Sport
“I Am 100% Sure We Will Qualify for CHAN” – Eguavoen
![](https://fire9ja.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241226_113613.jpg)
Augustine Eguavoen has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria will secure a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking ahead of the decisive second leg against Ghana, Eguavoen emphasized his belief in the team’s ability to overturn past disappointments and deliver a victory for the nation.
Earlier, Nigeria narrowly missed out on the last CHAN tournament held in Algeria after being eliminated by Ghana in the final qualifying round.
That loss has caused a fierce rivalry between the two teams, which now extends into the battle for a place in CHAN 2024.
The first leg of the current qualifying tie ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Both teams displayed defensive strength but failed to capitalize on their attacking opportunities.
The second leg is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo this Saturday, where the Super Eagles hope to seal their qualification in front of home fans.
Eguavoen, a former defender and long-serving member of Nigeria’s football community, remains optimistic.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “I am 100% sure that this time, we will turn things around against Ghana.
Also, I have absolute confidence in the team. The players are ready, and they have assured me they will deliver. Now, we just pray for some luck to go our way.”
Sport
Vinicius Calls Ronaldo His Idol and Hopes to Win Like Him at Real Madrid
![](https://fire9ja.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250212_204502.jpg)
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has opened up about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing that he looks up to the Portuguese legend and hopes to achieve similar success at the club.
The Brazilian forward played a key role in Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 clash on Tuesday.
He was instrumental in Brahim Diaz’s late goal and provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner, earning him UEFA’s Player of the Match award.
After the game, Vinicius shared that Ronaldo has been a major inspiration for him. He also acknowledged their strong relationship, saying he often speaks with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol. I talk to him a lot. Hopefully, I can win as many titles as he did at Real Madrid,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra.
The 24-year-old, who was a standout performer in Madrid’s Champions League triumph last season, is determined to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps and lead the club to more silverware.
Sport
Leon Balogun Shares What Super Eagles Must Do to Win AFCON 2025
![](https://fire9ja.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250212_204349.jpg)
Rangers defender Leon Balogun has shared what he believes the Super Eagles need to do to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 and came close again in the last edition, finishing as runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire. As they prepare for the next tournament in Morocco, Balogun emphasized the importance of ambition, confidence, and a solid game plan.
Speaking to Flashscore, he stressed that every team enters the AFCON to win, and Nigeria must approach it the same way. He also noted that after their heartbreak in the last final, the Super Eagles have a point to prove.
“You have to go there with a lot of ambition, a lot of confidence, but also with a clear plan,” he said.
Sport
“Messi Made Me Proud When He Asked for My Shirt” – Buffon on 2015 UCL Final
![](https://fire9ja.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250212_133242.jpg)
Gianluigi Buffon has shared a special moment from the 2015 Champions League final that made him feel truly proud.
The match, held at Olympiastadion in Berlin, saw Juventus face off against Barcelona. Ivan Rakitic put Barça ahead early in the fourth minute, but Alvaro Morata brought Juve back into the game with a goal in the 55th minute.
However, Barcelona quickly regained control when Luis Suarez capitalized on a rebound from a Lionel Messi strike that Buffon had parried in the 68th minute. Neymar sealed the 3-1 victory in injury time, securing the trophy for the Spanish giants.
Despite the loss, Buffon experienced an unforgettable moment after the match. Messi approached him and asked for his shirt, a request that left the legendary goalkeeper feeling honored.
“Leo made me proud when he asked for my shirt after the final in Berlin. I was 37 years old, and in that moment, I thought, ‘Mamma mia, how beautiful this is!’” Buffon recalled in an interview with TuttoJuve.
“It was one of those rare times in my life when I saw myself differently, not feeling uncomfortable but rather appreciating the moment. We exchanged shirts, and it meant a lot to me.”
For Messi, that night marked his last appearance in a Champions League final, while for Buffon, it was a memory that remained just as significant as any trophy he had won.
-
Entertainment13 hours ago
2Face Idibia Says He Loves Natasha and Wants to Marry Her
-
Sport13 hours ago
Carragher Says Liverpool Win Against Everton Could End Arsenal’s Title Hopes
-
Sport13 hours ago
Ancelotti Says Rudiger and Alaba Will Be Back for Man City Game
-
Sport13 hours ago
Guardiola Names Ederson as City’s Best Player in Real Madrid Defeat
-
Entertainment13 hours ago
Asake Confirms Exit from YBNL and Launches His Own Label
-
Entertainment10 hours ago
Jungkook’s Brand Logo is Now Officially Trademarked in Multiple Countries
-
Sport11 hours ago
“Messi Made Me Proud When He Asked for My Shirt” – Buffon on 2015 UCL Final
-
Entertainment2 hours ago
Gospel Actress Tolu Adegboyega, ‘Flora’ of Abattoir, Passes Away After Accident