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Onazi wants Lazio to end poor run against Juventus
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Onazi (right) Lazio star
Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi has told AfricanFootball.com he hopes his Serie A side Lazio will end a poor run against Juventus when both teams clash in the Italian Super Cup on Saturday in the Chinese city of Shanghai.
The midfield star said he hopes his club avenge against the Italian champions Juventus having lost several times to them.
“We will open the season on Saturday with a Super Cup game against Juventus and we are seeking revenge because we have lost several times to them,” Onazi told AfricanFootball.com
“And I believe now is the time for us to take our chance and beat them to the Super Cup. We have been training hard ahead of the game for over one week here in Shanghai.
"We want to start the new season on a bright note and I believe this season is going to be the best season for me and Lazio.
"We have high hopes and with God all our target will be met.”
Lazio lost the Coppa Italia 2014/2015 to Juventus 2-1 after extra time.
[/b]
africanfootball.com/news/557680/Onazi-wants-Lazio-to-end-poor-run-against-Juventus

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Ighalo: Watford aim for good start at Everton
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Ighalo and Watford will battle the likes of Chelsea in the EPL this season.
Watford hope they get off to a flying start on the opening day of the English Premier League on Saturday when they visit Everton.
Nigeria international Odion Ighalo told AfricanFootball.com Watford are looking forward to a memorable start after so many years away from the English top flight.
New Watford will battle in EPL says Ighalo
"I am looking forward to a tough game against Everton, but my target is to get three points or at least a point from the game," said the striker, who scored 20 goals last season to help Watford secure promotion to the EPL.
Watford are under a new manager, have signed 10 new players for the new season and are widely tipped to make a prompt return to the lower league.
But Ighalo has insisted his club will stay up.
"Watford will compete in the EPL. I think we have team that can do well. By the grace of God and hard work, we will stay up,” he said.
"My top priority is to help my team stay in the EPL and score goals in the process, I am not aiming for top scorer's award, if it comes, I will thank God but keeping my team up is the target.”
Champions Chelsea will still be the team to beat despite an indifferent pre-season, according to the Nigeria striker.
"I don’t think pre-season can determine a team performance in the league, the league is a different ball game. Chelsea remain a contender for the EPL title," Ighalo said.
By Olusola Alao
[/b]
africanfootball.com/news/557674/Ighalo-Watford-aim-for-good-start-at-Everton

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Nigeria rise to 53rd in August Fifa ranking
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[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/cb/1d/nigeria-chad-150613_1xone4xb32dmr1oy5smbgyfm2r.jpg?t=-278338659&w=620&h=430[/img]
The Super Eagles have moved four places up in the grading released by the world football ruling body, but remain tenth in Africa
Nigeria rose up four spots to 53rd place in the Fifa rankings released on Thursday, though are tenth-ranked African side.
In July’s grading, the Super Eagles dropped 14 places to 57th – their poorest drop in 2015.
One the continent, they are ranked Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, Congo, Cape Verde Island and Egypt.
Copa America champions, Chile entered the top ten at the expense of the Netherlands who that two places to 12th in the world. Argentina remain the best football playing country in the world and they are followed by Belgium and Germany respectively.
Likely Nigeria opposition in the second round of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Swaziland and Djibouti are placed 132nd and 206th respectively in the world.
Former world champions Spain moved a place up to the 11th spot as Brazil are fifth in the world and third in South America.
The next ranking will be released on September 3, 2015.
[/b]
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4093/nigeria/2015/08/06/14208342/nigeria-rise-to-53rd-in-august-fifa-ranking

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Al Ain coach begs for more time for Emenike
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Emenike (far right) training with Al Ain.
Al Ain of United Arab Emirates coach Zlatko Dalic has stated that Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike alongside newly acquired foreign players namely Ryan Babel and Felipe Bastos needs more time to fit into the club after a training camp in Austria.
Emenike fired blanks in four friendly games Al Ain played which they didn't win any, against Uzbek Locomotiv (1-0), Hull City (4-0), Al Hilal (2-1) and Al Sadd (0-0).
"The new foreign players has begun to gel with the team very well, we have seen improvement in Emmanuel Emenike. I believe that the Nigerian, Dutch (Babel) and Brazilian (Bastos) need more time with the team to give their best for the team,” the Croatian coach remarked.
“I am happy with the performances of the players and the team, but we are yet to reach our potentials."
Al Ain left for Morocco, Thursday where they will face Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca on Saturday in a friendly.
[/b]
africanfootball.com/news/557724/Al-Ain-coach-begs-for-more-time-for-Emenike

