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Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen For POTY Award In Camp—-Super Eagles players and coaches have officially honoured Victor Osimhen at the team’s Abu Dhabi camp, after winning the men’s African Player of the Year (POTY) award.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osimhen became the first Nigerian after Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win the CAF POTY award as the best player on the continent in December.

This was after he powered Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years  and topping the goalscorer chart during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

However, since Osimhen’s triumph at the CAF award ceremony, the Super Eagles had not met as a team.

Nigeria’s last engagement was in November when the Super Eagles, who had Osimhen out injured, were forced to two consecutive 1-1 draws by Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are, however, gathered in their training camp in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, as they step up preparations for the AFCON in Cote d Ivoire  this month.

The national team camp opened on Tuesday, with 24 out of the 25 invited players already working with head coach Jose Peseiro.

Only Leicester City’s striker Kelechi Iheanacho is being awaited as he recovers from an injury threatening his participation at the tournament.

Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong were among the last players to arrive in camp.

The team’s first dinner together on Friday, therefore presented the Super Eagles the perfect opportunity to officially congratulate the current African king.

A video shared on the team’s official X account on Saturday, saw Patrick Pascal, the team’s coordinator, call out Osimhen for special recognition.

He was honoured with a standing ovation and resounding claps by his teammates and officials.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, the board members, the coach, team officials, the Captain and the players of the Super Eagles, please help me welcome the king, Osimhen ,” Pascal said.

He officially welcomed Osimhen and praised him for winning the prestigious award, adding that the NFF as well as the entire country was proud of his achievements.

Prayers were thereafter offered to thank God for giving him the victory.

NAN also reports that Osimhen will be Nigeria’s primary goal outlet when proceedings kick off at the 34th edition of the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Napoli forward was Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer in 2023.

As the best striker on the continent, he will be expected to lead the Super Eagles’ charge for a fourth continental crown.

Osimhen could become the first Nigerian player since Rashidi Yekini to win the AFCON as the Best Player on the continent.

The 2023 AFCON which kicks off on Jan. 13 will end on Feb. 11.

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Adesanya Opens Up On His UFC Loss, Says Pereira’s ‘Juju’ Is Real

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Adesanya Opens Up On His UFC Loss, Says Pereira’s ‘Juju’ Is Real—-Nigerian-born UFC star Israel Adesanya has suggested that his rival Alex Pereira’s spiritual influence, or “juju,” is a legitimate factor in their fights.

During a recent appearance on the “JRE MMA Show” hosted by Joe Rogan, the former middleweight champion backed claims made by ex-light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka about Pereira’s connection to shamanic practices.

“You know what Jiri said about the whole juju thing? That’s real. That’s real,” Adesanya affirmed, referencing Prochazka’s previous statements accusing Pereira of using spiritual forces in his fighting.

Adesanya highlighted the eerie similarities between his UFC losses to Pereira and their previous matchups in Glory kickboxing, suggesting a pattern linked to these spiritual forces.

“When I fought him in Miami, the guy beat me in the biggest arena, Madison Square Garden, just like he did the last time in Brazil,” Adesanya recounted.

Reflecting on the moments leading up to his losses, Adesanya noted how he often seemed to be in control before Pereira staged a late comeback. “I was beating him, had him hurt at the end of the first round… and then he gets me in the last round,” Adesanya explained.

He attributed these turnarounds to more than just physical ability, suggesting a deeper spiritual element. “It’s his spirit, his ancestors, or his people praying for him… There’s something about him—he knows how to recover well,” Adesanya added.

While acknowledging his own spiritual practices, such as relying on his parents’ prayers and fasting, Adesanya hinted that Pereira’s spiritual backing may give him an advantage.

For his part, Pereira has shrugged off the supernatural claims, asserting that belief in spirits is personal and that everyone possesses them. He expressed contentment with how his spiritual connections have supported his career.

With this latest development, the fierce rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira has taken on a mystical dimension, raising the question of whose spiritual strength will ultimately prevail in their future battles.

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BREAKING: Bruno Fernandes Sent Off As Manchester United Held Porto In a 6-Goal Thriller

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BREAKING: Bruno Fernandes Sent Off As Manchester United Held Porto In a 6-Goal Thriller—-Bruno Fernandes the talking point again in the UEFA Europa League as he’s sent off for Manchester United after been previously sent off in the Premier League last weekend against Tottenham where they were thrashed at Old Trafford by the London Club.

Bruno had his red card appealed and is available to feature for Man United next games but again received another red card for a brutal high foot foul against Porto defender as he was booked for second time in the game to get sent off.

Manchester United were 2 goals up early this night through Marcus Rashford 7th minute opener and Ramus Hojlund scores his first goal of the season after returning from injury but Porto fights back to earn a first half draw and goes ahead in the 50th minute through Samu Omorodion.

Harry Maguire rescued a dramatic draw for 10-man Manchester United after they had surrendered a two-goal lead – and had Bruno Fernandes sent off – at Porto in the Europa League.

The injury-time effort could prove priceless for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, whose side were moments away from their fourth loss in 10 games to start the season.

Instead, substitute Maguire rose highest to meet Christian Eriksen’s corner and headed superbly into the bottom corner in the first of five added minutes.

It was a thrilling conclusion to a chaotic encounter at Estadio do Dragao.

Porto could have added to their lead with the away side, even down to 10 men, forced to throw players forward, but failed to make them count and were punished by Maguire’s late header.

Despite salvaging something from the game, United have won only three of their first 10 matches of the season and, for the fourth European away game in a row, they failed to win despite having scored three goals.

 

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