Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,143,463 members, 7,781,340 topics. Date: Friday, 29 March 2024 at 12:41 PM

"The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup - Sports (16) - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup (11326027 Views)

Cameroon's Douala Stadium Artificial Grassfield For AFCON 2019 Stolen / Super Eagles Arrive In Uyo, Train Ahead Of Their AFCON 2019 Qualifier (Pictures) / AFCON 2019: Nigeria To Battle South Africa For A Place (Full Draws) (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (3) ... (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) ... (16043) (Reply) (Go Down)

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:10am On May 04, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
German FA reduces Balogun Bundesliga ban after appeal
[/size]


By Shina Oludare

The 27-year-old will be available for Mainz against Hertha Berlin after seeing his suspension reduced by one game


German Football Association’s sports tribunal has reduced the Bundesliga ban handed to Mainz defender Leon Balogun after an appeal from the player was successful.


A statement on the governing body's official website confirmed that it has partially upheld Balogun’s appeal and thus reduced his ban from three games to two.


The statement reads: “After a verbal hearing with the German Football Association’s sports tribunal, Leon Balogun’s suspension for blatant misconduct in the form of violence against an opponent was reduced to two games and a 10,000 Euro fine after the charge was reduced to careless conduct.


“The panel reduced the decision of a three game ban that was originally given out by a single judge. Balogun as well as the club Mainz 05 agreed to the new judgement.


“The change means that the centre-back will be available for Mainz’s final home match of the season against Hertha BSC (Saturday 14th May).”

The Nigerian international was banned for violent conduct in their 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Balogun, who deliberately kneed Frankfurt's Carlos Zambrano in the closing stages of Sunday’s game was neither cautioned nor sent off by the referee, flickering widespread anger from the hosts’ players.


Balogun and Zambrano who were called in as witnesses were able to convince the tribunal that the Mainz player didn’t intentionally step on the Frankfurt defender. As Zambrano said he wasn’t injured by the altercation, the panel lowered the charge to violence due to careless behaviour on the side of Balogun.
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2016/05/03/23087182/german-fa-reduces-balogun-bundesliga-ban-after-appeal?ICID=HP_HN_2
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:16am On May 04, 2016
[size=14pt]
Aaron Samuel Voted Third Best Player At CSKA Moscow For April
[/size]

CSKA Moscow fans have voted injured Nigerian striker Aaron Samuel as the club’s third best player for the month of April, writes the official website of the Army Men.


The Guangzhou R&F loanee finished behind experienced defender Aleksei Berezutski and Alexander Golovin.

Last month, Samuel featured in six games for the Muscovites and was on target twice in league matches against Lokomotiv Moscow and Ural.


The 21-year-old is set to undergo surgery in Germany in the coming days after damaging knee ligaments in the Cup final against Zenit St. Petersburg on Monday.

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18901

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:10am On May 05, 2016
[size=14pt]
Paul Onobi debuts for Finnish club...at last
[/size]

Paul Onobi

Nigeria midfielder Paul Onobi finally made his anticipated debut for Finnish club KuPS on Wednesday evening in a 2-0 win over PS Kemi, same day his ITC was received by his team.


The former Sunshine Stars midfielder was frustrated about the non-issuance of his ITC and had threatened to take the case to FIFA at some point.


He was a 46th minute substitute for Mike Aeritalo.

The 24-year-old has played for Niger Tornadoes, Warri Wolves, Enyimba and Sunshine Stars.

He has six caps for Nigeria.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627270/Paul-Onobi-debuts-for-Finnish-clubat-last

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:10am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Akinfenwa to sort out future at AFC Wimbledon
[/size]

Adebayo Akinfenwa

Nigerian striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will have a showdown talk with his English League Two side AFC Wimbledon over his future.

The 33-year-old hitman is nearing the end of his second season at Wimbledon and could be move away in the summer.


He said: “I haven't had as much playing time as I would have liked this season. I feel good, I feel strong and I feel fit. I've still got the fire in me to play more games, so that factor will have to come into my decision.


“We haven't spoken about next season yet, but I do want to play more, so we will see what the future brings. We've still got exciting times here, so let's finish first, then I will sit down with the club in the summer."


He revealed that he had offers from the MLS last summer, but turned them down because of his family.

“America was an option last year but the time wasn't right. I'd just had a little boy and the family wasn't ready to move with me,” he said.

“I'm less excited about it this year as I've got a lot of stuff going on over here, a lot of businesses. Where I'm meant to be next season, I'm meant to be.”
http://africanfootball.com/news/627268/Akinfenwa-to-sort-out-future-at-AFC-Wimbledon
[/b]
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:10am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Watford to replace Ighalo with Success
[/size]

Watford Striker Odion Ighalo

by Graeme Jackson

Watford are planning to replace Odion Ighalo with another Nigerian attacker in the shape of Granada’s Isaac Success.


