Andre Ayew of Ghana and Youssef Msakni of Tunisia, the captains of their respective nations created history during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire in 2023, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

With their appearance, the two tied the records held by Egyptian Ahmed Hassan and Cameroonian Rigobert Song, having competed in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON a record eight times between them.

The record held since 2010 by the Egyptian Ahmed Hassan and the former Cameroonian international Rigobert Song has now been matched by the Tunisian Youssef Msakni and the Ghanaian André Ayew, who are both 34 and 33 years old and competing in the 34th edition in Côte d'Ivoire.

At the age of eighteen, André Ayew participated in his first TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, which was held in his native Ghana in 2008.

Since then, he has only missed the 2013 competition as a result of being injured and being left off of coach James Kwesi Appiah's squad.

The Le Havre player has played for Ghana with 118 caps, including 35 in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. Msakni has represented Tunisia since 2009.

Youssef Msakni has represented the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in every edition of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON from 2010.

His 100th cap for Tunisia came in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'Ivoire 2023 matchup against Namibia.

On the other side, despite their extensive competitive experience, Ayew and Msakni have yet to win the championship.

Having competed and lost two finals—in 2010 against Egypt and in 2015 against Cote D'Ivoire—the Ghanaian has frequently been this close to victory.

Msakni's best finish for Tunisia is still his fourth-place finish in Egypt in 2019.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Nigeria duo of Gabriel Adedayo and Osho

Elijah Adebayo gave a brilliant display in Luton Town's narrow loss to league leaders, Arsenal in the English Premier League on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The two scored a goal each for the Hatters, but it could not stop the Gunners who got a late goal courtesy of Declan Rice at Kenilworth Road to win 3-4 at the end of the day.

Gabriel Martinelle had put the Emirate Landlords in front 20 minutes into the game, but Osho had restored parity for the hosts 5 minutes later after nodding in Alfie Doughty’s left-wing corner.

However, Gabriel Jesus returned Arsenal to the lead through a header at the stroke of half time to leave score at 1-2 at the interval.

Adebayo brought Luton back on level terms 3 minutes into the second half encounter after risen above David Raya to score with an header from Doughty's corner.

Ross Barkley gave the host the lead for the first time in the game 8 minutes later after he hit a low shot through the legs of Raya.

Kai Havertz cut short the joy at the old ground 3 minutes later as he hit Jesus' pass intelligently to equal score the Gunners.

With the 90 minutes mark reached and 6 minutes into additional time played, Luton looked to be heading for a memorable day before Rice quenched such feeling with a 90+7 minutes goal.

A goal that took Arsenal 5 points clear at the top with Luton Town in the 17th place on the table.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Professional Football League outfit Rivers United have signed Mohammed Shiraz from Nigeria National League side, City Football Club of Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.comreports.

The signing of Shiraz takes Rivers United’s Ghanaian players four as the club have already Seidu Mutawakilu, Emmanuel Ampiah and Paul Acquah.

With the Pride of Rivers still three major competitions for the year. Shiraz is expected is to be an instant hit for the team.

Stanley Egunma-led side will take on Enugu Rangers in a rescheduled NPFL matchday eight encounter on Wednesday.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Rivers United will depart for Brazzaville Congo by 10:25am on Friday 10th February for the CAF Confederation's cup group stage tie against Diables Noirs on Sunday 12th February 2023.

The team will depart for the city of Brazzaville, from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos via ASKY Airline.

The match is slated for the 33,037 capacity Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium, Stade Marchand.

-Rivers United Media

Mikel also played well for his national team. He made his debut for the Nigerian team in 2005. At that time, the midfielder was only 18 years old. However, at such a young age he managed to win a place in the starting lineup. His solid play, the ability to "snatch" the ball from any opponent, as well as the willingness to give 100% are the trump cards, for which he has always been valued in the national team.

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John Obi Mikel played 90 games in his squad, where he managed to score 6 times in the opponents' goal. The midfielder played his last match for the national team in 2019, when he was 32 years old.

The player's career in the national team was long and intense. Therefore, he is rightfully considered one of the main legends of the team. Mikel is among the top 5 players in terms of the number of games played in the Nigeria national team. This is the best proof of how important he has been to the “Eagles”.

What are the player's strengths?

Mikel proved himself at quite a young age. At 18, he showed mature soccer, understood the game perfectly. For this, he was always valued by the national team coaches. By the way, download 1xBet app Nigeria apk to make the predictions on the national team matches even more convenient.

