Two significant updates have emerged from the Nigerian professional football scene. Remo Stars’ talented goalkeeper, Serge Obassa, has earned a coveted spot in Benin Republic’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Remo Stars Goalkeeper Serge Obassa Joins Benin’s AFCON Provisional Squad

Serge Obassa has been a standout performer since joining Remo Stars. He arrived at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign. His quick adaptation has made him a trusted member of the ‘Cheetahs’ setup, as the Benin national team is known.

Obassa is one of three goalkeepers named. He joins Saturnin Allagbe and Dandjinou Marcel in the provisional list.

Head coach Gernot Rohr has maintained faith in several experienced players. Benin aims for a strong showing at the continental tournament. Captain Steve Mounie leads a list of key players. This includes Mohamed Tijani, Verdon Oliver, and Djodel Dosou. Junior Olaitan and Tosin Aiyegun also made the initial selection.

Coach Rohr plans to reduce the squad to 25 players next week. Preparations will then intensify at a training camp. This camp will be held in Ben Slimane, Morocco. It is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 10.

Benin finds itself in a challenging Group D. They are set to compete against football powerhouses Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Botswana completes the group.

Coach Ladan Bosso Hails Barau FC Fans After Thrilling Victory

Meanwhile, in domestic league news, Barau FC’s Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso, has showered praise on the club’s passionate supporters. This commendation followed their thrilling 3-2 victory. The win came against Kwara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Barau FC, affectionately known as the ‘Maliya Boys’, secured the win through decisive goals. Usman Maidubji, Muhammed Umar, and Stanley Oganbor were the goal scorers. Kwara United, however, put up a strong fight. They kept the game alive with strikes from Johnmark Aule and Chibuzor Ogbodo.

The team is now focusing on a tricky away fixture. They will travel to Maiduguri this weekend. There, they face El-Kanemi Warriors. Bosso emphasized the crucial role the fans played in securing last weekend’s result. He also promised that the team would address defensive lapses before their next outing.

“My boys were hungry for the win from the start,” Bosso told Barau’s media. “You can also see the importance of the fans. They kept supporting and shouting during difficulties. We listened to them. It’s all part of getting the team fired up.”

“Mistakes are inevitable,” he added. “The goals we conceded were not deliberate. We will address these lapses before our next game against El-Kanemi Warriors.”