Super Eagles Star Abdullahi Excited As Anorthosis Go Atop Cypriot League
By James Agberebi



Super Eagles defender Shehu Abdullahi has expressed his delight over Anorthosis’ 2-0 home win against Doxa Katokopia in the Cyprus top flight on Monday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
A brace from Joao Victor in the 59th and 69th minutes, secured the win for Anorthosis.
Abdullahi was in action for Anorthosis and played throughout the encounter.

Reacting to the win, Abdullahi also expressed his happiness that Anorthosis are now top on the table on 13 points.
“Anorthosisfc 2-0 Doxa Katokopia. Great win for us. Top of the table!,” Abdullahi tweeted on his Twitter handle.

Abdullahi was named in the Super Eagles’ 23-man squad invited by Gernot Rohr for the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Uyo on October 7.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abdullahi-excited-anorthosis-top-cypriot-league/

NIKE Cheer Eagles On With New Kit For World Cup Qualification Showdown With Zambia




Ever Since the Nigeria Football Federation entered into an agreement with sports wear manufacturer, Nike, as the kit sponsor of the Nigerian national football teams in 2015, it is evident it is rubbing off positively on the teams.

Founded on January 25, 1964, as Blue Ribbon Sports, the American multinational corporation officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971.

Since it came into existence, Nike has been engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and world wide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services.

And over the years, Nike has contributed to the successes of top athletes and nationals football teams. And one team that readily comes to mind is five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil.

It is imperative to note that Nike are no strangers when it comes to identifying with successful Nigerian national teams.


Back in 1994 after Nike first took over as kit sponsors of the Nigerian national football teams, the Dream Team went on to create history as the first African team to win football gold when they achieved the feat at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The Super Eagles also were successful when it came to the World Cup qualifiers as they qualified for both the France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cups.

Following the achievements of these teams in the past, bringing Nike on board again as the kit sponsor was a no brainer for the Nigeria Football Federation.

Since their second coming, the Nigerian nationals teams have not looked back as it has been one achievements to another.
Among the achievements are the Super Falcons winning the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon, the home-based Super Eagles qualifying for the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), the U-23 Eagles winning bronze at Rio 2016 Olympics and the big one, the Super Eagles on the verge of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Without a doubt, the main reason why the teams are achieving is the uniqueness and quality features in the Nike jerseys worn by the teams.

Among the features of the jersey is the ventilation strip down the side and the exterior of the shirts and shorts, where it quickly evaporates.

Another interesting features of the jersey is the front and back panels of the shirt which increases airflow and facilitating enhanced movement.

And as part of Nike’s efforts in making sure fans are not left out, the jersey is made available both in and outside Nigeria.
Some of the locations where fans can purchase the jersey includes Novare Lekki Mall, Ikeja City Mall, Surulere Adeniran Ogunsanya Mall, Jabi Lake Mall, Ceddi Plaza, Port Harcourt Mall, and Marina Mall in Ghana.

Also the jersey comes at a reasonable price as it retails for N21,000. However, its presently on a discount till the Super Eagles match on the October 7th against Zambia, and it currently retails at N18,900 (10% discount).


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/74107-2/

MFM Star Olatunbosun Not Hurt By Puskas Best Goal Award Snub
By Izuchukwu Okosi



Home-based Super Eagles and Mountain of Fire and Miracle FC
(MFM) forward Sikiru Olatunbosun is not bothered by his wonder goal in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season not getting nominated for the 2017 Puskas Awards, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Olatunbosun scored a superb goal in MFM’s match day 10 game against Enugu Rangers on February 24 at the Agege Stadium when he struck the ball fiercely from long distance after lifting it over the head of Rangers’ defender Matthew Etim. Stephen Odey scored the other in a 2-1 win.

The goal which became an internet sensation was at the time awarded the CNN Goal of the Week, winning 82% of votes ahead of those by Radja Nainggolan of Roma , Youri Tielemans of Anderlecht and Joey Jones of Woking FC .

“My goal not getting nominated for the 2017 Puscas award will only make me work harder,” Olatunbosun told Completesportsnigeria.com on Tuesday.

“It’s God that has the final say in our affairs and I am honoured to be recognised at that time by Cable News Network (CNN). Now the goal wasn’t nominated for the FIFA prize, no problem.

