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"The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup - Sports (6) - Nairaland

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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 7:04am On Apr 01, 2016
NFF Heaps Blame on FG for AFCON Failure

Posted By: Breaking Timeson: April 01, 2016In: Abuja, Africa, Nation, News, NigeriaNo Comments Print Email
As the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), continues to lament its failure to ensure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted at the Africa Cup of Nations venue for the second consecutive time, the federation has blamed the series of interferences by higher authorities as responsible for the situation.
Nigeria has missed out in two consecutive AFCON editions, beginning with the Equatorial Guinea 2015 where former Coach Stephen Keshi failed to lead the Eagles to defend the trophy they won in 2013 in South Africa.
Just last Tuesday, the Super Eagles were beaten 1-0 by the Pharaohs of Egypt in Alexandria, after a 1-1 draw in Kaduna; and finally lost out again to represent Nigeria for the 2017 edition of the continental championship billed to hold in Gabon in January 2017.
NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, at a media parley in Abuja, expressed regrets the incessant interference by the Federal Government in the affairs of the football federation. He cited the decision to sack former coach Stephen Keshi which was stopped after the intervention from powers above, saying, it was the beginning of the federation’s failure to actualize its goals.
Pinnick, who however apologized to Nigerians for the NFF failures, also noted that the series of litigation which the federation was confronted with, also acted against its smooth working environment, hence it could not be focused on the targets ahead.
“If at the first time the technical committee recommended that we should allow Keshi to go, if we had allowed it, we would not have found ourselves in this situation. There were interferences that time and it caused us a lot. I was almost going for a brand new coach before I got a call from a most superior office, instructing me to halt my move. The highest office in Nigeria was then dictating to us; now see where it has taken us to. If we had moved on with that plan, Oliseh would not have come into the picture.
“We were also distracted for over nine months with series of litigation which ended up at CAS. On several occasions, I was arrested and questioned over certain decisions we took as NFF board members”. Pinnick regretted.

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/823709727?-21310:8643
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 7:07am On Apr 01, 2016
NFF to hire French coach for Eagles

April 1, 2016

President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick


’Tana Aiyejina

The Nigeria Football Federation is set to hire a Frenchman as coach of the Super Eagles after the team failed to qualify for a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations.

National U-23 team coach Samson Siasia was drafted to the Eagles for the double header against the Egyptians after Sunday Oliseh resigned but the Eagles drew 1-1 in Kaduna before they were beaten 1-0 in Alexandria by the record African champions.

Our correspondent learnt that the federation is already in talks with the French coach but they (NFF members) would meet with Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, on Tuesday to finalise discussions on the matter.

A top official of the federation, who pleaded anonymity, said the coach has also indicated interest to work with Nigerian legend Austin Okocha in his technical crew. He said members of the football body were forced to look to Europe because Nigerian coaches lacked “an all-encompassing manager with the managerial and technical abilities.”

But he disclosed that ex-international Emmanuel Amuneke and Salisu Yusuf would also assist the coach if he eventually gets the job.

Our source said, “The coach we are targeting is not just a regular foreign coach; he wants to write his story with Nigeria. He has a wide knowledge of Nigerian players in Europe and he also has a list of players that have not decided to play for Nigeria. Right now, we are arranging Holland and Scotland friendlies through him. The Frenchman is excited to manage Nigeria and he wants to live in Lagos.

“He will be paid €44,000 monthly but it’s not about the money. He’s coming with a trainer and tactician and he’s going to pay them from his money. That’s how you know the coach is serious. We have put plans in place to ensure he gets his salaries and allowances without hitches.”

NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, however declined comments on the issue but admitted that the meeting with Dalung was geared towards moving Nigerian football forward.

“We will meet with the minister on Tuesday to map out strategies on how to move Nigerian football forward. We want the best coaches to manage our national teams and we are working towards that,” he stated.

Nigerian coaches have managed the national team since 2001 when Amodu Shaibu took over from Dutchman Bonfrere Jo with the Eagles facing elimination for the 2002 World Cup.


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/823689088?-21310:8643
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 7:45am On Apr 01, 2016
Why Okocha? This people don start nepotism again oooo .

Why Emmanuel Amuneke and not Garba?

Why Saliu Yusuf and not John Obuh?


Dem don turn National team to, Na my brother Ko?


Okocha doesn't have a single I.D card for coaching and they said he wants to work with Okocha. Who be the mumu for here?

They even placed Emmanuel Amuneke above Garba?

Ok na? Na only dem get UEFA coaching badges for Nigeria ko?

Na so dem take deceive us with Africa mouriho with UEFA license as if say na only am get am.

Someone here once told me one part of the country will never smell coaching Nigeria national teams again but i did not take him serious.

Now, i understand that he spoke from the horse's mouth.


Wetin do NPFL coaches? Ok na. Okocha?

