Captain of the senior national team of Nigeria William Troost-Ekong has explained the key point in his decision to pursue a senior international career with Nigeria despite spending time with the youth teams of the Netherlands, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Born to parents of Nigerian descent in the Netherlands, the 31 year old was eligible for both nations and the Dutch stole a march on Nigeria by having him in their training camp and even played for their U19 and U20 in friendly games, before making the decision to represent Nigeria.

Speaking during The Sports Afterparty Podcast, Ekong explained how a phone call from the former coach of the senior national team Stephen Keshi swayed his decision to pursue an international career with Nigeria, instead of waiting to progress through the ranks with the Netherlands.

“I had the decision quite early in my career. I was 20 at the time, I just finished my breakthrough season in the Netherlands, first year of playing probably 30 plus games (22 games, ed) in the Eredivisie, which is the highest league in the Netherlands.

“All of a sudden I got a phone call from Stephen Keshi, who was the coach at the time, ex-captain and ex-player, so I was quite blown away he called me before then right at the start of the season, I had played for the Dutch U19 and U20 squads, but there was no real perspective yet for the first team.

He went further to explain why someone like Michael Olise of Bayern Munich, who was called up to the Super Eagles squad by former coach Gernot Rohr picked playing for France ahead of Nigeria and Algeria.

“When I had that call, it wasn’t necessarily maybe in the same boat when you talk about Olise from Bayern Munich for example when he chose to play for France and he could have played for Nigeria, Algeria, England. He had all those options there on the table for him.

“This was the only tangible option that I had. The choice was between trying to progress and later in my career maybe have a chance to play for the Netherlands or have a chance now to play for the Super Eagles who were kind of going through a transition stage where a lot of their defenders that time were a little bit older, so I knew that they wanted to make some changes there.

“I said yes very quickly because I thought if I can have a chance to become an international at 21 years old I probably have a good chance of making a career after if I do well.”

Benin Republic are facing a crisis in defence ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifiers game against Nigeria at their adopted home ground in Cote d’Ivoire, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Gernot Rohr the head coach of the team will be without influential first choice defender Cédric Hountondji who is presently injured. He received further bad news during Tuesday training session ahead of the game on Thursday.

Rohr announced after the session that Olivier Verdon will not take part in the game against Nigeria in addition to David Kiki who isn’t fully fit yet after returning from a two months injury lay off.

“We are missing key players but we will do without them. In the axis we would have liked to have Cedric and Olivier with us but they are not there” ,  he said before explaining the situation with Kiki.

“Kiki is still a little short to resume right away. He has been injured for two months but he has regained his health” . So there is great uncertainty”, the coach said.

It leaves the coach with only Mohamed Tijani as his regular starter in central defense, and even in midfield they will be without Matteo Ahlinvi, who could have been an option to help out in defence.

Gabriel Osho was among the new names called up to the senior national team of Nigeria for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers games against Benin Republic and Rwanda respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Osho was first called up for the post AFCON friendly games against Ghana and Benin Republic respectively by former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, while he was at English Premier League side Luton Town FC.

He however didn’t honor the invitation and in an interview with the media channel of the NFF, he explained that injury made him to snub the invitation saying this recent invitation came at the appropriate time.

Now at French Ligue 1 side Auxerre, the 26 year old who made his return from the injury and starred in their shock 3-1 win over Marseille last weekend is already in the camp of the Nigerian team for the first of the two games, which will be against Benin Republic on Thursday.

So far he has missed just two games and both were caused by injury and fitness issues. He faces a huge task to dislodge the duo of Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the Super Eagles defence but he feels he is somewhat different from the duo.

” I like to defend on the front foot and I can comfortably play as a left full back or right back. I also love to get in among the goals but I prefer stopping them which is my primary role on the pitch”, he explained upon joining Auxerre in the summer on a free transfer from Luton.

As many as 21 players are currently in the camp of the senior national team of Nigeria for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers games against Benin Republic and Rwanda respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

The first of the two games will be played on Thursday at the adopted home ground of Benin Republic which is in the Ivorian city of Abidjan. Four days later they will take on Rwanda in their final game of the series.

Super Eagles need just a point to seal a spot at next year’s tournament. Ahead of both games interim coach Austine Eguavoen called up 23 players and as at the time of this report all but two two players in Stanley Nwabali and Sadiq Umar are yet to arrive in the camp.

They are however expected to be around before the team’s first session which will take place by 7pm Nigerian time.

Below is the list of players in the camp at the moment.

Players in Camp:

Amas Obasogie

Raphael Onyedika

Frank Onyeka

Moses Simon

Bruno Onyemaechi

Samuel chukwueze

Gabriel Osho

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Wilfred Ndidi

Kelechi Iheanacho

Maduka Okoye

Victor Boniface

Victor Osimhen

William Troost-Ekong

Ademola Lookman

Ola Aina

Calvin Bassey

Alhassan Yusuf

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Alex Iwobi

Victor Collins

Soccer has long been celebrated for its simplicity and tradition. Yet, modern technology is reshaping the game, offering a thrilling blend of tradition and innovation. How do we balance these changes while keeping the essence of soccer alive?

