Opponents Watch

Zambia Frustrated As Lack Of Government Funding Aborts Proposed Spain Camping
By Kayode Ogundare in Accra




The Zambia national team have been left frustrated by a lack of government funding which aborted the proposed tour of Europe for a training camp ahead of the crucial 2018 World Cup Qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga confirmed the development to Zambian media in an interview.

“No, we are not going to Spain, we will just go to West Africa on Sunday, I think Ghana where conditions are almost the same, plus it only takes 45 minutes to fly [from Ghana] into Nigeria. I think we will manage to prepare well,”

However, unnamed Zambia Times’ sources say the team felt frustrated by the failed European camp as it has altered the coaches’ plans.

“The plan was to do like the Under-20 did prior to the Africa Cup and the World Cup. You saw how that camping helped the boys. Now in this [senior] team we have a lot of local players who needed to be fine-tuned in those two weeks so that by the time the professionals join in, they move at the same pace…as you know Nigeria is a very competitive side, no local players. But hands are tied since government funds the national team,” said the sources.

Subsequently, rather than head for Spain, coach Wedson Nyirenda named a mix of domestic league players and a sprinkle of foreign-based on Friday and they left Lusaka for Accra on Sunday morning.

The last but one Group B match in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital next Saturday will likely determine the winner of the sole ticket from the group.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zambia-frustrated-lack-government-funding-aborts-proposed-spain-camping/

Opponents Watch

NIGERIA v ZAMBIA: Chipolopolos Call Up Replacements For Injured Mwila and Banda
By Kayode Ogundare in Accra



Wedson Nyirenda, chief coach of the Zambia national team has been forced to fall back on much-maligned striker Alex Ng’onga as well as John Ching’andu after injuries to in-form striker Brian Mwila and midfielder Emmanuel Banda ahead of the October 7th Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo.


The duo was initially left out of the final 23-member squad that left Lusaka on Sunday morning for Ghana for a training camp before connecting Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital in South South Nigeria, venue of Saturday’s game.

Mwila sustained a knee injury in the first leg tie against Algeria at Heroes National Stadium when he collided with the goalkeeper after scoring his second goal while Banda sustained an ankle injury and a thigh muscle in training two days ago at his Belgium club K.V Oostende.

Nyirenda said the absence of Mwila and Banda was a minor setback and was confident that the players picked would do the job as the duo’s unavailability will not change his game plan.

He said the unavailability of the two would not change his initial game plan and that was why he came up with Plan B.

“It’s a minor setback and these things happen in football but we do have players to fill the void in Justin Shonga, Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala who can play at the top,” Nyirenda said.

Nigeria and Zambia, with three points separating them, go head to head in a crucial decider as a win for the Super Eagles will hand them a sixth World Cup ticket while a win or draw for Zambia will likely take the qualifying ticket to the wire on final matchday when Nigeria travel to Algeria and Zambia host Cameroon.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nigeria-v-zambia-chipolopolos-call-replacement-injured-mwila-banda/

Opponents watch

Zambia's Chipolopolo have already landed in Accra, Ghana to begin for camping preps ahead of the October 7 cracker.
They landed couple of mins ago.

The team will stay there until Wednesday when they will then leave for Nigeria for the final phase of their preps for the Big game come Saturday.

#NGAZAM #WCQs

Egbuchulam Considers Offers After Hacken Fail To Extend Deal
By David Meshioye




Swedish Allsvenskan club BK Hacken have chosen not to use their purchase option for Nigeria international, Chisom Egbuchulam, after his one year loan deal expired, Completesportsnigeriacom reports.
The 26-year-old joined Hacken on a season-long loan from Nigeria Professional Football League side, Enugu Rangers, with a permanent three-year deal expected to follow based on his performance for Mikael Stahre’s side.
However, news coming out of the Bravida Arena reveals that the contract of the winger, who claimed the Player of the Year at the annual Nigeria Sports Award after helping Rangers win the 2015/2016 NPFL title with 16 goals to his name, will not be renewed.

Hacken is expected to do away with Egbuchulam’s services after he failed to score in his 10 appearances for the Swedish outfit.

Egbuchulam’s agent who brokered the Hacken deal, Astrit Feka, told Completeportsnigeria.com that despite the failure of the 2015/2016 NPFL Most Valuable Player to register his name on the scorers charts, Egbuchulam is very happy with his experience in Sweden and BK Hacken.

