Project Exclusives

Who Is the Super Eagles’ Most Valuable Player?

The Super Eagles book a spot in the quarters of the Africa Cup Of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire off the back of a collective effort from individual brilliance within the Nigerian team.

In the defensive phase, Nigeria harnessed Stanley Nwabali’s potential in goal with a formidable cohesion of Captain Williams, Semilogo Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey, as the tweak in formation by Coach Jose Peseiro subsequently produced three clean sheets in four outings.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper who made a move to South Africa from the NPFL in October 2022, has had a decent run in the 2023-24 DSTV Premiership season with Chippa United, conceding fewer goals (14) than games played (15) while clinching seven clean sheets.

Stanley complimented his club form with similar output for his country at the AFCON by saving eight from nine shots faced while conceding once in four games before suffering from a bad challenge from Cameroon’s Gorges-Kevin N’koudou in the Round of 16.

Olaoluwa Aina and Zaidu Sanusi respectively marshaled the right and left flanks while providing the team with more width in attack and defense as full-backs, with Aina averaging a 6.9 player rating as Zaidu grew into the campaign.

Having made Jose Peseiro’s provisional squad, a blessing in disguise came off an injury mishap endured by Wilfred Ndidi pre-tournament, paving the way for Alhassan Yusuf’s selection as an anchor in midfield.

The Super Eagles enjoyed a brilliant debut from the 23-year-old against the Nzalang National before a contusion of the thigh muscles endured in the 68th minute, albeit a sublime combination of Alexander Iwobi and Frank Onyeka subsequently ensured solidity.

Alhassan also started from home soil following his stint at the Tiki Taka Football Academy in Nigeria before jetting out to Swedish club IFK Göteborg as an adult in 2018, and then Belgium’s Royal Antwerp in 2021.

In attack, Victor James Osimhen complimented on his award as 2023’s Africa Player Of The Year by churning out a spirited performance.

The 25-year-old striker has been directly involved in four of Nigeria’s five goals scored thus far while indirectly influencing the fifth against the Djurtus awarding him an average of 7.1 on player ratings.

His timely equalizer against Equatorial Guinea in the group opener helped Nigeria avoid defeat with a point in hand, before gaining the penalty scored by Williams Troost-Ekong against the hosts on MatchDay 2 for three maximum points.

His presence in the third group game against Guinea-Bissau inadvertently influenced Opa Sangante’s own goal, before his consistent press recovered and assisted the ball for Ademola Lookman’s opener against Cameroon.

Despite coming late to the party, Atalanta’s top scorer Ademola Lookman with ten goal contributions (7 goals, 3 assists) in eighteen Serie A games, was also involved in Nigeria’s opening draw after providing the assist for Osimhen’s equalizer.

The 26-year-old humped expectations from fans on his shoulders coming into the tournament and bid his time patiently before bagging a brace against the Indomitable Lions which booked a quarterfinals spot for the Super Eagles.

Although FC Nantes forward Moses Simon featured in all four games played thus far, his major highlight is the color yellow branded in a caution against Cameroon, with brief stints from Paul Onuachu, Raphael Onyedika, Kenneth Omeruo, and Bright Osayi-Samuel coming in handy.

With the Palancas Negras of Angola in sight at the quarters, which Super Eagles has been the most valuable at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire?

Share your thoughts.

The Nigeria vs Cameroon Trilogy 2024

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria tackle the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations in January, more events align between both countries, with the Third Round of CAF’s Women’s Olympic Qualifiers and a Heavy-weight boxing tie in February and March also lined up.

AFCON’s 34th edition has ticked all the expected boxes with historic moments, upsets, clean sheets, VAR interventions, and no stalemate yet, giving fans value for their attention.

Super Eagles vs Indomitable Lions – AFCON Round of 16
Super Falcons vs Indomitable Lionesses – CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifier (semifinals)
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou – Heavy-weight boxing

A goal from open play at the back post, another from the penalty spot, and an own goal proved enough for Nigeria to progress to the knockout stages from Group A.

