The three-time continental champions had the quality to go all the way to the final but bowed out meekly at the first knockout stage

Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has provided reasons why Nigeria failed to go beyond the second round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2013 Afcon kings arrived in Cameroon under a cloud of uncertainty after the sacking of long-serving head coach Gernot Rohr and the withdrawal of several key players, including leading striker Victor Osimhen.

But under the tutelage of interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles fuelled their title hopes by winning their three group games against Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau.

Known for his silky dribbles, CSKA Moscow ace Ejuke featured in each of those matches, making the starting eleven in the 2-0 defeat of Guinea-Bissau.

But the Eagles stumbled at their next hurdle, suffering a 1-0 loss to Tunisia to get dumped out of the biennial competition.

Ejuke did not make it off the bench for that encounter. But on his return to the Russian capital, his club teammates still wanted to know how the Eagles failed to soar past the Carthage Eagles.

“Everyone was interested in how we played there, how we lost to Tunisia in the 1/8 finals,” Ejuke told CSKA official website.

“Of course, it was very disappointing, because we have good players, we did the group stage perfectly. We hoped for more, but our time will come.”

The former Heerenveen star continued: “I did not play myself — you can, of course, judge from the outside, but those who were on the field have a weightier opinion.

“The Tunisians did a little more to win than we did. The team continued to create chances after the red card but did not use them. The tide turned against us.”

Ejuke has eight caps for the Super Eagles, and Cameroon 2021 is the first time the 24-year-old will represent Nigeria at a major tournament.

The Eagles have not won a major title since lifting the Nations Cup in South Africa in 2013.

Onuachu has attracted interest from top European teams after his spectacular performances in the last two seasons, but the Smurfs believe another Nigerian striker can do the job if he leaves

Belgian Cup champions Genk have stated that they would call back Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers from his loan deal at Feyenoord to replace Paul Onuachu if the latter decides to leave Cegeka Arena.

Onuachu has been head and shoulders above every striker in the Jupiler League in the last two years. Last season, he had 35 strikes in 41 domestic appearances for the Smurfs claiming the MVP Award , and helping his side to a fifth Beker Van Belgie triumph.

However, his successes have come at a cost- compatriot Cyriel Dessers had to play second fiddle and was starved of game time, with the striker going on loan to Dutch side Feyenoord last summer.

Onuachu’s excellent performances have attracted top European clubs like Lyon, Arsenal,and West Ham but a move away from Belgium failed to materialise.

However, he could be on the move this summer as Genk would have to let him go for a fee this summer or let him go for free next summer when his contract expires.

The Limburgers are not disturbed as club chief Dimitri believes Dessers would be a suitable replacement for Onuachu.

Dessers has been excellent since he joined Feyenoord last summer. He has scored nine goals and assisted one in 24 appearances, most of which have been as substitutes.

The 27-year-old is not as big as Onuachu, but he is a deadly finisher, and he fits in quickly as he is already familiar with the Genk system.

There were quite a few interesting results across the country as matchday ten fixtures were played in the Nigeria Professional Football League. 

At the Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan, 3SC Shooting Stars continued their surge up the league table with a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of Heartland. 

Following a goalless first half, the rain of goals flowed after the break with Daniel Kolawole, Taofeeq Malomo, Ayo Adejubu, and Nafiu Raheem finding the net to power the Okuyole Warriors to their fifth league win of the season.

Remo Stars maintained their unbeaten run when they played a 0-0 draw at Kano Pillars, with Maisu Gida dropping points on home soil for only the second time this campaign.

At one of the toughest away grounds in the country, Remo Stars proved their early season form was no fluke by holding the former champions to a stalemate and keeping within two points of league leaders Rivers United.

Rivers United jumped to the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Dakkada at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

The home side had the goalscoring prowess of Ishaq Rafiu to thank for the victory with the 21-year-old scoring twice, the second a 60th-minute penalty, to cancel Ayaosi’s strike for the struggling visitors.

Rafiu is presently the league’s leading goalscorer with seven goals, three better than any of his closest challengers.

The George Finidi effect has all butt waned over Enyimba as the People’s Elephants fell to their fourth league loss after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nasarawa United.

Victor Mbaoma got the opening goal for the Aba giants in the 13th minute inside the Lafia Township Stadium.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors as Tolu Oluwole levelled for the Lafians five minutes later. And Shammasu Mohammed struck the winner deep into stoppage time to hurt Enyimba’s title dreams.

Ibrahim Buhari’s 5th-minute strike was all Plateau United needed to stun Rangers 1-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. It is the Antelopes’ second home defeat this term, but they remain unbeaten in five away games.