Feka said Egbuchulam’s general performance was impressive and offers have started to come in for the striker.
“There is interest for Chisom both in Sweden and abroad, and we will see how things are developing in the coming months,” Feka said.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/egbuchulam-considers-offers/

The Stats Don't Lie: Chelsea Have Lost All EPL Games Moses Didn't Feature This Season



Whilst Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr and the Super Eagles faithful would have been delighted that Antonio Conte benched Victor Moses in the Premier League match of the weekend between Chelsea and Manchester City, it appears a negative trend has started for the champions.
The 1-0 loss suffered at Stamford Bridge against the Citizens meant Chelsea have lost both of the Premier League games the Nigerian didn't figure in the current campaign.

Moses had to sit out their opening day 3-2 loss to Burnley because he was ineligible due to the red card he received in the final of the Emirates FA Cup in the last competitive game of the
2016-2017 season.

Conte stuck to a 3-5-2 formation against Man City, bringing in Rudiger and Christensen while Spanish defender Azpilicueta replaced the Nigerian at right wing-back.

Chelsea were outplayed and constantly being out-possessed by Manchester City, with Moses's replacement Azpilicueta offering nothing offensively.

The last time Chelsea lost a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge which Moses started was back in the 2012-2013 season when they were beaten 1-0 by Queens Park Rangers on January 2, 2013.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : chelseafc.com


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24839

Iwobi: My Goal Perfect For Nigeria’s Independence Day, Sanchez Is Incredible





Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has described his goal for Arsenal on Sunday as fitting on the day Nigeria is celebrating its 57th Independence Day.
Iwobi scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal defeated Brighton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on the 57th anniversary of his country’s independence from British rule.
He also praised Alexis Sanchez who set him up with a backheeled assist.

“3 Points, Clean Sheet And A Goal Perfect Way To Celebrate Independence Day #BIG17,” He tweeted on Sunday.

“It was a great team play. I didn’t think Alexis would find me but it shows the skill he has,” He told the BBC.

“He (Sanchez) is capable of doing anything. To have eyes in the back of his head and back-heel to me was amazing.”
Iwobi added that Arsenal made their 2-0 win over Brighton look so easy.

“I wouldn’t say it was comfortable but we made it as easy as we could. It is always good to win the game and come away with a clean sheet,” Iwobi told BT Sport.

Iwobi, who has been named in Nigeria’s squad to face Zambia in Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier, is expected to arrive at the Super Eagles camp in Uyo on Monday.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iwobi-goal-perfect-sanchez-incredible/

IWOBI CAN BECOME ARSENAL'S VERY OWN JAY-JAY OKOCHA
By Chris Wheatley, Arsenal Correspondent




The Nigerian possesses an abundance of talent and appears to be taking Arsene Wenger's advice on board by adding goals to his game

Patience is a virtue in every walk of life and no-one knows that better than Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian youngster graduated from Arsenal’s Hale End academy in May 2014 and he has gone on to make 65 appearances for the Gunners’ first team.

Iwobi is the kind of player every supporter dreams about having in their team – a youth product who has grown up with the values of the club and forged a place for himself in the senior squad.
The youngster’s first season at Emirates Stadium in 2015-16 surpassed all expectations, as he made 21 appearances at home and in Europe whilst still a teenager. Still just 21, he’s never been fazed by the occasion whether it be playing away to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena or scoring a goal on his first full Premier League start against Everton.


However, the one criticism levelled at Iwobi by fans, ex-players and even his own manager has been that the starlet lacks an end product and needs to score more goals. Arsene Wenger has mentioned on several occasions over the past two seasons that the most important addition to Iwobi’s game would be more goals.

"I like the fact that he can play in tight areas, that he turns the game forwards, that he’s very mobile,” said Wenger.

"We forget sometimes that Alex is still a very young player and that there’s a lot more to come from him. There must be a lot more to come from him because he has more personality in the game now.



"We expect him to be more efficient in the final third offensively, because you feel there are goals in there and assists too. They have to come out. Add that to the fact that he allows the team to play very well and he will be a top-class player."

Iwobi did find the net during an impressive performance in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday. It was his first goal of the season and will hopefully open the floodgates to many more goals and assists.

There can be no doubting Iwobi’s sublime talent. As he displayed versus Brighton, he possesses an excellent dribbling range for a player who stands at 5ft 11in – and his ability to beat opposing defenders with a turn of the shoulder or quick feint make him a scary prospect for Premier League defences to face.

“He reminds me of his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha,” Mesut Ozil told
Arsenal Player .

“He was a player I loved watching. Alex reminds me of a mixture of him and Edgar Davids. He’s really strong on the ball, also defensively, but he’s good in front of goal too.”




Ozil’s high praise emphasises how highly thought of Iwobi is among his team-mates. If he can match the achievements of Okocha and Davids then an illustrious career undoubtedly awaits.

Every single forward player in the modern game will be defined by their respective statistics and Iwobi is no different.

