Sport
“Nigeria-Ghana Rivalry Will Drive Super Eagles to Victory”- Daniel Ogunmodede
Daniel Ogunmodede, the coach of Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, has expressed confidence that the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana will drive his team to victory in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier.
The upcoming two-legged clash offers the Super Eagles a long-awaited chance to settle scores after the Black Galaxies of Ghana denied Nigeria a place in the last CHAN tournament held in Algeria.
This time, Ogunmodede believes his squad is fully prepared to turn the tables.
Reflecting on the rivalry and the significance of the matchup, he stressed how crucial mental preparation will be for his players as they face a high-pressure contest.
Speaking to CAF Online, Ogunmodede explained the team’s strategy for handling the intensity of the occasion.
“Managing the pressure and expectations surrounding such a high-stakes game against our intense rivals is a key focus,” he said.
“We emphasize mental fortitude, maintaining a clear focus on our game plan, and instilling confidence in the players to perform at their best.
Embracing the rivalry as motivation rather than anxiety is central to our approach.”
Ogunmodede also stated the larger implications of securing qualification for the CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players from domestic leagues.
He pointed out that success in this competition would not only boost team morale but also spotlight Nigeria’s local football talent.
“Qualification would be monumental. It offers a platform to showcase local talent, raise the profile of the domestic league, and inspire the next generation of footballers,” he added.
Footballer Lamine Yamal speaks on the Ballon d’Or award and shares how he will still be happy if his teammate, Pau Cubarsí, gets the award.
“Last year, for me, Cubarsí was the best young player in the world. Either the Kopa award or the Ballon d’Or should go to him. There’s no difference between us.
“When I won it, I told him that he would be next. If he doesn’t win it for whatever reason, I will give it to him.”
Popular footballer Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on retirement and shares how he actually thought of retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
“I thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup, but I spoke to the president, coach, and I am still here. I am an asset, I can help.”
He adds, “The young kids love me because they see me as an example, and that, for me, is the most important thing. I will continue to do that even when I retire after 10 years.”
Footballer Kylian Mbappé shares that he actually came close to signing with Liverpool.
“I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp, and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé told The Athletic.
“I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone. But yes, my mum was always saying, ‘Liverpool — you’re going to be there, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be insane for you.’ I was like, ‘OK!’
“All the time we were talking. ‘What do you think, Mum?’ She’d say, ‘For me, you have to go to Liverpool.’ I said, ‘OK, OK, OK!’ because Jurgen Klopp was an amazing manager. I met him and had a wonderful relationship with him. I had big respect for him.”
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