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“We Respect Nigeria But Not Much” –  Zimbabwe Vows To Shock Super Eagles In Uyo

“We Respect Nigeria But Not Much” –  Zimbabwe Vows To Shock Super Eagles In Uyo

Zimbabwe midfielder Andy Rinomhota is confident the Warriors can pull off an upset against Nigeria when the two sides meet in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday, as reported by Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria, under new head coach Eric Chelle, head into the fixture with momentum on their side after a convincing 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday.

The result reignited their faltering qualification campaign, and the Super Eagles will be determined to secure back-to-back wins as they look to climb the Group C standings.

For Zimbabwe, the challenge is even greater. They sit at the bottom of the group with just three points from five games and must produce a special performance to keep their fading hopes alive.

However, Rinomhota insists the Warriors are not in Uyo just to make up the numbers.

Rinomhota, who plays for Cardiff City in England, made his Zimbabwe debut in the reverse fixture in November 2023, a 1-1 draw played on neutral ground in Rwanda. The midfielder believes his side can go one better this time.

“We’re optimistic. We got a result against Nigeria last time, even though it was technically a home game in Rwanda,” Rinomhota said.

“That was my first game – it was a big test, and the team did well to draw.

“This time, we want to go a step further. We respect Nigeria, but not too much. We’ll try to impose ourselves. We’ve come here to get a result and keep pushing towards our goal.”

Harsh Uyo weather, an extra challenge
With Zimbabwe already facing an uphill task against a star-studded Nigerian side, the sweltering conditions in Uyo could make things even tougher.

Temperatures soared to 32°C during their training session on Monday, with humidity levels at 40 percent.

Rinomhota admits the weather will be a factor but insists his team is preparing well.

“I think it’s going to be quite warm and humid. We’re preparing ourselves, even though the game’s later. We had similar conditions against Cameroon last year in the AFCON qualifiers,” he said.

“We’re trying to start the game well. Everyone is focused on acclimatising fully. The conditions are definitely on everyone’s mind.”

Zimbabwe’s training session took place at the peak of the day’s heat, with players taking frequent hydration breaks to adjust to the climate. At kickoff on Tuesday, expected to be at 33°C with 42 percent humidity, endurance will be as crucial as technical ability.

Nigeria hold historical edge over Zimbabwe
Despite Rinomhota’s optimism, history favours Nigeria in this fixture.

The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Zimbabwe, winning four and drawing three. With Chelle’s men aiming to make a statement under new management, they will be wary of any complacency.

The match will be officiated by Eritrean referee Tsegay Teklu Mogos, assisted by Eyobel Michael and Mengis Sirak Samuel.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time and with the sun expected to set just before full-time, conditions will remain punishing throughout.

 

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U-13 JOF Kids Cup: B.Unit Boys To Battle Versity Boys In Final

All roads lead to the Sports Centre of the University of Lagos in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos as the final ceremony of the 5th edition of JOF U-13 Cup

 

Finalists have emerged in the ongoing 6th edition of the U-13 JOF Kids Cup Championship.

After gruelling two semi final crackers on Saturday at the Ojo Oniyun playground in Ebute Metta, Lagos, B. Unit Boys of Lagos Island and Versity Boys also from Lagos Island will slug it for the star prize on Sunday 27 April 2025.

The two finalists indeed justified their places in the final judging from their performance since the first blast of whistle in the grassroots football tournament a few weeks ago.

It was not surprising, however, to see B.Unit Boys triumph over Strong Dove of Orile after they both played 2-2 in the regulation time. The penalty shootouts ended 4-2i n favout of the winners.

Versity Boys on the hand beat First Class Boys 3-1 to book a ticket in the final.

The third place match will see Strong Dove taking on First Class Boys.

The U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament is organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association and sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, a wholly indigenous Nigerian company, which prides itself in the development of talent of the Nigerian youth.

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NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko to Declare Niger Delta Sports Festival Open, as Commission Backs Initiative

 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its full support behind the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), recognizing the event as a significant platform for discovering and nurturing emerging sporting talent.

The Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, will officially declare the festival open, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to promoting grassroots sports development across every region in Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of the Festival, Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, praised the initiative and called on more states to adopt similar programs to expand Nigeria’s talent pool.

“The Niger Delta Sports Festival represents a vital platform for discovering and nurturing raw talent,” Olopade stated.

“We encourage more states to adopt similar initiatives to expand the talent pool and strengthen Nigeria’s sporting future.”

In a major boost for the event, the NDSF on Friday unveiled PremiumTrust Bank as the official bank of the festival.

The event is scheduled to take place from April 1 to 8 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, bringing together athletes from across the region to compete in various sporting disciplines.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival aims to showcase budding talents, foster regional unity, and promote youth engagement in sports.

 

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JOF Kids Cup: Strong Dove, B. Unit Boys, Versity Boys, First Class Boys Lock Horns In Saturday’s Semi Finals 

JOF U-13 Cup: Teams Battle For Final Tickets

 

The battles from the final tickets among the last set of four teams of the ongoing 6th U-13 JOF Kids Cup now shifted to Ojo Oniyun playground, Ebute Metta, Lagos on Saturday.

This is coming after the Round of 8 matches were decided at the Lekki playground and Ojo Oniyun playground on Wednesday.

Strong Dove of Orile beat Miracle FC of Ijesha 1-0 to book a place in the semi finals, while B. Unit Boys from Mainland stopped Oloto Babes in tension-soaked tie that ended 3-2 at Lekki playground.

Versity Boys of Lagos Island ran away victory with 4-3 goals during the penalty shootouts after they had played a 1-1 game in the regulation time against ThankGod Boys of Oko Baba, while First Class Boys from Lagos Island beat Solution Boys 4-2.

According to the semi final fixtures released to the media by organisers, Lagos State Football Association, Strong Dove will settle scores against B. Unit Boys in the first semi-final tie, which kicks off by 12 noon, while Versity Boys will go to war against First Class Boys in the second semi final game on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ojo Oniyun playground, Ebute Metta will be agog on Saturday with more spectators expected to watch the matches than any other day since the tournament began a few weeks ago.

The Lagos State Football Association, the joint organisers of the competition, has invited members of the JOF Under-13 Soccer Tournament Committee to watch the kids displaying their God-given talent on the field of play.

The U-13 JOF Kids Cup is sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, a wholly indigenous Nigerian company, which prides itself in the development of talent of the Nigerian youth.

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