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.
Pep Guardiola has chosen Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, handing the midfielder the armband without putting it to a team vote. Silva steps into the role following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract with City recently expired. Guardiola also named Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the team’s new vice-captains for the upcoming season.
Silva’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning his time as captain could be short if no new deal is signed. Though he’s turned down multiple transfer offers in recent windows, interest in the Portuguese playmaker remains strong, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and former side Benfica still keen on him.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face long-time rivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a friendly match as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Justine Madugu’s team also has a second friendly lined up against Portugal, which will be played on Monday, June 23.
The clash with Ghana will take place in Morocco, where the Black Princesses are already camped in Benslimane for their final round of preparations. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will travel to Portugal later this week to begin their own final training phase ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria is in Group B, where they will take on Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Ghana, on the other hand, will compete in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid might be without Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, as the forward is currently down with an illness. Mbappe missed training ahead of the match, and new manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision will be made on game day.
“Kylian felt a bit better this morning, but not well enough just yet,” Alonso said. “We’ll wait till tomorrow morning to make the call.” Madrid could also be missing key players Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Rudiger gave everything this season. I’m not sure he’ll be in the squad, but he’s recovering fast and should be back first. Camavinga is getting better too, but he still needs some time,” Alonso added. Alonso is set to take charge of Madrid for the first time, but injuries and illness may leave him without some of his top stars.
-
Sport7 hours agoMaresca Calls Palmer a Top Player and Urges Him to Keep Giving His Best
-
Sport7 hours agoMbappe Might Miss Club World Cup Opener Due to Illness
-
Allegedly13 hours agoTyler Perry Accused of Sexual Harassment and Assault, Attorney Labels Claims a ‘Scam’
-
Sport7 hours agoSuper Falcons to Play Against Ghana in Friendly as They Prepare for WAFCON
-
Sport7 hours agoGuardiola Names Bernardo Silva as Man City New Captain Ahead of New Season
-
Entertainment10 hours agoSean Diddy’s Trial Enters Week Six Amid Silence and Mounting Accusations
-
Entertainment12 hours agoAriana Grande Mourns Death of Beloved Grandmother at 99: “The Most Beautiful Nonna”
-
News10 hours agoPresident Tinubu Arrives in Benue Amid Ongoing Violence and Public Outcry