Olympic Games: Staff Sergeant Banda gingered for more exploits in Paris

Does the name Staff Sergeant Barbara Banda ring a bell? Perhaps!

But does Copper Queens of Zambia ring a bell? Certainly, especially after the team edged Morocco in a two legged Olympic qualifier to pick a ticket for the 2024 Olympic Games billed for July 26 to August 11.

Captain of the team is Barbara Banda who also plies her trade with Florida based Orlando Pride.

The 24 year old led the Copper Queens to their debutant Olympic appearance in Japan was recently promoted to Staff Seargent by the Zambia Army Commander Lt. General Sitali Alubuzwi as she successfully led the women national team to qualify for a second Olympic appearance in Paris.

Banda scored twice to qualify the Copper Queens thanks to a 3-2 aggregate thus denying Atlas Lionesses of Morocco who came so close from picking one of the tickets with the second ticket already in the kitty of Super Falcons of Nigeria.

"Thank you God, for the promotion, humbled to be promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant by the Army commander, Lieutenant General Dennis Sitali Alibuzwi.

Thank you sir for always believing in us. Congratulations to my teammates who were also promoted" she enthused

The skipper was promoted along with other Green Buffaloes players who were part of the team to their next respective ranks.

Banda's promotion is no doubt a charge for her to lead the team to conquer and an indication that the team will fight harder than they did in their debut in Japan four years ago.

Free scoring Banda has netted 53 goals for the Zambian senior national team since upgrading from U-17 to senior national team in 2016 in 60 appearances.  She joined Orlando Pride from Chinese Super League

Shanghai Shengli this year but not without scoring 18 goals in 13 appearances for the Chinese side.

Olympic debut in Japan may have passed as a baptism of fire after the team crashed out in the first round conceding 15 goals and scoring seven.

The opener was particularly embarrassing 3-10 it ended against Netherlands, followed by a 4-4 draw against China and lone goal loss against Brazil to hit the exit door.

In spite of that however Banda showed the stuff she was made off scoring hat-trick twice against Netherlands and China so the team left defeated but left no one in doubt that they were fighters. Returning to the Olympics four years later is a sign of hunger to fight harder and perhaps perform better.

This time drawn against United States, Germany and Australia the Copper Queens definitely have enough nuts to crack to survive the group.

But with new rank hanging on the shoulder, be rest assured that the fight will be fierce not only for the team but also for team Captain who has been gingered to fight to the finish.

 

 

 

 

 

Eagles star Boniface warns against giving up amidst challenges

 

By Julius Okorie 

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface is a strong believer in the saying that a word is enough for the wise. 

The Bayer Leverkusen star who recently joined teammates in celebrating the breaking of jinx to clinch their first German Bundesliga title went nostalgic in a recent post on his X handle to advice anyone who cares to listen especially younger ones seeking a breakthrough in life that giving up is not an option but remaining steadfast is the way to go.

The 23 year old who contributed in no small measure to 5-0 demolition of Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga win posted his funny but instructive picture way back at the Akure Township stadium wearing different pair of shoes, reminder of some sort of the coat of many colours song released in 1971 by legendary Dolly Parton. 

Down the line the former Union SG who took his direct goal contributions to 19 in 18 league appearances in the season has developed so much achieved so much and accumulated so much in his career that he cannot but count his blessings.

*Way back picture of Victor Boniface at the Akure Township Stadium

But not wanting to put the post in many words he simply said "If you like give up"

Some of his fans and followers understood the message agreeing with him that giving up is indeed not an option in the face of hurdles.

One of the fans @metuchizzy asked People still dey give up ?? Another @FemmyVickky took it personal saying "If I give up make I bend"

While another @OzieSparkles puts it point blank " Na who give up na him loose"

Boniface who missed the last AFCON in Cote d Ivoire no thanks to injury ended the season on victorious note for Leverkusen who went league-record 29 matches without defeat this season to secure their first trophy since 1993, hitting a 16-point lead over Bayern with five matches remaining.

