Int’l friendly: Finidi To Manage Super Eagles Against Ghana, Mali

Published

2 years ago

March 19, 2024

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Int’l friendly: Finidi To Manage Super Eagles Against Ghana, Mali—-Former Nigeria forward Finidi George will occupy the chief’s corner in the dugout when the Super Eagles confront West African arch-rivals Ghana in an international friendly in Marrakech on Friday.

A statement by Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday said George had been appointed by the NFF to hold the reins in the meantime.

A group of 22 players are expected to engage Ghana and Mali in this month’s international window.

“On Friday, George, from a family of football stars (elder brother Alari and younger brother Igeniwari of blessed memory were established players), will bellow instructions from the touchline.

“This is coming 21 months after he began to understudy Portuguese José Santos Peseiro, who led the Eagles to runners-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year,” it said.

George, a former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis winger, made a scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on July 27, 1991.

On his debut in 1991, George, who also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe, scored one and made four assists for legendary ‘goalsfather’ Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).

He also assisted the latter to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994.

Actually, George scored the goal that took Nigeria to her first FIFA World Cup finals, 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.

The statement added that, as at Tuesday’s lunchtime, 12 of the 22 players expected had arrived in Morocco’s fourth-largest city.

It said that defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi having been knocked out by injury.

“At the team’s Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Tanimo.

“Also are midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman.

“Others include goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were being expected in Marrakech by Tuesday.

“Only Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is being expected on Wednesday,” it stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African vice champions will take on Ghana on Friday before confronting Les Aigles of Mali at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech on March 26.

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Anfield Showdown Brewing as Enzo Fernandez vs Dominik Szoboszlai Comparison Heats Up

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2026

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Anfield Showdown Brewing as Enzo Fernandez vs Dominik Szoboszlai Comparison Heats Up—-A fierce online debate has erupted ahead of the Premier League clash between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC, with fans comparing the performances of Enzo Fernández and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The discussion gained traction after a stats graphic shared by Premier League India asked fans to pick between the two midfielders ahead of the highly anticipated encounter at Anfield.

Both players have made 33 Premier League appearances this season, but the numbers reveal contrasting strengths in their games.

Szoboszlai has registered six goals and five assists for Liverpool, highlighting his attacking influence and ability to contribute in the final third during the Reds’ European football qualification.

Enzo, meanwhile, has recorded eight goals and three assists for Chelsea while also dominating creatively with an impressive 24 through balls compared to Szoboszlai’s six.

The midfield battle appears even tighter defensively and physically, with Enzo narrowly edging duels won at 125 compared to Szoboszlai’s 124.

Enzo Fernandez vs Dominik Szoboszlai Stats

The comparison has sparked heated reactions across social media, with Chelsea fans pointing to Enzo’s creativity and all-round midfield control, while Liverpool supporters argue Szoboszlai’s energy, pressing, and influence in a title-challenging side give him the edge.

With both midfielders expected to play key roles when Liverpool host Chelsea, the online arguments are only adding more tension and excitement ahead of one of the weekend’s biggest fixtures.

As kickoff approaches, fans remain divided over one question: who truly has had the better season — Enzo Fernández or Dominik Szoboszlai?

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Alex Jimenez Frozen Out by Bournemouth Amid Growing Online Controversy

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2026

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Alex Jimenez Frozen Out by Bournemouth Amid Growing Online Controversy—-AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that defender Alex Jimenez will not be part of the squad for their upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham FC following social media controversy involving the player.

In an official statement released on Friday, Bournemouth said the club is aware of posts currently circulating online concerning the right-back and has launched an investigation into the matter.

“The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated,” the statement read.

As a result, Jimenez has been withdrawn from selection for the Fulham fixture while the club continues its internal review.

Bournemouth added that no further comments will be made at this stage.

The nature of the posts or allegations has not yet been publicly clarified, but the development has quickly generated attention online ahead of the club’s latest Premier League outing.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

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