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Sporting Lisbon dare Ahmed Musa's CSKA for Champions League
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Nosa Igiebor's Israeli club will battle Fc Basel for a place in the Champions League group stage
by Samm Audu
Ahmed Musa and his Russian club CSKA Moscow will have to go past Sporting Lisbon of Portugal to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League after Friday’s draw.
Ahmed Musa scored a brace to ensure CSKA beat Sparta Prague of Czech Republic and advance to this stage of the competition.
This will be a rematch of the 2005 UEFA Cup final.
Several other Nigeria stars are involved in the Champions League playoffs.
Efe Ambrose’s Celtic face Malmo of Sweden, Ogenyi Onazi will hope his Italian club Lazio eliminate Bayer Leverkusen and Elderson Echiejile will team up with Monaco to stop Valencia.
Nosa Igiebor’s Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv face FC Basel of Switzerland.
The overall winners of these matches will qualify for the Champions League group stage, while the losers drop to the UEFA Europa League.
First leg matches are fixed for August 18 and 19, while the return matches will be played on August 25 and 26.
[/b]
africanfootball.com/news/557907/Sporting-Lisbon-dare-Ahmed-Musas-CSKA-for-Champions-League

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Etuhu, Abiola Dauda crash out of Europa League
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Dickson Etuhu's Swedish club are out of the UEFA Europa League.
Nigeria’s Dickson Etuhu and Abiola Dauda have crashed out of Europa League after their respective clubs lost on Thursday.
Former Fulham midfielder Etuhu played the full game for AIK Stockholm in a 3-1 loss in the second leg third round qualifying match to Atromitos to crash on a 4-1 aggregate.
Vitesse Arhnem forward Abiola Dauda was not listed for the Dutch side as they lost 2-0 in the second leg in Holland to crash on 5-0 aggregate.
Dauda played the first leg.

africanfootball.com/news/557804/Etuhu-Abiola-Dauda-crash-out-of-Europa-League

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Akabueze fires Norwegian club to Europa League playoffs
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Akabueze and his Norwegian club are still in the Europa League.
Nigeria striker Chukwuma Akabueze scored for Norwegian club Odd Ballklubb to advance to the playoffs of the UEFA Europa league on Thursday in their 2-0 win over Elfsborg.
Odd thus advanced on a 3-2 aggregate
Akabueze, who was on from start to finish in the game, scored Odd second goal in the 71st minute.
He has now scored three goals in the Europa League.
Flying Eagles captain Musa Mohammed was missing in action as his Turkish club Istanbul BB lost 2-1 at home to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to crash out on 4-1 aggregate.

africanfootball.com/news/557764/Akabueze-fires-Norwegian-club-to-Europa-League-playoffs

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Oliseh invites Salami, Ejike, Adeniji and 20 other NPFL stars for Tanzania
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The Super Eagles trainer will open training for the 2017 Afcon qualifier against Tanzania on August 17 in Abuja
Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 23 players from the domestic league to begin camp ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Tanzania in Dar es Salam.
A few players were retained from Stephen Keshi’s era including Warri Wolves’ Gbolahan Salami, Solomon Kwambe and Nelson Ogbonnaya, while current NPFL leading scorer Tunde Adeniji of Sunshine Stars and Heartland's Bright Ejike have been handed a first time call up.
The new manager has called up goalkeepers Olufemi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the absence of Daniel Akpeyi who has recently moved to Chippa United in South Africa.
Akpeyi has been touted as a future successor to Vincent Enyeama since his heroics denied Bafana Bafana a crucial victory in a friendly in Durban last March.
This camp is expected to throw up at least five players that will be joined by Europe-based players for the September 5 encounter against Tanzania.
All players have been asked to report to camp in Abuja by Monday, August 17.
FULL LIST
GOALKEEPERS: Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); David Obiazor (Heartland FC); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars)
DEFENDERS: Orji Kalu (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Samson Gbadebo (Lobi Stars); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars)
MIDFIELDERS: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Azubuike Okechukwu (Bayelsa United); Lawson Ichul (Warri Wolves); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves)
FORWARDS: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Bright Ejike (Heartland FC); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Queens); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)
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m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4093/nigeria/2015/08/07/14239602/oliseh-invites-salami-ejike-adeniji-and-20-other-npfl-stars

