<p>This Nigeria National Football Team TV schedule will get you equipped to watch the Super Eagles from the USA.</p>



<p>First appearing in the World Cup in 1994, Nigeria have become one of Africa’s top national sides. </p>



<h2>Nigeria National Team TV schedule and streaming links</h2>


<div class="stvs-grid" id="team-328961-44-America/New_York"></div><div class="wst-home-matches"></div>



<p><strong>First game:</strong> October 8, 1949 (Loss vs Sierra Leone in Freetown)<strong><br>Manager:</strong> Vacant<strong><br>Best World Cup finish:</strong> Ninth Place (1994)<strong><br>Best Africa Cup of Nations Finish:</strong> Winners (1980, 1994, 2013)</p>



<h2>Where can I watch the Nigeria match?</h2>



<p>Unfortunately, African teams are some of the trickier national teams to follow in the US. But here’s how you can watch:</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/africa-cup-of-nations-tv-schedule/">Africa Cup of Nations</a>, AFCON, is the major international tournament for the massive continent. beIN SPORTS has the rights to this competition in the United States. </p>



<p>The 2026 World Cup, should Nigeria qualify, will air on FOX Sports in English. Telemundo, Universo and Peacock will handle the Spanish broadcasts.</p>



<p>You can find the family of FOX networks, Telemundo, and beIN SPORTS on Fubo, giving you pretty much the full spread of coverage.</p>



<p>Friendlies can vary, and theoretically pop up anywhere, so check this page for the latest game listings.. </p>



<h5>Watch Nigeria on Fubo:</h5>



<p>
</p><table class="table5" style="border: 5px solid red;">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5" style="width:100%">
<td style="width:70%">
<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
Includes: Premier League, Liga MX, Ligue 1, + 84 Sports Channels</center>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="background-color:#ef4923; vertical-align: middle;">
<center><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20230725_WST_445001_FRVO-1_0b7b9cb2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=100" alt="Fubo" width="200" height="100"></figure></a></center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><span style="color: white;"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
&nbsp;



<h4>Nigeria national football team history</h4>



<p>Nigeria’s national team got its start while the nation was still a British colony. The first official game took place in 1949. </p>



<p>Their AFCON debut came in 1963, but it did not come with much success. They were knocked out in the group stage, and did not compete in the tournament again until 1976.</p>



<p>However, that year would see the Super Eagles first take their place as one of the dominant contenders in the competition. In 1976 and ’78 they earned third place honors, and followed that up by winning their first title, as hosts, in 1980.</p>



<p>There have been a few hiccups over the years, but overall Nigeria has been a very strong side at AFCON. They have three titles, are four-time runners-up, and have placed third on eight occasions.</p>



<p>Nigeria did not appear at the FIFA World Cup until 1994. However, including that tournament, they’ve qualified for six of the past eight. This is no small feat considering the difficulty of making it our of the African qualifiers. Twice in that span they’ve made it to the round of 16, the furthest they’ve advanced in the competition.</p>



<p>The Super Eagles have become known in recent cycles for their distinctive kits, featuring bold patterns and their green, black and white colors. </p>



<p>Ahmed Musa has earned the most caps in Nigeria’s history, a number that continues to grow. When it comes to scoring, Rashidi Yekini notched 37 goals from 1983-1998 for the top mark. </p>



<h5>Nigeria news</h5>



<ul><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/nigeria/">Nigeria latest updates and news</a></li></ul>



<p>Courtesy of World Soccer Talk,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.</p>



<table style="border-collapse: collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="width:100%">
<td style="width:50%">
<figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20230725_WST_445001_AppBannerLeft-1_012d6bc0.webp&amp;width=590&amp;height=175" alt="Soccer TV Schedules App" height="175" width="590"></figure></td>
<td style="width:25%"><a href="https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01HD2CNDGE5YDT5JNJR46BGNJK_34" target="blank" rel="noopener"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20230725_WST_445001_AppBanner_Apple-1_2c5f27a7.webp&amp;width=290&amp;height=175" alt="App Store" height="175" width="290"></figure></a></td>
<td style="width:25%"><a href="https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01HD2CNDGE5YDT5JNJR46BGNJK_35" target="blank" rel="noopener"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20230725_WST_445001_AppBanner_Google-1_c15ccee2.webp&amp;width=290&amp;height=175" alt="Google Play" height="175" width="290"></figure></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>



<p>To find out when soccer games are on, download the free&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a>&nbsp;which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple iOS devices</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android devices</a>).</p>

Nigeria national team TV schedule: View Nigeria Games On TV

This Nigeria National Team TV schedule will get you equipped to watch the Super Eagles from the United States.

