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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:02pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] NSC Tasks NFF on Movement to New Secretariat [/size] Two years after the defunct Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2010 South Africa World Cup handed over a new secretariat, the Sunday Dankaro Football House to the Nigeria Football Federation, the NFF is still operating from a rented premises in Abuja, the Glass House. But the National Sports Commission (NSC) has now urged the football house to make haste and move into the building. Director General of the NSC, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut who gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday when the members of the executive committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) paid him a courtesy visit in his office said the best way to secure and maintain the building is for the NFF to occupy it immediately, adding that it will enhance their working relationship due to the proximity. The Director General, however, expressed optimism that with the scheduled opening of the Athletes Hostel tomorrow, the NFF will expedite action to move into the new building which has started dilapidating because of non usage. “I will keep my eyes very close on the facility there because I want to believe that they want to move there. Initially the issue of due process of procurement was what delayed according to them but the truth is that they can only do justice to that building by ensuring that they move in there as soon as possible because it looks more befitting.” He also dismissed the opinion that the NFF was foot-dragging because of the security question arguing that there was adequate security at the package ‘B’ of the Abuja National Stadium where the new secretariat is located. He pointed out that the federation also has its own in-house security arrangement which they are free to take along while moving. Earlier in his address, the chairman of the FCT SWAN, Kayode Adeniyi charged the leadership of the NSC to always ensure that Nigerian athletes were properly prepared for international championships so as to avoid the situation where they crash out in the early stages like the Super Falcons who crashed out in the first round of the on-going FIFA Women World Cup in Canada.[/b] www.vanguardngr.com/2015/07/nsc-tasks-nff-on-movement-to-new-secretariat/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:10pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] TRIP TO COTE D’ IVOIRE: NFF Deny Paying out $8,000 [/size] NFF General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed has watered down the recent rumours that the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF has requested the sum of $8,000.00 (N1,760,000) to enable it travel to Abidjan, Cote d’iviore to continue its further investigation on whether Coach Stephen Keshi applied for the job of the Head Coach of the Elephant of Cote divoire. Sanusi, who spoke in Abuja said that he was not aware of such request, and would never be a party to such because, the world is now a global village. “I am not aware of such a request, and I am not sure anybody had make such request. We don’t need to travel to Ivory Coast to make our inquiries, there are various ways we can get the informations we needed at every point in time. There is no truth in that statement, and no such request was made to us at NFF”. Continuing, the scribe also ruled out every act of witch hunting, saying that the Federation is only out to put every facts straight, and ensure that things are done in a professional way. He also insisted that the former Coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon was not sacked, but ran out of contract which the NFF was not willing to renew. He said that the Federation has the right to appoint any coach to stand in, pending when a substative coach would be appointed “his former assistant knows the players better, and now that we have two matches to prosecute, we feel that his assistants are in the better position to continue till then”. It would be recalled that Edwin Okon was announced as an interim coach in 2014, a position he held on to till he was relieved last week.[/b] thenationonlineng.net/new/trip-to-cote-d-ivoire-nff-deny-paying-out-8000/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:13pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Wolves, Sociedad Fight for Ameobi [/size] Sammy Ameobi, younger brother of Super Eagles striker Shola Ameobi is subject of a transfer tussle between English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers and La Liga club Real Sociedad. The Spanish team is managed by former Manchester United gaffer David Moyes who is familiar with the playing style of the former England Under-21 star and wants to make him a replacement for Mexican International Carlos Vela who is tipped to join Atletico Madrid this summer. However, Wolves are favourites to land the 23-year-old on loan who is expected to sign a new contract atSt James’ Parkbefore making an immediately switch to theMolineux. Ameobi who has expressed an interest to play for Nigeria at full international level is also attracting interest from Brighton and Cardiff following a fine season that saw the winger make 25 appearances for the Magpiesas they escaped relegation with a 15th place finish on the premier league log.[/b] thenationonlineng.net/new/wolves-sociedad-fight-for-ameobi/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:54pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Why NFF Won’t Relocate Eagles To Lagos [/size] By Augustine Akhilomen - Lagos Those expecting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to relocate the Super Eagles to Lagos sooner than later may have their expectation dashed as the NFF is not thinking along that line. This is because the federation choice of venue for the Super Eagles is determined by several factors, chief among which is finance. Aside finance, the federation also considers the suitability of a particular venue before taking final decision. And if the state of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos is anything to go bye, then hopes of Lagos fans hosting the team will not materialise in the foreseeable future. The National Stadium is in a deplorable state with the National Sports Commission (NSC) not ready to repair the edifice for now. Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, had during week called for the relocation of the team to Lagos on the premise that the surest way for it to regain its invincibility was returning to Lagos. Oliseh made the call on the premise that the Super Eagles has lost its fear factor due to its not playing in Lagos. And in the space of 12 months, the team has played in several stadia in the country where it has recorded contrasting results. But the NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, who revealed the federation position on venue for the team, said that the NFF considers several factors before deciding on a particular venue. “We have to consider the suitability of venues, sometimes the Stadia we’ve been asked to use aren’t even suitable. We have to consider finance, consider ability to host. It’s a plethora of things; we even have to consider the climate. These are a few of the things we look at before picking a venue,” Akinwunmi said. ”We understand Oliseh has played football and is entitled to his views but he’s just one Nigerian like I am. Things are done gradually, nothing is cast on a stone, so it might be that come next year we spread these games to a number of venues we’ve never been to.”