“I’ll keep doing my thing. If I get the chance to score from a distance comes again, I won’t hesitate.”

The winner of the Puskas award will be announced on October 23 at the London Palladium alongside other awards like the Best FIFA Men’s Player and Best Coaches, among others.


2017 Puskas Award Nominees
* Kevin-Prince Boateng (Las Palmas)
* Alejandro Camargo (Universidad de Concepcion)
* Deyna Castellanos (Venezuela U-17)
* Moussa Dembele (Celtic)
* Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
* Aviles Hurtado (Tijuana Xolos)
* Mario Mandzukic (Juventus)
* Oscarine Masuluke (Baroka FC)
* Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
* Jordi Mboula (FC Barcelona U-19)


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mfm-star-olatunbosun-not-hurt-puskas-best-goal-award-snub/

Azeez Delighted To End Goal Drought In Lugo Win Vs Barcelona




Nigerian midfielder Ramon Azeez is delighted to have scored his first LaLiga 123 (Spanish second division) goal of the campaign for Lugo who defeated Barcelona B to a 2-1 away on Monday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Azeez headed in a 54th minute goal before Lugo got the winner.
The goal ended Azeez’s 36-game goal drought in the Spanish Segunda. He last scored a goal in the division over a year ago against Rayo Vallecano in the colours of Almeria.

“GRANDE CHAVALES +3 #FORZALUGO Big 3 points #FORZALUGO,” Azeez, who was in the Super Eagles squad to the 2014 World Cup, wrote on Instagram.

Lugo are currently seventh in the Spanish Segunda division table with 10 points from six games.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/azeez-delighted-end-goal-drought-lugo-win-vs-barcelona/

Nigeria Vs Zambia: Babalade Happy For Home Eagles Stars Aremu, Ifeanyi
By Izuchukwu Okosi



Former Super Eagles defender Ajibade Babalade has commended Super Eagles chief coach Gernot Rhor for acknowledging the impressive performances of Akwa United pair , Afeez Aremu and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi l, in the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations by placing them on standby in his squad to face Zambia on October 7 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.


Rohr’s team for the all important game was released on Tuesday and Babalade, a onetime Shooting Stars of Ibadan defender took note of the new home based Eagles in the team joining FC Ifeanyiubah keeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Plateau United’s Dele Ajiboye.

“I like the fact that the duo of Afeez Aremu and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi have been rewarded for their performances at the WAFU Cup in Ghana,” Babalade told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“That will spur other players in the league to work hard and be more committed to national team assignments irrespective of the competition.

“There were no surprises which is understandable. It’s a crucial match, so he cannot use it to experiment new players. Maybe that could happen when the World Cup ticket has been won.

“Another interesting thing to look out for is who gets to be in goal on that day. But I’m hopeful Zambia will not stop our World Cup hopes,” Babalade fondly called ‘Kunde’ in his playing days concluded.

The Super Eagles camp will officially open on October 2 ahead of the qualifying match at the Godwill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on October 7.

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nigeria-vs-zambia-babalade-likes-home-eagles-stars-aremu-ifeanyi/

Flashback: Nigeria Vs Zambia

The one game in the WCQs that sent out the sign that Our Super Eagles are about to be ushered into the first light of a new era.....

That game in Levy Nwanawasa Stadium....



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUNp4oaIVQU

(Photo Confirmation) Exclusive: Cremonese On Brink Of Deal For The New Jay Jay Okocha




Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Italian Serie B club Cremonese are close to wrapping up a deal for former Golden Eaglets trainee Ejike Chigozie.

The negotiations for the Sam Vic Football Academy product is at an advanced stage, with the attacking midfielder expected to append his signature to a four-year contract with the Grigiorossi in the coming days.

Chigozie was spotted by Cremonese scouts during a local tournament that took place in Lagos, and was subsequently invited to Italy to undergo further trials before the club made a decision to offer him a contract.

The 18-year-old was on the periphery of the Nigeria U17 squad before the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup, and trained with the likes of Chidera Ezeh, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali prior to the tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Ejike Chigozie has the same playing style as Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers legend Jay Jay Okocha, according to his minders.