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Nigeria: Sourcing Players for the Supers Eagles From the Diaspora
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By Jide Alaka
There is strength in numbers so new Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, is going all out to get players [with a Nigerian tinge] in any guise as long as they have a Nigerian connection to represent the national team. Oliseh met with Liverpool's Jordon Ibe on Wednesday and the discussion was centered on the forward transferring his allegiance to Nigeria from England just like Victor Moses did some years ago.
This in itself is a worthwhile venture as analysts have often said that the Super Eagles as currently constituted is made up of average players.
And if the country must raise its level in the international arena, it must raise the standard of players and coaching.
But it also raises the moral question of whether this is a right thing to do. For instance, Ibe was born and raised in England and it was the excellent football education that he was given that has that has made him much coveted today by Nigeria though it was wrought by British tax payers' money.
So is it then right for Nigeria to want to reap where it has not sown [except for the Nigerian sperm that fertilized the Ibe egg]?
Some of the greatest players that the world has seen were originally from Africa. Players like Zinedine Zidane, who helped France win the 1998 World Cup, Portugal's legend, Eusebio. Right now, we have Paul Pogba as the biggest French superstar, and he is originally from Mali.
The list goes on and on but won't it also raise jealousy bouts with the players, born and bred in Nigeria? All these questions hint at some sore points and these have to be looked at critically.
We heard the stories of Italy coveting Obafemi Martins, when he first burst on the scene with Inter Milan. They finally succeeded with Mario Balotelli. There is also the case of the Boateng brothers - elder brother; Prince plays his international football for Ghana while the brother plays for Germany.
Why are we now coveting players in the Diaspora? Because we have neglected all these:
Football education from an early age
With a population of over 170 million people, getting 1000 to be very good in football should not be a problem but it is and continues to rob the country because even when these talents are brought into the net, the level of youth coaching, is to say the least abysmal. More work has to be done educating the trainers and then the trained will be up to standard.
Level of the sport at home
When these talents are given the right coaching from a young age, then they need to be exposed to playing matches in the right environment. That at the moment is sorely lacking, as mostly what we have is just backyard training and competitions.
Incentives at home
We must begin to eulogize the players that have been consistent on the local scene and that can and will only happen if the youngsters know that they can make a living playing in the local league and be treated fairly in the scheme of things for the national teams.
Organisation at home
The major challenge that the Nigeria Football Federation [and all the sectors in the country] faces is a leadership that is ready to work and do so with integrity. We know what to do but we just do not do them.
But countries that seem to have good grassroots developmental programmes like Algeria and Morocco have intensified efforts to convince players eligible for them to change allegiance so why not Nigeria with more of these kind of gems outside the country.
The only snag could be the process of integration. Nigerian football has a distinct culture about it but will these 'Diaspora' players care enough to get ingratiated with it and be embedded with its functionality?
The good thing though is that Oliseh speaks five languages so he could actually be in the best position to sort this out.
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allafrica.com/stories/201508071335.html

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Nigerian Players to Watch This Weekend
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By Jide Alaka
The European football season officially kicks off this weekend [for most Nigerians] with the English Premier League even though some other leagues have already started their campaigns. Here are five Nigerian players that would be in the spotlight this weekend.
Vincent Enyeama - Lille v PSG
Ligue 1 | Friday, Aug.7 | 19:30
It cannot get harder than this for Super Eagles No.1, Vincent Enyeama, as Lille start their 2015/16 Ligue 1 season at home. Lille have a new coach in Herve Renard, but the champions have been fortified by Angel Di Maria at the princely cost of £44million - more than the worth of the entire Lille team.
Can we look beyond a victory for the Parisians? I do not think but Enyeama would be wary of conceding another dozen.
Imoh Ezekiel - Anderlecht v Gent
Pro League | Sunday, Aug.9 | 13:30
Anderlecht's new striker made his debut last weekend in a 2-0 away win over OH Leuven. Ezekiel came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute and supplied the cross through which Idrissa Sylla opened scoring for the 33-time champions in the 69th minute. They come up against the defending champions, Gent, on Sunday.
Moses Simon - Anderlecht v Gent
Pro League | Sunday, Aug.9 | 13:30
Great things are expected of Moses Simon this season at Gent. Also, he is gradually rebuilding his fitness after a bout of injury curtailed his participation at the U-20 World Cup. He has played in two league matches already this season. Simon joined the reigning champions from AS Trencin of Slovakia in January.
Sylvester Igboun - FC Ufa v Zenit
Russia Premier League | Sunday, Aug.9 | 14:00
Igboun just joined Ufa from Midtjylland and scored his first goal last weekend away to Kuban Krasnodar. But this weekend he comes up against the defending champions, Zenit, and it would be interesting to see whether he can score in a second consecutive match.
Kelechi Iheanacho - West Brom v Man City
EPL | Monday, Aug.10 | 20:00
After been named into the City squad for the season coupled with the departures of Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko, it will be gratifying to see Iheanacho kick on. If he can get on the pitch against the Baggies on Monday, it would be a major psychological boost for the youngster and Nigeria.
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allafrica.com/stories/201508071340.html