[/b] dailyindependentnig.com/2015/07/nff-wont-relocate-eagles-lagos/ |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:57pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: Ex-Sports Minister Wants NFF to Sack Keshi [/size] By Mansur Abubakar Former sports minister Colonel Musa Mohammed (rtd) says the Nigeria Football Federation should be more concerned about finding a replacement for Eagles manager Stephen Keshi instead of focusing on who will replace Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba. In a chat with Daily Trust yesterday, the former Yobe State military administrator added Manu's glittering coaching career shouldn't be defined by the mishap in New Zealand at the FIFA U20 World Cup where Nigeria failed to live up to expectations by failing to scale through the last 16 of the tournament. "In my opinion, replacing Keshi should be the major concern because as far as I'm concerned the Super Eagles still don't have a coach and on Manu, I personally brought him to NFF during my time at the ministry and he has done well over the years, so a small blip on the road should be managed. "Keshi too did not make his team qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations but his contract was renewed, Manu should only be encouraged to do better next time considering his past achievements," Mohammed told Daily Trust. Meanwhile, Flying Eagles midfielder Obinna Nwobodo yesterday departed Nigeria for Doha, Qatar for surgery on a major knee injury. The Glass House in concert with the National Sports Commission (NSC) made this surgery possible after the Enugu Rangers ace suffered a career-threatening knee injury in the final of the African Youth Championship in Senegal in March. The exciting midfielder is expected to undergo the surgery by the weekend at the world-renowned Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha and thereafter have part of his rehabilitation in Qatar. Nwobodo was forced out of the AYC final after a malicious tackle by Senegal skipper Roger Gomis, which went unpunished by the referee to the amazement of spectators. The injury ruled him out of the recent Mundial in New Zealand, where seven time AYC champions couldn't replicate the mesmerizing form that saw them conquer the continent in Dakar.[/b] allafrica.com/stories/201507020808.html?viewall=1 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:02pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: Cote d'Ivoire Job - Taribo Defends Keshi [/size] By Jacob Ajom Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West has lambasted the Nigeria Football Federation over the ongoing investigation on Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi in respect of the Ivory Coast job. The Ivory Coast Football Federation had published Keshi's name among 58 others shortlisted for the vacant position of national team coach penultimate week. The NFF had fumed at this and vowed to sack Keshi if it was established that he actually applied for the job after he had already been signed on a 2-year deal by Nigeria. The NFF set up a committee to investigate the matter. But former Nigeria international, Taribo West said, "ït is all rubbish." In a chat with Sports Vanguard yesterday, Taribo said, "That is total rubbish. The NFF should be concerned with how to reposition Nigerian football and take it to where it is supposed to be and not dissipate their energy on frivolities." He contended that the protracted contract talks between the NFF and Keshi may have informed Keshi's decision to apply for the Ivory Coast job. "The talks were on for too long. Today he is in, tomorrow he is out. No sane person would put all his eggs in one basket. Now that they have offered him the job, they should let him be. I think they should be more concerned on how to move Nigerian football forward and leave Keshi alone. "However, if they don't need him, they should tell him so and let him go." Taribo said the football house should have a structure for all the national teams. "They should have a template for all the national teams and ensure strict compliance to it in terms of execution," he said. The former Inter Milan star observed that the NFF as presently run was without such a template. "We should stop running up and down when things go wrong. We must have a plan and follow the plan religiously so that when anything goes wrong we can easily identify where it could be fixed."[/b] allafrica.com/stories/201507020260.html?viewall=1 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:19pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[size=14pt] Chinese Club Sack Ex-Nigeria Coach Troussier [/size] By Izuchukwu Okosi: Former Super Eagles coach Philippe Troussier has had his contract with Chinese Super League side Hangzhou Greentown terminated due to poor results. The club's website late Wednesday night confirmed the exit of the 'White Witch Doctor' who qualified Nigeria for the 1998 World Cup in France, but denied the chance to lead the Super Eagles to the tournament. He was then replaced by Bora Milutinovic. "After friendly negotiations, the club and Philippe Troussie have ended his working contract," a statement from the club said. Hangzhou have flirted relegation for most of the season, winning only four of their last 16 games, a run of games which places them on the 13th position on the log. Troussier was appointed coach of the Chinese club late 2014 www.completesportsnigeria.com/chinese-club-sack-ex-nigeria-coach-troussier/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:28pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Elephants’ Job Latest: Ivorien FA Exposes Keshi [/size] BY GEORGE ALUO Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi may still have fresh hurdles to cross over his link with the Elephants of Coted’Ivoire job saga if the latest information coming out of the Glass House is anything to go by. A reliable NFF source revealed exclusively to Daily Sunsports last night that the man sent to Abdijan to investigate Keshi’s link with the job by the NFF had returned home with vital documents. According to our source, the Ivorien FA gave the NFF all the info needed, even as they confirmed that an agent made an application for the Elephant job on behalf of Keshi. The same agent, we further gathered, later applied in writing withdrawing the Keshi application. “The NFF now have all the details of how Keshi got linked to the Ivorien job. The man sent to Abdijan had returned with all the details. From his findings, Keshi was alleged to have applied for the job through an agent and the same agent wrote the Ivorien FF withdrawing the application. The NFF “envoy” will in the next couple of days present his report to the executive board of NFF who will now decide on what to do based on the facts before them,” our source said. It would be noted that the NFF Disciplinary Committee summoned Keshi last week over the job saga. Keshi was reported to have told the Barrister Chris Green committee that he didn’t apply for the job. The Ivorien FA early this week released a short list of five coaches now to be interviewed, with Keshi not making the list. Keshi had on his part said he was happy with the Eagles job and was ready to see out his two year contract.[/b] sunnewsonline.com/new/elephants-job-latest-ivorien-fa-exposes-keshi/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:31pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] … As NSC Warns NFF Over Distraction [/size] FROM ROMANUS UGWU, ABUJA Angered by the persistent disturbance between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, the National Sports Commission (NSC), has issued an appeal to the federation to stop distracting the coach and allow him concentrate on the task of qualifying Nigeria to the 2017 Africa Nations Cup. The Director General of the commission, Alhaji Al-Hassan Yakmut, who issued the warning while answering questions from journalists in Abuja recently, frowned at the continued media war between the federation and its employee, warning that Nigerians cannot afford any other failure to participate in the next AFCON. While lamenting the continued crisis, the NSC DG said: “I have told people that I would not want to address the issue of technicalities in the NFF on the streets or through the media. I need a forum to sit down with them and guide them. I have given them a bit of what I wanted. “I know that there are still issues of status that needs to be addressed about LMC and even the federation. NFF has consistently made its status so flexible to any sitting regime and it is supposed to be a status that will stand the test of time and can only be reviewed under the flour of an AGM. “That status should be able to create a conducive environment for succession and change of government. It must not be the one to favour a sitting government. I told Samson Siasia recently whether it is proper for the NFF’s president, the general secretary or the technical committee to be talking about the performances of the coaches on the pages of the newspapers when they just signed a contract? “What is certain is that if Keshi fails, he has thousand and one excuses to give to exonerate himself from the failure.”