Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26th April – 18th May.

The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition, and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.

Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.

GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania

GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

How can I make profit in betting? Reliable bookmaker 1xBet offers the best betting conditions! Read our preview of this weekend’s top matches and don’t forget the main rule: you have to place bets responsibly and without causing harm to yourself!

Leverkusen v Bayern, February 15

As coach, Xabi Alonso hasn’t lost any of his 5 matches againstBayern, but only a win will leave Leverkusen in the title race – their gap to Munich is 8 points. Leverkusen, like Bayern, have lost only one Bundesliga game. The reigning champion draws too often and has conceded three times shortly before the final whistle, thus losing vital points. This is a regression compared to last season, when Bayer was the king of the final minutes.

Bayern will play a UCL away match against Celtic before their visit to Leverkusen, which could affect the players’ form. But this season’s leaders also have another problem – a top match complex. Even in the Bundesliga, Bayern failed to win the away games against Dortmund and Eintracht. As for the matches against Leverkusen, even the Munich fans failed to help Bayern win: 1-1 in the Bundesliga and 0-1 in the German Cup.

Odds: W1 – 3.215, X – 3.93, W2 – 2.223

Tottenham v Manchester United, February 16

The Europa League title contenders are next to each other in the Premier League standings, and, what’s interesting, in the bottom half. In the EPL, the Spurs and the Red Devils are no longer fighting for anything big.

Tottenham’s failure this season is caused by a large number of injuries. But Postecoglou has excellent statistics against Man United: 3 wins and 1 draw. The Australian has already beaten the Red Devils’ new coach Amorim: 4-3 in the EFL Cup quarterfinals.

Man United have won 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions, butin the last 8 EPL matches, the Red Devils have only gained 7 points. The team can sometimes produce results thanks to the character and skill of some players, but it’s all too erratic. Man Utd are used to playing with a different formation, while Amorim has no intention of abandoning his 3-4-2-1.

Odds: W1 – 2.517, X – 3.85, W2 – 2.711

Juventus v Inter, February 16

Juventus have bored their fans with too many draws, but they haven’t lost at home in this Serie A season. The Old Lady is now focused on the battle against PSV in the UCL, and, thanks to the winter newcomers, Motta can now rotate the squad more often. In the first half of the season, the match against Inter ended 4-4, but this time, the Bianconeri are likely to be more cautious.

The reigning champion has the best quality and depth of squad in theSerie A. However, Inter are behind Napoli, and they perform poorly in away matches against the participants of European competitions: among these teams, the Nerazzurri have only defeated Lazio and Roma. If Marcus Thuram’s injury turns out to be serious, Inter’s problems with overcoming a packed defense in top matches will only get worse.

Odds: W1 – 3.395, X – 3.52, W2 – 2.289

How can I make profit in betting? Reliable bookmaker 1xBet offer sits clients the best odds and most favorable conditions! We’re sure that our preview will help you evaluate the teams’ chances, make predictions responsibly and place winning bets!

There are few more popular sports to bet on across the world than horse racing. Fortunately, many of the leading sportsbooks have bettors covered when they are looking to place a wager on the latest racing action.

For some of the biggest races, bettors are able to place bets on a wide range of markets, including the ever-popular win and place selections. However, some markets could offer better value for your money if you’re looking to wager on short price favourites.

Among those include the over/under lengths and the winning margin options. However, a preferred betting option for many of the experienced bettors on horse racing come in the form of the Exotics, which are among the most difficult to land returns.

You can learn about the different selection of Exotics markets available online here, and what each entails in order to secure returns.

What Are Exotics?

Exotic bets are unlikely many other types of markets available across other sports, as they require bettors to accurately predict the exact outcome of races.

Find more information here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/best-bets/

The challenging part of the bet is the fact that if just one selection is incorrect, the stake is lost. But, what are some of the Exotics that are available online?

Exacta

The most popular form of Exotic bet comes in the form of the Exacta, or Forecast in Europe. This market requires bettors to accurately predict the horses that finish first and second in the exact finishing order.

It is one of the easier Exotics to land, especially if there are two clear favourites at the top of the betting. But, the returns can still be handsome, meaning that it is never as easy as simply putting the one-two in the betting in the top two finishing positions.

Quinella

The Quinella is similar to an Exacta, but it can be slightly less lucrative. Here, a bettor will select two horses, and returns will be awarded providing that the selected runners finish in the first two positions. Unlike the Exacta, the correct finishing order isn’t required when making a Quinella.

Exacta Box

The Exacta Box option is most popular among bettors that are looking at two potential preferred options, but want to include a third selection at the prices on offer. Bettors can select three or more horses in an Exacta Box, and as long as two of the selected runners finishing in the first two, then a payout will be coming their way.

