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Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations bid is powered by London-born talent and key players with strong ties to the British capital.
Nigeria stands on the brink of continental supremacy at the Africa Cup of Nations buoyed by a unique connection to London that has seen its sons of the English soil play pivotal roles in their march to the final.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face off against Ivory Coast the spotlight intensifies on the London-born quartet and two significant others who have carved their paths through the British capital's footballing landscape to the heart of Nigeria's national team.
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09:27 - 11.02.2024
FOOTBALL Why 2023 AFCON is record-breaker yet could end in goal drought
The 2023 AFCON has shattered goal records, yet the final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria may revert to a low-scoring tradition.
In the boroughs of London, where the dreams of many young footballers take flight amidst the sprawling urban expanse, Nigeria has found an unexpected reservoir of talent.
Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, and Joe Aribo are names that resonate not just in the streets of London but now, more importantly, across the footballing fields of Africa.
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09:13 - 11.02.2024
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023 Final: Nigeria v Côte d'Ivoire -Match preview, possible lineups, and team news
Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night.
Aina, a product of the esteemed Chelsea academy, has emerged as a defensive stalwart, his prowess on the right flank unmatched in the tournament.
Ajayi's commanding presence at the heart of Nigeria's defence speaks volumes of his journey from Charlton to becoming an indispensable asset for the Super Eagles, playing every minute of their campaign thus far.
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08:37 - 11.02.2024
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida gets final duty
Mauritanian referee chosen for AFCON 2023 final between Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire, bringing experience and fairness to the game.
Meanwhile, Lookman, with his three-goal tally, stands as Nigeria's top marksman, a testament to the striker's lethal precision and adaptability, honed in the competitive arenas of English football.
The narrative of these London-born Nigerians is enriched by the stories of Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, who, though not born in London, have imbibed the city's footballing ethos from a tender age.
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07:50 - 11.02.2024
STARS ABROAD Kenyan defender puts FA Cup exit behind by helping Bristol beat Middlesborough
The Kenyan prospect was no-nonsense as he helped Bristol City to a priceless victory over Middlesbrough just a few days after getting dumped out of the FA Cup
Bassey's journey from Italy to the pitches of Leicester City, and then to prominence with Rangers and Ajax, before landing at Fulham, is a tale of relentless pursuit.
Iwobi, on the other hand, carries a legacy steeped in Nigerian football royalty, with his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha's shadow looming large over his career choices.
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09:24 - 11.02.2024
FOOTBALL West Ham vs Arsenal: Preview, team news, predicted line-up and where to watch as the Gunners seek fourth straight win
Mikel Arteta’s men will be keen to make it four straight Premier League wins in Sunday’s London derby against struggling West Ham to maintain their title push
Opting to don the green and white over the Three Lions' kit, Iwobi's decision underscores the deep-rooted connections that bind these players to their Nigerian heritage.
Nigeria's strategy of integrating its diaspora into the national fabric is not novel, but it stands out for its heartening blend of patriotism and pragmatism.
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12:06 - 10.02.2024
FOOTBALL Manchester City hero opens up on how he was once released by Spanish club for being 'too small'
Rodri has opened up on the moment he was released by Spanish third-tier club for being too small physically at 18.
While African football powerhouses like Algeria, Morocco, and Senegal have leaned heavily on their foreign-born contingents, Nigeria's approach has been more selective, more heartfelt.
The stories of Reuben Agboola and Efan Ekoku from the early '90s serve as precursors to this burgeoning trend, highlighting a tradition of transcending geographical and cultural barriers in search of glory.
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20:04 - 09.02.2024
FKFPL Gor Mahia coach McKinstry speaks out on Omala's ill-fated Algerian adventure
Gor Mahia coach McKinstry has discussed the failed transfer of star striker Benson Omala to JS Saoura citing complexities and disappointment in the saga.
As the Super Eagles soar towards the coveted trophy, their wings are fortified by the experiences, skills, and dreams nurtured in London.
London, with its vibrant footballing culture, has inadvertently sculpted warriors for Nigeria's cause, lending a distinctive flavor to their quest for supremacy.
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