Category: Sport News

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen named in Eric Chelle's first Nigeria squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen named in Eric Chelle’s first Nigeria squad

The Super Eagles will play against group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before returning home to face Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.

Napoli and African best player Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been named to the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle final 23-man roster upcoming Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Last week, the coach had announced a larger provisional squad of 39 players. This will mark his first matches leading the three-time African champions.

The team is made up of three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, featuring a blend of seasoned players and newcomers.

The defensive line continues to be robust, including players like William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield is supported by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika.

Full squad list:

Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Stanley Nwabali.

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen.

Candas Fiogbé receives first Benin International call-up
by Football Sierra Leone

Candas Fiogbé receives first Benin International call-up

Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed a 25-player roster for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Among the key additions is 19-year-old striker Candas Fiogbé, who is based in Italy and is receiving his first call-up.

Although Fiogbé has yet to participate in a senior match, he has been active with Atalanta’s under-20 squad in Italy’s Primavera 1 league and their under-19 team in the UEFA Youth League, where he netted six goals.

In addition, defender Brandon Agounon makes a return to the roster after being part of the squad a year ago, even though he has not yet made an appearance for the national team.

Benin will, however, be without French-based players Aiyegun Tosin and Cédric Hountondji due to injuries, while Olivier Verdon has been left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons.

Verdon, 29, featured in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. The squad comprises only two players from local clubs, with the rest hailing from teams in 17 different nations.

Benin has two upcoming matches: an away game against Zimbabwe in Durban, South Africa, on March 20, followed by a home match against Bafana Bafana in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on March 25. The roster features only two home-based players, with the rest coming from clubs in 17 different countries.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Saturnin Allagbé (Botev Vratsa, Bulgaria), Marcel Dandjinou (JDR Stars, South Africa), Serges Obassa (Remo Stars, Nigeria) 

Defenders: Moise Adilehou (Laval, France), Brandon Agounon (Châteauroux, France), Rodrigue Fassinou (Coton Sport Benin), David Kiki (Steaua Bucharest, Romania), Rachid Moumini (Ayéma), Tamimou Ouorou (Hatta, United Arab Emirates), Yohan Roche (Petrolul 52, Romania), Rabiou Sankamao (Wydad Fès, Morocco), Mohamed Tijani (Yverdon Sport, Switzerland)

Midfielders: Mattéo Ahlinvi (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Mariano Ahouangbo (Soliman, Tunisia), Gislain Ahoudo (Gabès, Tunisia), Samadou Attidjikou (Al Masry, Egypt), Sessi d’Almeida (Apollon Limassol. Cyprus), Dodo Dokou (Smouha, Egypt), Imourane Hassane (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland)

Forwards: Jodel Dossou (Victoria Rosport, Luxembourg), Candas Fiogbé (Atalanta, Italy), Andréas Hountondji (Standard Liège, Belgium), Steve Mounié (FC Augsburg, Germany), Junior Olaitan (Grenoble, France), Steve-Waren Traoré (Haka, Finland) 

Sebastien Haller is back in Côte d'Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastien Haller is back in Côte d’Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers

Sebastien Haller is back in the Côte d’Ivoire national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia after missing three international windows due to injuries.

Playing for Borussia Dortmund on loan at FC Utrecht, Haller will strengthen the team’s attack, as they aim to keep their lead in the qualifying group.

Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin returns after last playing in March 2023, filling in for the injured Jean Michaël Seri. Ibrahim Sangaré also returns after missing the Africa Cup of Nations and replaces Seko Fofana, who is out due to fitness issues.

Clément Akpa, a left-back from AJ Auxerre, earns his first call-up. Amad Diallo from Manchester United and Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray are absent; Diallo is injured, and Zaha has not played under coach Emerse Faé.

Maxwel Cornet from Genoa did not get called up, but Oumar Diakité from Reims stays in the squad despite poor club form.

Familiar players like Franck Kessié and Evan Ndicka remain, as the Elephants lead their World Cup qualifying group by one point over Gabon.

Côte d’Ivoire Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

  • Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Ali Badra
  • Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Willy Boly, Ousmane Diomandé, Guéla Doué, Evan Ndicka , Hassane Kamara, Wilfried Singo
  • Midfielders: Jean Aholou, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié, Hamed Traoré
  • Forwards: Simon Adingra, Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakité, Evann Guessand, Jean Krasso, Nicolas Pépé, Benié Traoré, Sébastien Halle

 

  • Upcoming Fixtures:

Burundi vs Côte d’Ivoire – March 22, 19:00 GMT, Stade de Meknès, Morocco

Côte d’Ivoire vs Gambia – March 26, 19:00 GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan

Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and Bangoura named in Guinea 23-man squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Bangoura named in Guinea 23-man squad

Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund and young talent Ibrahima Sory Bangoura have been selected for Guinea’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda. Notably absent are Mohamed Bayo, Ilaix Moriba, and Saidou Sow.

Genk’s Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, a young player from Belgium is expected to make his first appearance for the senior national team in these important matches.

