Fringe Super Eagles winger Marcus Abraham has been handed a five year deal by Portuguese giants FC Porto after impressing the coaches with his performances for the B team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

On loan from Nigerian top division side Remo Stars, the 24 year old has two caps for the senior national team of Nigeria both coming in the back to back friendly games against Cameroon in 2021, while he was on loan to second division Portuguese side Portimonense.

A return to the team is looking more likely with the confirmation that he will be signing a five year deal at Porto, as a reward for his return of seven goals and six assists in 27 games for the B team this season.

An agreement is expected to be reached with Remo Stars for his permanent signing, which will see him join the first team for pre season training with the hope that he will force his way into the first team next season.

In the the first team , he will team up with Nigeria senior international left back Zaidu Sanusi who is currently out injured, but expected to be fit for the start of pre season training.

Daniel Martins

The reason why Flformer coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro didn’t consider picking players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) during his 18 months spell as coach has been made known to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Peseiro who led the team to a second place finish at the AFCON losing 1-2 to the host Cote d’Ivoire in the final was criticized in some section of the Nigerian media for not looking the way of players playing in the league. He left his role in February upon the expiration of his contract as coach.

Reflecting on his time here, one of his Nigerian aides revealed that the coach watched couple of games in the league, as a matter of fact more than his predecessor Gernot Rohr did but didn’t see any player who is good enough to make the team.

” We all knew he watched a lot of games while here, but never saw anyone who can challenge for a spot in the team. The second idea was to call a young player who can develop and benefit from the experience of training with the senior team”, he said.

” The one thing he said worked against most players who are perceived as stars in the NPFL is there ages and the fact that they are slow. He spoke with a couple of coaches in the league on this urging them to recruit young and quick players. That is why he only considered goalkeepers and some young players while he was here as coach”, he concluded.

Ade Emmanuel

The newly appointed coach of the U17 team of Nigeria Manu Garba has picked 51 players for the first phase of camping as the team gears up for next month’s WAFU championship, which is the qualifiers for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Back at the helm for a third spell, the coach said the 51 players were picked from all part of the countries after a rigorous screening exercise which he started one month ago, when he was told he will be in charge of the team.

” I did a small tour and picked some on recommendation. We will access them and pick the best for the country, we don’t have enough time so we won’t be doing open screening”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

When asked why he picked such a huge number , he said the idea is to have at least three very good players in all positions in the event that any of the invited players failed the age detector test popularly called the MRI test.

” From my experience you can’t be too sure with the MRI test, so it’s better to have at least three players in each position. So that whatever happens you will always have options to pick from and build from there”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the 51 players are not the only player he will run the rule on as he is open to fresh recommendation even from players not born in the country, but eligible to represent Nigeria.

” Like I said some of the 51 players here with me came via recommendation. So I am open to that but we have to consider that time is short. Regardless of where you are born or based as long as you are eligible for Nigeria at this level, we will check to see if you are better than what we have before reaching a conclusion . I had a goalkeeper from West Ham (Daniel Jinadu) in my U17 team of 2019. He wasn’t born here”, he concluded.

Ade Emmanuel

Rugby as a sport is suitable for many body types and shapes, with a concentration on strength and endurance rather than size. The game offers both practical and theoretical advantages. For example, the squat and short are in the front row; the lofty and thin are in the second row. Finally, the smallest and smartest are the scrum-half, with the speed demons on the wings.

It is a fact that the economic growth of any sport benefits the betting sector. Rugby is no different, and since its advancement, rugby betting in South Africa has reached great heights. We cover everything in this post. Read on to learn about the recent transformation of rugby betting in the South African gaming industry.

Where It All Started: The Evolution of Rugby Betting

Betting is an activity that occurs in both formal and informal settings. As a result, it’s difficult to say when the first rugby bets were placed. However, several bookmakers made huge profits from betting on the Rugby Championship in the 1990s. These gains would eventually drive major betting services to promote the sport on a greater scale. Rugby betting is highly popular today, and players can wager on several markets. These markets include;

Out of all these options, handicap betting has become one of the most important aspects of rugby betting. This sort of bet assigns a disadvantage or advantage to a team, resulting in a handicap. The handicap bet is popular in sports where one team is a clear favorite to win. South African bookies include a handicap expressed in positive and negative points.

The positive represents underdogs, whereas the negative represents favorites. Tournament bets are also available for South African bettors. You can wager on the winner of a tournament, league, and so on. These bets are typically outright and can save you time throughout the tournament or league season. Visit https://onlinebettingsa.co.za/best-rugby-betting-sites/ to know how to wager on these games. On the table are popular tournaments that have ensured the transformation of rugby betting in South Africa.

