Fresh beginning for Iheanacho as Leicester City sack Shakespeare

Kelechi Iheanacho

Super Eagles’ striker , Kelechi Iheanacho may have to double his work rate if he desired a continued stay in Leicester City ’ s first team. Yesterday , the 2015 / 2016 English Premier League champions sacked their manager , Craig Shakespeare following the 1- 1 draw with West Bromwich Albion , which plunged the team into the relegation zone .

Shakespeare signed Iheanacho from Manchester City this season and handed him just his second start of the campaign on Monday . With the 53 - year - old , who succeeded title winning manager , Claudio Ranieri last season , gone , Iheanacho and indeed all the players will have to prove to the incoming manager that they are capable of saving the club from the drop .

Shakespeare spent only four months in charge of the team before the club ’ s Thai owners acted despite only eight games being played of the season so far .Shakespeare was called into a meeting yesterday following the game on Monday to be informed of the decision after a disappointing run of just one win in 10 games .

The 53 - year - old joined Leicester in 2011 , for his second spell as assistant manager at the club , along with Nigel Pearson and remained in the role when Claudio Ranieri took over in 2016 .

He was a key part of the group who won the Premier League that year and took over from the Italian when he was sacked the following February , keeping the job on an initial temporary basis until the end of the season . He was then named permanent boss in the summer , signing a three - year deal , but has now been sacked four months later.


Source: https://m.guardian.ng/sport/fresh-beginning-for-iheanacho-as-leicester-city-sack-shakespeare/

NFF, Rohr set to clash over Abraham

Gernot Rohr

By Festus Abu


Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is reportedly set to battle it with the Nigeria Football Federation over teenage forward Tammy Abraham .

England Under- 21 striker Abraham has emerged as one of the hottest young properties in English football after scoring five Premier League goals for Swansea City on his season - long loan from Chelsea this season .

The 20- year - old , whose father comes from Nigeria, has not been capped by England at senior level , meaning he is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles .
NFF president Amaju Pinnick claimed last month that Abraham had agreed to play for Nigeria , but the player denied that the NFF had yet to contact him with regard to playing for Nigeria and pledged his international allegiance to England .

Our correspondent learnt that the NFF decided to go after Abraham after Rohr, who is a fan of the pacey and energetic London - born striker , told them that he wanted him for the Russia 2018 World Cup .

Our correspondent learnt that the NFF was rocked by Abraham ’s statement , with some of the top officials of the federation allegedly vowing to ensure that the player is never allowed to don the national colours even when he makes a u - turn on England .

Rohr is said to be insistent on having Abraham as he believes involving the young striker would boost his striking options in Russia as Nigeria seek to make a bold statement in their sixth World Cup appearance.
German manager Rohr is said to have been encouraged to have Abraham in his World Cup plans after the player , whose father comes from Delta State , opened his door to Nigeria switch after the Eagles qualified for the World Cup following their 1 - 0 victory over Zambia in Uyo on October 7 .
“ There are a lot of things going on . For me that is a sign you are doing something right if Nigeria are fighting for you and England want you as well , ” Abraham was quoted by The Mirror as saying last week.

“ I’ m happy right now and just want to keep playing my football . Nothing has happened. I’ m not too sure what is going on . ”

But Rohr ’s employers are said to be opposed to the player representing Nigeria at the World Cup and have reportedly told him that they don’ t want Abraham on his list .

Spokesman for the NFF Ademola Olajire , who refused to confirm or deny whether Abraham would be invited by Rohr for the World Cup , however insisted the player agreed to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

Olajire said the federation would not force any player on Rohr , saying the former Burkina Faso coach would be allowed to select his squad for the World Cup .

“ The NFF does not have any player in mind for the World Cup , it ’ s not our job to invite any player , ” the federation chief told our correspondent on the telephone on Monday .

“ Rohr is in charge of the team and he is the only person who can invite any player . ”


Source: http://punchng.com/nff-rohr-set-to-clash-over-abraham/

NFF to decide new national coaches today

The executive committee meeting of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which holds in Jos today is expected to be stormy as the decision on the coaches of the various national teams will dominate the session.

It has been a long wait for the announcement of the coaches after the NFF technical committee forwarded its recommendations to the board.

“There are so many vested interests around the appointment of the national team coaches and as such there will be heated debates at the exco on this,” an official said.

It was gathered that several members of the technical committee as well as the executive committee have personal interests in the appointments, while some coaches have also lobbied for the jobs, using former sports ministers and top government officials.

After grilling applicants for the national team posts in Abuja, the NFF technical committee forwarded its recommendations to the NFF board with a caveat that the recommendations were painstakingly arrived at and should therefore be respected.
However, it was gathered that the executive committee ordered the technical committee to broaden their recommendations to allow for a more level playing field.

But this was not done with speculations now that two top ranking officials of the committee have now met to revise the recommendations, some of which were leaked to the media recently.

The vacant national team positions include the head and assistant coaches of the U-17 teams both male and female, the U20 Flying Eagles, the men’s Olympic team as well the women’s team, the Super Falcons.

Source: http://www.thebreakingtimes.com/nff-to-decide-new-national-coaches-today/

Why Super Eagles New Star Shehu Abdullahi Has To Be On The Plane To Russia



Shehu Abdullahi is a proven winner and a man renowned for his professionalism, but the critics continue to doubt his game.