Leverkusen host stuggart on Saturday in continuation of the remaining Bundesliga matches of the season.

 

 

 

 

Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis set to bag Doctorate award

By Julius Okorie

Banyana Banyana of South Africa coach Desiree Ellis may have failed in her recent attempt to qualify the team for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris, but it does not remove anything from her as one of the bests in the coaching business.

Ellis battled Super Falcons home and away for one of the two African tickets to the Games which takes place in July but found the Nigeria side too hot for comfort thus missing the mark thanks to a 2-1 aggregate over two legs played in Abuja and Pretoria respectively.

Ellis is the most successful Banyana Banyana coach in the history of the team, guiding them to their maiden Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.

She also led Banyana to being the first senior national team to advance to the last 16 of a FIFA World Cup, a feat they achieved last year in the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Apparently thrilled by the achievement of the former South Africa international, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has completed arrangement to confer her with honorary doctorate degree come Thursday April 25th, 2024 during their graduation ceremony.

The Four-time African Coach of the Year will thus be adding another feather to her lists of accolades thanks to her contribution to women football development in the country and beyond.

CPUT announced in a statement that Ellis would receive the accolade because her "significant achievements as a professional sportsperson and head coach of the South African women's football team, Banyana Banyana, has positioned her at the top of the African and global sport fraternity."

Ellis it will be recalled clinched CAF Women footballer of the year in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. As a player Desiree Ellis who played as a midfielder earned 32 caps for South Africa with six goals to her credit between 1993 and 2002

 

Determined Ashleigh Plumptre vows to be back stronger

 

By Julius Okorie 

Super Falcons and Al-Ittihad of Saudi defender Ashleigh Plumptre has expressed optimism that she will return to action soon for both club and country stronger and better.

The former Leicester City star made the submission shortly after undergoing successful surgery in Saudi Arabia.

Recall that the 25 year old sustained injury while playing for her club last month, thus forcing her to be dropped after originally being named for two legged 2024 Olympic qualifier against Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

Interestingly the Super Falcons succeeded in picking one of the two tickets to the Olympics with the second slot going to Copper Queens of Zambia.

An elated Plumptre took to her X handle to reveal the success of the surgery on one hand and express gratitude to all who made it happen while promising to be back soon.

"Thank you to everyone at @ittiladiescluband to Dr Pieter D’Hooge at @Aspetar for supporting me through my first surgery.

It’s been a long time coming trying to get answers but I’m so grateful to now be at this stage.

To my @NGSuper_Falcons teammates and Nigerian fans… thank you for your patience and understanding when I’ve not been able to be with you. I can honestly say I have fought as hard and for as long as I can with this pain. I can’t wait to be back healthy with you all

My club - @ittiladiesclub I’m so grateful to be surrounded by some really great humans at this club. Thank you, all of you, for helping me through and supporting me every step of the way 💛 Back soon ✌🏽🧘🏽‍♀️

With the 2024 Olympics still about three months away, Plumptre stands a good chance of making the party to Paris as the Super Falcons plot an improved appearance at the Olympics.

 Nigeria will be playing in Group C in Paris against World Cup champions Spain, Japan and Brazil.

 

 

Rivers disarm Rangers as Pillars roast Gombe in Kano

 

Julius Okorie

Rivers United ran away with two goals and three points at the expense of visiting Rangers international at the Adokiye Amasiemeka Stadium PH on Sunday. 

Rivers United who recently crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after below par performance in two legged battle with Algerian side USM Alger obviously have returned to the league with increased vigour recording two victories in sequence against Plateau United and Rangers in that order. 

Today's clash indicate that the homers statistically dominated the match with 61%to 39% possession. Alex Oyowah fired Rivers into the lead in the 34th minute with Echeta Deputy as if playing the role of a typical deputy increased the tally in the 82nd minute to finally push the match out of the reach of Rangers who were recording their second defeat in five recent matches.

