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AFCON 2023: Don’t Underestimate Any Opponent

AFCON 2023: Don’t Underestimate Any Opponent, #Fans Warn Super #Eagles

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AFCON 2023: Don’t Underestimate Any Opponent, #Fans Warn Super #Eagles—-Some football fans  have urged warned the Super Eagles against  underrating their opponent,  going forward at the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d`Ivoire.

They gave the warning in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, Keffi  Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday.

Umar Muhammed, Financial Secretary, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa state chapter, said that every team that qualified for the quarter finals of the tournament is a potential threat that must be taken seriously.

He urged the Eagles not to look down or take Angola and other teams in the tournament for granted.

“On paper and in the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) recent rankings, Nigeria is rated higher than the remaining seven teams.

“In the game of football you never can tell the outcome until the blast of the final whistle. So Eagles should not rely on the ranking by CAF.

“From this stage going forward, more work needs to be done. Eagles must not underrate any opposition they come across beginning with Angola. If they do, they will pay dearly,” he said.

Richard Ajegena said that the 2023 AFCON was bedeviled with ‘giant killers’, adding that the Super Eagles should not be a victim like Morocco, Egypt, Algeria among others.

“This AFCON edition is filled with intrigues and surprises. So the Super Eagles need to be really careful. All eyes are on them.

“Before the tournament, some teams were categorised as minnows but after the first and second rounds, we have now realised that there are no minnows in African football any longer.

“Nigeria needs to put in extra effort more than what they even played against Cote d`Ivoire in the group stage and Cameroon in the round of 16 to avoid any upset from Angola,” he said.

Suleiman Musa, a football fan urged the Eagles not to be complacent going forward, because they performed so well and have one of the best defences in the tournament.

“They should handle Angola and every other opponent with all sense of responsibility, with vigor and renewed energy.

“It’s a tournament of surprises in favour of the so called small teams. So we need to be alert and cautious with whoever we play,” he said.

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BREAKING: Haaland Scores Controversial Goal as 10-Men Manchester City Defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford

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BREAKING: Haaland Scores Controversial Goal as 10-Men Manchester City Defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford—-Erling Haaland struck after a lengthy VAR review to hand 10-man Manchester City a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a fiery Manchester derby.

Manchester City secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half goal settling a fiercely contested Manchester derby.

City were forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Enzo Maresca’s side remained disciplined and eventually found the breakthrough through Haaland.

The decisive moment arrived around the hour mark when Haaland found the net, only for the assistant referee to immediately raise the flag for offside.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned and the goal was awarded. Replays showed that Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched foot had played Haaland onside, while Enzo Fernández’s position was deemed not to constitute interference with play.

The decision sparked furious reactions from the home supporters, with Manchester United players also questioning whether Fernández’s position had interfered with their ability to defend the move.

United were handed a major advantage by Foden’s dismissal but failed to capitalise on it. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both struck the woodwork as the hosts desperately searched for an equaliser.

Manchester City’s defence held firm during the closing stages, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a crucial late save to deny Bryan Mbeumo and preserve the visitors’ clean sheet.

The victory was particularly impressive given City’s lengthy spell with 10 men and handed Maresca a huge win in his first Manchester derby as City manager.

For Haaland, the goal continued his remarkable record against Manchester United and proved enough to give City all three points in one of the most controversial derbies in recent years.

The result keeps Manchester City’s perfect Premier League start intact, with the champions moving onto 12 points from four matches, level with Arsenal at the top of the table but behind the Gunners on goal difference. Manchester United, meanwhile, remain on just four points after four matches.

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BREAKING: Bruno Fernandes on Target as Manchester United Thrash Azerbaijan Outfit in Champions League Opener

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BREAKING: Bruno Fernandes on Target as Manchester United Thrash Azerbaijan Outfit in Champions League Opener—-Manchester United made a commanding return to Europe’s elite competition as goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško and Lisandro Martínez secured a 4-0 victory over Sabah Masazir at Old Trafford.

Manchester United marked their return to the UEFA Champions League in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani champions Sabah Masazir at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Michael Carrick’s side took control of the contest after a cautious opening spell before eventually breaking through in the 27th minute. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring after Patrick Dorgu’s delivery created the opportunity for the Brazilian to put United ahead.

The hosts quickly took advantage of their growing dominance, with captain Bruno Fernandes doubling the advantage in the 42nd minute.

United then struck again before the interval as Benjamin Šeško found the back of the net to give the Red Devils a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.

Sabah, appearing in the Champions League main phase for the first time in their history, struggled to cope with United’s attacking pressure and the quality of the Premier League side.

The Azerbaijani champions had a chance to pull one back during the contest, but United’s defence remained firm, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens also called upon to protect the clean sheet.

United eventually added a fourth in the 68th minute when Lisandro Martínez capitalised on confusion inside the Sabah defence to complete the rout.

The victory gives Manchester United an ideal start to their Champions League campaign after returning to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2023. The result also provides a major confidence boost for Carrick’s squad ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated Manchester derby against Manchester City.

For Sabah, the heavy defeat brought a difficult end to an otherwise historic night. The club, founded in 2017, earned their place in the Champions League after winning the Azerbaijani title and progressing through the qualifying rounds. Their appearance at Old Trafford represented their first-ever match in the main phase of the competition.

United will now look to build on the impressive European victory as they continue their Champions League campaign, while Sabah will aim to regroup for their upcoming fixtures against some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

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