TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • EPL: Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson away for Six Weeks with Hamstring Injury

    EPL: Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson away for Six Weeks with Hamstring Injury

    Liverpool’s star goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, is facing a setback as he is expected to be out of action for around six weeks due to a hamstring injury, Okay.ng reports.

    This means he will miss crucial matches against Chelsea and Arsenal.

    The injury occurred during the team’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

    Reports has it that he is not likely to return before next month’s international break, with his potential comeback slated for Liverpool’s away fixture against Southampton on 24 November.

    In Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to step in as his replacement, as he did last season when Alisson was sidelined with a similar injury.

    Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, expressed disappointment at the situation, acknowledging Alisson as their number one goalkeeper and the best in the world.

    Liverpool is currently leading the Premier League with 18 points from seven matches.

  • Eguavoen Vows Super Eagles Will Go All Out in AFCON Qualifying Double-Header Against Libya

    Eguavoen Vows Super Eagles Will Go All Out in AFCON Qualifying Double-Header Against Libya

    Augustine Eguavoen, caretaker coach of the Super Eagles, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure maximum points in their upcoming double-header against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

    A win in both matches would ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the AFCON 2025 finals, to be held in Morocco.

    Currently sitting at the top of Group D with four points from two games, Eguavoen emphasized the importance of early qualification to avoid any last-minute pressure in the qualifying campaign.

    “We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya, and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in of this qualifying campaign,” Eguavoen told the NFF website.

    Though the Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with an injury, Eguavoen remains confident in the team’s other attacking options.

    “I admit we will miss Victor (Osimhen), but I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya,” he added.

  • Airport Ordeal Leads to Super Eagles’ AFCON Qualifier Boycott Against Libya

    Airport Ordeal Leads to Super Eagles’ AFCON Qualifier Boycott Against Libya

    The captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has announced that the Nigerian national football team will boycott their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya, citing “unfair treatment” upon their arrival in the North African country.

    The announcement was made on Monday morning via Troost-Ekong’s social media account on X (formerly Twitter).

    The decision comes after the Nigerian team endured over 12 hours of detention at an abandoned airport in Libya. This occurred after their plane was unexpectedly diverted while descending into the country. The Super Eagles had traveled for the second leg of the AFCON qualifying series, following their 1-0 victory against Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday.

    Troost-Ekong expressed frustration in a series of tweets, highlighting the difficult conditions the team had faced, including being stranded without phone connection, food, or drink, and denied access to any hotels after landing.

    “We’ve been held at an abandoned airport in Libya for over 12 hours. Our plane was diverted while descending, and the Libyan authorities have rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi for no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us stranded,” he tweeted.

    The Al-Kholood defender described the experience as “disgraceful behavior” and called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch an investigation into the incident. He also revealed that the team has decided not to proceed with the match, expressing safety concerns and a lack of trust in their treatment in Libya.

    “Even if CAF allows the game to proceed, we have decided that we will NOT play. We respect ourselves and our opponents when they are guests in Nigeria, but we will not accept this treatment. Let them have the points,” Troost-Ekong added.

    The captain noted that the Nigerian government had been contacted to intervene and rescue the team from the situation. He further explained that the Tunisian pilot, who navigated the emergency diversion, was also denied accommodation, with the Nigerian crew forced to sleep on the plane.

    In response, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement acknowledging the players’ decision to boycott the game and confirmed that efforts were being made to fly the team back to Nigeria.

    “Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement read.

    At the time of this report, CAF had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident in Libya.

  • BREAKING: Super Eagles Ready to Depart Libya After Airport Delay

    BREAKING: Super Eagles Ready to Depart Libya After Airport Delay

    The officials and players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria are ready to depart from Libya in the aftermath of over 14 hours of alleged maltreatment by the country on Sunday, Okay.ng reports.

    This was made available by a sports enthusiast, named as Pooja Media, through his X handle on Monday.

    He Stated: “Super Eagles players and all officials are boarding to fly out of Libya to Nigeria. Thank God.”

    In Confirmation, a player, Bruno Onyemaechi, wrote: “Me and Libya, I don wash my hands commot. Nothing concerns me and una again. Thank God I’m going back.”

  • CAF Launches Investigation into Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal in Libya

    CAF Launches Investigation into Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal in Libya

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued an official statement regarding the recent delay and mistreatment of the Nigerian national football team at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.

    The Super Eagles, along with their officials, were left stranded at the airport for over 15 hours without access to food, water, or internet.

    The Nigerian team had traveled to Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the match has now been canceled following the ordeal.

    The players and staff have since departed from Libya and will no longer participate in the fixture.

    CAF expressed its concern over the incident and has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board for further investigation.

    In a statement released on Monday, CAF confirmed that it had been in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities after learning of the situation.

    “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities,” the statement read.

    CAF emphasized that the Disciplinary Board would investigate the situation to determine whether any violations of CAF Statutes and Regulations occurred and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

    “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” CAF added.

    The incident has sparked outrage among football fans and officials, with many criticizing the handling of the Nigerian team’s arrival in Libya. Calls for accountability and a thorough investigation continue to grow as CAF’s Disciplinary Board begins its review of the case.

    As of now, the Super Eagles have safely left Libya, and it remains unclear how this incident will affect future AFCON qualifying matches.

  • Libyan Football Federation President Quits

    Libyan Football Federation President Quits

    Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, the president of the Libyan Football Federation, has quit his position, citing that he doesn’t want to be part of the failure of Libyan sports, Okay.ng reports.