Dribbling, passing and intelligent positional play are already part of the Nigerian’s game and with more goals surely to come it won’t be long before Iwobi follows in the footsteps of his Uncle Jay-Jay by achieving greatness for club and country.


Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/iwobi-can-become-arsenals-very-own-jay-jay-okocha/d5e5p8lu2csy11ca0j9k7ap26

TheSuperNerd:
Hmmmm... especially Keshi, Amuneke, Oliseh, Siasia and now Finidi... Ofcos Eguavoen and Amokachi dey too.

Well said Sir Taliban. Nicely reminisced.

I failed to mention the most successful African football administrator for lack of a better word, Michael Emenalo.

Alhassan Ibrahim's Wait For Austria Vienna Maiden Goal Ends After 332 Minutes




Nigeria international Alhassan Ibrahim's wait for his first goal in the colours of Austria Vienna finally ended when he struck in the second half of their 2-0 win over Rheindorf Altach on game week ten in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The former Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets star spent 332 minutes on the pitch in total before scoring his first goal outside the shores of Nigeria.

Despite firing blanks in his first four matches across all competitions, Austria Vienna manager Thorsten Fink kept faith with Alhassan by naming him in the starting eleven versus Rheindorf Altach, and he repaid the confidence placed in him by opening the scoring at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in the 72nd minute.

The 20-year-old had scored 12 goals for Akwa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League before moving abroad in search of the proverbial golden fleece.

The attack-minded player has started four of the five matches he has played so far, while he was introduced in the second half against Vöcklamarkt in the Cup.

Ahead of the second international break of the season, Austria Vienna sit third on the table with 18 points.


**Igho Kingsley

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24845

Etebo Lands In Lagos Ahead Of Super Eagles First Training Session On Tuesday




Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that CD Feirense attacking midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has landed in Lagos, ahead of Saturday's 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Zambia at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The 2016 Rio Olympic Games star arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 1600 hours from his base in Portugal.
Etebo will spend the night in Lagos before linking up with his Super Eagles teammates at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo on Monday, October 2.

According to the schedule released by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Super Eagles will hold their first training session on Tuesday, and the fans and media will be allowed to feast their eyes on the players for two consecutive days.

The training sessions on Thursday and Friday, on October 5 and 6 respectively, will take place behind closed doors.
Nigeria can qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia if they beat Zambia on October 7.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24849

Premier League Loanees Shine : C. Nwakali Nets Screamer, Henry Grabs Winner




One-cap Nigeria international Henry Onyekuru netted a crucial goal for Anderlecht as they claimed a 1-0 win over Standard Liege in the Belgian First Division A on Sunday, October 1.

The Everton loanee's strike at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in the 89th minute took his tally for the season to five goals across all competitions.

The match day nine fixture was heading for a draw when
Onyekuru planted a header past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and the delighted striker was later booked for taking off his shirt.

Standard Liege defender Uche Agbo, who is expected to report for international duty as from Monday, logged ninety minutes and received his fourth consecutive caution on 49 minutes.


Over to the Norwegian top-flight, Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali is beginning to establish a reputation as a long-range shooter, after scoring from 25 meters as Sogndal were held to a 2-2 draw by Molde at Fosshaugane Campus.

On the flip side, Sogndal are only two points above the drop zone with only six rounds left in the Eliteserien.


**Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : rsca.be


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24848

Promising Nigerian Striker Dennis Bonaventure Scores Fourteenth Career Goal




Four Nigerian players were on parade at Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge) as Club Brugge registered their eighth win in the Belgian First Division A when they narrowly beat Gent 2-1.

Nigeria internationals Moses Simon and Anderson Esiti started for the visitors, Dennis Bonaventure made Brugge's starting XI and Gent number eighteen Samuel Kalu came on in the 76th minute.

It was Club Brugge that drew first blood when Dennis Bonaventure gave them the lead in the 16th minute with a header after a clever free-kick was floated into the box by Ruud Vormer.
The summer signing from Zorya Luhansk has now notched fourteen career goals since moving to Europe in March 2016, with eight of those strikes coming in the blue and black colours of Club Brugge.

Bonaventure made a blistering start to his career with Club Brugge, so much so that there are calls in some quarters for him to be invited to Nigeria's senior national team.

The 19-year-old trained with Nigeria's schoolboys, the Future Eagles, in his formative years.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : instagram.com

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24844

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to get 10 goals from Alex Iwobi
By Mattias Karen



LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger challenged Alex Iwobi to provide 10 goals and 10 assists this season after the forward scored his first of the campaign in Sunday's 2-0 home win over Brighton.

Iwobi started in place of the injured Mesut Ozil and made it 2-0 when he rifled home a backheel from Alexis Sanchez in the 56th minute.