The deal taking him to Cremonese was brokered by former Enyimba star Dominic Egbukwu, who is now the sporting director of Sam Vic.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24782

Bobby Adekanye Shines But Liverpool Lose To Spartak Moscow In UYL




Ibadan-born Netherlands youth-teamer Bobby Adekanye made his second appearance for Liverpool as they lost 2-1 to Spartak Moscow on match day two in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday afternoon.

The winger made his debut in the competition in the opening round of matches against Sevilla, and was on the Futbol'noe pole 4 Spartak turf for 32 minutes today against the Russian opponents.

Aside from the fact that Adekanye has not been named in the provisional roster for the first team's game with Spartak in the Champions League tonight, he has been effectively ruled out, having featured against their youth team.

Steven Gerrard's boys started brilliantly in the Russian capital, scoring through Adam Lewis in the 17th minute, but two goals from Rudenko secured a win for the capital outfit.

Adekanye looked lively after he was introduced, earned a couple of free kicks for the Reds and had an effort on goal just past the hour mark.

Liverpool U19s travel to Slovenia to face NK Maribor in their next match in October.

**Ifeanyi Emmanuel


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24781

Nigeria Legend Okocha : I Am Jealous Of Neymar, Other PSG Players



Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has admitted that he is jealous of the current players at French moneybags Paris Saint-Germain F.C, including Brazil superstar Neymar.

The flamboyant attacking midfielder broke the transfer record for an African player when he joined PSG in 1998 from Fenerbahçe, with the Ligue 1 team spending approximately $19 million to sign him.

PSG paid Barcelona fourteen times the figure they acquired Okocha before Neymar was released from his contract in the summer.

''I am jealous of the players now," Okocha told CNN Sport's Amanda Davies .

"But it's always good to know you were amongst the best during your time and that's all you can hope for."

"I don't look at what the market is today because that was our mission -- to get football to another level -- to open doors for the next generation. It gives me a lot of joy to see where football is now."

Okocha added : ''The (Neymar's) price tag shouldn't be my business. It would be an honor to be in the same dressing room as a player like that.

"It would be in my interest to have great players around me because, if you're playing with good players, it makes your job a lot easier.''

Okocha scored 12 goals in 84 matches for PSG before transferring to Bolton Wanderers in 2002.


**Igho Kingsley


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24783

REVEALED: Why Omeruo Was Dropped From Super Eagles Squad Vs Zambia
By Johnny Edward




The exclusion of Kasimpasa’s Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo from the Super Eagles squad in the last two games has been down to the impressive performance of Chidozie Awaziem and Uche Agbo for their respective clubs and Omeruo’s slow start to the new European season, a team source has revealed to Completesportsnigeria.com.


Awaziem and Agbo have been active for Nantes and Standard Liege both in the French Ligue 1 and the Belgian top division respectively since the start of the new season.

Agbo has played eight of Standard Liege’s 11 league games while Awaziem has made five appearances for Nantes and he has been crucial to his club recording three straight wins in Ligue 1.

Omeruo on his part had to wait three weeks into the season before making a loan switch back to Turkey from Chelsea. He only made his first start (second appearance) for Kasimpasa last weekend.

It was gathered from a team source that Omeruo is still reckoned with due to his wealth of experience and commitments but he must work harder at club level to get back into Gernot Rohr’s reckoning and dislodge either Leon Balogun or William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the defence.

Omeruo was an unused substitute in his last invitation to the Super Eagles team where they lost 2-0 to South Africa. He was on standby for the World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon in early September but was left out of the squad for the October 7 fixture against Zambia.

“All the players invited are playing actively for their clubs while those not considered are either still adjusting to their new team or not playing regularly,” the source told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“He (Omeruo) was inactive for the first few weeks of the season before his move to Turkey and had to wait another two weeks to make his first appearance. The list was on merit.

“Now that he has started playing he has a good chance of returning but he will face other defenders to reclaim his place in the team.”

Omeruo’s only two appearances for the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign were against Zambia and Algeria on matchdays 1 and 2 respectively.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/revealed-omeruo-dropped-super-eagles-squad-vs-zambia/

Victor Moses In Line To Face Spanish Opponents For First Time In His Career




Victor Moses is in line to make his first Champions League appearance of the season for Premier League champions Chelsea when they trade tackles with Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid on Wednesday night.
The Nigeria international has not featured for The Blues in this competition since December 5, 2012 when he lasted the distance against Nordsjaelland on the final day of Group H action.