[/b] sunnewsonline.com/new/as-nsc-warns-nff-over-distraction/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:36pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: Ideye Resumes Training With West Brom [/size] By Mansur Abubakar Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has revealed that he resumed pre-season training with his English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion yesterday after holidaying with his family in Accra, Ghana. "After family holiday in Accra, Ghana, what a nice country, it is back to training #pre-season mode," the player wrote on twitter. The former Spartak Moscow player signed a three-year deal with the Baggies, becoming the club's record signing at a fee reported as £10 million. The contract included an option in the club's favour for an extra year. After a difficult start to the season in England, he scored his first league goal for the club in their 3-1 loss to Manchester City on Boxing Day, 2014 and scored four times in a six-day spell in February, 2015 with goals against Burnley and Swansea City in the league and two against West Ham United in the FA Cup helping to resuscitate his EPL career. Alongside Ideye, Craig Gardner and Craig Dawson were among the group of West Brom first teamers who reported back ahead of the 2015/2016 season with additional players expected today. Albion face Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday July 8 in a friendly then return to the UK on Friday July 10 before flying to the USA for a nine-day tour according to their team schedule.[/b] allafrica.com/stories/201507021354.html?viewall=1 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by terzurum5(m): 9:49pm On Jul 02, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Odemwingie Secures Contract Extension With Stoke City By Tunde Eludini [/size] Nigerian striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has signed a one-year contract extension with English Premier League side, Stoke City. Odemwingie’s original contract expired at the end of June. The 33-year-old was, however, given a new one-year deal on Thursday by his employers, who promised another 12-month extension if the striker impresses. Plagued by injury all through last season, Odemwingie now has another window to exhibit his skills as he is guaranteed to remain at the Britannia Stadium at least until the end of the 2015/16 season. Speaking on the new development, Stoke City chief executive, Tony Scholes, expressed delight at keeping the Nigerian striker for another season. “We’re delighted that Peter has extended his stay with us at the Cclub until the summer of 2016,” Mr. Scoles told Stoke City’s official website. “He suffered an unfortunate injury last season after making a big impression immediately after joining the club. Peter has worked incredibly hard to battle back from this to regain full fitness. He’s a popular figure not just in the dressing room but with Club staff and supporters so we are thrilled to keep him on board this season.” Odemwingie originally joined the Potters in January 2014, and had a big impact in the Stoke City side that recorded its first ever top ten finish at the end of the 2013/14 calendar. The former West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City forward quickly became a favourite at the Britannia Stadium as he scored five goals in his first 15 appearances for the Potters. In total, Odemwingie has found the net five times in his 23 appearances for Stoke City.[/b] www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/185994-odemwingie-secures-contract-extension-with-stoke-city.html
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 5:29am On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Sunshine Slams Super Eagles Defender [/size] The management of Sunshine stars International of Akure has suspended home-based Super Eagles defender, Ebenezer Kunle Odunlami in- definitely for absconding from the team. A statement signed by the Media Officer of Sunshine Stars, Wahab Bankole said Odunlami absconded and abandoned the team at Asaba, Delta State, on the way to honour a Week 14 match of the Glo Premier League against Rangers of Enugu on Sunday, June 28, 2015 without any official permission from the club. “We later learnt that he traveled to Morocco to engage in talks with Raja Casablanca on a possible transfer,” he added. “We have reported the involvement and activities of one Oluwasegun Jewel, the purported agent of Odunlami to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for his lack of professionalism in handling the situation. “We have also communicated the case and suspension of Odunlami to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the League Management Company (LMC), Players Status Arbitration Committee, as well as the TMS Manager of the NFF,” the media officer disclosed. Also, the management of Sunshine Stars complained against the illegal approach of the player by Raja Casablanca of Morocco to the appropriate authorities. The club said Raja Casablanca’s action was a breach of Article 18, paragraph 3 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players: “A club intending to conclude a contract with a professional must inform the player’s current club in writing before entering into negotiation with him. A professional shall only be free to conclude a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or is due to expire within six (6) months. Any breach of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanction.”[/b] sunnewsonline.com/new/sunshine-slams-super-eagles-defender/ |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 5:38am On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigerian International Signing Imminent [/size] Hearts' bid to snap up Juwon Oshaniwa has been ongoing this summer but his arrival at Tynecastle is now 'imminent' with Head Coach Robbie Neilson confirming a deal is all but done. When it became obvious that the Nigerian international was leaving his Israeli club FC Ashdod we soon showed an interest but there was also other interest from Scottish clubs and throughout Europe.... But we've got him, just about! The loss of Adam Eckersley, who left at the end of our Championship winning season, will be offset - probably more than offset - by the addition of the 24-year-old left back, who was part of the Nigerian squad at the World Cup Finals last summer. Nielson has paid tribute to the hard work that himself, Craig Levein, John Murray and his agent have put in to make this happen. A work permit has been granted by the SFA so we've just got to dot the i's and cross the t's on his three-year contract. Following him could be trialist Mergim Bajraktari. The 22-year-old Swiss-born Albanian was involved in our win over Bohemians in Dublin last night and will be looked at again when we face Shelbourne on Saturday, after which a decision will be made.[/b] www.hearts.