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.
Sport
Thierry Henry Criticises Taking Dressing Room Issues to the Press
Former footballer Thierry Henry has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s match following their loss to Atlético Madrid on October 13.
Speaking during a brief interview on CBS Sports, Henry criticised the practice of players or coaches expressing certain opinions through the media instead of addressing issues directly within the dressing room.
“I’m not a coach anymore, but I always say, whoever speaks like that, out. Keep that in the dressing room, it’s as simple as that,” Henry said on CBS Sports.
“That is the only way it can work. You have to say those things to a person’s face… going through the press, I am not really a fan of that.”
Sport
PSG Luis Enrique Shares Hope for the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, revealing that he hopes the winner will come from his team.
The manager spoke about how hard his players have worked and expressed his belief that they deserve the recognition.
“What I hope is that we win this trophy. We have players who deserve it.”
“Last year, we were the best team. We showed that it wasn’t just Ousmane Dembélé who deserved it.”
Sport
Walid Acherchour Backs Lamine Yamal to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or
French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.
Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.
Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.
“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”