A late resurgence by the Lion-hearted Cameroonians in a five-goal thriller against the Gambians made up for their woeful loss against the Senegalese and the drab draw against Guinea for qualification from Group C.

Both teams finished as runners-up respectively, setting the center stage for a knockout clash at the 35-000 capacity Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan on Saturday, 27th of January, 2024 by 9 p.m. Nigerian time.

In other centers concerning both African nations, the semi-finals of CAF’s Women’s Olympic Qualifiers will be held between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The Super Falcons defeated Lucy of Ethiopia in the quarter-finals with five goals to one on aggregate powered by Rashidat Ajibade’s three goals over two legs, plus two others from Asisat Oshoala and Uchenna Kanu.

Cameroon overturned a two-goal deficit suffered from the first leg against Uganda to win three-nil in the return fixture, thanks to goals from Ajara Njoya (28′), Monique Ngock (47′), and Brigitte Omboudou in Extra-time.

The two-legged affair is billed for Monday the 19th and Wednesday the 28th of February, 2024 for a spot in the finals and an automatic ticket to Paris ’24.

Away from football, both countries go at logger-head albeit on an individual basis as Nigeria-born British champion Anthony Joshua faces off against Cameroon maestro Francis Ngannou for a Heavy-weight tie in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou, 37, has surfed through varying categories of combat sports from his days in Mixed Martial Arts where he boasts of 17 wins (12 knockouts, 4 by submission, 1 by decision), a stint in Kickboxing defeating Farid Nair in France by decision, and in professional boxing where he lost to Tyson Fury.

“I’m here for the boxing career and there I have a lot of challenges, a lot of names. For example, the top three guys that I’ve always had are Fury, Joshua and Wilder,”
– Francis Ngannou, Sky Sports’ MMA Club

Joshua who’s three years younger (34), will hope to add to his 27 wins (24 knockouts) from 30 professional boxing bouts while hoping his 3 losses remain unprovoked, after clinching three straight wins since losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk.

“Patiently waiting for the first bell to ring”
– Anthony Joshua on X

The much-anticipated bout is officially billed for Friday the 8th of March, 2024 right at the heart of the Middle-Eastern hemisphere.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Do The Needful To Progress

A goal from open play at the back post against the Nzalang National, another from the penalty spot against the hosts, and an own goal against the Djurtus were enough to book a spot for the Super Eagles in the knockout stages.

More doubts than assurances rocked the Nigerian camp during the build-up to the tournament when vital team players like Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, and Umar Sadiq suffered injuries, seemingly limiting the squad depth.

However, the void paved a path for the inclusion of Royal Antwerp’s midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, OGC Nice striker Terem Moffi, and Paul Onuachu, who currently serves a season-long loan at Trabzonspor from Southampton, into the squad.

The objective of progressing to the knockout stages was crystal clear for Jose Peseiro’s men having drawn the host national team, Côte d’Ivoire alongside the Nzalang National and Djurtus of Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau respectively in Group A.

Despite the early scare orchestrated by Iban Salvador of Equatorial Guinea in the 36th minute of the first game, Victor Osimhen’s instant response for Nigeria’s equalizer in the 38th minute came in handy to avoid a dreadful loss.

From then on, a tweak in formation and game approach, plus the inclusion of extra legs, ensured a formidable defensive structure that produced two clean sheets in the subsequent group games.

The change had unlikely repercussions as Nigeria registered only one shot on target against the Elephants in the room – Côte d’Ivoire, and the Wild Dogs on the side – Guinea Bissau, despite registering eleven attempts in each game.

While analytical focus highlights a dip in creativity and finishing, a flip of the coin shows the Super Eagles’ solidity and discipline consequently limiting the attempts on goal from the opposition.

An interesting chapter of the story features Alhassan Yusuf, whose 69 minutes played in the campaign felt like the brick the builders rejected which became the chief concrete, following a composed, precise, and stupendous spell.

But the 23-year-old remains steadfast while recuperating before regaining his spot in the middle of the park, with the onus lying on Frank Onyeka who has also covered himself in subtle accolades.

