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Football | Zikoko!
  • 8 Songs the Super Eagles Should Have on their Playlist

    8 Songs the Super Eagles Should Have on their Playlist

    As the Super Eagles continue their 2024 African’s Cup of Nations campaign, we send them our best wishes.

    What better way to do this than create a playlist that solidifies our mission in Côte d’Ivoire. These songs have all the motivation, ginger and fire our boys need to clinch the top prize.

    Play:

    Africa — Yemi Alade ft. Sauti Sol

    It doesn’t matter if it’s the Super Eagles or Black Stars, we are Africans first. This song by Mama Africa, featuring Kenya’s Sauti Sol, tops this playlist for good reason.  It constantly reminds us of our roots and how we’re better united as one.

    Want It All — Burna Boy ft. Polo G

    Burna opened this song with “Remember when dem no believe me no more?” 

    Well, that’s the case of the Super Eagles; last time we won the AFCON was 2013. A decade later, we’re back to take our chances at winning. As a serious team in this to win every goddamn prize, there’s no better motivating song.

    23 — Burna Boy

    Though 23 is a reference to basketballer Michael Jordan, this song can makes you feel like Messi or Ronaldo. This song doesn’t only pump confidence, it makes you feel invincible.The Super Eagles need this.

    Oya Come Make We Go — 2Baba ft. Sauti Sol

    Watch the room luminate when our boys play ‘Oya Come Make We Go’ as they leave the dressing room for the pitch. This is essentially saying “let’s go there and have a blast.”

    Overkilling — Djinee

    Fifteen years later, Djinee’s Overkilling is still the anthem for the people chasing excellence, AKA overkilling, in their fields. This isn’t to exaggerate Super Eagles’ capability, but we can fake it till everyone believes it.

    Champion — General Pype

    “This is the sound of the champion,” like General Pype said in this song. In fact, it must blast in the stadium when we finally win the 2024 AFCON IJN.

    Undisputed Champion — M.I Abaga

    M.I’s Undisputed Champion emphasizes the need to build a winning mentality. It’s the anthem that rouses you from sleep.

    Stand Strong — Davido ft. Sunday Service Choir

    After our draw against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024, our boys clearly need to hold onto this confidence-boost song. Whether the Super Eagles “minus” before the 2024 AFCON final or not, it should keep playing. Recommended it in the morning, afternoon and night.

    Yo, Take This Quiz to Prove How Well You Know Nigeria’s National Football Team

  • QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Nigeria’s National Football Team?

    QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Nigeria’s National Football Team?

    This is the true test of your knowledge on the Nigerian Super Eagles, before you disgrace your citizenship in front of an outsider.

    Take the quiz:

    Who was “The Boss”?

  • CAF Awards 2023: The Top Highlights as Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala Win Big

    CAF Awards 2023: The Top Highlights as Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala Win Big

    The 2023 edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony was on Monday, December 11, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

    CAF Awards 2023: Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala Win Big

    At the ceremony, three Nigerian footballers joined the ranks of Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, Victor Ikpeba and Kanu Nwankwo, who have all won big in the past. 

    We highlighted the major moments from the star-studded night.

    CAF Awards 2023: Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala Win Big

    Image source: Instagram/@victorosimhen9

    The Nigerian striker who’s had an interesting year, especially with his Italian club, Napoli, won the CAF African Player of the Year award for the first time. Osimhen was in stiff competition with Moroccan full-back, Achraf Hakimi, and Egyptian striker, Mohammed Salah, who were also shortlisted in the category.

    In an appreciation post on X, Osimhen shared how his football journey has had lots of highs and lows, how his parents’ death earlier in 2023 “left a scar in his heart”. The striker said the recognition is a testament to his hard work, love and support from fans. “I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award.” 

    Asisat Oshoala’s 6th CAF win

    CAF Awards 2023: Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala Win Big

    Image source: Instagram/@asisat_oshoala

    Nigerian footballer, Asisat Oshoala, made history after securing her sixth win at the CAF Awards ceremony. The FC Barcelona player who is currently the club’s highest-scoring foreign player, won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for the sixth time. Oshoala won the category in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. For CAF Awards 2023, she was up against South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda.