Moses was in Chelsea's traveling party that jetted out to the Spanish capital on Tuesday afternoon, and was photographed training in Cobham this morning.

The right wing-back has never featured for Chelsea against Spanish opponents and was on the bench when The Blues faced Atletico Madrid in the final of the UEFA Super Cup in August 2012.

Moses will compete with Italy international Davide Zappacosta for a starting shirt at right wing-back in tomorrow's match against Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old is expected to report for international duty on October 2, ahead of Nigeria's World Cup qualifier with Zambia.


**Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24784

Zambia Break Camp Thursday, Spartak Moscow Striker Cleared To Face Nigeria




In-form Spartak Moscow striker Fashion Sakala is set to return to the Zambia squad for their World Cup qualifier against Nigeria next weekend in Uyo.

There had been fears that the former Zanaco man was ineligible to face the Super Eagles on October 7 after he was dismissed against Algeria on match day three, 56 minutes into his debut for the Copper Bullets.
The Football Association of Zambia have done their homework, confirming that the player served his one match ban on math day four, after accumulating two yellow cards in the first leg versus Algeria.

The news will come as a big boost to manager Wedson Nyirenda as Sakala has impressed at club level so far this season, scoring six goals from thirteen appearances for Spartak Moscow II in the Russian second-tier.

Nyirenda has started running the rule over 21 of the 26 players invited for the showdown against Nigeria, but the team will break camp on Thursday to allow players feature in the weekend’s league matches before regrouping on Sunday.
Nigeria will qualify for their sixth World Cup if they defeat their nearest challengers Zambia in the penultimate round of matches in Group B.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : thenff.com


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24785

Top Marks For Alhassan “Muazam ” Ibrahim In Austria Wien Stalemate Against Red Bull Salzburg




Alhassan Ibrahim was rated as one of the top performers for his Austrian side Austria Wien in their 0-0 draw against Red Bull Salzburg in a league game decided over the weekend.

Muazam as he is fondly called lasted the entire duration of the game, and gave a performance that earned him a score of 7.5 out of 10, which makes him one of the best player for his team.

Known for his abilities to go past his markers, and also play defence splitting passes, Muazam acted as a link between the midfield of his team and the attack in his favourite role just behind the striker.

His performance also earned him praises from the fans of the team, who have already likened the lanky number 8 to one of their former player Olarewaju Kayode, who left the club in the summer for Manchester City.

Although he is yet to score for the club, the forward has so far impressed in the two games he has played for the club, and even though he is only two months into his proposed one year loan at the club, talks are already on to make the deal permanent.

**Osas Mahawi

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/09/26/top-marks-for-alhassan-muazam-ibrahim-in-austria-wien-stalemate-against-red-bull-salzburg/

WAFU 2017 Nations Cup: Nigeria goalie Ezenwa puts Ghana defeat behind, focuses on 2018 CHAN




Following their disappointing defeat to Ghana in the finals of the WAFU 2017 Nations Cup, Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has called on his team mates to put the defeat behind them and focus on the 2018 CHAN.

The Super Eagles were thumped 4-1 by the Black Stars in the zonal competition but the experienced goalie wants his colleague to see the defeat as part of the game
Ezenwa, who was named the best goalkeeper of the sub-regional tournament, said the Eagles had decided to focus their attention on CHAN.

“To let in four goals in the last game of competition is one of those things in football,” he told Scorenigeria.com

“We have to forge ahead and put this behind us. We have done very well and this (WAFU) is part of our preparations for CHAN next year,” he added.
Nigeria will be at the CHAN for the second consecutive time and will be aiming at winning the championship since its start in 2009.


Source: http://mobile.ghanasoccernet.com/wafu-2017-nations-cup-nigeria-goalie-ezenwa-puts-ghana-defeat-behind-focus-on-2018-chan

Nigerian Players P-Index

Ola Aina (Hull City): Currently in action from the start for Hull as they take on Preston North End in the English Championship. Starts the RWB in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Fikayo Tomori (Hull City): Also starts for Hull in same game as Aina but as Center back (Right side of CB) in same formation. Game still 0-0 after 13mins.

