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"The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup - Sports (23) - Nairaland

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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 5:33pm On May 24, 2016
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Ndidi’s super blaster wins Belgium ‘Goal of Season’
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Wilfred Ndidi

by Samm Audu

Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi’s super strike for Genk against champions Club Brugge has been voted the best goal in Belgium for the past season.


It was a goal worthy of winning any football game as the 19-year-old Ndidi let fly a screamer with awesome technique from 30 yards to leave the Club Brugge goalkeeper stranded on his lines.

The goal was scored on April 20 during the regular season.


Ndidi was also named runners-up for the Young Player of the Year in Belgium.
Watch Video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNrukUXR8bc
In his first full season in Belgium, the defender-turned-defensive midfielder played 36 league games and scored four goals as Genk qualified to feature in the qualifying tournament for next season’s UEFA Europa League.


The former Nigeria U17 and U20 star has also been capped twice by the Super Eagles and will feature in this month’s friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629024/Ndidis-super-blaster-wins-Belgium-Goal-of-Season
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:13pm On May 25, 2016
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Iwobi, Iheanacho, Ighalo storm Eagles camp in France
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Ighalo

England-based stars Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Carl Ikeme and Odion Ighalo are due in the Eagles camp in France latest Wednesday morning, officials have disclosed.


Others expected in the camp are South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi, Kenneth Omeruo, Gbenga Arokoyo, Leon Balogun, Raheem Lawal and Moses Simon.


The Super Eagles take on Mali at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen on Friday, before traveling to Luxembourg City on Saturday, ahead of the game with Luxembourg at the Josy Barthel Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi led eight other players who traveled out with the assistant coaches and other backroom staff from Abuja on Tuesday.


They are goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Musa Muhammed, Abdullahi Shehu and Kingsley Madu, midfielder Etebo Oghenekaro and forwards Aminu Umar and Brown Ideye.


Of the original 26 players that were listed by interim coach Salisu Yusuf for the games against Mali and Luxembourg, the NFF have released captain Mikel Obi and his assistant, Ahmed Musa, for former captain Joseph Yobo’s testimonial game in Port Harcourt on Friday.

FC Porto defender Chidozie Awaziem is a big doubt and forwards Aaron Samuel and Victor Moses are out as a result of injury.


Defender William Troost Ekong will be on duty for his Norwegian club on Thursday and is only in consideration for the match against Luxembourg in Luxembourg City on Tuesday next week.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629129/Iwobi-Iheanacho-Ighalo-storm-Eagles-camp-in-France
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:14pm On May 25, 2016
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Eagles coaches get visas...finally
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Eagles Star Onazi

Interim Super Eagles assistant coaches Imama Amapakabo and Kennedy Boboye as well as other backroom staff have now been issued entry visas to France ahead of Friday’s friendly against Mali.


Both coaches and other members of the backroom staff were on the verge of missing the trip to France for the friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg, as they were yet to receive their visas as at Tuesday morning.


But AfricanFootball.com can confirm that assistant coaches Amapakabo and Boboye, team coordinator Pascal Patrick and equipment manager Chidi Ngoka will now travel with the rest of the team by 11pm tonight to France, where they play Mali on Friday.

“They coaches ordered to fly out of Port Harcourt this afternoon to Abuja as they have finally been issued their visas,” an official informed.


The team will be led by interim head coach Salisu Yusuf along with some of the players who are already in Nigeria on holidays – Musa Mohammed, Oghenekaro Etebo, Elderson Echiejile and Ogenyi Onazi.

Officials on the trip include NFF technical committee chairman Chris Green.

By Chris Oguguo
http://africanfootball.com/news/629125/Eagles-coaches-get-visasfinally
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:25pm On May 25, 2016
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Ighalo first Super Eagles star in France
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Eagles Striker Ighalo (left)

Watford striker Odion Ighalo has arrived the Nigeria camp ahead of friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg, making him the first player to hit the team’s hotel in Rouen, France.

Ighalo travelled to the French city from London, arrived in the evening, and he was received by the Super Eagles team secretary, Dayo Enebi.


Other members of the team led by interim head coach Salisu Yusuf and interim assistant head coaches Imama Amakpakabo and Kennedy Boboye traveled from Nigeria on Tuesday night.