Nigeria national team TV schedule: View Nigeria Games On TV - World Soccer Talk


<p>Fulham look set to soon complete the signing of Calvin Bassey from Ajax. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side is reportedly paying the Dutch club around $23 million for the defender. Fulham previously had a bid of about $19 million rejected by Ajax, but quickly returned with an acceptable offer.</p>



<p>Ajax head coach Maurice Steijn admitted on Saturday that he told Bassey it would be better if he joined Fulham. The coach was brutally honest in his assessment of the defender, essentially telling him that he wouldn’t play much in the upcoming season. “Also because of the money. Because if he goes, we can strengthen ourselves considerably,” Steijn told Dutch newspaper <em><a href="https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/888134558/ajax-trainer-maurice-steijn-eerlijk-tegen-calvin-bassey-gezegd-dat-hij-beter-kan-vertrekken" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">De Telegraaf</a></em>.&nbsp;“I told him that honestly.”</p>



<p>“He had a very tough year last season.&nbsp;Everyone gets a second chance and if he does better than anyone else he will play.&nbsp;But chances are, especially if we get a new left back or left central defender, he won’t play.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fulham close to agreeing a £15m deal to sign Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu. Monaco have already had two bids rejected.<br><br>Fulham also set to sign Ajax defender Calvin Bassey for around £18m. An agreement on fee has been reached.🏠 <a href="https://t.co/2JK1vRQWSV">pic.twitter.com/2JK1vRQWSV</a></p>— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobsBen/status/1682796049491013632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Dutch club to break even on Bassey investment</h2>



<p>Bassey only just joined Ajax from Rangers last summer in a deal worth $23 million. The Dutch side will essentially break even on their investment with the impending sale to Fulham. A Nigeria international, Bassey was a mainstay in Ajax’s defense for much of the first half of the 2022/23 season. However, he fell out of favor in the spring and managed just two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eredivisie</a> appearances in the club’s final eight games.</p>



<h2>Move could affect USMNT defender</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, Fulham will hope that the player just needs a change of scenery. Although the Cottagers finished in the top half of the table last season, they did allow the second-most goals of any club inside the top 12 of the division. Fulham boss Marco Silva could deploy Bassey alongside <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> defender Tim Ream in the back line. However, the club could also see the Nigerian as a long-term replacement for the 35-year-old American.</p>



<p>Bassey’s move to London will be the third significant departure for Ajax this summer. They have also sold Jurrien Timber to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> and terminated Dusan Tadic’s contract. </p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ANP</p>


Fulham has reportedly agreed a transfer fee with Ajax to sign Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey from the Dutch club.

Fulham set to sign Bassey as Ajax tell player to leave - World Soccer Talk

Fulham set to sign Bassey as Ajax tell player to leave


<p>New Balance and Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze has collaborated on a customized boot. The first appearance for the Englishman’s customized cleat was an away trip to Leeds United. Naturally, Eze scored in that game. He celebrated by popping that boot off and showing it off in the middle of a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> game.</p>



<p>To be fair, it is worth a look. Eze designed the boot with memories of Greenwich, England, in mind. Home to the royal observatory, Greenwich housed Eze during his development as a player. Therefore, the boots have constellations and stars on them. Plus, the name of the boots is fitting of the celestial theme of the shoe.</p>



<p>“It was quite important for me to have certain things on there,” Eze told World Soccer Talk. “It was a fun process. Obviously, having your own boot is an amazing thing for someone like me, coming from where I come from. I’m hugely grateful and hugely blessed to even be in that position.”</p>



<p>The New Balance ‘Starraiser,’ which is a redesign of the Furon v7, made its debut against Leeds United, where fans got their first glimpse of the boot. Eze scored the third of Crystal Palace’s five goals in a rout at Elland Road. The celebration showed off his New Balance boot.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Crystal Palace suddenly lead 3-1 now at Elland Road! 😱<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/USANetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USANetwork</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEECRY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEECRY</a> <a href="https://t.co/96umZz19Pd">pic.twitter.com/96umZz19Pd</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1645068807075946497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>A first customized boot for Eberechi Eze</h2>