But i still dey observe ooo

3 Likes

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by joseph1013: 7:48am On Apr 01, 2016
The above sounds like goodnews but NFF will scuttle the deal sooner than later because they will owe him salaries and he will run away.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 7:57am On Apr 01, 2016
Oliseh used us to pursue personal interests –Onazi

April 1, 2016

Ogenyi Onazi


’Tana Aiyejina

Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, says former coach of the national team, Sunday Oliseh, did not genuinely fight for the interest of players during his seven-month reign.

Oliseh was constantly in the news for his clashes with the Nigeria Football Federation over his players and his backroom staff’s entitlements. But Onazi said the coach put his own interests before players’.

“It was a case of pretending to fight for others whereas you were actually fighting for yourself. Oliseh needed something but he used the players against the federation to get what he wanted,” Onazi said.

The Lazio man added that the former Ajax midfielder did not consult the players before appointing CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa as captain of the national team.

Oliseh had stripped Vincent Enyeama of the captain’s armband after a bust-up with the Lille goalkeeper in Belgium last year and handed it to Musa.

But Oliseh’s decision to make the Russia-based player the leader of the team came as a surprise to Onazi and the players.

“He (Oliseh) just told us (players), ‘I’m changing my captain.’ I didn’t even know,” Onazi stated.

He lamented the declining fortunes of the Eagles, saying the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions would bounce back stronger.

Onazi added “We (players) are ashamed of ourselves with what has been happening to the national team. We want to keep winning and make Nigerians proud. The NFF president (Amaju Pinnick) has been very supportive to the team; he’s done so much for us, so it’s painful we are not doing well.”

Nigeria on Tuesday crashed out of the race to qualify for the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following their 1-0 defeat by Egypt.

When our correspondent sent Oliseh a text message for his reaction on the issue, he replied, “Have a nice day.”

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/823689086?-21310:8643

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 8:03am On Apr 01, 2016
Eagles job: Okocha loses out


ON MARCH 31, 2016



By Jacob Ajom


The hope of Austin Jay Jay Okocha to become the next Super Eagles coach may have evaporated into thin air, if feelers coming from the Glass House are anything to go by. Oliseh and Okocha Sports Vanguard gathered that although the yet-to-be-signed new foreign coach would have loved to have the legend as his assistant, the NFF would have none of it. A source from the NFF secretariat told Sports Vanguard that the crew of Emmanuel Amuneke and Salisu Yusuf would continue with the new coach whenever he arrives. “Okocha has shown a lot of interest in the job and has openly said he would be happy to serve his country in any other capacity after an illustrious career as a player. “He can’t get it,” our source said, adding that the football house had already decided on Amuneke and Salisu. This may have put paid to Okocha’s ambition of coaching the team that brought him to global limelight. At least for now, because the incoming coach may insist on having the former midfield maestro among his back room staff. 19 0 0

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/eagles-job-okocha-loses/
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 8:09am On Apr 01, 2016
Emmanuel Amunike and Saliu Yusuf don't have any business with the national team. Emmanuel Amuneke should be deployed to the U20. Afterall, they demoted Garba from the U20 for him.

See nepotism! Double promotion for my brothers ko?

Saliu Yusuf is a product of failed mission and he doesn't deserve to remain as the assistant coach.


We need coaches devoid of Nepotism and tribalism. Period!

NFF replace Emmanuel Amuneke with John Obuh


And Saliu Yusuf with another responsible coach else..... . Thanks
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 8:23am On Apr 01, 2016
Onazi laments Nations Cup miss ON APRIL 1, 2016



Former Super Eagles assistant captain, Ogenyi Onazi is yet to come to terms with Nigeria’s failure to secure a 2017 Afcon ticket. Ogenyi-Onazi The Super Eagles, with 2 points went to Alexandria Tuesday, with the hope of turning the table against the sleek Pharaohs of Egypt. The first leg in Kaduna, 4 days earlier had ended in a 1-1 draw and as a result, the Eagles needed an outright win to restore hope of going to Gabon 2017. But they failed as the Pharaohs triumphed 1- 0. Reflecting on the scenario, Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi said in Lagos yesterday that they(the Eagles) were feeling ashamed of themselves because of their latest failure. “We feel bad indeed and ashamed that despite the support we get from the Nigeria Football Federation, we were not able to win a ticket to Gabon. It is a shame indeed,” Onazi said. The Lazio midfielder would not however discuss his exclusion from the starting 11 by Coach Samson Siasia, despite dressing for the game following a two match ban. That was entirely the decision of the coach. He may have his strategy and knew who he wanted for the match. In one of the bizarre decisions by interim coach, which attracted sharp criticisms from many Nigerians, Siasia benched Onazi while fielding Amuzie the entire match.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/onazi-laments-nations-cup-miss/
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 9:40am On Apr 01, 2016
EXCL: CHELSEA STAR MIKEL DEMANDED FOR CAPTAINCY, AHMED MUSA PUSHED


New and old Eagles captain - Mikel, Ahmed Musa
by Samm Audu

Fresh facts have emerged that Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi actually insisted he will only feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt if he were made Super Eagles captain, and coach Samson Siasia and top officials thereafter pressured Ahmed Musa to relinquish the armband.