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=404401 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 5:43am On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Keshi’s Ego Intact, Chukwu Says[/size] By Kazeem Busari Former Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu believes Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi, still has his ego intact despite being excluded from Ivory Coast’s list of prospective coaches for their team and also being investigated by the Nigeria Football Federation if he actually applied for the job. Keshi was initially listed among 59 applicants hoping to replace Herve Renard as Ivory Coast coach, and the NFF had questioned his loyalty when it appeared the former Togo coach had applied for the job. He denied ever applying for it. Chukwu, who condemned the manner in which the NFF managed the situation, said Keshi has not lost his respect before the NFF and the Ivory Coast Football Federation. “He said he never applied for the job so removing his name from their list does not mean he lacks the quality needed to coach the Elephants of Ivory Coast,” Chukwu said. “The investigation carried out by the NFF on the matter has also not ridiculed the coach in any way. But I don’t support the way the NFF made the whole thing public. If the NFF wanted to know the relationship between Keshi and Ivory Coast, it shouldn’t have been made public. “The way the NFF managed the issue was similar to how it addressed those of Vincent Enyeama and Ogenyi Onazi. Their matters should have been dealt with internally and not made public. “The controversies between the NFF and the players or the coach cannot help the Super Eagles in any way, especially at this period when we need every one of them to be at their best as Nigeria hope to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.” Meanwhile, assistant coach to Nigeria’s U-23 team, Alloy Agu, has revealed that the addition of Flying Eagles stars Taiwo Awoniyi, Musa Yahaya and Saviour Godwin has boosted the team as they prepare for their African U-23 Championship qualifying fixture against Congo.[/b] www.punchng.com/sports/keshis-ego-intact-chukwu-says/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 5:47am On Jul 03, 2015 |
[size=14pt] Emenike Hails Joel Obi’s Torino Move [/size] Super Eagles and Fenebache striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has congratulated Joel Obi following the midfielder's move from Inter Milan to Torino in the early hours of Thursday. Obi, who made his Super Eagles debut under Samson Siasia in 2011, signed a four-year deal worth €2.4m with Torino. The Turin-based club beat off competition from Carpi and Genoa for the signature of the 24-year-old midfielder. Reacting to the move, Emenike, wrote on his Instagram page: "Congrats to bestie Joel Obi. I got my eye on you." Obi joined the Inter youth team in 2005 and got promoted to the first team in 2010 during Jose Mourinho's reign. www.completesportsnigeria.mobi/readNewsItem1.php?nid=9960 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 11:31am On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] NSC Tasks NFF on Movement to New Secretariat [/size] Two years after the defunct Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2010 South Africa World Cup handed over a new secretariat, the Sunday Dankaro Football House to the Nigeria Football Federation, the NFF is still operating from a rented premises in Abuja, the Glass House. But the National Sports Commission (NSC) has now urged the football house to make haste and move into the building. Director General of the NSC, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut who gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday when the members of the executive committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) paid him a courtesy visit in his office said the best way to secure and maintain the building is for the NFF to occupy it immediately, adding that it will enhance their working relationship due to the proximity. The Director General, however, expressed optimism that with the scheduled opening of the Athletes Hostel tomorrow, the NFF will expedite action to move into the new building which has started dilapidating because of non usage. “I will keep my eyes very close on the facility there because I want to believe that they want to move there. Initially the issue of due process of procurement was what delayed according to them but the truth is that they can only do justice to that building by ensuring that they move in there as soon as possible because it looks more befitting.” He also dismissed the opinion that the NFF was foot-dragging because of the security question arguing that there was adequate security at the package ‘B’ of the Abuja National Stadium where the new secretariat is located. He pointed out that the federation also has its own in-house security arrangement which they are free to take along while moving. Earlier in his address, the chairman of the FCT SWAN, Kayode Adeniyi charged the leadership of the NSC to always ensure that Nigerian athletes were properly prepared for international championships so as to avoid the situation where they crash out in the early stages like the Super Falcons who crashed out in the first round of the on-going FIFA Women World Cup in Canada.[/b] www.vanguardngr.com/2015/07/nsc-tasks-nff-on-movement-to-new-secretariat/ |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 11:34am On Jul 03, 2015 |
[size=14pt] Aluko Heads To Portugal For Hull’s Pre-Season [/size] By James Agberebi: Nigeria international, Sone Aluko, will head to Portugal with Hull City on Monday 6th July, for pre-season. According to hulldailymail.co.uk, Aluko who was in Canada to cheer elder sister, Eniola, at the Women's World Cup, is expected to join up with his teammates as they begin preparations for a new Championship season with a warm weather training camp on the Algarve. Hull City were relegated to the championship alongside Burnley and Queens Park Rangers last season. They reached 2014 FA Cup final, where they lost 3-2 to Arsenal Aluko played 25 English Premier League games for Hull City last season , scoring only one goal. His last appearance for the Super Eagles was the AFCON qualifier against South Africa in Uyo, scoring both goals for Nigeria in a 2-2 stalemate. www.completesportsnigeria.com/aluko-heads-to-portugal-for-hulls-pre-season/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:10pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Back Pain Stops Emenike [/size] Fenerbahçe of Turkey striker, Emmanuel Emenike was left out of the first day of training at the Super Lig club, as the star’s complaint of pain in his back left the club’s new coach, Vitor Pereira with no choice but to let the player rest. The development meant Emenike was missing as Fenerbahce continued preparations for the new season on Wednesday, but Pereira showed no annoyance with the striker’s inability to be part of full training because he complained of pains in his back. Pereira, however, cautioned Emenike not to come up with flimsy excuses in future, as the 2013 African Cup of Nations top goals scorer watched his mates, rather than be part of the drills. It also meant Emenike could not be part of action with the club in a tune-up game, as he sat out The Yellow Canaries 2 – 1 win against Voluntari. The situation has, inevitably, also raised fresh talk about discontent from Emenike with the club, as he was early this week linked in a possible move to Greek champions, Olympiakos, just few days after pledging his loyalty to Fenerbahçe for the incoming season.