Speaking at his postmatch news conference, Wenger said: "A player like him must score 10 goals, and he must as well give between six and 10 assists, and that's what I want from him.

"He is the kind of player who has good availability, helps you a lot to get out of pressure and creates spaces. But what you want from him is final balls and goals as well."

It was Arsenal's fourth straight clean sheet in the league, and they have six wins and one draw in all competitions since being thrashed 4-0 at Liverpool.

And Wenger said the mood had changed completely, adding:

"Just before our last international break was a nightmare, but this one is a bit better.

"After the game at Liverpool, everybody wrote us off. I knew that it just depended on us, and how much we responded.

"Nothing is permanent. You're not bad in a permanent way if you can do something about it. And you're not good in a permanent way if you don't keep your urgency.

"So we responded in a united way, and we put some wins together and some good performances as well."

Arsenal remain six points behind the two Manchester clubs, but Wenger said he believed high-flying City and United could yet be caught.

"It's very early -- seven games played, 31 to go," he said.

"Last year after six games, Man City were top with 18 points. So let's not jump to quick conclusions.

"They [City] played outstandingly yesterday [against Chelsea], but there's a long way to go."

The Brighton game marked Wenger's 21st anniversary at Arsenal, but he said: "I wouldn't like to reflect on that too much.

"When you're 21 years somewhere, you know that you have good and bad moments.

"No one can make 21 years and only fly. What I love in the game is also to deal with bad moments and find a response."


Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/arsenal/story/3218460/arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger-wants-to-get-10-goals-from-alex-iwobi?device=featurephone

Zambia Fans In Ghana Predict Wide-Margin Victory For Chipolopolo Against Nigeria
By Kayode Ogundare in Accra


If wishes were horses, next Saturday’s World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will result in a cricket score for the visiting Chipolopolo Bullets, according to their fans who spoke exclusively to Completesportsnigeria.com at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Sunday evening.

Ferdinand Afful, a Zambian student at the Accra University of technology said he’s convinced that the Zambians will leave Uyo with the goals and three points in the kitty.

He said: “We are talking about a new Zambia team with a new mentality.
This was not the team that Nigeria beat in Ndola but a new team of young players who have shown that Zambia belongs at the top of African football. You saw what we did to Algeria home and away? We are coming to do the same to your team in Nigeria,” he boasted.

Afful’s brother, Conrad who’s also a student at the same university echoed his sibling’s optimism and predicted the same three-nil scoreline.

“I know it is funny but I think we are capable of winning by as many as three goals. I have no doubt in the ability of our players. We may not have as many players in Europe as Nigeria but our strenght is in our unity as a team. Patson Daka is the player who will ruin your team because his pace will just be too much for your boys,” he said.

Also joining in the wide-margin ‘prophecy’ was Boyd Mwala, also a student but he expressed the wish that the Zambia team would keep an eye on Nigeria’s experienced players like Mikel Obi and Victor Moses who he claimed could hurt their World Cup chances.

“Really I wished it was possible for both countries to go to the World Cup but since we cannot, I would rather it is Zambia and to do that we will beat Nigeria in your country next Saturday. I am sure of it and I will tell you that I said so after the game.”

A small enthusiastic crowd of Zambian supporters thronged the airport in Accra to welcome their national team to Ghana as they opened camp for the crucial game in Uyo on October 7, 2017.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zambia-fans-ghana-predict-wide-margin-victory-chipolopolo-nigeria/

Nigerian Players P-Index

October 1:


Simeon "Simy" Nwankwo (Crotone, Italy): The 1.98m Forward played all 90mins and scored his side's only goal as Crotone drew away with SPAL 1-1 in the Italian Serie A.

He made 48 touches on the ball, had 29 passes, won 4 aerial duels, made one key tackle, committed three fouls, recorded 3 shots with only one being on-target.

His passing accuracy was 65% and his overall whoscored Match rating is 7.73 which ensured he finished as the best player for both sides.



Okechukwu Azubuike (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey): He played 44mins as his side drew 1-1 at home with Patrick Eze's Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. He played as usual in Central midfield.

He made 34 touches on the ball and made 24 passes for a passing accuracy of 87%.

He finished with an overall Whoscored match rating of 6.24.




Patrick Friday Eze (Konyaspor, Turkey): The forward played 71 mins and got a goal on independence day to help his side to a 1-1 stalemate away from home against Azubuike's Yeni.

He made 12 touches on the ball and fielded 8 passes for a passing accuracy of 50%

He committed five fouls and won Two aerial duels. He had only one shot and that was on-target for the goal.

He ended with a Whoscored Match rating of 7.12.