<p>While it is a unique opportunity to get a customized boot from a producer, Eberechi Eze considers it more a blessing than it is a necessary upgrade to his game.</p>



<p>“I’m more on the side of it is a huge blessing to be in this position, because not everybody gets to have their own boots,” Eze said. “It is huge for me to be in this situation. I see it as a big deal. I see it as something that is powerful and meaningful. It is also another way of sharing my story.”</p>



<p>Eze’s story is still growing, of course. He is just 24 years old, but he continues to be a regular starter at Selhurst Park, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/crystal-palace-sack-vieira-after-12-match-winless-run-20230317-WST-423618.html">regardless of the manager at the head of the club</a>. Despite the goal at Leeds, though, Eze’s output is not as high as it could be.</p>



<p>“What I try to do is focus on my game, focus on improving and being the best version of myself on the pitch and off the pitch. Wherever that takes me, that takes me.”</p>



<p>Specifically, Eze marks tactics and raw game understanding as the biggest ways he can improve his potential-laden product.</p>



<p>“I would say my game understanding and tactical understanding. I want to learn as much as I can about the game. How to affect the game in ways that I haven’t before. You only get that by diving deeper and watching analysis and seeing these types of things.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20230411_WST_427689_Eze-boot-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-427732" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/04/Eze-boot-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/04/Eze-boot-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/04/Eze-boot-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/04/Eze-boot.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h5>The future of Eze’s career</h5>



<p>Eze has been on the verge of national team call ups. In fact, England had Eze on the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/may/26/eberechi-eze-sent-notice-of-first-england-call-up-before-achilles-injury-crystal-palace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">provisional squad for England at Euro 2020</a>. However, the forward picked up an injury on the same day that provisional squad came out.</p>



<p>“I think as you go along your journey, there are milestones and moments that you realize, maybe not at the time, how big they were. I have had moments that I can look back on and say that I am grateful to achieve them.”</p>



<p>With so much opportunity still to come for the young Eze, he sees more of these milestones in his career, both at club and international level.</p>



<p>“For sure, I’ve got many more that I hope to achieve and hope to one day reach. Again, that comes with the application every day. The dedication to the job and the sport, that’s the aim for me.”</p>



<p>Getting a customized boot can go a long way for Eberechi Eze, both in terms of confidence and brand exposure. His boot is on sale via New Balance now.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Eberechi Eze is the latest athlete to have a customized boot, this time in collaboration with New Balance.

Eberechi Eze makes the most of his first customized boot

featured


<p>Across Europe’s top-five leagues, Victor Osimhen is a major reason for why Napoli is the most in-form team with dominance domestically and continentally. The Nigerian striker, combining seamlessly with Georgian Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, has 18 goals. That is five better than second-place Lautaro Martínez at Inter Milan. More impressive, though, is that Osimhen has done it in four fewer games than the Argentine.</p>



<p>The reward for Napoli is a 15 point gap lead on Martínez and Inter Milan in the race for the Scudetto. In Europe, Osimhen and Napoli blitzed through their Champions League group that had Liverpool and Ajax. The only falter in that group was a loss at Anfield, 2-0. In European play, Osimhen added to his tally with a goal against Ajax. He did, however, miss half of those games with either injury or substitute status.</p>



<p>The Nigerian’s rise has pundits and coaches alike naming him among the top strikers in the world, not just Italy. Here is how he went from the Belgian Pro League to Serie A leader in just five years.</p>



<h5>Osimhen’s beginnings</h5>



<p>Victor Osimhen first made headlines with a magical 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup performance. The Ultimate Strikers Academy phenom won the Golden Boot when he scored ten goals and had two assists in seven matches. Nigeria trounced the likes of Croatia, the United States and mighty Brazil to win the tournament. Success at the U-17 World Cup earned Osimhen a deal with Wolfsburg. He began training with the first team not long after. </p>



<p>He did not see a lot of game time with Wolfsburg as they battled through relegation scares to stay afloat. In two years with the Germans, Osimhen made 15 total appearances and scored no goals. He moved on loan to Belgian side RSC Charleroi, where he earned both lots of minutes and goals. His 12 goals and 3 assists in 25 matches powered them to an eighth-place league finish. That output also attracted suitors across Europe.</p>