    Chiamaka Nnadozie wins a new award category

    CAF Awards 2023: Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala Win Big

    The Nigerian footballer who plays for Paris FC became the first-ever recipient of the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Nnadozie was up against Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

    Ghetto Kid’s performance

    Months after an impressive outing at Britain’s Got Talent, popular dance group, Ghetto Kids, made their way to the CAF Awards stage in Morocco. The Ugandan kids thrilled the audience with a dance performance to Eltee Skillz’s ODG and their song, Leero Dance.

    19-year-old Lamine Camara’s win

    Image source: Instagram/@lamine_camara_15

    Senegalese and FC Mert’s player, Lamine Camara, snagged the 2023 CAF Young Player of The Year award. Camara was in the race alongside Abdessamad Ezzalzouli of Morocco and fellow Senegalese, Amara Diouf, for the category.

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    Victor and Asisat’s joint appearance on stage

    The biggest award recipients of the night, Victor and Asisat, gave fans more bragging rights when they appeared on the CAF Awards stage and hugged. Outside the venue, sports journalist, Kelechi Anyikude, got fans to chant their names.

    Super Falcons win

    Image source: Instagram/@nigeriasuperfalcons

    Nigeria’s female football team, the Super Falcons, won the National Team of the Year (women’s category) award. They bagged the CAF Awards 2023 category over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco and Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

  • Napoli Sparks Outrage After Trolling Victor Osimhen on TikTok Over Missed Penalty

    Napoli Sparks Outrage After Trolling Victor Osimhen on TikTok Over Missed Penalty

    International football club, Napoli, recently trolled striker, Victor Osimhen, on TikTok over a missed penalty during a match against Bologna. 

    Here’s all we know about the situation which has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Nigerians and sparked outrage against the club.

    Napoli Sparks Outrage After Trolling Victor Osimhen Over Missed Penalty

    What happened?

    Nigerian footballer, Victor Osimhen, striker for international football club, Napoli, lost a penalty that could’ve earned the club a win over its opponent, Bologna, during an Italian league match on Sunday, September 24.

    Osimhen was also substituted out 87 minutes into the game, an action which led him to air his frustrations against his manager, Rudi Garcia, during the match. However, according to reports, the footballer apologised to his manager and teammates after his outburst.

    A day after the match, the club trolled Osimhen in a now-deleted TikTok video on its official page. This clip which has since gone viral on social media carried the text, “Gimme penalty please” and included a muddled audio playback of the words.

    Shortly after the video went live, Nigerians flooded X with their outrage against the club over the distasteful post.

    [ad]

    Osimhen’s history with Napoli

    The Nigerian footballer joined the Serie A club as a striker in 2020 for a club fee reportedly pegged at €70 million and expected to rise to €80 million with additional add-ons.

    Prior to joining the club, Osimhen had played as a striker for French club, Lille. 

    In the last three years, he’s arguably grown to be the club’s best player. He was the highest goal scorer in the 2022/2023 campaign and won the Serie A Golden Boot. Osimhen’s 1-1 draw at Udinese won the club their first Serie A title in 33 years in May 2023.

    In the past, Osimhen has been widely celebrated by both the club and its supporters.

    READ ALSO: The Many Non-Football Battles of the Super Falcons

    Calls for public apology 

    Despite the club taking the video down from TikTok, some Nigerians have called on the club to tender an official apology. Others have asked Osimhen to consider exiting. 

    This is a developing story.

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  • The Many Non-Football Battles of the Super Falcons

    The Many Non-Football Battles of the Super Falcons

    Nigeria’s female national team, the Super Falcons, don’t have it easy with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). In 2019, the players were owed allowances and bonuses until they threatened a protest. The same thing happened in July 2023, when the Falcons planned to boycott the first match at Australia and New Zealand’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, they’re back home since their exit from the competition, and their battle hasn’t ended.