Ighalo’s scoring form has caught the eye of the Premier League heavyweights and a move away from the Wasps seems inevitable for the Super Eagles player.


Yet Watford have a plan in place to bring 20-year-old Success from La Liga to the Premier League, despite reported interest from Internazionale and Paris Saint-Germain.

The English side have the edge in the race to sign the talented youngster, as Gino Pozzo owns both the Wasps and Granada.


The Italian has moved players between the clubs before – Ighalo being a prime example – and is set to do so again.

Success has scored six goals for Granada in the Spanish top flight this season.

“Granada are not releasing him to any other club except Watford,” said the player’s agent, Dominic Egbukwu.

“Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain have approached us. Plenty of teams want him.


“Watford and Granada are still negotiating. The wages are still being discussed. The only transfer fee Watford will have to pay is a 10 percent sell-on clause to BJ Foundation Academy [his first club in Nigeria].”
http://africanfootball.com/news/627263/Watford-to-replace-Ighalo-with-Success
[/b]

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:14am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
John Terry, Rooney, Eto'o for Yobo Testimonial
[/size]

Chelsea John Terry (left) and Mikel

by Samm Audu

Chelsea captain John Terry is the latest player from the English Premier League to confirm his availability in Port Harcourt for the Joseph Yobo Centenary Game scheduled for May 27 to celebrate the retirement of the former Super Eagles captain from football.


The centre back, who captained between August 2006 and February 2010, and again from March 2011 to February 2012, confirmed his availability for the game to Yobo last weekend.


“We are really excited by the confirmation of John Terry for the Yobo Centenary Game in Port Harcourt. He’s one big player who is very popular here in the country because of England and Chelsea’s large followership in Nigeria,” observed coordinator of the Centenary Game, Waidi Akanni.

Both Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney are also expected along with a host of other players from Europe.


Also confirmed for the match are top African players like Samuel Eto’o Fils, the Ayew Brothers, Dede and Jordan, Sulley Muntari, Djibrin Cisse and Tresor Lualua amongst others.


Akanni, a former Super Eagles player, said in Lagos that the Yobo testimonial has continued to generate interests from past and present players from around the world.


“In the course of Yobo’s career that saw him clock 100 caps for Nigeria, he built so much goodwill around Europe. Anywhere you mention his name, people remember him with fond memories,” stressed Akanni.


Last weekend, Yobo, who was special guest at Everton’s home game against Bournemouth, was duly hailed by fans who remembered his 10 years adventure there. Chants of ‘Yobo, Yobo, Yobo’ rocked the stands as fans honoured him.

Akanni also commended proprietor of NPFL FC IfeanyiUbah, Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, for his support for the Centenary Game.

“Ifeanyi Ubah is fully committed to making the testimonial a memorable one for Yobo and his friends,” the coordinator hinted.


The Joseph Yobo Foundation is in partnership with Rivers State Government for the Centenary Game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in the Garden City.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627218/John-Terry-Rooney-Eto-o-for-Yobo-Testimonial
[/b]

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:35am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Fans attack Oliseh on Twitter for mourning Yekini
[/size]

Late Rashidi Yekini

It is four years since Nigeria record goals holder Yekini passed on...

Nigerian football fans on Twitter have attacked immediate past Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh after he tweeted a message in remembrance of his former Nigeria teammate, Rashidi Yekini, who died four years ago today.


Oliseh tweeted: ‘4 yrs ago today we lost Rashidi Yekini Nigeria's greatest legendary striker. Let's mourn but also celebrate his legacy. God bless his soul’, in remembrance of the legendary striker, who died on the 4th of May, 2012.


But rather than mourn with Oliseh, some fans, apparently still irritated by the reported gang-up against Yekini by some of his teammates during his time in the Super Eagles, dragged the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder into the mud, with some even going as far as accusing him of contributing to Yekini’s death.


“You helped in his death, why didn't you help him when he was ill and why did you gang-up against him in USA94? You should go to jail,” one user accused him.


“You were part of the mafias who ensured that he didn't get to score then. Why the sudden u-turn. Learn from BPL champs!” another one tweeted.


“Many of your mates worked against him at the USA 94 World Cup without knowing his years were numbered. Best striker ever. RIP!,” read another one.


“When you these same #Mafia ended his career abruptly? You are now Praise-praying him after he can't need it again! Shame #Mafians” another of the fans tweeted.


