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Morocco 2025: Osimhen Equals Odegbami’s Record As Nigeria Qualify For 35th AFCON Finals
Nigeria secured a ticket to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations finals (the continent’s flagship football championship) for the 21st time after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday that still put the Cheetahs’ prospects for qualification on the wire.
The game played under driving rain inside the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny produced a number of interesting moments, but the biggest was when Victor Osimhen celebrated wildly as his 81st minute header that sailed past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou not only secured Nigeria’s first place in the group, but also put him at par with the legendary Olusegun Odegbami in goals’ tally for Nigeria. Both are now joint second to the top man, Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.
Osimhen’s goal, in which he profited from a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon, and restored parity on the night after Mohamed Tijani’s goal for the Cheetahs in the 16th minute, was his 23rd for the senior team. Odegbami, the former captain of the team who took the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals by the scruff, scored his 23 goals in 46 matches.
The downpour ushered the two teams into a game of two halves, with the Cheetahs keeping possession and running rings round the Super Eagles for large swathes of the first period. However, Tijani’s header from a cross by the vibrant Junior Olaitan that found the net by going through the legs of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was against the run of play.
Minutes earlier, Alex Iwobi had miscued when Osimhen headed down the ball for him from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, and Osimhen himself was foiled by Dandjinou just before the Cheetahs struck at the other end.
Nwabali was alert to punch away as Olaitan broke loose three minutes later, and it was ding-dong until four minutes before the break, when Osimhen should have scored from a brilliant Onyemaechi cross, only to watch the ball roll away from goal after his header.
In the 55th minute, Ademola Lookman and Osimhen caused anxious moments at the Benin Republic rear, but Olaitan also got close after Captain William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina fumbled with the ball down the line. Onyemaechi, coming forward a lot, saw his shot roll agonizingly away from goal just after the hour, and Osimhen headed wide away in the 74th minute as the Cheetahs began to nurse hopes of a win.
Osimhen had other ideas. His goal sent the Super Eagles to Morocco 2025 as group winners, and ensured the Eagles remain unbeaten in the AFCON qualification campaign going into their last game of the series, against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.
Rwanda, with five points from their five games after an unexpected 1-0 loss to Libya in Kigali also on Thursday, must beat the Super Eagles in Uyo and hope that Libya overwhelm Benin Republic in Tripoli on Monday, to spring to second place and collect the second ticket to the finals from Group D.
“It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer. The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen said.
News
BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria
In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.
Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.
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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win
Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.
Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.
Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice
Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.
Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.
According to the manager:
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”
Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.
Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
And Rice isn’t the only concern.
Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.
Arteta put it bluntly:
“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”
Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”
January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind
Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.
“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”
In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.
Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off
Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.
“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.
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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again
Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.
With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.
Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books
The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:
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226 international caps
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143 goals for Portugal
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A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.
“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes
Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:
“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”
Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.
He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.
Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:
“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”
Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:
“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”
Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.
So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?
If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.
And with CR7, you can never say never.
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