[/b] sportsdayonline.com/back-pain-stops-emenike/ |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:14pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Keshi Splits NFF Over Termination Threats. [/size] -Insider Says It’s Illegal, NSC To Step In The lingering war of attrition between Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi and Nigeria Football Federation took a turn for the worse Thursday, when the soccer body’s Disciplinary Committee allegedly held a clandestine meeting in Abuja, the Federal Capital, and recommended termination of the national team handler’s contract. The meeting was said to have been missed by several members of the committee, as only the ‘trusted’ were invited and told the agenda of the gathering which was to ask the Executive Committee headed by Amaju Pinnick to sack the longest serving national team’s skipper turned coach. A source close to the gathering revealed that there was actually nothing serious they discussed as all of those invited knew the agenda was to get Keshi out at all cost. “In fact he was hurriedly paid his outstanding two months salary so that when we take this decision nobody will say we are owing him,” the source revealed. However, a counter source of the same committee who did not attend the meeting because he was not invited based on his views on the ‘unnecessary’ controversy says the NFF was just being trite with the vendetta against Keshi allegedly because of his sins after the 2013 Nations Cup win. “They have turned the matter into a child’s play and Nigerians are watching and sooner than later they will know that it’s the people of Nigeria that owns NFF not a cabal that will make us not to qualify for the Nations Cup back to back. “We are watching them because they refused to invite some of us because of fear and the Chairman’s talk that meetings as important as recommending the sack of a coach are done by members turn by turn and it was not the turn of some of us. “The sum of N140,000 which they pay as allowance will not allow me to sell my conscience,” the enraged member declared. The aggrieved official also noted that the NFF Executive Committee has no right to sack Keshi until the matter is brought before the Appeals Committee of the NFF. It is from where the NFF can now summon an Emergency Congress from where important decisions like sacking a national team’s Manager can be taken. He stressed: “This play has the tendency of consuming many, just watch out as the drama plays out.” While the NFF is allegedly typing Keshi’s sack letter, the parent body, the National Sports Commission (NSC), is said to have got wind of the hot currents at The Glasshouse and are making efforts to correct the situation in the middle of important qualifiers ahead of the national team.[/b] sportsdayonline.com/keshi-splits-nff-over-termination-threat/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:22pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Omeruo Admits Middlesbrough Disappointment [/size] By: Joan Iwuchukwu, Abujaon -Says Past Season Was Not Rosy For Him Chelsea of England defender, Kenneth Omeruo has come out with a down-to-earth confession that he did not realise his main ambitions on loan at Middlesbrough in the past season, as he admits he and his teammates fell short in their target of helping the team gain promotion. After lining out for the second season running on loan from Stamford Bridge with Boro, Omeruo declared in an interview with SportsDay that he had set sight on helping the club return to the English Premier League, but confesses how disappointing it was being unable to realise the ambition. Omeruo stressed that last season was not the best for him, not because he did not have enough playing time, as he was quite happy that he played some games. The former Sunshine Stars of Akure, Standard Liege of Belgium and ADO Den Haag of Holland ace, however, admitted that the most painful aspect was not progressing to the EPL with Middlesbrough, as the club lost out in the final day to Norwich City. ‘Lion Heart,’ as he is fondly called by his friends, said it is hard work and dedication that has kept him going so far at club level and in the Super Eagles, as he noted how people had already written him off after his mistake against South Africa, which stopped Nigeria from going to this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. He said the Eagles were not happy that they were not in Equatorial Guinea to defend the AFCON trophy they won in 2013 and said they have all resolved to avoid making same mistake in the ongoing qualifiers from Gabon 2017. The dark-skinned defender stated: “This season for me I was disappointed. We didn’t get the promotion we were fighting for. But I thank God I had some good games with them. “For this season I am going back to Chelsea, train with them. The decision to loan me out is left to them. As for our AFCON qualifiers, we are leaving no stone unturned. “We lost out the last time but this time we have resolved within ourselves it will not repeat itself, because it really affected us both in club and country.”[/b] sportsdayonline.com/omeruo-admits-middlesbrough-disappointment/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:41pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Odemwingie: I Want to Repay Stoke City Fans for Their Faith [/size] The Nigerian forward is determined to win a trophy for the Potters supporters after extending his deal with the Britannia Stadium giants until June 2016 By Shina Oludare Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie says that he wants to repay the "faith and love" shown to him by the club's fans with his performances. The Nigerian who returned from an eight months long injury to first team action against Sunderland in April extended his contract with the Potters that will keep him at the Britannia Stadium until June 2016. "My priority has always been Stoke City and the biggest thing for me is to give something back to the club and the supporters," Odemwingie told Stoke sentinel. "I really want to repay the fans here because they really got behind me and that is something I will never forget. "I didn't want to leave on a note like this, I started very well here and I want to have a good season this year, which I have every faith in doing. "The motivation for me is to help this club improve and make the fans happy, Mark Hughes has big ambitions and hopefully we can do better in one of the cup competitions while maintaining a top half finish. "I'm really glad to have been a part of this club over the last two years and now I am really happy that I can play a bigger part in helping Stoke improve even more,” he concluded. Odemwingie is the first Stoke City player ever to score at the Fifa World Cup courtesy of his strike against Bosnia.[/b] m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/13265132
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:11pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: NFF Will Continue Keshi's Probe, Despite CIV Snub - Green [/size] By Chibuike Chukwu Lagos — The last may not have been heard over the Super Eagles' head coach, Stephen Keshi, alleged application to coach the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire. This is because the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not discontinue its investigation despite that the coach was not shortlisted by Cote d' Ivoire's football federation. Cote d' Ivoire during the week shortlisted five coaches for the job with Keshi's name conspicuously missing. The NFF disciplinary committee boss, Chris Green, said on Thursday that the football house would still go ahead with its investigation. "We are still investigating him. We are not investigating whether he will be shortlisted or not. We are investigating whether he duly applied for the job or not," said Green in a radio programme monitored in Lagos. "These are two different things. The football house will see to the end of this matter because Keshi is duly contracted to us." Meanwhile, former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has kicked against the continued investigation, saying it was a misplaced priority. He said that the action was because the right thing had not been done. "This issue is a misplaced priority. We are talking about probing Keshi because we believe we cannot do without him. "If Keshi decides to leave for whatever reason, does that mean our football is going to die? This is a result of the way we are managing our football. It is the product of what we have in the system. "If we have developed our football based on what I have been preaching in the last 15 years, there is no way we will not have 20 Keshis that can come up even if Keshi decides to leave in the middle of his contract. "Similar issue was raised about Enyeama. How can in a population of more than one hundred and fifty million people, few people will hold the nation to ransom? That is the failure of the system and I have been preaching against that for a long time now. "Going ahead to probe Keshi, to me, is an effort in futility; it is a misplaced priority. The priority of the NFF should have been how to develop the game and make available stars that can step in when this kind of situation comes up." He, therefore, advised the NFF to resolve the problem amicably. "I would have loved this matter resolved administratively."