    Super Falcons (Twitter)

    On August 7, 2023, the Super Falcons lost 4-2 to England after a penalty shoot-out during the “round of 16” stage. But one would expect the team to be warmly welcomed back home after their impressive performance, appreciated for their patriotism and encouraged to go harder next time. No. They were met with unfulfilled promises, unpaid salaries and general mistreatment.

    Here’s exactly what we know about this disappointing situation.

    Their World Cup 2023 exit 

    The Nigerian-based players returned home on August 10. The diaspora players, and their foreign coach, Randy Waldrum, reportedly left the team a few hours after they were disqualified from the tournament on August 7.

    Poor camp conditions

    During an interview with The Guardian, the Super Falcons’ forward player, Ifeoma Onumonu, lamented about the lack of utilities in the Nigerian camp. Not only were their basic living conditions subpar, according to her, they even had to share beds. She added that their joy about the great resources of England is their sorrow at home.

    No camp amenities

    Back in Nigeria, the Super Falcons allegedly don’t have gyms or recovery facilities. According to Ifeoma’s statement, the training fields are ill-maintained, rocks and bumpy grass everywhere. If you kick the ball towards the goal post, don’t be surprised if it lands at the throw-in line.

    They haven’t seen their 2023 World Cup prize money

    A 2023 payment policy change stipulated that the World Cup prize money should be sent to the players without a third party. But the chair of the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL), Aisha Folade, still paid the players through the NFF. The Falcons, who are entitled to $60,000 each after entering the round of 16, are yet to receive their money.

    Old dues are unpaid too

    On the Whistle podcast in July 2023, Coach Randy Waldrum revealed that the NFF still owes him his salary for seven months, after they made some outstanding payments that month. He also said that there are players who haven’t received a dime in two years.

    FIFPro backs Super Falcons

    On August 8, the global players’ union known as FIFPro promised to work with the players to make sure their rights are respected and outstanding payments for salary, bonuses, camp allowances and expenses are made.

    Even the under-20s suffer

    Ifeoma Onumonu opened up that the Super Falcons aren’t the only ones going through it. In August 2022, the Super Falconets slept at the Istanbul Airport for 24 hours after they were eliminated from the 2022 Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Meanwhile the men’s national team, Super Eagles, have less to complain about besides the exclusion of our local players.

    NFF said it’ll pay the players “soon”

    That FIFPro pressure must be bussing on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). On August 15, the Federation’s president, Ibrahim Gusau, said they will pay the Super Falcons soon. No date or how soon. But he remembered to gaslight the players for waiting two years to speak out. 

  • It’s the Super Falcons’ World And We’re Just Living In It

    It’s the Super Falcons’ World And We’re Just Living In It

    In the weeks leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, there was a lot of unrest in the Super Falcons Camp. Clashes between the NFF and the coaching staff and players about owed salaries and bonuses meant many Nigerian fans expected very little when the tournament began. All these distractions coupled with the fact that they were the lowest-ranked team (40)  in the star-studded group that had Canada (7), Australia (10) — the co-hosts alongside New Zealand — and the Republic of Ireland (22) meant many pundits predicted that these teams would take turns to give Nigeria a proper beating.

    Source: Zikoko memes

    We’re now two games in, and it’s looking like Nigeria is taking no prisoners.

    Super falcons
    Source: Zikoko memes

    After a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Canada, the confidence in the team began to rise. A penalty save from Chiamaka Nnadozie was the highlight of a very solid defensive display from Nigeria. Their second game, however, is where the team truly shone.  Coming from a goal down to defeat the co-hosts Australia, was as big as underdog stories could get. After 45 minutes of the Nigerian goal being peppered with Australian shots, they finally broke the deadlock in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. But their lead lasted only as long as it takes the average person who relocates to Canada, to start a Youtube channel. About five minutes later, Uchenna Kalu slotted in the equalizer. 