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Nigeria: Moses Set for Premier League Battle
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Chelsea winger, Victor Moses says he is ready to battle for a starting in the 2015/2016 Premier League season.
Champions Chelsea begin their campaign against Swansea tomorrow at Stamford Bridge, with Coach Jose Mourinho eager to start theseason with a victory and possibly send out warning signals to rivals Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool that the Blues are the team to beat.
Moses, who hasn't played for the Blues since May 2013, having spent the two previous seasons on loan at Liverpool and Stoke City, and was doubtful to feature in Mourinho's first-team squad for the 2015-16 season however seems confident of holding his own against the other strikers in the new season.
The former Wigan star, who arrived from the Latics in 2012 told talksport that "as things stand now, I am at the club, which affords me the opportunity to make a strong claim for a starting role in this club.
"I know the decision on who plays rests with the coach but I am hopeful that I would be given the opportunity to show that I have something to contribute to our quest to retain the Premier League title", Moses added.
[/b]
allafrica.com/stories/201508070872.html

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Nigeria: Salami Targets NPFL Golden Boot
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Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami, is braced up for the fight to become the leading marksman in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.
The erstwhile Enyimba forward hit a brace in his side's 3-0 win against Ifeanyi Ubah on Wednesday.
The two goals increased his tally for the season to nine, two behind the duo of Tunde Adeniji and Bright Ejike who top the scorers chart with 11 goals.
The Super Eagles hitman told comple tesportsnigeria.com that he is keen to win the honour.
"It will be great to become the highest goalscorer in the league this season and I believe I'm ready for the fight," Salami told comple tesportsnigeria.com.
"My objective is to help my club do well this season by scoring more goals than I did last season.
"To achieve that, I must continue working hard and score on a more consistent basis."
Salami is tied on nine goals with Abia Warriors striker Chisom Chikatara who also scored a brace for the Oriental side in their 2-0 win against Giwa FC on Wednesday.
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allafrica.com/stories/201508070269.html

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Libya/Tanzania: Tanzania Plays Kuwait, Libya for Nigeria
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By Chibuike Chukwu
Lagos — Tanzania has stepped up preparation for the September 5 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria by organising two high-profile international friendly matches against Kuwait and Libya.
The Tanzania Taifa Stars, gunning for its first appearance in the Nations Cup finals in 35 years, will play Kuwait and Libya before taking on Super Eagles in the first leg of Group G clash.
The two build-up matches will take place in Turkey later this month, according to sources within the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
"We are pleased to confirm two high-profile international friendly matches against Libya and Kuwait later this month," the source, which pleaded for anonymity disclosed.
The source said that the team will leave for Turkey on August 25 for a week-long camp. He said 25 players would make the trip. The Stars, now on recess after bowing out of the 2016 African Nations Championship qualifiers, will resume residential training on Monday in Dar es Salaam for a two-week camp before heading to Kuwait.
On August 14, players from Young Africans and Azam FC will join their respective clubs for the Community Shield match set for August 22 at the National Stadium, according to the source.
"We want our players to undergo preparations they need to floor the former African champions (Nigeria) on September 5 and remain serious contenders for a place in the 2017 Nations Cup finals," the source added.
"These two matches will serve as beneficial warm-ups for our team for the Nations Cup qualifying matches," he said. When contacted for comment, Mkwasa promised to give more details on the Kuwait tour.
Taifa Stars, whose first ever appearance at the tournament finals dates back to 1980 in Nigeria, has been handed a tough group that also has Pharaohs of Egypt, Chad as well as the Super Eagles.
It has to overcome three-time winners (Super Eagles), record seven-time winners (Pharaohs) and Chad for a ticket to play at Gabon. The winners of each of the 13 groups will pick automatic qualifying tickets while the two best second-placed teams would join the train to Gabon.
Notwithstanding their illustrious credentials, both Nigeria and Egypt failed to qualify for the 2015 tournament held in Equatorial Guinea, with Egypt's last showing being at Angola 2010 where it won its record-extending seventh title.
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allafrica.com/stories/201508070255.html

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Nigeria: No Call for Pinnick's Resignation Over London Trip, Says NFF
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By Gowon Akpodonor
The board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described as 'wicked rumour' the insinuation in some quarters that that it had called on Amaju Pinnick to resign as president of the body following his recent trip to London.
Pinnick's decision to travel to London alongside Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, to hold talks with prospective sponsors rather than attend any of the matches involving the Super Falcons in Bata and the national U-23 team in Congo, was described by some sports fans as an act of irresponsibility.
There were insinuations yesterday that some board members had called on Pinnick to resign. But the Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, told The Guardian yesterday that those spreading such 'wicked rumour' don't mean well for Nigerian football. "I don't know where people get such information.
I can tell you that there is nothing of such. I think people should channel their energy on issues that will be productive for Nigerian football rather than embarking on issues capable of dragging us backward.
Pinnick is doing a great job for our football and people should encourage him. His trip to London was part of efforts to strengthen our football. "I don't think any of our board members is bothered by those comments against Pinnick regarding the trip to London because the board delegated capable officials for the two games in question.
Pinnick can't be everywhere and it is not even in his character to embark on every trip with the national teams. That would amount to greed.
It was just unfortunate that the Falcons failed to qualify for the Olympic Games, but sincerely speaking, the board did everything for the girls. I want those looking for loopholes to cause distractions in the NFF to desist from such. It won't do our football any good," Sanisu said.
[/b]
allafrica.com/stories/201508070185.html

