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NFF appoints Finidi George as Head Coach of Super Eagles

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The Board of Nigeria Football Federation on Monday approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to appoint former ace winger Finidi George as Head Coach of the Senior Men National Football Team, Super Eagles.

George, who spent 20 months as assistant to José Santos Peseiro before the Portuguese voluntarily left the post following the accomplishment of Africa Cup of Nations runner-up position at Cote d’Ivoire 2023, took charge of the squad in interim capacity during two friendly matches in Morocco last month.

His squad edged Ghana 2-1 in the first match, ending an 18-year winless streak against the Black Stars, but then lost 0-2 to Mali in the second game.

George, a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia and emerged the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in USA the same year, won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals. He also won gold, silver and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000 and 2002 AFCON tournaments.

The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) forward, who made a scoring debut for fatherland in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on 27th July 1991, also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe. He assisted Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994.

George had actually scored the goal that took Nigeria to that FIFA World Cup debut, when he put Nigeria ahead against hosts Algeria in a crucial qualifier in Algiers on 8th October 1993. The match eventually ended 1-1 and earned Nigeria a ticket to the finals in America.

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“Oshoala Is A Sister ” – Tosin Demehin Breaks Silence on Handball Controversy, Reveals What Asisat Told Her

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After weeks of online speculation and heated debates among football fans, Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has finally addressed the handball controversy that nearly marred her performance during Nigeria’s recent international fixture. In a press chat in Lagos, Demehin shared her side of the story—and the moment that calmed her fears came from none other than Nigerian football legend Asisat Oshoala.

The Controversial Moment

The incident, which sparked a storm of reactions on social media, occurred during a tense moment in the match when the ball struck Demehin’s hand inside the penalty box. Fans and pundits were split on whether it was a legitimate penalty call, with many accusing the defender of an avoidable error.

But Demehin has now spoken up, giving clarity from her point of view:

> “I was scared, but deep down I knew it wasn’t a penalty,” she said, according to BoldSports. “The ball touched my hand, yes, but the way I was positioned, it wasn’t unnatural.”

The Oshoala Moment

What happened next shows the true spirit of leadership and sisterhood within the team. Demehin revealed that as the team regrouped, Asisat Oshoala—widely regarded as the face of Nigerian women’s football—walked up to her and offered both comfort and clarity.

> “‘Agba baller’ (Asisat Oshoala) came to me and asked, ‘Tosin, ṣo bọwọ́ ẹ?’ (Did it touch your hand?). I said, ‘O bọwọ́ mi, but mo dúró dáadáa’ (Yes, but I stood naturally).”

Rather than chastise her, Oshoala offered reassurance:

> “She told me to calm down, assuring me it wouldn’t be given as a penalty.”

It’s a moment that many are now hailing as an example of what true leadership and team support should look like.

Fans React

Football fans have taken to social media with renewed respect for both players:

> “Oshoala is not just a baller, she’s a big sister to the younger ones. Love how she protects her teammates,” one user wrote on X.

> “Tosin held her ground and Asisat backed her up like a true leader. That’s the unity we want to see in the Falcons,” another posted.

A Lesson in Composure

Demehin’s calm explanation and the guidance she received from a senior teammate have turned what could have been a stain on her growing career into a teachable moment about composure under pressure and trust within a team.

As the Super Falcons prepare for upcoming matches, fans are calling for more behind-the-scenes stories like this—ones that highlight not just skills, but the bond and values that make champions.

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Newly Married Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota Dies at 28

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The football world is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota, star striker for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. He was just 28 years old.

Jota lost his life in a tragic road incident in Spain alongside his younger brother in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The devastating news comes less than two weeks after his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, which took place on June 22, 2025. The couple shared three children and had just begun a new chapter together.

Since joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota became a fan favorite for his sharp instincts, energy, and goal-scoring brilliance. He also proudly represented Portugal on the international stage, winning hearts with his commitment and character.

This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, teammates, and the entire football community.

Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.
You will never walk alone. ❤️

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NFF Denies Blacklisting Leon Balogun from Super Eagles

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Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!

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