But for the 2-0 away defeat of Rivers United by USM Alger, the Garden City boys would have enjoyed five wins in five recent matches.

Meanwhile it was party time for Kano Pillars as they took Gombe United to the cleaners thanks to a 4-0 demolition at the Sani Abach Stadium.

 In what could pass for no nonsense approach to the encounter, Ibrahim Mustapha grabbed the first goal for Pillars as early as the 9th minute.

 Rabiu Ali grabbed a brace just before half time, and by the 79th minute Mustapha Umar delivered the icing on the cake for the kano landlords. 

The victory was a relief for Pillars who have not tested victory in their last three matches going into today's clash. 

Their misery had started with 5-0 bashing by Enyimba, followed by 2-1 defeat by Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance respectively. It was the third consecutive loss for Gombe who are still searching for the first win after five matches.

In other matches played today, Kastina United beat Sporting Lagos 2-0, Kwara United beat Akwa United 1-0, Niger Tornadoes were 2-0 better than Doma United while Plateau United edged Remo Stars 1-0. Enyimba held Sunshine Stars to a 1-1 draw with Lobi Stars and Bendel Insurance settling for a goalless draw at the Lafia Township Stadium. 

Rangers however remain top of the ladder with 64 points in 31 matches played so far.

 

 

Paris 2024: Nnadozie a boost as Falcons seek to improve Athens record

 

By Julius Okorie

Reigning African goalkeeper of the year and Super Falcons dependable safehand Chiamaka Nnadozie earned a well-deserved eight over ten rating as Super Falcons grabbed Olympic ticket at the expense of Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

Nnadozie who was recently voted best goalkeeper in Europe on number of saves made, continued her tantalizing performance making five saves in the South Africa vs Nigeria encounter thus keeping clean sheet at both ends of the two legged play-off in Abuja and Pretoria respectively.

Recall that the Paris FC safehand also had a good run at the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with one of the highlights being a penalty save against Canada en-route the round of 16 where the team eventually crashed out after mother of all battles against England.

Nnadozie's form is sure to be a huge boost to the Super Falcons who will be hoping to better their achievement at the 2004 Olympics in Athens where they made it to the Quarterfinals before losing to 2-1 to Germany.

On that occasion the Falcons had shot into the lead thanks to former international Mercy Akide who grabbed a 49th minute goal. But the Germans will not have it as they bounced back in the second half with two quick goals in the 76th and 81st minute to clinch victory.

 The Athens outing was the best for the Falcons who had failed to go past the group stage at their last outing in Beijing, China in 2008.

The worst outing however was at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 where the team experienced what could pass for Baptism of fire losing to China 3-1, to Norway 3-1 and to USA 3-1 to exit just in the group stage. Only eight countries participated in that event, viz Germany, Brazil, Sweden and Australia in Group A. Group B had United States, Norway, China and Nigeria with United States and Norway progressing to semifinals. Norway eventually emerged champions after beating United States 3-2 in the final.

With a catalogue of experience behind the Randy Waldrum tutored side, the 2024 Olympics in Paris promises to be a different ball game despite being pitched against Spain, Japan and Brazil.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will hold from Friday July 26 to Sunday August 11.

 

 

Paris 2024: Falcons declare operation consolidate in SA

 

By Julius Okorie

The Nation's Senior female team, Super Falcons have declared operation consolidate in today's make or break final Olympic Qualifiers against Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

The Falcons settled for a lone goal victory at the MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja in the first leg and are hoping to either re-enact that performance or hold the hosts to a score or goalless draw at the Loftus Versfeld, Stadium in Pretoria to guarantee their ticket to the Paris 2024.

 Sevilla and Super Eagles midfielder Toni Payne expressed optimism that the Falcons will triumph in today's encounter.

"We have a lot of confidence from the last match, we have rested and are prepared we are determined to get to the Olympics" she assured in a chat with NFF tv ahead of the match. 

South Africa are still looking for a first win over the Falcons in any match at home soil, a record which Falcons are determined to maintain today.