2 Nigerians have scored so far today Ujah and Ighalo, i don't know why Ighalo started from the bench but that is a good enough answer

BascoVanVeli:
2 Nigerians have scored so far today Ujah and Ighalo, i don't know why Ighalo started from the bench but that is a good enough answer

Congrats to them, especially Odion Ighalo. It took balotelli 770minutes and 48shots before he could register his first premier league goal. This should be a confidence booster for ighalo, hope iheanacho follows suit.

BascoVanVeli:
2 Nigerians have scored so far today Ujah and Ighalo, i don't know why Ighalo started from the bench but that is a good enough answer

If our strikers start the first stanza of the league like this then, Coach Sunday Oliseh will surely face some selection headache, which is very good for our Afcon and World Cup qualifiers.

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How Nigeria stars will fare in EPL
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Mikel Obi - His chances at Chelsea will be limited again this season
AfricanFootball.co m looks at how 10 Nigeria stars will fare in the English Premier League, which starts today.
Mikel Obi (Chelsea/Midfielder)
He is unarguably the biggest Nigeria star in the EPL after winning almost everything with Chelsea, but his chances of regular first-team football with champions Chelsea are not guaranteed as ‘The Blues’ have spent the close season hawking him to various club.
Mikel will be playing his ninth season with Chelsea in the EPL where he has won laurels but he has fallen down pecking order as a holding midfielder at Stamford Bridge over the last two seasons.
Success rate: 40%
Profile
Born: 22nd April, 1987
Height: 1.86m
Previous clubs: Plateau United (Nigeria), Ajax Cape Town (South Africa), Lyn Oslo (Norway)
Honours: EPL: 2009/2010 and 2014/2015, England FA Cup: 2006/2007, 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2011/2012; League Cup: 2006/2007 and 2014/2015, Community Shield: 2009/2010, AFCON 2013 Gold, UEFA Champions League 2011/2012, Europa League: 2012/2013
Victor Moses (Chelsea/Forward)
The winger looks set to take his second chance with Jose Mourinho after he shone in pre-season games ahead of the new season.
Moses played on loan last season at Stoke City where he did well until injury set in.
Mourinho, who previously did not rate the player, has now said Victor Moses has improved after his loan spells in Liverpool and Stoke City and so will be part of his squad this time.
It is now left for him to make the most of the opportunities he will get in the new campaign, otherwise he could again be shipped out in January.
Success rate: 55%
Profile
Born: 12th December, 1990
Height: 1.78m
Previous clubs: Crystal Palace, Wigan Athletic, Liverpool, Stoke City
Honours: Europa League: 2012/2013, AFCON 2013 Gold
Odion Ighalo (Watford/Striker)
This will be his debut season in the EPL after he led Watford to the top flight at the end of the 2014/2015 English Championship season.
All eyes will be on him following his exploits in the Championship, where he netted 20 goals for Watford, coupled with his performances in pre-season during which he scored six goals in seven games.
Watford have a new manager and have been very busy on the transfer market, yet they are expected to struggle to stay up in the top flight.
These are challenges which will go a long way in determining how well their Nigeria striker fares this season.
Success Rate: 45%
Profile
Born: 16th June, 1989
Height: 1.88m
Previous clubs: Prime, Julius Berger, Lyn Oslo, Udinese, Granada, Cesena
Honours: EPL promotion ticket 2014/2015 season
Osaze Odemwingie (Stoke City/Forward)
The Stoke City forward was doing great last season before injury stopped him for several months. He has done well in pre-season even, but he still has to prove he is fully fit.
He is at a decent club who have continued to improve under manager Mark Hughes and he will also play a big part for the team fitness permitting.
Success Rate: 65%
Profile
Born: 15th July, 1981
Height: 1.82m
Prevous clubs: KAMAZ, CSKA Moscow, AS Racine Lagos, Insurance, La Louviere, Lille, Locomotiv Moscow, West Brom, Cardiff City
Honours: Olympic Silver Medal: 2008
Brown Ideye (West Brom/Striker)
All eyes will be on Ideye to perform better for West Brom after his big-money move to the EPL last season from Dynamo Kiev.
He did not impress at the beginning of last season, but he has now adapted better and should be able to reproduce the performance he posted soon after he was to have been shipped out of the club.
Success Rate: 55%
Profile
Born: 10th October, 1988
Height: 1.8m
Previous clubs: Bayelsa United, Ocean Boys, Neuchâtel Xamax, Sochaux, Dynamo Kiev
Honours: Ukrainian Cup: 2013/2014, Ukrainian Super Cup: 2011 AFCON 2013 gold
Victor Anichebe (West Brom/Striker)
Anichebe has everything to be one of the best strikers in the EPL but his injury woes have often pulled him down. He had some great time last season scoring few goals as he was affected by
injuries.
If he stayed fit this season, he should be one of the shining lights for West Brom after he posted a good shift in preseason.
He could avoid injuries, this could be his best ever season in the EPL.
Success Rate: 60%
Profile
Born: 23rd April, 1988
Height: 1.91m
Previous clubs: Everton
Honour: Olympics Silver medal 2008
[/b]
africanfootball.com/news/558113/How-Nigeria-stars-will-fare-in-EPL
.....continue in the next post