    This decision comes amid growing tensions surrounding the treatment of the Nigerian national team ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

    Al-Shalmani’s resignation was announced during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly, where he reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and forgave everyone from all segments of the sports sector. Despite the circumstances, Al-Shalmani stood firm on his record of service, highlighting his history in the International, Arab, and African Federation.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria, scheduled to play against Libya, faced inhumane treatment upon arrival, being held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours. This led to the team resolving not to play the match, citing safety concerns. However, the Libyan Football Federation clarified that the delay was due to routine air traffic and logistical challenges, not deliberate foul play.

    The Super Eagles players and officials have departed from Libya, with player Bruno Onyemaechi expressing relief, saying “Thank God I’m going back.”

  • Super Eagles Coach Augustine Eguavoen Describes Team’s “Horrible Ordeal” in Libya

    Super Eagles Coach Augustine Eguavoen Describes Team’s “Horrible Ordeal” in Libya

    Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has spoken out about the “horrible ordeal” the Nigerian national football team endured in Libya, where they were stranded for nearly 20 hours at an abandoned airport ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights.

    The Nigerian contingent, including players and officials, were left without access to water and food, more than two hours’ drive from the venue of their scheduled match.

    The team ultimately withdrew from the game and returned to Nigeria on Monday evening.

    Upon their arrival in Nigeria, Eguavoen expressed his frustration with the Libyan authorities’ treatment of the team.

    “Thanks to the Libyans for letting us go, but it was a horrible 18-20 hours of experience and we don’t want to go through that again,” said Eguavoen.

    The Super Eagles coach described how the team was effectively held hostage at the airport and explained that the dire conditions made it impossible for them to compete in the match.

    “We were held hostage, we could not have played this match under these circumstances,” Eguavoen said. “We know how football can unite the entire world, but in this regard, for them to act like this, I cannot comprehend seriously.”

  • Tunisian Pilot Sheds Light on Super Eagles’ Flight Diversion to Remote Libyan Airport

    Tunisian Pilot Sheds Light on Super Eagles’ Flight Diversion to Remote Libyan Airport

    The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian national football team to Libya has provided crucial details regarding the unexpected diversion of their flight to Al-Abraq, a remote airport nearly 300 kilometers east of their intended destination, Benghazi.

    The Nigerian delegation, en route for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, found themselves stranded for over 16 hours following the diversion.

    In a video interview shared by Sports Analyst Festus Dada on X (formerly Twitter), the pilot clarified that the decision to divert the flight was made by Libyan authorities, not him.

    He explained that the original flight plan was to land at Benghazi’s Benina Airport, with prior approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority.

    “The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority. However, as we began our descent, we were instructed to divert to Al-Abraq, which wasn’t even listed as our alternate airport. This decision came from the highest Libyan authorities, not me,” the pilot said.

    The unexpected diversion raised serious safety concerns. The pilot explained that the fuel onboard had been calculated based on their original destination, and the last-minute change could have posed risks.

    “In aviation, we calculate fuel based on our destination. Diverting unexpectedly can compromise safety. I repeatedly questioned the directive and warned them about fuel limitations, but they insisted that we land at Al-Abraq, citing orders from the highest authority,” he added.

    The pilot firmly denied media reports suggesting that the diversion was his decision, emphasizing that all aviation communications are recorded and available for review.

    “Everything is documented. I asked to land in Benghazi as per my flight plan, but they denied it, instructing me to divert immediately,” he stressed.

    He also highlighted the difficulties of landing at Al-Abraq, describing it as an ill-equipped airport lacking essential navigation tools, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), which are crucial for safe landings, especially in poor weather conditions.

    “I had to make a visual landing, which is risky, especially in those conditions. It was not easy, but fortunately, we landed safely,” the pilot said, noting that his familiarity with the region helped him manage the situation.

    Following the ordeal, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of the qualifier match against Libya.

    “The players have resolved not to play the match, and NFF officials are now making arrangements to fly the team back home,” read a statement from the NFF.

  • CAF Postpones AFCON Qualifier Between Libya and Nigeria

    CAF Postpones AFCON Qualifier Between Libya and Nigeria

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the postponement of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, which was set to take place this evening in Libya.

    In a brief statement released by CAF, the football body confirmed that the match would not proceed as planned but did not provide specific reasons for the postponement.

    “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight,” the statement read.

    CAF added that the issue surrounding the postponement would be referred to the appropriate bodies for further consideration.

    “The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies,” the statement concluded.

    The postponement comes amid rising tensions between the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ withdrawal from the match due to safety concerns after being stranded for over 13 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.

    CAF has yet to disclose when or if the match will be rescheduled, and further decisions regarding the fixture are expected to be made after the matter is reviewed by CAF’s disciplinary and governing bodies.

  • Eight Countries Secure Qualification for 2025 AFCON in Morocco

    Eight Countries Secure Qualification for 2025 AFCON in Morocco

    Eight countries have officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on Tuesday.

    The qualified teams include Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Cameroon, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and hosts Morocco.

    CAF made the announcement through a series of posts on their X (formerly Twitter) account, following the completion of crucial qualifying matches.

    Congo, Senegal, Egypt, and Angola were the latest teams to secure their spots after winning their respective matches on Tuesday.

    Congo defeated Tanzania 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, while Angola secured a 1-0 victory over Niger Republic. Egypt triumphed 1-0 against Mauritania, and Senegal also claimed a 1-0 win over Malawi to confirm their place in the prestigious tournament.

    These teams will now join Cameroon, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Morocco, who had already qualified for the tournament, which is slated to take place in 2025.