In every corner of this great country, where boys play barefoot in the dust and dreams are nurtured on uneven pitches, a story has just been written, not with pen and ink but with sweat, sacrifice, and sheer determination, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

From the quiet streets of Minna to the noisy junctions of Ikorodu, across red earth in Cross River to the savannah winds of Bauchi, eight proud football clubs have lifted themselves from the trenches of Nationwide League One (NLO) and stepped boldly into the Nigeria National League (NNL).

In the North, the air is thick with pride. Mai Kunkele United, sons of Niger State, have fought their way up with grit and guile. In Kano Ambassadors, a new northern pride is born, a team rising from the ancient city where football is more than sport; it’s rhythm and identity. And then there’s Warinje FC of Bauchi, a name that will now echo louder across the North-East. Abuja’s own City FC completes the pack, bringing FCT's polished edge into the cauldron of second-tier football.

In the South, it’s jubilation in markets, car parks, and clubhouses. Stormers SC of Ogun State carries the legacy of the West with calm determination. Hammola FC from Osun are writing their own oríkì in football language, young men with golden feet and hearts of steel. In Calabar, E-World United has given the South-South a new badge of honour. And from the bustling energy of Lagos, Ikorodu City FA march forward, their promotion greeted with songs, beats, and the dreams of area boys who once played with sachet water for a ball.

These are not just clubs. They are community lifelines, melting pots of passion where okada riders, teachers, hawkers, and students gather on Sundays to cheer their own. They are the corner plots where hope is planted and harvested season after season.

And now, they enter the Nigeria National League, not just as participants, but as reminders that Naija football is deeper than what we see on DSTV. It lives in the people. It pulses in every state, in every town where a coach carries his squad in a keke, and a striker sharpens his boots with borrowed polish.

The NFF may not raise a trumpet, but we, the people, see these triumphs. For every small club that rises, a thousand young boys see themselves a little clearer in the mirror of possibility.

So let the drums roll. Let the jerseys be washed. Let the boots be laced tighter. Let mothers say prayers before matches. Let fans gather again under mango trees and zinc roofs. Because football is moving in this land. Slowly, surely, beautifully.

Na Nigeria we dey. And from gutter to glory, our football story go always dey loud.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Barely a week after his ban was completed, Ex Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has been linked with the vacate managerial position of the Nigeria’s senior national team.

Siasia also know as SiaOne, was hammered with a life ban by FIFA for alleged match fixing, however, succour came the way of the Bayelsa-born gaffer in 2019 when the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) reduced the ban to five years and the $50,000 fine quashed.

His availability to coaching again has seen his name consistently resonant among the possible managers for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Although the former Nantes striker has a questionable profile with the Senior team, but his proven track record with the Nigeria’s underage team has placed him good stead for the role of a Super Eagles manager.

The 57 year-old coached the Nigeria’s under 20 team (Flying Eagles), taking them to the finals of both the 2005 Under-20 World Cup and the U-20 African Youth Championship.

He won the African Youth Championship and advanced all the way to the world final – before losing to Argentina 2–1.

Samson Siasia was appointed national U-23 coach in January 2007. In 2008, he coached the Nigerian Under-23 Olympic squad to the final against Argentina.

In a superbly played series of matches, Nigeria's team earned the Olympic Silver Medals. Earlier in 2008, the U-23 team won the inaugural Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia.

He returned to the U-23 post in 2015 and led Nigeria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning bronze medal, team Nigeria’s only medal at the global event.

Siasia’s last national assignment was a disaster. On 4 November 2010, he was named as the national team coach to succeed Swedish Lars Lagerbäck. He was fired on 28 October 2011 for failing to take the Nigeria team to the 2012 African Nations Cup in Gabon & Equatorial Guinea.

Despited dent on his coaching profile, the former Heartland FC manager is still a man of the people even while serving his five year suspension.