Reasons for the Transformation of Rugby Betting

Rugby is one of the most predictable games in the world, with 4-6 top teams meeting in the World Cup Semifinals, which makes it even more appealing to bettors. There are other reasons, which we cover below.

Better Betting Platforms

The rise of internet betting and the proliferation of mobile betting apps are major advancements in the gaming sector. Many top bookies in South Africa give bettors the ability to play and win nearly anywhere. This feature contributes significantly to the appeal of rugby betting. However, with so many websites available, there is always the risk of falling victim to a digital gateway with dubious credentials.

In-Play Betting

Rugby follows more established patterns than football. As teams gain territory and progress through the phases, they can score a try or kick a penalty. It is important to note that rugby’s gameplay progression can provide a more pleasant in-play betting experience by making it easier to eliminate potentially game-changing situations.

Conclusions

Finally, online communities are a melting pot of different perspectives, experiences, and information. These platforms improve the overall betting experience for rugby bettors. They also provide a platform for fans to interact over their passion for rugby and betting.

How to win sports betting? Find out from the global bookmaker 1xBet’s announcement for the 3 decisive struggles in the Champions League, held on April 16-17. Bet on the quarter-finals’ second legs, but remember that betting is just entertainment and not a source of income.

Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain
In the Paris match, Raphinha opened the score in the 37th minute. Shortly after the break, Ousmane Dembele restored the balance, and Vitinha put the Parisians ahead. In the 62nd minute, Raphinha scored a brace, and 15 minutes later, substitute Andreas Christensen’s first touch of the ball set the final result – 2-3!

The home defeat changed Paris Saint-Germain’s position in long-term betting on the 2023/24 Champions League winner. Now, Luis Enrique’s squad is the No. 7 contender for the prestigious trophy. The strong-willed victory in the capital of France did not fundamentally increase Barcelona’s chances of winning the Champions League. On the 1xBet platform, the Catalans take only fifth place with 8.6 odds.

In the second leg, 1xBet analysts are more inclined towards the hosts’ success: the odds for their victory in regular time are 2.13, a draw is estimated at 4.11, and the odds for guests’ win are 3.25.

Bayern v Arsenal

In the outgoing season, Bayern has not lived up to its fans’ expectations, and a potential victory in the Champions League could be great compensation for the lost title in the Bundesliga. In London, Thomas Tuchel’s squad took an

important step towards an ambitious goal with a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. The score in the first leg was not surprising
–both teams have recognized strikers Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, who scored 2 out of 4 goals.

In the second leg, 1xBet analysts do not single out a favorite and give almost equal odds for Bayern’s (2.61) and Arsenal’s (2.69) victory, while a draw is estimated at 3.82.

However, in long-term bets on the Champions League winner, the Gunners have a slight advantage over the Reds – 6.2 vs. 7.4.

Manchester City v Real Madrid

The clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid have become classics of the modern Champions League. On April 9, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola’s teams played their seventh head-to-head match in the last four years. The struggle between bitter rivals will be remembered not only for the result but also for the excellent game, which ended in a 3-3 draw. 6 goals performed by 6 players, an exciting match scenario – this is exactly why we love football.

At the Etihad, City can take home pitch advantage to reach the final. The 1.70 odds for City to win eloquently indicate the favorite. The odds for other outcomes are the following: draw – 4.31, and Real Madrid win – 4.75. Man City is the No. 1 contender for the Champions League trophy with 2.62 odds, while Real Madrid takes third place (7.4) with big experience in conquering the top from the hidden favorite position.

How to bet football and get money? Log in to the website or app, deposit your account, go to the line, select a tournament and match, and then place a bet. Play responsibly without compromising your family budget!

A new name has emerged as one of the favourite to be named the new coach of the senior national team of Nigeria following the exit of Jose Peseiro upon the expiration of his contract as coach of the team, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclude report.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will tomorrow screened shortlisted candidates for the job, and per what we exclusively gathered three foreign coaches are currently leading the race to be named as coach of the team.

Former coach of the senior national team of Cameroon Toni Conceição is said to be highly regarded and favoured in some quarters, but Spanish coach Domenec Torrent has the backing of a very respected member of the board.

Last week the entire episode took a twist with the name of Dutchman Danny Buijs now an option pushed by a highly influential football administrator. The idea appears to be gaining ground among members of the board of the NFF.

Buijs is currently the head coach of 11th place Dutch Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard, he has managed a couple of teams before joining his present team where he is earning praises for their current position on the table.

The 41 year old is a former player who didn’t have that much success making him to move into coaching at a very young age. He holds a UEFA Pro coaching license which is required by CAF for coaches not in possession of CAF A coaching license.

A member of the board who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity said Buijs is willing to leave his role as coach of the Dutch side at the end of the season to take over as coach of the Super Eagles, and he is well within their budget.

