I just pray stations that will buy rights won't start cutting games abruptly.

TheSuperNerd:
Bobby Adekanye Debuts For Liverpool In 4-0 Demolition Of Sevilla In UYL




Nigerian-born winger Bobby Adekanye made his debut for Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League in their 4-0 demolition of Sevilla on Wednesday.

The Netherlands youth-teamer entered into the fray in the 60th minute for his maiden appearance in the prestigious youth competition.

Curtis Jones put the home side in front in the 23rd minute, before Herbie Kane doubled the advantage when he profited from a goal mouth scramble and it was 3-0 before the break courtesy of Jones' second of the evening.

Masterson wrapped up the victory in the 66th minute by producing a fine finish after controlling a free-kick from Woodburn.

Wednesday's clash against the Spaniards was Adekanye's second competitive appearance for the Reds across all levels since the season started, and he received a caution in the 83rd minute.

After the opening round of matches, Steven Gerrard's team top the group thanks to their superior goal difference over Maribor, who beat Spartak Moscow 1-0.


**Igho Kingsley

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24624

How good exactly is this boy? He has been in the news for more than 4 years playing youth football.
Who have watched him play?

somehow:
I just pray stations that will buy rights won't start cutting games abruptly.

Amen... I expect supersport startime even daarsat if there are still working to buy some right.. Channels has already shown interest and I believe some other local station. Won't be left out...

goldfish80:


How good exactly is this boy? He has been in the news for more than 4 years playing youth football.
Who have watched him play?

He had several big teams chasing after him so there is talent there. He is your traditional pacy left winger in the mold of Amuneke or giggs. Lets hope he reaches his potential.

enomakos:
his full names is osas moses okoro brother of the little messi Stanley okoro

what!!!! Tell me that's a lie



oh!!! I thought you are talking about ENENI,

yea OSAS is STANLEY bro

Channels is not serious jor, they hardly take sports serious

soetanoreoluwa:



Amen... I expect supersport startime even daarsat if there are still working to buy some right.. Channels has already shown interest and I believe some other local station. Won't be left out...

libero808:
Cc Icon4s

We said it o. That Benin loss

somehow:
Channels is not serious jor, they hardly take sports serious

You are right but if they don't think it serious who will lose? They bought the right so they would think twice before doing anything...

Playing Cameroon In Our Last Game Gives Us An Edge Over Nigeria – Zambia FA Boss



The President of the Football Association of Zambia believes playing Cameroon in the final game of their World Cup 2018 Qualifiers should give them an edge over Nigeria.

Andrew Kamanga is confident that they will progress to the World Cup becuase Cameroon will have little or nothing to play for when both teams meet in their final group game.

He however said victory over Nigeria in Uyo should be their target for now as it will further boost their hope of qualifying for the World Cup before their last game against Cameroon.

”We are putting in every effort to make sure that this team is adequately prepared as we face Nigeria, which for me is the do or die game as whoever wins that game will be assured of going to Russia 2018,” Kamanga told fazfootball.com.

“But most interestingly in this group, we are the only ones who have never been to the World Cup, but with the favour we continue to draw on we should be able to qualify, come November because we have the advantage of playing Cameroun in the final round.”




**Shedrack Obi


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/09/14/playing-cameroon-in-our-last-game-gives-us-an-edge-over-nigeria-zambia-fa-boss/

‘Harry Redknapp has wanted me since he was at Tottenham’ – Nigerian international still in talks with Birmingham City


Trabzonspor midfielder Ogneyi Onazi was on the verge of joining Birmingham City this summer.
The Nigerian international was unable to complete his move due to not having a work permit.

Onazi is still keen on joining the Blues and told Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik that he is in talks with Harry Redknapp.
The 24-year-old claims that the Birmingham City boss is still interested in signing him.

“I am still in talks with Harry,” Onazi told Fanatik.

“Harry Redknapp has wanted me since he was at Tottenham. The transfer stalled but we have stayed in contact since.