The Cyprus based utility player is the type that may not impress people because he's not Victor Moses or John Obi Mikel or another player but when he plays, he's never a 6 [out of 10]. He's always between a 7 and 9.

Yet despite the criticisms the player continues to prove his importance within the Super Eagles and has to be on the plane to Russia.

It is his commitment and tireless work in defense that effectively allows for his team mates to push forward and progress, safe in the knowledge that he will provide security.

His defensive brilliance in the match against Zambia garnered praise and the man of the match.

He proved vital in slowing down the opponent's fast attacking game, winning possession and distributing accurate passes.
More than his disciplined approach to the game and his 'never say die' attitude adopted from his years with Kano Pillars, Shehu offers something his teammates cannot.

He is a player many can identify with, a human amongst the heroes.
Shehu may not be a wanted man but he is certainly a needed player.


**Ademetan Abayomi

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25060

Hull City Coach Keen On Welcoming Chelsea Loanee Aina To Russia




Hull City's Russian coach Leonid Slutsky has expressed his happiness with Nigeria's qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia which will take place in the country of his birth.

Chelsea product Ola Aina played the last eleven minutes of the Super Eagles 1-0 win over Zambia on October 7, a victory that saw the national team book their spot at next year's World Cup finals.


''We congratulated Kamil and Ola last week - welcome to Russia!" said Slutsky to hullcitytigers.com.

''Of course, the World Cup next summer is very important to me because it will be held in Russia.

''Kamil and Ola have already been asking me a lot of questions about stadiums and cities, and I hope that Larsson and Meyler will play there also.

"However, all of these players are very professional and it is the club matches that they are concentrating on now.''

Aina is in line to make his full debut for the Super Eagles when they take on Algeria in their final Group B game on November 10.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25061

Arsenal Young Star Iwobi Proving To Be The Difference For Nigeria

Arsenal young star Alex Iwobi is once again proving to be the difference for Nigeria when it counts.

Allnigeriasoccer.com reflects on his mastery of the magic....


Iwobi is like an erotic dream…when he plays, you just want it to go on for a little longer, you don’t want it to stop.

With the Super Eagles needing inspiration in their recent game against Zambia, it was Iwobi's arrival on to the pitch that changed the face of the game.

Simplifying matters, the attacking midfielder restored the fluidity of his side's play, connected with the key players and injected much-needed pace into the match whilst still affording himself time to pause, think and deliver the perfect ball for his teammates to score.

Singlehandedly guiding Super Eagles to a 1-0 win courtesy of his solitary effort, it was another example of why Iwobi has somewhat become a problem solver for the national team.
Lacking in depth and a vertical edge, opponents have now begun to find ways to halt the horizontal Super Eagles attack that takes one too many touches and appears either too slow or narrow going forward.

With those superhuman skills, one has to wonder whether Alex Iwobi is in fact real or simply an illusion.


**Ademetan Abayomi

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25059

Players, agents bombard Eagles with requests for World Cup action, it’s crazy reveals official
By ScoreNigeria admin


Super Eagles are flying to 2018 World Cup in Russia. All manner of players want to also be on the flight to Russia now say officials

Players and agents from across the world have bombarded the Super Eagles with an avalanche of requests to be part of the action at next year’s World Cup in Russia, officials have told SCORENigeria

Nigeria qualified for a sixth World Cup appearance after they stopped Zambia 1-0 in a decisive in Uyo recently.

“The traffic for requests by players or their agents has been crazy,” an official told SCORENigeria

“There have been all manners of requests, from those who have represented the country previously to those who don’t stand a chance in hell.”

Some of these requests have even been accompanied by video clips and CVs of the players.

For Brazil 2014, several players including Michael Uchebo, Ramon Azeez and Babatunde Michael did not feature in the qualifiers only to gate crash to the tournament proper.

Experts tell SCORENigeria that a mere call-up to pre-World Cup training camp will remarkably enhance the profile of a player.

Source: http://googleweblight.com/i?u=http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/10/17/players-agents-bombard-eagles-with-requests-for-world-cup-action-its-crazy-reveals-official/&hl=en-NG

Moses’ Injury Is Blessing In Disguise
By Sulaiman Alao



I was happy when I read the news that Victor Moses was injured. And when the follow-up story revealed that the Chelsea right wing-back will be out of action for four weeks following the injury he copped during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend at Selhurst Park, I was elated.

Now, Chelsea fans will cry foul, but I indeed feel sorry for the Blues’ fans and coach Antonio Conte. On the other hand, I am happy because the hamstring injury – it was reported – will keep Moses from featuring for Nigeria in the inconsequential 2018 World Cup qualifying game away to Algeria next month.
But Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr was not happy with the news too, you might say. Who cares!

Both Conte and Rohr may cry on each other’s shoulders for all I care. But as for me and the patriotic zeal I have for Nigeria, the two coaches’ present anguish is my joy. After all, one man’s meat, is another man’s poison. In this situation, however, it is a case of two men’s lamentations is another man’s celebration.

Why am I happy that Moses will miss the game in Algiers you might ask? I am happy because it will force Rohr to think deep, and work hard to fashion out strategies and tactical formations that will see the Eagles still play well without Moses.

It is very obvious that Moses has become the most influential player in the current Eagles squad. Mikel Obi and goalkeeper Carl Ikeme were the two other players close to Moses in terms of importance in the Eagles.

