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Why I’ll never advise my son to play for Nigeria – Taribo West

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A former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, on Friday, berated the Nigeria Football Federation and Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning the family of late goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.

Speaking at Rufai’s burial in a video posted by News Central on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed disappointment over what he described as the neglect of Nigerian football heroes after their death.

“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.

“My mother passed on. I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands. I never shed tears. When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. And every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?” he said

The former international recalled similar situations with late football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, stressing that the treatment of ex-players discouraged him from encouraging his children to serve the country through football.

“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation or do we have a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family.

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit in within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart,” he stated.

Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the country’s debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year.

He passed away in July 2025.

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Super Falcons star Tosin Demehin signs new Galatasaray deal

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Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has extended her stay with Turkish club Galatasaray Women after an impressive debut season that showcased her as one of Nigeria’s emerging defensive stars.

The 23-year-old centre-back joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2024 from French side Stade de Reims and quickly established herself as a key figure in the team. She featured in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring once, and helped anchor the club’s defense, contributing to a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Women’s Super League and Galatasaray’s first-ever appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Demehin’s breakthrough season coincided with her international rise. She played every match for the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, helping Nigeria secure a record-extending 10th title. She also scored her first international goal during Nigeria’s 5-0 quarter-final victory over Zambia. “It was a dream tournament for me; playing every game, scoring for my country, and lifting the trophy with my teammates,” Demehin said following the triumph.

Her contract extension also highlights a growing Nigerian presence at Galatasaray, joining Victor Osimhen, who leads the men’s team, as the only Nigerians representing the Istanbul club.

As Galatasaray prepare for the 2025/26 season, Demehin’s composure, aerial ability, and tactical awareness will be vital as the club aims for stronger domestic and European campaigns.

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Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle Defends Oyowah Call-Up, Admits Regret Over Sudan Defeat In CHAN

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Super Eagles B coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed that he was criticised for selecting midfielder Alex Young Oyowah in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the Ivory Coast.

It was reports that Eric Chelle and his Home-based Super Eagles players bowed out of the 2024 CHAN on Tuesday despite a 2-0 win over Congo in their final Group D fixture, with goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi sealing the victory. Oyowah, who was named Man of the Match, emerged as one of the few bright sparks of the campaign.

Speaking after the game, Chelle revealed that Oyowah’s inclusion was widely questioned.

“For example, the player who won the Man of the Match award against Congo, Alex, I put him on our list for the tournament a week before we left, and everyone said, ‘Why did you call him up when he’s not known?’” he said via CAF’s official website.

The coach admitted the team was far from fully prepared for the tournament.

“We were not ready to participate in this tournament. Whoever attends our training sessions will notice that our players were not mentally prepared to participate in this version of the tournament,” Chelle explained.

Despite finishing with three points, the Super Eagles placed third in Group D behind Sudan and Senegal, who advanced to the knockout stage. Chelle admitted Nigeria’s heaviest blow was their 4-0 defeat to Sudan.

“Our deep regret stems from our heavy defeat to Sudan, but that’s football,” the coach added. “We will carefully analyse the Sudan match to make up for what happened in the future.”

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Brown Ideye Announces Retirement From Professional Football

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Former Super Eagles forward, Brown Ideye, has officially retired from professional football after a career that spanned nearly two decades across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Brown Ideye, 36, made the announcement on Wednesday, August 21, in a statement shared via his 𝕏 handle.

It was reports that Brown Ideye announced his retirement from professional football after Nigeria Premier Football League club, Enyimba listed him among the players who were released from the side.

“After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football,” he wrote. “I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day.”

Brown Ideye, who earned 28 international caps and scored six goals for Nigeria, was a member of the Super Eagles team that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 under the late coach Stephen Keshi.

At club level, Ideye featured in several top leagues, including the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, and the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Teda. He also had spells in Spain and Ukraine, establishing himself as a well-traveled and respected professional.

In his farewell note, Ideye hinted that his journey in football was not over despite hanging up his boots. “Football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter,” he added.

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