic win over Senegal.

May 12, 2025 (updated May 12, 2025) Published by

Nigeria’s U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a tense quarter-final victory over Senegal at the ongoing CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The thrilling encounter on Monday ended in a penalty shootout, with Nigeria emerging 3-1 winners after regulation time had failed to produce a goal.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the standout performer, making two crucial saves during the shootout to send the Flying Eagles into the semi-finals—and more importantly, secure their spot at the upcoming global tournament.

In 2015, Nigeria defeated the host nation 3-1 in the opening game of the CAF U-20 Championship and later edged them 1-0 in the final to lift their seventh title.

That same year, Nigeria’s U-23 side also won the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal, qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Despite Senegal’s recent bragging rights—such as their 2-1 win over Nigeria in the Round of 16 at the 2019 U-20 World Cup in Poland—this latest result tips the balance back in Nigeria’s favour.

The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 AFCON, with renewed confidence and a World Cup ticket already in hand.

They’ll be hoping to continue their strong form as they aim for their eighth continental crown and a deeper run at the World Cup in Chile later in the year.

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After setting a new goal-scoring record,Osimhen says his time at Galatasaray will remain evergreen

May 10, 2025 (updated May 10, 2025) Published by

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has said he will remember this season for the rest of his career.

Osimhen added his second in the 31st minute, taking his total to 33 goals for the season, reinforcing his status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

The Nigerian has now scored 33 goals across all competitions for the Yellow and Reds, surpassing the 31 he registered two years ago for Napoli.

“It was important to break my record in my first season. I am at one of the most important clubs in the world. The biggest club in Türkiye,” he told the club’s official website.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for helping me. I want to thank the technical team and the club staff. They never left me alone. This season is a memory that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Galatasaray are on course to win a third consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.

Okan Buruk’s side are now eight points clear of bitter rivals Fenerbahce, with six rounds of matches remaining in the season.

Osimhen netted twice as Galatasaray cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sivasspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on Saturday.

The 26-year-old’s first goal of the game, a clinical finish.

Osimhen added his second in the 31st minute, taking his total to 33 goals for the season, reinforcing his status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk praised the striker’s impact.

“Victor is a rare talent. He not only scores goals but also inspires the team with his work ethic and determination.

“We are fortunate to have him,” Buruk said during the post-match conference.

Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, Osimhen has been pivotal to the team’s success.

His 24 league goals have powered the Istanbul-based club to the top of the league standings, as they aim for a third consecutive Süper Lig title.

Reflecting on his record-breaking season, Osimhen expressed gratitude and ambition.

“Breaking my record is special, but I’m more focused on helping the team win trophies. The support from my teammates and fans has been incredible,” he told NTV Spor.

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Nigerian Striker Victor Olatunji Celebrates Using ‘Chosen’ Trend

September 19, 2024 (updated September 19, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that Victor Olatunji has joined the growing “Chosen” trend in Nigeria while celebrating his goal for Slavia Prague in their UEFA Champions League opener against RB Salzburg.

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Olatunji, who played a 58-minute cameo for Lars Friis’ side at the epet Arena, helped his team secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Austrian giants RB Salzburg.

The Nigerian forward demonstrated excellent awareness in the box, latching onto a precise pass from Filip Panák before firing a first-time shot into the left corner to extend Slavia Prague’s lead.

Following his goal, Olatunji lifted his jersey to reveal a white undershirt with the bold message: “I am a Chosen, who are you?”—a reference to the popular phrase associated with the Nigerian “Chosen” church.

The “Chosen” trend has gained significant attention in Nigeria, originating from the church, which is renowned for claims of miracles and divine interventions.

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Despite skepticism from some sections of society, members of the church frequently proclaim the phrase “I am a Chosen, who are you?” when seeking divine help in difficult situations.

Olatunji is not the first footballer to identify with the movement. Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface has also been linked to the church, with photos surfacing of him during his early days as a member of the congregation.

