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FIFA U-20 World Cup: NFF Commends Flying Eagles

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2 years ago

June 5, 2023

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The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the Flying Eagles for giving a good account of themselves at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

After an impressive match at the tournament, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were able to make it to the quarter-finals where they faced Korea Republic.

Two-time runners-up Nigeria dominated for large parts of the game but were eliminated from the tourney by a single goal on Sunday as the Korea Republic surged into the semi-finals for the second successive tournament.

The Flying Eagles, who eliminated hosts and six-time champions Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, created few chances despite passing the ball around the field quite well.

However, the lack of punch in the final third was the greatest undoing of the seven-time African champions.

NFF’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, on Monday in Abuja told NAN that the Flying Eagles gave their best at the world cup, adding that they did not disgrace the country.

“The Flying Eagles have done their very best. I can say they have not disgraced Nigeria.

“In every competition, there has to be a winner and there has to be a time when some teams will be eliminated.

“Yesterday, it wasn’t our day. The team played very well but the goals refused to come.

“So, I think we should take it in good fate and move forward.

“As I have always said, anytime we go for competitions, we go to fulfil God’s righteousness because whatever God has destined to happen will happen, you cannot change it.

“If you have looked at the game, you would know that it wasn’t our game at all.”

He said the team could have equalised towards the end of the full-time but the goal “refused to come.”

The NFF Scribe apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to progress to the semi-finals, stressing that the Flying Eagles gave 100 per cent.

“We want to say we are sorry to Nigerians who believed in the team that they could go all the way.

“Going by their progression and improvement from match to match, Nigerians expected us to defeat the Koreans.

“But as I said earlier, it wasn’t the wish of God. He did his wish and we were eliminated by the Koreans,” he added.

NAN

Related Topics:FIFA U20 World Cup Flying Eagles

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Norway thrash Italy, qualify for first World Cup since 1998

Haaland scored the decisive brace in the space of seconds at a soaking San Siro for Norway, who completed Group I with a perfect 24 points from their eight qualifying matches.

Published

3 hours ago

November 16, 2025

OCHEFA

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Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland scored the decisive brace in the space of seconds at a soaking San Siro for Norway, who completed Group I with a perfect 24 points from their eight qualifying matches.

Norway would have had to lose by nine goals or more to be overtaken by Italy for the group’s only automatic place for next summer’s finals in North America.

Haaland’s father Alf-Inge was still an international player when Norway last competed in the World Cup 27 years ago, a tournament won by Zinedine Zidane-inspired France.

And the Manchester City striker will be one of the players to watch in North America after smashing in 16 goals during qualifying.

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Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi make final lists for 2025 African player of the year award

The ceremony is set to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on 19 November 2025 at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), celebrating the standout performances that have defined African football over the past year.

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4 hours ago

November 16, 2025

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the final three nominees in all Men’s Categories for the highly anticipated CAF Awards 2025.

The ceremony is set to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on 19 November 2025 at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), celebrating the standout performances that have defined African football over the past year.

Leading the race for Men’s Player of the Year are three of the continent’s biggest stars — Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray).

CAF also unveiled nominees in six additional categories: Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year.

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Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia 9-1

We always want to win in the same way — to be convincing and control the game. It’s not always possible, but today we were effective and achieved a good victory,” said Fernandes.

Published

4 hours ago

November 16, 2025

OCHEFA

12 Views

Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves both scored a hat-trick as Roberto Martinez’s side racked up a huge win in Porto to top Group F.Renato Veiga got the ball rolling for Portugal, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao also on the scoresheet.

After a draw in Hungary in October and a surprise defeat in Ireland on Thursday, in which Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal wrapped up qualification at the third attempt in their final group match.

They will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup, a tournament which the Euro 2016 champions are yet to win.

“We always want to win in the same way — to be convincing and control the game. It’s not always possible, but today we were effective and achieved a good victory,” said Fernandes.

With midfielder Fernandes playing a key role throughout, Portugal made a quick start by scoring in the seventh minute.

Fernandes’s vicious inswinging free-kick from just outside the left side of the box was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan but Veiga was on hand to head home the rebound.