Nigerian Players P-Index


Some Aluko (Reading FC): Starts upfront as the CF for Reading in a 3-4-2-1 formation as they take on Millwall in the English Championship. Game still goalless after 14mins.

Tiago Abiola Ilori (Reading FC): Starts in Central defense as the Man in the middle-CB in Reading's 3-4-2-1 formation against Millwall.


Fred Onyedimma (Millwall FC): The Millwall no.10 Starts upfront as a CF in a 4-4-2 formation in their home game against Reading.

TheSuperNerd:
Top Marks For Alhassan “Muazam ” Ibrahim In Austria Wien Stalemate Against Red Bull Salzburg




Alhassan Ibrahim was rated as one of the top performers for his Austrian side Austria Wien in their 0-0 draw against Red Bull Salzburg in a league game decided over the weekend.

Muazam as he is fondly called lasted the entire duration of the game, and gave a performance that earned him a score of 7.5 out of 10, which makes him one of the best player for his team.

Known for his abilities to go past his markers, and also play defence splitting passes, Muazam acted as a link between the midfield of his team and the attack in his favourite role just behind the striker.

His performance also earned him praises from the fans of the team, who have already likened the lanky number 8 to one of their former player Olarewaju Kayode, who left the club in the summer for Manchester City.

Although he is yet to score for the club, the forward has so far impressed in the two games he has played for the club, and even though he is only two months into his proposed one year loan at the club, talks are already on to make the deal permanent.

**Osas Mahawi

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/09/26/top-marks-for-alhassan-muazam-ibrahim-in-austria-wien-stalemate-against-red-bull-salzburg/

good development

Nigerian Players P-Index

Sheji Ojo (Fulham FC): Featuring from the start as the RW in Fulham's 4-2-3-1 formation as they take on Nottingham Forrest. Fulham leads 1-0 currently after 28mins....

Olatunbosun drops hint of MFM exit

Sikiru Olatunbosun © Shengolpixs

Sikiru Olatunbosun may have served a notice of his possible
departure from Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side MFM FC ahead of next season.

The attacking winger did not state his possible destination but made it clear that he is looking forward to moving his career upwards with a switch abroad.

Olatunbosun also said he does not hope to spend all of his playing career in the Nigeria top division as he hopes for "the right offers" to come his way.

"We have to play to move ahead (in our careers). I may not be in the team next season and the team will of course move ahead without me. I do not pray to play all of my career in the league. So at some point I will leave when the right offer comes," Olatunbosun said.

Already Stephen Odey, the strike partner of Olatunbosun, has left for Switzerland to join FC Zurich but the deal has not been sealed yet as the contract did not meet the transfer window deadline.

The partnership of Odey and Olatunbosun accounted for 25 of MFM's 42 goals in the 2016/17 NPFL season.

Source: https://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/170926/Olatunbosun_drops_hint_of_MFM_exit

Kpakor: How Nigeria Beat Zambia At Algiers ’90; Super Eagles Will Win In Uyo



Ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Chipolopolo on October 7, former Nigeria international Moses Kpakor, in this exclusive interview with
Completesportsnigeria.com ‘ JAMES AGBEREBI, recalls his memorable encounter, as a player, against the then KK Eleven of Zambia in 1990.

He believes that Gernot Rohr will lead Nigeria to bag a decisive win in Uyo just as Clemens Westerhof did at Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals against the Zambians.

Excerpts….


As Super Eagles player, which memorable match against Zambia can you recall now?

I only played against Zambia once which was at Algiers 1990 Africa Cup of Nations. We made history as the first ever Nigerian team to beat a Zambian team at the Cup of Nations. We beat them 2-0 in the semifinals of Algiers ’90.


How would you rate that Zambian team at the Algiers ’90 AFCON?

They had great players then, but unfortunately, most of them died in a plane crash two years later. About five of them were my friends. I was friends with Whiteson Changwe, John Soko, who was in the Power Dynamo team that beat BCC Lions in the final of the 1991 Cup Winners’ Cup. There was Webster Chikabala and quite a number of them who were my friends. So for me, that Algiers ’90 Zambian team was a top team.


What was the mood like in the Eagles camp before confronting them on the pitch, knowing that Nigeria had never beaten them before in the AFCON?

