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I have lost respect for Finidi, says Osimhen

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Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has lashed out at coach Finidi George, stating that he has lost respect for him, over some comments on his attitude towards the national team.

Finidi, who is said to have also resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles on Saturday, was quoted to have said he can’t beg Osimhen to play for the national team after the player withdrew from their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.

The striker was said to have been ruled out by a four-week injury and was replaced by Enugu Rangers defender, Kenneth Igboke.

But following the Super Eagles wobbling performances against South Africa and Benin Republic, the narrative of Osimhen’s absence changed as an online medium (not The PUNCH) reported that Finidi used Osimhen’s absence as a poser for the players’ bad attitude towards the national team when he and the Nigeria Football Federation chiefs met with the Sports Minister, John Enoh, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Osimhen was apparently infuriated by the comments and, in a live Instagram video on Saturday opened up on the circumstances that led to his withdrawal from the Super Eagles last two World Cup qualifiers, adding that Finidi was adequately briefed by him and his doctor.

“I knew things like these would happen and that’s why I have the videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany,” Osimhen said.

“I got injured in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and I went to the MRI scan. And I called Finidi there for him to listen to the doctor too.

“I called him (Finidi) and asked him to allow me to come to the camp to be with the boys and I spoke to some of my teammates too but he said I have to be with my family.

“I’m not addressing anything, everybody knows I play my heart out whenever I’m playing for the club or national team. I’ll share the screenshot and videos of my conversation with Finidi for the sake of those believing what Finidi said.

“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them,” the player added

In Finidi’s first game in charge of the Super Eagles, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Friday and a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Abidjan compounded the Super Eagles fate in Group C of the qualifying series, leaving them with just three points after four games.

The former Enyimba coach was said to have resigned from the national team as well, two days after the NFF said they were going to hire a foreign technical adviser.

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FIFA rankings: Eagles climb three spots globally, now fourth in Africa

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria moved three spots upward in the latest FIFA men’s rankings released on Thursday.

The October rankings released by the world football governing body saw Nigeria gain 5.27 points and move from 39th to 36th worldwide.

The Super Eagles also moved two spots in the continental ranking, with the managerless national team now fourth-best in Africa.

The rankings followed a 1-0 win over Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game this month.

Argentina, however, remains the first-ranked nation globally, while the top six have not changed. Morocco is the highest-ranked nation in Africa. Comoros were the biggest climbers, gaining 10 places, while Tunisia suffered the worst drop globally, losing 11 places.

Also, Botswana gained the most points, while Cape Verde dropped the most points by a country in the latest rankings.

In the women’s ranking, the Super Falcons remain in the 36th spot globally, and first in Africa.

The next FIFA rankings will be released on November 28, 2024.

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Onakoya unveils chess innovation hub in Lagos to nurture young talent

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Tunde Onakoya has launched the first chess innovation hub in Lagos to nurture young talent in Nigeria.

Onakoya, who is the founder of Chess In Slums, recently took to Instagram to share footage from the unveiling ceremony.

The chess master expressed excitement about the hub’s potential, adding that it will empower underprivileged children through innovative education.

Onakoya said the hub would provide young talent free access to tech-related programmes (coding, robotics, AI/machine learning), design, advanced chess training, and a book reading club.

“I have always believed that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to develop their full potential. This hub will be a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and where we’ll inspire children to have faith in their own ideas,” he wrote.

“As promised, the hub will be free and accessible to children in Makoko, as well as homeless children in Yaba, Ebutte Metta, and Surulere axis. We will focus on creating programs that teach Coding, Robotics, AI/Machine Learning, design, advanced chess training and a book reading club.

“This is where we reimagine education for children who may have fallen through the cracks of society and help them unleash the power of their minds in creative ways.”

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‘Let them do their jobs’ – Finidi George breaks silence on struggling ex-teammates

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Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George has spoken out regarding the struggles of his ex-teammates, Emmanuel Amuneke and Daniel Amokachi, in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Following a successful match where his Rivers United side extended their unbeaten run to seven games, Finidi addressed the challenges faced by Amuneke and Amokachi, urging fans to allow them to “do their jobs.”

“I can’t speak, please, let them not say I don’t want anybody to choke me, so, let them do their job,” the 53-year-old remarked after his team’s recent 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars in Port Harcourt.

The win against the Oracle-led Oluyole Warriors has solidified Rivers United’s position at the top of the league table.

However, things are not looking good for his former colleagues. Amuneke’s Heartland FC, who recently dropped points at home, have struggled this season, managing just one win in seven matches.

The Naze Millionaire, who were relegated last season but found a way back, are currently preparing to face Bayelsa United, hoping to turn their fortunes around.

Meanwhile, Amokachi’s Lobi Stars have yet to secure a victory in their last two matches and will be facing Ikorodu City, who are currently at the bottom of the league.

Finidi’s comments highlight the pressures faced by coaches in the NPFL, particularly those with high expectations due to their illustrious playing careers.

While Rivers United continue to thrive under his leadership, Amuneke and Amokachi are working hard to find solutions for their respective teams.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these former teammates as they navigate the challenges of coaching in Nigeria’s competitive football landscape.

Finidi’s support for Amuneke and Amokachi reflects a spirit of unity among former players, even as they face off in the league.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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