In 24 previous encounters (with seven played in South Africa), Nigeria clinched 15, with five ending in draws and South Africa winning on four occasions all away.

The Randy Waldrum tutored side had after the first leg lone goal victory in Abuja described is as "One step closer to target"

Four Countries, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Morocco are locked in two legged play-offs to claim only two African slots to the Olympics which will hold from Fri, 26 Jul 2024 – Sun, 11 Aug 2024.

Zambia who made a debut at the last Olympics in Japan look likely to miss the ticket this time after losing 2-1 at home to visiting Morocco. The second leg takes place today at the Prince Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat with Morocco taking 2-1 advantage to the match plus guaranteed vociferous home support that will further cement the deal.

Should the Atlas Lionesses make it to the Olympics as they are set to do, it will not only be their first time but it will be the first time Women team from North Africa will be featuring at the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taiwo Awoniyi, Jamilu Collins lose at home

Mainz Loanee  Taiwo Awoniyi was in action for 25 minutes Saturday as Bundesliga side Mainz were humbled at home by visiting Borussia mgladbach.

The Nigerian was ushered into the pitch in the 65th minute as substitute for consolation goal scorer Robin Quaison. 

The Swede had opened scoring for the homers in the 18th minute of the game to the delight of supporters who saw the early lead as an indication that it would be a day of bountiful harvest. 

But the reverse turned out to be the case as the visitors leveled in the 31st minute thanks to Stefan Lainer.

Borussia mgladbach doubled the lead in the 77th minute just within 12 minutes of action for Awoniyi. The situation rather than improve for Awoniyi and his teammates got worse with a third goal for the visitors two minutes later.  

Attempts by the homers to remedy the situation proved abortive. Mainz enjoyed a minimal possession advantage in the ratio of 51 to 49 which nonetheless failed to produce an advantage in the score line.

Super Eagles left back Jamilu Collins equally had a bad day as his SC Paderborn were equally beaten by the same margin at home by Freiburg.

Collins was in action for the entire duration of the game which saw SC Paderborn shoot into the lead as early as the third minute through Streli Mamba.

The early lead however came to nothing after the visitors earned and converted a penalty in the 21st minute followed by two more goals scored in the 40th and 90th minutes respectively.

Awoniyi and his teammates will now be hoping to earn a point when they face Bayern Munich away next Saturday while Collins and teammates will look forward to the tie against Obafemi Martins former club Wolfsburg on the same day.

U17 Nations cup semis: forget about past victories Manu warns Eaglets

Ahead of their semifinal clash against Guinea U17 Wednesday, Eaglets coach Manu Garba has told his boys to forget past victories and treat the clash as final showdown.

While admitting that the achievements made so far at the on going championship in Tanzania is heartwarming, the party according to the former Flying Eagles coach must be put on hold to fight all the way to the final.

"We topped the group and we didn’t lose any match that is good, but we must put all that aside and give full concentration to the semifinal clash like I said will be very tactical, “he said

Guinea finished as runners up in Group B with six points in three games to set up semifinal clash against Nigeria.

 Garba who won the FIFA U-17 world cup in 2013 and the 2015 Africa U-20 championship in 2015, is hoping to add the U-17 Nations cup title to his resume. Nigeria last won the championship in 2007 in Togo, finished as runners up in 2013 in Morocco, and in the 4th place in the 2015 edition in Niamey.

 In comparison Guinea's highest level in the championship has been the third place finish. Interestingly the West African country have finished in the third place three times 1995,2015 and 2017 and will no doubt be dreaming to go beyond that in  Dar es Salaam.

Nations Cup: No time to experiment with new players-Rohr

Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr says two months to the Nations Cup in Egypt is too short a time to experiment with new players. 

Rohr who has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that he is under pressure to win a laurel with the team he inherited from former international Sunday Oliseh in 2016, maintained that the devil you know is better than the Angel you know nothing about.