How Technology is Transforming Soccer

Technology is undeniably altering soccer. From decision-making tools like VAR to training enhancements through VR, technology is setting new standards for the beautiful game. Data analytics has revolutionized soccer management and decision-making, allowing teams to fine-tune tactics and player performance. Similarly, technology is influencing soccer betting, with advanced algorithms and real-time data helping bettors make more informed decisions, just as teams use analytics to improve their strategies.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee)

VAR is a system that uses video technology to assist referees in making critical decisions during matches. It reviews four main incidents: goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. Referees can pause the game to review footage on a pitch-side monitor or consult with the VAR team in a control room.

Impact of VAR

VAR has significantly improved fairness in soccer by reducing errors. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, VAR confirmed 29 goals, awarded 16 penalties, and reviewed 455 incidents.

In the 2019 Champions League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, a critical moment occurred when a goal scored by Manchester City was not allowed, significantly altering the course of the game. This technology ensures clarity and accuracy in officiating, making the game fairer for all.

Goal-Line Technology

Goal-line technology uses electronic devices to determine if a ball has crossed the goal line. It typically involves cameras placed around the stadium that track the ball’s position in real-time, providing instant decisions.

Impact of Goal-Line Technology

This technology has revolutionized soccer by eliminating controversies over disputed goals. It ensures fairness and integrity, boosting referee confidence and team trust in match results. With goal-line technology, referees can make more confident calls, knowing the technology supports their decisions.

Wearable Technology

Wearable technology in soccer includes devices like GPS trackers, heart rate monitors, and accelerometers. These gadgets are worn by players during training and matches to collect data on their physical performance.

Impact on Player Performance and Injury Prevention

Wearable technology has transformed player performance analysis and injury prevention. Coaches and sports scientists use data from these devices to assess fitness levels, track workload, and optimize training regimes. Additionally, wearable tech helps identify injury risks early, allowing for targeted interventions to prevent injuries and prolong players’ careers.

Data Analytics in Soccer

Data analytics has become crucial in modern soccer, playing a vital role in scouting, game strategy, and player performance analysis. Clubs collect vast amounts of data from matches, training sessions, and player biometrics to gain insights into various aspects of the game.

Impact on Football Management

Data analytics has revolutionized football management, allowing clubs to identify and acquire talented players through advanced scouting and statistical analysis. Through data-driven insights, coaches can craft game strategies that capitalize on their team’s strengths and target opponents’ weaknesses.Consequently, successful clubs often credit their achievements to implementing data analytics strategically.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR provide engaging training and fan engagement opportunities in soccer. VR creates simulated environments for immersive training, improving decision-making skills and spatial awareness, leading to better performance. AR overlays digital content onto the real world, providing interactive experiences for fans during matches and events.

Impact on Player Development and Fan Engagement

The adoption of VR and AR in soccer has profoundly impacted player development and fan engagement. Within a risk-free environment, players can participate in absorbing training sessions that mimic match situations, fostering the refinement of their abilities. AR technology enhances the matchday experience for fans by offering interactive content, such as real-time statistics, player profiles, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. Overall, VR and AR are transforming soccer by revolutionizing training methodologies and elevating fan interactions.

Addressing Content Gaps and Future Trends

Emerging technologies like AI-driven performance analysis and drone-based training are not yet widely adopted but hold promise for future advancements. These innovations could further enhance player development, strategy formulation, and fan engagement. As technology evolves, soccer will continue to adapt, integrating new tools to improve the game while maintaining its traditional roots.

Conclusion

Technology is reshaping soccer through innovations like VAR, goal-line technology, wearable tech, data analytics, and VR/AR. These advancements enhance fairness, accuracy, and player performance while elevating fan experiences. The future of soccer lies in balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring the beautiful game remains exciting and fair for all.

Top division Belgium League side Union SG have tabled an offer for the signing of Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali when the transfer market opens in January, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nwabali starred for Nigeria at the AFCON, where they went all the way to the final of the tournament before losing to the host Cote d’Ivoire 1-2. He was widely expected to leave South Africa Premier League side Chippa United in the summer on the back of his performance at the tournament.

However, that move didn’t work and stayed behind to sign an extension, and was rewarded for his loyalty with the captain armband but he could be on the move in January according to reports in South Africa.

“The Belgian club has made an offer. Now, money will decide his move. You know, Chippa United has valued him at R40 million, and currently, we are unsure what Royale Union has offered. They desperately need a goalkeeper ahead of January. They were not performing well in the league when they expressed their desire to sign him as soon as possible, but it all depends on whether Royale Union’s offer meets Chippa’s demands. The offer is there, and they really need him,” a source revealed to the Siya crew.