Although both the media and top football stakeholders in the country anticipate the return of one their best indigenous football mind but Siasia must avoid the temptation of taking the Senior National Team role.

The Super Eagles is again likely to miss out on the World Cup in 2026 and this is largely due to the fault of the federation.

The Nigeria Football Federation after the success of the three time champions at the last Africa Cup of Nation in Côte d’Ivoire failed to keep their former head coach, Jose Peseiro prompting the appoint of his then assistant, Finidi George rather a more experienced Emannuel Amunike.

Finidi although had his shortcomings, but his flaws further revealed the inability of the federation to manage success leaving the team in a depleted form.

All of these and with the reoccurring financial debacle of the NFF, Siasia can not afford to start the new phase of his live with all these.

The federation must stop using the coaches, especially the local ones as a mup stick for the spillage they created.

Siasia needs to remind the football world of his skill sets as a coach. He can’t afford to fall on the most popular football platform in the country.

Nigerians may not have the patience of looking through his challenges and so should rather work his way back to the top, start with a job less expectations in the U-23 or U-20 or even in clubs in the country.

SiaOne should avoid the Super Eagle coaching role, so he won’t be a bush meat walking into a trap out of desperation.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

From the the most sort after goalkeeper on the continent to relatively a regular player, the talks of chippa United shots stopper, Stanley Nwabali leaving for a bigger club could be another smoke in the wind.

Nwabali, highly regard for his arial strength, reflex and heroic penalty saves made the 2023 Africa Cup Nations in Côte d’Ivoire a stage for his ovation and visibility.

With a month to the tournament and the Super Eagles of Nigeria deficient in the goalkeeping department, the then head coach, Jose Peseiro travelled all the way to South Africa to see Nwabali play and to convince the management of Chippa United so he could have him in his team for the biennial competition.

Apart from a few minutes in a preparatory game against Guinea-Bissau in Abu Dhabi, Nwabali was thrown on the biggest stage in Africa but the former Kastina United man refused to crack.

His heroics include four clean sheets and two penalty saves against South Africa in the semifinals, although lost the AFCON final to the hosts Ivory Coast.

The lanky goalkeeper also played a crucial role as Chippa reached the Nedbank Cup semi-final and kept a total of 12 clean sheets in all competitions last season.

With all of the heights accomplished, coupled with the buzz around him, the 28 year old caught the attention of  Queens Park Rangers of England, Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, even Kazier Chief and Orlando Pirates, top teams in South Africa.

While QPR pulled the plug first, Al Etiffaq waited long but no traces of agreement. Now the two South African club in over a month have also gone mute over Stanley.

It is difficult to believe that Nwabali despite all the accolades he received for his performances from last season and at the AFCON ealier this year amidst interest from a couple of clubs and the willingness of his club to let him go for as low as $3M, will remain at Chippa United as we speak.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

An unprecedented opportunity beckons for African football as Morocco and Egypt stand on the precipice of history. Both nations have secured their places in the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Football Tournament, setting the stage for a potential all-African final, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Morocco

Morocco, in particular, has captured the world's imagination with their dazzling performances. The Atlas Lions, making their debut in the semi-finals, have been propelled by the talismanic form of Soufiane Rahimi.

The striker's five goals in four matches have not only propelled him to the top of the scoring charts but have also positioned him on the cusp of Olympic immortality.

As Morocco prepares to face Spain in a high-stakes semi-final, Rahimi's desire to lead his team to victory is palpable. However, La Roja, the reigning silver medalists, present a formidable challenge. Their pedigree and experience in Olympic football make them a formidable opponent.

While the prospect of an all-African final is undeniably exciting, both Morocco and Egypt will need to overcome stiff opposition to realize their dreams. The stage is set for two epic encounters that will be etched in the annals of African football history.

Egypt

Egypt’s journey to the Olympic semi-finals has been nothing short of dramatic. Having survived a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Paraguay, the Pharaohs find themselves on the cusp of history. This is their third appearance in the semi-finals, but this time, the sense of expectation is palpable.

