Sports
Nigeria now 48th on FIFA ranking, 4th in Africa
Nigeria moved one place from 49th position to 48th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as Belgium and France share the top spot for the first time in the table’s 25-year history.
According to the rankings posted on the FIFA official website on Thursday, the Super Eagles amassed 1415 points to finish 48th in the month of September.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles who defeated Seychelles 3-0 on September 8 to put themselves back in contention for a place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations improved on their position from seventh to the fourth best team in Africa.
Seychelles dropped one spot from 188th to 189th in the rankings, while Libya, whom Nigeria face in their next group game of the AFCON qualifier next month are placed 99th in the rankings.
Senegal still maintains their number one spot in Africa and 25th in the world with 1492 points.
DR Congo and Morocco are second and third in Africa, and 40th and 45th in the world with 1447 and 1425 points respectively.
Russia, 2018 semi-finalists Belgium and reigning World Champions, France are joint leaders in the rankings, the first time the top spot is being shared in the table’s 25-year history.
Brazil, Croatia and Uruguay round off the top five.
While England, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and Denmark are sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th position respectively.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on October 25.
Credit: NAN
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Sports
Onyeka signing permanently with Prem new-boys Coventry
Coventry City have made a first signing for their Premier League campaign next season.
Coventry saw their promotion confirmed with Friday’s draw at Blackburn Rovers.
And with that achievement, a permanant option in Brentford loanee Frank Onyeka’s loan deal was triggered.
The Nigeria international joined Coventry in January on-loan to the end of the season with a permanent option included should the Sky Blues be promoted.
Onyeka has made 12 appearances for Coventry – starting on 11 occasions – with his one goal coming in the 3-2 win over Derby earlier this month.
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Sports
AFCON: Morocco Frees Senegal Fans After Completing Prison Sentence
Morocco on Saturday released three Senegalese fans from jail after they completed a three-month prison sentence for participating in the violence that broke out during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, an AFP journalist saw.
The trio left Al Arjat 2 prison, northeast of Rabat, in a police vehicle to go to a police station before being released.
Upon leaving the police station, the three smiling Senegalese fans were greeted by members of the Senegalese embassy.
One said to AFP, “dima Maroc, dima Maghrib” (“long live Morocco”).
Senegalese defence lawyer Patrick Kabou thanked “diplomatic and consular representation for their efforts” in a post on X.
On the eve of the trio’s release, he asked that the public “support them and, above all, help them come to terms with the initial shock of leaving prison”.
In connection with the same case, 15 other Senegalese fans remain incarcerated after receiving sentences ranging from six months to one year, and which were upheld on appeal on Monday.
Detained since the January 18 final, won by Senegal but later awarded on appeal to hosts Morocco, they were charged with “hooliganism,” an offence including acts of violence, notably against law enforcement, as well as damage to sports facilities, invading the pitch and throwing projectiles.
A Frenchman of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after serving three months in prison for throwing a water bottle during the final.
AFP
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Sports
Man Utd boss Carrick: We must get Casemiro into opposition box
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick admits it’s important keeping Casemiro close to the opposition area.
Ahead of today’s trip to Chelsea, Carrick admits he’s appreciated the Brazilian’s influence since taking charge in January.
“He’s certainly got the knack and the feeling, and that sense in and around the box,” he told MUTV.
“He’s got that sixth sense, in some ways that you can’t necessarily coach or you can’t necessarily always give the perfect moment or the action or the run to fit the cross.
“You’ve got to put yourself in positions and sense the space and then, obviously, on top of that, to finish it and show the composure.
“I think he’s certainly done that this season.”
Carrick added: “He’s always scored important goals. He’s always found himself there at certain times.
“He’s scored good goals for us, important goals and not just this season.”
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