[/b] allafrica.com/stories/201507031239.html?viewall=1 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:19pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigerians Cannot Accept Another Afcon Miss, NSC Warns [/size] By Ezeocha Nzeh Abuja — Although the Super Eagles commenced the Gabon African Nations Cup (AFCON) 2017 qualifying campaign with an impressive defeat of Chad, events around the team have pushed the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urge the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to rally behind the team's coach, Stephen Keshi, to ensure the country picks the group D qualification ticket. The NSC also warned the NFF that Nigerians would not tolerate another AFCON miss. NSC Director General, Alhassan Yakmut, urged the NFF to work in harmony with the Super Eagles' coach rather than distracting him with sack threats. Yakmut, who noted that the federation was enjoying a cordial relationship with the commission, promised that the NSC would continue to support the Federation's efforts to ensure that Nigeria returned to the continental championship after it failed to defend the 2013 AFCON at the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea. "What is certain is that if Keshi failed, he has a thousand and one excuses to give to exonerate himself from the failure. There are virtually no single day that Keshi is not in the media. The question begging for answer is, was it Keshi that employed NFF or the NFF that employed Keshi? "If the terms of contract are very clear, there must be content of operations, content of withdrawal, dispute resolution and termination of contract. The federation does not need to tell anybody that Keshi attempted to apply for employment somewhere that necessitated the threat to call him to book. "What did your contract say about exiting? Honestly, all these distractions are very unnecessary because if you recruit a coach, let him be and any day you found him wanted, he should go." Yaknmut said it was not mandatory that the NSC must see Keshi's contract, adding, however, that "it is mandatory that the coach that should be selected by the NFF for Nigeria must be a competent coach. We believe the federation hired Keshi because he is competent, so they should stop disturbing him. "The federation should not make Keshi feel as if his appointment is political. "I don't think Nigerians will accept another non-qualification for the Cup of Nations. I doubt it much. By now, NFF must have done their permutations, correct their mistakes and ensure that it becomes our birthright to be in the next Africa Nations Cup."[/b] allafrica.com/stories/201507031142.html?viewall=1 |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:21pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Ajilore Wants Eagles Return [/size] By Richard Jideaka, Abuja: Former Super Eagles player, Femi Ajilore has revealed his plan to stage a comeback to the senior national team after a few years absence. Ajilore told Complete Sports in Abuja that as a first step towards returning to the Super Eagles, he intends to take his game to a bigger league away from Norway. The member of the silver winning Dream Team 1V at the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing said he was through with his present club FC Midttyland and will soon sign for a club in western Europe or another big Scandinavian club. “I am discussing with some clubs in some Scandenavian countries as well as a couple clubs in Western Europe and very soon, i will reveal where i will play next season to you. I don’t want to disclose the names of the clubs because the deal has not been sealed. But i will play outside Norway next season”, the former National U-20 Flying Eagles defender said. “I have enjoyed my stay in Norway and i must tell you that there are so many good players in Midttyland and i see them doing well without me. They will do well in the Champions League as the norwagian league winners,” he stated. On the Super Eagles, he said they need to improve in some departments to regain their prime position as the best team in Africa, adding that qualfying for Africa Cup of Nations should not be a problem if the present crops of players work hard. He said that his performance in Norway was good enough to get a recall to the national team, stressing that he would work harder to ensure that the Super Eagles coaches notice him.[/b] www.completesportsnigeria.com/ajilore-wants-eagles-return/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 4:03pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Odemwingie Makes Stoke Vow After New Deal [/size] By James Agberebi: Osaze Odemwingie has promised to repay Stoke City's faith in him after he signed a contract extension on Thursday. "I'm very happy that the Club have shown me tremendous support after some very tough times," the Nigeria forward told stokecityfc.com. "I'm happy that Stoke trust my ability in helping to improve and push the team on to greater things, so I'm delighted to still be a part of that. "I have had to really push myself hard, so this new contract extension is a reward for all the effort I have put in but also for the medical staff that did a great job supporting me along the way. "I really want to repay the Club for having faith in me and I'm thankful for the support that everybody connected with the Club has given me." Odemwingie signed a new one-year contract extension with Stoke City on Tbursday, with an option of another year. Stoke's Chief Executive, Tony Scholes also told the club's official website: "We're delighted that Peter has extended his stay with us at the Club until the summer of 2016. "He suffered an unfortunate injury last season after making a big impression immediately after joining the Club. "Peter has worked incredibly hard to battle back from this to regain full fitness. He's a popular figure not just in the dressing room but with Club staff and supporters so we are thrilled to keep him on board this season." Odemwingie originally joined the Potters in January 2014, and had a big impact in the Stoke City side that recorded its first ever top ten finish at the end of the 2013/14 calendar. The former West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City forward quickly became a firm favourite at the Britannia Stadium as he scored five goals in his first 15 appearances for the Potters. His inspiring form earned him a re-call to the Super Eagles side for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, scoring the only goal against Bosnia & Herzegovina as the Super Eagles achieved their first win at the tournament since 1998. In total, Odemwingie has found the net five times in his 23 appearances for Stoke City to date.