The Egyptians face a formidable challenge in the form of the host nation, France. A clash between these two footballing giants promises to be a spectacle. History favors the French, who defeated Egypt in the quarter-finals of the 1984 Olympics en route to gold. However, the current Egyptian squad is driven by a different spirit, one that is focused on rewriting the script.

Midfielder Ahmed Atef embodies the team's determination, expressing their unwavering commitment to securing a medal for their nation.

With an all-African final a tantalizing possibility, the eyes of the continent and the world will be on these two semi-finals.

A victory for both Egypt and Morocco would not only secure a historic moment for African football but also guarantee the continent its third Olympic gold medal in men’s football.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Profiling Tochukwu Oluehi as one who could have been given the honor of being the Nigerian flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony in last episode has opened door for conversations.

Tobi Amusan doing this isn’t a bad option especially for her recent success in Athletics. And considering the fact that the last woman from the tracks to ever wear such cap was the great Mary Onyali in Atlanta in 1996, but then why not give someone with more clout, bigger profile and more accolades in the person of Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala

Six time African football of the year, four LaLiga Feminine titles, two Champions and eight domestic cups in Spain, the former FC Barcelona Feminine star undoubtedly deserve to be in the conversation.

Oshoala, who previously had spells with Liverpool and Arsenal, with her scoring and leadership skills has helped Nigeria’s Super Falcons win three African Women Championship, the most prestigious women football tournament in Africa.

Having someone like Oshoala lead team Nigeria at the opening ceremony will most likely have more Nigerians anxiously waiting for the Green-White-Green color to be displayed on Friday owing football being the most engaging sport in the country and Oshoala being the most decorated Nigeria international.

Just last week the ESPN compiled a list of “25 best athlete of the century” and the most ranked athlete of the five Nigerians on the list is Oshoala with names like Austin Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo Mikel Obi, or even Amusan not even given recognition.

With these perspective and also realizing that this may likely be her only and last Olympic appearance, the 29 year-old Bay Fc forward should have been considered for the honors of being the flag bearer knowing 27 year-old Amusan still has at least one more global fiesta to attend.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

The Nigeria Olympic Committee by the directive of Ministry of Sport Development has named Tobi Amusan of the athletics team as the Nigerian flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony leaving some sports lovers in the country with questions about their favorite athletes going to the global competition.

Being a flag bearer for any country at the Olympic fiesta is in the words of NBA star, LeBron James “an incredible honour, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together.”

While the 100m hurdles record holder tick all boxes as a perfect candidate for the highly celebrated position, Nigeriasoccernet being a football news platform will like to look at few of the football stars (in this case Super Falcons) who undoubtedly deserve the honor.

Tochukwu Oluehi

Veteran goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi is the sole survivor from the Super Falcons squad that participated in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and is now part of the team bound for Paris 2024.

At 36, Oluehi proudly watched her younger teammates secure their spot in the Games by holding Banyana Banyana to a goalless draw in Pretoria, sealing a 1-0 aggregate victory.

In 2008, Oluehi, then 21, served as backup to Precious Dede in a squad that struggled, finishing bottom of their group after losing all three matches.

Now, 16 years later, Oluehi is set to feature in her second Olympic Games, bringing valuable experience to the team as they prepare for Paris 2024.

Legendary coach and Oluehi’s former trainer, Kadiri Ikhana, praised her perseverance, suggesting she deserves recognition for her enduring relevance.

“That lady deserves an honour to have kept herself and still be relevant 16 years after representing the country at the 2008 Olympic Games.

“Honestly, she deserves an honour. I wish her the very best in Paris, where I believe her experience will be useful to the team,” former African Coach of The Year, Ikhana, who coached Nigeria’s men’s team at the 2004 Olympic Games, told Punch.