While Nigeria has been able to make do with Ikechukwu Ezenwa in Ikeme’s absence due to the Acute Leukaemia the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ keeper is battling to survive, Rohr currently have no capable replacement for Mikel and Moses.

It would be recalled that the first time the trio were absent from the team, the Eagles lost scandalously at home against South Africa in the very first game of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo last April. On that occasion, the yawning vacuum created by the injuries to Moses, Mikel and the illness of Ikeme was just too obvious. In fact, the 0-2 home loss to the Bafana Bafana was an eye-opener and a blessing in disguise for Rohr as the coach found out rather unpleasantly that the Eagles bench needed fortification.

Now with the Eagles having already booked their ticket to Russia with a game to spare, I belong to the school of thought that Rohr should prosecute the Algeria game with other players.

Rohr seems to share this view having disclosed that even though he would be taking the game against Algeria seriously and wants to win, he would nevertheless be fielding a much changed side for the game to give other players a chance to prove themselves.

The other school of thought however, believes Rohr should field the regular team not only to ensure the Eagles amass a total of 16 points in the qualifiers but to further give room for team bonding.
While it is not clear which other players Rohr intends to field in his proposed ‘much changed side’, it is at least good that Moses’ injury will force the coach’s hands to try another player in Moses’ role.

I will desire to see the Eagles also play in Algiers without influential skipper, Mikel and assistant captain Ogenyi Onazi. It is common knowledge to all that the Eagles have mostly struggle whenever Mikel is not fielded or substituted. We witnessed similar occurence recently when Mikel Agu struggled badly and was only lucky not to be red-carded when he was brought in for injured Onazi during the crucial home game against Zambia.

While it is clear that we have arguably a good starting eleven as it is, the same cannot be said of the largely untested qualities on the bench.

With Moses already out of the Algiers tie, it would be good if Rohr can go a step further to prosecute the game against Algeria without Mikel and Onazi also. Rohr needs to find amongst the other players those that can be like-for-like replacements for the trio.
Nigeria’s aim in Russia should be to surpass our past outings at the World Cup and Rohr will do well to start working towards building a team capable of switching tactical formations either deliberately or when one or two key players are down with knocks.

The qualities of the players on the bench should be very close to that of the starting team players. That’s what gives a good team the needed balance. No team can be truly great when its bench is poor.

Meanwhile, I do sincerely wish Moses quick recovery.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-injury-blessing-disguise/

United States Confident Of Beating Nigeria To Real Madrid, Arsenal Target Omidiji



The United States Soccer Federation remain confident that will beat their Nigerian counterparts to the services of Feyenoord wonderkid Lateef Omidiji Jnr.

Born in Las Vegas, America, Omidiji also qualifies to represent Nigeria through his parents and has yet to confirm the national team he will represent ahead of the 2019 Fifa U17 World Cup.

''Nigeria and America have a great talent in their hands and he remains a player we are keenly monitoring,'' a top source told
allnigeriasoccer.com .

''We know that in 2019 at the next U17 World Cup, he will likely feature from what we understand USA U17s so we hope to capture him before the World Cup.''

Whilst the United States have made the first move to cap Omidiji by inviting him to an U14 Boys’ National Team get-together in November 2016, his sister Sophia Omidiji, also eligible for USA, might play a key role in deciding the national team he turns out for as she is a member of Nigeria's U20 setup.

The 14-year-old Omidiji, who is on the radar of Real Madrid and Arsenal, is expected to confirm where his future lies before May 2018.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25062

EXCLUSIVE- Mikel Agu: Criticisms After Zambia Game Hurt Me But I’m Determined To Win Over Boo-Boys
By Kayode Ogundare




More than a week after Nigeria secured qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 1-0 victory over Zambia in Uyo, fall-outs of the game is still reverberating with Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Ndubuisi Agu claiming to still feel the hurt of the virulent criticism of his performance against the Chipolopolo, including copping a yellow card barely five minutes after replacing Ogenyi Onazi.

Agu, who scored his first goal of the season for his Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor on Monday night, bared his heart in an exclusive interview with completesportsnigeria.com from his base.

Completesportsnigeri.com: Mikel, congratulations on scoring your first goal tonight (in the 3-1 win against Osmanlispor). You must be very pleased to open your goals account for the season?

Mikel Agu : Yeah, thanks bro, I’m happy to score but, more importantly, I’m happier that we won. When you work so hard, it is always nice to win games.


Being your first goal, what does this goal mean to you?

Well, it’s my first goal for Bursaspor and I want to score more.
I dedicate the goal to my wife and son. I’ve been waiting to score for my son since my wife was pregnant and I’m glad I could do finally get to do it for him and his mom. Hopefully more will still come.


And what do you think the victory meant for Bursaspor, given the team’s target for the season?

Our target for the season is to keep giving our best in each game, working hard to remain competitive and helping the team to win as many games as possible so that we can finish in a good position in the league. So, in that sense, you can say the win was a huge one for us and we want to keep winning.


Bursaspor have been doing well this season and you’re a big part of it with Ekong. What’s the secret?

No secret bro. It has been God. Though most of them here don’t believe in God but I do and I fully believe He’s the one behind everything happening for us so far. And we also have a very good coach in Paul Le Guen. One of the best I have worked with and this is not just because I’m playing regularly. He’s very knowledgeable about the game.