It’s not everything a coach will tell you. But when you have players who are aware of certain events, you will achieve your goal. We knew we were going to be the first Nigerian team to beat a Zambian team at the Cup of Nations, and at the end of the day, we did
Aside from creating the record, we had our own sour mood because after losing 5-1 to Algeria in the opening game, Clemence Westerhof called us and said those things we did against Algeria and lost heavily, if we should do those things again against Zambia, we will lose. And after defeating them, the celebration was massive, we were very excited. Though we beat them, that Zambian team was not a team you could underrate.


How would you compare the Zambian team you faced back then and the current Chipolopolo team?

The Zambian team of that time was full of talented talented players. They were known as the KK eleven (Kenneth Kaunda) then. They were one of the best teams in Africa. Even when we defeated them, we were surprised because they were so good. The team had pace, raw strength and was very good on the ball.



So what was the secret of the Super Eagles’ win against Zambia at Algiers’90 AFCON?

Kudos to Nigeria coach then, Clemens Westerhof, who was a good tactician. I believe he had watched Zambia matches and was aware that we might not match them with the tip-tap football. It seemed almost impossible. So what did we do? We played a 3-5-2 formation and dominated the midfield. We stopped them from playing their tip-tap style of football. They kept the ball, but we marked, and whenever we won the ball, went on a counter attack. So whatever they played, we had more chances to win the match. And thanks to Uche Okechukwu and Rashidi Yekini who scored our two goals.



Do you believe Zambia would have qualified for the 1994 World Cup if most of their players of that generation didn’t perish in a plane crash in 1993? They had a very tough qualifying group for the USA ’94 World Cup which included Morocco and Senegal.


I believe they would have qualified because they had a very strong team. Kalusha Bwalya was in the team and was lucky not to have travelled with them and also other good players. So I believe they would have qualified for the 1994 World Cup.



Now, looking at the crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier coming up between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo on October 7, what are your expectations?

I am very optimistic that the Super Eagles will not only beat Zambia, but will also beat Algeria away enroute to the World Cup.


But what about the element of surprise in football because they are on a high now especially after picking six points against Algeria?

For me Algeria are the whipping team in the group. That they beat Algeria does not mean they will do the same against us in Uyo. Their team is not as good as our team. Remember we beat them away. I agree they will want to come for revenge, but I don’t see them winning here. If we don’t lose to Zambia, mathematically we are already on our way to Russia.


Are you surprised that despite the makeup of the Group B, the Super Eagles are so dominant?

When the draw was made, I never saw it as a ‘group of death’. I remember stating in an interview that the Super Eagles will beat Cameroon and it came to pass. This current Super Eagles team is good, even when they lost to South Africa, I said because it was a different tournament. The spirit of the boys for the World Cup qualifier is quite fantastic, it has been splendid. Even against Cameroon in Yaounde, if not for the referee, we would have won. But I am pleased with their efforts so far.


Thank you for your time

You’re welcome.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kpakor-nigeria-beat-zambia-algiers-90-super-eagles-will-win-uyo/

Nigerian Players P-Index


Ola Aina (Hull City): Played all 90mins as Hull fell at home 2-1 to Preston North End in the end.... Aina was Hull's best player as he finished with a WhoScored match rating of 7.5.

Had an 84% passing accuracy, made two solid tackles, Won three aerial duels, and also executed six successful dribbles.

Pretty Solid showing at RWB.




Fikayo Tomori (Hull City): Started but was later replaced in the 46th min.
He finished with a WhoScored rating of 6.3 in the game. Won 1 aerial duel and had a passing accuracy of 75%. Not bad.

Nigerian Players P-Index


Fred Onyedimma (Millwall): Played 84 mins in his side's 2-1 home win over Reading in the English Championship. Finished with a WhoScored match rating of 6.6

Nigerian Players P-Index


Sone Aluko (Reading FC): Played all 90mins as Reading fell 2-1 away to Millwall. He had an assist for his side's only goal and finished with a passing accuracy of 92%.

WhoScored match rating is 6.74


Tiago Abiola Ilori (Reading FC): Also played all 90mins for Reading. Won two solid/key tackles. Won four aerial duels and had a passing accuracy of 80%.

WhoScored match rating is 7.2 (finished as Reading's second best player according to Whoscored). Impressive.