.....continue from the last post
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How Nigeria stars will fare in EPL
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Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur/Midfielder)
The youngster who joined Tottenham Hotspur from MK Dons has showed he has the qualities to dictate the pace from the middle of the pack when EPL season kicks off.
The skillful youngster shone brightly during the pre-season doing well against big team like Real Madrid.
He will be among the best young players in the new season and should get some playing time at Spurs having shown real character.
Success Rate: 50%
Profile
Born: 11th April, 1996
Height: 1.88m
Previous clubs: City Colts, MK Dons
Honours: League One promotion ticket with MK Dons to the Championship
Jordon Ibe (Liverpool/Forward)
The exiting youngster has shown he is a capable replacement for Raheem Sterling who left Liverpool for Manchester City this summer.
He did well at Derby County where he was on loan and that made Liverpool recall him. Ibe did well in pre-season and looks set to get a lot more playing time at ‘The Reds’.
Success Rate: 60%
Profile
Born: 8th December, 1995
Height: 1.76m
Previous clubs: Charlton Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, Birmingham City, Derby County
Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City/Forward)
He is one of the most promising youngsters in the game now. The U17 FIFA World Cup Most Valuable Player in 2013 showed up again in pre-season and has now been drafted to the first-team squad.
His first-team chances have been boosted with the exit of Edin Dzeko and Jovetic, and if he could take his chance in this star-studded team, he will justify his insistence to stay put at The Etihad and not go out on loan to a smaller club.
Success Rate: 40%
Profile
Born: 3rd October, 1996
Height: 1.85m
Previous club: Taye Academy
Honour: FIFA U17 World Cup 2013 winner, MVP U17 World Cup
Ola Aina (Chelsea/Defender)
The young defender is tipped for big things and so has been drafted into the main team ahead of the new season.
No discussions have been held about him being sent out on loan and he featured in almost all Chelsea pre-season, including the last game against Fiorentina in which he was on the starting XI.
It will be a big plus for him if he gets to play a handful of first-team games for the champions this season.
Success Rate: 40%
Profile
Born: 8th October, 1996
Height: 1.75m
Honour: Won UEFA Youth League trophy
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africanfootball.com/news/558113/How-Nigeria-stars-will-fare-in-EPL

