Sport

We owed Amuneke, Siasia but they won Trophies – NFF blasts Oliseh

Published

10 years ago

February 4, 2016

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has once again criticized head coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh, for blaming the federation for the country’s poor outing at the ongoing CHAN 2016.

Oliseh claimed that his squad were not well motivated and he had to spend $4,000 of his personal money, during their training camp in Pretoria, South Africa.

Responding to the former national team skipper’s claims, NFF board member, Chris Green, told Oliseh to imbibe tolerance like Samson Siasia and Emmanuel Amuneke, who despite being owed went ahead to win important trophies for Nigeria.

In an interview with TheCable, he said: I don’t think it is very fair to the NFF that Sunday Oliseh will say the team was not motivated. Of course, he sent his programme to the NFF, for him to camp in Nigeria as well as Pretoria in South Africa and that programme was executed. In South Africa, he had good matches to play, which he played. These were part of the preparations for the CHAN tournament.

“Ordinarily, in a tournament where one will have domestic players, one would have said they should remain in the country and prepare. But in this case, in total obedience to the programme of the coach, they had to leave Nigeria and went to Pretoria. And so, I will not want to say that the NFF did not motivate the team.

“What about Samson Siasia’s team that played all the way to the final and won the cup without being paid their match bonuses and allowances? What about Emmanuel Amuneke that played till the final and won the World Cup in Chile without being paid?

“Also, what about the girls that went to Namibia and won? They all know that their money will be paid to them. And I can assure you that very soon, all debts will be cleared when the NFF receives its money.”

Green also admitted that the federation were broke and that is why they were finding it hard to clear up debts and pay allowances.

“You and I, just like every Nigerian, know that the federation is very stretched financially, and money that has accrued to the federation is being expected. I wonder why, when we are getting to the tail end of when the money will be delivered to the football federation, one will now start saying it is because money was not given to the players that they were eliminated from CHAN at the early stage. I know that very soon, even though they did not make it to the next stage of CHAN, the players will be paid what they are owed,” he added.

Sport

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Defeat Egypt on Penalties to Secure Third Place

Published

15 hours ago

January 17, 2026

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their AFCON 2025 campaign on a high note after defeating Egypt on penalties to secure third place in the tournament.

The third-place playoff, played on Saturday, ended 0–0 after regulation time, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tense and physical encounter. As stipulated by CAF rules, the match went straight into a penalty shootout, where Nigeria emerged victorious 4–2.

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the standout performer on the night, making two crucial penalty saves to swing the shootout in Nigeria’s favour. The Super Eagles kept their composure from the spot, with Ademola Lookman calmly converting the decisive kick to seal the bronze medal.

Despite missing key striker Victor Osimhen, who had earlier left the camp due to injury, Nigeria showed resilience and tactical discipline against a determined Egyptian side led by Mohamed Salah.

Throughout the game, Nigeria enjoyed better spells of possession and created the clearer chances, but Egypt’s defence stood firm, forcing the contest into penalties after 90 minutes of goalless action.

The victory continues Nigeria’s strong tradition in AFCON third-place matches, further reinforcing their reputation as consistent podium finishers on the continental stage.

For the Super Eagles, the win provides a morale boost after their semi-final disappointment and allows them to bow out of the tournament with pride and momentum.

Nigeria now turn attention to post-tournament recovery and preparations ahead of future international assignments, while Egypt will reflect on missed opportunities after falling short in the shootout.

Sport

AFCON 2025: Osimhen Leaves Super Eagles Camp for Turkey After Injury

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2026

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has left the Nigerian camp in Morocco after sustaining an injury, as Nigeria turn their attention to the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff against Egypt.

The Galatasaray forward reportedly picked up the injury during Nigeria’s semi-final defeat, after which he was assessed by the Super Eagles medical team. Following further examination, it was decided that Osimhen should return to Turkey to continue his treatment under the supervision of his club.

A source close to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the decision was taken purely on medical grounds, with the player’s health and long-term fitness given top priority.

> *“Osimhen has been released from the camp to receive proper medical attention. The decision was taken in the best interest of the player,”* a team official disclosed.

Osimhen has been one of Nigeria’s key performers at AFCON 2025, leading the attack with his energy, physical presence, and goal threat. His absence will be felt as the Super Eagles prepare for their third-place match against Egypt, scheduled for today.

Head coach, Eric Chelle, is expected to reshuffle his attacking options, with other forwards now tasked with stepping up as Nigeria aim to end the tournament on a positive note.

Despite missing out on a place in the final, the Super Eagles remain focused on securing a bronze-medal finish and giving the fans something to cheer about before the curtain falls on their AFCON 2025 campaign.

Sport

Tobi Amusan Strikes Gold, Writes Nigeria Into World Athletics History

Published

4 months ago

September 14, 2025

lagoslately

The world stood still as Nigeria’s sprint queen, Tobi Amusan, stormed to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles final, clocking an astonishing 12.06 seconds (wind-assisted) to claim her place in history.

With that golden run, Amusan shattered barriers, becoming Nigeria’s first ever World Championships GOLD medallist. For a nation long hungry for global recognition in athletics, her triumph is a defining moment — one that cements her as a legend.

But her victory is bigger than Nigeria. It is a milestone for Africa. More than two decades after Glory Alozie’s silver medal in 1999, the continent now celebrates its 10th hurdles medal, and this time, it shines GOLD.

Amusan’s journey has been one of resilience and grit. Once doubted, she has risen through setbacks and turned pain into power. Her triumph tells a story of belief — belief that no dream is too high, and no obstacle too great.

As the crowd erupted in Eugene, Oregon, the world witnessed more than an athletic victory. They witnessed history. They witnessed the birth of a global icon.

Tobi Amusan didn’t just win a race — she carried Nigeria, Africa, and millions of dreamers with her across that finish line.