Aluko’s Reading Drought Continues, Aina Loses With Hull
By Johnny Edward



Nigerian forward Sone Aluko’s search for a first goal for Reading extended to eight English Championship games in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat away to Millwall Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Aluko, who joined Reading for a record fee of £7.5m from Fulham this season, has fired blanks in all his appearances for Jaap Stam’s side.

David Edwards gave Reading the lead in the 73rd minute of the encounter but a quick brace from George Saville handed Milwall a win at The Den.

Reading are currently 18th in the in the English Championship table with nine points from 10 games.

At the Pirelli Stadium, Nigerian midfielder Hope Akpan came on for John Brayford in the 33rd minute in his fifth appearance for Burton Hove Albion this season in their 4-0 loss away to Aston Villa.

New Super Eagles defender Ola Aina made his 10th English Championship start for Hull City who lost out 2-1 to against Preston North End.

Callum Robinson sealed the win for Preston North End after Jarrod Bowen had cancelled out Tom Barkhuizen’s 37th minute strike.

Fikayo Tomori who also made a start in the encounter was replaced by Kamil Grosicki at the start of the second half.

Hull City are 17th in the English Championship with 10 points from 10 games.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/alukos-drought-aina-loses/

Lovely job you doing here man!
But I believ it's about time you shelve the swords and come back home. Anger profits us nothing except to hurt us even more and leave us empty and bitter. You're no wussy or sissy... You're a man, and men don't bitch! So burry the hatchet dude like a king and come take your crown. A king is NOTHING without his followers, his people.

I don't care who was right or wrong, doesn't matter now. What matters is that irrespective of who threw the first stone, dude, you gotta grow some feathers like a duck... NEVER GET WET! NEVER GET SOAKED UP!!!
People will always throw water at you, stone you, put you down, belittle you and take you on a long ride, you must always keep your focus and instead make a joke out of it. Never let it soak you up! You can't lead in isolation man, come home brah! FORGIVE AND FORGET.

With Love...
A fan!

Am actually happy for Ajiboye that he got invited. There must have been something impressive the goalkeeper trainer saw in him to invite him. I remember that he had sharp reflexes during his U-17 days. And it seems Kayode may not be in Rohr's plans as this is the second time he has been overlooked. When we qualify I hope we extend the dragnet to ensure the best legs go the world cup, the Onyekurus, Kayodes, Bonaventure, Olayinka, Dessiers, Joel Obi, Felix Udoakhai hopefully will be invited to camp at least.

Odion Jude Ighalo on Zambia

“I’m happy to be called up again because it’s always a great honour to play for my country,” Ighalo told BBC Sport.

“We know Zambia is a strong team and they will come with full determination in Uyo, we cannot engage in irrelevant pre-match talking but deliver on the pitch.

“I’ve never played at the World Cup and like my other colleagues, we all want to be in Russia, this is like a final for us.”

Laloko absolves Ezenwa of blame
By Solomon Nwoke



FORMER Technical Director of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Chief Kashimawo Laloko has absolved goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa of any blames in the team’s 4-1 drubbing by the Black Stars in the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup final, saying the team lost due to inexperience, but urged them to build on the experience gained from the tournament.

Speaking to Sports Vanguard, Coach Laloko, who is the Director of the Pepsi Football Academy rather blamed the Eagles loss on the inexperience of the team’s coach saying that the team was swept off by the euphoria from their victory over the Black Stars in their group match which they won 2-0.

“What happened was due to inexperience on the side of the Eagles coach in the sense that when Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0, Ghana wanted to test the ground and the strength of the Eagles. They ( Black Stars) wanted to know what Nigeria looked like.

“We shouldn’t have thought that we would beat them in their home again. We should have prepared as if we are playing against 13 people, that is the 11 players plus the two referees. It was a good day for the Ghanaians and you don’t expect a home team to fold their arms. However, I believe we have learnt our lessons”, he said

Coach Laloko, who was a former coach of Stationery Stores FC wondered why the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director was not taken along for the tournament arguing that the final match showed the character of the Eagles team B.

He said, “Salisu Yusuf is a good coach, but he needs some experience and he has to learn a lot. The technical director of the team was left behind and how can that be. That’s not fair to the man who should have contributed something to the team.