Oliseh is currently unpopular amongst Nigerian football fans following his tumultuous seven-month reign as the Super Eagles coach which ended with an abrupt resignation, one month to two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627205/Fans-attack-Oliseh-on-Twitter-for-mourning-Yekini
[/b]
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:54am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Fifa Ranking : Nigeria Still Rated The 14th Best Team In Africa
[/size]

Football governing body, Fifa, on Thursday morning published its latest ranking of National Teams.


Compared to their position the previous month, the Super Eagles remained static and still occupy the 67th position while they are 14th in the continental ranking.


Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Egypt are the top five teams in Africa in that order.

Nigeria’s next opponents Mali and Luxembourg sit in the 65th place and 146th place respectively in the updated ranking.

In the global ranking, 2014 World Cup vice-champions Argentina lead the way followed by Belgium,Chile,Colombia and Germany.

The next ranking will be published by the official website of Fifa, fifa.com, on June 2nd, 2016.


Top Ten African Teams
1) Algeria
2) Ivory Coast
3) Ghana
4) Senegal
5) Egypt
6) Cape Verde Islands
7) Tunisia
cool Congo DR
9) Guinea
10) Congo

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18921
[/b]
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:54am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Nigerian Coaches Scold Referees President Over Foreign Coach Comments
[/size]

The Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA) has described the recent comments credited to the President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), Tade Azeez about the Nigeria Football Coaches as unfair, vilifying and a sheer display of mediocrity by a person occupying such a respected office.


In a release in Abuja, the President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Bitrus Bewarang expressed disappointment at Tade’s description of coaches as businessmen who favoured only their players.


He is also surprised that the Referees’ President also called for the engagement of a foreign coach for the Super Eagles at a time when Nigerians are advocating for patronage of goods and services made in Nigeria.


“The call for engagement of a foreign coach is coming at a time when top coaches in Nigeria are undergoing the Confederation of African Football ‘A’ License Coaching course”.

Bewarang acknowledged the roles Clemence Westerhof and Bonfrere Jo played as foreign coaches engaged for the Super Eagles in the past.

“The secret of their success especially Westerhof is that they had luxury of time to prepare for the achievement they made.


“It is clear that foreign coaches are usually over priced and given the required tools and environment to operate while in the contrary, the indigenous coaches are treated with ignominy. ”


He added that the indigenous coaches despite the poor working conditions they experience have exhibited high sense of patriotism and it is on record that they rank among the most successful coaches globally.

“The Nigerian Coaches are the handlers of the Golden Eaglets who currently hold the five times record winning of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup. ”


He reminded critics that the Dream Team (Under 23) is preparing for the Rio Olympics under the tutelage of an indigenous coach.

“Let me ask some questions, who trained our past and present players like Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia, Sunday Oliseh, Garba Lawal, Austn JJ Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyama and many more too numerous to mention”, Bewarang queried.


He added that the Nigerian Coaches will continue to give their best in any capacity they find themselves and also strive to improve with every opportunity they have.


The Coaches President counseled the Nigerian Referees to be focused and work on the improvement of their members who have been ridiculously excluded from virtually all the World Cups over the years.


He advised the Referees President to think on how to improve the performance of his members in officiating in the domestic league so that the various leagues will get better.


The Coaches President advised the Referees President to retract his unwarranted comments and also tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian Coaches or else he may have sown the seed of discord that will aggravate the already charged football atmosphere.

Patrick Ngwaogu
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18920
[/b]

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 10:54am On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Nigerian Exports: Iheanacho Plays Against Real Madrid; Troost-Ekong&Bentley
[/size]

Allnigeriasoccer.com reviews the performances of players of Nigerian descent in Europe on Wednesday.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Manchester City will not compete in the Champions League final after they were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The Nigerian played the last 22 minutes.


There were mixed fortunes for Nigerian players in the Norwegian Cup, with Lillestrom, IK Start and Viking all failing to progress to the next round while FK Haugesund, Odd Grenland and Stabaek advanced to the fourth round.

William Troost-Ekong and Anthony Izuchukwu played the entirety of FKH’s 4-1 win at First Division side åsane.


Former Flying Eagles star Chuks Akabueze started and was in action for 90 minutes as Odd beat Asker 3-2

Ex-Norway youth international Ohi Omoijuanfo played 71 minutes of Stabaek’s 3-0 rout of Baerum at the Sandvika Stadion,

Chidiebere Nwakali featured for 90 minutes as IK Start lost 3-1 to Sandnes . Teammate Austin Ikenna joined the fray eight minutes from time.


Bonke Innocent was on the pitch for the entire duration of Lillestrom’s 1-0 loss to Sandefjord . Leading scorer in the top division Fred Friday was rested for this one.

Abdullahi Suleiman opened scoring at the Lassa idrettspark (Stavanger) but could not prevent Viking from losing 2-1 to 2nd Division team Vidar.