<p>“My confidence level [at Wolfsburg] was very low at some point, and what going out on loan to Charleroi has done for me is unexplainable,” Osimhen told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46344657" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC Sport</a> while playing in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/belgian-pro-league-tv-schedule/">Jupiler Pro League</a>. “The football in Belgium has helped, I also have a wonderful group of players around me and the coaching crew have been great with me.”</p>



<p>After making the loan permanent in 2019, Osimhen packed his bags for LOSC Lille in a $24 million move, which was more than three times as profitable as Charleroi’s previous record departure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Lille is a very good club that has a high quality project and attracts players with great class, even more so than ever before in recent years,” Osimhen said after replacing Rafael Leao from Milan. “I am very happy to be here and to join this great club called Lille. I am still very young, I am learning and I think that this project suits me perfectly to continue to progress.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Victor Osimhen - All 31 Goals &amp; Assists 2019/2020" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_6cRvjWes8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Osimhen made an immediate impact after stepping foot on the Stade Pierre Mauroy. he scored four goals in his first three Ligue 1 matches. Despite the club’s mediocrity on the big stage with five losses in six Champions League games, Osimhen was a breath of fresh air. He ended the season with thirteen goals, fourth in Ligue 1. His performances, like Leao’s in the previous season, earned him a move to the Serie A.</p>



<h5>A Naples-made dream</h5>



<p>After beating Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for Osimhen, Napoli has put Osimhen to great use. Each season, the striker improves. His debut campaign brought a decent return of 10 goals in 2020/21. Then, he put out 13 in 2021/22. This season, he bested those with many games still to play. After 19 games, he has 18 goals and three assists. That is good for over a goal contribution per game in Serie A. He’s been key in his three-year tenure at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. He leads Napoli’s quests to challenge European action with one of Europe’s best front lines.</p>



<p>Despite stars like Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens status on the team, Osimhen was who Napoli went to for goals, and for good reason.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Napoli vs. Ajax: Extended Highlights | UCL Group Stage MD 4 | CBS Sports Golazo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RH3ROo4sctY?start=825&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>“Osimhen is such a great striker. I am stunned by the potential he has and excited to see what he’ll do in future,” manager <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/osimhens-a-great-striker-says-excited-spalletti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luciano Spalletti told DAZN</a> after their 5-1 romp over Juventus. “There were these two or three balls down the touchline and he has the pace, the skill, the courage and physicality to deal with those situations. After all, he smashed his face a couple of times because he goes for every ball. He still has remarkable room for improvement.”</p>



<p>His highlights include a Europa League brace against Leicester, a hat-trick in Napoli’s win over Sassuolo and his two goals and assist in the 5-1 win.</p>



<h2>Explaining the dominance of Victor Osimhen</h2>



<p>Osimhen is not a dangerous dribbler like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He is not an intrusive, space-creating winger like Matteo Politano. </p>



<p>Rather, Osimhen’s chief job is to lurk in the box and look for chances inside the box. It fits; he can score with both feet and his head. He can even be a playmaker inside the box. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Spezia-Napoli 0-3 | Osimhen scores twice in Napoli away win: Goals &amp; Highlights | Serie A 2022/23" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-nOfe2ohVY?start=112&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Wherever Osimhen has played, he has had good creators behind him, so he does not dribble nor fall deep to get the ball. But, we do know that his ability to make the right pass and create opportunities is there.</p>



<p>His frame is large at 6’1 and 165 pounds. Just visually, he towers over defenders, so it’s only natural Luciano Spalletti uses Osimhen as a traditional No. 9. Osimhen is dynamic, always moving, and although his chief priority is to make line-breaking runs past the last man, he often breaks loose to join wing-oriented attacks or drifts wide to create space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That movement is why he has 80 total Serie A shots, 32 of which are on target. His current tally puts him on pace for a sensational, and potentially record-breaking, 36 league goals by the end of the campaign. It helps that Osimhen is clinical, athletic, confident, and intelligent with his positioning. That’s a combination that only a few top-tier strikers have.</p>



<p>Osimhen’s profile resembles that of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane or Dusan Vlahovic. All three are both big, burly, cut-throat strikers leading some of Europe’s storied teams. The similarities mean it’s no surprise that teams like United, Liverpool and Chelsea are pursuing the Nigerian attacker. Despite his skill and obvious goal-scoring ability, Osimhen likely won’t leave Napoli for a while. His contract expires in two years, but he is at the crux of something special in southern Italy. </p>