NPFL Matchday 10 results
Katsina Utd 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Lobi 1-1 Tornadoes
Akwa Utd 1-1 Kwara Utd
3SC 4-0 Heartland
Kano Pillars 0-0 Remo Stars
Rivers Utd 2-1 Dakkada
Rangers 0-1 Plateau Utd
Abia Warriors 3-0 Wikki
Nasarawa Utd 2-1 Enyimba

Many Nigerian supporters directed their anger at some Super Eagles players following the team’s premature elimination from the continental championship

Augustine Eguavoen has condemned the actions of fans who abused and threatened Super Eagles players, including Alex Iwobi and Maduka Okoye, following Nigeria’s ouster from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Despite the withdrawal of key players and less-than-ideal preparations, the Super Eagles became a favourite for the Afcon title after a perfect group stage campaign. The Eguavoen-led team defeated Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau to finish with the maximum nine points.

But the Super Eagles surprisingly fell 1-0 to Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in the second round to halt their match towards a fourth continental crown.

Fans blamed goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for conceding the long-range strike from Youssef Msakni’s fierce drive early in the second half of that encounter.

Some other supporters were also disappointed with Alex Iwobi after the Everton playmaker picked up a red card barely five minutes after he was introduced from the bench.

After the game, fans went on social media to direct abuse and even threats at the players, forcing Iwobi and Okoye to delete their accounts.

Eguavoen is convinced that the Eagles’ supporters went too far in showing their displeasure at the team’s Afcon failure.

And the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director wants his compatriots to focus on the sacrifices the players make when representing the fatherland.

“People need to act responsibly and not turn their disappointments into hate speech and threats against some players,” coach Eguavoen told Al Jazeera.

“These players gave their everything and there is no way you can single them out for blame.

“Playing for Nigeria comes with a lot of pressure, but you cannot bully, threaten or abuse someone for defending the honour of the country because you have access to social media. This is wrong and irresponsible.”

Eguavoen vacated his role as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles after the team was knocked out of the Nations Cup.

But the NFF’s appointed manager Jose Peseiro is yet to take over as the substantive head coach of the three-time continental champions.

And the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director wants his compatriots to focus on the sacrifices the players make when representing the fatherland.

“People need to act responsibly and not turn their disappointments into hate speech and threats against some players,” coach Eguavoen said.

“These players gave their everything and there is no way you can single them out for blame.

“Playing for Nigeria comes with a lot of pressure, but you cannot bully, threaten or abuse someone for defending the honour of the country because you have access to social media. This is wrong and irresponsible.”

Eguavoen vacated his role as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles after the team was knocked out of the Nations Cup.

But the NFF’s appointed manager Jose Peseiro is yet to take over as the substantive head coach of the three-time continental champions.

The 33rd edition of the continental championship is the highlight of the international career of Nigeria’s Afcon debutants, but one of them may have landed in trouble for his participation

Spanish club SD Huesca are looking to exact a disciplinary fine on Kelechi Nwakali following the Super Eagles midfielder’s late arrival from the Africa Cup of Nation.

Nwakali was one of the few Nigerian players who made their competitive Super Eagles and Afcon debut in Cameroon, with the former Golden Eaglets star earning favour in the eyes of interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen

The 23-year-old midfielder made three appearances in Cameroon, one of which was a start, before Nigeria crashed out of the tournament at the first knockout round on January 23.

But Nwakali has failed to return to Huesca nine days after the Super Eagles’ elimination, irking his bosses at the club, according to a report by AS.

The midfielder had grown to become one of Huesca’s key players before leaving for the Afcon on January 2, starting each of the four games before his departure. 

But Huesca have reportedly had enough of Nwakali, and they were close to selling him to fellow La Liga Smartbank club Burgos on transfer deadline day. The deal collapsed, though, despitesome Spanish media already announcing it done and dusted.

Nwakali’s contract, signed three years ago on arrival from Arsenal, expired this summer, and he has refused to extend with the Azulgranas.

But Huesca have reportedly concluded on sanctioning him as soon as he arrives in El Alcoraz for his latest misdemeanour.

The 25-year-old midfielder was a shadow of himself as the Gers hopes of retaining their Scottish Premiership title suffered a major blow

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo had one of his poorest games for Rangers as Celtic thrashed their rivals 3-0 at Celtic Park on Wednesday night to go top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Playing on the left side of a three-man midfield, Aribo failed to have an impact on the game, losing possession 12 times, although he had an 85% accuracy.

The Nigerian international has been Rangers best player this season, but he looked like a shadow of himself despite playing the full minutes.

His compatriots, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun, fared a little better, but it was still not enough to prevent the champions from an embarrassing loss at the home of their old rivals.

Bassey was also in action for the entire duration, winning four duels, making one clearance, while he also made two successful tackles.

Meanwhile, Balogun came on at half-time, but the damage had already been done. However, the Super Eagles defender helped Rangers keep a clean sheet in the second half with three duels won, three clearances and a 92% pass accuracy.