“He wants players who are capable of playing Premier League football at his team.

“Harry wants (me) in his team.”

Onazi has another three-years remaining on his contract and was expected to struggle for playing time at Trabzonspor this season.

Trabzonspor boss Ersun Yanal was however, pleased with Onazi’s response after his late introduction in the 3-1 win over Genclerbirligi last weekend.

The Nigerian international scored almost immediately after his introduction to wrap up a convincing home victory.

Onazi has one goal in two appearances for the Black Sea based outfit this season – although he has played just 31 minutes of first-team football.


Source: http://turkish-football.com/harry-redknapp-wanted-since-tottenham-nigerian-international-onazi-still-talks-birmingham-city/

Super Eagles forward/midfielder Eyeing Austria Vienna Debut Against AC Milan



Alhassan Ibrahim will be hoping to make his competitive debut for Austria Vienna when they take on AC Milan at Ernst-Happel-Stadion in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

The Nigeria international has been registered by the capital club for the competition and will wear the number eight jersey if he steps out onto the pitch.

Ibrahim made his unofficial debut for Austria Vienna in their 16-0 demolition of Ankerbrot on September 1, shortly after his loan switch was confirmed.

The forward/attacking midfielder netted the sixth goal for his new employer and forced the opponents into scoring an own goal in the first half.

In last weekend's Austrian Bundesliga match versus Wolfsberger AC, Ibrahim was not included in Austria Vienna's 18-man squad.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24626

I have... But lemme just leave you with Sir Tbaba1234's reply. That will serve for now.

goldfish80:


How good exactly is this boy? He has been in the news for more than 4 years playing youth football.
Who have watched him play?

Match Preview Nigeria Vs Mali: Past Meetings, Possible Lineups




All eyes turn to the Cape Coast Stadium this afternoon as the colourful WAFU Cup of Nations continues, with tournament favourites Nigeria facing outsiders Mali.

Goals by wing back Osas Okoro and forward Peter Eneji earned the Super Eagles a win in the knockout encounter against Sierra Leone on Monday night, while a brace from Moussa Kone in the dying stages handed Mali a 3-1 win over Mauritania.

The perennial favourites Nigeria have only won the tournament once back in 2010, courtesy of a 2-0 triumph against Senegal.

Playing without some of their trusted men like Ibrahim Alhassan, Stephen Odey and Orji Kalu, all abroad for greener pastures, the Nigerians seem to be peaking at just the right time with a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone.

The impressive Malians, steam-rolled their way through to Group stage, defeating Mauritania 3-1 on Monday.
Kickoff is at 4pm Nigerian time.


PAST MEETINGS…

01 Jun 1960 Nigeria v Mali 2-3 International Friendly

10 Dec 1972 Nigeria v Mali 3-0 International Friendly

05 Sep 1975 Nigeria v Mali 1-4 International Friendly

14 Jul 1978 Nigeria v Mali 3-1 All African Games

18 Dec 1983 Nigeria v Mali 0-0 CADECO Cup

24 Jan 2002 Mali v Nigeria 0-0 African Cup of Nations

09 Feb 2002 Mali v Nigeria 0-1 African Cup of Nations

13 Feb 2004 Nigeria v Mali 2-1 African Cup of Nations

25 Jan 2008 Nigeria v Mali 0-0 African Cup of Nations

06 Feb 2013 Mali v Nigeria 1-4 African Cup of Nations

11 Jan 2014 Mali v Nigeria 2-1 African Nations Championship

27 May 2016 Nigeria v Mali 1-0 International Friendly



Probable Starters

Nigeria: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Ariwachukwu Emmanuel, Stephen Eze, Afeez Aremu, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Rabiu Ali, Peter Eneji, Kingsley Eduwo, Ubong Friday


Mali: Diarra, I Samake, I Traore, Samassekou, L Samake, Konte, M Traore, Coulibaly, Malle, Kida, Kone



**Abayomi Ademetan

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24627

Now we will be looking at the Roma vs Atletico Madrid game.
Frankly speaking, this game failed to live up to its billing. It lacked the spark and thrills of the other matches. Atletico on a good day are up there with the best of the best in Europe but, they have been rightly accused of being too conservative at times. This was supposed to be a match to state their intent, to send a message to their group, but they failed to take advantage of it. Roma, albeit good, are not on the same level as Atletico and they were expected to lose the game.