<h5>Osimhen’s future</h5>



<p>It seems like Napoli will run away with the Scudetto. <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FiveThirtyEight</a> estimates their odds of winning at 97%, by far the best among Europe’s top leagues. Napoli has one of its best chances at winning a continental trophy since Maradona’s time. With an exciting young core to build around, the Naples faithful will enjoy a dominant period already taking place.</p>



<p>As for Osimhen, he feels as elated as the Napoli fans to be a part of such a thriving fanbase. “Not even 100%, 1,001% per cent. I am at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, one of the best leagues in Europe,” <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-star-victor-osimhen-speaks-on-his-future-amidst-manchester-united-links/7pyl6sm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he said</a> to Nigerian outlet OmaSports on whether he wanted to stay or not. “This is the life I want to live.”</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Antonio Balasco</em>&nbsp;</p>


The dominance of Victor Osimhen is profound. He is lighting up Serie A at a blistering pace, and leading Napoli into the Champions League.

Dominance of Victor Osimhen taking Napoli to new heights

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>In the final stages of CAF World Cup qualifying, Ghana and Nigeria play for a berth over two legs.</p>
<p>Ghana, the heroes of the 2010 World Cup, hit rock bottom two months ago. In the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, they failed to win a game in the tournament. This is something the Black Stars had never done before.</p>
<p>In years prior, Ghana embodied the standard of soccer on their continent. Now, the nation’s drought for major silverware is reaches its 40<sup>th</sup> birthday. Along the way, Ghana created its own demise.</p>
<p>In 2015, Comoros president <a href="https:\/\/ghanasoccernet.com/comoros-president-wants-ghana-to-help-in-football-development-in-his-country">Dr. Ikililou Dhoinine</a> asked Ghana to send ambassadors and help his nation develop in the sport. Seven years later, the island eliminates Ghana from <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/01/18/minnows-comoros-send-ghana-crashing-out-of-africa-cup-of-nations/">AFCON in a dramatic win, 3-2</a>. Due to the abysmal performance, Ghana sacked head coach Milovan Rajevac, then in his second stint as gaffer.</p>
<p>Afterwards, a debate ensued among the nation regarding who should be the next head coach of the national team.</p>
<h3>Ghana’s hunt for success</h3>
<h5><strong>Revamped managerial setup</strong></h5>
<p>Chris Hughton and Otto Addo emerged as the finalists for the Ghana managerial position. Hughton drew acclaim due to his time as manager of Brighton and Hove Albion. On the other hand, Addo was an assistant coach at Borussia Dortmund and former Ghana international player. The decision surprised most people.</p>
<p>In the end, Ghana’s FA hired both candidates in an unusual arrangement. Addo serves as interim head coach. Hughton, on the other hand, has a title that displays his seniority and experience over Addo.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“There is a coach, but I have the role of technical advisor and my role will be to support the coach and the staff for these two games. But I am very much looking forward to getting back and I have a lot to offer,”</em> said Hughton to Chronicle Live U.K.</p></blockquote>
<p>The two assistant coaches are Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, a two-time Ghana Premier League winning manager and the former manager of Ghana’s Women’s National Team. Then, George Boateng, Aston Villa’s U-23 manager, is the second assistant.</p>
<p>The Ghana FA assembled an excellent staff to support Addo in his first endeavor as a head coach. But, they also compromised his authority. Ghana also considered Dramani and Boateng for the position of manager. As the interim head coach, the 2001-02 Bundesliga winner knows that if the team does not advance to the World Cup in their playoff against Nigeria, he is out of the role.</p>
<h5><strong>Reset</strong></h5>
<p>While the former manager, Rajevac, hails from Serbia, the current technical staff all have familial ties to Ghana.</p>
<p>For example, Hughton’s father is from Ghana. Addo’s parents hail from Ghana. Yet, he was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, which has a large Ghanaian population. Many believe that being connected to the country on a personal level allows coaches to relay ideas to players in a digestible way.</p>
<p>In 1999, while playing for Dortmund, Addo chose to play for the Black Stars. He was a member of the team when it made its first World Cup appearance in 2006. In 2013, Addo became Ghana’s head scout. Therefore, he aided in identifying players while assisting the coaching staff with tactical game plans. Since 2019, Addo helped Dortmund develop talent and adapt to the Bundesliga. One of his best students is Erling Haaland, who gifted Addo a pair of Michael Jordan’s <a href="https:\/\/www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Dortmund-s-Erling-Haaland-gifts-Ghanaian-coach-Otto-Addo-Jordan-sneakers-on-Christmas-Day-1431562">sneakers</a> for Christmas.</p>