Nigerian Players P-Index

October 1:

Ogenyi Eddy Onazi (Trabzonspor, Turkey): The 24 yr old CDM played 69 mins for his side in their 2-2 away draw at Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig. He featured at the base of Midfield in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

He made 61 touches on the ball and fielded 56 passes in all for a passing accuracy of 80%. He also executed two long ball passes.

He also committed Two fouls and won five key tackles.

His Whoscored match rating finished as 6.29(6.3).

Nigerian Players P-Index


October 1:

Kehinde Fatai, FW (FC UFA, Russia): Came on as an 80th min sub in his side's goalless draw with Aaron Samuel's CSKA Moscow in the Russian premier league.

He got 10 touches on the ball ams made four passes for a passing accuracy of 75%.

He won one tackle and finished with a Whoscored match rating of 6.04.

Nigerian Players P-Index

October 1:

Dennis Bonaventure, FW (Club Brugges, Belgium): Featured for 75 mins as he helped his side to a 2-1 home win over KAA Gent that featured three Nigerians. That goal was his fifth goal in the Belgian Jupiler League and his 8th goal across all competitions this season.

He has 2 goals in the Belgian Cup, 1 in the UCL qualifiers, And 5 in the league.


Anderson Esiti, CDM (KAA Gent): Played all 90mins and got a booking. The Physically imposing midfielder had a decent game but couldn't prevent his team's loss and his countryman from wrecking them.

Moses Simon, WF (KAA Gent): Played for 76mins but could not help KAA Gent escape with even a point. Will be in Nigeria for the October 7 cracker against Zambia.

Samuel Kalu, Winger (KAA Gent): Replaced Moses Simon to play the final 14 mins but could do little to prevent the loss. A fine young player with a big future.

Nigerian Players P-Index


Nigerian Independence Day Goalscorers across Europe


Alex Iwobi- Arsenal FC, England

Henry Onyekuru- RSC Anderlecht, Belgium
(now has 4 league goals and 5 in all comps).

Dennis Bonaventure- Club Brugges, Belgium
(now has 5 league goals and 8 in all comps... also has one assist in the league).

Simy Nwankwo- Crotone, Italy

Peter Olayinka- Zulte Waregem, Belgium (now has 4 league goals and also a record of 4 goals, 8 assists in all comps with 6 assists alone in the league).

Alhassan "MuaZam" Ibrahim Abdullahi- Austria Vienna, Austria

Cyriel Dessers- FC Utrecht, Netherlands (now has four league goals and 7 goals in all comps plus one league assist and a UEL assist)

Chidiebere Nwakali- Sogndal, Norway

Patrick Friday Eze- Konyaspor, Turkey (now has 2 league goals and two goals and one assist in all comps).

Nigerian Players P-Index

Pre-Independence (Sept 30):

Chidozie Awaziem, CB (FC Nantes, France): He came on as a 62nd min and finished the game strongly for his side in their 1-0 home win over Metz in the French Ligue 1.

Playing just 28mins, he made 28 touches and executed 21 passes for a passing accuracy of 85%.

He also had three key tackles and finished with a Whoscored match rating of 6.3 (6.29).



Oghenekaro Etebo, AML/CAM (Feirense, Portugal): Played all 90mins as his side fell 1-0 away to Boavista in the Portuguese Liga NOS.

He committed a foul, made 53 touches on the ball, fielded 39 passes and delivered three long balls for a passing accuracy of 89%.

He also won two aerial duels considering he is 1.76m tall.

Whoscored match rating: 6.4

TheSuperNerd:
Nigerian Players P-Index


Nigerian Independence Day Goalscorers across Europe


Alex Iwobi- Arsenal FC, England

Henry Onyekuru- RSC Anderlecht, Belgium
(now has 4 league goals and 5 in all comps).

Dennis Bonaventure- Club Brugges, Belgium
(now has 5 league goals and 8 in all comps... also has one assist in the league).

Simy Nwankwo- Crotone, Italy

Peter Olayinka- Zulter Waregem, Belgium (now has 4 league goals and also a record of 4 goals, 8 assists in all comps with 6 assists alone in the league).


Cyriel Dessers- FC Utrecht, Netherlands (now has four league goals and 7 goals in all comps plus one league assist and a UEL assist)

Chidiebere Nwakali- Sogndal, Norway

Patrick Friday Eze- Konyaspor, Turkey (now has 2 league goals and two goals and one assist in all comps).

happy for the lads

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says Victor Moses was rested against Manchester City as fixture congestion takes its toll


The Italian has complained numerous times about how his team's schedule has panned out

Moses was left out of the clash with title rivals City AFP/Getty Images

Antonio Conte says he left Victor Moses out of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City to rest the player rather than any tactical reason.