Samuel Adegbenro and Suleiman played the full game, Aniekpeno Udoh was introduced in the 70th minute and Usmani Sale was benched.


Over to Finland. Nnamdi Oduamadi and Taye Taiwo played the entirety of HJK Helsinki’s 5-1 hammering of Ilves. Vincent Onovo was not in the capital team’s 18-man squad. The AC Milan loanee netted in the 63rd minute.

KuPS returned to winning ways, beating PS Kemi 2-0, with former Warri Wolves stars Gbolahan Salami and Azubuike Egwuekwe in action for 90 minutes.


Meanwhile, there was a debut for Paul Onobi after he came on for KuPS in the 46th minute. Ex-Golden Eaglet Abubakar Aliyu played the last eight minutes.


Nnaemeka Anyamele lasted the distance as HIFK were beaten 3-1 by VPS at Kaarlen kenttä (Vaasa).

In the Turkish Cup, Godfrey Oboabona was not selected for Rizespor’s goalless draw with Galatasaray, who qualified for the next round 3-1 on aggregate.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18917
[/b]

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 5:19pm On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Ex-Liverpool Striker Anoruo Parts Company With Stockport County
[/size]

With a statement published on their official website, National League North side Stockport County have announced that they have parted company with Nigerian-born striker Obi Anoruo.


The 24-year-old Anoruo was one of the fourteen players released by the Hatters on Wednesday when they announced their retained list for the 2016-2017 season.

He began his career with the Academy Team of Liverpool and did not make an appearance for the first team prior to his departure to Wrexham.


On his curriculum vitae, Anoruo has also represented Newtown, Vauxhall Motors,Barrow, Hinckley United, Stalybridge Celtic,Colwyn Bay and Gloucester City.

Meanwhile, Stockport County will have talks with former Nigeria international Kayode Odejayi in the coming weeks regarding a new deal.

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18913
[/b]
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 5:19pm On May 05, 2016
[size=14pt]
Hope Akpan Doubtful To Face Former Team Reading
[/size]

Hope Akpan is doubtful for Blackburn Rovers’ final game in the Championship this season against his former team Reading.


The Nigeria international was unavailable for selection last weekend against Rotherham United due to an ankle injury which might have ended his season, with manager Paul Lambert stating that he will field the same squad that faced the The Millers.


Akpan joined Blackburn Rovers from Reading last August and has made 37 appearances for his current employer across all competitions in the ongoing season.

The Everton product debuted for the Super Eagles against Sudan in October 2014.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18925
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 5:46pm On May 05, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Nigeria: Why I Didn't Invite Home-Based Super Eagles - Salisu Yusuf
[/size]
By David Ngobua

Although his list of 26 players for the two friendly matches against Mali and Luxembourg did not include any home based player, Super Eagles care-taker coach, Salisu Yusuf has said he has nothing against players in the local league.


As part of their preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles are billed to first play Mali on May 27 in France before taking on Luxembourg on June 1.


Speaking to Daily Trust, the coach explained that his decision to exclude local league players was not to show any contempt but to give the technical crew the opportunity to look at more foreign based players in order to beef up the team.


He said when that is done, another opportunity would be given to the local players to come in and also compete for positions in the team as he said the intention is to ensure that each position boasts of at least two to three quality players.


Yusuf maintained that as a product of the domestic league, there is no way he would completely overlook the talents that abound in the Nigerian Professional Football League.


"I came from the local league and I always believe in the ability of home based players. However, we have to look at certain factors. We are looking at the last match against Egypt where there were some weaknesses so that we beef up the team.


"The idea is to look at more foreign based players and bring in more competition into the team and then introduce home based players to increase the available options in each wing.

"At the appropriate time we can then bring in home based players so we can have two to three players in each position," he explained.


Furthermore, the coach said going by the calculations of the NFF, it would cost less money to bring foreign based players to the venues of the friendly matches.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201605050813.html
[/b]

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 5:47pm On May 05, 2016
[size=14pt]
Kehinde Fatai's Sparta Prague crash out of Czech Cup
[/size]

Kehinde Fatai

The hope of former Nigeria youth international Kehinde Fatai to end the season with a piece of silverware has been dashed after his club Sparta Prague were sent packing from the Czech Cup.

Sparta Prague lost in the semi-final to Jablonec, who won 2-1 in Prague on Wednesday in the second leg to reach the final 4-1 on aggregate.


Fatai's Sparta Prague have already lost the battle to win the league championship as they trail leaders Viktoria Plzen by 13 points with just three games to end the season.