The 25-year-old’s goal celebration has caught attention on social media, adding more interest to the “Chosen” trend that is becoming popular in Nigerian football.

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Black Stars Likely To Host AFCON Qualifiers In Nigeria

September 12, 2024 (updated September 12, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that Ghana’s Black Stars are expected to play their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations home qualifiers in Nigeria, according to various reports from the West African nation.

This follows the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) refusal to approve their home venue, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

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CAF’s inspection team found the stadium inadequate for competitive matches, citing major structural issues such as poor drainage, uneven playing surfaces, and inconsistent grass coverage.

As other Ghanaian venues like the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums also failed to meet CAF’s requirements, the country is left without a suitable stadium for their upcoming qualifiers.

CAF has instructed Ghana to find an alternative venue for the crucial Matchday three and four fixtures in October outside the country.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as the most likely option due to its proximity.

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This facility, with a capacity of 30,000, is currently the home ground for the Super Eagles.

Other potential venues include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Stade de la Paix, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium in Douala, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.

The Ghana Football Association is anticipated to announce its final decision in the coming days.

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Osimhen to Saudi Club Al Ahli Done

August 31, 2024 (updated August 31, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that Italian club Napoli and Saudi club Al Ahli have reached an agreement on the transfer of striker Victor Osimhen to the Arab club.

According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the “club to club deal done for €75/80m total package.”

Romano wrote on X: “BREAKING: Napoli reach total agreement with Al Ahli for Victor Osimhen!

“Club to club deal done for €75/80m total package, Al Ahli have already booked a medical.

“Four year contract worth €25/30m per season net to Osimhen + RELEASE clause.

“Final green light up to Victor.”

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Ideye: Footballers Play For Family Support, Not Trophies

August 28, 2024 (updated August 28, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has stated that footballers, including himself, play the game to support their families rather than to win trophies.

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Ideye, who currently plays for Kuwaiti Division One club Al-Yarmouk, shared this on Tuesday via his X account in response to Victor Osimhen’s transfer challenges.

He expressed regret that despite Osimhen’s outstanding performance at Napoli and being named African Player of the Year, he is not regarded as one of Europe’s top strikers.

Ideye advised Osimhen not to overlook opportunities that could secure his and his family’s future, emphasizing that players’ careers are brief.

“You can’t feed your family with trophy, we all play football because that’s the only way out of the hood, we want to have all the good things in life and take care of our family.

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“It’s a shame they don’t rate him among the top strikers abroad, after an amazing season with his club and winning the African best player award.

“It’s not every Nigerian footballer playing in Europe that is making good money after tax.

“Don’t miss a move that will set you and your family up for life, in football every game you play may be your last,” Ideye wrote in a series of tweets.

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Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Dies At 76 After Cancer

August 26, 2024 (updated August 26, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson has died this morning at the age of 76.

Eriksson, who famously made history by becoming England’s first foreign boss when he took the role in 2001, died on Monday morning after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

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Eriksson had been ill for a while and in January 2023 announced the shocking news that he ‘had at best a year to live’.

He had recently resigned from his post as sporting director of Karlstad in his native Sweden and had sought medical advice after collapsing during a 5km run, with doctors also discovering he suffered a stroke.

A statement from his agent on Monday, August 26 read: “Sven-Göran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, he died in the morning at home surrounded by family.

“The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.”

“This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance.

“Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.

“On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”

Born on February 5 1948, Eriksson grew up in Sweden where he became a professional footballer.

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Making his first move into management with Degerfors IF, Eriksson got the job with Swedish giants Goteborg where he announced himself on the European stage by winning the UEFA Cup in 1971/72.

He was then snapped up by Benfica in 1982 where he won three Primeira Divisao titles and a Portuguese Cup alongside finishing as runners-up in both the European Cup and UEFA Cup across two spells.

In January 2001, Eriksson took charge of the England national team and led the team to two World Cups and one European Championship, leading ‘the Golden Generation’ featuring David Beckham, John Terry Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and others.

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