With all of the profile, encomiums and high level of professionalism, Oluwhi having such honor would have been a big thank you stamp for her patriotism and what is likely to be her last appearance at the global or any an international competition.

The other player to be screened for this ones in a life time opportunity is…

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

When the final list of Jose Peseiro's squad for the 34th 2023 AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire was released, a shocking name that  was included was that of Chippa United's goalkeeper in Stanley Nwabali who will be making his first senior national team appearance in a major tournament and many feared that the country won't go far having had problems in between the sticks since the exit of veteran Enyeama and with this new guy untested and unproven, it seems more like the claims would be right.

Francis Uzoho, Okoye Maduka, Daniel Akpeyi have all been touted as a possible safe hands in goal for the Super Eagles of Nigeria but their performance has been nothing compared to any of our heroes past in no particular order that the country has had in goal speaking briefly of Best Ogedegbe, Alloy Agu, Peter Rufia, Ike Shorunmu, Vincent Enyeama, Carl Ikeme and a host of others

Having previously represented Enyima, Go- Round FC, Lobi Stars in the NPFL, Stanley Nwabili earned his first cap for the Nigerian national team in an international friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles in America, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

From obscurity as it seems although we all know that the Rivers state born 'Bobo' plies his trade in South-Africa, Stanley has endeared the heart of many Nigerians through his commanding performance in between the sticks for the country which is signifying a relief for the fans that just maybe, the goalkeeping department is sorted for years to come but is the AFCON outing and the first senior NT call up for him enough for him to own the No 1 spot?

Well, many have saluted Jose's decision of the inclusion of the lanky shot-stopper despite the backlash before the beginning of the competition and with the team's current performance which is edging them closer to a 4th AFCON title, one can undoubtedly say that Nwabali's is Nigeria's unsung hero.

Stanley Nwabali is the first Eagles goalkeeper to keep 4 consecutive clean sheets in a major tourney in 44 years, how incredible! The last to do was Best Ogedegbe in 1980, he surpasses Alloy Agu’s 3 games in a row in 1990.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been Nigeria's driving force, showcasing skill and tireless spirit alongside the Super Eagles sturdy defence marshalled by William Troost-Ekong but with the unlikely hero in Nwabali, the defense department has been more coordinated, dominance, confidence than we have seen in recent times.

The Nigerian defence, led by Troost-Ekong alongside Semi and Nwabali in goal has only conceded one goal in four matches, silencing concerns.

With the team making it into the semi-final rounds as they eye a spot in the finals, Nwabali would be undoubtedly be the deserved winner of the best keeper of the tournament, the first in a major tournament in big reward to his unwavering loyalty and splendid performance for the country.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

With their first match of the 2023 AFCON billed for Tuesday against Mali, South Africa have a daunting task ahead of them to make a case for themselves as they chase a second AFCON title with success elusive of the 'Raggae Boys' since the 2000s, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on the injury concerns that have affected his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, midfielder Themba Zwane took a knock on the knee a few days ago while Mothobi Mvala had a groin injury.

The team departed from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday 11 January 2024 and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo their home from Friday.

Although South Africa participated in the Africa Cup of Nations much later than many African countries (the country was scheduled to participate in inaugural 1957 Africa Cup of Nations but was excluded because of apartheid, as they participated for the first time as host of 1996 edition, South Africa has soon established itself as an emerging African power.

The first edition South Africa participated was a complete success, with the team conquered their first, and only African trophy, on their debut. Since then, South Africa continues to participate and remains a reckoned force, though success has been elusive since the 2000s.

Outside the 1996 edition, South Africa also hosted 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and managed to advance to the quarter-finals. They again reached the quarter-finals in the 2019 edition of the tournament.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Today, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will kick start their 2023 AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea. With their last AFCON triump coming in the year 2013, Nigeriasoccernet.com take a look at the country's chances of adding another AFCON trophy to their cabinet.