Bursaspor are now eigtht on the log but do you really think you can challenge the traditional teams like Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahce for a place in Europe?

Well, without trying to sound boastful, I see no reason why we cannot challenge them. Incidentally, we have already played against each of those big teams this season and though we lost, the games were really very close and could have gone either way. Against Galatasaray, the first half was very good, we played very well and created chances even more than they did but we were just unlucky not to make use of our chances.
We even scored before them but we lost 2-1. It was a good game really. Shows the gap between us and the big teams is not as wide as one would have thought.

So, let’s talk about the national team. The Super Eagles will be at the World Cup in 2018. How does this make you feel that you’re part of the team that won the ticket?

See, to be honest, I think I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Of course I’m happy we won the World Cup ticket and made the whole country happy but I’m sad when I remember the torrents of abuse that was directed at me by some people after the Zambia game. A lot of them criticized me after the game against Zambia and I think they were unfair to me. I mean we won the game for crying out loud and each player gave his all on the pitch yet I was singled out for criticism. Imagine what would have happened if we didn’t win that game?


Maybe the critics expected more from you because they knew you have the talent to do much more and the yellow card gave everybody anxiety because if you had gotten another one, playing 10 men against Zambia would have been difficult?

That’s possible but you should also understand the circumstances under which I went into the game. Nobody foresaw that there was going to be a change that early and because the tension was high in the game, it took me time before I could properly get into the match. I did everything the coach asked of me though the yellow card was not part of it but I think I settled down and helped the team more as the game progressed.


Now, as they say, criticism is a part of the job and it depends on how you react to it. So, will the critics affect you negatively or will they motivate you to do better now or what?

Yes, the criticism hurts me but it has made me to keep working harder. I just need to believe first in myself and try to prove all of them wrong. Even the big players do have their bad days in football. Trust me, I will win them over.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/exclusive-criticism-zambia-game-hurt-im-determined-win-boo-boys-mikel-agu/

UCL: Emenike Out of Barca Clash; Onyekuru, Samuel Target First Goal
By Johnny Edward



Emmanuel Emenike will not feature for Olympiacos when they face Barcelona at Camp Nou in Wednesday’s Group D matchday-three of the UEFA Champions League, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
The former Nigeria international missed Olympiacos’ last win against Panionios and has not been listed for game against current La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Emenike has not scored an UEFA Champions League goal in five years. The 30 year old last scored (a brace) in the competition in the colours of Spartak Moscow, in their 3-2 win over Celtic in 2012.
At the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Henry Onyekuru will be hoping to reproduce his goal scoring form for Anderlecht in the Belgian League when they face Paris Saint Germain. Onyekuru has made two appearances so far in the competition.
Anderlecht are without a point after two games, while PSG have maximum points from two games. The other fixture in the group will see Bayern Munich host Scottish Champions, Celtic.
In group A, Aaron Samuel’s CSKA Moscow will be targeting their second win of the competition when they host second placed Basel. CSKA Moscow in third position also have three points after two games.
Samuel who has one goal in six Russian League games, has never scored an UEFA Champions League goal for the club in four appearances.

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ucl-emenike-barca-clash-onyekuru-samuel-target-first-goal/

3SC Star Ajani Eyes Super Eagles CHAN Squad
By James Agberebi



Shooting Stars of Ibadan forward Ajani Ibrahim has expressed confidence that he can make the home-based Super Eagles squad for the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The home-based Super Eagles qualified for next year’s CHAN after eliminating Benin Republic 2-1 on aggregate in the final play-off round.

Despite not being part of the team during the qualifiers, Ajani believes there is enough time for him to make the squad to Morocco.

“I believe I can still make the home-based squad for CHAN,” Ajani told Completesportsnigeria. com.

“For me it is not too late because in life I believe there is nothing God cannot do.”

Ajani went on to reveal that he has been getting offers after being part of the Shooting Stars side that got relegated from the NPFL last season.

He said: “For now I am with Shooting Stars but offers have been coming from Nigerian clubs and also abroad. But the offers from Nigeria are more.

“But I am not rushing to join any club because I want to make sure I get the right offer before I make any move.”


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/3sc-star-ajani-eyes-super-eagles-chan-squad/

Troost-Ekong – Why I Turned Down Liverpool, Man City In Favour Of A Move To Spurs



Super Eagles of Nigeria defence hardman William Troost-Ekong has revealed the reason why he snubbed a move to Manchester City and Liverpool few years ago in favour of a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Ekong started his career with Fulham before moving to Spurs where he spent three years but failed to make the grade and progress to the first team like his youth team counterpart Harry Kane who is now captain of the club.

Prior to joining Spurs, Manchester City and Liverpool were heavily interested in his service but the then 16 year old decided to move to Spurs which came as a surprise to many.

Explaining his decision to move to Spurs instead of the above mentioned clubs, 24 year old Troost-Ekong said his family played a big role in his choice, and he has no regret joining Spurs, despite not making the grades at the club.

” What was available at Tottenham was very vital for me and my family, and that was the deciding factor for me, so I chose to play for Spurs at that time. In my private life, they managed somethings for me. I also like the club in London, it felt very good”, he told Voetbalzone.nl.