    Super Falcons
    Source: Zikoko memes

    This was the second-ever first-half goal scored by Nigeria at the Women’s World Cup, despite playing in 18 matches across previous editions.

    Nigeria now leads group B heading into the final game and while a draw against already knocked out Republic of Ireland will confirm qualification, a win will put Nigeria on top of the group.

    The Australian team, backed by the over 40,000 fans in the stadium, fought to regain their lead but like my people say, no matter how lizard do press-up reach, he no fit get muscle reach alligator. Two goals from Osinachi Ohale (66) and Asisat Oshoala (72) put the game beyond reach for the Australians. They huffed and puffed and managed to snatch a consolatory goal in the 10th minute of added time as the Falcons defended their lead with their lives

    What this means for Nigeria

    Nigeria now leads group B heading into the final game and while a draw against already knocked out Republic of Ireland will confirm qualification, a win will put Nigeria on top of the group.

    Super Falcons

    The only thing Nigerians love more than a big win is bragging about the win. Nigerians, in expected fashion, took to twitter to “pepper the haters.”

    This win has also drawn some media attention to the salaries the players are being owed as the Arsenal legend Ian Wright tweeted at the NFF to pay them.


    This started the hashtag #paythem. Although the NFF hasn’t said anything about this, Nigerians have chosen to celebrate this iconic win. There were also some  records broken as the Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi became the oldest African and second-oldest player to play in the world cup at 40 years old. 

    Asisat Oshoala also became the first African player to score in three different world cups (2015, 2019 and now 2023). Agba Baller herself. Asisat Oshoala’s celebration is one that will surely be talked about for ages to come as women removing their shirts when celebrating is not as common as seen on the men’s side.


    Now that qualification from the group is very likely, the Nigerian team will focus on going as far in the competition as possible. 

    Chop chop, we have a world cup to win.

  • Things You Can Do Now That The Football Season Is Over

    Things You Can Do Now That The Football Season Is Over

    The 2022/2023 season is over. Since there’s no more mainstream football to consume, here are the things you can do to pass the time till next season begins.

    Play football

    football season over
    Source: Zikoko memes

    You’ve been slandering footballers all year. It’s time to go outside and put your money where your mouth is. Who knows, a scout might see you and your journey to football stardom will begin.

    Follow the latest transfers

    Fabrizio Romano
    Source: Fabrizio Romano

    Transfers are interesting. One minute, your captain is telling you how much he loves the team the next you hear he’s moved to Zikoko FC for 6 Kegs of fuel. Here we go.

    Get into a relationship

    football season over
    Source: Zikoko memes

    Yes, you might get heartbroken, but your team probably did worse to your heart last season than any relationship can. Take that leap of faith.

    Rest

    football season over
    Source: Zikoko memes

    You need to recover all the energy you spent over the last year defending your club. It was most likely in vain but you need to prepare for next season. The supporters of rival clubs will be taking no prisoners next season.

    Read

    football season is over
aki writing meme
    Source: Zikoko memes

    I know reading can be difficult, but that’s only when you read boring stuff. Read Zikoko articles. You’ll never be bored.

    Write

    football season is over
Pray meme
    Source: Zikoko memes

    If you don’t think reading isn’t fun, maybe writing will be. Songs, poems, and stories will do. A diss track for a rival club ahead of next season>>>

    Pray

    football season is over
pray meme
    Source: Zikoko memes

    Pray to the god of banter so next season favours your team. Things might still go south but at least you know you tried.

  • Nigerian Musicians Aren’t Playing; They’re on the Biggest Sports Stages Now

    Nigerian Musicians Aren’t Playing; They’re on the Biggest Sports Stages Now

    It’s now casual doings for afrobeats to break or set one or two records daily. And performing at the biggest sport events in the world is just part of it. We compile all the times our music has been on these iconic stages.

    Several CAF Awards

    This organisation is obviously a huge fan of afrobeats. Everyone from Yemi Alade and Korede Bello (2016) to Wizkid (2017) and Tiwa Savage (2017 and 2022) have graced that stage. And it’s hard to forget Flavour’s 2016 performance with the cultural dancers and masquerade.