The Syli National team currently ranks third in their qualifying group. They will play Somalia in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on March 21, and then travel to Kampala to face Uganda on March 25.

Guinea needs to win both matches to stay in the race for a World Cup spot, as only the group winners qualify.

Meanwhile, Nantes defender Saidou Sow chose to stay with his pregnant wife, which is why he is not on the team.

Another notable absence is Naby Keita, who has played for Liverpool and Werder Bremen. The team captain is working on getting back to full fitness at Ferencvaros and expects to return in June.

Despite these changes, key players like François Kamano, Abdoulaye Touré, and Serhou Guirassy will play in the important double-header.

The squad also includes experienced defenders Mohamed Ali Camara and Mouctar Diakhaby, who have recovered from injuries.

The midfield features Mady Camara from PAOK Salonique and Morlaye Sylla from FC Arouca, while Serhou Guirassy, who has just moved to Borussia Dortmund, will lead the attack.

A new player in the squad is 21-year-old Bangoura, who has impressed at KRC Genk in Belgium and is now receiving his first senior call-up.

Guinea Squad

Goalkeepers: Moussa Camara (Simba SC, Tanzania), Mory Keita (Hafia FC, Guinea), Soumaïla Sylla (Stade de Reims, France)

Defenders: Mohamed Ali Camara (Young Boys, Switzerland), Antoine Conte (Igdir FK, Turkey), Ibrahima Sory Conté (UTA Arad, Romania), Ibrahim Diakité (Cercle de Bruges, Belgium), Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia CF, Spain), Dembo Sylla (FC Dender, Belgium), Isiaga Sylla (Montpellier HSC, France), Sekou Oumar Sylla (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands)

Midfielders: Ibrahima Sory Bangoura (KRC Genk, Belgium), Aguibou Camara (PFK Ludogorets, Bulgaria), Mady Camara (PAOK Salonique, Greece), Seydouba Cissé (CD Leganés, Spain), Morlaye Sylla (FC Arouca, Portugal), Abdoulaye Touré (Le Havre AC, France)

Forwards: Aliou Badara Baldé (FC Lausanne-Sport, Switzerland), Algassime Bah (APOEL FC, Cyprus), Yadaly Diaby (Grenoble Foot 38, France), Kandet Diawara (FC Pau, France), François Kamano (Damac FC, Saudi Arabia), Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)

Head Coach: Michel Dussuyer

Upcoming Fixtures:

Guinea vs Somalia – March 21, 21:00 GMT, Abidjan

Uganda vs Guinea – March 25, 16:00 GMT, Kampala

Defender Osman Kakay makes Boavista debut in defeat to Vitória Guimarães
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Osman Kakay makes Boavista debut in defeat to Vitória Guimarães

Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay made his Boavista debut in a 2-1 defeat to Vitória Guimarães on Saturday at the Estádio do Bessa.

The former QPR right-back was substituted on in the 57th minute to replace Ilija Vukotic during a thrilling second half, as Vitória SC secured a 2-1 victory against Boavista FC at Estádio do Bessa Sec. XXI in Round 25 of Liga Portugal Betclic.

Van Ginkel converted a penalty just before half-time, giving the black-and-whites the lead. However, an own goal by Vukotic in the 50th minute equalized the score.

Later in the match, another penalty was awarded, this time in favor of the Guimarães team. Tiago Silva successfully converted it in the 76th minute, sealing the victory for Luís Freire’s men.

With this win, Vitória SC now has 38 points and occupies sixth place in the standings, while Boavista FC remains at the bottom with just 15 points.

South Africa stun Egypt in African Nations Championship qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa stun Egypt in African Nations Championship qualifier

South Africa has qualified for the next round of the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after a 3-1 victory over Egypt in Cairo, giving them a 4-2 aggregate win.

The Bafana Bafana played confidently, with goals from Neo Maema, Yandisa Mfolozi, and Luthuli leading the way. Maema opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Mfolozi added a second goal in the 26th minute. Egypt scored just before halftime, but Luthuli converted a penalty five minutes into the second half to secure the win.

In another match, Gabon lost to Gambia in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. Gabon was awarded a penalty but missed the chance, allowing Gambia to win the shootout.

Malawi advanced with a 2-0 home win over Comoros, making it a 4-0 aggregate victory. Wongani Lungu and Binwell Katinji scored for Malawi.

The final round of qualifiers will be in May, with the first leg from May 2-4 and the second leg on May 10-11. The final tournament will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August.

First Leg Results:

  • Gambia 0-0 Gabon (February 28, 2025)
  • Comoros 0-2 Malawi (March 2, 2025)
  • South Africa 1-1 Egypt (March 2, 2025)

Second Leg Fixtures:

  • Malawi 2-0 Comoros – March 8, 2025 –  Malawi win 4-0 on aggregate
  • Gabon 0-0 Gambia – March 8, 2025 – Gambia win on penalties
  • Egypt 1-3 South Africa – March 9, 2025 – South Africa win 4-2 on aggregate
Blackburn winger Augustus Kargbo doubtful for Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackburn winger Augustus Kargbo doubtful for Sierra Leone qualifiers

Blackburn winger Augustus Kargbo is set to miss crucial matches for Sierra Leone this month against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt due to a hamstring injury he sustained on Saturday.

