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News_Naija

Joshua Grateful To Nigeria, Departs For Next Fight

Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for the “energy, generosity and kindness” shown to him during his stay in the country as he departs to prepare for his next fight. The British-Nigerian fighter, who has been spending time in his ancestral homeland to complete his rehabilitation from an injury, shared his appreciation through a heartfelt message posted on his Instagram account. “Nigeria, thank you for your energy, generosity & kindness,” Joshua wrote in what many fans interpreted as a farewell message ahead of his return to England. Several fans then commented, wishing the 35-year-old success as he returns to the ring. Gbadia Figheghawei wrote, “Go and take over the world, my brother.” Olumayowa Odejimi tipped Joshua for a third world championship reign, commenting, “We are behind you champ 3x.” Another user with the username @iamdx2 added, “You have refuelled your energy, we want you to go and take back your world belts.” Royal Diadem also commented on the enjoyable time Joshua had in the country. “Nigerians know how to have a good time. AJ, you had a good time,” she wrote. During his time in Nigeria, the 35-year-old boxer made headlines with several memorable moments, including getting a street-side haircut that went viral across social media platforms. Joshua was also spotted walking through the streets, engaging with locals and embracing the warm reception from the community. The heavyweight star, born to a Nigerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent, proudly displays his heritage with a tattoo of Africa on his shoulder, with Nigeria’s borders prominently outlined. His visit to Sagamu—his ancestral hometown—dominated social media trends and sparked excitement among fans. One of the highlights of Joshua’s stay was his attendance at the birthday celebration of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, where he mingled with several Nigerian billionaires. He also had a viral encounter with his chef, who prepares his meals. Joshua returns to England as he prepares to resume his boxing career after recovering from an injury sustained following his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September. According to his promoter Eddie Hearn, the British-Nigerian fighter is entering what could be the final year of his professional boxing career. “This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn told Sky Sports recently. “He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.” Meanwhile, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has expressed interest in a potential blockbuster clash with Joshua next year as he begins his comeback journey. The 38-year-old American, who has lost four of his last five fights, believes a long-awaited showdown with Joshua could materialise in 2026. Meanwhile, controversial Nigerian street-pop musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, would be disappointed with the boxer’s exit after earlier declaring his intention to fight Joshua following his recent victory over Speed Darlington. “Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now,” Portable told PUNCH Sports Extra, having previously expressed interest in facing the boxing star for N100m, stating that Speed Darlington was an unworthy opponent.