Mikel's strong qualities that helped him become one of the legends of the national team are the following:

endurance;

dedication;

ability to make quick decisions on the field;

soccer intelligence.

That is why the place of the midfielder in the starting lineup of the team was almost never in doubt.

As for John Obi Mikel's achievements with the national team, the victory at the African Cup of Nations in 2013 is undoubtedly considered the main one. It was a tremendous success for the national team. Mikel was one of the leaders of the team at that tournament and contributed to the final triumph.

Naturally, the departure of a player of such caliber would have a negative impact on the team's results. However, if you are still following his successes and want to earn money on the matches of Nigeria, you should download apk to play at 1xBet. Thanks to this, the offers of a reliable bookmaker will appear as if in the palm of your hand.

Going back to Mikel, it can be noted that he always gave his best in every match, prevented a lot of opponents' attacks. He was a true leader of the national team's defense, so he is rightly considered one of the best players in its history.

Those hoping to succeed Amaju Pinnick as the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will have to wait till next year as the Pinnick-led board has written to the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), seeking for more time before the elections of the body will take place.

In a letter sent to the world body on Wednesday August 9 and signed by General Secretary, Muhhamed Sanusi, the outgoing board appealed to the world body to allow it to hold the forthcoming election next year’s January instead next month September.

Authoritative sources revealed that the letter was already sent to FIFA before the NFF topshots informed the board members in an online platform of the federation.

The plan is to read the FIFA response at the AGA expected to take place next week in Bayelsa State.

The source added that the members were irked that a few people on the board took such a decision without informing others from the beginning and they are hoping to use the response to extend their tenure at the Annual General Assembly scheduled for August 16 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“It is indeed a taboo. Rather than get the consent of the board members and the Congress before sending the letter to FIFA, the letter was sent.

“There is no doubt, a few people at the top echelon of the current board want to remain in office beyond the September date,” our source revealed.

There is a tentative date of August 16 for the AGA in Bayelsa and another date of September 21 for the elective Congress in a yet to be decided venue but it is clear the current board is reluctant to leave office.

“The majority of the board members are resolute to take out this current leadership for so many reasons especially because many of them were never informed about crucial decisive issues in the administration of the game,” our source added.

Ahead of the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, we look at the some of the best Nigerian footballers ever.

From Finidi George to Nwankwo Kanu, Nigeria has produced some of the most exciting talents in the history of African football.

We have trimmed a pool of exceptionally talented Nigerian players to five and it is time to take a look at each one of them.

#5 Finidi George

Finidi George carries a reputation as one of the best Nigerian players of all time despite lacking the numbers to support that claim.

Known for his blistering pace and dribbling skills, George was a menace for the opposition backlines back in the days, helping Nigeria win the 1994 AFCON.

The Enyimba head coach, who made a name for himself at Ajax before moving to La Liga with Real Betis in 1996, registered 62 international appearances.

In addition to the abovementioned AFCON success, George featured for Nigeria in two World Cup finals.

#4 Sunday Oliseh

Regarded as one of the best African midfielders of all time, Sunday Oliseh earned worldwide recognition for his performances at Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, amongst others.

Both physically and technically gifted, the deep-lying midfielder was a significant cog in Nigeria's Olympic squad that won the gold medal in 1996.

Despite scoring just three times in his 63 international outings, Oliseh will be remembered for his match-winning goal against Spain in the 1998 World Cup group stage, firing his nation to a stunning 3-2 win.

Four years after participating in Nigeria's 1994 AFCON success, Oliseh was named Africa's third-best player by the Confederation of African Football.

#3 Austin 'Jay-Jay' Okocha

One of the most iconic African players to have ever graced the game, Austin 'Jay-Jay' Okocha remains one of the most entertaining footballers to watch of all time.

Despite his at times lackadaisical attitude, Okocha was a generational talent, with his breathtaking ball control, use of feints and stepovers single-handedly driving up soccer streams adoption in Nigeria and to this date gathering a tonne of views on YouTube.

Indeed, he was a unique talent, which earned him a household status at Bolton Wanderers and Fenerbahce, with the Turkish fans still considering him one of the club legends.

For Nigeria, Okocha made 73 appearances, participating in his nation's 1994 AFCON triumph while winning the silver and bronze medals in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006.

#2 Rashidi Yekini

Rashidi Yekini did not boast Okocha's fancy footwork, but his scoring prowess was seemingly off the charts in his prime.