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7 Eagles Players With Points To Prove This Season
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The 2015/16 season Barclays Premier League season kicks off in England this Saturday and the excitement amongst football fans is understandable.
Other major leagues in Europe will start later in August though some not-so prestigious ones have kicked off, with the jury out on some Nigerian players from whom big things are expected.
Comple tesportsnigeria.com’s IZUCHUKWU OKOSI looks at the Nigerian stars who will be most under pressure to deliver this season.
1. MIKEL OBI
Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi is the second longest serving player at Stamford Bridge but comes under huge criticisms including from Nigerian fans of the English club.
These fans claim the former youth international who was the second best player at the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup in Holland behind Barcelona and Argentina’s Lionel Messi is not progressive in his game.
Mikel’s sideways and back passes get on the nerves of most Chelsea fans who feel Nemanja Matic should continue to get on the starting XI ahead of the Super Eagles star.
Despite the verdict of fans, Mikel has however escaped the axe of high profile managers every transfer window at Chelsea since he arrived at Stamford Bridge nine years ago. That confidence and belief in him count for something.
Matic is now the undisputed number one defensive midfielder at Chelsea but Mikel Obi will be desperate to impress Jose Mourinho with commanding performances when given the chance to play -either as a starter or a substitute this season.
If Mikel gets stuck in and starts playing the ball out of his team’s half of the pitch, then Matic have a new regular partner in central midfield.
Mikel has won several laurels for club and also country and will be expected to prove his experience this season.
The Nigerian will also be expected to play a huge role in the Super Eagles qualification campaign for the 2017 AFCON and 2018 World Cup.
2. VICTOR MOSES
Victor Moses is another Super Eagles star at Chelsea with a point to prove in the 2015/2016 season.
The forward was on loan last season at Stoke City but despite interest from some EPL clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City who reportedly wanted him as part of the deal to sell Asmir Begovic to Chelsea, manager Jose Mourinho insisted on not letting the Nigerian leave on loan this season.
Moses will have a tough task to dislodge the likes of Juan Cuadrado, Willian and Oscar from the starting line up next season.
But on the evidence of his performances in pre-season, most notably the International Champions Cup game against PSG, in which Moses scored a fine goal and was voted Man-of-the Match though he was substituted before the game ended, the pacey winger could become a key player for the EPL champions.
Furthermore Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh revealed he had “a fruitful meeting” with Moses recently in London which is an indication that he will feature in Oliseh’s plans for the Nigerian national team, beginning with the 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania in September.
3. ANTHONY UJAH
The Weder Bremen striker is one of the few African players with a point to prove in the German Bundesliga this season.
Ujah left FC Cologne for Bremen in controversial circumstances when he celebrated a goal with his former club’s mascot.
Beyond proving that he is one of Africa’s finest talents in Germany this season, Ujah also has an eye on a return to the Super Eagles and will hope to show Sunday Oliseh what the team was missing under Stephen Keshi.
Keshi, the former Eagles ‘big boss’, had Ujah in his 2013 Confederations Cup team in Brazil but a disappointing outing in South America virtually put paid to his international football then.
Now, Ujah is in good form and has shown glimpses of what to expect next season with eye-catching performances in pre-season games for Weder Bremen.
If Ujah continues in this good form, it will be a surprise if he is not handed a recall to the Super Eagles by Sunday Oliseh.
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www.completesportsnigeria.com/7-eagles-players-with-points-to-prove-this-season/
.....continue in the next post

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Ighalo confident about EPL challenge after magnificent start for Watford
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[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/8/21/odion-ighalo-of-watford_aiibl7bmxbie13dg1t38sewmb.jpg?t=-698863236&w=620&h=430[/img]
The Nigerian, who scored his first goal of the season in his club's 2-2 draw at Everton, has revealed that he is looking forward to having a memorable season with the promoted side
Odion Ighalohas described his first goal as the beginning of a remarkable season for him and Watfordin the English Premier League this season.
Ighalo was a 74th minute substitute for the newly promoted club in Saturday's game and he shot his side ahead at the Goodison Park, home ground of Everton barely nine minutes into his introduction in place of Jose Manuel Jurado.
His goal almost sealed the entire three points for Watford but Everton produced a magnificent comeback to even the tie in the 86th minute through Ivorian striker Arouna Kone.
"I am paid to score goals and I can't really explain how amazing it was when the ball crossed the line. I have scored my first EPL goal and I am hoping to get some more," Ighalo toldGoal.
"I already said that Watford would start the season impressively and that was exactly what we have done at Everton. We won't be carried away by this result because we are well aware that we have only started a very long journey."
Ighalo's debut EPL goal is just a furtherance of his impressive display from Watford's pre-season where he scored six goals in six matches. He netted 20 goals for his club while they were in the Championship last season.
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m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4078/exclusives/2015/08/12/14358182/ighalo-confident-about-epl-challenge-after-magnificent-start-for-

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Arsenal loanee , Akpom scores on debut for Hull City
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The youngster made a goal scoring debut for the Tigers as Steve Bruce’s men secured a ticket to the second round of the League Cup
Arsenalloanee, Chuba Akpommade his debut for Hull Cityand scored his first goal for the club as they ended up on the winning side in Tuesday’s League Cup game against Accrington Stanley at Crown Ground.
He replaced Nikica Jelavic 60th minute and put his side up two minutes into extra time as he swept a curling left foot shot into the far corner to settle nerves and give City the lead, but Matt Crooks equalised for the hosts.
Greg Luer's header put Hull back in front three minutes later, but Terry Gornell took the game to penalties.
Both sides missed two of their first five penalties to send the spot-kicks into sudden death before Crooks fired over after Curtis Davies scored.
Nigeria international, Sone Aluko was handed a starter’s shirt but was replaced by Matt Dixon in the 96th minutes, with Moses Odubajo who made a £3.5m move from Brentford making his debut for the Tigers.
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m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2015/08/12/14366152/arsenal-loanee-akpom-scores-on-debut-for-hull-city