Keep reading


https://grass-sports..com/2017/09/atletico-draws-again.html

Plateau United: The anatomy of a title triumph
By Colin Udoh, KweséESPN


This time last season, newly crowned NPFL champions Plateau United were celebrating, but it was celebration of an unwanted sort, borne of relief rather than accomplishment.

After 36 games, Plateau had survived relegation by the skin of their teeth. Such are the razor-thin margins in the NPFL that they actually ended up in 12th place. But that could so easily have been fourth from bottom, where Warri Wolves - with 45 points - finished.

Instead, they survived, re-strategised, and returned to lead the league for 34 weeks before claiming the league title in early September.

What changed between then and now? How did Plateau go from relegation candidates to league winners?


Government support

Most Nigerian sporting associations keep their umbilical cords firmly tied to government, whether state or federal. Expectedly, their fortunes are closely aligned to the vagaries of political fortunes.

Of the 20 clubs in this season's NPFL, 16 are owned by state governments. ABS FC, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, MFM FC, and Remo Stars were the only exceptions.

Last season, Plateau United's campaign suffered from an unsettled Plateau State government, which had little time for anything outside of its own issues.

New-found government stability meant that not only were players wages and allowances paid promptly, but funding for administrative support was never lacking.

"If there is one club that is not owing a single dime, I think that will be Plateau United," title-winning coach Kennedy Boboye tells KweséESPN.
"Even our match bonuses travelled with us to games. So that immediately after the match, players got their money in the dressing room."

While that may seem an archaic way of remuneration, in Nigeria, it is one that is guaranteed to go a long long way for player morale and motivation.


Plateau United fan Mr Dawan and family celebrate the title win. #PLARAN #NPFLFinalDay17 pic.twitter.com/dbMPBBBQRX
- NPFL (@NPFLOfficial) September 9, 2017


The Boboye Factor

One key hire changed everything for Plateau, when Kennedy Boboye replaced Zachary Baraje, who left after their abysmal previous campaign.

If there is one thing Nigerian football clubs have in common, it is a near-universal aversion to youth in positions of authority.

This is despite the records of the late Shuaibu Amodu, who became a serial winner with BCC Lions in his mid-30s.

Rangers handed Imama Amapakabo the reins last season almost by accident, and because they could not afford the more expensive, sage names. He delivered them the title.

At the conclusion of last season, after they had recovered from staring into the abyss, Plateau put their trust in Boboye. It was a big leap of faith. The then 42-year-old had no pedigree to speak of.

In fact, his two stints in the top flight had not ended well. First, Sunshine Stars sprinted off the blocks, then faded away. And then he parted ways with Abia Warriors before the season had even gone halfway. He was the perfect example of who not to hire as a head coach.

But Plateau United General Manager Pius Henwan was prepared to take the risk. He did not stop there, he also agreed to hand full control to the coach. "When I came in, I told them I wanted a free hand to work and they agreed, and that was important for me," Boboye explained.

That free hand meant the coach could hire players he wanted, cut those who did not make the grade, and discipline those who needed pulling in line, without being undermined from the front office.

Lesson: Young coaches can deliver just as well, if not better, than old ones.

Elisha Golbe lifts the title for Plateau United. All hail the champions. #NPFLFinalDay17 pic.twitter.com/8jWIe259tU
- NPFL (@NPFLOfficial) September 9, 2017



Learning from past mistakes

Boboye's first task was to review the previous season, analyse it, and identify the problems and find solutions.

