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World Cup Qualifier:Zimbabwe Coach Disappointed with Draw Against Nigeria

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Following a 1-1 draw with Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifier at Huye Stadium on Sunday, Zimbabwe coach Baltemar Brito expressed his disappointment, stating that his team had the potential to defeat the star-studded Super Eagles.

Despite a lackluster performance from the Eagles, they managed to secure a draw against the Warriors in the second game of the qualifiers.

The match saw Walter Musona of Zimbabwe score a remarkable 35-yard free-kick in the 26th minute, giving his team the lead. Inspired by the goal, Brito’s side contained Nigeria’s threat and restricted them to just two shots in the first half.

However, Kelechi Iheanacho managed to equalize for Nigeria in the 67th minute, resulting in a draw.

In a post-match interview, Brito confidently affirmed that his team had come into the encounter with the intention of securing a victory. Despite not achieving their goal, he commended his players for their positive attitude and performance throughout the match.

While Nigeria currently sits in second place with two points, one point behind leaders South Africa, Zimbabwe stands in third place with the same number of points as Nigeria. The 2026 World Cup qualifiers will resume in June 2024, with Nigeria set to host South Africa, followed by an away game against Benin Republic.

The draw against Zimbabwe leaves Nigeria’s Super Eagles with just two points from their first two qualifiers. In their previous match, they played out another disappointing 1-1 draw against Lesotho, considered a low-ranked team.

The performances in both games have raised concerns among fans and critics alike, highlighting the need for improvement. Coach Jose Peseiro and his coaching staff will now have to assess and address the team’s shortcomings in preparation for their future matches.

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With South Africa currently leading Group C with three points, Nigeria faces an uphill battle to secure a top spot and advance to the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers. The upcoming fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic will be crucial in determining the team’s fate in the competition.

The draw against Zimbabwe serves as a wake-up call for the Super Eagles, who will have to regroup and show a stronger performance in their upcoming matches. The coaching staff will be expected to analyze the team’s tactics, player selection, and overall strategy to ensure better results moving forward.

As the qualifying campaign progresses, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Nigeria can bounce back from their disappointing start and demonstrate their potential as a strong footballing nation. The pressure is mounting, and the team must prove their worth on the field in the coming matches to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

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Virgil van Dijk signs new two-year deal with Liverpool

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Premier League club by signing a new two-year contract on Thursday.

The Dutch centre-back follows Mohamed Salah in ending months of speculation by extending his stay at Anfield.

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NPFL: Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars 2-0 in Kano

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Kano Pillars Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-0 in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The match day 33 which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata was watched by a large number of spectators.

Ahmed Musa opened scoring for the hosts in the 55th minute, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

Naziru Ibrahim sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty, after a Lobi defender was penalised for a handball in the box.

The result boosts Pillars chances of finishing at the top of the table, while Lobi Stars continued to struggle with inconsistent away form.

Speaking after the match, Pillars coach, Usman Abdullah, commended his team’s performance and urged them to be focused in their remaining fixtures.

Abdullah said he was pleased with the result, especially the two goals, which he described as vital in the club’s push for a top-of-the-table finish.

“We are happy with the win and the two goals. This victory will go a long way in helping us achieve our target of finishing at the top,” he said.

Looking ahead to their next fixture, the coach said his side would intensify preparations for their clash against Enyimba in Aba.

According to him, the team hope to secure at least a point, citing Enyimba’s recent struggles at home as a possible advantage.

“Enyimba are not playing very well this season, and their loss at home gives us hope. We will prepare well and aim to get something from that game,” Abdullah added.

Also speaking, Lobi Stars Head Coach, Tope Bulus, commended his players for their performance in spite of their loss.

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Bulus, who recently took charge of the team, said he was impressed with the level of improvement and commitment shown by the players.

“I am satisfied with the way the boys played today. This is just my fourth game in charge, and I can see that they are beginning to blend well and understand the system,” he explained.

The coach noted that although the result was not favourable, the performance gave him hope for better outcomes in future fixtures.(NAN)

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‘He Brought Joy To Millions,’ Tinubu, NFF Pay Tribute To Late Christian Chukwu

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President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have joined the long list of people, especially in the football family, in paying tribute to late Super Eagles hero Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

“Chairman,” as the late Nigerian football icon was called, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.

In his tribute to the former centre defender, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, hailed the patriotism of Chukwu.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration.”

President Tinubu eugolised the former Rangers defender as a trailblazer whose career was defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

He consoled the family of the bereaved, praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for those Chukwu left behind.

NFF mourns as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad pic.twitter.com/8UMRatCivF

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On its part, the NFF, in a statement on its official X handle, said Chukwu’s death is a big loss to the country’s football fraternity.

“We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision, and consistency,” the General Secretary of the football body said.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.”

Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.

He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

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