The team who left Nigeria also included Ogenyi Onazi, Etebo Oghenekaro, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Elderson Echiejile, Umar Aminu, Shehu Abdullahi, Kingsley Madu, Musa Mohammed and Brown Ideye.

The other players invited will join them in the French city.

The first of the two games comes up on Friday against Mali, while the second will happen four days later in Luxembourg against the hosts.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629142/Ighalo-first-Super-Eagles-star-in-France
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:26pm On May 25, 2016
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Russian club Amkar Perm release Bright Dike
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Bright Dike (right)

Nigeria striker Bright Dike has been released by Russian Premier League club Amkar Perm.

The 29-year-old striker joined Amkar Perm in the winter as a free agent and played four games, out of which he started two.


The club’s director Dennis Maslov told the club's official website that what the coach saw in him during trial wasn't enough during the season and the fact that he will compete for shirts with Russians made it difficult to keep him.

"During the winter we invited Dike, who was a free agent, on a very small salary, for him to establish himself in the first team,” he said.


"Under the leadership of Haji Hajiyev, he worked diligently and gained much, but the coaches have come to the conclusion that those strong qualities that Dike certainly has may not be enough in the Premier League because he will compete with the players who have Russian passports.”

Dike has played mostly in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States of America.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629133/Russian-club-Amkar-Perm-release-Bright-Dike
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:27pm On May 25, 2016
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Eagles star Nsofor sent off as German club are relegated
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Nsofor was sent off and his club MSV Duisburg relegated

Former Nigeria international Victor Obinna Nsofor was given the marching orders while in action for his German second division team MSV Duisburg as they were relegated after they fell 2-1 at home to Wuerzburgers Kickers.

Duisburg lost the away game 2-0 and so will now play in the German division 3 after losing 4-1 aggregate in a relegation/promotion playoff.


Nsofor, who was sent off in the 89th minute, has tried to relaunch his career after a difficult last season in Russia with 'The Railway Men' Lokomotiv Moscow.

He has also featured at Chievo Veron in Italy and West Ham.

Fellow Nigerian Kingsley Onuegbu also featured for Duisburg in the game.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629131/Eagles-star-Nsofor-sent-off-as-German-club-are-relegated
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:32pm On May 25, 2016
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Nigerian striker Owoboskini scores for Egyptian club
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Nigerian striker James Owoboskini scored for Egyptian club Petrojet as they drew 1-1 at Ghazl Al Mehalla in an Egyptian league game.

The 30-year-old striker has now scored three goals in three straight games.


He scored eight goals for Petrojet last season.

Petrojet are 10th on the league table with 40 points in 30 games.

Owobiskini scored in the 62nd minute to give his team a 1-0 lead until the hosts equalised in the 90th minute through Mohamed Khalifa.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629177/Nigerian-striker-Owoboskini-scores-for-Egyptian-club
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:38pm On May 25, 2016
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Ozokwo to sign new deal with Turkish 2nd division kings
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Uche Kalu, Nduka Ozokwo (right) display Turkey second division championship

Turkish Super League new boys Adanaspor have tabled a new improved contract for Nigeria forward Nduka Ozokwo.

The former Nigeria youth international played an important role in team's promotion to the top flight, scoring three important goals with several assists.


The former Enugu Rangers winger is expected to ink a new deal in matter of days, according to fanatik.com.

Adanaspor won the Turkish PTT 1 league (second-tier league) to win promotion to the top league.

The 27-year-old Ozokwo has played for Nice (France) as well as Boluspor and Mersin Idmuyurdu (Turkey)
http://africanfootball.com/news/629179/Ozokwo-to-sign-new-deal-with-Turkish-2nd-division-kings
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:38pm On May 25, 2016
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Nigeria to slam Victor Moses for 'picking matches he will play'
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Victor Moses

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will take “corrective measures” against Chelsea forward Victor Moses following his withdrawal from the friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg, officials have told AfricanFootball.com


A source at the NFF has informed AfricanFootball.com that the leadership of the football federation is crossed with Victor Moses’ attitude towards the Super Eagles, as “he seems to be handpicking the invitations he will honour”.


Moses, 25, is out of the games against Mali and Luxembourg, as he is said to have cited ‘fitness concerns’ as the reason for his withdrawal, but the NFF are unhappy with him.