The champions’ squad depth has been a recurring issue out of what was a frustrating transfer window for the Italian, and he also admitted that his more defensive performance against Pep Guardiola’s team - in contrast to the assertive win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday - was partly down to trying to manage the more congested schedule.

Conte also said that schedule was on his mind when he decided to risk Alvaro Morata for the game, even though the Spanish striker eventually had to go off after 36 minutes with a hamstring concern. Conte later stated that the forward’s injury was not “serious”, even though he is unlikely to play for Spain in next week’s two international matches.

“To play three games in seven days is not simple, above all for our wing-backs,” Conte said.

“Moses played two whole games against Stoke [City] and Atletico, [Marcos] Alonso played one and a half games, because against Stoke I changed him after 10 minutes. Then you have to try to not put your difficulty players in difficulty, and not to risk this type of player, because Moses for us is an important player, and to play three games in only seven days, it means that you risk. With Morata it was the same, but I make this decision to risk Morata in this game, because imagine if I decide to put Morata on the bench?”

“I think you know very well that Manchester City is a really good team. We have to try to send out the best formation in type of game. Its very difficult to put young players into this type of game. Also because when there are these massive games you have to try to make the best decisions. To try to send out the best players to play this game. The players were the same players that played against Atletico Madrid and apart from that, Moses. We also put in [Antonio] Rudiger.”


Asked how Chelsea were so much more defensive than in the 2-1 win against Atletico , Conte said: “But it was very difficult for this reason. I explained very well in the press conference before the Madrid game that I didn't understand the decision to play on Saturday. Also because there was an international break so there was the possibility to move the game to Sunday. But I don’t want to complain a lot. Only to underline that sometimes you have to use more the head and to think about this type of game. Otherwise it is very difficult.”


Conte admitted that it will be hugely difficult to defend the title - something that hasn’t been done in the Premier League since 2009, even though he himself retained the Italian league the two times he tried to with Juventus. The Chelsea manager stressed that was a totally different challenge.

“I am proud to be the coach of these players. I see the commitment every day, but for sure to defend the title is very difficult it is very difficult for every team in this league. To defend – it is very difficult to win two titles in a row. Our motivation has to be high in every competition, to do the best in every game. The sometimes you must accept, must understand, it will not always go to plan. [Italy] was a completely different situation because we won the title with Juventus and I was expecting a really strong challenge from AC Milan, but instead they sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris St Germain, so they became weaker. It wasn’t simple second time, but it was easier. Here, from last season to this season, you have big teams – and now they are bigger.”

Conte also revealed that he will go home to Italy for the international break. “To be sure, I need a bit of rest.”



Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-antonio-conte-victor-moses-rested-manchester-city-fixture-congestion-a7976836.html

Happy Independence Sir Maidaboi.... yeah they did great but I omitted one player and I am going back to modify. How could I have left out Alhassan? Arrrrgghhh... *runs back to original post*

maidaboi:
happy for the lads

NIGERIA’S NURA ABDULLAHI PENS LONG-TERM CONTRACT WITH ROMA
By Taiye Taiwo




The Nigerian defender has extended his contract with the Yellow-Reds which sees him stay at the Stadio Olimpico until the summer of 2021


Nura Abdullahi has signed a four-year contract extension with Serie A giants, Roma.

Abdullahi is registered to feature for Eusebio Di Francesco’s men in the Serie A this season but is yet to make his debut due to injury problems.

The club confirmed the contract extension of the 20-year-old who is a product of their youth academy alongside Senegal youth international Keba Coly.

"Full-back Nura Abdullahi and forwards Mirko Antonucci and Sidy Keba Coly have all committed their futures to the Giallorossi," read a statement released on club website.

"Nura and Keba have signed four-year deals that will keep them at the club until June 2021.

“Right-back Nura Abdullahi, 20, is a member of the club’s first-team squad, although he is yet to make a senior appearance for the team.

“A member of the club’s 2015-16 title-winning Primavera squad, he was promoted to the first-team group in 2017 but injuries have prevented him making his first-team debut.”


Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/nigerias-nura-abdullahi-pens-long-term-contract-with-roma/1co7ryhtnyovk19q330pysah0q

In Women's football... there is a thread for this, will have to go there soon or later though

Our U-20 ladies are in the March again....

Nigeria's Super Falconets walloped Tanzania 6-0 away after previously recording a 3-0 home win in the 2018 FIFA U-20 WWC Qualifiers.

So Nigeria won 9-0 on aggregate score and moves to next round to play Morocco.

Scorers were Rasheedat Ajibade(2), Folashade Ijamulusi (2), Anam IMO, and Cynthia Aku.

Ighalo & Balogun Begin Training In Abuja, Ndidi In Town, Prince Aggrey Surfaces





Allnigeriasoccer.com has reliably gathered that Leicester City's current Young Player of the Year Wilfred Ndidi has landed in Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against the Copper Bullets.