He then told ESPNFC that one of the early issues he identified was that players had a contentious relationship with management. "The players were not disciplined. They had a lot of issues with the management, so I stepped in to resolve those issues," he said.

Having resolved the issues, Boboye then proceeded to stamp his own disciplinary imprint on the team.

First choice goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye reported late to the club after a national team assignment with the CHAN Super Eagles.

He was promptly dropped. Rising star Mafeng Pam was left out of the team when agent issues had him disrupting the team.

Having disciplined experienced goalie Ajiboye and rising star Pam, it was clear that Boboye was setting out his stall early indeed. It worked. The players had no doubt who was boss, and fell into step early on, bar the odd infraction.

Selection tactics: One reason why Boboye's disciplinary methods worked was his selection policy. According to him, there were no favourites. Players were picked on form and merit.

"One of the issues when I came in was that players were having frictions about who would play. The right people were not playing simply because those at the top were not the ones that brought them [into the team]," Boboye explained.

"But I let them know from the beginning that I field players based on performance. In mid-season, I even dropped some of the players that I brought in, and brought others who could do the job for me."



Team comes before stars

From the very beginning, Boboye made it clear that his target was to win the title, or finish in one of the top three spots to guarantee continental football.

One way to do that, the coach says, was to set five-match targets: "We have regular meetings with the players and we have an agreement to think of getting between 13 to 15 points every five matches.

"If we fail to get it, we sit down and ask ourselves questions about what happened and what we can do to make sure we get it next time."

Part of the strategy was to develop the team over individuals: "I work with committed players, not star players or experienced players. Everybody is part of the team."

A team where every player is expected to give everything.

All of these elements came together, with probably a hefty dose of luck, to help heave Plateau United to the finish line.


Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria-professional-league/story/3204021/plateau-united-the-anatomy-of-a-title-triumph?device=featurephone

True.

soetanoreoluwa:


You are right but if they don't think it serious who will lose? They bought the right so they would think twice before doing anything...

Should Victor Moses worry about Davide Zappacosta at Chelsea?

The Italian right wing-back put in a massive shift in place of Moses against Qarabag, and fans are divided on whether or not he should be worried


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZLxAAVQ_2s

Ezenwa's Ready For The Big Task In Super Eagles - Garba

www.nairaland.com/attachments/5963641_ezenwa_jpega8ae560fd69a8db88aa165adea74c4c9

By Augustine Akhilomen

Ex international, Garbal Lawal believes the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles should be accorded to Ikechukwu Ezenwa permanently in the absent of Carl Ikeme.


Ezenwa was the hero in Nigeria's 2-0 win over Sierra Leone in the ongoing West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations in Ghana as he made a fabulous saves to deny their West Africa neighbours any goal scoring chances.


Having made his appearance in the double header World Cup qualier matches against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, 'Chindo' as he's fondly called by football fans in Nigeria believe that Ezenwa deserved the number one shirt in the team.


“It was a well-coordinated effort by the team from the goalkeeping, defence, midfield to the attacking departments.

“I must particular commend Ezenwa for.putting up a ‘man-of-the-match’performance.

“He was mountainous in goal and proved why he is ready for bigger tasks for the Super Eagles in future.

“I hope the boys can continue playing like this and if they do, they will definitely be a handful for any other team in the tournament,” he said.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/09/ezenwas-ready-for-big-task-in-super.html

Opposition Watch.........................................

Zambia Ranked Top Southern African Team By FIFA



Zambian are now the highest ranked team from the Council of South Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) region after moving up 18 places on the latest FIFA ranking published on Thursday in Zurich.


Zambia, who were ranked 96th in August, are now 78th in the world rankings and also occupy the 16th position in Africa. This is the best movement they have recorded since winning the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.


Chipolopolo defeated Algeria home and away in the ongoing Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The results from the games helped Wedson Nyirenda’s to obtain seven points, three points behind Nigeria who have 10 points in Group B.