“I suffered a contusion of the thigh muscles, but the recovery is going well.”
– Alhassan Yusuf, to the Media

In goal, Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabili is the new sheriff in town, after usurping FC Omonia’s Francis Uzoho for first choice, with the 27-year-old Lagos-born goalie heaping fresh air and relief in between the sticks.

Stanley’s resurgence records four goals in four games and two clean sheets since making his return to the squad after a two-year hiatus since the international friendly played against El Tri of Mexico in 2021 where he conceded four goals in one.

With the inclusions of Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Joseph Aribo, Raphael Onyedika, and Chidozie Awaziem to the fray, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will hope to right their wrong from the last edition when they lost to Tunisia at this stage after an impressive Group spell.

AFCON2023: Cape Verde Swim To R16

The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde become the first team to clinch a ticket to the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with six points from two games, consequently posing as unlikely title contenders after thrashing Mozambique at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

Rayo Vallencano forward Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, commonly known as Bebé, registered a goal of the tournament contender with a ferocious strike from 40 yards out from a set-piece for the opener in the first half as the West African oceanic side dominated the game.

Bebé, who made his Cape Verde debut in 2022 after representing Portugal at youth level, also featured for top European clubs like Manchester United, Beşiktaş, Benfica, Rayo Vallecano, to mention but a few, but is currently on loan at second-division Real Zaragoza.

Momentum improved in the game as the team’s Captain, Ryan Mendes, took advantage of a defensive error on the edge of the box by Mozambique to double Cape Verdean’s lead, with Kevin Pina hammering a brilliant strike into the top corner from outside the box to seal the win in front of 5,794 fans.

On the flip side, Mozambique’s edgy moments came as Geny Catamo won a penalty in the first half before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) stepped in to overturn the Referee’s initial decision, before having another attempt at goal striking the crossbar from a free-kick.

With a spot in the Round of 16 in the bag after defeating Ghana in the first group game, the Tubarões Azuis face a final hurdle in the first round against a staggering Egyptian side who has garnered just two points from two games while conceding four times.

Cape Verde will look to maintain their hundred percent run thus far garnished with brilliant displays and lethal finishing, having scored five goals from five different players and conceding just once, with a +4 goal difference tally.

AFCON 2023 Game 1 Roundoff: Namibia, Cape Verde Make History, Senegal, Morocco Start Brilliantly, Nigeria, Cameroon See Draw

With twelve games played in six Ivorian stadia, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations flattered to impress with historic moments, upsets, clean sheets, and no stalemate as each match center registered at least a goal after the first round of games.

The Brave Warriors of Namibia made history against the odds with their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-nil victory over the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in front of 13,991 fans at the 20-000 capacity Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo.

The Brave Warriors previously graced the continental stage thrice in three different decades, losing twice and drawing once in 1998, registering the same run ten years later in 2008, before losing all three group games in 2019.

While Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates header for Namibia’s solo goal was too hot for the Tunisians to handle, Bethuel Muzeu’s pin-point cross from the left flank took the highlight for the assist of the round.

At the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pédro, the Atlas Lions of Morocco roared, as Romain Saiss, Azzedine Ounahi, and Youssef En Nesyri all got on the scorecard against ten-man Tanzania.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Novatus Miroshi Dismas’ double caution for tripping joins two others in the Red Zone for dismissals in the first round, alongside the Gambia’s Ebrima “Ebou” Adams and Guinea’s Francois Kamano.

The three unreplied goals for the Atlas Lions put them in the same den as the Teranga Lions of Senegal, who also roared to a three-nil victory over the Gambia, after making a brilliant start to defending their AFCON title with Sadio Mane creating the opener for Pape Gueye in the box.

At the same time, Marseille duo Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also registered their names in Senegalese jerseys among creators for assisting Lamine Camara to the only brace thus far in round 1.

Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane, all plying their trades in the Saudi Pro League came to the fur for the defending champions, with the defense also keeping a clean sheet.

Only Ghana (1963, 1965), Cameroon (2000, 2002), and Egypt (2006, 2008, 2010), have successfully defended the continental gong in AFCON’s history, as the Teranga Lions aim to join the hall of fame.