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2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Netherlands
Troost-Ekong: Oliseh in touch, I want to be in new Eagles
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[img]http://africanfootball.com/news/559104/Troost-Ekong-Oliseh-in-touch-I-want-to-be-in-new-Eagles[/img]
William Troost-Ekong - He wishes to be part of the new Super Eagles under coach Oliseh.
Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong has revealed to AfricanFootball.co m new Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has been in touch with him and his dream now is to be part of the new team the coach is working on after he made his international debut in June.
He also talked about how Nwankwo Kanu and Thierry Henry inspired him in this exclusive interview with AfricanFootball.com
He revealed why he joined Norwegian club Haugesund on loan from Belgian champions Gent.
The full interview:
AFRICANFOOTBALL.COM: Where do you start your football career and how?
TROOST-EKONG:I started off in the Netherlands before being spotted by Fulham when I was 13. I moved to Tottenham Hotspur when I was 15 where I played until the summer of 2013, when I decided to return back to the Netherlands in order to play first-team football at FC Groningen.
What makes you decide to be a footballer right from such a tender age?
I was always very passionate about it and fell in love with the game like most young boys do. When I realised I had the talent, I wanted to go to the top and made it my goal to do so.
Who inspired you as a footballer?
Thierry Henry and Nwankwo Kanu were the players I looked up to when I was a young boy.
Your role models are strikers, while you are a defender, what's the connection?
I actually started as a striker. My pace is one of my qualities, I then moved to midfield and eventually as I progressed, I became a central defender. After that transformation to a defender in England, I enjoy watching Vincent Kompany, I like his style.
This is the first time you will play as a professional outside Holland, is there any differences in both leagues?
Yes, this was a big summer for me. I signed for Belgian champions Gent, but continuing to play weekly was most important to me as I did last season in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands and so the choice to be loaned out to Norwegian top league was a good step for me now.
It is a different type of football, but I think I'm suited for both and both are of a high standard.
Which coach or at what club were you turned to a defender?
At Fulham I started the transition, but at Tottenham Hotspur, I learned how to play as a central defender. That's where I got my style from.
You played for Holland U19 and U20, what informed your decision to accept the invitation to play for Nigeria at full international level?
It was a boyhood dream for me to play for the Super Eagles. I have travelled to Nigeria countless times because my father lives there still. The opportunity to play for Nigeria before just hadn't come up, seeing my performances at the end of last season in the Netherlands, I started to attract some attention which eventually resulted in the call-up I think. So, when I heard about the call-up I didn't have to think twice!
I enjoyed my debut. To put on the Nigeria shirt and win was an honour for my family and me. But it is just the start. I want to build on that now.
What was your debut for the Eagles like?
My debut in Kaduna was very special and a good team performance to start the new AFCON campaign with a win, we can build on that now.
What are your dreams with the Eagles now?
I want to be a part and play my part in the new-look Super Eagles, that is my dream. I am putting in performances at club level to hopefully be called up again for the next games. The first focus is to get the qualification ticket to Gabon AFCON 2017 and do well there. That is what Nigeria deserves.
Sunday Oliseh is Eagles new coach, what do you know about him?
I have spoken with him, he was a very big player who I remember from his days at Ajax.
Which league or club do you dream to play for at some point in future?
I would love to play in the English Premier League one day. By God's grace and hard work, that will happen in the future.
How has the Haugesund experience been?
It has been a worthwhile experience. Two wins in two games is great.
By Olusola Alao
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africanfootball.com/news/559104/Troost-Ekong-Oliseh-in-touch-I-want-to-be-in-new-Eagles

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Nigeria Premier League 2015 Nigeria U17 Ifeanyi Matthew
Manu tips Ifeanyi Matthew to shine in Eagles
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by Samm Audu
Coach Manu Garba has tipped El Kanemi Warriors midfielder Ifeanyi Matthew to take his chance with the Super Eagles.
Flying Eagles midfielder Matthew has been named on a 23-man squad of players from the domestic league ahead of next month’s AFCON qualifier in Tanzania.
Manu said the player could well bring the creativity that has been lacking in the Eagles midfield for a long time now.
“The Eagles handlers were spot-on in inviting Ifeanyi Matthew because he is a very creative player whose wide-range vision and long balls will remind you of Sunday Oliseh in his playing days,” he said.
“I was even a bit surprised that the U23s have not considered the player even though they very much know what he is capable of.
“God’s willing he will prove himself in the Super Eagles now.”
Manu added: “The good thing too is that he will now work with a coach (Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf) who knows him even before he played for the Golden Eaglets.
“It was even Salisu who gave him his breakthrough in the premier league with El Kanemi and so he will know how best to use the boy.”
Matthew featured at the 2013 African U17 Championship in Morocco and also played at the 2015 African Youth Championship in Senegal, which Nigeria won with the versatile midfielder scoring three goals and providing several assists to Taiwo Awoniyi.
A serious foot injury he suffered in an opening game against Brazil ended his campaign at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
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africanfootball.com/news/558910/Manu-tips-Ifeanyi-Matthew-to-shine-in-Eagles