With 37 international goals to his name, Yekini is the nation's all-time top scorer, scoring at least 15 more goals than any other Nigerian footballer.

He also netted Nigeria's first-ever goal at the World Cup finals, doing so in a 3-0 win over Bulgaria in the 1994 edition.

During his outstanding four-year spell at Vitoria Setubal, Yekini was named the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

Though he never managed to hit the ground running in European football again since severing ties with Setubal in 1994, his legacy continues to live long after his death in 2012.

#1 Nwankwo Kanu

For those who are enthusiastic about vintage video games, the name of Nwankwo Kanu needs no introduction.

They will remember the tall striker as a dynamic, too hot to handle, lethal finisher. Whether it was FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer, Kanu was always one of the hardest players to defend, and it was also the case in real life.

The 2000 AFCON runner-up deserved his video game card ratings for his eye-catching performances in the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal and West Brom.

Not many players can say they have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.

Yet, Kanu belongs to that distinguished group of footballers, while he also has two African Footballer of the Year awards in his trophy cabinet.

Remi Amadi, coach of Cofine FC of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has been banned globally from all football-related activities for two years by the world football-governing body, FIFA.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee conveyed this decision to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

This followed an earlier ban imposed on the coach by the NFF Disciplinary Committee on August 16, 2021.

The NFF Integrity Unit forwarded the said decision of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and all the relevant documentation to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee via a letter dated August 25, 2021, requesting the Committee to extend the sanction beyond Nigeria.

This is in accordance with Article 66, FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The worldwide effect was activated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee at its meeting on October 5, 2021.

Falode, noted that, the NWFL season will now resume after all the 14 clubs had complied with the Covid-19 preventive protocols that were established before the commencement of the league on December 9, 2020.

She confirmed that, all the clubs’ players and officials have been tested and results have been submitted to the NWFL Secretariat after thorough verification.

Falode disclosed that; “Though there are a number of positive tests from the results, the affected clubs have been instructed to keep these players out of the team’s camp and replace them with other players who tested negative.

“The clubs are supposed to monitor these positive cases and ensure proper treatment and isolation until they come out with a clean bill of health.

“After the treatment regime, a fresh test must be conducted and results submitted showing the negative status of the affected players before they can return to the league.”

The NWFL chairperson who is also a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, noted that, the dates on the match fixtures have been adjusted and copies sent to all the clubs for their matches.

“We are not going to wait for anyone again, we have lost five weeks working to ensure we prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our elite league and also save the lives of our players and officials. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

The league will resume on Wednesday February 10, 2021 going into Week 5 out of 26 weeks to be played with a total of 182 matches.”

Exciting winger Bukayo Saka has started the 2020-2021 season in encouraging fashion, helping the Gunners record wins in all the three matches he has started.

The Hale End Academy product has revealed that Arsenal first team manager Mikel Arteta and experienced central defender David Luiz are his mentors at the Gunners.

Saka highlighted that Luiz won the Champions League during his Chelsea days and other up-and-coming players at Arsenal look up to him for advice or if they need to talk about their football with someone.

Speaking to beIN Sports Asia, Saka said : "I feel like the boss here, he just knows so much about football, any questions I have he always has the answers.

"I feel like the boss and also David Luiz, you know he has so much experience.

"He's won the Champions League, every day I'm sure if you ask all the other youngsters how much he helps us and he advises us, he's just so good to have."

Saka and his Arsenal teammates return to Anfield on Thursday to face Liverpool in the last sixteen of the Carabao Cup.

Fulham coach Scott Parker has explained exactly why Chelsea Academy product Ola Aina was not named in the match day 18 for his side's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on the opening day of the 2020-2021 Premier League season.

On Friday evening, The Cottagers finally confirmed the signing of the Nigeria international on a season-long loan deal from Torino with a purchase option included in the contract.

Parker revealed that Aina was not considered for today's clash against the Gunners because he was recently signed.

The versatile fullback took part in two pre-season games against Novara and Pro Vercelli before heading to the English capital to join his new club.

"Today, this game’s come too early for those players; Alphonse [Areola], Lemina, the two boys [Kenny Tete & Ola Aina] we literally just signed," Parker said to Fulham's official website post-match.

"They probably fit into the same category as Mitro. I’m pleased that he got 30 minutes, along with Anguissa, and on Wednesday [against Ipswich Town] we can get some more minutes into these players."

Aina and Kenny Tete have been signed to provide competition for the ageing Belgian right-back Denis Odoi who went the full ninety against Arsenal.

