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Ex-Internationals Joseph Yobo and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha have hailed the decision of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which awarded a “contentious goal” to South Africa in the quarter-final game against Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VAR system was introduced at the quarter-final stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt and is being used in the competition for the first time. It made its first significant intervention when it overruled a linesman’s decision to disallow South Africa’s Bongani Zungu’s goal for offside in their quarterfinal game against Nigeria. Okocha and Yobo who were guests’ analyst on a football show hosted by Super Sports on Thursday, said VAR was a welcome development in the AFCON and must be embraced by all football stakeholders on the African continent. “At first, I thought it was an offside goal, but then when we saw the VAR replay it was obvious that the ball came off the back of Odion Ighalo which automa...

Nigeria became the second team (after Senegal) to reach 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal after defeating South Africa 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night. Samuel Chukwueze opened the deadlock after 27 minutes. VAR was used to confirm South Africa’s equalizer scored by Bongani Zungu after 74 minutes, but William Troost Ekong scored one minute from time to send the Super Eagles for the semifinal for the first time since they were crowned champions in 2013. South Africa will leave Egypt with heads high after reaching the last eight despite playing in the group of death, and then eliminating hosts and favorites Egypt from the Round of 16. Wilfried N’didi gave Bafana Bafana an idea of what to expect when he had the first shot after 6 minutes. And despite seeing South Africa with more possession, Nigeria had the lion share of chances. Chukwueze broke the deadlock after 27 minutes after receiving the ball from Alex Iwobi inside the vital area. His initial s...

Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen has apologised to his coach, teammates and Carthage Eagles fans for his actions during Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round 16 clash with Ghana. Though Hassen had a decent game, including a late save that stopped Ghana winning the match, he reacted badly when he was denied the chance to be in goal for the ensuing penalty shootout. Instead, Coach Alain Giresse brought in Ben Mustapha for the shootout, a decision which Hassen openly protested as he reluctantly left the pitch. However, the France-based goalkeeper having reviewed his action has tendered an apology blaming his behaviour on the passion he has for the national team. “I would like to come back to yesterday’s [Monday] incident and would start by apologising to my coach, to my teammates and to the supporters of our national team,” Hassen said in a statement released on Tuesday. “The pressure of the game and my enthusiasm to play for my country were the reasons behind my regre...

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, after defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 3-2 in Alexandria. Odion Ighalo scored a brace, and Alex Iwobi got one goal to book Nigeria a match next Wednesday with the winner between Egypt and South Africa. Details Shortly………..

Arsenal and Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina has completed a permanent move to Serie A with Napoli, the English club confirmed on Thursday. Ospina, 30, joined Napoli on a loan deal at the start of the 2018-19 season after finding his first-team opportunities with the Gunners further limited by the arrival of Bernd Leno. And after making 24 appearances for the Italians in his first campaign Ospina, who represented his nation in this summer’s Copa America before being eliminated by Chile in the quarter-finals, will remain at San Paolo in a transfer reportedly worth £5 million ($6.3m). “Goalkeeper David Ospina has joined Napoli on a permanent transfer, following a season on loan at the Serie A side,” a statement published on Arsenal’s official website revealed. “David joined us from Nice in 2014 after six seasons in Ligue 1, and made 70 appearances during his time with us. “He was our goalkeeper in the 2017 Emirates FA Cup final win over Chelsea, and was also in the squa...

Former Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard has been appointed as new coach of the club on a three-year contract. The Blues agreed a deal with Derby County worth £4 million to cover the final two years of Lampard’s contract at Pride Park after a week’s worth of talks with the 41-year-old. Lampard spent 13 years as a player in west London, scoring 211 goals in 649 games to become Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer. Lampard said he is delighted to be back home. Chelsea FC ✔ @ChelseaFC Over to you, boss! # WelcomeHomeFrank 18.9K 9:12 AM - Jul 4, 2019 8,180 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy According to him: “I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach. “Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead. “I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I...