Bettors will need to play an increased stake to bet an Exacta Box, but it does offer a layer of insurance, meaning that it is typically a preferred option for beginners when wagering on Exotics.

Trifecta

An even more difficult Exotic to land comes in the form of the Trifecta. This option is similar in principle to the Exacta, but the main difference is that the bettor will have to correctly predict the horses that finish first, second, and third in the exact finishing order.

As the difficulty improves, so does the returns, meaning that substantial money can be won by landing a Trifecta on major races across the world.

Superfecta

An Exotic that could lead to life changing money being won comes in the form of the Superfecta. Similar to the Exacta and Trifecta, the bettor will need to correctly predict the finishing order.

However, unlike the prior mentioned markets, to land a Superfecta, the bettor must correctly predict the runners that finish exactly first, second, third, and fourth. It is the most challenging of the Exotic markets to secure a winner, but massive returns could be rewarded for winning selections.

Keying in Exotics

When betting on horse racing, a gambler may have a strong feeling that one runner is stronger than the remainder of the field. Therefore, this is where ‘keying’ can become a viable option.

This can be used in Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta box betting, as bettors will key their main selection to the winning position. Then, any of the other runners selected in the wager will need to finish in the required positions.

For example, you could key number four to win the race, with horses 7, 3, and 2 in an Exacta Box. A $2 trifecta box bet on these horses will cost $48, but with the keyed selection, the stake drops to $12.

Research is Key

Betting on Exotics is mostly enjoyed by passionate racing fans who watch the sport all year round and love to complete hours of research before making their selections.

All horses in the field must be assessed before making an Exotic bet, as there could be one outsider that could upset the bet. Therefore, bettors must assess all the possible form lines on offer, taking into account the run styles of the field and the best recorded speed figures.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has called to camp 30 players as Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, prepare for a two-match tour of Egypt later this month.

Team Administrator, Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim informed thenff.com that the seven-time African champions will clash with their Egyptian counterparts in Cairo, capital of Egypt in friendly matches that have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February.

This year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations will be staged in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May, with the four top-placed finishers qualifying to represent the continent at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.

The Flying Eagles, champions of Africa in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015, won the WAFU-B U20 Championship held in Lome, Togo in October last year to be eligible for the finals in Cote d’Ivoire. They defeated Ghana’s Black Satellites 3-1 in the final match.

The two-time FIFA World Cup runners-up, in 1989 and 2005, came within breathing distance of the semi-finals at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina, before losing narrowly to Korea Republic after extra time.

FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA FOR EGYPT FRIENDLIES:

Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Light Emerenonye (Diamond Academy); Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC).

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Musa Ademu (Wireless FC); Shamsudeen Muhammad (Mavlon FC); Ibrahim Abdullahi; Shamsudeen Ishaq (Grassrunner FC); Steven Jolomi (Mavlon FC).

Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanji (Shuffle Select FC); Mohammed Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Kizito Opara (Campus Academy); Alabi Sulaiman Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sulaiman Abubakar (Diamond Academy); Shafiu Adamu (Wikki Tourists); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)

Forwards: Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire Academy); Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC); Matthew Chukwusa (Morack Academy); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Olisha (Fostar Academy); Jerry Salami (Aspire Academy); Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire Academy); Shola Adelami (Ikorodu City); Abdulrahaman Ishaq (Sport Supply Academy); Ezekiel Anthony (Aspire Academy); Sodiq Olalekan Adewunmi (Jaguar Sports FC)

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says any decision by the head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle to include Ahmed Musa in the list of players for the upcoming world cup qualifiers is solely down to the coach, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Chelle will in the coming days submit the list of players for the upcoming world cup qualifiers games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively in the month of March. The coach is expected back in Nigeria this week.

It was in the news yesterday that the coach is considering handling a call up to captain of ten team Musa who is presently playing for Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars. He hasn’t been involved since playing no role at the AFCON.

Musa rejected reports that he has retired from international football saying he is still available if called up. Chelle is said to be considering his inclusion based on his experience ahead of the crucial games which could decide their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

However the NFF through one of it’s chieftain said they won’t be involved in any decision to include Musa, and will respect the decision of the coach as they want him to be wholly responsible for whatever happens in both games.

He said no one at the NFF will have a say, but the list of the coach will be scrutinized by the technical department of the football house led by Austine Eguavoen when it is submitted.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Head coach of Barcelona Jose Mourinho opposed the decision of the hierarchy of Fenerbahce from allowing Nigeria international defender Bright Osayi-Samuel to leave the club in the recently concluded January transfer window.