“The leadership of the NFF is not happy with Victor Moses as he seems to be handpicking the invitations he will honour,” the source informed.

“This is not the first time he’s withdrawing from games citing fitness concerns even when we’re not sure if he’s injured and we are considering taking corrective measures.”


The former Wigan Athletic forward is one of six players to have been ruled out of the games and while the NFF appears to have excused the other players for various reasons, no particular reason was given for Moses’ withdrawal as was evident in a statement issued by the NFF communications department on Tuesday evening.

By Chris Oguguo
http://africanfootball.com/news/629175/Nigeria-to-slam-Victor-Moses-for-picking-matches-he-will-play
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:39pm On May 25, 2016
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Eagles will miss charismatic Yobo says sports minister
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Yobo (second left) with sports minister Dalung (second right)

Nigerian sports minister Solomon Dalung has said the country will miss the leadership and charisma of Joseph Yobo, who will have a testimonial staged on Friday in his honour.

Yobo is hanging up his football boots after an illustrious career during which time he captained Nigeria for several years.


Dalung has therefore tasked the former Super Eagles captain to use his wealth of experience in the game to groom players who will step into his shoes.


"There is need for us to have people who will succeed us. We have to produce people who will replicate what we did,” he told Yobo when he visited him in Abuja.


“Your (Yobo) charisma and leadership in the national team was outstanding and you have to think along the line of having a system that produces players who replicate that in the national team. No doubt, the national team will miss you."

Dalung said he remembers Yobo from the 2002 AFCON in Mali.


"I was a member of the Federal Government delegation to the Nations Cup in 2002 in Mali. You were so young then. I appreciate your commitment to the national team,” the minister recalled.


“There was this match (against Senegal) that we lost and we would have conceded more goals if not for your doggedness in defence. In fact, at a time you rushed forward to help the attack when the attackers were not doing enough.


"The good thing is that you are being celebrated while you are alive. At least, you will know that all your labour was not in vain for Nigeria."

Yobo said he was proud to represent his country.

"It is now that I look back and ask myself 'did I do this much?' After 101 games, three World Cups, six AFCONs, it is now that I feel what a blessed man I am,", the former Everton defender recalled.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629192/Eagles-will-miss-charismatic-Yobo-says-sports-minister
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 3:54pm On May 25, 2016
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Is Victor Moses dependence costing Nigeria?
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[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/79/a0/victor-moses-of-west-ham-united_tay5cmbd550q19aadztnqz0zq.jpg?t=-446461628&w=620&h=430[/img]
Victor Moses of West Ham United

The Chelsea man's long absences have coincided with a downturn in fortune for the Super Eagles over the last two years
GOAL COMMENT By Solace Chukwu Follow on Twitter


Almost three and half years have passed since the events of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Much like its eventual winners, that tournament itself has come to be viewed as something of an interloper--played just a year after the 2012 edition, it was the first of the odd-year Afcons, an inherent anomaly.


The final, unlike that of the year before, did manage a goal in normal time and from open play. It however lacked the gravitas of Zambia's unlikely penalty shootout triumph over much-fancied Ivory Coast, achieved on the site of a great tragedy. Two things cannot be humanly beaten: death and time, and yet Sunday Mba made as good a fist of it as possible, juggling extravagantly before finishing to end 19 years of waiting.


His contributions, both in that final and in the quarters, of course against the Ivory Coast - forever destined, it seemed at the time, to attend the birth of fairytales - marked Mba out as the tournament's revelation. Yet, take the 2012 Afcon as an objective whole, and the one player in green who truly galvanized a jumbled bunch with no apparent focus or menace was Victor Moses .

Solace Chukwu ‎@TheOddSolace

Few footballers more frustrating than Victor Moses. Capable of so much, but his mind wanders at the most inconvenient times.


With such unprecedented success coming in the middle of his first season after a big-money move to reigning European champions Chelsea, it appeared there was no way to go but up for the former England youth international. A Europa League title followed three months later, marking 2013 as the year of Victor Moses. Since then, it has been a downhill slalom, an avalanche that has also swept the national team; like a voodoo doll, Moses's pain has been Nigeria's.
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_uk/ec/bc/victor-moses-and-efe-ambrose-nigeria_11zrzct2ke3uz17qxfmd4xnqew.jpg?t=-1565381388[/img]
It is downright uncanny: all of the Super Eagles' better moments have featured the Chelsea attacker in some capacity. Without the speedy winger, Stephen Keshi's side lacked bite at the Confederations Cup in 2013, barely scraped a draw and a win in World Cup qualifying, and made a complete hash of qualification for the 2015 Afcon.