[/b] www.completesportsnigeria.com/odemwingie-makes-stoke-vow-after-new-deal/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 4:09pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[size=14pt] Onazi Hails Departing Ledesma [/size] By Johnny Edward: Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has showered encomiums on Pablo Ledesma who called it quits with SS Lazio after nine years to join his childhood team Club Atlético Colón in the Argentine Primera División. Onazi who is expected to join the Biancocelesti next week for pre-season took to Instagram to thank the Argentine for the time they shared at the club. The Super Eagles star played alongside the 31-year-old as they helped Lazio win the Coppa Italia for the sixth time in their history in the 2012–13 season. "Thank you for everything Captain! You've been there since I came to Lazio, with you I had the honour to share the best victory for the people of Latium! "Good luck with all your heart for your future, I hope that one day return! May God always has in Glory, the Lord is great and has a plan for us all," Onazi wrote. www.completesportsnigeria.com/onazi-hails-departing-ledesma/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by terzurum5(m): 11:08pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Aaron Samuel Misses Moscow Move [/size] Guangzhou R&F of China striker, Aaron Samuel Olanare has missed out on a chance of a summer transfer move to Russia, as his club officials have snubbed an offer from CSKA Moscow. The deal would have seen Aaron linking up with fellow-Super Eagles tar, Ahmed Musa, who continues waxing strong with CSKA, but it will no longer materialise due to reluctance by The Oriental Country outfit to agree a deal. Information made available by a llnigeriasoccer.com indicates that The Armymen continued up till this week to thrash out terms with R&F over the signing of Aaron in the summer transfer market, but the Chinese Super League side eventually pulled out. The major stumbling block with respect to the negotiations has to do with the striker’s valuation, with R&F holding out for a minimum of €5m for Aaron, who joined the Guangzhou-based club from Sarpsborg 08 last year for €1.4 million High level talks took place between both sides but CSKA failed to increase the €3.5million that they offered and, though some observers believe one of the parties could still succumb in the next week, sources close to Aaron say he has already given up on a possible move to Moscow.[/b] sportsdayonline.com/aaron-samuel-misses-moscow-move/ |
| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by terzurum5(m): 11:11pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Lokomotiv Join Ezekiel Race [/size] Standard Liege of Belgium attacker, Imoh Ezekiel could become the next Nigerian star to line out for Lokomotiv Moscow of Russia, following reports that The Railwaymen are in the hunt for his signature. Although earlier information at the start of this week indicated that Imoh’s parent club, Al-Arabi of Qatar are reluctant to allow the strike leave, thereby turning their nose up against offers from the like of RSC Anderlecht of Belgium and Lille Metropole of France, but Lokomotiv believe they can succeed where all others have failed. The move is to hook Imoh to join the squad that once paid the wages of fellow-Nigerian strikers, Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Obinna Nsofor, as reliable Belgian newspaper, Het Laatste Nieuws says Lokomotiv are inching closer to a deal. The report, though, also admits that Imoh’s future remains unresolved few weeks after the transfer window opened, but Lokomotiv appear ready for a bidding war to snap him up from Al-Arabi Apart from the interest from The Railwaymen, Lille, Standard and Anderlecht, teams Italy and Germany are also believed to be monitoring the 21-year-old striker, who is is tied to the Qatari club until the summer of 2018.[/b] sportsdayonline.com/lokomotiv-join-ezekiel-race/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by terzurum5(m): 11:27pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Oshaniwa Ready For Scotland Challenge [/size] -As Hearts Coach Sings Defender’s Praise Ex-AS Ashdod of Israel left-wing-back, Juwon Oshaniwa says he is ready to face head-on the new challenge bound to come his way plying his trade in Scotland, where he is nearing a deal with Hearts, whose coach, Robbie Neilson is already talking in lofty terms about the new arrival. The former Sharks of Port Harcourt defender said the chance of playing in one of Europe’s major leagues has always been his ambition and stressed that he is determined to take it with all he has. The 24-year-old earlier verbally agreed to join the capital club and was granted a conditional British work permit after his representatives attended a meeting at Hampden on Tuesday afternoon. Oshaniwa spent the last three seasons playing for Ashdod – the former team of Celtic star, Efe Ambrose – but departed the Israeli side this summer following their relegation from the top flight. With a few technicalities still to be ironed out, sources have confirmed he will arrive in the UK next week to formally complete his transfer and sign a three-year deal. Oshaniwa gained a Scottish work permit this week and is now in Abuja to get his visa so he can join his colleagues in pre-season and believes playing in the SPL would accord him a chance of regaining his place in the Super Eagles. “I am looking forward to this fresh challenge of playing in the Scottish Premier League. I had finished my contract with Ashdod and I allowed my agent to sort out the details with Hearts as soon as they showed interest. “It was important that little noise was made until the deal is tied up. It is now and I’m excited and looking forward to this fresh challenge. “it is going to be a step up in standards for me with regards to the football and that is what any footballer wants – to progress and move up to higher football quality. “I know I have watched a lot Scottish league on TV lately so I am aware of what to expect or the challenges that I will face. I am excited by the expectations,” Oshaniwa told supersport.com. On his part, Coach Neilson has described Oshaniwa as a “fantastic” player and stated gleefully that the defender, who played four matches for Nigeria during last year’s World Cup in Brazil will be an asset for Hearts. Neilson said: “Oshaniwa is a player who was put to us and he is a fantastic player - he played four games at the World Cup for Nigeria.[/b] sportsdayonline.com/oshaniwa-ready-for-scotland-challenge-2/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by terzurum5(m): 11:29pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Obagol Resumes Light Training [/size] Seattle Sounders of America striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins has set himself up for a return to action in Major League Soccer (MLS) next weekend, following another bout with injury, as the former Inter Milan of Italy star was spotted in training with the squad in their final round of preparations. Obagol, who is considered a strong strike livewire for Sounders and the club’s fans cannot wait for his return action, started light training on Thursday after suffering a knock on his groin penultimate weekend. However, Seattle soccer faithful will have to wait another weekend before seeing Oba back with their team, as he is still yet to reach the end of his initial 3-to-6 week timetable for full recovery. It means the fleet-footed attacker, who joined Sounders from Levante of Spain, will not be available for this weekend’s game against DC United. Top brass of the club, though, are already wetting their minds ahead of next weekend, knowing full that having Martins back in action will be a huge boost for the squad, who will be without Clint Dempsey for most of July because of the striker’s outing with Team USA at this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.[/b] sportsdayonline.com/obagol-resumes-light-training/
