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

Published

2 years ago

January 31, 2024

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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: Saudi Arabia Sack Hervé Renard Two Months Before World Cup

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2 hours ago

April 18, 2026

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BREAKING: Saudi Arabia Sack Hervé Renard Two Months Before World Cup—-Saudi Arabia have dismissed head coach Hervé Renard in a shock decision less than two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed the move, bringing an abrupt end to Renard’s second spell in charge despite successfully guiding the team to qualification for the tournament.

The 57-year-old Frenchman, who previously led the team between 2019 and 2023, had returned in late 2024 after a stint with the France women’s national team. He is widely remembered for overseeing Saudi Arabia’s famous 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

Reports suggest the decision follows a series of disappointing results in recent friendlies, raising concerns about the team’s readiness ahead of the global tournament.

Renard confirmed his exit, acknowledging the timing but expressing pride in his achievements, including leading Saudi Arabia to multiple World Cup qualifications.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Saudi Arabia are now expected to appoint a replacement quickly, with Greek coach Georgios Donis reportedly among the leading candidates.

The sudden managerial change leaves the team facing a race against time to stabilise preparations ahead of their Group H fixtures against Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.

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JUST IN: Ex Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard Guides Coventry City to Historic Premier League Promotion After 25 Years

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3 hours ago

April 18, 2026

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JUST IN: Ex Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard Guides Coventry City to Historic Premier League Promotion After 25 Years—-Coventry City have secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, completing a remarkable turnaround under head coach Frank Lampard.

The Sky Blues confirmed their return to England’s top flight following a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers, with a late equaliser sealing the crucial point needed to clinch promotion.

Lampard, who took charge of the club in 2024, has overseen an impressive rise, guiding Coventry from mid-table struggles to Championship leaders. His side’s consistency throughout the 2025/26 season saw them build an unassailable lead at the top of the table, ultimately securing automatic promotion.

The achievement marks a major milestone for Coventry City, who last played in the Premier League during the 2000/01 season. After years of setbacks, including spells in the lower divisions, the club has now completed a long journey back to the elite level of English football.

For Lampard, the promotion represents one of the biggest successes of his managerial career, silencing critics and reaffirming his credentials after previous stints with Chelsea and Everton.

Celebrations erupted among players and fans alike, as Coventry’s return to the Premier League signals a new chapter for the historic club.

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