” If you are fifteen or sixteen years old then go for what makes you feel good and where you think you can get a chance. That did not work for me at Spurs, but I don’t have any regret of my time in England “.


**Michael James


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/troost-ekong-why-i-turned-down-liverpool-man-city-in-favour-of-a-move-to-spurs/

Opponents Watch


Two Strikers, Who Scored Four Goals Against Nigeria At AFCON, To Coach Algeria



The Algerian Federation are set to announce the appointment of Desert Foxes legend Rabah Madjer as the new coach of the national team in the coming days, according to reports.

Le Buteur says the official appointment of Madjer as head of the Greens should be made if everything goes well this Thursday at a press conference.

The 1987 African Footballer of the Year will be assisted by Meziane Ighil and former national team colleague Djamel Menad.

Menad and Madjer scored four goals between them as Algeria beat Nigeria 5-1 in their opening match of the 1990 African Cup of Nations, with Emmanuel Okocha grabbing a consolation for the Super Eagles.

Ex-Manchester City star Djamel Belmadi was the early frontrunner to take over from the dismissed Spaniard, Lucas Alcaraz, before the Algerian FA agreed terms with Madjer.

Nigeria will face Algeria in their last 2018 World Cup qualifier on November 10.


**Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : iffhs.com

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25063

Finidi or Maikaba to lead Golden Eaglets?
By ScoreNigeria admin

Former Nigeria World Cup star Finidi George and Aiteo Cup-winning coach of Akwa United Abdu Maikaba are locked in a Titanic battle to lead the country’s U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, SCORENigeria has been informed.

Finidi has been in charge of the youth team in Real Mallorca, where he is based and has completed his coaching badges in Holland.

The former Ajax Amsterdam winger has offered to coach the Eaglets for free.

Maikaba, on the other hand, has worked for many years with young players beginning with his days at Buffaloes of Kano.
On Sunday, the physics graduate won his first major piece of silverware when Akwa United pipped Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penalties to win their second cup in two years.

“Finidi is backed by a powerful executive committee member to head the Eaglets coaching crew hence his recommendation by the technical committee, while a good number of the board favour Maikaba going by what he has achieved over the years,” a source told SCORENigeria

The NFF executive committee will meet today in Jos to finalise on the appointments of various national team coaches.



Source: http://googleweblight.com/i?u=http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/10/18/finidi-or-maikaba-to-lead-golden-eaglets/&hl=en-NG&tg=214&tk=upSLCzZHlwbTQxjE

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Onyekuru, 2 other Anderlecht stars listed as threats for PSG, Neymar
By ScoreNigeria admin



Henry Onyekuru has been listed by France Football as one of three players Anderlecht will line up today against PSG and their record signings Neymar and Mbappe.

The other Anderlecht stars are midfielders Leander Dendoncker and Sofiane Hanni.

Belgian champions Anderlecht welcome PSG tonight in matchday 3 of Group B of the Champions League.

“Onyekuru is the main danger of Anderlecht,” rated France Football.

“With 30 goals and 11 assists in two seasons with KAS Eupen, the Nigerian striker has impressed in Belgium.

“Everton were very interested in such statistics and signed the young striker for five years this summer before loaning him to Anderlecht.

“Superb with the ball at his feet, endowed with a very good technique and skillful in front of the goal, Henry Onyekuru has enjoyed a good beginning of the season.

“The attacking partner of Lukasz Teodorczyk already has 7 goals in 13 matches in all competitions, including a double against KV Mechelen on the final day of the Jupiler League.

“Henry Onyekuru is even considering a return to Everton in January, as he told the newspaper DH. Before that, the young striker must confirm his good form against PSG. “

Everton’s on-loan Henry Onyekuru (20) says he’s had talks about returning in Jan. 7 goals for Anderlecht this ssn pic.twitter.com/AKrqq4XHkP
— Alex McGovern (@amcgovern25) October 14, 2017

Source: http://googleweblight.com/i?u=http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/10/18/uefa-champions-league-onyekuru-2-other-anderlecht-stars-listed-as-threats-for-psg-nyemar/&hl=en-NG&tg=202&tk=upSLCzZHlwbTQxjE

Why I Cried After We Beat Zambia To Qualify For The World Cup – Leon Balogun



Mainz 05 and Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Leon Balogun has revealed the reason why he was in tears after Nigeria defeated Zambia 1-0 to qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year.

Balogun broke into tears after the final whistle, and had to be consoled by captain of the team John Obi Mikel and other players around him before joining them in their post match celebrations.

In an interview with Nigeria journalist Debola Adebanjo, Balogun was asked how it feels going to the World Cup at the age of 29, and the defender who missed out on a spot to the World Cup with Nigeria in 2014 due to a broken foot on his debut game said “ Better late than never that’s why I cried after the game.

“It was like, as a matter of fact I can even put it in words. I have spoken to my family, to my club and loved ones, they are like do you know what this means, I am like yes I know, but I’m not realising it.


“I think it will still take me couple of days weeks, maybe months or maybe I won’t even realise once I get to the plane to Russia, but this right now so sure after the game seems unreal to me. Wow it’s just wow

” I missed the one of 2014 because of a broken foot and then it happens now which is a childhood dreams, it’s just unbelievable”, he told her in a 15 minutes interview posted on her official twitter handle shortly after Nigeria secured passage to the World Cup with the win over Zambia.