A source close to the deal according to the publication hinted that since Kaizer Chiefs now have a new shot stopper in Fiacre Ntwari and Orlando Pirates have moved on from wanting to sign the Nigerian, a move to Europa is his only option at the moment.

“This is the only chance for him to move. Chiefs aren’t signing him; neither are Pirates. This leaves him with the opportunity to move to Europe. Royale Union has reportedly tabled an offer. It’s now up to Chippa United to agree on the offer or negotiate terms. But a local move seems highly unlikely at the moment,” the source observed.

There have been calls for Wilfred Ndidi to be handed the Super Eagles number 10 role following his impressive performances for Leicester City in the English Premier League in an advanced role, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Ndidi currently tops the assists chart for the English Premier League side with four to his name. He has also mastered the role that he first played last season during their bid to bounce back to the English Premier League which was successful at the end.

However for Nigeria, he is still deployed as the deepest of a midfield three most times, a role he made his own years ago for club and country by winning tackles, breaking up plays and carrying the ball in transition.

Those traits are no longer his strengths and it explains why he is now playing in an advanced role at his club, and many feels he should be handed the same role with the Super Eagles, however a senior player in the team disagrees.

” You have to look at what Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is doing in that role and also Alex Iwobi before you draw conclusions. Ndidi isn’t a bad option to have in that role but we are not playing the same setup like Leicester City. In our system I think Dele-Bashiru and Iwobi are better in that role”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

The head coach of the senior national team of Benin Republic Gernot Rohr has explained the reason behind his decision to call Remo Stars goalkeeper Serge Obassa to his squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers games against Nigeria and Libya respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Benin Republic head into the game against Nigeria needing to avoid a defeat while Super Eagles need a point to seal a spot at the tournament. Rohr who handled the Super Eagles for almost six years is leaving no stone unturned ahead of the game.

Obassa is not expected to be first choice or be in goal against the Super Eagles on Thursday, but the coach has already outlined the key reason why he was included in the squad.

“Obviously, Sergio Obassa knows Nigerian football very well since he plays for Remo Stars, which is one of the best clubs in Nigeria at the moment. So his experience and know-how can also be useful to us, whether in training or possibly in matches”, he explained.

He went further to cite a certain weak spot in the Nigerian team that his team will likely exploit saying the Nigerian defence isn’t all that good based on the manner they have conceded goals in previous games.

“It is Serge Obassa in the list of three goalkeepers with Alagbé and Dandjinou. And then we also have the return of Lenny Piringuel who, with his new club, Rouen, is starting to find his marks, his liveliness, interests us a lot. Especially against a Nigerian team that could have small problems in defense, we hope”.

The head coach of the senior national team of Benin Republic Gernot Rohr has explained the reason behind his decision to call Remo Stars goalkeeper Serge Obassa to his squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers games against Nigeria and Libya respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Benin Republic head into the game against Nigeria needing to avoid a defeat while Super Eagles need a point to seal a spot at the tournament. Rohr who handled the Super Eagles for almost six years is leaving no stone unturned ahead of the game.

Obassa is not expected to be first choice or be in goal against the Super Eagles on Thursday, but the coach has already outlined the key reason why he was included in the squad.

“Obviously, Sergio Obassa knows Nigerian football very well since he plays for Remo Stars, which is one of the best clubs in Nigeria at the moment. So his experience and know-how can also be useful to us, whether in training or possibly in matches”, he explained.

He went further to cite a certain weak spot in the Nigerian team that his team will likely exploit saying the Nigerian defence isn’t all that good based on the manner they have conceded goals in previous games.

“It is Serge Obassa in the list of three goalkeepers with Alagbé and Dandjinou. And then we also have the return of Lenny Piringuel who, with his new club, Rouen, is starting to find his marks, his liveliness, interests us a lot. Especially against a Nigerian team that could have small problems in defense, we hope”.

Gabriel Osho was among the new names called up to the senior national team of Nigeria for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers games against Benin Republic and Rwanda respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Osho was first called up for the post AFCON friendly games against Ghana and Benin Republic respectively but missed both games due to an injury picked up, while on club duties with English Premier League side Luton Town FC.

Now at French Ligue 1 side Auxerre, the 26 year old who made his return from the injury and starred in their shock 3-1 win over Marseille last weekend is already in the camp of the Nigerian team for the first of the two games, which will be against Benin Republic on Thursday.

So far he has missed just two games and both were caused by injury and fitness issues. He faces a huge task to dislodge the duo of Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the Super Eagles defence but he feels he is somewhat different from the duo.

” I like to defend on the front foot and I can comfortably play as a left full back or right back. I also love to get in among the goals but I prefer stopping them which is my primary role on the pitch”, he explained upon joining Auxerre in the summer on a free transfer from Luton.