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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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL—-Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, sealing a dominant 4-0 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The French forward proved decisive on the night, scoring twice to end Liverpool’s European campaign and send the defending champions into the last four for a third consecutive season.

Liverpool’s night was further marred by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a severe leg issue, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.

Manager Arne Slot made bold selection calls, leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially, though the forward was introduced early following Ekitiké’s injury and nearly made an instant impact.

Despite flashes of pressure from Liverpool, PSG remained composed and dangerous on the counter. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the second half with a fine curling effort before adding a second in stoppage time from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were also dashed when a penalty awarded for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned following a VAR review.

The defeat confirms a disappointing end to Liverpool’s European campaign, while PSG continue their title defence and will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals—-Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Barcelona made a blistering start at the Metropolitano, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring early before Ferran Torres doubled their lead inside 24 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

However, Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman, whose crucial strike restored his side’s aggregate advantage following their 2-0 first-leg win.

Diego Simeone’s men then held firm under intense pressure, with Barcelona’s hopes taking a major hit when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.

Despite late attacking changes from coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona were unable to find the third goal needed to force extra time, as Atlético battled through a tense finish.

The result sees Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, keeping alive their dream of winning the competition for the first time in their history.

They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

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