Sports

Argentine coach, Rodolfo Zapata express interest in Super Eagles job

Published

11 months 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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Basketball

Airwarrior Basketball Club Chairman, Celebrates Sallah with Journalists in Abuja

Published

8 hours ago

June 7, 2025

The Gleamer

The event, filled with camaraderie and appreciation, provided an opportunity for Alhaji Solademi to acknowledge the vital role of the media in national development and the promotion of sports in Nigeria.

In a warm gesture of unity, oneness, togetherness and goodwill, the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abuja, Alhaji Abddulmajid Solademi, hosted a group of Basketball Journalists on Saturday at his residence in celebration of the Sallah festivities in Abuja.

The gathering that shows the importance of love, peace, and unity values which is crucial not just for the advancement of basketball, but for the overall progress of the nation.

However, the Sallah is a time to reflect on our shared humanity,” he said. “It’s a moment to support one another and to uphold the values that bring us together, rather than divide us.”

Guests at the event shared stories, enjoyed meals, Asun Rice, Oriental rice, Jollof Rice, Swallow in variety with a lot of drinks that mede them to engaged in meaningful discussions on the development of sports in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots basketball.

Many attendees praised Solademi for his unwavering support for the sporting community and his ongoing commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

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