<p>Addo understands what is at stake in the final stage of World Cup qualifiers and believes the team is ready to face the challenge.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“Matches between Ghana and Nigeria are always difficult, but we believe in our players, we believe in our strategies and the unflinching support of Ghanaians as we go into these matches. We are Ghana and we have what it takes to come out victorious,”</em> stated Addo after speaking to the press on Monday.</p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Recommended Viewing Option:</em></strong></p>
<table class="table5">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5">
<td width="30%"><a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><div><figure class="image"><img src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220325_WST_377057_ESPNPlus.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" alt="ESPN Plus"></figure></div></a></td>
<td width="40%">
<h4>Price: $6.99 / month</h4>
<p>Includes: World Cup qualifiers and LaLiga</p></td>
<td><a class="button" href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Watch now</strong></span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>World Cup berth between Ghana and Nigeria</h3>
<p>The Black Stars and Super Eagles have one of the most intense rivalries in soccer. As nations, Ghana and Nigeria compete against each other in everything. The biggest debate is which nation makes jollof, a popular West African rice dish, the best. Therefore, the rivalry on the pitch is affectionally called, ‘The Jollof Derby.’</p>
<p>Entering this two-legged tie to reach Qatar, the Super Eagles won three of the last five competitive matches against Ghana. To make sure they advance, Nigeria bolstered its attack and saw a change of manager.</p>
<p>Like Ghana, Nigeria faltered in AFCON. Despite three wins from three in the group, Tunisia knocked out Nigeria in the round of 16. Consequently, the Nigerian FA fired its foreign coach, Gernot Rohr. Then, Nigeria replaced him with an interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen. He played on the team when Nigeria won AFCON in 1994. He now has the task of clinching a spot at the World Cup when Ghana takes on his Nigeria.</p>
<p>Eguavoen enlisted strikers Emmanuel Dennis, Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen into the team after the trio did not participate in AFCON. Before the March international break, Ighalo scored a hat-trick for Al-Hilal and Osimhen bagged a brace for Napoli. Clearly, their forwards are in form. They also convinced Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman to switch his nationality from England and to play for his ancestral home.</p>
<h5><strong>Next man up on both sides</strong></h5>
<p>Unfortunately, Lookman’s club teammate, midfielder Wilfried Ndidi, has a nagging knee injury. Therefore, he will miss the pair of playoff games for the Super Eagles.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Ghana lacks electric Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, left-back Baba Rahman, veteran Mubarak Wakaso and box-to-box midfielder Majeed Ashimeru. Finally, Andre Ayew, the nation’s captain and emotional leader, must serve his one-game suspension for a red card against Comoros. Fortunately, Ayew’s brother Jordan will be playing despite concerns over contracting COVID-19.</p>
<p>Roma forward Felix Afena-Gyan is in line to make his first cap for the Black Stars. Pace and finishing are crucial for the 19-year-old in this hostile two-legged tie.</p>
<h5>When and where</h5>
<p>Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, hosts the first game on March 25. The Black Stars own a 75% win rate in this stadium since 2006. The decision to play at Baba Yara only came in recently. Previously, FIFA turned down Cape Coast Stadium due to a designation that it is unfit to host international competition. In a similar, albeit more planned move, Addo just named his squad on Tuesday to keep the Nigerians on their toes.</p>
<p>The first tie is on Friday at 3:30 P.M. ET and the second will be played on Tuesday, March 29 at 1 p.m. ET.</p>
<p>Stream both matches of this CAF World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria on ESPN+.</p>


With World Cup bids coming to fruition, Ghana and Nigeria battle in the Jollof Derby over two legs to reach the world's biggest tournament.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "nigeria" - Page 2

News

Nigeria national team TV schedule: View Nigeria Games On TV

Ajax

Fulham set to sign Bassey as Ajax tell player to leave

Crystal Palace

Eberechi Eze makes the most of his first customized boot

Leagues: Serie A

Dominance of Victor Osimhen taking Napoli to new heights

CAF World Cup Qualifiers

World Cup at stake in Ghana and Nigeria's Jollof Derby