Osayi-Samuel has refused to extend his deal which will expire in the summer. A situation that made the club to sanction his move to Fulham rather than risk him leaving for free at the end of the season.

Mourinho who even went as far as taking the Nigerian out of the list of registered players for the season owing to his inability to extend his contract forced the club into making a u-turn after they failed to get a replacement.

According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu , Mourinho opposed the idea of the 27 year old leaving the club by saying. “If Osayi leaves, I will have no right backs left in Europe, I am aiming for the final and the cup.”

His words forced the club into keeping the Nigerian and also continue to hope that he will have a change of heart and commit his future to them.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has taken the first step towards handing a recall to the English Premier League duo of Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Chelle who replaced interim coach Austine Eguavoen two months ago will have his first test with the team when they take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively in the world cup qualifiers in March.

Ahead of the game , the coach paid a visit to players of the team who are based in Europe. He had a brief meeting with those he met where he outlined his plans and strategy ahead of the games in March.

He met with the Southampton duo of Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu, two players who have not been a part of the setup for a while. He told them that they are in his plans for the upcoming games where he is optimistic that they will pick up the maximum points on offer.

Both players have been present for new coach Ivan Juric as the team battle to keep their Premier League status following promotion from the Championship.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Head coach of Premier South Africa League side Chippa United has admitted his mistake in playing Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley in their loss to TS Galaxy, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nwabali who is back in goal after losing both parents within a space of two months, and made a costly error when in his attempt to quickly release a teammate, he instead handed the ball directly to Damir Sosvic who scored the decisive goal just ten minutes from full time.

After the coach the coach was asked about the decision to play Nwabali, who is yet to fully recover from the effect of losing both of his parents within a space of two months.

“A good game from us, we didn’t lose it anywhere,” September was quoted as saying by FARPost. “I think we did everything we wanted to do. But it’s football.”

The coach admitted that he should have listened to the 28 year told who asked to be left out of the game. “Where we lost it, maybe it’s from the bench. From me, from the coaching side, because my goalkeeper did plead with me that he was not okay today and he wanted to rest. He’s going through a lot. Him being the number one goalkeeper, I pushed him and said he must play.

“Sometimes you must listen. For me as a coach just growing into that. So, I’ll take that. From the players, everyone gave 120% performance, so I’m happy about that; they gave it their best.”

He rounded up by praising Nwabali for his performance before and after the blunder. “He didn’t have much to do, maybe towards the end when we made mistakes and towards the end when we were chasing the game. But other than that, he did very well,” September concluded.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Nigeria international midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru responded in the most appropriate way to Lazio legend Fabio Liverani with a goal in their 5-1 mauling of Monza in the Italian Serie A.

Five days ago after their win over Cagliari, Liverani questioned the suitability of the Nigerian to the team saying he lacks what it takes to play for the team, where he is on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor.

The loan deal which carries an option for it to be made permanent at the end of the season has dominated discussions in recent times, but Liverani has his doubts about the 24 year old.

“Yesterday it was difficult to find great motivation. Unconsciously when you have already passed, mentally you concede something,” he told NMM via radiosei.it after the game against Cagliari.

“Maybe the disappointment on Monday was Dele-Bashiru. I see him back a little confused, not very organized, instead he had made great strides.

“I don’t know if it’s because he missed some games he thought he would play, I have no idea.”

Yesterday he came off the bench in the final 25th minute of the game against Lazio to score the fifth goal in the 88th minute. His third goal in 15 games this season. He also has two goals and two assists in the Europa League.

The viral report of the decision of on loan Chelsea midfield duo Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu has been termed as inaccurate by a chieftain of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Speaking to OwnGoalNigeria.com on the condition of anonymity, the FA Chief who is a part of the technical decision making body of the football house cleared the air on the state of the duo as it concerns playing for the Super Eagles.

” They are not in the list of players for the world cup qualifiers in March, rather they are in an enlarged list of players submitted by the technical director of the NFF Austine Eguavoen to the coach. It’s now up to Eric Chelle to convince them to switch to Nigeria”, he said.

” For Chukwuemeka it’s all positive for sometime now but that of Ugochukwu I am not sure he wants to play for Nigeria after breaking into the French setup. Like I said they are not in consideration for the games but in the plans of the coach if they decide to switch”.

He however said one player is already in the process of switching his nationality to Nigeria and the required documents have been forwarded to FIFA for consideration.

” I can tell you that one player is already neck deep in the process but I am sorry I can’t reveal his identity for now. He is the only one that has formally applied to play for Nigeria and we are working on it”, he concluded.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman