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FIFA Rankings: Nigeria’s Super Eagles End 2024 Ahead Of Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have ended 2024 ranked as Africa’s fifth-best team in FIFA’s latest global standings, released Thursday morning, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite a challenging end to the year that saw the team drop eight places to 44th globally, the Super Eagles still managed to hold their own against eternal continental rivals like South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana.

This year’s ranking represents a mixed bag for Nigeria. While the team retained its fifth spot in Africa, their decline in global rankings was driven by underwhelming performances in key fixtures.

Most notably, the Super Eagles struggled during the final rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, securing just a solitary point in lackluster outings against the Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Nigeria were forced to a scored draw by the Cheetahs in Abidjan only for Samuel Chukwueze’s excellent strike to end up as consolation in a 2-1 home defeat to the Wasps.

Looking at year-to-year standings, at this time in 2023, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were ranked 42nd in the world but sixth on the continent.

Elsewhere, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana showed marked improvement, climbing th

Cameroon and Ghana, however, endured disappointing campaigns. Ghana’s Black Stars finished the year ranked 77th, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within the Black Stars setup.

At the continental summit, Morocco retained their status as the continent’s best, finishing as Africa’s top-ranked team in 14th place globally.

Senegal (17th), Egypt (33rd), and Algeria (37th) rounded out the top four, with Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, and South Africa completing the top 10.

Globally, Argentina retained their position as FIFA’s top-ranked team, followed by France, Spain, England, and Brazil.

With 1,181 international matches played across the calendar year, the rankings reflected consistent dominance from the world’s elite teams.

As Nigeria enter 2025, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to reignite their competitive spark, with the World Cup qualifiers returning in the first quarter of the year.

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Paul Pogba: “I’m Coming Back” – French Star Set Return Date

Paul Pogba: "I'm Coming Back" - French Star Set Return Date

Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United midfield maestro, has set tongues wagging with a tantalising hint about his imminent return to professional football following an 18-month hiatus due to a doping ban.

The French World Cup winner, who once graced the hallowed turf of Old Trafford with his flamboyant style and mercurial talent, found himself embroiled in controversy whilst plying his trade for Italian giants Juventus.

Pogba was initially slapped with a four-year suspension after traces of testosterone, a prohibited substance, were detected in his system. However, the midfielder’s unwavering assertion of innocence bore fruit as he successfully appealed the decision, resulting in a reduced ban of 18 months.

Pogba’s declaration that the incident “was not intentional” resonated with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who ultimately sided with the player’s plea. This reduction in his ban has opened the door for the 31-year-old to contemplate a return to the beautiful game as early as March 2025.

As Pogba’s enforced absence from the pitch nears its conclusion, the football world has been abuzz with speculation regarding his next destination. The termination of his contract with Juventus has rendered him a free agent, allowing him to explore a plethora of options for the next chapter in his illustrious career.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing community, Pogba took to Instagram on Saturday, 15 February, to share a series of images showcasing his rigorous training regime.

The slideshow, which depicted the midfielder pushing himself to the limit in the gym, was accompanied by a cryptic caption that read: “I’m coming back,” followed by a football emoji and a charged-battery emoji. This tantalising message has left fans and pundits alike pondering the possibilities that lie ahead for the enigmatic Frenchman.

Whilst rumours of a sensational return to Manchester United have circulated, with club legend Rio Ferdinand even entertaining the notion on his YouTube channel, stating, “I’d also have a look [if he’s in a position to be re-signed],” the likelihood of such a move materialising appears slim. Despite the current midfield conundrum facing United’s manager Ruben Amorim, a reunion between Pogba and the Red Devils seems improbable at this juncture.

Instead, the prevailing whispers suggest that Pogba’s future may lie across the Atlantic in Major League Soccer. Reports from Fichajes indicate that the Frenchman is engaged in advanced negotiations with Charlotte FC, a move that could potentially see him link up with another former United star, Wilfried Zaha.

As the football world eagerly anticipates Pogba’s return to action, questions abound regarding his ability to recapture the form that once made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football.

Will the enforced break have dulled his skills, or will it have reinvigorated his passion for the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Paul Pogba’s comeback will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the coming months.

For Manchester United supporters, the prospect of Pogba donning the famous red shirt once more may be nothing more than a distant dream.

However, his impending return to football serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the club during his time at Old Trafford. As he prepares to embark on the next phase of his career, the footballing world watches with bated breath, eager to see if the mercurial Frenchman can once again weave his magic on the pitch and remind us all of the prodigious talent that once made him one of the most exciting players of his generation.

redmancunian.com

 

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‘I’m Frustrated’ – Amorim Laments As Man Utd Lose Again

'I'm Frustrated' - Amorim Laments As Man Utd Lose Again

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his job is “so hard” after defeat at Tottenham left his side 15th in the Premier League.

The Portuguese coach oversaw an eighth loss in 12 league games as James Maddison’s 13th-minute goal gave Spurs victory.

The Red Devils once again struggled, although Amorim is having to contend with a 12-man injury list that led to him having to fill his bench with youngsters.

Amorim, 40, has provided a number of honest post-match news conferences since joining United and was once again in trademark form on Sunday.

“I have a lot of problems,” he told Sky Sports. “My job is so hard but I am here to continue my job to the next week with my beliefs and I will try to win again.”

Despite his side being behind for more than 70 minutes, Amorim did not make a change until the first minute of stoppage time, when he brought on 17-year-old Chido Obi.

The forward was one of eight teenagers on the bench and Amorim suggested after the game that he did not send more on during the game as he did not want to hinder their development.

“It is the hardest competition in the world,” he told BBC Sport.

“I am trying to be careful with them. I felt the team was pushing for the goal and I felt I don’t want to change. But they will play.

“I am here to help my players. I understand my situation, my job, I am confident on my work and I just want to win games.

“The place in the table is my worry, I am not worried about me.”

 

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What Danish-Nigerian wonderkid Chido Obi Said After Senior Debut For Manchester United

Denmark U17 international of Nigerian descent, Chido Obi took to social media to share his thoughts after making his official debut for Premier League giants Manchester United.

Wearing the number 56 on the back of his jersey, the Manchester United wonderkid entered he game as a substitute in the closing minutes, replacing Casemiro, as the visitors searched for an equalizer in a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

By making his senior debut for Manchester United, Obi followed in the footsteps of Odion Ighalo and Shola Shoretire, players of Nigerian descent who previously played for the first team of the Red Devils.

The 17-year-old joined Manchester United last summer after rejecting a scholarship deal at Arsenal and went on to sign his first professional contract in November 2024.

Despite spending only three minutes on the pitch, Obi was praised by Manchester Unite manager manager Ruben Amorim after the game.

Sharing a post on Instagram, Obi thanked Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.

“Disappointed with the loss on a personal note thanks to the gaffer & the club for making a dream come true for me and my family,” he said.

Obi has been in impressive form for United’s youth teams this season, scoring fifteen goals in all competitions, including his recent hat-trick against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.

The dual-national forward is Manchester United’s 252nd academy graduate.

Allnigeriasoccer

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