In contrast, with him the Super Eagles won an Afcon, produced three professional displays to secure a ticket to Brazil, and progressed to the Second Round, equaling Nigeria's best-ever Mundial finish.

Can Victor Moses still be a key man for Nigeria?

There are two, non-exclusive ways to look at this clear duality, and both have merit. The first is simple: even in his infuriating inconsistency, and with his constant struggle for fitness, Moses elevated, by his very presence, a mediocre group. His work ethic may have been occasionally questionable, his body language insouciant, but with the ball at his feet he was truly a sight.


He only scored twice in South Africa, both penalties, both prior to the knockouts. Like the larger than life Muhammad Ali, he probably lacked a true knockout blow, but he sure could float and sting. He seemed to glide almost, and had the freedom that only mavericks can command within a rigid system. Without him, that team simply would not have gotten over the line.
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_uk/db/e2/victor-moses-nigeria-mali_mc02lhkfavf31muk5ighemfbf.jpg?t=-1814226004[/img]
Then again, there is the more cynical view: perhaps the very dependency he fostered proved inimical in the long run.

It was decidedly painful watch the clunky ham-fistedness with which the Super Eagles went about the delicate task of Afcon 2015 qualifying, for example. His injury-enforced absences, while not of his own making, made his performances when available akin to coquetry - showing just enough to justify continued faith, staying Keshi's hand from seeking his flash of inspiration elsewhere, or from divining more wholesome solutions.


It is the trap with flair players; whereas the rest of the team is functional and unremarkable enough to be faceless, there is a specificity to their role that makes them unreplaceable. Take out, for instance, Ogenyi Onazi and you could plug in any generic, energetic central midfielder.

The same could not be said for the Blues winger--his indispensability, while an asset for him, has been to the detriment of the Super Eagles.

[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/d5/71/victor-moses-of-nigeria-marwan-mohsen-of-egypt_16yi1mlq8dqs81r9desi3vko0j.jpg?t=-445975596[/img]
Moses' abusive relationship with the national team extends to his serial, almost convenient unavailability for international friendlies. Since his debut in February 2012, the 25-year-old has appeared in just one stand-alone international friendly (this excludes pre-World Cup friendlies, as he was obviously a member of the tournament squad).


However one feels about this, surely there has to come a time when his absences can be anticipated and legislated for.

Yet, here we are. Four years on, Moses remains as elusive as ever; not so much to the opposition as to the Nigerian football lover, a mirage in a parched desert.


The difference now is that, in the likes of Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho, the national team is brimming with flair in forward areas. With Moses injured for the upcoming friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg, we may soon get a glimpse of a life without Victor.

Solace Chukwu ‎@TheOddSolace

Victor Moses making Nigerian journos lazy. 'Moses pulls out of ____ friendly with injury' already a template, primed for every int'l window.

However, with a second Afcon in succession kicking off next year without Nigeria on the card, the damage is already done.
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by groundnutoil(m): 3:13pm On May 27, 2016
Musa

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by safarigirl(f): 3:31pm On May 27, 2016
groundnutoil:
Musa
no be small bad belle...they're low key warning Leicester off him, but God pass them.

3 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by groundnutoil(m): 4:16pm On May 27, 2016
Lol amen to dat
safarigirl:
no be small bad belle...they're low key warning Leicester off him, but God pass them.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 6:58am On May 28, 2016
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AF Nigeria Premier League 2015/2016 Manchester City
Manchester City starlet Iheanacho beats Mali for Nigeria
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Iheanacho - Nigeria match winner

by Samm Audu

Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho was the match winner for Nigeria against Mali Friday night in a friendly played in Rouen, France.


Iheanacho smashed home the match winner on 77 minutes just moments after he replaced Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi.


Fellow substitute Michael Babatunde released Iheanacho for the youngster to deliver a cool finish.


It was the attacking substitution by coach Salisu that brought some gloss to an otherwise drab affair.