In Yamoussoukro, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were held to a one-all draw at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium by ten-man Guinea, who took an early lead in the tenth minute before losing a man to Red Card.

The dismissal seemed to fuel the five-time champions to an early lead in the second half, as the Saudi Pro League’s third-highest goalscorer, Gorges-Kevin N’koudou of Damac FC, orchestrated a sublime through ball into the box for Frank Magri’s equalizer six minutes after the break for Cameroon.

The AFCON ’21 host nation who were without their injured talisman Vincent Aboubakar, huffed and buffed with Karl Toko Ekambi who netted five times in seven games in the 2022 campaign, eventually firing blanks.

Shocking results were compiled from Abidjan and Korhogo where Ghana fell to the resurgence of Cape Verde at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium as South Africa lost without reply to the Malians at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

The Black Stars of Ghana were handed a sour taste of revenge by the Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks) with a grudge dating back to Cape Verde’s 2013 debut appearance in the AFCON.

Ghana knocked out Cape Verde in the Quarter-finals via a two-nil victory at Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, ending the Blue Sharks’ impressive run in South Africa.

But it was Cape Verde who dazzled in front of 11,943 fans in 2024 taking a deserving lead through Jamiro Monteiro in the 17th minute, before escaping an equalizing scare when Majeed Ashimeru fired home a sublime yet disallowed goal from 25 yards out.

Ankaragucu’s Garry Rodrigues who plies his trade in the Turkish Super Lig sealed the victory in additional time (90+1) for Cape Verde’s second win in their AFCON history.

Mali’s Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko handed Bafana Bafana of South Africa an uncharacteristic loss at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly, to further pile more misery on Hugo Broos’ men.

South Africa continues their struggles after managing just three wins in their last ten games (L3, D4) including their opening fixture against Mali after the players were promised a winning-prize equivalent in incentives by the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

To wrap up the round-off, the Super Eagles of Nigeria shared the spoils against the Nzalang National of Equatorial Guinea with both teams delivering end-to-end stuff.

In the 36th minute, Iban Salvador netted his 6th international goal for the Equatorians in 33 games, while the 38th minute saw Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen respond almost instantly with his 31st strike in 36 international games for the Nigerians.

Ivory Coast ’23: A Billion Dollar Tournament

Its AFCON O Clock!!!

With few hours left to the kickoff of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON2023), Ivorian Stadiums are set, the Nations are ready, and the entire continent is on its lookout for the kicks, the goals, the miss, the cheers, and mixed emotions that come with the tournament.

The 34th edition of Africa’s biennial football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), originally scheduled for June/July 2023 but shifted to January-February 2024 based on weather conditions in West Africa, will be hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time since the 1984 edition.

All 52 games will be played in five major Stadiums in Côte d’Ivoire. with the hosting rights geared to accelerate the country’s rebound since the civil war ended in 2011, after shelling out more than $1 billion on infrastructure and organization.

According to football writer – Piers Edwards, $79 million, $84 million, and $113 million, were spent on building new stadiums in Yamoussoukro, Korhogo, and Abidjan respectively, while the refurbishment of Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny venue cost another $109 million.

In addition, airports, roads, hospitals, and hotels have been constructed and/or upgraded in five selected host cities – Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.

With key players like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Egypt’s Mo Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ghana’s Jordan Ayew, Senegal’s Nickolas Jackson, and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, among others gracing the tournament, the AFCON poses for viewing pleasure.

With uncertainties surrounding the title favorites, few Nations are flattering on the list after their tremendous feats in the qualifiers and the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked team and 13th-best in the world following their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals and the third-place round.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah will be looking to captain Egypt to a record-extending eighth triumph when the tournament gets underway after finishing as runner-up with the Pharaohs twice.

3-time winners – the Super Eagles of Nigeria appear to rest their oasis on the lethal threat of Victor Osimhen, with the Napoli striker coming off as Africa’s Footballer of the Year and 8th-best player in the Ballon d’Or ranking after clinching the capocannoniere and influencing Napoli’s first Serie A title triumph in 33 years.

