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“Our team faced major challenges in Nigeria last week but we didn’t make public accusations or question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities” – Libyan Football Federation releases statement.

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The Libyan Football Federation has issued a statement responding to the Nigerian Super Eagles’ boycott of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. They expressed surprise and disappointment at Nigeria’s decision, highlighting that:

1.⁠ ⁠Libyan authorities ensured the team’s safety and security.
2.⁠ ⁠The flight diversion to Al Abraq Airport was due to security concerns.
3.⁠ ⁠Necessary arrangements were made for the team’s accommodation and transportation.

The statement also noted that Libya faced similar challenges in Nigeria last week but chose not to publicly criticize or question Nigeria’s authorities.

Key points from the Libyan Football Federation’s statement:

1.⁠ ⁠Mutual respect and sportsmanship expected.
2.⁠ ⁠Disappointment in Nigeria’s public accusations.
3.⁠ ⁠Libya ensured safety and security.
4.⁠ ⁠Flight diversion justified due to security concerns.
5.⁠ ⁠Necessary arrangements made.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will likely investigate this matter, considering the implications for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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Luis Suarez names the 5 greatest strikers of all time: Messi but no Ronaldo…

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Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make the cut when Luis Suarez recently named his five greatest strikers of all time.

There’s a debate about whether Suarez himself is in this conversation, but the Uruguayan didn’t choose to include himself in the list either.

During an interview with Bleacher Report, the Inter Miami star was asked to name his top five greatest strikers and these were the players he selected.

5. Romario

“Number five is Romario,” Suarez said. “[The] finish time for him is amazing.”

The Brazilian scored over 700 official goals during his illustrious career, making him one of the most prolific players in football history.

He’s also one of a select few players who has scored over 100 goals for three separate clubs, having reached that tally with PSV, Flamengo and Vasco da Gama.

For Barcelona, Romario scored 39 goals in 65 appearances, averaging a strike every 139 minutes. For context, Suarez scored a goal every 122 minutes on average for Barcelona.

4. Ronaldo Nazario

“Then Ronaldo, the Brazilian Ronaldo. He’s really good,” Suarez said.

“He’s so quick, he’s so fast. He’s an intelligent guy, a really good player.”

Regarded by many as the best player of his generation, who knows what levels he could’ve reached had it not been for injuries.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 371 goals in just 580 appearances throughout his career, averaging a goal every 123 minutes.

He was a force to be reckoned with during his peak years and was arguably the most lethal player on his entire list during his heyday.

3. Diego Forlan

“For me, he’s one of the best,” is how Suarez described his former international teammate.

“I played with him, [he’s a] really good striker, he played for the team. He liked to shoot from wherever you want. He’s really good and he’s number three.”

Forlan enjoyed his peak years playing in La Liga for Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, but it was his performances for the national team that made him a hero in Uruguay.

He was practically unplayable during the 2010 World Cup as he swept most of the individual accolades, winning the Player of the Tournament, Golden Boot and Goal of the Tournament awards for his heroics in South Africa.

The following year he then played an instrumental role in Uruguay’s Copa America triumph in 2011.

After Suarez scored the opening goal against Paraguay in the final, Forlan scored a brace to wrap the game up. It’s no wonder he’s adored by his nation.

2. Gabriel Batistuta

“Number two is Batistuta. [My] favourite player when I was a child,” Suarez explained.

“Really good number nine, he took free-kicks, I loved his character as well.”

Given that Suarez was growing up in the nineties, it’s no surprise that a player like Batistuta captured his imagination.

The Argentine forward enjoyed his peak years playing for Fiorentina, where he scored 204 goals in just 331 appearances. That’s quite the record.

1. Lionel Messi

“Number one for me is Messi.”

While we wouldn’t classify Messi as an out-and-out striker like the other names on this list, we can hardly begrudge Suarez for giving him the top spot.

As of writing, Suarez has played 285 games alongside the Argentine wizard and the pair have combined for 113 goals during that time.

“Messi is the best in history,” Suarez told Onda Cero in 2017. “He is also a spectacular human being who welcomed me very well when I got to Barcelona.”

The pair still share a close bond at Inter Miami today and will no doubt combine for plenty of goals this season too.

READ NEXT: Ronaldo Nazario names his 11 best players in the history of football

TRY A QUIZ: Can you name every team Luis Suarez scored against for Liverpool?

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Indian spinners dominate as New Zealand post 251/7 in Champions Trophy final

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Varun Chakravarthy (Photo: X/@ICC) © Provided by Asian News International (ANI)
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Dubai [UAE], March 9 (ANI): India‘s spinners put on a stellar show to restrict New Zealand to 251/7 in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai. Despite a late counter-attack from Michael Bracewell, the Blackcaps struggled to accelerate in the middle against India‘s disciplined bowling attack.

After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner opted to bat first. The Kiwis got off to a flyer, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra putting on a strong partnership. They brought up 50 runs inside seven overs before Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Young for 15, breaking the opening stand at 57.

Ravindra continued his attacking approach, scoring 37 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six, but was cleaned up by Kuldeep Yadav as New Zealand found themselves at 69/2 in 10.1 overs. Kane Williamson, who scored a century in the semi-final against South Africa, couldn’t make an impact this time, falling to a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort by Kuldeep for just 11.

New Zealand reached 100 in 19.2 overs but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Tom Latham (14) was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, while Glenn Phillips (34) was bowled by Chakravarthy, leaving the Kiwis at 165/5 in 37.5 overs.

Daryl Mitchell played the anchor role, scoring a patient 63 off 101 deliveries before falling to Mohammed Shami in the 46th over. Shami, despite being expensive (1/74 in 9 overs), claimed his ninth wicket of the tournament. Skipper Santner (8) was run out by Virat Kohli, adding to New Zealand‘s troubles.

However, Michael Bracewell‘s unbeaten 53 off 40 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes, provided a late flourish, ensuring New Zealandreached a competitive total of 251/7.

India‘s spinners were the key architects of the bowling performance. Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were the standout performers, while Jadeja (1/30) and Axar Patel (0/29 in 8 overs) kept the pressure on with their economical spells.

With 252 runs required for victory, India will look to capitalize on the slow conditions and chase down the target to secure their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

Brief score: New Zealand 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*; Kuldeep Yadav 2/40) vs. New Zealand. (ANI)

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Morocco 2025: South Africa coach rues home loss to Flamingos

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Bantwana of South Africa head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, can’t hide her disappointment following their 3-1 defeat to Nigeria.

The hosts were completely outplayed by the Flamingos in the first leg of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second round qualifying tie at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria on Saturday.

Nigeria led 2-0 at the break, courtesy of goals from Shakirat Moshood and Harmony Chidi.

Captain, Katleho Malebana reduced the deficit for South Africa from the spot two minutes after restart.

Chidi, however, struck again in the 68th minute to put the game beyond the Bantwana.

“Once our opponents put pressure on us, that’s where we fail to protect our posts. That’s the challenge we need to fix before we head into the second leg. The girls showed resilience, and we know what we need to work on,” she told safa.net.

The second leg will hold next Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

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