Sports
Argentine coach, Rodolfo Zapata express interest in Super Eagles job
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.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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