**Shedrack Obi

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/why-i-cried-after-we-beat-zambia-to-qualify-for-the-world-cup-leon-balogun/

Rohr speaks on knowing Super Eagles squad for WC preps after friendlies this year....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsmSwijvwSQ

NFF congress may still be spoiling for showdown as election fever grips
By Samm Audu


NFF congress delegates flank CAF boss Ahmad in Lagos last weekend

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad may have at the weekend sued for peace and unity in the Nigerian football family, but the NFF congress delegates who decide the leadership of the country’s football may only have put their swords, daggers and knives by the corner, not far away from their reach.

SCORENigeria understands the cash gift the delegates received last week has instead of buying their favour and keeping them happy, further divided their ranks.

A source told SCORENigeria that while some of the delegates were paid a million Naira each, the more favoured ones got double that sum with these monies allegedly siphoned from the sponsorship of a recent competition.

The majority of the 44-member congress insist they have not been “carried along” by the NFF top shots since the controversial Warri elections in 2014.

The result is that both the congress and the 15-member executive committee are factionalised into various power blocs ahead of next year’s elections, which promises far more drama, controversies and intrigues than never before.

Tomorrow’s Annual General Assembly in Jos will among other key decisions appoint an electoral committee and electoral appeals committee.

These are key appointments which will determine the guidelines and road map for next year’s elections into the executive committee.

In previous years, these appointments were merely rubber stamped by the congress, but a section of the house is now demanding that nominees for these committees be discussed on the floor before the appointments are ratified.
The NFF retreat in Lafia on Tuesday was really a dry-run of the AGA, we have since been informed.

And it comes after the failure to get President Muhammadu Buhari to personally receive CAF boss Ahmad at Aso Rock Villa during which the plan was to get the Madagascan to commit on a Nigerian becoming the next general secretary of the continental football ruling body.
All these gimmicks are to ensure that status quo remains even after next year’s elections.
Will that be the case?

**@sammaudusoka

Source: http://googleweblight.com/i?u=http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/10/18/nff-congress-may-still-be-spoiling-for-showdown-as-election-fever-grips/&hl=en-NG&tg=202&tk=2SiSFXwp6v-CDP1j

Home Eagles To Know CHAN Group Foes As CAF Fix Draw Date


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Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles will know their group opponents for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in November, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have announced.

Nigeria defeated neighbours Benin Republic over two legs to qualify for the tournament meant for only players featuring in their domestic leagues.

“The draw ceremony for the 5th edition of the Total African Nations Championship, Morocco 2018, will take place on Friday, 17th November 2017 in Rabat, Morocco,” CAF stated on their website on Wednesday.

“The competition scheduled from 12th January to 4th February 2018 in Morocco, in the cities of Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier, will bring together 16 national teams constituted of local based players.

“A meeting of the Organizing Committee of Total CHAN, schedule for November 15th, still in Rabat, will decide on the draw procedures.

“The Democratic Republic of Congo, winner of the last edition in Rwanda, will not defend its title because eliminated by its neighbor Congo.”
Morocco got the hosting rights after initial proposed hosts Kenya failed to meets CAF’s hosting standards.



Qualified countries are:

Morocco (host country)
Egypt, Libya (Northern Zone)
Uganda, Sudan (Central-East Zone)
Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea (Central Zone)
Guinea, Mauritania (West A Zone)
Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria (West B Zone)
Angola, Namibia, Zambia (South Zone)

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/home-eagles-know-chan-group-foes-caf-fix-draw-date/

Rohr Receives Update On Fitness Of German-Nigerian Forward Sarenren Bazee




An update on the recovery of German-Nigerian forward Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee has been provided by his German Bundesliga club Hannover 96.

Bazee has been out injured since the start of the season due to an injury he picked up in one of their pre season games during preparations for their campaign in the Bundesliga following their promotion from the second division.

Last week he left the gym for sessions on the pitch, where he trained separately from the rest of the squad in what was his first outdoor training since July when he suffered the injury.
Yesterday, a statement from the club confirmed he has finished his session and will in a few days time resume training with the rest of the team, although he could undergo some other tests before he is given the all clear to take part in contact training.

The positive progress of his recovery will no doubt make the coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr happy as he is one of the players, the coach is banking on for the Eagles World Cup campaign in Russia next year.


Born in Germany but off Nigerian descent, Bazee was convinced to pledge his allegiance to Nigeria by Rohr but injuries have stopped him from making his debut for Nigeria, but he took part in their training camp in London early this year.


**Osas Mahawi

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/rohr-receives-update-on-fitness-of-german-nigerian-forward-sarenren-bazee/

Super Eagles Coach Set To Unleash Dutch-Nigerian Defender Ebuehi Against Algeria



The assistant coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Salisu Yusuf has confirmed that Dutch-Nigerian defender Tyrone Ebuehi is in line for his international debut with Nigeria.

Ebuehi who plays for Dutch side ADO Den Haag has been ever present for the team in the qualifiers, but he has failed to dislodge Shehu Abdullahi as the first choice right back of the team.

He was omitted for the squad that defeated Zambia 1-0 to qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year, but shortly after the game coach Gernot Rohr confirmed the full back is still in his plans for the World Cup.

Yusuf has now added more to the manager’s statement by confirming that players like Ebuehi who have been present for the team during the qualifiers, are certainly going to be the ones to prosecute the dead rubber tie against Algeria in Algiers on the 10th of November.