    2022 World Cup final

    Two major historical things happened at this huge event. France became the first team to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and lose. And it was the first time the competition would put out a theme song collection, featuring different international artists. Davido was one of them, making him the first Nigerian musician to perform on a FIFA World Cup stage, joining Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour and Benin Republic’s Angelique Kidjo.

    2022 World Tennis League commencement ceremony

    On the 20th of December, 2022, Wizkid made history as the first and only afrobeats artist to perform at the league’s commencement ceremony, alongside Ne-Yo and Armin van Buuren. At the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Wiz entertained the multicultural audience with hit songs like Azonto, Fever, Soco and Mood.

    READ: How Much Would Nigerian Musicians Cost if They Were Professional Footballers?

    2023 NBA All-Stars halftime show

    It was a three-peat moment for afrobeats at the 72nd All-Stars halftime show, as Tems, Burna Boy and Rema gave the U.S. basketball audience a taste of African rhythm and sounds. Burna performed Anybody and It’s Plenty, Rema followed with Calm Down and Holiday, ushering in Tems to close the performance with Crazy Things, Free Mind and her verses from Wizkid’s Essence and Future’s Wait For U. Nigerian music went from playing on NBA stars’ Instagram stories to featuring live on their game court.

    2022/2023 Champions League final

    After Burna sold out a stadium in London, it’s well-deserved that he’d headline the UEFA Champions League’s opening ceremony of the final game. The world’s greatest football club competition, hosted Burna Boy in Istanbul, where he performed a medley of It’s Plenty and Last Last and gave further proof that he’s one of afrobeats’ greatest performers.

    Quai54 2022

    The world’s biggest streetball tournament finally made its return after the 2020 pandemic in July 2022. And Yemi Alade, 1da Banton, Fally Ipupa and DaBaby were invited to Paris to give some electrifying performances. While Yemi Alade’s music isn’t new to French-speaking communities, the crowd didn’t spare Ida Banton’s music any excitement. 

    2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN)

    https://youtu.be/BmO1B7bATSg

    The afrobeats movement took centre stage at CHAN’s closing ceremony, as CKay took the gospel of Love Nwantiti and Emiliano to over 40,000 people. They turned the sad romance tunes into a rave at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers. Seeing as artists like CKay and Burna Boy are gracing major stages, there may be benefits to eating breakfast after all.

    Take our survey here.

  • How to Win Any Football Argument in 9 Easy Steps

    How to Win Any Football Argument in 9 Easy Steps

    Don’t be an Arsenal fan

    You’re an Arsenal fan, and you want to argue about football? Are you not embarrassed? 

    Ignore the facts

    You’re here to win, not to raise a superior argument. Let your opponents focus on facts while you hatch your main plan. 

    Always take the opposing opinion

    What’s your main plan, you ask? Divide and conquer. No matter how obvious the correct stance is, always be on the opposite side. If they’re arguing whether Nigeria can beat Brazil, support Nigeria. If they’re arguing about who will win the next Champions League, shout “Chelsea” or “Arsenal”. Just say any wildly impossible thing to rile them up.

    Laugh at the other person’s argument

    Mock them for using logic. Yes, they deserve it.

    Yell… a lot

    It’s not a proper argument if you don’t talk at the top of your voice, even though you’re just a few inches away from kissing them.

    Have mouth odour

    No one with mouth odour has ever lost an argument. You can quote us anywhere.

    Go with a gun

    We’re not saying you should threaten them with violence, but strike the fear of God in their hearts.

    Show them a picture of Messi with the world cup

    If it’s another tired argument about who the GOAT is, show them a picture of Messi holding the world cup.

    Annoy them and shout “Siuuu!”

    When you’re done, rub the pain in by shouting “Siuu!” and doing the Ronaldo celebration. There you have it; mission accomplished.


    NEXT READ: 7 Things You’ll Relate To If You Don’t Understand Football