Ahmed Musa surrenders Eagles captaincy to Mikel

Mikel was assistant captain to Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama when former coach Sunday Oliseh picked Ahmed Musa as the country’s new captain in October.

AfricanFootball.com has now scooped that Mikel demanded the Eagles captaincy when he spoke with caretaker coach Siasia prior to the matches against Egypt.

“Mikel made it very clear to Siasia he be made captain if the coach wanted him to play the crucial matches against Egypt,” a top source informed.

Pressure was thereafter mounted on Ahmed Musa to surrender the Eagles captaincy.

AfricanFootball.com specially gathered that a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) advised Ahmed Musa “to give them their captaincy”.

Siasia would then hold a private meeting with Ahmed Musa in his hotel room in Kaduna on the same matter.

“The meeting was for 30, 40 minutes, just Siasia and Ahmed. And it was in that meeting that it was made clear to the player to give up the captaincy,” a top source further told AfricanFootball.com

Immediately after this tete-a-tete, coach and player headed to the press conference where Ahmed Musa announced Mikel as new Eagles skipper while accepting that there was “a mix-up” when more senior players were overlooked for the leadership of the team.


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/823728993?-21310:8643
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 9:56am On Apr 01, 2016
U-20 AFCON: AMUNEKE RESUMES FLYING EAGLES JOB, NFF MUM ON EAGLES JOB


Posted By: Adeniyion:

Emmanuel Amuneke will commence his new role as Flying Eagles coach next week as the Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary revealed the team will open camp for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.Dr. Mohammed Sanusi told footballlive.ng the defending champions will certainly resume preparation for the 20th edition edition of the youth championship but no detail was given as to the location.

Nigeria clinched its 7th title of the competition last year, after it defeated hosts Senegal 1-0.

Meanwhile, the NFF scribe disclosed the Super Eagles coaching job was not up for debate until discussions with the Government was concluded. The Football body is keen on appointing a foreign handler for the team despite its financial constraints.

http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/u-20-afcon-amuneke-resumes-flying-eagles-job-nff-mum-on-eagles-job/

grin

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 11:21am On Apr 01, 2016
SIASIA NOT IN CONTENTION FOR SUPER EAGLES HEAD COACH ROLE



Siasia not in contention for Super Eagles head coach role
Nigeria's caretaker coach, Samson Siasia looks on during their African Cup of Nations group G qualification match against Egypt.(Getty)
Siasia not in contention for Super Eagles head coach role
Posted By: Adeniyion: April 01, 2016In: 9JA NEWSNo Comments
It is now almost certain that Samson Siasia will not be considered nor favored to get the Super Eagles job after the former International failed to get the team past Egypt in the Afcon 2017 qualifiers.Member of the NFF Technical Committee and former Shooting Stars administrator, Mutiu Adepoju suggested the matter of the appointment of a substantive coach for the Super Eagles will be discussed during the committee’s meeting.

Adepoju hailed his former teammate’s commitment to the Eagles bid to salvage Nigeria’s qualification chances for the Gabon 2017 Afcon but regrets the outcome.

Siasia was drafted in from the U-23s for his second stint as Eagles handler.

http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/siasia-not-in-contention-for-super-eagles-head-coach-role/
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 11:53am On Apr 01, 2016
confun:
I think this team shd just keep quiet for now.....Nigerians are still unhappy....too much talk, yet nothing is done on d pitch..
Hey Confun, are you still vexing

Free yourself jooo, its not worth it
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 11:55am On Apr 01, 2016
joseph1013:
The above sounds like goodnews but NFF will scuttle the deal sooner than later because they will owe him salaries and he will run away.
You mean NFF are specialists in owing national team Coaches' salaries gringrin
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 12:00pm On Apr 01, 2016
Oga forgiveness and other stakeholders don rush this thread go page 5 na waoo. Maybe by the time the world cup begins, we must have been on page 200
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 12:10pm On Apr 01, 2016
Ahmed Musa was forced to give Mikel Captaincy - Reports


Biyi Akangbe 3 hrs ago 1, Local, News


Reports have emerged that Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi actually insisted he will only feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt if he were made Super Eagles captain, and coach Samson Siasia and top officials thereafter pressured Ahmed Musa to relinquish the armband.

Mikel was assistant captain to Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama when former coach Sunday Oliseh picked AhmedMusa as the country’s new captain in October.

AfricanFootball.com now reports that Mikel demanded the Eagles captaincy when he spoke with caretaker coach Siasia prior to the matches against Egypt.

“Mikel made it very clear to Siasia he be made captain if the coach wanted him to play the crucial matches against Egypt,” a top source told Africanfootball.com.‎

Pressure was thereafter mounted on Ahmed Musa to surrender the Eagles captaincy.