South Africa who are ranked 80th globally and 18th in Africa are behind Zambia in the COSAFA region while the COSAFA champions Zimbabwe are ranked fourth in the region, 27th in Africa and 105th in the world behind Madagascar who occupy the 26th position in Africa and 101st in the world.


Nigeria host Zambia in a key Group B World Cup qualifier in Uyo on October 7. A win for the Super Eagles will guarantee them their third straight World Cup ticket.


The full ranking for the Cosafa region is as follows (World ranking first):

1. Zambia (78,16)
2. South Africa (80,18)
3. Madagascar (101,26)
4. Zimbabwe (105,27)
5. Mozambique (108, 29)
6. Malawi (116,30)
7. Namibia (132,36)
8. Angola (137,40)
9. Swaziland (139,41)
10. Comoros (141,42)
11. Lesotho (143,44)
12. Botswana (146,46)
13. Mauritius (161,49)
14. Seychelles (190,53)


https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zambia-ranked-top-southern-african-team-fifa/

Sodje: Balogun, Ekong Need Competition In Super Eagles Defence



By Izuchukwu Okosi:

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje is elated at the promising partnership of central defensive duo Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong but states that he will be pleased to see an alternative pairing for the Super Eagles, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Barring injuries and possibly loss of form, both defenders are likely to be invited for the 2018 World Cup qualifier aainst Zambia.

“The central defenders have been okay. I saw how Ekong played at the Olympics. Balogun plays his club football in German Bundesliga, that means he has played against some world-class strikers,” Sodje told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“They are the first choice central defence pairing but I would like a situation whereby we have another good pairing that can play in central defence, maybe Kenneth Omeruo and another guy.



“Its always good to have alternatives in the central defence and it’s only good for the national teams.”

Sodje played for English sides Charlton Athletic and Portsmouh and the Super Eagles.

Balogun and Ekong were on duty in Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sodje-balogun-ekong-need-competition-super-eagles-defence/

please guys any link to watch the nigeria vs mali game

Leicester Boss Shakespeare: Iheanacho Fully Fit, Set To Face Huddersfield



Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has stated that Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho should be in action against Huddersfield Town in the Premier League on Saturday after being passed fully fit, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.


Iheanacho made a return to Leicester’s first team as a second-half substitute in their 2-1 Premier League home defeat to Chelsea last Saturday after recovering from a toe injury.


The 20-year-old was on target for Leicester’s U-23s in their 3-1 home win against West Ham in the Premier League 2 on Monday.

Speaking ahead of Leicester’s league game against Huddersfield, Shakespeare also revealed that another new signing Vicente Iborra who had a groin injury, could also be in action this weekend.

“Thankfully most of them have come through. Vicente Iborra and Kelechi Iheanacho [both had] a clean bill of health,” Shakespeare said in Thursday’s press conference.


Shakespeare however ruled out two players for the away trip due to injury.

“We have a couple who are doubts for Saturday. Matty James picked up an Achilles injury against Chelsea. We’ll see how he is tomorrow morning. He’ll have every opportunity,” Shakespeare added.

“Christian picked up a freak eye injury in training. It was nasty [but] it has cleared up. Until he sees the specialist, I would like to wait. He’ll be touch and go for Saturday.”


Shakespeare predicted a very tough game for Leicester against Huddersfield.

He added: “They haven’t surprised me. It will be difficult [for them to stay up]. What I’ve seen so far, they have great spirit and they’ll be difficult to play against.”


And on Leicester’s performance especially in the attacking third so far this season, Shakespeare said: “We’ve looked at attacking play and attacking movement. We are a very solid team defensively. We need to be aware of how to break teams down.

“It’s always about being positive. You can never get away from the facts, which are the points. We need to turn performances into results.”

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/leicester-boss-shakespeare-iheanacho-fully-fit-set-face-huddersfield/

west is strong 5 teams in the top 10

Joebie:
Blame the loss to Benin

Super Eagles Drop To 44th In Latest Fifa Rankings, Africa's Top 20 Revealed
Published: September 13, 2017
Super Eagles Drop To 44th In Latest Fifa Rankings, Africa's Top 20 RevealedNigeria were impressive in their last two World Cup qualifying matches against Cameroon in Uyo and Yaounde but that has not paid off in the latest Fifa rankings set to be announced by the governing body of football on Thursday.