 Some analysts had opined that though the Eagles did well in qualifying for the Nations cup without the usual migraine before qualification, the team needs to be given a close look with a view to effecting some changes especially in the goalkeeping area considered a bit shaky.

But in a swift reaction Rohr told whoever cares to listen that he has decided on the trio of Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

"We have a little challenge because our young goalkeeper Uzoho has not really played at his club this season," Rohr told BBC Sport.

"Uzoho made one mistake in the last qualifier [against Seychelles] but we gave him a chance with the youth under-23 and it was good for his confidence.

"Daniel Akpeyi is playing now for a big team in South Africa and doing very well. Our third goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa too is good so we can work harder with them.

"We have a good spirit as a team since the World Cup, so there's no time to bring in new players," he submitted  

Luckily Eagles who got what has been described as soft draw will face two debutants of the Nations cup Burundi and Madagascar with only Guinea expected to pose a bit of a challenge having been to the Nations cup 11 times and posting their best performance in 1976 in Ethiopia where they ended up as runners up to eventual winners Morocco.

The Syli Nationale, have also made it to the quarterfinals four times, the latest being at the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea. 

Incidentally Eagles were absent in the last two editions and will need to show on the pitch that indeed they are back.  All the 24 teams that will battle for honours in Egypt have till June 10^th to submit their final 23-man squad.

2023 W/World Cup: South Africa battles for hosting right

After successfully hosting the 2010 World cup, South Africa have again indicated interest in hosting the 2023 edition of the Women's world cup.

World soccer ruling body FIFA confirmed the Rainbow Nation's bid on Tuesday the thus bringing to nine the number of countries interested in hosting the event.

Other countries in the running for the hosting right include Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South & North Korea and New Zealand.

Although all documents relating to the bid are expected to be in the custody of the world soccer ruling body by October 4th 2019, decision on which country eventually gets the nod will not be made until March 2020.

South Africa will be banking on her wealth of experience garnered in the course of hosting the world in 2010, the first time the African continent will be hosting the prestigious tournament regarded as the highest celebration of soccer excellence.

The women's world cup made its debut in 1991 with China hosting the very first edition which the United States won beating Norway in the finals.

Other countries that have hosted the championship in include Sweden 1995, USA 1999 and 2003,China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015 while this year edition has will hold in France.

Although Africa is yet to host the Championship Nigeria has participated in all the editions of the women's world cup posting an impressive outing in 1999 in the USA where the Falcons made it to the quarterfinals losing 4-3 to Brazil after extra time.

Interestingly Bayana Bayana of South Africa who will be participating in this year's edition in France, are qualifying for the event for the first time in 25 years after finishing as runners up in the African Women Nation cup in Ghana. 

Isaac Success Savours Watford’s FA cup triumph from the bench

Nigeria international Isaac Success was an unused substitute as Watford edged crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday to zoom into the semifinals of the English FA cup. 

French man Etienne Capoue shot Watford into the lead in the 27th minute at the Vicarage Stadium in front of 18,104 spectators. Michy Batshuayi however leveled up for Crystal Palace in the 62nd minute.

Both teams afterwards continued the battle of supremacy with goals at par until Andre Gray restored Watford lead in the 79tth minute. The strike turned out to be the last goal of the match as Watford held tenaciously to the advantage till the final whistle even as Crystal Palace maintained more possession which failed to turn the table.

Gray interestingly came off the bench to deliver the much needed victory

Gray’s latest heroics moved Watford closer to finally returning to the FA Cup final 35 years after they lost to Everton in their only other appearance Palace had laboured without Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, absent due to a calf strain.

Isaac Success, who saw full 90 minutes action in Watford's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in a premier league tie just before Saturday's FA Cup tie, will be hoping to play a part in the semifinals as they await their opponents of the next stage. In continuation of the FA cup Millwall will take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday at the The Den

Oshoala eye more goals in Barca/Athletico Super Sunday clash

Super Falcons forward and African Woman footballer of the year Assisat Oshoala will be hoping to hit target Sunday as Barcelona face Athletico Madrid away  in the Primera División Femenina in what has been dubbed Super Sunday clash.