Head coach Valerien Ismael confirmed the news about Kargbo’s injury but expressed hope that it won’t keep the Sierra Leone international out for an extended period.

The 25-year-old winger started the Sky Bet Championship match against Derby County on Saturday but was forced to leave the game after just 15 minutes. He was replaced by Dion Sanderson.

“We have another injury with AK [Kargbo], a muscle injury, and he’ll be out for a few weeks,” Ismael revealed to RoversTV.

A more detailed examination is required to determine the severity of Kargbo’s injury. Sierra Leone will host Guinea-Bissau in Monrovia, Liberia, on March 20, before traveling to Cairo to face the group leaders, the Pharaohs of Egypt, five days later.

Sierra Leone U17 women's share World Cup qualifying spoils with Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U17 Women’s share World Cup qualifying spoils with Guinea

In an exciting showdown at the Southern Arena in Sierra Leone, the national U-17 women’s football teams of Sierra Leone and Guinea battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw. This match marked the first leg of their contest for a coveted place in the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The draw gives Guinea a slight edge heading into the decisive second leg of this round, which is set to take place on March 15, 2025, at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium in Bamako, Mali. Both teams are determined to outshine each other and secure their advancement to the next stage of the tournament.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this year’s U-17 World Cup, which will take place in the vibrant nation of Morocco from October 17 to November 5, showcasing the talents of young female athletes from around the globe.

Nigeria Dominates South Africa (3-1)

As the favourites heading into the match, Nigeria secured a convincing 3-1 victory away from home against South Africa. A brace from Shakirat Moshood and a solitary strike from Harmony Chidi was enough to ensure the Nigerians clinched the win in Pretoria.

Kenya Surprises Uganda in Kampala (2-0)

In an all-East African showdown, Kenya pulled off an impressive victory over Uganda on their home turf. Goals from Nasipwondi and Ogola for the Junior Starlets showcased their ability to manage pressure and convert opportunities. This victory places Kenya in a strong position as they head into the return leg in Nairobi.

Cameroon Shines Against Ethiopia (5-2)

Cameroon delivered a clinical performance, defeating Ethiopia 5-2. With a well-organized team effort, Cameroon quickly took the lead and maintained control throughout the match, leaving little chance for their East African rivals. This commanding victory puts Cameroon in a strong position to advance of the second leg.

Algeria Stunned by Botswana (2-1)

Algeria suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of a clinical Botswana team, which capitalized on its limited chances to score. Despite dominating possession, Algeria struggled to break through, and Botswana punished them with two well-timed goals to secure a 2-1 victory.

Juma Bah makes first start in Lens win over Marseille
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah makes first competitive start in Lens win over Marseille

Sierra Leone and Manchester City defender Juma Bah showcased a dominant performance in his first Ligue 1’s Matchday 25 start for Lens, contributing to their 1-0 victory away at Marseille on Saturday.

A 93rd-minute goal from Moroccan Neil El Aynaoui secured a dramatic victory for Lens at the Stade Vélodrome, which allowed Paris Saint-Germain to extend their lead to 16 points at the top of the standings.

Marseille controlled the game from the start as they aimed to strengthen their hold on second place. However, they were thwarted by a determined Lens side and some exceptional goalkeeping from Mathew Ryan.

The Australian goalkeeper made crucial saves, tipping an Amine Gouiri shot onto the crossbar in the first half and stopping efforts from both Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay late in the match.

Despite having lost their last four matches, Lens turned the game around and scored in the 94th minute, with Deiver Machado assisting Neil El Aynaoui for the decisive goal.

Sierra Leone's Augustine Williams nets debut goal for Pittsburgh Riverhounds
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams nets debut goal for Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams scored on his debut as Pittsburgh Riverhounds started its 2025 season with a 1-1 draw against North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

Evan Conway scored first for North Carolina in the 22nd minute, but Augi Williams equalized for the Hounds in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. Hounds goalkeeper Eric Dick made one crucial save, as the team dominated possession (63.6 percent) and total shots (10-5).

The Hounds came out strong, earning two early corner kicks that led to headers from Sean Suber. After Conway’s goal, Dick had to make a vital save to deny a potential second goal before halftime.

In the second half, the Hounds locked down defensively, allowing no shots from North Carolina. Williams scored his first goal for the Hounds, finishing decisively after taking advantage of a misplay by goalkeeper Jake McGuire. Captain Danny Griffin almost put the Hounds ahead with a volley, but McGuire made another save.

Despite their efforts, the Hounds couldn’t find a second goal, though many young players made their pro debuts, including Ydrach, Bouregy, and Garcia.

**Modelo Man of the Match**

Augi Williams was named Man of the Match for his key goal and strong overall performance, winning 6 of 10 ground duels. He is now the third player to score on his Hounds debut under Bob Lilley, joining Dane Kelly (2022) and Bertin Jacquesson (2024).