The Super Eagles also brew with mixed results after decimating a Dubai-based club – Al Gharbia, 12 goals to nil, while subsequently suffering a 2-nil defeat against the Syli National of Guinea.

Jose Peseiro’s side also endured injury setbacks with forwards Victor Boniface and Umar Sadiq alongside influential midfielder Wilfred Ndidi all ruled out with injuries, with Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho’s fitness still doubtful.

However, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, and Alhassan Yusuf have been assigned to replace the injured, with the opening fixture against the Nzalang National of Equatorial Guinea only 24 hours away.

The Opening Ceremony will feature Mama Africa, Yemi Alade entertaining the spectators with host Nation Ivory Coast playing against Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, in Abidjan.

Nigerians will have the opportunity to watch all matches on Free-To-Air (FTAs) and cable networks due to secured rights, memorandum of understanding, and sublicensing deals.

It sure will be some thrilling weeks ahead.

AFCON ’23: What is Super Eagles’ Most Effective Formation?

As D-day dawns on lovers of African football for the continent’s most prestigious tournament taking center stage for the 34th time of asking in Côte d’Ivoire, the jury is out on the Super Eagles of Nigeria opening their chapter in 24 hours against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea.

Through fifteen (15) games in charge of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in one and half years, Jose Vitor Peseiro has tinkered with different formations to get the best possible fit from his adopted team, but which is most effective?

Each setup culminated in six wins, three draws, and six losses, with the latest, an international friendly against the Syli National of Guinea, ending in a 2-nil daunting loss five days before the commencement of Africa’s most coveted tournament – AFCON ’23.

Ironically, Peseiro’s first game in charge – versus El Tri of Mexico and the most recent game (vs Guinea) was approached with the 3-man defense game plan, with both games ending in a loss.

This suggests that the squad is not suited for the high-line counter-attacking style based on the player profiles available, with the coach utilizing the 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 3-4-3 formations over time.

Although, his most preferred approach based on records has been the 4-4-2 formation with a double pivot (#6) sitting behind two playmakers (trequartista or fantasista), spearheaded by one central, and another supporting striker.

Ten of the fifteen games managed have been with the 4-4-2 formation resulting in three losses, five wins, and two draws, with the team unbeaten when playing a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation (W1, D1).

With injury crises rocking the attacking department of the team, a formation that highlights a lone striker feeding off an attacking trio behind with a double pivot in midfield sealed by a 4-man defense, could fit in effectively.

Defensively, the Super Eagles have witnessed a resurgence both centrally and on the flanks, citing a balance of youngsters and veterans with form and experience, sitting in front of a now subtle goalkeeping competition between Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabili in goal.

26-year-old Bright Osayi-Samuel and 27-year-old Olaoluwa Aina on the right, 24-year-olds Bruno Onyemaechi and Calvin Bassey on the left, plus 30-year-olds Semilogo Ajayi and Kenneth Omuero as center-back pairings, give for good retention.

In the hole, the team will be without the formidable services of Wilfred Ndidi, with his replacement – Alhassan Yusuf, sitting nicely beside Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka, while the creative hub houses Alexander Iwobi and Joseph Aribo.

Italian Serie A duo consisting of Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan, plus Nantes’ Moses Simon in the French Ligue 1 pose to provide enough flair for the strikers, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s input still in doubt due to injury.

The team would be relying on the lethal capabilities of Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, and Paul Onuachu upfront, depending on Peseiro’s lineup options, after enduring the fitness setback faced by Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar on the sidelines.

These intricacies point to the analytic stance that the 4-2-3-1 formation could just be the game plan needed to fulfill Nigeria’s theme for a fourth title-winning campaign.

So, Let’s Do It Again. Shall we?

Five Interesting Notes On Super Falcon’s Hybrid Sensation – Alozie

Born in the incorporated Apple Valley town of San Bernardino County, in the United States of California, Super Falcons ace Michelle Chinwendu Alozie continues to shine as a beacon of hope to the younger generation through her diligence in healthcare and ingenuity in football.