Brazil 1994 World Cup winning goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel has revealed how his former Turkish club Galatasaray, stopped Nwankwo Kanu and his super star Arsenal teammates, in the final of the 2000 Europa League  (known as UEFA Cup then).

Arsenal went into the final as favourites parading the likes of Kanu, Dennis Bergkamp, Emmanuel Petit, Christian Viera, Thierry Henry, David Season and Marc Overmars.

But Galatasaray emerged shocked winners after triumphing 4-1 via penalty shootout despite Gheorghe Hagi getting sent off.

And recalling the final 20 years ago, Taffarel told FIFA.com:”I remember every bit of it. We had a great team. Every player was really good, we had a good coach. Our foreigners were excellent – Hagi was Hagi, and we also had [Gica] Popescu and the Brazilian Capone.

“Arsenal were powerhouses in Europe, but we went into that game very confident, fearless. If we’d have gone out there in fear, Bergkamp, Henry, Petit, Vieira, Overmars, Kanu would have torn us apart.

“Obviously they put a lot of pressure on us, but we defended really well, had our moments, it went to penalties and, thank God, we won. It was a triumph that went down in Galatasaray history. And we deserved it.

“It wasn’t a game in which Arsenal played badly. They tried everything they could, couldn’t get past us, and we played well. It’s something the players and the Galatasaray fans are very proud of.”

On the Champions League between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain:” think the two best teams got to the final. Paris came very well prepared, but I think Bayern had something extra in terms of their play and their set-up. I cheered a lot for Paris because of the Brazilians who play there.

“I really wanted Neymar to win this Champions League and, consequently, The Best FIFA [Men’s Player] award. But it’s just one day. I really hope in the future he can win this award and be considered the best player in the world. But I thought it was a good football game, well thought out and well played.

“It wasn’t easy for anyone, but Bayern capitalised upon their chance. I think Bayern were deserved winners.”

And when asked about the best player he saw play in his career: “Maradona. I’m a big fan of Maradona. The way he played was such a pleasure to watch – the way he fought for his team on the pitch, his incredible technique. His team-mates loved to play alongside him. I remember Careca raved about him.”

Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka has been overlooked by England Manager Gareth Southgate for next month’s double header UEFA Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark, AOIFootball.com reports. 

The 18-year-old was a target by both Nigeria and England after his sensational breakthrough performance at Arsenal in the just concluded season with England boss admitting the player will be a added advantage to his squad. 

With injuries to first choice left-back Ben Chilwell as well as Manchester United Luke Shaw, it was expected that the Arsenal left- back would be given a debut call up but Southgate however opted not to name any left-back, a clear indication that the player might have made his choice already. 

There were however debut callups for Manchester duo of Mason Greenwood and Phill Foden, with Leeds United Kalvin Philips also receiving a debut invitation. 

Last week, Super Eagles gaffer, Hermit Rohr disclosed that two new players have decided to play for Nigeria as speculations now tilting to the fact that the Arsenal academy product might have made up his mid on his international future. 

The versatile full-back featured in 38 games for Arsenal in his breakthrough season, scoring 4 goals whilst also chipping in 12 assists as he clinched the Club’s best young player of the campaign. 

Arsenal Nigerian forward Alex Iwobi has spoken out on his recent bit part role at the Gunners, after failing to play in their last three games, and even had to drop a step down to get game time with the U-23s?.

Iwobi who according to Wenger is a victim of Arsenal new playing formation enjoyed a regular run in the team for a year, before a string of poor results in the team lead to a dip in form in his performance, which played a part in his axing from the starting line up.

However the 20 year old is defiant as he has witnessed even worse in his career, as he was almost released by Arsenal thrice during his formative years at the club.

His reaction as captured in Arsenal matchday magazine for tonight’s clash against Leicester City speaks volume of a player, whose confidence is not shaken despite demotion to the bench.

“My journey so far has been a bumpy ride, so it’s something I look back on and say to myself,

“If I can overcome things that I believe were worse than what’s going on now, then surely I should be able to overcome this.

“It’s tough, especially for the ones who almost get released, which I unfortunately had to go through. It makes you stronger.

“If you’re good enough and you apply the work that needs to be done and put in maximum effort then you’ll come through.”

Manager of Arsenal Arsene Wenger has revealed part of the reasons why Alex Iwobi lost his spot in the Arsenal team, following his none involvement in their last three games.

