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“Nigeria-Ghana Rivalry Will Drive Super Eagles to Victory”- Daniel Ogunmodede

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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.

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“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.

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“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.


 

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Dembele Named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season

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Ousmane Dembele has been named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after playing a key role in PSG’s title-winning run. The French winger delivered standout performances throughout the competition, scoring six times in the group stage and adding crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in the knockout rounds.

Although he didn’t score in the final, Dembele was a constant threat as PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 to lift the trophy. His teammate, Desire Doue, also grabbed headlines after being named Young Player of the Season. The teenage sensation scored twice and assisted once in the final, becoming the first teenager to hit a brace in a Champions League final. He had already scored twice earlier in the knockout stages, capping off an unforgettable campaign.


 

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Alan Shearer Says Ronaldo Will Decide When to Retire Not Portugal or Any Club

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Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, saying the Portuguese star won’t be pushed into retirement — not by Portugal, not by anyone. With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, Shearer believes the 40-year-old remains in control of when and how he bows out of international football, even if he’s no longer at the peak of his powers.

Ronaldo’s time at Al-Nassr also appears to be winding down, with his contract expiring at the end of June. The forward recently hinted that his chapter with the Saudi club may be closed, sparking fresh rumours about his next destination. Despite all that, Ronaldo continues to be a key figure for Portugal under Roberto Martinez and shows no signs of slowing down on the international scene.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said, “He’s not what he used to be — that’s natural at his age — but he’s still going and still finding the net. Portugal won’t drop him. When he stops, it’ll be because he decided it’s time.” As for what’s next, the football world is watching closely, with multiple clubs reportedly interested in snapping him up if he leaves Al-Nassr this summer.


 

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Karpin Says Super Eagles is Still Strong Even Without Osimhen and Lookman

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Russia’s head coach, Valery Karpin, believes Nigeria will still pose a strong challenge despite the absence of star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. As Russia prepares to take on the Super Eagles in a friendly match at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium this Friday, Karpin acknowledged the quality of the players missing from the Nigerian squad, but insisted their absence doesn’t weaken the team in a major way.

“I would have liked to see Osimhen and Lookman in action,” Karpin said in a chat with Komsomolskaya Pravda. “It would have been a good test for us. But even without them, Nigeria remains a solid side.” Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, also left out Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey for the clash, but the team still has momentum. The Super Eagles are coming off a Unity Cup win, having edged Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time. The friendly against Russia is set to kick off at 6 p.m. Nigerian time.


 

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