No fewer than 68,000 spectators are expected at the showdown billed for the 68,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Athletico revealed no more tickets are available as tickets for the match sold out just few hours after sales opened. 

The tickets that sold for £4.20 each (approximately N2,000) were quickly cleared with fans looking forward to the epic clash in which Oshoala who so far has been a hit for the Barcelona side will be hoping to increase her goal tally for the side she joined shortly after helping Falcons clinch their 9th African Nations cup in Ghana.

The crowd is tipped to be the largest ever for a club-level women's match in Europe, beating the 48,121 record that Athletic Bilbao said it set in January in a Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao

Last season, more than 22,000 watched Atletico's women's squad play its first game at the Wanda. It usually hosts its matches at a smaller venue in Madrid.

The two-time defending champions, Atletico Madrid have a six-point lead over Barcelona with seven matches left.

The women's club game with the highest attendance in Europe reportedly was played in 1920, when 53,000 people watched Dick, Kerr Ladies play St. Helen's Ladies at Everton's Goodison Park stadium, according to the English Football Association.

The record for any women's match was the 90,185 people who watched the 1999 World Cup final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl. At the 2012 Olympic final in London, 80,203 people saw the United States defeat Japan 2-1 to win the gold medal. 

The Barcelona ladies will not only be hoping to rise to the occasion playing away notwithstanding, they will also be hoping take revenge after a 2-0 defeat by Athletico in the Copa dela Reina on February 17.

Super Falcons to battle Spain in high profile friendly

As part of preparation for the forthcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in France, Super Falcons are to face Spain in high profile international friendly.

The showdown slated for between April 2^nd and 9th will be coming exactly two months to the kickoff of the tournament on June 7.

 Both teams had originally been scheduled to clash last year but the tie had to be put off due to other engagements but the time is considered ripe now and appropriate for both teams as they perfect strategies for the world cup.

Falcons are in Group A of the world cup alongside hosts France, Korea Republic and Norway, while Spain are in Group B with Germany, China and South Africa. 

The forthcoming friendly will definitely be a boost for the Nigerian side coming on the heels of the 4-Nations invitational in China and the Cyprus cup where they featured prominently.

Falcons are making their 8th appearance at the World cup with the 1999 edition in USA where they made it to the quarterfinals. Unlike Falcons who can be dubbed regulars at the women's world cup haven participated in every edition

still inception in 1991, Spain will be making their second appearance in France haven first  qualified in the 2015 edition in Canada where they crashed out in the group stage.

The Spain side may have had minimal appearance at the world cup the nonetheless remain formidable and have reached the quarterfinals of the Uefa Women's Championship twice viz 2013 in Sweden and 2017 in the Netherlands.

Kalu heaves sigh of relief as mother regains freedom

Super Eagles and Bordeaux of France Winger Samuel Kalu can now concentrate on national team assignment after his kidnapped mother Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu was released Tuesday according to Abia State Police command.  

Madam Kalu according to the Police was released close to midnight of Monday.  The Punch quoted Abia state Police spokesman Godfrey Ogbona, as confirming the release in a chat with AFP.

“She was released around midnight (2300 GMT) of Monday and she has been reunited with her people,” he said.

“Circumstances surrounding her release have not been disclosed to me for now.

“But we are still investigating the incident in a bid towards ensuring that those who carried out the act are arrested and brought to book.”

Samule Kalu who broke into the senior national team in October last year, shortly after joining French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux from Belgian outfit Gent made the 23-man list released by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr on Monday ahead of the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and friendly match against Egypt respectively. The Kidnap of his mother reportedly shocked the coach who joined in prayers for her release. 

With the cheery news of her release the 21 year old can sing Hosanna in the Highest and concentrate on training ahead of Eagles double header.