The 26-year-old Nigerian international has proved to be a Jane of all and master of many both on and off the pitch, from playing different positions for her club and her country to pursuing her healthcare career.

Here are five interesting notes from Alozie’s inspiring journey, from suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended her senior season to becoming an international hybrid sensation.

Granite Hills High & Yale University
Attacker for Club, Defender for Country
Sexuality and Crush
Social Media Influence & Presence
Born in California, Hails from Imo State

Granite Hills High & Yale University

Alozie was outstanding in three years at the Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, California, becoming a three-time all-conference performer between 2012 and 2015, and setting program records with seven goals in one game and 44 goals in a single season.

She also broke school records in the 100-meter (12.1 seconds) and 200-meter (25.6 seconds) dashes while running track for Granite Hills, after capturing a national title in 2012 for club soccer Legends FC.

In 2015, Alozie attended Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut to study Biology, summarizing her versatility and strong mentality for breaking boundaries.

“Because it was a place where I could get a world-renowned education while continuing my passion for soccer”
– Michelle Alozie, on Yale University

The results were merited as she got an honorable mention in the All-Ivy selection, was named in the Second Team All-New England, and was the team’s joint-lead with six goals and 16 points.

She also bagged the Ivy League Rookie of the Week twice on the 7th and 14th of September 2015, before receiving the Ivy League Co-Offensive Player of the Year award and making First Team All-Ivy in 2017.

Attacker for Club, Defender for Country

According to Becky Morgan for The Equalizer, Alozie was still fighting for a contract with the Houston Dash when Nigeria’s coach – Randy Waldrum showed up at practice. Two days later, she made her international debut.

Coming in as a 65th-minute substitute on the 10th of June 2021 in a 0–1 friendly loss to Jamaica, Alozie opened her account for the Super Falcons of Nigeria playing as a full-back “out of necessity” according to the head coach.

In January 2020, Alozie put pen to paper to join 13-time national champions and seven-time defending national champions of Kazakhstan – BIIK Kazygurt, finishing her solo season with three goals in 17 matches, and becoming the Lady Vols‘ second-leading scorer.

In 2021, Alozie joined the Houston Dash as a preseason trialist without a contract, then signed a national team replacement contract during the campaign, before sealing a full contract for the remainder of the season in August.

In December 2022, Alozie signed a two-year contract extension with Houston Dash running through 2024, where she plays majorly as an attacker (F).

A year later, Alozie was named in the CAF Women’s Africa Best XI for the year 2023 as one of Africa’s elite talents, capping her resounding efforts for the Super Falcons of Nigeria where she plays majorly as a right-back (RB).

Sexuality and Crush

While on an Instagram live conversation in 2021 tagged “The Three Musketeers”, Michelle Alozie stated her admiration for the then Everton and current Fulham Nigerian International – Alexander Chuka Iwobi.

When asked if she had any crush on any player in the Super Eagles team, she said, ‘Alex Iwobi,’ sparking reactions across social media from her fans and admirers alike.

However, a twist in the tale resurfaced when she posted a picture on Instagram alongside her Houston Dash teammate and Mexican defender – Diana Rosario Ordóñez, with the caption “Happy us over them day to my husband”.

The developing post threw followers aback with talks of lesbianism rocking the waves, which forced Alozie to make a counter-post on X (formerly Twitter) clearing the air on her stance.

“I like guys. lol. relax.

“I promise you there are more important issues to discuss in the world than my sexuality.”
– @alozieee on X

While Alozie’s relationship status remains unconfirmed, her intriguing beauty, fitness, and charisma remain undeniable.

Social Media Influence & Presence

Joining X (formerly Twitter) in May 2017, Michelle has garnered 119.7k followers as of the 7th of January 2024, while creating 1,794 posts so far.

With her maiden post on Instagram dating back to the 24th of May, 2019, Alozie has made 102 posts for the surfing pleasure of 320k followers.

Michelle has 66k likes and 200k followers on her Facebook page with a 5.0 star rating and 46 reviews.

Alozie goes by @thiqeats on Snapchat with 51.6k subscribers with TikTok her only barren social platform with just 1 follower @alozieee.

