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AFCON 2019: Eagles of Nigeria Dare Lions of Cameroon in Renewed Rivalry
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Nigeria and champions Cameroon, two of Africa’s most successful teams, will go head-to-head vying for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Alexandria on Saturday (today), in a potentially explosive tie.
Both sides finished second in their respective groups, which means a victory for any of the team will see a possibility of them facing Egypt in the quarter-final, if the hosts beat their last 16 foes South Africa in Cairo.
The Super Eagles have come under harsh criticisms back home, having been unconvincing so far in this tournament, and a shock 2-0 defeat to Madagascar didn’t help matters either.
But the three-time winners of the tournament would be hoping to bounce back with a win over their eternal rivals, who beat the Eagles thrice in previous finals to emerge champions.
Like Nigeria, Cameroon will feel that they should have topped their group after collecting four points from their opening two games, but their final match against Benin, which ended 0-0, saw Ghana’s Black Stars climb to top of Group F on superior goals.
The Indomitable Lions remain unbeaten in their seven outings so far this year and were last beaten in the competition in 2015, but three of their last four games have ended in draws. And their second-place finish leaves them with a much more difficult route through the rest of the competition.
Nigeria are expected to welcome some key first-team players back into their starting XI for this match after naming a second-string side against Madagascar.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Chelsea loanee Kenneth Omeruo are among the names likely to return.
Moses Simon should also regain his place, while Daniel Akpeyi will expect to be recalled in goal, after keeping clean sheets in the opening two group games.
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana is also yet to concede in this summer’s tournament and will retain his gloves for the Lions.
Seedorf made four changes for their final group game against Benin and could welcome Clinton N’Jie and Gaetan Bong back into this starting XI for this one.
Cameroon have not beaten Nigeria in any competition since 2000, when they claimed one of their five Africa Cup of Nations trophies with a penalty shootout victory in the final.
Indeed, the Indomitable Lions have only beaten Nigeria four times in 22 previous meetings, but remarkably, three of those victories have come in the final of this competition.
More recently Nigeria have won four and lost none of the last five contests, including a 5-1 aggregate triumph to seal their place at the 2018 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