 It will be recalled that Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel who is missing in the 23-man list dished out by Rohr, equally had the same experience during the World cup in Russia when his father Pa Michael Obi was kidnapped from his Jos home with the kidnappers asking for and zooming away with N10million before releasing him.

Liverpool place N6.1billion price tag on Taiwo Awoniyi

Any club wishing to buy Taiwo Awoniyi will have to place N6.1billion (about £13m) on Liverpool's table, it has been revealed.

 Awoniyi who is currently with his fifth club on loan since joining Liverpool in 2015, is yet to make a senior appearances for the Reds because he does not qualify for United Kingdom work permit.

The former junior international is reportedly being monitored by a number of clubs including German Bundesliga side Schalke. 

Although Liverpool will be ready to let the 21 year old Centre forward go if as much as £13m is on the table. Awoniyi's future at Liverpool could change again depending on the United Kingdom's impending exit from the European Union.

Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool are keen to retain Awoniyi but remain open to another loan deal if his work permit status is not resolved.

Awoniyi has spent spells on loan with FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen and Gent, and is currently on his second loan stint in Belgium with Mouscron.

He has scored six goals in seven games since returning to the club in January, having spent the first half of 2018-19 with their Jupiler Pro League rivals Gent.

Awoniyi came to limelight in 2010 when he was voted the most valuable player a Coca-Cola football competition in London

His performance at the competition was spotted by for Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana who made him join Imperial Soccer Academy, to begin his gradual upward improvement. 

He subsequently joined Liverpool on 31st August 2015 for a fee put at £400,000 but was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt.

Rohr 23: No Seychelles challenge for Mikel, Iheanacho

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has decided there is no need to stress team captain John Obi Mikel over the forth coming AFCON qualifier against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt respectively.

Rohr who is looking to parade a formidable team at the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt released a 23-man team for the two matches on Monday leaving out the Super Eagles captain who only recently joined Championship side Middlesbrough after quitting Chinese super league side Tiajin Teda. 

The decision is not unconnected with the need to allow the former Chelsea star stablise in his new club where he has already made an instant impact. 

Also left out of the squad is embattled Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.  The former Manchester City ace has been struggling to maintain a regular place at the King Power Stadium, starting most of the times from the bench.  Teammate Wilfred Ndidi who has been enjoying regular playing slot at Leicester however made the squad.

Ndidi it will be recalled missed the last qualifier against South Africa following a caution card.

The tie against Seychelles is a mere shape up match with Eagles already qualified for the Nations Cup.  In the first leg played in September last year in Seychelles, Eagles recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory with Odion Ighalo, Chidozie Awaziem and Ahmed Musa on target.

Samuel Kalu who made Rohr's 23-man team will however need to ginger his spirit at a time when efforts are still being made to rescue his mother Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu from Kidnappers den.

His case is like a replay of the experience Mikel had during the World cup in Russia when he had to endure the pain of his father's kidnap to play

Nigeria's match while efforts eventually yielded fruits as security agents rescued his father.

Here is a list of players invited for the Seychelles and Pharaohs ties billed for  22nd and 26th March respectively

Goalkeepers:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa

Daniel Akpeyi

Francis Uzoho

Defenders:

William Ekong

Leon Balogun

keneth Omeruo

Olaoluwa Aina

Chidozie Awaziem

Abdullahi Shehu

jamilu Collins

Valentine Ozornwafor

Midfielders:

John Ogu

Wilfred Ndidi

Oghenekaro Etebo

Semi Ajayi

Forwards:

Ahmed Musa

Odion Ighalo

Moses Simon

Alex Iwobi

Victo Osimhen

Paul Onujachu

Henry Onyekuru

Samuel Kalu

Mind your Language: Rape charity group warn Anthony Joshua

Nigeria born British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has come under heavy attack from Rape charity group after the group picked holes with his comment over Ronaldo and his rape allegation.

Joshua who is full of admiration for the Portugal international who he noted keeps waxing strong despite all the distractions, highlighted  tax and women as some of the obstacles of success for athletes.