The Super Eagles have fallen six spots and are now ranked 44th in the global ranking after losing 1-0 to Benin Republic in an African Nations Championship qualifier, a game classed as a 'friendly' by Fifa.

However, the national team made slight progress in the continental ranking, improving one spot to fifth ahead of African champions Cameroon.

Egypt retained their number one spot in Africa, followed by Tunisia, Senegal and Congo DR.

Our rivals to book a ticket to the 2018 World Cup, Algeria and Zambia, are placed 62nd and 79th respectively in the global ranking.

Germany have vaulted over Brazil as the best ranked nation; Portugal, Argentina and Belgium round up the top five.

Africa's Top 20 Teams

1) Egypt
2) Tunisia
3) Senegal
4) Congo DR
5) Nigeria
6) Cameroon
7) Burkina Faso
Ghana
9) Ivory Coast
10) Morocco
11) Algeria
12)Guinea
13) Cape Verde
14) Uganda
15) South Africa
16) Mali
17) Zambia
18) Gabon
19) Libya
20) Kenya
Benin

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

WANT REPLY PLEASE

If ( God forbid) Nigeria draw against Zambia and loss to Algeria,while Zambia win Cameroon we would both have 11 point
Now the question is this ,is it the goal difference that will be considered or our game head to head

WAFU CUP OF NATIONS
WAFU CUP OF NATIONS @WAFUOFFICIAL
·
41s
15' Nigeria have the ball at the back of the net but the flag goes up on Rabiu, who tapped home from close range

#FoxSportsWAFU �� 0-0 ��

This Nigeria vs Mali ref is very poor. Still 0-0

TheSuperNerd:





Source: http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria-professional-league/story/3204021/plateau-united-the-anatomy-of-a-title-triumph?device=featurephone

Nice read

2lola:
WANT REPLY PLEASE

If ( God forbid) Nigeria draw against Zambia and loss to Algeria,while Zambia win Cameroon we would both have 11 point
Now the question is this ,is it the goal difference that will be considered or our game head to head

Goal difference will be used first

goldfish80:


How good exactly is this boy? He has been in the news for more than 4 years playing youth football.
Who have watched him play?

Watched him in training a lot and live.

My personal view I have seen more technically gifted players in the local youth academies of Benin city.

But he came from Barcelona with very high recommendations and a price tag. So he will definitely be given the opportunity to play, at least to justify the hype, this is football politics.

I could be wrong seen him play live about 3/4 times. Maybe my expectations were too high because he came from Barcelona's academy, I really do not know.
I was expecting to see something special with exhilarating skill and technique but I haven't seen anything extra ordinary. One of the very reasons I went to watch the game, I was honestly disappointed.

I remember seeing Ibe, Raheem, Dembele and thought they were special but Adekanya, I did'nt get that vibe.

Then again there is an ex youth player from Barcelona Ekpolo and he now plays for Fleetwood fc and he is not outstanding.

Breaking news outside the arena of football


Nigeria's D'Tigers just defeated Cameroun 106-91 to qualify for the Semis of the ongoing 2017 Afrobasket.... MoTM performance from Ike Nwamu
He made a hellish, earth shaking 7 three-pt throws... (somebori tell Champs Oguchi he is not alone in the three-pt throws business)

Ike Diogu was also a major factor.
And That guy called Bryant Mbamalu... wow!!! where had he been hiding?? na wa ooo... beast performance mehn!!! Akindele too came good... nice performance all round but The three that really really stood out were Ike Diogu, Ike Nwamu and Bryant Mbamalu...



Congrats D'Tigers... maybe we can defend this title afterall.... not eureka yet though...

Cc: Safarigirl and Goldfish80

Our back is against the wall.