It was also gathered that a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) advised Ahmed Musa to drop the band..‎

Siasia would then hold a private meeting with Ahmed Musain his hotel room in Kaduna on the same matter.“The meeting was for 30, 40 minutes, just Siasia and Ahmed. And it was in that meeting that it was made clear to the player to give up the captaincy,” a source revealed.‎

Immediately after this tete-a-tete, coach and player headed to the press conference where Ahmed Musa announced Mikel as new Eagles skipper while accepting that there was “a mix-up” when more senior players were overlooked for the leadership of the team.


http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/823733544?-21310:8643
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 12:11pm On Apr 01, 2016
terzurum5:
Oga forgiveness and other stakeholders don rush this thread go page 5 na waoo. Maybe by the time the world cup begins, we must have been on page 200


Wetin man pikin go do wen dem don comot us for AFCON kwa.

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by terzurum5(m): 12:18pm On Apr 01, 2016
forgiveness:



Wetin man pikin go do wen dem don comot us for AFCON kwa.



NLban:
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Renewed hope for Nigeria, Tanzania as Chad rescind decision to withdraw from Afcon qualifiers
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Afcon Trophy

By Lirpa Loof

The west African nation has said it would return to the qualifiers and hopes that Caf would accept its plea in order to avoid paying a $20,000 fine

In a twist of fate that could yet bring succour to Nigeria and Tanzania, the Chadian Football Federation has rescinded its decision to withdraw from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers if Caf would accept it back.


The Chadians announced this news via their official website on Thursday evening, four days after they threw Group G into disarray with their decision to drop out of qualifying due to financial constraints.


Looking at the financial implications of withdrawing which has attracted a $20,000 fine from Caf, the Chad federation said it thought it wise to remain in the competition rather than spend the money on a fine.


“We will return to qualifying and we regret any logistics problems that this might have caused Caf, our fellow group opponents and our fans,” a statement from the general secretary of the Chadian Football Federation, Amadou Keita Chaibou, read.


“It is our hope that this return will help us avoid more sanctions seeing that our poor country cannot afford to pay $20,000 when we claim not to have money for flights and accommodation.


“We also hope that it would not affect our plans to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 so we have returned like prodigal sons wishing that Caf will accept our plea.”


However, the decision on whether to accept Chad back to the competition would be made by the Caf Competitions Board in the next few hours.

It is good news for Nigeria and Tanzania who had given up on qualifying for Gabon 2017 due to the soar away success of the resurgent Egyptians.


Now, any one of the two sides could still garner enough points to finish in second place and with points high enough to see them through to Afcon 2017 as one of two best second-placed sides.
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4065/africa/2016/04/01/21885582/renewed-hope-for-nigeria-tanzania-as-chad-rescind-decision?ICID=HP_BN_2

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I just hope this is true. CAF must welcome Chad back
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:45pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Is Nigerian football dead and buried?
[/size]

Amaju Pinnick

Goal reflects on the self-inflicted misery and humiliation that has befallen the Super Eagles over the last week
By Dami Ugbane

For the third time in five years, Nigeria will be missing from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Puzzling selection sinks Nigeria's Afcon quest
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/a5/bc/samson-siasia_1txkylgare5fi1i4w8hzohrth4.jpg?t=-1358580696[/img]
For several years, it seemed like the birthright of the Super Eagles to always qualify for the biennial tournament.


Nigeria missed out on the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea, and have also failed to book a ticket to next year's competition in Gabon following the disappointment of the international break.

It's intriguing that the continental giants also missed the 2012 edition, which was co-hosted by both countries. Perhaps some force of nature beyond the Super Eagles' control doesn't want Nigeria present in either country!
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/84/7e/teams-eliminated-from-afcon_17khl61ru9u7i1lb5fn5zg9gcm.jpg?t=-998281461[/img]
Teams already eliminated from Afcon 2017

Egypt, Nigeria's latest conquerors, have tasted similar disappointment in recent years.

Their failure is even more dramatic than that of the Super Eagles.


Consecutive Afcon winners in 2006, 2008 and 2010, completing an unprecedented hat-trick. They failed to qualify for the next three tournaments, joining Nigeria in sitting out in both 2012 and 2015.


Nigeria won the 2013 tournament in South Africa, then failed to qualify for the next two tournaments. Perhaps the Eagles just might fail to make it for a third consecutive time and sit out the 2019 edition, completing the pattern!

For some supporters, things are surely already at an all-time low.

Where has it all gone wrong for the national side, and is this as bad as it gets?

The football federation must take the lion's share of the blame.


Preparation here should have gone beyond the NFF chartering a flight to transport the team for away matches and increasing the match bonuses of the team. The basics have not been done and the off-field problems have affected the Eagles' chances of escaping from their qualifying group.


The controversy surrounding the federation—which stretches back to the time of Stephen Keshi—with constant government interference in the running of football has severely undermined the Super Eagles.

Another begging issue is the quality of players being produced by the nation's academies and who are coming through via the age-grade teams.
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/b6/51/victor-osimhen-nigeria-u17_6mddz95zh55i1115ap49dzxyp.jpg?t=-490877544[/img]
Osimhen | Could he and his generation restore Nigeria's lustre?