“Some of the players have not been opportune to play, so this match will offer them such opportunity,” Yusuf said in an
interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“We know there is nothing to be scared of because we already have the World Cup ticket but our interest now is to have a blended team”.

**Maxwell Pius

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/super-eagles-coach-set-to-unleash-dutch-nigerian-defender-ebuehi-against-algeria/

Basel's Nigerian Midfielder Noah Okafor Notches Two Assists vs CSKA




Swiss side FC Basel won their first match in this season's UEFA Youth League after beating CSKA Moscow 3-2 at Stadion Oktyabr' Artificial Turf on Wednesday afternoon.

Making his second consecutive start in the competition, Switzerland U17 international of Nigerian parentage Noah Okafor was one of the most impressive players on both teams, having set up two goals.

Zhironkin gave the hosts the lead on 15 minutes, but Vesco restored parity nine minutes before the interval after he was fed by Okafor.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, Pululu secured the win for Basel with Okafor tallying his second assist of the game.
The 17-year-old has been capped by Switzerland at U15 and U17 level.

Elsewhere, Chelsea midfielder Tariq Uwakwe spent 67 minutes on the pitch on his debut for the two-time champions in their shock 2-0 loss Roma at Cobham.

Faustino Anjorin, who made Chelsea's 18, watched proceedings from the bench for the entirety of the game.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25068

Sparta Prague Snap Up Talented Nigerian Duo Umeh Chigozie & Ibrahim Suleiman



Czech Republic league giants Sparta Prague have concluded the signing of two highly rated Nigerian duo Umeh Chigozie and Ibrahim Suleiman according to an offical of Geelec Football Academy in Jos.

They both penned four year contract with the team , and they are expected to arrive Prague in around two weeks time for training and integration into the team.

” We just returned from the Embassy in Abuja, where we deposited their contracts with the club for their visa to be processed. Hopefully they will be in Czech Republic in two weeks time “, the spokesman of the team told Owngoalnigeria.com.

Umeh is a defensive midfielder who plays for the popular GeeLec f Football Academy of Jos while Ibrahim Suleiman is a
striker picked from Mutunchi Football Academy of Kaduna.

18 year old Suleiman is a striker who is very comfortable on the ball and very quick with an eye for goal, while Umeh who was a part of the 2016 Nigeria U17 team that failed to qualify for the Africa Youth Championship is a midfielder in the mould of Manchester City Yaya Toure.



**Ade Emmanuel

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/sparta-prague-snap-up-talented-nigerian-duo-umeh-chigozie-ibrahim-suleiman/

That Moment Henry Onyekuru nutmegs Veratti.......




Isco did same....

Sherwood Slams Zappacosta’s Display Vs Roma – Moses Would Have kept Kolarov Quiet



Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has criticised the display of Davide Zappacosta in Chelsea’s 3-3 draw against Roma in the UEFA Champions League.

Zappacosta was picked by coach Antonio Conte to start against the Italians at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea appeared to be cruising when they took a two goal lead before the half hour mark.

However Roma pulled a goal back throught left full back Aleksander Kolarov, a goal which inspired a fight back that saw same Kolarov provide the cross for ex Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko to put Roma 3-2 up.

Eden Hazard scored his second goal of the game to help Chelsea bring scores to 3-3, and Sherwood slammed Zappacosta for allowing Kolarov have a free pass down the right of Chelsea defence.

” Kolarov isn’t the fastest but he left Zappacosta for dead severally. Zappacosta allowed Kolarov too much space and time on the ball, something that Victor Moses won’t do against a player like Kolarov”, Sherwood said during his post match analysis of the game.

**Michael James


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/sherwood-slams-zappacostas-display-vs-roma-moses-would-have-kept-kolarov-quiet/

Everton Loanee Onyekuru Shines, Flattens Dani Alves In Anderlecht’s Loss To PSG



Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru had a very lively game for Anderlecht despite his team suffering a 0-4 drubbing in the hands of French giants PSG in the third round of games in the UEFA Champions League.

Onyekuru was on from the start against the club where he had medicals before deciding against a move to the club in favour of a transfer to Everton two months ago.

On loan to Anderlecht for the rest of the season, the 20 year old showed his class against PSG Brazilian right back Dani Alves, who struggled to cope with the pace, tricks and power of the Nigerian.

Playing from the left side of attack, Onyekuru who scored 24 goals last season for modest Belgium side Eupen proved to be a very tough nut to handle for the defence of PSG particularly Alves.

Alves who is known for his traditional runs from defence to attack was kept in check by the Nigerian who went past him with ease and even came close to scoring but his effort came off the bar.

His performance was one of the bright spark for Anderlecht who were blown away by the fearsome PSG attacking trio of Neymar, Kyilian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.


**Michael James

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/everton-loanee-onyekuru-shines-flattens-dani-alves-in-anderlechts-loss-to-psg/

It Will Be Hard For Iheanacho To Score Goals At Leicester City – Chelsea Legend



Former Chelsea fans favourite Celestine Babayaro says Leicester City Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho will struggle to score goals at the club unlike when he was at Manchester City.

Iheanacho joined Leicester City from Man City in the summer with the reputation of one of the most clinical strikers in the English top division the past two seasons.
However since moving to Leicester City he has struggled to hit same height and Babayaro said the Leicester City style of play is to be blamed for his struggles at the club.