Rangers went into the game hoping to maintain their lead at the top of the table. However, a brace from Reo Hatate and Liel Abada’s strike in the first half sealed a dominant victory for Celtic and sent them top ahead of their old firm rivals.

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer from Arsenal.

The 32-year-old Gabon striker signed a contract on Monday evening although it was not announced until Wednesday.

Aubameyang’s deal runs until 30 June 2025 and includes an option to agree a departure in June 2023, plus a buyout clause of 100 million euros (£83.4m).

Barcelona feared the move was dead at one point on transfer deadline day despite Aubameyang flying to Spain.

“I’m very proud and happy to be here,” said Aubameyang.

“My main goal is to help the team and give everything I can to bring the team back to the Champions League.”

The former Borussia Dortmund striker, who scored 92 goals in 163 games for Arsenal, had not played for the Gunners following a disciplinary breach in December.

The forward flew to Spain on Monday and was pictured training with the Spanish club on Tuesday.https://emp.bbc.com/emp/SMPj/2.44.11/iframe.htmlThe Football News Show: Where will Arsenal get goals after Aubameyang exit?

Arsenal signed Aubameyang for £56m in January 2018 but his departure on a free transfer comes after he was stripped of the captaincy following a disciplinary issue.

He had previously been dropped in March and missed the win over north London rivals Tottenham because of a “breach of pre-match protocol”.

His move to Barcelona will save the Gunners about £15m in wages – but it leaves manager Mikel Arteta with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as his only central strikers for the remainder of the season.

In a message posted on social media on Tuesday, Aubameyang thanked Arsenal’s fans for their support and said it “hurt” to leave in such circumstances.

“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me,” he said.

“I have always been 100% focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that is football.

“I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my team-mates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!”

Senegal are through to their third Africa Cup of Nations final with Sadio Mane on target to help them overcome Burkino Faso.

In an eventful game, VAR chalked off two Senegal penalties, with Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi injured during the events of the first.

Abdou Diallo and Idrissa Gueye put Senegal in charge before Blati Toure narrowed the deficit late on.

But Mane chipped in to settle victory for the tournament favourites.

It was Mane’s 29th goal for his country, taking him level with Henri Camara at the top of their all-time scorer list.

Senegal will face Egypt or hosts Cameroon in Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT).

Burkina Faso will take part in the third/fourth-place play-off, which has been brought forward a day to Saturday (also kicking off at 19:00).

“It shows you the momentum we have,” said Mane. “We knew it was not going to be at all easy to get to two straight Afcon finals, but the most important for us now is to go all the way and win it, whoever we come up against.

“We were up against a really good Burkina side who caused us a lot of problems.

“We expected a tough game and it was, but we stayed calm and created lots of chances. I think we deserved to win.

“I think you can see on my face how happy I am, which is completely normal. I am really proud personally and very happy for myself, my team-mates and the country.”

Superior Senegal break Burkina Faso’s stubborn resolve

Just four minutes into the game at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde, there was a serious clash of heads following a fully-committed 50-50 challenge between Nampalys Mendy and Cyrille Bayala.

It set the tone for what would be a full-blooded and fiercely-contested last-four clash between two sides who have both reached the final of this competition in the past but never won it.

Senegal are the highest ranked side in Africa – 20th in Fifa’s global list – and their extra class ultimately told.

They were teased with the opportunity to open the scoring twice before the break, with Koffi’s aerial clash with Cheikhou Kouyate and Edmond Tapsoba’s elbow-block on Idrissa Gueye both adjudged to be penalties on the field.

But both were correctly overturned by referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa after he had been called to view them on the monitor by the video officials.

There was still a cost to Burkina Faso, with Koffi forced off hurt in the 36th minute after awkwardly landing on Crystal Palace midfielder Kouyate as he tried to punch clear.

The Stallions are used to dealing with adversity, though, having got this far despite being outsiders and with thebackdropo of military coup mada in their home country.

That they took the contest so deep is a tribute to their fortitude and a defiant performance that gave the favourites more than one scare, mainly via the direct running of Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore.

After Idrissa Gueye had slotted in to make it 2-0 in the 76th minute – six minutes after Diallo’s finish following a corner – Kamou Malo’s side could have wilted.

But Toure gave them brief hope with his 82nd-minute effort, before Senegal talisman Mane fittingly had his say on the occasion with a driving run and chipped finish three minutes from time.

It leaves the tantalising prospect of a final showdown with his Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah if Egypt reach the final – a game in which Mane will be looking to break his country’s goals record in fine style.

‘Mane has no ego at all’

Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku,

Sadio Mane plays like a guy who is 18, 19 all the time. He has a real desire.

He has real unselfishness and when he plays for his country there is no ego at all.

He is one of my favourite all-time players in world football, I can’t think of anyone else I would want in my team.