Nigeria won the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup, yet failed to qualify for the 2015 Cup of Nations.

Yet again, Nigeria succeeded in retaining the U17 world title in 2015, but failed to secure qualification to the Afcon.

Our players outshine their various counterparts at U17 and U20 level, but suddenly fizzle out after just three-to-five years.


Considering the failures of the senior side, it surely makes sense to start immediately blooding these 17, 18 and 19-year-old into the Super Eagles.

Doing this should ensure that by the time the players are in their early 20s, they will be firmly on the radar of the national side and will have begun to integrate themselves into the senior set-up.
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Tanzania/fa/b9/kelechi-nwakali_28vcquvkxl8g150uv85xy5bhc.jpg?t=-2086520646[/img]
Is it time to begin integrating the stars of Nigeria's youth sides into the Super Eagles set-up?

What was evident against Egypt this week's double header was the glaring lack of a genuine midfield creator.


Jay-Jay Okocha retired exactly ten years ago from the national team, yet the Eagles have not yet succeeded in unearthing a natural midfield successor to bring flair and creativity back into the senior national team.


An entire decade has gone by without a player who can truly take control of a match and offer flair in the final third in order to prise open a watertight defence.

Rashidi Yekini played his last international match for Nigeria in 1998.

18 years on, he is still Nigeria's top goalscorer with 37 goals.

Why haven't Nigeria produced a striker since 1998 that could have scored 20 international goals, let alone closing in on Yekini's record?

Why have no strikers come close to matching Yekini's goalscoring record for Nigeria?

Why have Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Finland suddenly become the Mecca for Nigerian footballers?


Until we start to get our players back playing in the top five leagues in Europe consistently and regularly, then the quality of the national team will keep declining.


It is interesting to note that the tenure of the Amaju Pinnick-led board of the NFF will expire in 2018, having failed to qualify for the Afcon in two attempts.

Is there any hope, considering this, failure, that the Eagles will be present at the 2018 World Cup in Russia?

Moving forward, it is not all gloomy.
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/b2/9e/sunday-oliseh-unveiling_105i23kmzihca10jgove79whnh.jpg?t=-1765360466[/img]
How much blame must Pinnick take for the Eagles' failure?

One of the key steps that must be taken is developing the local league.


The NPFL is not short of talented players, they just need the confidence, encouragement, financial support and exposure to make the most of their qualities and to benefit the national side.


Just look at how Egypt—before their three-tournament absence—dominated the continent with a side built on players from local giant Al-Ahly and SC Zamalek.


There are no little tweaks that will save Nigerian football today; the nation's game is in crisis and a complete overhaul may be needed to bring the country's qualities back to the forefront and ensure that humiliations such as this are avoided moving forward.
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4079/features/2016/03/31/21883472/is-nigerian-football-dead-and-buried?ICID=HP_HN_1
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:49pm On Apr 01, 2016
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OFFICIAL: Jose Mourinho named as new Nigeria coach...................Aprilfoolgoal.comgringringringringrin
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[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_uk/aa/d3/jose-mourinho-chelsea_1nbw94iqstb0z1iwikb35tw27g.jpg?t=-733254928&w=620&h=430[/img]
Mourinho named Nigeria coach

The ex-Chelsea man has been named the new Super Eagles’ handler, as he affirmed he was pleased to coach the three-time African champions

Jose Mourinho has been named the new head coach of Nigeria following the departure of interim Samson Siasia.


Mourinho signed a four-year contract to take charge of the Super Eagles, while Mutiu Adepoju, Kanu Nwankwo and Peter Rufai join him as his backroom staff.


The former Chelsea coach will be tasked with qualifying Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup having missed out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Gabon.


The 53-year-old had been linked with Manchester United job but has agreed a deal with Nigeria which is due to last until 2020, after Sunday Oliseh quit his post on February 25, 2016.


"I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary African side, with the massive challenge of qualifying for the Russia 2018 World Cup," Mourinho told Goal.


"I am lucky because for years I had the fortune to coach big teams like Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and now I have the opportunity to coach another big team like Nigeria. It is an honour and I want to keep winning.

"We have a duty to prove we are the best team in Africa and also do well at the 2018 World Cup.


“I’d like to thank the Nigeria Football Federation for believing in me and with their backing, I am confident that we can build a stronger Super Eagles,” he concluded.

Mourinho will be presented at a media conference on Friday at the Abuja National Stadium.
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4093/nigerian-football/2016/04/01/21887132/official-jose-mourinho-named-as-new-nigeria-coach?ICID=HP_HN_2
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:54pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Obodo scores again for Romanian club
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Obodo

by Samm Audu

Ex-Nigeria international Christian Obodo was the hero of his Romania team, Concordia Chiajna as he scored the goal that earned them a point at home in the 1-1 draw with CSMS Iasi in a Romania Liga one relegation playoff game.


Obodo has now scored two goals in seven games.

Concordia Chiajna now have 17 points and placed fifth on the table.