The Jos-born star striker has scored eight goals in the league, one in the cup, three in the UEFA Europa League and two in UEFA Champions League this season.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627313/Kehinde-Fatai-s-Sparta-Prague-crash-out-of-Czech-Cup
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:20pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Ighalo wants to do double over Liverpool
[/size]

Ighalo chased by Liverpool defenders in December

Nigeria international Odion Ighalo is aiming to do a double against Liverpool when he leads Watford attack this weekend.

The former Granada striker scored a brace in the 3-0 home win over Liverpool in December and he is targeting a repeat.


Ighalo said he is expecting a very tough game at Anfield on Sunday, but believe Watford can do get good result with a better performance than they did in the first round.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” Ighalo told his club website.

“When we played them last time they had a new coach, they weren’t doing well, but now they are a better team.

“The whole team fought from the first minute for each other, we chased down every ball, we didn’t give them time to play.


“We have to fight the same way, probably even more than we did in the last game. It’s possible for us to win there, but we have to be determined and work hard to get the result.”

The former Flying Eagles captain has scored a total of 16 goals this season with 14 of them in the EPL.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627360/Ighalo-wants-to-do-double-over-Liverpool
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:21pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Eagles face Mali in Rouen, kick-off time 7pm
[/size]

Eagles Skipper John Mikel Obi

Officials have informed AfricanFootball.com that Nigeria will take on Mali in a friendly on May 27 in Rouen, which is about 135 kilometres from Paris and near to Saint Etienne, with kick-off time fixed at 7pm.


All the invited players for this match have until Wednesday, May 25, to report at the Novotel Hotel in Rouen with the first training session fixed for that day’s evening.

The squad are due to depart for another friendly in Luxembourg on May 30.

Both games are aimed to prepare the three-time African champions for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in October.


Interim Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf has called up 26 players all based overseas with the exception of Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa for these matches.

The officials and some of the players will fly out to France on the night of Tuesday, May 24, from Abuja.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627335/Eagles-face-Mali-in-Rouen-kick-off-time-7pm
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:27pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Fanendo Adi Scoops Etihad Airways MLS Player Of The Month Award
[/size]

Nigerian striker Fanendo Adi has won the Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month award for April after claiming 33.56 percent of the votes.


The Portland Timbers Designated Player saw off competition from Giovani Dos Santos (LA Galaxy),Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (Colorado Rapids) and Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).


During the period under review, Adi notched three goals and one assist in five matches in the American topflight.

The 25-year-old is the joint leading scorer in Major League Soccer with seven goals to his name from nine matches.

He initially joined Portland Timbers on loan from FC Copenhagen in 2014 before the move was made permanent.


Results

1)Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers ) – 33.56%
2)Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy ) – 23.15%
3)Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes ) – 18.57%
4)Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC ) – 15.51%
5)Jermaine Jones (Colorado Rapids ) – 9.21%

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18928
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:27pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Nigerian Exports : Ibe Benched As Liverpool Thrash Villarreal; Akinola Starts For Braintree In Playoffs; Haruna, Owoeri, Obilor Feature
[/size]

Allnigeriasoccer.com checks on the progress of players of Nigerian descent in Europe on Thursday.

Liverpool will square off against Sevilla in the final of the Europa League after seeing off Villarreal 3-1 on aggregate. While Jordon Ibe watched proceedings from the bench, Sheyi Ojo did not make the 18-man squad of the English side.


In the National League play-off semifinal first leg, Simon Akinola, 23, was named in the starting XI as Braintree Town defeated Grimsby Town 1-0 at Blundell Park. He has been called up to the England C squad in the past.

Kenny Davis converted a spot kick in the 53rd minute after Akinola was fouled by an opponent.


Sarpsborg 08 are through to the fourth round of the Norwegian Cup thanks to their 3-1 win against Fredrikstad. Onyekachi Ugwuadu was missing from the 18-man squad of SO8.

Across the border, John Owoeri came on in the first minute of extra time in BK Hacken’s penalty shootout win versus Malmo after regulation time had ended 2-2.


In the Finnish Veikkausliiga, it ended goalless between RoPS and FC Lahti. RoPS midfielder William Oluremi John started and played for 67 minutes before he subbed out.

Kennedy Nwanganga and Faith Friday Obilor played the entirety of Inter Turku’s 1-0 loss at Seinaejoen JK. Philip Njoku was not on parade for Inter.


Super Eagles midfielder Lukman Haruna started as FC Astana beat Okzhetpes Kokshetau 1-0 at Stadium Zhaksy (Shuchinsk). The Dynamo Kiev loanee was replaced after 68 minutes.

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18929
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:28pm On May 06, 2016
[size=14pt]
Dundee United And Edward Ofere Go Their Separate Ways
[/size]

Dundee United have embarked on cost-cutting measures following their demotion from the Scottish Premiership and will not renew the contracts of eight players in the first team at the end of the 2015-2016 season.


