Sports

Argentine coach, Rodolfo Zapata express interest in Super Eagles job

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

By T. Dennis

Rodolfo Zapata, an Argentine coach has expressed interest in the vacant Super Eagles coaching role.

This comes on the backdrop of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), currently seeking a “foreign technical” advisor to lead the team, following a dismal performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which resulted in Finidi George’s resignation as coach after just two matches.

Finidi George assumed the role of a coach in April, succeeding Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left after leading the team to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

However, the former Ajax winger left the job in the wake of the 1-1 draw against South Africa and the 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile Zapata, who was a former coach of Nigeria Premier League clubside, Sunshine Stars of Akure in 2010 and won the Botswana Premier League in 2019 with Township Rollers FC, believes he is the best man for the job.

“My main idea is to play offensively, pressing in the opponent half side with a winning attitude. I want my team to take the initiative, be protagonist,’’ the United States based coach, said.

“My main idea is to play in the opponent side. This means that we are going to attack and, if we have to defend the goal our job is to pressure high to attack again. The best way to defend is to attack’’.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need for team work and collaboration amongst the players, coaching staff and board members.

The erstwhile footballer, who has managed other African teams in Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana and Kenya also spoke on his coaching philosophy.

“If you want to build a winning team, you must first establish a culture of winning. To do that, set high standards for yourself, staff and players in every aspect of the operation and then start to chase them.

“These goals should be specific, difficult and challenging, but realistic.

“Continuity, consistency and ambition are particularly important to create a successful program. Ambition must be coupled with hard work for success to be achieved,’’ Zapata disclosed in an interview.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

20 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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