Sports

Christian Chukwu’s Green Eagles teammate Charles Bassey dies at 71

Published

2 months ago

April 13, 2025

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the passing of Charles Bassey, a member of the historic Green Eagles squad that clinched Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.

According to reports, Bassey died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.

The former forward, who hailed from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, died in his hometown just hours after the death of the team’s iconic captain, Christian Chukwu, was confirmed in Enugu—marking a double tragedy for Nigerian football.

Expressing its grief, the NFF said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Bassey’s passing, paying tribute to his contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and a coach.

“This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events.

We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.

Charles Bassey was part of the 22-man Green Eagles squad that famously defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on March 22, 1980, securing Nigeria’s first AFCON title.

After his playing career, Bassey ventured into coaching, handling various clubs across the country.

His coaching journey included stints with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, Calabar Rovers, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, and his local team, Mobil Pegasus.

With Bassey’s passing, the number of deceased members from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad has now risen to nine.

Others who have passed on include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and striker Martins Eyo.

Related Topics:Christian Chukwu Dies Featured Green Eagles teammate

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Sports

Club World Cup: We want to win – Vinicius on Real Madrid’s chances

“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We are going for it,” he stated

Published

4 days ago

June 16, 2025

OhiBaba

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Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid’s winger, believes his club will win this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

According to the Brazilian, the new Club World Cup enlarged format is the only championship that Los Blancos have never won.

According to him, Xabi Alonso’s team is eager to win since people remember the previous one.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup tie with Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Vinicius said as quoted by Madrid Xtra: “We are eager to win this first Club World Cup because people never forget the first one.

“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We are going for it,” he stated.

Real Madrid are in Group H of the Club World Cup, taking place in the USA.

The Spanish LaLiga giants will also face Pachuca and RB Salzburg in the group stage.

(From theSun.ng)

Sports

FIFA’s Club World Cup Begins from June 14 to July 13

But the 32-team tournament, which will be played across the USA from June 14 to July 13, has faced criticism and scepticism since FIFA president Gianni Infantino began to float the idea.

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2025

OCHEFA

31 Views

With an eye-watering $1 billion in prize money, some of the biggest stars in the game and clubs competing from across the globe, FIFA’s new Club World Cup has all the ingredients to be a huge event.

But the 32-team tournament, which will be played across the USA from June 14 to July 13, has faced criticism and scepticism since FIFA president Gianni Infantino began to float the idea.

As a completely new arrival in an already crowded football landscape, it remains to be seen whether the competition proves able to carve out a regular place in the calendar.

Players’ representatives, such as global union FIFPRO, have warned of excessive workloads on players, while others have questioned whether fans will turn out in big enough numbers for the group stage fixtures.

“Players will have to perform at the end of an 11- month season with little prospect of getting enough rest before the following season starts,” FIFPRO warned when FIFA formally announced the tournament in 2023.

Sports

Former Barcelona forward, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Charles Flames

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Neymar has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been sidelined from team activities, his club Santos confirmed in a statement reported by local media on Sunday.

According to the club, the 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and underwent medical testing that confirmed the infection.

In an official statement, Santos wrote: “With a viral condition that began on Thursday (June 5), Neymar Jr. underwent laboratory tests after evaluation by the Medical Department of Santos FC, which confirmed infection by Covid-19.

“The player had already been away from activities since Thursday, when he began showing symptoms, and remains resting at home and undergoing symptomatic treatment, as determined by a doctor.

”Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be unavailable, but Neymar had already been ruled out of Santos’ upcoming league match against Fortaleza due to suspension.

The Fortaleza match will be Santos’ last outing before the Brazilian league pauses for the June 14-July 13 Club World Cup in the United States.

The former Barcelona forward’s future at Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

He has only made 12 appearances for Santos this season across all competitions, recording three goals and three assists, due to injury.