Nigeria vs Egypt: Kick Off Time Moved

The kick-off time for the crucial AFCON 2017 qualifier between Nigeria and Egypt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Friday has been moved by an hour, according to officials.

The match was originally fixed for 4pm local time, but it has now been shifted to 5pm as the home team have expressed concerns that the heat in the northern city of Kaduna could affect the Nigeria foreign-based players, who are just coming out of winter in Europe.

Coach Samson Siasia first raised this concerns when he took temporary charge of the team following the sudden exit of Sunday Oliseh last month.

AFCON Qualifiers Review: Five Talking Points

Record seven-time champions Egypt scored five goals, but title-holders Ivory Coast could not manage even one during a dramatic matchday 2 of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying at the weekend.

Chad crumbled 5-1 at home against the revitalised Pharaohs while the Yaya Toure-less Elephants struggled on a heavy, wet Nigerian pitch when held 0-0 by combative Sierra Leone.

Egypt are among nine countries who have a maximum six points after a third of the qualifiers while eight other nations have yet to collect a point.

NFF Happy To Host Cote d' Ivoire/Sierre Leone AFCON Qualifier

President of the Nigeria Football President, Amaju Pinnick believes hosting the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations between Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone will be an occasion for the country to underscore its leadership role on the African continent.

Nigeria on Wednesday agreed to host the Afcon qualifier involving both teams after the Confederation of African Football compelled Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to find alternative venues for their home game owing to the spread of the Ebola virus pandemic.

The NFF boss expressed his delight getting the go ahead from the Federal Ministry of Health to host the match fixed for September 6.

Nigeria: Oliseh Decamps Two Heartland FC Players

Coach Sunday Oliseh has excused Heartland FC duo David Obiazor and Nelson Ogbonnaya from the Super Eagles’ camp as both succumbed to injuries. They are therefore out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on September 5.

Goalkeeper Obiazor and centreback Ogbonnaya were in the list of 23 home-based professionals invited by Oliseh, but the coach will now call up two other players from the muchimproved League to replace the injured duo.

“The players are nursing injuries and after thorough examination by the Super Eagles’ medics, it was agreed that it is best to allow them some time to rest and return to their clubs.

Oliseh Didn't Choose Our Best Players - Alhaji Shuaib Gara

Former Gombe State FA chairman, Alhaji Shuaib Gara Gombe has faulted the list of 18 foreign based professionals released on Monday by new Super Eagles  gaffer Sunday Oliseh for the AFCON 2017 qualifier against Tanzania, declaring that they are not the best legs the country can boast of.

Gara-Gombe told Daily Sunsports yesterday that he was surprised the NFF endorsed the list of players that was populated by those plying their trade in obscure clubs in Europe.

He said the same NFF that crucified Stephen Keshi for inviting a player “from nowhere” had endorsed Oliseh’s list that included players who have no business in Eagles.

NIGERIA: Ogenyi Onazi Apologizes For Picking Up Red Card In Chad Encounter

Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has apologized to Nigerian fans, for being sent off at Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

The Lazio man was shown a straight red, after he shoved a Chadian player when Nigeria was awarded a penalty. Odion Ighalo stepped up to convert the spot-kick, but the Eagles had to battle on with 10 men.

NIGERIA 2 CHAD 0: Watch The Goals & Highlights