The one-time Italy-based midfielder scored in the 14th minute, when he converted a penalty to give his side a 1-0 lead.


Another Nigeria star, Michael Odibe, was also on parade for Concordia, while Gomo Onduku was an unused substitute for CSMS Iasi against his former team.
http://africanfootball.com/news/622891/Obodo-scores-again-for-Romanian-club

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 12:58pm On Apr 01, 2016
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VIDEO: Iwobi hopes Welbeck partnership continues
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxULw2fbuN8
Alex Iwobi talks about Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck

By Lolade Adewuyi

The Nigerian youngster has connected well when playing with the English striker and expects Arsene Wenger to keep them together when they host Watford


It has been a whirlwind fortnight for Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi who scored his first senior goal against Everton at Goodison Park in a 2-0 victory on March 19.


The 19-year-old committed his future to Nigeria during the international break by making two substitute appearances in an official game as the Super Eagles fell to Egypt in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.


However, he’s set to return to the Gunners for Saturday’s game against Watford at the Emirates and hopes to rekindle his impressive partnership with striker Danny Welbeck.

“I just have to hope the boss gives me another chance, we’ll see how it goes,” Iwobi told Goal during the international break.

“But yeah, [Danny and I] are forming a good bond and he’s helping me. We’re good friends off the pitch as well so it’s good to be on the pitch with him.”
[img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_uk/2/8f/danny-welbeck-premier-league-everton-v-arsenal-190316_1l4qrz1itjttu1b9p47gz9ac9x.jpg?t=-1892159941[/img]

The nephew of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha still has a lot to learn and he is looking up to in-form playmaker Mesut Ozil for some of those tips.

The man who pulls the strings in the Arsenal midfield is a keen attraction for Iwobi who said he’s learning a lot.

“Where as I’m in the same position as him, I’m learning each day how to play, how he gets a lot of space and assists his goals and gets goals,” Iwobi said.


“Each day at training he’s helping me and I’m learning from him just by watching him.”

Iwobi will face his compatriot Odion Ighalo when the Hornets visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2016/04/01/21882412/video-iwobi-hopes-welbeck-partnership-continues?ICID=HP_HN_HP_RI_1_3
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1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:15pm On Apr 01, 2016
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REVEALED: EX-NFF CHAIRMAN ROOT CAUSE OF PINNICK ISSUES WITH ENYEAMA
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Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal that an advice from a former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) started the cold war between former Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama and President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick.


Erstwhile president of the NFF Aminu Maigari we gathered told Pinnick to be wary of Enyeama owing to the row of appearance bonus at the World cup in Brazil believed to have been instigated by the former Super Eagles captain spearheaded.


Maigari advised Pinnick to get rid of the captain if he wants to have control of the team and Enyeama on his part made it easy for the NFF supremo by his ill comments about the NFF choice of Kaduna as match venue for Nigeria against Chad in the Super Eagles first AFCON 2017 qualifiers game.


The comment further irked Pinnick and despite pleas from former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi he went ahead to serve him a query over an issue the coach has address already.


Pinnick wanted to go further by banning Enyeama from the national team and also wanted his French side Lille to ban him as well but Keshi in one of the few times the NFF president listened to him strongly kicked against.


However when Keshi was sacked few months later and Enyeama had issues with Sunday Oliseh who took over from Keshi it was easy for Pinnick to strike in accordance with what he was adviced to by backing Oliseh who threw the skipper out of the team hotel.
http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/01/revealed-ex-nff-chairman-root-cause-of-pinnick-issues-with-enyeama/
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:18pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Ahmed Musa,Aaron Samuel Jet Into Russia To Resume CSKA Moscow Duties
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Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigeria national-teamers Aaron Samuel and Ahmed Musa will resume training with CSKA Moscow on Friday, ahead of the Premier League clash against Zenit St Petersburg.

The two strikers jetted into the Russian capital on Thursday afternoon but could not participate in the training session held by the Muscovites.


If Samuel is given a run-out against Zenit, it would be his third appearance in the top-flight, whereas Musa has been involved in 33 games across all competition, scoring 14 goals (3 assists).

Ahmed Musa went the distance in the 1-0 loss to Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in Alexandria on Tuesday night.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18502

1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:37pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Super Eagles Glovesman Ikeme Passed Fit To Face Ipswich Town
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Wolverhampton Wanderers netminder Carl Ikeme has recovered from illness and is available for selection against Ipswich Town in the Championship.


Ikeme returned to England earlier than expected due to a stomach bug he picked up while on international duty with the Nigeria squad but has now been passed fit by the medics to suit up against the Tractor Boys.


England U21 international Dominic Iorfa could make his 39th appearance of the season in all competitions, having returned to training unscathed after representing the Young Lions during the international break.


Wolves manager Kenny Jackett ran the rule over Nigerian defender Hakeem Odofin and other promising youngsters earlier in the week as a couple of first-team players were away on international duty.

Wolves tackle Ipswich Town at the Molineux Stadium on Saturday starting from 1500 hours local time.