Iwobi’s Uncle Austin Okocha has suggested that the return of senior players played a role in Iwobi’s relegation to the bench, insisting that the 20 year old will get better in the nearest future.

However Arsene Wenger while speaking after his side 2-1 win over Manchester City in the semi-final, narrowed Iwobi’s exclusion alongside some other stars in the team to the new system the team is playing.

Reacting to his decision to stick with the 3-5-2 formation, the manager expressed his happiness with the system but also feels sorry for players like Iwobi, Theo Walcott and others who lost their spot due to the system.

He however suggested that the team will from time to time change their tactical formation based on the opponents they are facing before the season comes to an end in England.

Arsenal superkid Kelechi Nwakali has returned to the Netherlands ahead of MVV Maastricht’s league game with Almere City.

The Nigeria U20 international had been granted permission by MVV to travel to his homeland to sort out some personal problems.

Nwakali was maintaining his fitness with his former club ASJ Academy during the three days he spent in Owerri.

He will be making his 20th appearance in a MVV shirt if he gets to feature against Almere City on Friday night.

Super Eagles winger Victor Moses enjoyed a splendid performance as Chelsea defeated Arsenal 3-1 in Saturday's Premier League London Derby at Stamford Bridge.

The Nigerian international who has become a main stay in the Blues starting eleven, was the architech of Chelsea's opening goal that was cooly coverted by Marcos Alonso's header in the 14th minute.

The goal spurred the visitors to controlling possession and searching for the killer goal but Arsenal goalkeeper, Petr Cech was always on the alert to keep them at bay.

However, Eden Hazard netted a brilliant goal in the 53rd minute as he swifts past four Arsenal players to beat Cech for the Blues second goal, to the delight of their fans.

Another goal from former Arsenal player, Cesc Fabregas a few minutes after replacing Hazard in the 85th minute all but confirmed the maximum point for Chelsea before Oliveire Giroud netted a consolation goal in the 90th minute.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Alex Iwobi had a quite game as he was closely marked by the duo of David Luiz and Gary Cahill despite playing all 90 minute.

Aston Villa are among the Championship teams showing an interest in England U21 international Chuba Akpom.

The Birmingham Mail writes that Arsenal are prepared to loan out the young striker again to enable him get more playing opportunities after a back injury slowed down his progress.

If Akpom’s move to Aston Villa materializes, he will link up with his former teacher Steve Bruce, who coached him at Hull City last season.

The Hale End Academy product previously enjoyed loan spells with Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest.

English Premier League side Arsenal have congratulated their talented Nigerian duo Alex Iwobi and Asisat Oshoala for winning CAF awards during the annual ceremony on Thursday night.

Iwobi scooped the Youth Player of the Year award and Oshoala went home with the Women’s Player of the Year award, which she first won in 2014.

“? @CAF_Online Youth Player of the Year Congratulations, @alexiwobi #BIG17, ” Arsenal tweeted.

Arsenal Ladies also commended Oshoala, tweeting : “Big congratulations to @AsisatOshoala! ???? ”.

While this is the first time Iwobi has been recognized by CAF, the other Nigerian winners Iheanacho and Oshoala previously won individual awards, before adding to their collection.

credit: allnigeriasoccer

Alex Iwobi has plenty to smile about on the pitch this season - he has a regular starting place in an Arsenal side second in the Premier League and top of their Champions League group. 

But he has a lot to be pleased with off the pitch too, if his girlfriend's Instagram pictures are anything to go by.

Clarisse Juliette posted a snap of the couple cuddling on a night-out in central London at the weekend, hours after Iwobi's team had beaten Sunderland 4-1.

Ms Juliette captioned the picture, which shows her and Iwobi with an iconic London landmark in the background: 'tower bridge tonight with my favourite man'.

It is not the first time the young couple have appeared loved up in personal snaps on her profile.

Earlier this month Iwobi and Ms Juliette posed for the camera again, looking particularly photogenic. This picture was captioned: 'When you and your bae don't need filter, just the flash.'

While Iwobi looks relaxed alongside his partner, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants the young Nigerian to show the same level of composure on the pitch in order to score more goals.

Wenger said last week before the Sunderland game: ‘You can see that he is not a typical winger. I think he can play in the No 10 role. He turns the game forward, he passes the ball through the lines very well, he has a final ball in him.

‘I think he has it all in the locker to pass and give the final ball — what you want from him now is the finishing, and that’s still a little part that is missing. He is too nervous at the moment when he has the possibility to finish.’

credit: dailymail