Thus, manager Gernot Rohr will start running the rule over the central midfielder at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening, when the Super Eagles hold their first training session.

Mainz defender Leon Balogun arrived the country's capital Abuja on Sunday night, while ex-Watford star Odion Ighalo came in on Saturday evening.
Porto loanee Mikel Agu is also set to participate in the first full training session on Tuesday, having departed Turkey on Sunday.
Chippa United Daniel Akpeyi is expected to land in Uyo on Monday evening, subject to the availability of flights to the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Meanwhile, FC Ifeanyi Ubah winger Prince Aggreh trained in the gym, along with Ighalo and Balogun this morning, but the central defender had a recovery session as he was in the match day squad versus Wolfsburg on Saturday.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24853

14 Super Eagles To Arrive In Uyo Today
By Johnny Edward




No fewer than 14 players are expected in the Super Eagles camp at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo later today (Monday), October 2 ahead of Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Captain John Mikel Obi will lead the likes of Odion Ighalo, Leon Balogun, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Ogenyi Onazi, Shehu Abdulahi, Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Other players expected on Monday are Victor Moses, William Troost Ekong, and Elderson Echiejile.
According to the schedule released by the Nigeria Football Federation, through their official Twitter handle, the Super Eagles will hold their first training session on Tuesday, and the fans and media will be allowed to watch the session.

The Super Eagles training sessions on Thursday and Friday, will be a closed sessions.

Nigeria will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia if they beat Zambia by any goal margin on October 7.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/14-super-eagles-arrive-uyo-today/

Arsenal Fans Hail ‘Brilliant’ Iwobi In Win Vs Brighton
By James Agberebi




Arsenal fans have hailed Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi for his goal and sterling performance in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League at the Emirates on Sunday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Iwobi who had been sidelined by injury marked his return with a goal off a brilliant back heel assist from Alexis Sanchez to double Arsenal’s lead.

Spanish defender Nacho Monreal shot Arsenal into the lead in the first half.

According to footballfancast.com , some Arsenal fans took to their Twitter handle to praise the 21-year-old for his impressive performance.

GoonersAllDay @AFCNLDNNO1 describes Iwobi’s display as brilliant while also hailing Sanchez and Hector Bellerin.

“Nice solid performance from the boys ! Sanchez seems very committed too ! Iwobi played brilliantly ! Bellerin crossings improving,” he tweets.

MG @BulletHeader12 says Iwobi’s goal will give him lots of confidence.

He tweets: “That goal is huge for Iwobi’s confidence. Superb finish.”


Yasafah @yasafah states admits that Iwobi was impressive against Brighton despite getting a lot of criticisms sometimes.

“Delighted for Iwobi, gets too much criticism at him sometimes though but huge potential,” the Tweet reads.


On his part, Luke Emmett @lukeygooner10 is happy that Iwobi capped his impressive performance with a goal.
His Tweet hails: “Nice routine win, pleased for Iwobi to get his goal, awesome back heel from Alexis, slightly better feeling than last international break.”



And in other comments concerning Iwobi’s performance against Brighton:

celbridgegooner, @celbridgegooner tweets:”Particularly pleased for Holding and Iwobi, good week for Holding,1st Arsenal goal and starter in Premier League again, Iwobi needed that goal…”


Jahi Phantom. @Je_Dex:
“Excellent finishing by iwobi.”


Nnamdi Obinwanne @obisingledigit tweets:
“Hector Bellerin excellent. Alexis gets the MOTM for his assist. Iwobi, Ramsey excellent as well. Good game. Watford away next. Need to win.”


Iwobi who missed the Super Eagles’ double header against Cameroon through injury, is expected to feature against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Uyo on October 7.


In the reverse fixture in Ndola in 2016, Iwobi was on target as the Eagles pipped Zambia 2-1. Kelechi Iheanacho got the Eagles’ second goal.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/arsenal-fans-hail-brilliant-iwobi-win-vs-brighton/

Opponents watch


Zambia Vice-Captain Tembo Boasts: Nothing Super About Nigeria
By Kayode Ogundare in Accra



As the Zambian national team open their training camp in Accra, Ghana ahead of the October 7th mega-clash against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, vice-captain of the Chipolopolo Ziyo Tembo has talked up his team’s chances in the game and reckons there’s nothing to worry about the Super Eagles even though they lead the group with a three-point margin.

Tembo said Zambia was ready for battle and every player was
focused on getting the win to boost chances of qualifying for the World Cup and the game against was just like any other game.

He said: “There is nothing sinister about the Nigeria game, it’s a game like any other we have played before. Yes they have a good side and have quality players and we can’t take that away from them but they are beatable,” Tembo said.