One of the players shown the exit door is Nigerian striker Edward Ofere, who joined The Tangerines in February on a short-term deal.

Ofere played 10 games for Dundee United in the top-flight and was on target in the 2-1 loss to city rivals Dundee FC on Bank Holiday Monday.

The 30-year-old wore the jersey of Inverness Caledonian Thistle before his shift to Boluspor in Turkey in 2015.


He has also turned out for Malmo, Lecce, Trelleborgs FF, FC Vestsjælland and Sogndal.

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18927
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:45pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Nigeria: Why I Didn't Invite Home-Based Super Eagles - Salisu Yusuf
[/size]


By David Ngobua

Although his list of 26 players for the two friendly matches against Mali and Luxembourg did not include any home based player, Super Eagles care-taker coach, Salisu Yusuf has said he has nothing against players in the local league.


As part of their preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles are billed to first play Mali on May 27 in France before taking on Luxembourg on June 1.


Speaking to Daily Trust, the coach explained that his decision to exclude local league players was not to show any contempt but to give the technical crew the opportunity to look at more foreign based players in order to beef up the team.


He said when that is done, another opportunity would be given to the local players to come in and also compete for positions in the team as he said the intention is to ensure that each position boasts of at least two to three quality players.


Yusuf maintained that as a product of the domestic league, there is no way he would completely overlook the talents that abound in the Nigerian Professional Football League.


"I came from the local league and I always believe in the ability of home based players. However, we have to look at certain factors. We are looking at the last match against Egypt where there were some weaknesses so that we beef up the team.


"The idea is to look at more foreign based players and bring in more competition into the team and then introduce home based players to increase the available options in each wing.


"At the appropriate time we can then bring in home based players so we can have two to three players in each position," he explained.

Furthermore, the coach said going by the calculations of the NFF, it would cost less money to bring foreign based players to the venues of the friendly matches.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201605050813.html
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:49pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Nigeria: NFF - No Financial Gain From Luxembourg, Mali Friendlies
[/size]
By Olawale Ajimotokan

Abuja — Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said it would not make any financial benefits from the two friendly matches it has arranged for the Super Eagles against Luxembourg and Mali in Europe during the international window later this month and in June.


Nigeria will meet fellow West Africans, Mali at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, in France on May 27. They will then face Luxembourg in Luxembourg City on June 1 at a venue yet to be finalised.


The friendly games are organised to prepare the Eagles when the African qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup resume in October. Nigeria's poor form of late is manifest in the failure of the Eagles to reach the Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Gabon next year.

NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, was cool on the financial package negotiated by the federation through its match agent.


Rather, he said that apart from enabling the coaches to thoroughly assess the team for the World Cup challenge, the team stood to benefit from the opportunity to display the its rich culture to the rest of the world.


"It is not about the money. Everything we are doing is for national benefit, "Sanusi said. "Every time you go to play a friendly match outside Nigeria, of course, you are showcasing Nigeria and its culture and at the same time, you are trying to build a team that Nigerians will be proud
of".


Analysts have questioned the decision of the Nigerian federation to play a friendly match against Luxembourg that has no football pedigree and is the second least ranked European team in the world. The Luxembourgers are rated 146 in the world and have neither qualified for the main stage of a UEFA or FIFA tournament.


Pundits are also critical of NFF as it will play the matches at a huge cost as all the players invited for the matches by caretaker coach, Salisu Yusuf are foreign-based.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, had recently rationalised the basis for the proposed games.

He said that they tried without success to secure bigger matches with top teams as most of the countries they approached had made commitment to other teams during the coming FIFA window.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201605060746.html
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:50pm On May 06, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Eagles coaching job: NFF pleads for time
[/size]

From ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

NIGERIA Football Federation (NFF) has pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience with the federation over the hiring of the head coach for the Super Eagles, stressing that they want to sort out certain things before engaging one.


Fielding questions from journalists in Abuja during the Federations Cup draw on Thursday, First Vice resident of the federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, argued that since there is no serious competition, the board wants to take her time to sort out the coaching problem.


Asked how long Nigerians must wait to get substantive coach for the Super Eagles, he replied: “Nigerians must wait until the time we have a substantive coach and I cannot say when for now.

“Ordinarily, the technical sub-committee should be in the best position to answer the question.


However, we need to understand few things. It is not about getting a coach for the Super Eagles because we can bring in coach from anywhere, but not the one who will become a villain the day he loses or draws one match.


“There is nobody you bring in that you will not have a divide. It is therefore better for us at this stage having learnt from all the experiences we had for the past few years, to get to the root of the problem and take our time to solve the problem.