Born in California, Hails from Imo State

Hailing from Imo State in Nigeria, Michelle Chinwendu Alozie was born on the 28th of April, 1997 to Chioma and Godwin Alozie in Apple Valley, California, USA.

She maintains her life goal to become a cardiologist after earning a bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from Yale University in 2019 while being a recipient of the Sam & Flora Grigsby Athletic Scholarship Endowment.

After her studies at the Granite Hills High School, she became a freshman at Yale in 2015, a Sophomore in 2016, a Junior in 2017, and a Senior in 2018, before graduating in 2019.

She did volunteer work through the National Honors Society and Key Club and currently runs a part-time job as a cancer research technician at the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas.

AFCON 2024: Winter Is Here As Countdown Begins

It’s New Year’s Day as resolutions are let fly and ambitions get renewed.
Welcome to AD 2024.

As 2024 rolls in the carpet, The Confederation of African Football will be airing its 34th edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

The countdown has begun as fans set sight on the 13th of January when the host nation alongside the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau will open the tournament at the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara stadium in the capital city of Abidjan.

Les Éléphants of Côte d’Ivoire, two-time winners and host nation, will sit pretty in Group Alpha alongside three-time champions – Nigeria, with the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea joining the fray.

Twenty-four national teams will ply their trade in six Ivorian host cities as Cote d’Ivoire hosts the Nations Cup for the second time after 1984 when the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon clinched their first title in a 3-1 victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

The 33,000-capacity Félix stadium was selected, alongside the open-day stadium – Alassane Ouattara, as the venues from the capital city of Abidjan, with the 40,000-capacity Stade de la Paix in Bouaké also booked for use.

The Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo; Laurent Pokou in San-Pédro; and Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, all with 20,000 capacities apiece, complete the array of stadia slated to house the African Championship.

AFCON’s most successful team – Pharaohs of Egypt, with seven titles alongside four-time winners – Black Stars of Ghana, pose for a scintillating affair in Group B, as the Tubarões Azuis of Cape Verde and Os Mambas of Mozambique seek debut titles.

The Téranga Lions of Senegal who’re one-time and defending champions align with five-time winners – Cameroon, in Group C, with the Syli National of Guinea who were runners-up in 1976, and 2021 quarterfinalists – Scorpions of Gambia completing what could be a Group of Death fiesta.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco who won their only title in 1976 draw the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chipolopolo of Zambia, and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Group F.

After achieving triumph in 2019, the Fennec Foxes of Algeria seek to renew their status in Africa while facing potential threats from Les Étalons of Burkina Faso, Al-Murabitun of Mauritania, and the Palancas Negras of Angola in Group D.

1996 champions – South Africa, find themselves in no-man’s land as the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, Eagles of Mali, and Brave Warriors of Namibia hold seige in Group E.

The 33 previous finals have produced seven drawn matches, with the eventual winners determined by replays in 1974, extra time in 1962 and 1965, and penalty shoot-outs in 1982, 1986, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2015, and 2021.

Founded in 1957, AFCON has produced fifteen different champions in 66 years, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Guinea, and Lybia as finalists without the title.

In October 2023, CAF unveiled “Akwaba” (Welcome in the native language of Baoulé) as the official song for AFCON during the official draw, featuring MTV award-winning Nigerian artist Yemi Alade, Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan, and Ivorian music band Magic System.

From Africa to the world, winter is finally here!

2023 Unwrapped: Football Made A Statement Home & Abroad

Inside the NPFL Abridged League campaign
FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
The Naija trio and Super Falcons at the 2023 CAF Awards
Unchattered territorial dominance in Spain and Germany
Manchester City becomes the first English Quintarians

Following the 22nd mundial (World Cup) held last year in Qatar and won by La Albiceleste of Argentina, 2023 offered more drama and excitement in football, from league campaigns to women’s football and accolades shared by clubs and players alike.

With the end of the year less than a fortnight away, here’s 2023 unwrapped citing the biggest footballing events that transpired across the board at a glance both home and abroad.