The Zanaco of Zambia defender insists the Chipolopolo's record against Nigeria – they last won 2-0 in a friendly game 20 years ago – will not count for much as the current team is looking to create new records.

“Nigeria’s dominance over us is history for we are looking at the future and what will matter most in the game is our application on the pitch. We are not inferior to Nigeria, the only difference is that most of our players play in Africa and they have more players in Europe,” he said.

Tembo added that the team would make Zambians proud by beating Nigeria.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zambia-vice-captain-tembo-boasts-nothing-super-nigeria/

Media Schedule for the #NGAZAM Oct.7 WCQs Cracker

The Super Eagles:


Training (Open sessions)- Tuesday (3rd) and Wednesday (4th)

Training (Closed Sessions)- Thursday (5th) and Friday (6th)

Pre-Match Press Parley- Thursday (5th). Time is 11.30 am Nigerian time. Venue: Le Meridien Hotel, Uyo.

Ahead of the Big game on October 7, I just feel I should drop the Head-to-Head record.

Nigeria v Zambia H2H

Games won by Nigeria: 7

Games drawn: 5

Games lost: 5



28 Oct 1973 Zambia v Nigeria L 5-1 Africa Cup of Nations

11 Nov 1973 Nigeria v Zambia W 3-2 African Games

10 Mar 1978 Zambia v Nigeria D 0-0 Africa Cup of Nations

28 Jul 1981 Zambia v Nigeria L 3-0 International Friendly

13 Mar 1982 Nigeria v Zambia L 0-3 Africa Cup of Nations

10 Aug 1985 Nigeria v Zambia D 0-0 Africa Cup of Nations

18 Aug 1985 Zambia v Nigeria L 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations

12 Mar 1990 Nigeria v Zambia W 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations

10 Apr 1994 Nigeria v Zambia W 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations

15 Dec 1997 Zambia v Nigeria L 2-0 International Friendly

17 Dec 1997 Zambia v Nigeria D 0-0 International Friendly

13 Jan 2001 Nigeria v Zambia W 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations

24 Mar 2001 Zambia v Nigeria D 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations

25 Jan 2010 Zambia v Nigeria W 0-0 Africa Cup of Nations

15 Nov 2011 Nigeria v Zambia W 2-0 International Friendly

25 Jan 2013 Zambia v Nigeria D 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations

09 Oct 2016 Zambia v Nigeria W 1-2 FIFA World Cup

Key:
L= Nigeria lost

D= Nigeria drew

W= Nigeria won


07 Oct 2017 Nigeria v Zambia FIFA World Cup What shall be the outcome? This game is very tricky but recent meetings suggest a Nigerian victory. Do we still remember that Nigeria's comprehensive victory over the Indomitable lions of Cameroon changed the history of that fixture? So I will now say that this fixture will change the course of the historical games between this two. Nigeria must win in order to prove to the southern Africans that they are extremely superior over them. Zambia has proven to be the bogey team as they have scored at least four goals against the Super Eagles of Nigeria but the recent games at the Godswill Akpabio International in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state suggests that Nigeria does not lack any scoring instinct. So I will go for a resounding victory. What kind of performance do you want the Nigerian team to put up? If you were the coach of the national team how will you prepare your team?

Victor Moses, Wilfred Ndidi Transfer Fees Go Up, Make Top 100 List





The performances of Victor Moses and Wilfred Ndidi for Chelsea and Leicester City respectively have seen their transfer fees increase.
According to football statisticians, CIES Football Observatory , Ndidi is the Nigerian player with the highest increase in transfer fee, having clocked in at number 40, ahead of Moses who is 86th on the list.

At the opening of the summer transfer window, Leicester City midfielder Ndidi's transfer fee equated to €39.8 million, and clubs are expected to pay €54.6 million to secure his signature, with effect from October 1, 2017.

Chelsea right wing-back Moses was valued at €28.7 million this summer and his transfer fee has risen by €9.5 million euros.

Beyond inflation, expensive transfers to other teams, contract extensions and top level performances are the key reasons underlying the strongest increases observed.

Transfer Fee Increase

1) Romelu Lukaku - +55.8m

2) Kylian Mbappe - +50.4m

3) Paulo Dybala - +47.3m

4) Ousmane Dembele - +45.0m

5) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - +31.7m

6) Neymar - +28.4m

7) Marcus Rashford - +26.8m

8.) Kevin De Bruyne - +25.6m

9) Mohamed Salah - +25.2m
Gianluigi Donnarumma - +25.2m

40) Wilfred Ndidi - +14.8m

86) Victor Moses - + 9.5m


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24862