Igho Kingsley
http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18505
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1 Like

Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:05pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Embarrassed Nigeria set to challenge CAF rules after AFCON failure
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By Mark Baber

April 1 – As the blame game for Nigeria’s disastrous qualification campaign for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations begins, the Nigerian Football Federation says its legal team is looking to take the African Football Confederation (CAF) to court over their exit, claiming it was unfair.


Nigeria were knocked out of the running for the 2017 AFCON after losing 0-1 to Egypt which left them on just two points as against Egypt’s seven but are now looking at challenging their exit. Shortly before the Egypt game, Chad withdrew from the tournament, leading to the annulment of their results and to the second place team in Nigeria’s group no longer being eligible for entry to the tournament as one of the two best placed runners up from the qualification groups.


Demola Olajire, NFF’s assistant director of communications, said: “It is rather unfortunate that Chad, one of the teams in the qualification group, suddenly pulled out of the race, leaving only three teams left in the group, and only the winner of the group guaranteed qualification. This appeared to have taken away our worst–case scenario of qualification. However, our legal unit is looking at the propriety of changing the rules midstream.”


CAF have already made it clear that they were simply applying the rules of the tournament to the situation which presented itself after Chad’s withdrawal.


NFF President Amaju Pinnick has refused to accept responsibility and resign, saying: “I am not going to resign. I don’t think we have done very badly. When you are in a battle field you don’t retreat as whoever comes in will have to begin from where you started: he might run into the same pit.”


Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has apologised to Nigerians saying: “I personally apologised to Nigerians for the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the campaign to AFCON. We must plan better again.” The Minister also made the observation shared by most observers that: “We have no good reason not to qualify if we had planned well and also organise ourselves rather it was crisis all the way rocking NFF.”


For his part, Pinnick has urged people to focus on the coming battle to qualify for the 2018 World Cup stating that: “The federation would now concentrate on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia in 2018 by liaising with their agents to utilise the two available windows in June by organising friendly matches for the national team.”


Pinnick has also made clear to reporters that Nigeria’s salvation lies in employing a foreign coach, telling journalists that “I cannot put our World Cup hopes on a local coach. We need a world class coach who can reshape our football.” The NFF clearly have someone in mind, believed to be Paul Le Guen, but the new coach will not be officially announced until after a meeting with the government’s Sports Minister next week.
http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2016/04/01/embarrassed-nigeria-set-challenge-caf-rules-afcon-failure/
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:17pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Siasia not in contention for Super Eagles head coach role
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Nigeria's caretaker coach, Samson Siasia looks on during their African Cup of Nations group G qualification match against Egypt.(Getty)

It is now almost certain that Samson Siasia will not be considered nor favored to get the Super Eagles job after the former International failed to get the team past Egypt in the Afcon 2017 qualifiers.Member of the NFF Technical Committee and former Shooting Stars administrator, Mutiu Adepoju suggested the matter of the appointment of a substantive coach for the Super Eagles will be discussed during the committee’s meeting.


Adepoju hailed his former teammate’s commitment to the Eagles bid to salvage Nigeria’s qualification chances for the Gabon 2017 Afcon but regrets the outcome.

Siasia was drafted in from the U-23s for his second stint as Eagles handler.
http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/siasia-not-in-contention-for-super-eagles-head-coach-role/
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:19pm On Apr 01, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Oliseh? No, We Don’t Regret Hiring Him, Pinnick Insists

By Salifu Usman
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President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has insisted that neither he nor the NFF harbours any regret about employing former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh, in spite of the sour relationship both parties had which culminated in Oliseh’s resignation last month.


However, Pinnick did confess that Oliseh was appointed, not because he had any form of coaching experience, but based on recommendations from people who have a sound interpretation of the technicalities of the game.


Pinnick, who was speaking to journalists in Abuja after the Super Eagles crashed out of the race for a place at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon, following a 0-1 loss to Ghana,, described the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the continental mundial as “unfortunate,” but disclosed that the football federation did avail the team and its coaches of all they needed to succeed.

“Oliseh was highly recommended and people kept describing him as the ‘Pep Guardiola of Africa’. I don’t have any regrets described him thus.


“The truth is, if somebody refers to you as Muhammadu Buhari, it means you are an anti-crusader of corruption. So, if, when I said Guardiola, what should come to your mind is result. I don’t have any regret referring to him as the ‘Guardiola of Africa’. It was a psychological way of encouraging him to succeed.


“We gave him a four year-plan and, if you look at the contract, we talked about capacity-building for him and his back-room staff. It is sad that he chose to resign. So, with all due respect I don’t think we made any mistakes hiring Oliseh,” he said with an obvious note of finality.

It did not stop him from reminiscing about what would have been and the cautions for the future.


“Never again will I take any decision that will not be result-oriented. We want look at the situation holistically and take into consideration the nitty-gritty of the whole thing before coming out with our position. It is not something to rush into and we don’t want [to do] that again.”

Pinick had some kind words for the coaching crew who took charge of the two qualifiers against Egypt which Nigeria lost.