We are not going to rush it since we don’t have any serious competition.

“We want to use this time to properly look at the best way to correct the wrongs of the past.

We don’t want to rush the hiring of coach again. I think we should exercise patience especially now that we have all the time,” he noted.
http://sunnewsonline.com/eagles-coaching-job-nff-pleads-for-time/
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:06am On May 09, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Akeem Latifu targets another Eagles chance
[/size]

Akeem Latifu

Nigeria defender Akeem Latifu has told AfricanFootball.com he hopes to get another chance with the Super Eagles.


The Stal Dniprodzerzhyn of Ukraine right back has two caps for Eagles and said he knows he will get another chance as long as he keeps doing well for his team.


"It's every player’s dream to play for your country, I have been there playing two games against Uganda and South Africa, it was a memorable experience. I am looking forward to return to the team as I await another chance with the team,” he told AfricanFootball.com

"I wish the players called up for the games against Mali and Luxembourg all the best."

The former Hodd defender has played for Stromgodset and Aalesund also in Norway.


The former Nigeria U20 international was a consistent performer for Aalesund for past three years and joined Ukrainian team FC Stal Dniprodzerzhyn in March.

By Olusola Alao
http://africanfootball.com/news/627588/Akeem-Latifu-targets-another-Eagles-chance
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:07am On May 09, 2016
[size=14pt]
Zenke bullish of promotion chances in Turkey
[/size]

Zenke

Former Nigeria youth international Simon Zenke has told AfricanFootball.com he is aiming to secure an automatic promotion ticket into the Turkish Super League with Karabukspor.


Karabukspor are currently third on the league table with 56 points from 32 games, a point behind second-placed Alanyaspor.

The former Samsunspor hitman said believes his side can get the needed points from the remaining two games.


"We are in the playoff zone already, but we still have great chance to clinch an automatic promotion ticket, that's the target now with two games to end the season," Zenke told AfricanFootball.com

He has scored five goals and eight assists this season.

By Olusola Alao
http://africanfootball.com/news/627590/Zenke-bullish-of-promotion-chances-in-Turkey

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:08am On May 09, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Ahmed Musa dismisses fears he's out of Eagles friendlies
[/size]

Eagles forward Ahmed Musa

by Samm Audu

CSKA Moscow star forward Ahmed Musa will after all show up for the Super Eagles friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg despite fears to the contrary, AfricanFootball.com has been informed specially.


Some officials had expressed fears over Ahmed Musa’s availability for the friendlies, but after several frantic calls the player himself assured he will feature for the country.


One of Ahmed Musa’s representatives told AfricanFootball.com the misunderstanding may have been caused by the fact the player has to now apply for a new Schengen visa as his previous one has expired.


“Ahmed is confirmed for the Eagles matches, he only has to renew his Schengen visa for him to fly out to France for the match against Mali,” said the player’s representative.

The Eagles have up till the afternoon of May 25 to report in Rouen ahead of their first game against Mali.

They will then fly out to Luxembourg for the second game on May 30.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627594/Ahmed-Musa-dismisses-fears-he-s-out-of-Eagles-friendlies
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:10am On May 09, 2016
[size=14pt]
Bello Yero loses on debut in Finland
[/size]

Bello Yero

Nigerian forward Bello Yero debuted for his new Finnish club Ilves in a 1-0 loss at PS Kemi.

Ilves have six points in five games.


He played the entire duration of the game on Saturday.

He has a contract to play for the Finnish team till the end of the season.

He has played for Ironi Khriyat Shmona, Hapoel Haifa, Bnei Shaknin, FC Ashdod (all in Israel) and Vaslui (Romania).
http://africanfootball.com/news/627582/Bello-Yero-loses-on-debut-in-Finland
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:16am On May 09, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Oduamadi, Taye Taiwo score in Finland
[/size]

Yaye Taiwo

Nigeria international Nnamdi Oduamadi was on target again for HJK Helsinki, so also was out-of-favour Super Eagles left-back, Taiye Taiwo, in a 2-1 win over PK-35 Vantaa in the Finnish Veikkausliiga.

Oduamadi was scoring his second goal for the club since joining on loan from AC Milan.


He opened the score for Helsinki in the 58th minute, as they seemed set to cruise to victory, but PK-35 Vantaa had other ideas as they equalised less than 10 minutes later.


The game then seemed destined to end in a stalemate, until Taiye Taiwo scored what proved to be the winner in the 77th minute to keep them at the summit of the league.


