Super Eagles drop to 39th in latest FIFA world ranking

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have fallen one spot to 39th in the FIFA World Ranking for July. The team retained its June points total of 1,498.93 but slid further down the global ranking table.

The team had previously experienced a significant drop from 30th to 38th in June following underwhelming performances in the World Cup Qualifying matches.

Despite the global decline, the Super Eagles maintained their 5th position in Africa, trailing behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The latest ranking reflects a busy period in international football, with three continental competitions and numerous friendlies taking place in June and July, totalling over 125 matches worldwide.

Argentina remains at the top after successfully defending their CONMEBOL Copa América title. Following their semi-final appearance in UEFA EURO 2024, France holds the second spot.

Spain, newly crowned European champions, jumped five places to third. England climbed to fourth, surpassing Brazil, who dropped to fifth, while Belgium fell three places to sixth.

Napoli reject €65m Galatasaray’s permanent deal for Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen

Italian club, Napoli has rejected Galatasaray’s €65 million bid for a permanent transfer of Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.

Osihmen joined the Turkish club on loan for a season last September after the last-minute attempt to join Chelsea in the Premier League failed.

According to Italian sports news outlet, Corriere dello Sport, Napoli rejected the €65 million offer and wanted the release clause of €75 million.

While the newspaper pointed out that Galatasaray wanted to keep Osimhen in the team, it was noted that Napoli did not want a discount and demanded the full release fee.

It was further reported that Galatasaray could complete the transfer for 75 million euros for the Nigerian, who was on the radar of many teams in Europe in the interim transfer, while other clubs had to pay a compensation of six million euros in addition to the release fee.

Osimhen’s release clause was initially set at €130m but was reduced last summer when he signed a new deal with Napoli before joining Galatasaray.

The Nigeria international has been in top form for the Turkish leaders, netting 16 goals and providing five assists in 20 appearances since his loan move.

Sports

CAF postpones CHAN 2024, draw to hold Wednesday

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Tuesday announced it has postponed the date for the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN.

The biennial competition was earlier expected to run from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

The tournament will now take place in August but the exact date will be announced by CAF in due course.

CAF took the decision to ensure that infrastructure and facilities are at the levels necessary for hosting a successful tournament.

The draw for the competition will hold at Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.

CHAN 2024 will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Senegal are the defending champions of the competition

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Chelle promises to work towards qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has vowed to do his best to ensure the team qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chelle was unveiled at an elaborate ceremony at the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

The 47-year-old signed a two-year contract with the option of another year.

“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity.

“Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.

“Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the former Mali international was quoted by thenff.com