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News_Naija

From Amiesimaka To Chukwueze: Legends Behind Nigerias No.11 Shirt

Since Nigeria’s maiden Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 1980, the Super Eagles’ No.11 jersey has become one of the most iconic in the national team’s history, the shirt has graced the backs of some of Nigeria’s most electrifying talents. From tricky wingers to versatile attackers, PETER AKINBO chronicles some of the players who have worn the legendary jersey number since 1980 Adokie Amiesimaka (1970s–1980s) One of the earliest to don the No.11 shirt, Amiesimaka was renowned for his speed and dribbling flair. A key figure in Nigeria’s victorious 1980 AFCON squad, he featured in 39 international matches, netting five goals and representing Nigeria at the 1980 Olympics as well as in the 1978 and 1982 World Cup qualifiers. Felix Owolabi (1980–1981) Owolabi briefly wore the No.11 jersey during Nigeria’s golden era in the early 1980s. The left winger was part of the AFCON-winning squad in 1980 and previously helped Nigeria secure third place in the 1978 edition. He earned 35 caps and scored twice for the Super Eagles. Henry Nwosu (1980s) The youngest member of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, Nwosu wore No.11 for Nigeria’s Olympic squad, scoring the country’s only goal at the 1980 Olympics. He went on to participate in four AFCON tournaments (1982, 1984, 1988, 1990), finishing as a runner-up twice. Ademola Adeshina (1989–1990) A versatile midfielder, Adeshina wore No.11 for a period after previously donning other shirt numbers. He was part of Nigeria’s squads at the 1984, 1988, and 1990 AFCON tournaments, as well as the 1988 Olympics. Friday Elahor (1991–1992) Elahor had a brief run with the No.11 shirt, switching between it and No.12 during his time with the national team. He scored once in 14 appearances for Nigeria. Thompson Oliha (1991–1992) Oliha wore No.11 early in his international career before moving to No.8. Making his debut in 1988, he earned 31 caps and scored two goals before his untimely passing. Golden generation icons Emmanuel Amunike (1994–1996) A true legend in the No.11 shirt, Amunike was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory and scored in both the World Cup and Olympics. Named 1994 African Footballer of the Year, he netted the winning goal in the 1996 Olympic final. His international career, curtailed by injuries, saw him score 10 goals in 28 appearances. Victor Ikpeba (1995–1996) Another African Footballer of the Year (1997), Ikpeba wore the No.11 jersey during the Olympics and featured at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He scored seven goals in 31 matches and was part of the 1994 AFCON-winning team. Garba Lawal (1997–2006) Perhaps the longest-serving No.11, Lawal was a utility player who featured in multiple positions. He played in two World Cups (1998, 2002) and four AFCON tournaments, scoring in three. A 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Lawal wore No.13 in Atlanta but made the No.11 shirt his own for nearly a decade. Modern era Eagles Peter Odemwingie (2007–2010) With 65 caps and 11 goals, Odemwingie was a key attacking figure for Nigeria for over a decade. Wearing No.11 from 2007 to 2010, he starred in four AFCONs and two World Cups, famously scoring against Bosnia in 2014. Nnamdi Oduamadi (2011–2013) Oduamadi shuttled between shirt numbers but notably wore No.11 during his standout performance at the 2013 Confederations Cup, where he scored a hat-trick against Tahiti. Mohammed Gambo (2012–2013) One of the few home-based players to earn a national team call-up under Stephen Keshi, Gambo briefly wore No.11 and featured in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. Still soaring Moses Simon (2015–2017) Simon debuted in 2015 and wore No.11 during the early part of his international career before switching to No.15, which he continues to wear. Known for his pace and trickery, he remains an important attacking option for Nigeria. Henry Onyekuru (2016–2022) Onyekuru claimed the No.11 shirt after his debut in 2017 and wore it consistently when included in the squad. Though his appearances were sporadic, he contributed to Nigeria’s attacking depth during his tenure. Victor Moses (2011–2018) Moses was a standout No.11 for Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 2013 AFCON win. He scored two vital goals against Ethiopia and was named in the tournament’s Best XI. Moses featured at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups before retiring from international football. Samuel Chukwueze (2019–present) The dynamic winger has worn No.11 since 2019, aside from a short hiatus. Chukwueze continues to be a key part of Nigeria’s frontline, bringing flair and directness down the flank. Honourable Mentions (Pre-1980) Before Nigeria’s first AFCON title, several greats also wore the No.11 jersey, including Sam Garba Okoye (68/69), Mohammed Lawal (68/69), Abdul Ganiyu Salami (68/69), Amusah Shittu (60/61), Asquo Ekpe (60/61) From Adokie Amiesimaka to Samuel Chukwueze, the No.11 jersey has consistently been worn by players of flair, skill, and impact. As new talents emerge, the legacy of Nigeria’s No.11 shirt continues—rich in history, and full of promise.