The caretaker coach brought on Babatunde, Umar Aminu and Brown Ideye in place of Moses Simon, Oghenekaro Etebo and Ighalo, before he added Iheanacho in the mix.


Both West African teams cancelled themselves out by the halfway mark in Rouen, France.


Nigeria lined up a very young starting XI that include Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi and debutant Musa Mohammed.


The game started at a slow pace under a nice weather before a scanty crowd.


There was not much to choose between the two teams in a half that offered very little.


Debut boy Musa came close to opening scores for Nigeria with Watford striker Odion Ighalo also threatening the Mali goal.


The Eagles of Mali also came close to getting on the scoreboard towards the end of the first period.


Nigeria will play a second friendly on Tuesday against Luxembourg in Luxembourg City.


Eagles starting XI: Carl Ikeme – Musa Mohammed, Kingsley Madu, Leon Balogun, Troost-Ekong – Ogenyi Onazi (Captain) (Raheem Lawal), Shehu Abdullahi, Moses Simon (Michael Babatunde) , Alex Iwobi (Kelechi Iheanacho) - Oghenekaro Etebo (Umar Aminu), Odion Ighalo (brown Ideye)
africanfootball.com/news/629402/Manchester-City-starlet-Iheanacho-beats-Mali-for-Nigeria

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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 7:00am On May 28, 2016
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AF Nigeria Bundesliga 2015/2016 Mainz 05
Iwobi, Leon Balogun celebrate Nigeria win over Mali
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Iwobi and Leon Balogun in France with Super Eagles


Nigeria stars Alex Iwobi and Leon Balogun have hailed the 1-0 win over West African rivals Mali in France on Friday night.


Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho was the Eagles match winner in the 77thminute.


Arsenal youngster Iwobi said he was thrilled to be part of the win, while also celebrating match winner Iheanacho.


"Great Win Against Mali, Happy For My Bro @67Kelechi To Grab The Winner #SuperEagles," Iwobi tweeted.


Mainz 05 defender Balogun equally expressed delight with keeping a clean sheet on his return to international duty with Nigeria.


Balogun has struggled to stamp his authority on the Nigerian side, owing largely to injuries, with his last game for the Super Eagles coming last year, and he missed the last matches due to injury.


However, he returned to the Nigeria fold on Friday, starting in central defence and seeing out the game, helping the Super Eagles keep a clean sheet in the process and he said he is happy to have come back strongly.


“Happy to celebrate my comeback to #Supereagles with a win and a clean sheet!!” he said via his twitter handle.


The Super Eagles next play Luxembourg on Tuesday and Balogun is expected to feature again.
africanfootball.com/news/629406/Iwobi-Leon-Balogun-celebrate-Nigeria-win-over-Mali

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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 7:19am On May 28, 2016
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Feature: Musa to play Vardy role for Leicester?
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[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/ab/2/jamie-vardy-ahmed-musa_p431fjbbr75v1ogcdooykq336.jpg?t=-305959596&w=620&h=430[/img]
Russian champions CSKA Moscow have confirmed the Foxes' interest in the Nigeria international, but what is Claudio Ranieri thinking, and where would he fit in the squad?


COMMENT By Solace Chukwu

With the Premier League's new bumper TV deal set to kick in in the 2016/2017 season, to stand still is effectively to be left behind in a frenzied, worldwide supermarket trolley-war. Twenty teams, all armed with enough money to offer caution a severance package, will descend on Europe with all the delicacy of a tropical typhoon.


Yet, what they all aspire to is fundamentally unfashionable.
Leicester City's title triumph remains in the realm of the barely credible, even more so considering the composition of their first team. Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez joined from Le Havre for half a million euros, and Shinji Okazaki, the most expensive acquisition in the starting XI, came at a meagre cost of €11 million.


Of course, their elevation in status means bargains will be more difficult to unearth, a fact their latest bid for Nigeria international Ahmed Musa, believed to be in the range of €25 million, handily proves.


The 23-year-old led CSKA Moscow in scoring with 13 goals as the Army Men captured the Russian Premier League title on the final day of the season; he has won half a century of caps for the Nigeria national team and has played in a World Cup--no member of the Leicester first XI can claim quite the same pedigree....:...:..:...:..:.