Inside the NPFL Abridged League campaign

The Nigeria Premier Football League took a unique turn this year with an abridged format that lasted half a year, featuring a regular round of 18 Matchdays and a Super Six round-robin stage.

Akwa United welcomed Bendel Insurance to the Godwill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on the 8th of January to kick off the season, with the away side grabbing a 2-nil win.

Interestingly, Bendel went through the regular round unbeaten (8 wins, 10 draws), equaling the record set by their open-day opponents, Akwa United, in the 2020-21 league season.

The Benin Arsenal of Bendel also finished the season as the joint-best defensive team with 16 goals conceded alongside eventual league champions Enyimba, who won their ninth title.

FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

In July, the women took center stage in Australia and New Zealand as FIFA organized her ninth mundial since 1991 for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere.

It was also the first Women’s World Cup with more than one host nation held across multiple confederations, with Australia in the Asian Confederation (ACF) and New Zealand in the Oceanian Confederation (OCF).

The Super Falcons of Nigeria alongside the Bayana Bayana of South Africa, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, and the Copper Queens of Zambia graced the occasion as CAF representatives, with only the latter failing to progress to the knockout stages.

Amidst lingering internal friction between the players and coach, La Roja of Spain clinched their first-ever global gong over the Three Lionesses of England, with the final day ceremony almost marred by a split-second madness from former RFEF President Luis Rubiales who is now banned from all football-related activities for 3 years.

The Naija trio & Super Falcons at the 2023 CAF Awards

On the 11th of December, the Confederation of Africa Football organized its 30th Award Gala since 1992, with the crème de la crème of African football converging at the Palais des Congrès, located within the red clay walls of Marrakech’s touristic and scenic city in Morocco.

Napoli’s talisman Victor James Osimhen, Barcelona Femení striker Asisat Lamina Oshoala, and Chiamaka Cynthia Nnadozie of Paris FC Féminines hoisted Nigeria’s flag individually, claiming the Player of The Year Awards for the Men, Women, and goalkeeping categories.

That night, the Super Falcons of Nigeria shone the brightest collectively with the National Team Of The Year Award for Women in the bag following an impressive year beyond expectation.

Unchattered territorial dominance in Spain and Germany

The only metric separating Girona from 1st position on the La Liga log after 18 MatchDays is the goal difference tally as the Blanquivermells stay joint-top alongside Real Madrid with 45 points apiece.

Despite being the least-rated team from Catalonia’s tri in the top-flight, Girona has dazzled on Spain’s domestic stage thus far with FC Barcelona sitting seven points below, and Espanyol staying fifth in the Segunda Division.

In Germany, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball remains the only side in the top eight leagues in Europe (England, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, & Portugal) yet to taste defeat in all competitions in 2023-24, considering PSV’s 100 percent record in the Dutch Eredivisie but losing to Arsenal in the Champions League.

Xabi Alonso’s stride as the team’s gaffer in the Bundesliga dishes more spice after 16 MatchDays with Die Werkself posing as the best defensive team with the least goals conceded (12) and the most clean sheets kept (7).

A formidable combination of goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky sitting behind a decent back three of Jonathan Tah, Odilon Kossounou, and Edmond Tapsoba, flanked by Jeremy Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo on the left and right wings, with Granit Xhaka holding the forte in midfield, leaves the frontline of Jonas Hofmann, Florian Wirtz, and Victor Boniface as lethal as possible.

Manchester City becomes the first English Quintarians

Last Friday, Manchester City became the first English team to bag five major trophies within a calendar year, following their tremendous treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, clinching the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla in pre-season, and lifting the FIFA Club World Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City against Fluminese in Qatar.

The Pep Guardiola-led side punched above their weight having lifted the English Premier League title for the third year running, despite an early scare from the Gunners of Arsenal who eventually shot themselves in the groin en route to the finish line.

Although the Citizens currently sit outside the top four spots and six points off league leaders Arsenal albeit with a game in hand going into Christmas, the race for the title remains open to debate with the 2023-24 campaign just halfway through.

Feel your pulse as you share your 2023 unwrapped in the comments section.