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Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles and their South African counterparts are set for a showdown in the opener of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday (today).

The Group E showdown in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State offers the Eagles an opportunity to avenge missing out from the last edition of the competition.

Nigeria, yet to lose any official game against the South Africans, have won six and drew three matches since 1992.

“We do not want to forget that South Africa partly contributed to us not going to the 2015 Cup of Nations,” said Ogenyi Onazi, standing in as skipper for unavailable John Mikel Obi.

“This time, we must restore our pride and make sure we get the three points off them on Saturday. Nigerians do not forgive losers easily and it is our responsibility to make the country proud whenever we are in action,” added the Turkey-based midfielder.

Hlatshwayo, a centre-back from South African champions Wits, was named captain this week by new England-born coach Stuart Baxter.

“It will be a baptism of fire as captain, but we have come close to beating them in our last two meetings and I think they are there for the taking this time.

“Although Nigeria are a proud and arrogant team, I believe we have now overcome that psychological barrier of not having beaten them in an official match.

“This will be a grudge match. We denied them a place at the 2015 Cup of Nations and they will be out for revenge, which might work to our advantage.”

Apart from being a bogey team for South Africa, an in-form squad, home advantage, longer preparations and several warm-up matches make Nigeria favourites.

But German coach Gernot Rohr cautioned against over-optimism ahead of the first-round fixture in a group completed by unpredictable Libya and outsiders the Seychelles.

“Our team is young and the future looks bright, but there is still considerable work to do,” said the handler who has transformed the Super Eagles.

Inheriting a team that failed to qualify for the 2017 Cup of Nations, Rohr plotted World Cup victories over Zambia and Algeria to bring a 2018 finals place in Russia within sight.

Baxter begins a second stint in charge of “Bafana Bafana” (The Boys) in a confident mood despite the loss through injury of midfield enforcer Hlompho Kekana.

“We are capable of hurting Nigeria. We want to be a big nuisance to them – to be their worst nightmare.”

BIG STORY

CAF 2024 Awards: Nigeria’s ‘Super Falcons’ Wins National Team Of The Year (Female Category)

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The Nigerian women’s national football team, Super Falcons, were named “National Team of the Year” at the CAF Awards 2024.

This achievement, revealed on Monday by the Confederation of African Football during the presentation ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, further solidifies their dominance and excellence in African football.

This esteemed recognition underscores the team’s exceptional performances and significant contributions over the past year, as they continued to represent Nigeria at the pinnacle of women’s football in Africa.

The CAF Awards annually honor the best in African football, celebrating teams, players, and coaches who have excelled in their respective fields.

The Nigerian women’s team has consistently demonstrated resilience, skill, and determination on the international stage, earning the admiration of fans and experts alike.

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Four Years Ago I Failed In Front Of The World, Fast Forward, I’m The Best Player In Africa — Ademola Lookman

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Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles winger, says his success as the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year came after he “failed in front of the world” four years prior.

Lookman spoke after receiving the award as the best African male footballer of 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

The 27-year-old finished ahead of Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy to win the coveted individual prize for male African footballers.

He followed in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lookman referenced his failure to convert a penalty for Everton in November 2020.

Lookman had the opportunity to earn a point for Fulham in their English Premier League (EPL) match against West Ham United. Instead, he failed to execute a Panenka penalty kick that was easily saved by Lukasz Fabianski as West Ham won 1-0.

The penalty attempt earned him mockery on social media, and Scott Parker, Fulham’s manager, criticized the player publicly.

“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa,” Lookman said after receiving the award.

“I want to say to the young children and people watching this: don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings. Matter of fact, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight.

“Firstly, I want to thank the Almighty God for everything he has been doing in my life, and everything he has been blessing me with.

“I want to thank the president, I want to thank all my teammates—club and country. I want to thank them for all their support and love that they gave me.”

“This award today is a blessing to me, to my family, to my nation, and to be recognized as the best player in Africa. It’s something incredible and I’m extremely proud of.”

Lookman left Fulham after that season for RB Salzburg in Germany, where he continued to flap his wings before taking flight following his move to Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

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BIG STORY

Ademola Lookman Wins 2024 CAF Men’s Player Of The Year

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Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

The Nigerian triumphed over Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi, Rowen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy to claim the prestigious award.

Atalanta’s forward, Lookman, succeeds his fellow Nigerian, Victor Osimhen, who was the recipient of the award last year.

The 27-year-old made a significant impact for Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The talented winger netted three goals and provided one assist in the competition, with the Super Eagles securing second place.

He also achieved a historic hat-trick for Serie A club Atalanta in the final of the UEFA Europa League.

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