[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/ed/5c/ahmed-musa-of-cska-moscow_1hyc3mnprvdtd19wmqmedu6271.jpg?t=-307532236[/img]
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Musa can often look slightly unrefined, but his latent unpredictability would be just as much of a handful--he sometimes appears unsure what he himself might do.


Can't Musa do it in a Nigeria shirt? What does Success Isaac need to do to get a call-up? Answers: https:///Q7OcE9aEc8— Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) May 20, 2016.


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Then we come to the elephant in the room. Can he score goals?


Here, there is perhaps something of a myth that needs to be busted: the notion that he is profligate.


Musa has hit double figures for goals in three of the last four league seasons in Russia, and this while mostly playing wide on the left; evidently, he can finish.


Need further proof? Witness his brace at the 2014 World Cup against eventual finalists Argentina.


He would surely find goals in England with Leicester. He did occasionally play at centre-forward at CSKA, but Leonid Slutskiy's side prioritize possession and, as one of the league's strongest teams, often have to deal with deep defences. Even then, Musa showed his worth: in addition to goals, he also notched five assists - directly contributing to 18 goals, more than a third of their total league total.


A Leicester side based on swift transitions from defence to attack would be even more to his strengths.


Indeed, it would be interesting to see Musa try his hand at the Premier League. While his time with CSKA has brought title successes and Champions League football, there is a case to be made he hasn't really progressed a lot. Perhaps pursuing a role that seems so tailor-made for him could finally round him out, and we can all get a glimpse of the player he could.............

Read more here
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4079/features/2016/05/26/23931902/feature-musa-to-play-vardy-role-for-leicester
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by enomakos(m): 11:03am On May 28, 2016
Orkpekyandega:
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Nigeria to slam Victor Moses for 'picking matches he will play'
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Victor Moses

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will take “corrective measures” against Chelsea forward Victor Moses following his withdrawal from the friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg, officials have told AfricanFootball.com


A source at the NFF has informed AfricanFootball.com that the leadership of the football federation is crossed with Victor Moses’ attitude towards the Super Eagles, as “he seems to be handpicking the invitations he will honour”.


Moses, 25, is out of the games against Mali and Luxembourg, as he is said to have cited ‘fitness concerns’ as the reason for his withdrawal, but the NFF are unhappy with him.


“The leadership of the NFF is not happy with Victor Moses as he seems to be handpicking the invitations he will honour,” the source informed.

“This is not the first time he’s withdrawing from games citing fitness concerns even when we’re not sure if he’s injured and we are considering taking corrective measures.”


The former Wigan Athletic forward is one of six players to have been ruled out of the games and while the NFF appears to have excused the other players for various reasons, no particular reason was given for Moses’ withdrawal as was evident in a statement issued by the NFF communications department on Tuesday evening.

By Chris Oguguo
http://africanfootball.com/news/629175/Nigeria-to-slam-Victor-Moses-for-picking-matches-he-will-play
[/b]

the nff shall stop inviting him until he start begging for a callup

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Arsenate(m): 11:46am On May 28, 2016
No Musa won't play Vardy's role. Shinji Okazaki is the most likely candidate to give way in the Leicester first 11. They play on the counter so Musa will easily fit in.
Musa in for Okazaki will greatly improve the team; Making them far more dangerous.

3 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Arsenate(m): 11:51am On May 28, 2016
safarigirl:
no be small bad belle...they're low key warning Leicester off him, but God pass them.
stats are very misleading as one could easily manipulate it to come up with whatever inference one wishes. The same Whoscored actually believe that Hulerio Gomes of Watford is statistically the best goal keeper in the EPL last season. grin
Leicester scouts, probably the best in the EPL at the moment, won't fall for Whoscored crap

3 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:48pm On May 28, 2016
enomakos:
the nff shall stop inviting him until he start begging for a call up

The NFF have been very patient with him on this one. I suggest we excuse him for now. No sanctions should be given to him, but do not give him any call up even if he begs.

Isaac Success should take over his chance (not necessarily position)

3 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:58pm On May 28, 2016
[size=14pt]
Eagles star Babatunde flies back to Morocco for league clash
[/size]

Babatunde Michael

Nigeria international Babatunde Michael has flown back to Morocco to feature in a crucial league game with his club Raja Casablanca, but he is
due back with the Super Eagles in France.


Babatunde flew into France with his Moroccan club president and was a second-half substitute against Mali in Friday’s friendly, which Nigeria won 1-0.


