Sports

Peseiro charges Eagles to go all out for victory against Portugal

Published

4 years ago

November 16, 2022

Nigeria’s Portuguese manager, José Santos Peseiro has called on the three-time African champions to show guts, grit and gumption by aiming for victory over hosts Portugal in Thursday’s prestige international friendly in Lisbon.

Both countries’ A squads go for each other’s jugular at the 50,000 -capacity Estádio José Alvalade in what is the first senior international clash between them, as from 6.45pm Portugal time (7.45pm Nigeria time).

“Sincerely, I am wishing that this is a FIFA World Cup group stage match, because I tell you, that is the level at which Nigeria should be playing. Even though that is not the case, our objective is to go out there and win.

“It is good that we are playing big teams. I am enamoured by that, because this is good for the team and it will sharpen the team to achieve our goal of winning the next Africa Cup of Nations. We also have the opportunity to test a number of players.”

Peseiro has 23 players to pick from in what is perhaps his biggest test since resuming as Nigeria’s manager in the summer. Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye are in Lisbon, just as defenders William Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Kevin Akpoguma, Calvin Bassey, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ebube Duru.

In the midfield, the options are Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo.

At the fore, Peseiro will be able to pick among France -based duo of Moses Simon and Terem Moffi, Belgium-based Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

On Tuesday, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Portugal, His Excellency Alex Kefas paid a visit to the Super Eagles at their training session. He urged the team to win the encounter against Portugal. Team captain William Ekong thanked the ambassador and his staff and assured that the team will fight for a win in Thursday’s match.

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Sports

Kukkiwon President Hails Popoola’s Impact on Nigerian Taekwondo, NTF Boss Celebrates One Year of Progress

Published

11 hours ago

October 28, 2026

The Gleamer

The President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Grand Master Tayo Popoola has received a letter of commendation from the president of Kukkiwon, Yun Ung- Suk, for her outstanding contribution to the development of the sport.

Grand Master Popoola was hailed for her consistent drive improving the game within a short time of her stewardship in the NTF and the dissemination of Taekwondo activities in Nigeria to the global space.

The commendation letter dated October 25, 2026, was personally signed by Kukkiwon President, Ung-Suk.

Popoola said the commendation came to her as a pleasant surprise.

“I did not see that coming but It is a good one not only for me but the entire federation. I did not do it alone and it is also a challenge to do much more in the days, weeks and months ahead. I thank all the board members and I am optimistic that we will do more for the athletes,” Popoola said.

Incidentally, it is just about one year in office for Grand Master Popoola who has recorded a string of successes in the federation including the National Open Trials in Abeokuta, the Africa Taekwondo Championship 2026 in Bamako Mali where Nigeria won several Medals, the first ever Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele National Taekwondo Championship which took place last month in Lagos and the recently held Korean Ambassador Cup in Abuja which also had in attendance the World Kukkiwon Demonstration team.

The demonstration team dazzled fans in Abuja with spectacular display only last weekend just as the para-athletes in taekwondo were duly classified by experts from the world body in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

“I want to thank the National Sports Commission for the support given to me and the entire NTF. Things can only get better,” Popoola stressed.

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