“No doubt Ezenwa was affected by the goals, the defence was not good enough and there was nothing much he could have done. I’m very sure he’ll pick up and will not be totally demoralised when Nigeria face Zambia in the 2018 World Cup qualifier next month in Uyo. Having seen what happened to our defence, the Super Eagles handlers have to beef up the defence.

Ezenwa is a good goalkeeper, the 4-1 loss cannot stop him from doing well in our match against Zambia. The Zambians, no doubt are a good side, but they are just making noise. After all we beat them in their home and I don’t see them posing any threat to us here either. We are playing at home, so 70 percent of the match has already been won unless we are careless. The remaining 30 percent is the surprise package kept for them. So Nigerians shouldn’t lose their sleep”, he concluded.


Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/laloko-absolves-ezenwa-of-blame/

Key Nigeria Winger Suffers Muscle Strain Injury Ahead Of WCQ Vs Zambia




Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has received bad news from London, with one of the strikers called up for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Zambia next Saturday struggling to get fit.

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi suffered a quadriceps muscle strain injury few days before the Gunners faced West Brom, which ruled him out of the Premier League match.

Iwobi was not involved in Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon due to injury, and the Nigeria Football Federation had to call up Aaron Samuel in place of the Hale End Academy product.

And the same scenario may repeat itself if the former England U17 international is not declared fit by Arsenal medics in the coming days.

Alex Iwobi has played only 240 minutes for the Gunners first team in all competitions so far this season, from a possible 810 minutes.

Arsenal face BATE in the Europe League on Thursday, and it remains to be seen if the Super Eagle will be in their traveling party to Barysaw.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : arsenal.com


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24786

India mentor Stephen Constantine made a vivid declaration on his recent blog wherein he demands the 'group concern' to be settled at the earliest opportunity. The ex - Rwanda instructor further continued to convey that the groups from the I-League, which happens to be India's premier membership competition, need to comply with the means of the Indian Super League (ISL) as this is the direction where Indian basketball is tilting towards. He also directed that golf clubs have to swim with the tide instead of remaining limited to get older old methods or archaic ways. "Obviously we remain some way from obtaining our goal and there is work still to be achieved, our league concern must be settled and quickly, I am of the judgment we desire a parallel group at least for another year or two.
Indian Super League 2017
ISL Schedule 2017 teams

UCL: Onyekuru To Earn £35,000 Bonus For Anderlecht Win Vs Celtic


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Henry Onyekuru and his Anderlecht teammates will earn £35,000-a-man bonus if they beat Celtic in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League Group B game against Celtic in Brussels, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Both Anderlecht and Celtic lost their opening games against Group B favorites Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain respectively, but they are expected to battle for the third spot and a place in the UEFA Europa League.

According to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Onyekuru and his Anderlecht teammates will walk away with earn £15,000 bonus each for every draw they record in Group B.

The bonuses on offer to the Anderlecht players is much more than what the players earned last season during their Europa League run, the newspaper also stated.

Onyekuru made his debut for Anderlecht in their 3-0 away defeat to Bayern Munich on matchday-one. The Nigerian striker has scored four goals in his last seven games for the club since arriving for a season loan from Everton.

Anderlecht paid their players £7.7million for qualifying for Europe’s elite competition, a win would see them shell out €1.5million of that windfall and €500,000 for a draw.

The bonuses on offer to the Anderlecht players are much greater than what was available last season during their Europa League run.


Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ucl-onyekuru-earn-35000-bonus-anderlecht-win-vs-celtic/

CAF Celebrates Uche Okechukwu At 50
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The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has sent birthday wish to former Nigeria international Uche Okechukwu who clocked 50 on Wednesday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports
CAF tweeted their birthday wish on their verified Twitter handle on Tuesday.

“Happy birthday to 94′ AFCON winner, 96′ Olympic gold medalist & Nigerian legend Uche Okechukwu,” CAF tweeted on their Twitter handle.


Born in 1967, he represented Nigeria at three Africa Cup of Nations (1990, 1992, 1994).

Okechukwu was also a member of the Super Eagles team that featured at the USA ’94 and France ’98 FIFA World Cups.
He was also in the Nigeria’s Olympic football team that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in the USA.

Source: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/caf-celebrates-uche-okechukwu-50/