'I've always said two things you'd get f***** for as an athlete is women and tax, he's got f***** for both and he's still smiling, still strong,' said Joshua at a promotional event in New York. 'You need mental strength, he's proved that.

'He's a family man, he's got that aspect, but still out working and he's dedicated to what he does.

'So as a sportsman he's had the issue of one side, he's got the family on the other side, and he balances what he's passionate about," he said

But Joshua's submission has been condemned by the Rape crisis body for England and Wales who described the submission as inappropriate and trivialisation of a serious issue.

The comment it added should not be coming from a person like Joshua considered a role model.

Katie Russell, the Rape Crisis England and Wales national spokeswoman, told The Telegraph: 'It's inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful to make jokes or flippant remarks about allegations or instances of sexual violence and abuse in any context.

'Arguably, those in the public eye, who may be considered a role model to many, including impressionable young people, have a particular responsibility not to trivialise such serious issues.

'Experiences of sexual violence and abuse, can have wide-ranging and long-term impacts on victims,' and survivors' health, lives and relationships.

'As a society, we need to develop more empathy and understanding about that if we are ever to see more of those impacted by sexual violence and abuse get the support they need, want and deserve.'

Ronaldo has denied raping Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009 even as Mayorga claimed she was paid £280,000 hush money to keep quiet about the incident.

Elderson Echiejile goes spiritual craves divine favour

Journey man and Super Eagles left back Elderson Echiejile may have declared March a month of prayer with intent to receiving wave making divine favours.

The former Braga ace who has made no fewer than four loan stopovers since joining Monaco in 2014,went spiritual in a post on Saturday while ushering in the month of March."Praying to receive all the favours of the month🙏🏾 #Eue3" he enthused

Echiejile who is on loan with Belgium league side Cercle Brugge since 2018 has been on loan since 2016, moving from Standard Liège to Sporting Gijón and Sivasspor respectively.

The former Under 20 ace that was part of Super Eagles squad to the last World cup in Russia will no doubt be hoping to in contention as the Eagles prepare for final Nations cup qualifier against Seychelles this month.

Though considered inconsequential tie with the Eagles already qualified for the Nations Cup in Egypt, the match nonetheless is being used by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to shape up his team for the continental fiesta which 7-time winners Egypt have hinted they intend to double effort to host and win.  

Nigeria will be hoping to put a good fight at the event after missing two back to back editions. Many say having an impressive outing is not negotiable especially after the team failed to fly in Russia.

Echiejile who broke into the senior national team in 2009 after has so far made 59 appearances for the national side scoring three goals in the bargain.

N90.6million up for grabs in FIFA's eNations cup

Young men and women with skills and passion for electronic sports and video games are in for a huge opportunity to earn millions of pounds while having fun.

Fifa have expanded their esports portfolio by adding a new tournament called the eNations cup.

The competition, which will take place on April 13-14, will be part of the video game FIFA 19 Global Series where the best 32 players compete to play in the FIFA eWorld Cup.

The winner of the eWorld Cup, which takes place in August, will earn prize money of nearly £190,000 (about N90.6million)

Sixteen national teams representing all of FIFA's confederations, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, OFC, AFC and UEFA will be invited to take part in the eNations Cup.

Nations can host their own eFootball Championships to find their national team where two players will be invited to represent their country.

Luis Vicente, Chief Digital Transformation & Innovation Officer at FIFA said: 'The involvement of our member associations with a dedicated nations tournament is another significant and exciting step forward for FIFA and the development of eFootball globally.

'After the successful introduction of the FIFA eClub World Cup™ in recent years and the new team mode, we are looking forward to integrating this nation vs nation competition into our eFootball portfolio.

'Furthermore, the FIFA eNations Cup represent for us another great step in the growth and development of eFootball, further enhancing engagement with fans and players worldwide as well as allowing our member associations to develop and activate eFootball programs and competitions in their country.'