Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle names World Cup Qualifiers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle names World Cup Qualifying squad

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle has revealed his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match against Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles are set to play against the Warriors on March 25.

The match will take place at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria will also face Rwanda four days prior to their game against Zimbabwe.

Among the fresh faces is Genk forward Tolu Arokodare, who has been selected for his inaugural appearance with the Super Eagles, joining the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

The 24-year-old has exhibited outstanding performance in the Belgian Jupiler League, netting 16 goals and supplying 5 assists over 28 matches.

Tolu Arokodare has also scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, highlighting his ability to find the back of the net.

Defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams are included for the first time. Home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defender Jordan Torunarigha, midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella may also return if they make the final list of 23 players.

This selection shows recent successes and the potential to improve the Super Eagles’ attack.

Sierra Leone new head coach Mohamed Kallon start prep for Guinea-Bissau and Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon starts prep for Guinea-Bissau and Egypt

Expectations are rising as Sierra Leone’s newly appointed head coach, Mohamed Kallon, gets to work ahead of World Cup qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt later this month.

The former Inter Milan and Monaco striker has overseen two training sessions with the local players since being announced as the Leone Stars’ new manager.

On March 20, for the first time, Kallon will be at the Sierra Leone dugout when they welcome Guinea-Bissau in the Liberian capital. After that, they will travel to play Group A leaders Egypt, which will be a difficult match.

At the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in September 2023, Sierra Leone suffered a 2-1 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group A match.

Just behind Egypt, Guinea-Bissau is presently ranked second in Group A.

Read Related Leone Stars – Sierra Leone News – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Mohamed Kallon passed his message to home-based players in Monday's training session in Freetown Sierra Leone.
Mohamed Kallon passed his message to home-based players in Monday's training session in Freetown Sierra Leone.
The team excelled in two challenging training sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening, featuring key players like Musa “Tombo” Noah Kamara, Quamie Quee, and Abu “Diaby” Dumbuya.
The team excelled in two challenging training sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening, featuring key players like Musa “Tombo” Noah Kamara, Quamie Quee, and Abu “Diaby” Dumbuya.
South Africa and Egypt share CHAN qualifier spoils at Free State Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Egypt share CHAN qualifier spoils at Free State Stadium

Jamie Webber scored a stunning goal to equalize for South Africa against Egypt in the first round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Free State Stadium on Sunday night.

Egypt took the lead in the 66th minute with a goal from Mohamed Hassan Hashem Abdelaal, stunning the home crowd. However, Webber leveled the match in the 80th minute, beating Egyptian goalkeeper Mahmoud Mohamed Kassem.

Coach Molefi Ntseki expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not securing a win. “A solid structure is essential as it helps players understand their roles and responsibilities,” he noted.

Ntseki acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with a second leg to play in Egypt. Egypt’s coach Wael Reyad mentioned that many players were absent due to passport issues and recognized the match’s difficulty for his team.

Ntseki’s squad will return to Johannesburg on Monday and remain in camp until they travel to Egypt on March 6, 2025. The winner of this matchup will progress to the next round of the CHAN qualifiers in May 2025.

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier

Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, is set to host Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau Fifa World Cup matchday five qualifier on March 20th due to the ongoing suspension of Sierra Leone’s home stadium.

The match is crucial to both teams in the race to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The African Football Confederation (CAF) has designated a quartet of referees from Ghana to officiate this important encounter, which is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 local time.

This match is crucial for both teams seeking to advance in the qualifying rounds. Following this pivotal matchup, Guinea-Bissau will return to host the Burkina Faso national team at home on March 24.

This second fixture represents round six from Group A in the qualification process. Sierra Leone will travel to Cairo to battle leaders Egypt in their match day six of the qualifiers.

Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach

Benni McCarthy, the renowned South African footballer, is set to be unveiled as the head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars. His appointment is significant for both Kenyan football and the perception of South African coaches across Africa.

McCarthy will be the first South African to coach a non-COSAFA national team, signalling a change in the perception of South African coaches internationally. With a playing background at Ajax, FC Porto, and Manchester United, he is also the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League. His experience at Manchester United heightens expectations for his new role.

Moeneeb Josephs, his former Orlando Pirates teammate, will join him as the goalkeeping coach. The FKF chose McCarthy over other candidates, including Claude Makélélé, during a time when they faced financial and legal challenges.

McCarthy faces high expectations as he takes over a struggling team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. He needs to improve quickly against tough opponents like Gabon and The Gambia later this month.

His long-term goal is to prepare the Harambee Stars for AFCON 2027. If he succeeds, he could change how South African coaches are perceived internationally. Mihlali Baleka remarked, “McCarthy has shown he’s not afraid of challenges and will work hard to succeed,” reflecting hopes for the revival of Kenyan football.

This appointment also inspires future South African coaches. If McCarthy achieves success, it may encourage more local coaches to pursue opportunities abroad, breaking down barriers.

Overall, McCarthy’s role as coach of the Harambee Stars could open doors for more opportunities in African football, and it is vital to recognize the lasting impact of such moments.