During the Super Eagles' pre-match conference, coach of the side, Jose Peseiro said he knows the pressure that comes with coaching the Super Eagles especially in tournaments like this, and despite the injury worries and the rising talks about the weaknesses in our goalkeeping department, he wants to bring smiles to the faces of over two hundred million Nigerians come February 11, 2024.

Strenght

The attacking prowess of the Super Eagles of Nigeria is second to none in this tournament after coach released his final squad for AFCON. Even with the news of injuries that plagued the camp in the last few days, the attacking prowess of the Super eagles surely will be ranked among the top 3 in the competition.

Coach

Heavily criticised and with credentials largely questioned, Portuguese born Jose Peseiro will hope he can use this tournament to build a huge image for himself and also prove his doubters wrong. With the arrays of stars available for him, the Super Eagles selected 40 for his AFCON provisional list before dropping 15 out of the 40 for his final 25-man list, 3 of which have now dropped out because of injury.

“To play for Nigeria is not easy, 200 million football fans want to win and we need to answer with good results on the pitch,” Peseiro said during Saturday's pre-match conference.

“We will give our best in tomorrow’s game. I’m not under pressure and we will do the best on the pitch.”

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers

Stanley Nwabili

Francis Uzoho

Leke Ojo

Defenders

William Troost-Ekong

Bright Osayi Samuel

Ola Aina

Zaidu Sanusi

Bruno Onyemaechi

Semi Ajayi

Calbin Bassey

Chidozie Awaziem

Kenneth Omuero

Midfielders

Alhassan Yusuf

Raphael Onyedika

Joe Aribo

Frank Onyeka

Alex Iwobi

Forwards

Kelechi Iheanacho

Samuel Chukwueze

Moses Simon

Ademola Lookman

Victor Osimhen

Terem Moffi

Ahmed Musa

Paul Onuachu

With the controversies surrounding the goalkeeping department of the Nigeria's national team, it is yet to be known if they can go all the way out to challenge other big guys

The Super Eagles will kick-off campaign today against Equatorial Guinea ta the Alassane Ouattara Stadium by 2pm local time and 3pm Nigerian time.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will engage in a warm up match prior to the African Cup of Nations against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The encounter which has been scheduled for the Bani Yas Stadium will help the team's readiness for the tournament which begins on Saturday, 13th January in Cote D'Ivoire.

The two teams last played at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where the Eagles beat the Syli Nationale 1-0 in a group phase encounter.

Nigeria who is group A alongside hosts, Cote D'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau, start it campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, 14th January inside Abidjan’s Stade Alassane Ouattara.

The Super Eagles will play next the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on 18th January at Stade Alassane Ouattara, before a final group phase clash with the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on 22nd January at the Stade Houphouet-Boigny.

According to the release by the NFF, Twenty-four of Nigeria’s 25-man squad assembled in the Gulf earlier in the week and have been training ahead of the continental houseparty, with forward Kelechi Iheanacho hampered by injury and set to join the group in Lagos on Tuesday evening, ahead of departure to the Ivorian capital on Wednesday, 10th January.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria youngster, Etiosa Ighodaro have joined South Africa Premier League club side Chippa United, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Ighodaro who moved to South Africa in 2019 after joining Mamelodi Sundown couldn't do much after injuries hampered his progress leaving the 'Brazilians' no other choice than to loan out to the University Pretoria.

And with the new season just jetting off, Chippa United considered him as a player that could strengthen the their attack.

"We are delighted to welcome young exciting centre-forward Etiosa Ighodaro to the club, the club statement reads.

"The 21-year-old Nigerian striker will add more firepower to our strike force.

"The club chairman Siviwe Mpengesi considered him a natural goal scorer with good quality to catch the league by fire.

“Etiosa is a natural goal scorer who will soon become a firm favourite with our fans. I’m happy he has chosen to join us, as he had a lot of interest from other clubs."

Welcome Etiosa!," the chairman said.