” It’s a different system for Iheanacho. A system which he isn’t use to, far different from the Man City style of play where the ball to feet even in the box allows strikers to be very clinical in front of goal”, Babayaro told Owngoalnigeria.com.

” Leicester City play the typical way English teams like to play, and the strikers in such formation are required to do lot of running just like Jamie Vardy.. Even the Algerian guy Islam Slimani is struggling to cope.


” Iheanacho will come good but it could take a while due to the Leicester City style of play. He doesn’t run much, he loves the ball to run on his behalf and that is not the Leicester way of playing”, he remarked.


**Daniel Martins

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/it-will-be-hard-for-iheanacho-to-score-goals-at-leicester-city-chelsea-legend/

Chidera ‘Nigerian Iniesta’ Ejike Rated Player Of The Week in Norway’s Team Of The Week



Failed Liverpool target Chidera Ejike has for the second time this season earn a spot in the list of the Best XI players in Norway after the recently concluded weekend games.

Nicknamed Nigerian Iniesta, the forward who was at Liverpool last year for a two weeks trial scored a brace for Valerenga in their 5-1 thrashing of Aalesund last weekend.

Known as Ejuke in Norway, the 19 year old was not only voted in the team of the week, he was also rated as the best player after the latest round of games with a rating of 9.8 out of 10.

The closest to the forward in terms of points was FK Haugesund forward Velde who got a rating of 9.0 for his performance over the weekend, where like Ejike he aslo scored a brace.

A member of the last Nigeria U19 team, Ejike is presently one of the most talked about teenager in Norwegian football at the moment, thanks to his fine display for Valerenga after a period of settling in following his transfer from Geelec Football Academy of Jos.


**Osas Mahawi

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/chidera-nigerian-iniesta-ejike-rated-player-of-the-week-in-norways-team-of-the-week/

Ex Arsenal Striker Nicklas Bendtner Recommends Fleet Footed Adegbenro To Wenger




Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner who is now at Norwegian side Rosenborg says Nigerian forward Samuel Adegbenro is one player who can fit in at the top clubs he has played for in the past.
Bendtner plays upfront for Rosenborg alongside the Nigerian who joined the team from fellow Norwegian side Viking for a fee in the region of €1.5m.

Adegbenro wasted no time in settling into his new surroundings as he scored three goals in back to back Europa League game against Ajax Amsterdam to send the Dutch side packing from the tournament despite playing a combined total of 45 minutes in both legs.

Domestically he has scored six goals and providerd four assists and according to Bendtner, the 22 year old Nigerian is in his list of players who are good enough to play for one of the top teams he has played for which includes Arsenal, Juventus and German side Wolfsburg .

The Nigerian has been roundly scouted by teams in England and Germany, but Bendtner believes his style is more suited to the pace and demands of the English Premier League.

” Samuel (Adegbenro) can fit into some of the top teams have played for, maybe better more at Arsenal because he looks like someone who is suited to the style of play of the English Premier League “, Bendtner was quoted as saying by the media in Denmark.


**Michael James


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/ex-arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-recommends-fleet-footed-adegbenro-to-wenger/

Eddy Onazi Tells Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr – I’m Fit For Algeria Clash



The vice-captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Eddy Onazi has made a miraculous recovery from the injury he picked up in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Zambia in their last World Cup 2018 Qualifiers.

Onazi went off injured midway into the first half after injuring himself in his bid to whip in a cross from the right of Zambia goal in the game which sealed Nigeria’s passage to the World Cup.

Coach Gernot Rohr said the injury looked like a hamstring pull and said he expected the Trabzonspor midfielder to be out for at least one month, but Onazi announced his full recovery via his social media handle.

I feel so good and blessed to be back sooner than expected. All thanks to the medical team. Next game on my mind. 6:35 PM - Oct 18, 2017 28 123 818 Onazi Ogenyi Eddy @OnaziOgenyi

His return to full fitness means he is now available for selection for Nigeria when they take on Algeria in a dead rubber World Cup 2018 Qualifiers tie in Algiers on the 10th of November.

**Maxwell Pius

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/10/18/eddy-onazi-tells-super-eagles-coach-gernot-rohr-im-fit-for-algeria-clash/

Algeria move World Cup qualifier against Nigeria back to Blida
By ScoreNigeria admin

Algeria have moved next month’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria back to Blida as they aim to salvage some national pride in this dead rubber game.

The match will be played on November 10.

The North Africans lost 1-0 to Zambia in Constantine in September after they were forced to a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup qualifier in October 2016.

Group B bottom team Algeria’s only point from the qualifiers was therefore achieved in Blida.

Rabah Madjer is to soon be announced as new coach and he is expected to make some drastic changes in his fourth spell in charge of the team.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has told SCORENigeria he hopes to line up his strongest team against Algeria even though Nigeria have already qualified for Russia 2018.
Rohr said he wants to finish the qualifying campaign unbeaten and will rather parade an experimental team in a friendly after the match against Algeria.
Morocco are likely to Nigeria’s opponents for this friendly.


Source: http://googleweblight.com/i?u=http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/10/18/algeria-move-world-cup-qualifier-against-nigeria-back-to-blida/&hl=en-NG&tg=210&tk=O3sV1ujdrDEijNEc