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Futbol

'Part Of The Family' - Wolves' Remarkable Turnaround Under Pereira

As a now famous flag flown by Wolves fans suggests, Vitor Pereira will be in celebratory mood following his side's latest win. Wolves' 4-2 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday moved Pereira's side 14 points clear of the relegation zone with just six games left to play. When he replaced Gary O'Neil as manager in December, such a comfortable end to the season was unthinkable. "Every time," Pereira said post-match when asked if - as the 'first the points, then the pints' flag at Molineux suggests - he would toast Wolves' fourth consecutive Premier League victory with an alcoholic drink. "Work is work, but after the work we need to celebrate together. I need to feel the energy of these people and be part of the family." The final word of that answer is arguably the most important - the way Pereira has instilled a sense of pride and togetherness at the club in such a short space of time is remarkable. Pereira has had a transformative impact at Molineux since he was appointed in December. Wolves were 19th in the Premier League table when the Portuguese coach arrived, having won only two of their opening 16 Premier League games. The West Midlands club have won eight and drawn two of their 16 league matches since, taking 26 points. In the same period, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich have won 18 points combined. The defeat of Spurs on Sunday earned Wolves a fourth straight Premier League win for the very first time - not since 1972 had they put together a winning run of that length in the top flight. Pereira was pleasantly surprised by that record as he praised the new-found consistency of his team. "Now we know very well the moments of the game and how to deal with them," he told BBC Match of the Day. "Sometimes we need to wait and sometimes be compact and play on the counter-attack. Sometimes we have space to play with the ball, sometimes play fast and sometimes slow down. In this moment we have the tactical maturity [to adapt and switch between approaches]." Sunday's win was the first time since March 2022 that Wolves have scored four or more goals in a league game at Molineux, so it was fitting that Matheus Cunha scored the final goal on his return to the side. The Brazil striker came off the bench to make his return from a four-game suspension, and in the 86th minute dispossessed Lucas Bergvall before slotting past Guglielmo Vicario to wrap up the win. Cunha has been Wolves' best player this season, though in truth he hasn't been missed. Pereira's side took 10 points from the four league games they were without him, scoring six goals along the way. Yet the way the 25-year-old raises both his team-mates and the supporters is undeniable. He annoyed some Wolves fans this week with a social media post - since deleted - that hinted at a summer exit. "I will follow my dreams, not yours. So stay cool," it read. Cunha appeared to apologise to supporters when celebrating his goal, making a praying gesture before pointing to his heart. "He knows his quality, he knows the team was playing good games and winning [without him]," Pereira said. "In the right moment that we need him he said 'yes I am here to help the team'." Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen - who scored four league goals in Cunha's absence and added a fifth in four games on Sunday - hailed Cunha as "probably the best player I've ever seen", adding: "He's such a good man too. "If he can do the right thing outside of football it's better for him. Coming back meant a lot for him. He's been our best player this season so I'm very happy for him." Strand Larsen also shed light on the impact Pereira has had at the club. "Since Vitor came in we have changed some small things a bit," he said. "It's not about doing something huge. With time we have built on that. We are not afraid of anyone now. We hope to build on this to do better next season. "It was a great atmosphere, the last three games have been massive for us. Spurs haven't had a great season but they are still a good team with amazing players. So it was amazing to build on that and win again. "Confidence in football is the most important thing. In a relegation battle it's hard to find confidence, especially for strikers, we don't get many chances." Rayan Ait-Nouri, who opened the scoring, told Sky Sports: "He's [Pereira] done a good job, he's a very good coach. He is focused and we work very hard in training during the week." Wolves are now up to 16th in the Premier League table with 35 points. Up next is a trip to Manchester United, three points above them, who on Sunday were soundly beaten 4-1 by Newcastle.

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News_Naija

Martins Reveals Pressure Wearing Shearers No.9 Jersey

Former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins has revealed the immense pressure he felt after inheriting Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer’s iconic No.9 jersey during his time at St James’ Park, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. In an emotional interview with Football Fans Tribe, the now 40-year-old striker reflected on the weight of expectations following his £10m transfer from Inter Milan in 2006, when he was tasked with filling the void left by the Magpies’ all-time record goalscorer. “It wasn’t easy at all playing as the No.9. I took Shearer’s No.9 shirt, so the pressure alone is high. They wanted me to be the next Shearer, to score more goals. But I did my part and I moved on. You are the one wearing the jersey, the shirt doesn’t wear you,” Martins said. The Nigerian forward, who became a fan favourite for his acrobatic goal celebrations, electric pace and powerful left foot, scored 35 goals in 104 appearances across all competitions during his three-year stint with the Tyneside club. Martins also faced the challenge of leading Newcastle’s attack following Michael Owen’s ACL injury at the 2006 World Cup, adding to the pressure on his shoulders when he arrived in England. “Leaving Inter Milan to go to Newcastle United, I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task and I remember my first game I got injured,” he stated. “Back then, as a striker, if you didn’t score in two or three games, you already start feeling sad.” Despite the difficulties, Martins still holds Newcastle’s supporters in high regard, becoming visibly emotional while praising them as the best fans he encountered during his career. “Newcastle, first of all, they have the best fans ever, out of all the teams that I played for in the world,” he told the podcast. “Out of those who I played for, Newcastle have the best fans. (They get) 52,000 fans are always there at the stadium supporting. Win or lose, they’re there. I’m very happy for them that they won (the Carabao Cup). They didn’t win for 70 years. It’s a great honour for the new owners, the coach of course and the players. Seeing these players, you can tell they wanted to win. Congratulations to them.” Martins left Newcastle in 2009 following their relegation to the Championship, with the club recouping most of his initial transfer fee when he moved to Wolfsburg. However, he is still remembered fondly by the Toon Army for memorable moments, including his spectacular strike from outside the box in a 3–2 victory over Tottenham at St. James’ Park on January 14, 2007.