With two rounds of matches to go, Raja are third on the table with 44 points, eight points behind leaders FUS Rabat.

Local rivals Wydad are six points ahead.

They host Hassaina Agadir on Sunday in continuation of the league

The Super Eagles will play a second friendly against Luxembourg in Luxembourg City Tuesday evening.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629425/Eagles-star-Babatunde-flies-back-to-Morocco-for-league-clash

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by joseph1013: 1:05pm On May 28, 2016
Orkpekyandega:
[size=14pt]
Eagles star Babatunde flies back to Morocco for league clash
[/size]

Babatunde Michael

Nigeria international Babatunde Michael has flown back to Morocco to feature in a crucial league game with his club Raja Casablanca, but he is
due back with the Super Eagles in France.


Babatunde flew into France with his Moroccan club president and was a second-half substitute against Mali in Friday’s friendly, which Nigeria won 1-0.


With two rounds of matches to go, Raja are third on the table with 44 points, eight points behind leaders FUS Rabat.

Local rivals Wydad are six points ahead.

They host Hassaina Agadir on Sunday in continuation of the league

The Super Eagles will play a second friendly against Luxembourg in Luxembourg City Tuesday evening.
http://africanfootball.com/news/629425/Eagles-star-Babatunde-flies-back-to-Morocco-for-league-clash

I like this guy.

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 1:22pm On May 28, 2016
You're not alone on this Sir Big Joe..... wink #smiles




joseph1013:
I like this guy.

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by confun: 5:58pm On May 28, 2016
TheSuperNerd:
You're not alone on this Sir Big Joe..... wink #smiles




I can't forget onazi's shot that broke ds guy's hand.....lol

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 6:04pm On May 28, 2016
confun:
I can't forget onazi's shot that broke ds guy's hand.....lol

omg see shot! I miss that Onazi.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 6:47pm On May 28, 2016
Chaiii.... Madam Confun!!!! chaiii.... You just tickled a part of my memory centers and now I can fully picture Ogenyi Onazi coming with wonderful momentum and getting set to line up that strike!!!!!....... **He hits it well, he hits it hard, he hits it with ferocity and guts, his shot was destined for goal.... and then it happened**


Michael Babatunde, who was in the form of his life at Brazil 2014, was SOMEHOW IN THE WAY!!!!!! oh nooo!!!!

**crying all over again** Why have you guys reminded me of this?? why??!!!!!!! **cries**

............

Anyway, that was 2 Yrs ago... He's back now and I hope when next an Onazi or whoever lines up an intergalactic missile for a shot, he will not be found in the line of fire!!!! wink wink

Thank you all...... but imagine a fit Babatunde Michael against the French added to Nigeria's fine play that day (we lost hold of that game after matuidi took out onazi , not once but twice.... maradona himself termed matuidi's foul a criminal act and a tactical move to destroy Nigeria's game)....... I put it to anyone here, Nigeria would have advanced.




confun:
I can't forget onazi's shot that broke ds guy's hand.....lol

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by enomakos(m): 1:25pm On May 29, 2016
Orkpekyandega:


The NFF have been very patient with him on this one. I suggest we excuse him for now. No sanctions should be given to him, but do not give him any call up even if he begs.

Isaac Success should take over his chance (not necessarily position)

i agreed with you
on isaac success he shall be patience his time will come

2 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:12pm On May 29, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
AF Nigeria International Friendlies Turkey
Chelsea defender Omeruo gets first Eagles training
[/size]

Omeruo (left) in training

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo will have his first training with the Nigeria squad today since he joined them in France.


Omeruo, who spent the last season on loan at Kasimpasa in Turkey, only joined Nigerian side on Friday morning, and wasn’t listed for the 1-0 win over Mali as a result.


However, he will train for the first time with the team this evening since his arrival as they prepare for the next friendly game against Luxembourg on Tuesday.


The training session will start by 5pm local time (4pm Nigerian time), and is expected to last for an hour and a half.


The Super Eagles defeated the Malian Eagles 1-0 on Friday night courtesy of Kelechi Iheanacho’s 77th minute strike after he came off the bench.
africanfootball.com/news/629414/Chelsea-defender-Omeruo-gets-first-Eagles-training
[/b]

1 Like

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