Category: Sports

… Calls for Nigerians total support By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja Comrade Philip Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State says he strongly believed that the Super Eagles world Cup qualification is still very much alive despite the 1-1 draw at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday. Shaibu in a press statement shortly after the game said he watched the Super Eagles take on Zimbabwe live at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in the World Cup Qualifier said,” I must say, our “boys” gave their all on the pitch. The energy, skill, passion, determination, and desire to win were clear for everyone to see. According to him, “From the first whistle to the last, they fought to secure the win, dominating large spells of the game. Though it ended in a 1-1 draw, one thing is clear—we have a team that is capable of making it to the World Cup, and I strongly believe we are still on course for qualification. “Coach Eric Chelle summed it up perfectly in his post-match press conference: “We were the best team on the pitch… this is football.” Yes, mistakes happen, and sometimes, results don’t go the way we want. But what matters now is how we respond. We have seen teams face setbacks and still rise to greatness, and Nigeria can do the same. “With the right mindset, tactical adjustments, and unwavering support from Nigerians, we can still secure the second-place finish and book our ticket to the World Cup. “I want to commend every player who gave their all on the pitch, the coaching staff for their tireless efforts, and the fans who came out in numbers to support the team. Football is a journey, and while challenges will come, true champions are defined by how they rise after a tough moment. “Now is the time to rally behind our team, to trust and believe in the process, and to keep pushing forward. The dream is still alive, and with the right focus, passion, and support, we can achieve our goal. “Nigeria, let’s stand together! Our Super Eagles will soar again.”

…Says, Victory Keeps Nigeria World Cup Hope Alive The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Nigeria Super Eagles on their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali. He also congratulated the Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua led Nigeria Football Federation adding that beating Rwanda in Kigali is a boost for the players and Nigerians all over the world ahead of Tuesday match against Zimbabwe in Uyo , Akwa Ibom State. Comrade Philip Shaibu therefore called on Nigerians to pray for the Super Eagles players, NFF , NSC saying that with collective prayers and support Nigeria will achieve the desire goal of qualifying for the 2026 world Cup. The Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Amavubi in Kigali on Friday did not take them to the top of group C of the African series, but it placed them back as one of the contenders in a pool in which they inexplicably fluffed nine of a possible 12 in their previous four matches. Turkish-based 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen played no part in any of those matches, for reasons of injury. Now, they have gone to six points, only four away from top-placed South Africa, who defeated Lesotho in a game played simultaneously as the one in Kigali. On his first run-out in the campaign, it took Osimhen only 10 minutes to make a mark. Nigeria were awarded a free-kick on the left side of Rwanda’s area, and Ademola Lookman heaved it into the box where three white shirts were lurking. The best-placed of them, Osimhen, connected brilliantly and there was no attempt from goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.