“We are very grateful to Siasia and his assistant coaches and the rest of the back room staff; they were excellent in doing the job.”
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:20pm On Apr 01, 2016
[b][size=14pt]
Eagles Job: Ekeji, Kurfi Urge NFF To Retain Siasia

By Salifu Usman
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Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting between executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung to chart a way forward for the senior national team, Super Eagles, stakeholders have urged that Coach Samson Siasia and his caretaker technical crew should retained to guarantee Nigeria’s qualification for the 218 World Cup. Patrick Ekeji, former Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), said yesterday that retaining Siasia and his coaching crew will help to guarantee Nigeria a ticket to the next World Cup finals in Russia.


He said experience had shown that Siasia is capable of qualifying the country for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, going by the calibre of players he was able to assemble for the ill-fated AFCON qualifying matches against Egypt.


He warned that any decision by the NFF or the Ministry of Youths and Sports to bring a foreign coach would amount to a “wild goose chase’’ that could finally lead to another stage of lamentation, adding that Siasia has put together a solid team that will guarantee Nigeria a World Cup slot.


In the same vein, Special Assistant to Katsina state governor on Sports, Aminu Balele Kurfi noted that the good lesson from the ouster of Nigeria from the 2017 AFCON is that unlike in the past, Siasia and his technical crew have been able to put together a solid team that the nation can be proud of.

Balele noted that the NFF can only confirm the technical crew and mobilize them to pick the world cup ticket.


“The NFF should keep Siasia and give him a mandate, because from my own experience Siasia is one of Nigeria’s top coaches. Now, he has proved his worth more than any other person.


“I urge the NFF to do more by providing Siasia some background information about the opponents we will meet in the qualifiers because a war is half won if you have information about your opponent.


“his is one of the areas the Technical Committee of the NFF must dwell on. There are so many ways they can do this and one of them is through the embassies,’’ the governor’s aide said.
http://leadership.ng/sports/514164/eagles-job-ekeji-kurfi-urge-nff-retain-siasia
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:23pm On Apr 01, 2016
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Dalung Vows To Stop NFF From Sacking Coaches
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By Richard Jideaka, Abuja:

Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has promised to put a stop to the constant firing of coaches by the Nigeria Football Federation in a concerted effort to move football forward, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.


“Hiring and firing of coaches is not in the best interest of the country and must be stopped if we must progress,” Dalung said. “Continuity is key to moving forward, we cannot move forward when we allow a situation where three coaches executed just four matches of AFCON qualifier within one year


“We are meeting with the NFF on Tuesday to review the performance of football under my watch and find a way forward . The meeting is very, very crucial to recent happenings in football and I will wait to hear from the board of the NFF before taking actions
“The truth is that we have not measured up to the expectations of Nigerians and the sooner we tell ourselves the whole truth the better for football in Nigeria. The build-up to the qualified was marred with threats of sacking, resignation and litigation against the NFF, it is not conducive for success of our football.”
http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/dalung-vows-stop-nff-sacking-coaches/
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 3:10pm On Apr 01, 2016
terzurum5:





I just hope this is true. CAF must welcome Chad back

grin
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheGoodJoe(m): 6:15pm On Apr 01, 2016
forgiveness:
Eagles job: Okocha loses out


ON MARCH 31, 2016



By Jacob Ajom


The hope of Austin Jay Jay Okocha to become the next Super Eagles coach may have evaporated into thin air, if feelers coming from the Glass House are anything to go by. Oliseh and Okocha Sports Vanguard gathered that although the yet-to-be-signed new foreign coach would have loved to have the legend as his assistant, the NFF would have none of it. A source from the NFF secretariat told Sports Vanguard that the crew of Emmanuel Amuneke and Salisu Yusuf would continue with the new coach whenever he arrives. “Okocha has shown a lot of interest in the job and has openly said he would be happy to serve his country in any other capacity after an illustrious career as a player. “He can’t get it,” our source said, adding that the football house had already decided on Amuneke and Salisu. This may have put paid to Okocha’s ambition of coaching the team that brought him to global limelight. At least for now, because the incoming coach may insist on having the former midfield maestro among his back room staff. 19 0 0

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/eagles-job-okocha-loses/

NFF still show their talents in interfering with the coach's plans. If the foreign coach they want to employ wants to work with Okocha, why stop him. The Coach has his tactician and team on ground. He is not looking for a tactical crew. The Coach has his reasons why he wants Okocha. Stopping the coach's plan is wrong.
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 6:58pm On Apr 01, 2016
TheGoodJoe:


NFF still show their talents in interfering with the coach's plans. If the foreign coach they want to employ wants to work with Okocha, why stop him. The Coach has his tactician and team on ground. He is not looking for a tactical crew. The Coach has his reasons why he wants Okocha. Stopping the coach's plan is wrong.


They say the coach wants to work with Okocha. I suspect fowl play here. It is either one agent gave condition to the coach or somebody wan play nepotism.

I smell lies.

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