He further said, his age is a huge catch as he is the youngest among the coaches who applied but has similar qualifications and qualities like most of them. His only problem is his lack of international exposure and knowledge of African football.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The race for who will be the next substantive coach of the senior national team of Nigeria is expected to reach a whole new height tomorrow, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

We exclusively gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will screen the shortlisted candidates for the job, picked from the list of over 60 who applied for the post made vacant by the exit of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro.

Peseiro left his role upon the expiration of his contract as coach at the end of February, a few weeks after leading the team to a second place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations losing 1-2 to the host Cote d’Ivoire.

In the list of his potential successor, the present interim coach of the team Finidi George wasn’t considered but he is prime to keep his role as one of  the assistants of the new coach, due to the fact that he has been with the team for 18 months.

Finidi was knocked out of the race because he doesn’t possess a UEFA Pro coaching license, and the games which he handled the team in caretaker capacity resulted in fracas with some players in the team over his man management.

Meanwhile, three foreign coaches are currently blazing the trail in the race and they are Dutchman Danny Buijs, Portuguese coach Toni Conceição and Spanish coach Domenec Torrent.

Emmanuel Amuneke is also in the final list of coaches for the job just like the current coach of the U20 team of the United States of America Micheal Nsien. Both coaches hold UEFA pro coaching licenses and it played a role in shorting them.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The race for the international future of Arsenal teen sensation Chido Obi-Martin has been narrowed to the duo of England and Denmark with Nigeria told they stand no chance in luring the 16 year old to play for the Super Eagles, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Born in Denmark to parents of Nigerian descent, the free scoring teen caught the attention of the world when he scored 10 goals for Arsenal in a 14-3 victory over Liverpool’s u16 team, he stepped up to the U18s and has found the back of the net 16 times in five games.

Eligible to represent Nigeria, Denmark or England at senior level, it is the Danes who are currently taking the lead as he has played 20 games for their youth teams with 13 goals. However England according to the coach of the Danish U17 side Jesper Mikkelsen have been in touch with the player’s camp to have him switch nationality.

We spoke with Denmark based journalist Nicklas Jorgensen and he revealed that playing for Nigeria hasn’t been mentioned in the discussion of the international future of Chido-Obi, saying it will amount to a waste of time if Nigeria try to tempt him with any move.

” The talks has been very much about playing for England or Denmark and he feels Danish. Grew up here and loves to play here. No mention of Nigeria at any time so it will be a total waste of time if they (NFF) contact him”, he said.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to hand the job of the U17 team to Manu Garba is one that has generated lot of discussion, with a lot of question centered on the rationale behind handing him the job again, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Manu will officially begin his third spell as coach of the team since leading them to the U17 World Cup title in 2013. He was at the helm in 2015 and also 2019.  Only three other people in Emmanuel Amuneke, Fatai Amoo and Nduka Ugbade has handled the team since Manu in 2013.

Speaking on the decision to hand the Gombe born tactician the job,  a top executive member of the NFF said critics of the appointment know little or nothing about the antecedents of the coach.

” People don’t know who Manu Garba is and what he has done is criminally underated and understated. No coach has produce the number of players he has who have made it to the Super Eagles from U17. Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho top the list”, he said.

” Manu is someone who has eyes for talents and if given the necessary support without interference he will no doubt deliver. U17 is developmental just like U20. We want to see players progression not winning the title even though that isn’t bad. If you are using that parameter then he is the best U17 coach ever”.

On the timing of the appointment, which is coming less than a month to the start of the WAFU tournament which is the qualifiers for the AFCON, he said only an experienced coach like Manu can deliver within such a short frame.

” That a failing on our part because we should have made the appointment public a lot earlier. But Manu isn’t new to the job and he knows how to go about it and deliver within the shortest possible time. He is the man for the job”, he concluded.

17 year old  FC Cartagena of Spain goalkeeper Jhafets Christ Dick Reyes have been handed a first time call up to the U20 team of Ecuador as they get set for a friendly tournament in Türkiye, OwnGoalNigeria.comreports.

Jhafets Reyes who at 17 is already the established first choice goalkeeper of the U19 of the Spanish second division side is eligible to play for three countries in Nigeria, Spain and Ecuador.

His invitation has sparked confusion on his nationality as he is also eligible for Spain and the senior national team of Nigeria through his Nigerian father. He qualifies for Ecuador through his mother.

Already he has been penciled down for a training camp with the youth team of Spain, a move which many said prompted Ecuador to hand him a call up in order to secure his future. He is now expected to make a decision.

Highly rated by followers of the youth team of the second division side, he has made six appearances this summer and conceded nine goals, with one clean sheet to his name. His senior international future is one to keep an eye on.

Ade Emmanuel