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by terzurum5(m): 11:48pm On Jul 03, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] Fanendo Adi emerges from doghouse to play "one of his best games" with Portland Timbers [/size] BEAVERTON, Ore. – Months after his signing hype, Fanendo Adilanded himself in the doghouse. In the early going of 2015, he just wasn't living up to the expectations set forth upon his Designated Player signing midseason last year. The big Nigerian striker scored just three goals through his first seven games – two of those coming in one match – earning himself a spot on the bench by mid-April. Three more starts in May led to another goal, but something wasn’t clicking for head coach Caleb Porter, who opted for Maximiliano Urrutiover Adi for five straight league matches starting May 27. Since then, Adi has responded. He scored another brace off the bench to lead Portland to a 2-0 win over the New England Revolutionon June 6. Then he drew praise for his physical hold-up play in the Timbers’ US Open Cup win over the Seattle Sounders on June 16. Finally, this past Sunday, he turned in “one of his best games” in a Timbers shirt in the team's memorable 4-1 victory over the Sounders, scoring him Player of the Week honors. During the match, he recorded his signature brace to add to his team-leading total of eight goals. And now, he appears to once again enjoy Porter's good graces. “Adi played like the true target-type forward that we felt he could be,” Porter said. “That type of play isn’t going to work every game. It’s working right now because we’re using that type of play in the right game.” Like the USOC game against Seattle, Porter said Adi was the perfect match-up to counter Sounders center back Chad Marshall, last year’s MLS Defensive Player of the Year. The two clashed bodies for 95 minutes in the extra-time USOC game and then for another 90 on a sweltering Sunday afternoon at Providence Park. It’s a different look from the lanky Urruti, who covers more ground but lacks Adi’s physical presence. In the USOC match, Adi’s occupation of Marshall allowed midfielder Diego Valeriand winger Rodney Wallaceto score goals. Porter then subbed Adi off for Urruti, who scored the third goal deep in extra time. On Sunday, Adi showed his finishing touch, and paved the way for wingers Darlington Nagbeand Wallace to both open their league accounts for the season. “He was excellent, one of his best games,” Porter said. “Chad Marshall, he was the defender of the year last year, and that was a great battle. If you’re a fan watching that game, you see that battle, two big men going toe to toe all game – Marshall got the better of him a few times; Adi got the better of him a few times – it was just a battle, those two.” For Adi’s part, he’s said and done all the right things, something that isn’t always easy for a DP who isn’t used to playing a support role. While all signs point toward Porter using the two strikers in a platoon situation – based on matchups – the 24-year-old Adi is sure to be at the top of Porter’s mind when he fills out the XI if Sunday’s performance is a sign of things to come. “For me, I knew I was playing against one of the best defenders in the league,” Adi said after Sunday’s match. “I respect Marshall a lot. I think he defends very well. So coming into the game, I had to prepare extra well. Knowing that I had three good players underneath, I just had to hold up the ball back to them. “I was lucky today," he continued. "The balls were coming in at the right places, and I was in the right places at the right times.” Now Porter has the prototypical “good problem” when it comes to selecting his striker. Urruti has three league goals, two in his last five starts. Porter said the competition for spots is healthy, everyone holding faith that they’ll be counted on to contribute at some point. “I think these guys want to win, first and foremost,” Porter said. “They want to win. A lot of players say that, but they also want to be in the lineup and they want the personal accolades. These guys truly want to win, that’s it. And they’re all bought into that. “And they know they’ll get their games," he continued. "They may not play every game, but they know we’re going to put them in, in some of the games. And they know they’re contributing to us winning. So I think what you have is a true team in every since of the word.”[/b] www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/01/fanendo-adi-emerges-doghouse-play-one-his-best-games-portland-timbers
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| Re: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. by Orkpekyandega(m): 8:22am On Jul 04, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt] MLS previews: Seattle Hope to Stop the Rot, and the Gold Cup is Finally Here. [/size] Gold Cup-aggedon has arrived Well, it’s finally here: the kinda-sorta important-ish international competition that may now be more famous around the world for one if its erstwhile organizersthan anything that has ever happened on the field of play. Nevertheless, some fans of Major League Soccer will be thrilled when the Concacaf Gold Cup kicks off this Tuesday, helping to fill in the gap left by Copa America and the Women’s World Cup. Others, however, particularly fans of those MLS clubs who have already been ravaged by injuries and the demands of US Open Cup matches and international friendlies, may secretly pray that a few national teams make an early exit. Not every club will feel the pinch, of course, particularly clubs like the Chicago Fire and the Colorado Rapids, who will only lose a player apiece, as they need everyone on deck if they are to climb back into the running in their respective conferences. But for FC Dallas, Toronto FCand Real Salt Lake, it’s a much different story. Each club will see five players go, including vital stars like Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, Tesho Akindele and Blas Pérez, Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando. This all comes with the territory, of course, but expect some interesting roster-juggling for the next while. Seattle hope to stem the bleeding against DC While they are still solidly in the lead both in the Eastern Conference and in the Supporters’ Shield race (though will several more games played than their competitors), there remain nagging questions over the durability of DC United’s form. The club were largely dominated in a 0-0 draw against Toronto FC last weekend at a rainy BMO Field, though in fairness Ben Olsen’s team did manage to find a free header or two, threatening to steal a victory against the run of play. United however couldn’t manage a win against a 10-man Philadelphia Union this week either, dropping out of the US Open Cup with a 2-1 defeat. Of course, DC rested several starters for that match, and one could chalk up a goalless draw against a revitalized Toronto FC at BMO as something of a win. This weekend they will face a struggling Seattle Sounders, a team which have lost their last four matches in all competitions, including three in MLS. Though they were no doubt hurt in part by the absence of Clint Dempsey, serving a three-game suspension after t he American striker ripped up the ref’s notebook in a USOC loss, some of their defending against Portland in their 4-1 loss last weekend – particularly by the centre-halves Brad Davis and Chad Marshall – was timid to a fault. Seattle will hope home advantage can prevent a record-tying fourth straight league loss. Portland and San Jose in mid-table tussle So the Portland Timbers have overcome their now annual first-third season jitters and won five of their last six matches (though, yes, one of them was a 5-0 drubbing against the LA Galaxy). This team is legit, in third place in the Western Conference and only four off points off top spot. Moreover, they are simply fun to watch, particularly at home in Providence Park. Their 4-1 victory over their admittedly-weakened Cascadia rivals Seattle last weekend was a glorious romp, one which produced Darlington Nagbe’s first goal of the season and a daring Fanendo Adi brace. Though Timbers’ fans may rue a missed chance this past midweek with a 2-0 loss in the US Open Cup to Real Salt Lake, this should be a team on the rise. And yet because this is MLS, their opponents this weekend, the San Jose Earthquakes, are a mere three points behind them in the table and just below the playoff line. Unlike the Timbers, however, San Jose’s form comes down mostly to the scoring prowess of one man, Chris Wondolowksi, who will be away with the US men’s national team on Gold Cup duty (the only other player to have scored more than once, Sanna Nyassi, is on a suspension). Wondo has scored nine of the club’s 19 goals, including a crucial equalizer against the LA Galaxy in last week’s 3-1 victory (they lost 1-0 to them midweek in US Open Cup play). If Earthquakes coach Dom Kinnear will have to prove his team are more than a one-show, the Quakes could incredibly join the Timbers in the upper third of the table.[/b] To be continued in the next post...... www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/03/mls-previews-seattle-gold-cup
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