It was the first goal in the league for Taiwo, while Oduamadi scored his second goal in consecutive games after opening his account against Ilves in their previous game.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627569/Oduamadi-Taye-Taiwo-score-in-Finland
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:16am On May 09, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Ighalo wants to end on a high as Watford are safe
[/size]

Odion Ighalo

Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has said he wants to end his first season in the English Premier League on a high after his club Watford ensured their place in the top flight come next season.


Ighalo has scored a total of 16 goals, 14 of which he netted in the Premier League.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved,” the 26-year-old Ighalo told the club's website.

“I’m happy, but I need to end the season on a good note. I’m still fighting and working hard every day.

“I know the goals will come though, and the most important thing is that the team are winning.


“We have got to the 40-point mark, which was our main target, and everything that we get now is a bonus.

“We want to keep winning and see how high we can finish.”

The former Granada striker also praised the Watford fans for staying behind the team.

“They have been doing that since the start of the season and I cherish them," he told club's website.


“They are our 12th man, even when I’m not doing well, they still sing my name and it gives me the courage to fight on, and I want to thank them for their support.

“In the remaining three games we just need them to continue that and at the end of the season we will all be happy.”
http://africanfootball.com/news/627477/Ighalo-wants-to-end-on-a-high-as-Watford-are-safe
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:16am On May 09, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Obaje wants to score more goals for Plateau United
[/size]

Obaje

CHAN 2014 Eagles star Joshua Obaje has told AfricanFootball.com he is looking forward to score more goals to lift Plateau United after his debut goal helped the Jos team record a 2-2 draw with Shooting Stars in Ibadan.


The former ASO Chlef of Algeria forward said he also believes Plateau United will compete on their return to the top flight.

"I feel so excited to score my first goal for Plateau United against 3SC and earn our first away point,” he told AfricanFootball.com

"I won't set any goals’ target, but I will keep working hard to score as many goals as I can to lift my club."

Obaje further told AfricanFootball.com Plateau will not make a prompt return to the second-tier league


"I am upbeat we will finish very high by the time the league ends,” he said.

“Plateau United are a team where anybody can score goals."

By Olusola Alao
http://africanfootball.com/news/627460/Obaje-wants-to-score-more-goals-for-Plateau-United
[/b]

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:23am On May 09, 2016
[size=14pt]
Karim Onisiwo scores for Mainz in Bundesliga
[/size]

Relatively unknown Nigerian-born Austria forward Karim Onisiwo was among the goals for German Bundesliga side Mainz as they beat hosts Vfb Stuttgart 3-1 on Saturday.

Onisiwo's goal in the 77th minute took the game beyond Stuttgart as the scores were 2-1 at that point.

The 24-year-old forward played for Austrian side SV Matterburg before he joined Mainz.

He has a cap for Austria as he played in a friendly game against Switzerland in 2015.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627577/Karim-Onisiwo-scores-for-Mainz-in-Bundesliga

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:23am On May 09, 2016
[size=14pt]
Bright Edomwonyi saves Austrian club
[/size]

Bright Edomwonyi

Nigerian striker Bright Edomwonyi was the hero of his Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz on after he scored in their 1-1 draw at former club Red Bull Salzburg.


Sturm Graz are fourth on the league table with 47 points, while Salzburg lead the pack with 68 points.

The former Westerlo of Belgium forward netted in the 70th minute to take his goals’ haul in the league to seven.

The big striker has played for KVC Westerlo, Salzburg, Wacker Innsbruck, FC Liefering and TSV Hartberg.
http://africanfootball.com/news/627596/Bright-Edomwonyi-saves-Austrian-club

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 11:23am On May 09, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Amutu dedicates match winner in Israel to late Giwa goalkeeper
[/size]

Austin Amutu

Nigeria striker Austin Amutu has told AfricanFootball.com his match winner for Israeli club Hapoel Khriyat Shmona against Hapoel Haifa was dedicated to Giwa FC late goalkeeper Timothy Okere.


Amutu’s club won 2-1 with the striker on target in the 90th minute.

Amutu, who was a former teammate of Okere at Mighty Jets of Jos, told AfricanFootball.com the late goalkeeper will be greatly missed by his friends and football.


"I was sad when I heard about Timothy's death,” he told AfricanFootball.com

"I dedicated my goal, the match winner against Hapoel Haifa, to his soul. May his soul rest in peace.


“We used to be close pal at Mighty Jets. He will be greatly missed by all of us that know him and football will miss him too."

Amutu has now scored six goals in the league.

By Olusola Alao
http://africanfootball.com/news/627586/Amutu-dedicates-match-winner-in-Israel-to-late-Giwa-goalkeeper
[/b]

1 Like

(1) (2) (3) ... (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) ... (16043) (Reply)

Viewing this topic: elyte89, bennie1980(m), yinkeys(m) and 6 guest(s)

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 122
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.