"The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup - Sports (9) - Nairaland
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Cameroon's Douala Stadium Artificial Grassfield For AFCON 2019 Stolen / Super Eagles Arrive In Uyo, Train Ahead Of Their AFCON 2019 Qualifier (Pictures) / AFCON 2019: Nigeria To Battle South Africa For A Place (Full Draws) (2) (3) (4)
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| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:14pm On Apr 03, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Sinclair: England Losing Iwobi Might Be Very Very Costly [/size]  By James Agberebi: Former England international, Trevor Sinclair has stated that England might rue the thought of allowing Arsenal youngster, Alex Iwobi, to pledge his international allegiance to Nigeria, Comple tesportsnigeria.com reports. Iwobi featured in his first official game for Nigeria in their 1-1 draw against Egypt in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna. He also played in the reverse fixture in Alexandria which Egypt won 1-0. Iwobi scored his second English Premier League goal in Saturday's 4-0win against Watford. Prior to the international break, the 19-year-old netted his first league goal in Arsenal's 2-0 win against Everton. Reacting to Iwobi's man-of-the-match showing against Watford on Saturday, Sinclair pointed out that if the Arsenal youth team product has half the talent his uncle Austin Okocha had, it will be a huge mistake on the part of England. "Iwobi, the one that got away, #Eng. If he is half as good as Jay Jay (Okocha) it will be very very costly," Sinclair wrote on his Twitter handle on Saturday. www.completesportsnigeria.com/sinclair-england-losing-iwobi-might-costly/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:19pm On Apr 03, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Rami Rabia: How Egypt Stopped Super Eagles In Kaduna, Alexandria [/size]  Pharaohs of Egypt defender Rami Rabia has opened up on the motivation of the seven time Africa Cup of Nations champions in their double 2017 AFCON qualifiers against Nigeria, Completesportsnigeria.com reports. Rabia who plays for Egyptian top side Al Ahly was inspirational in the two games – in Kaduna and Alexandria on March 25 and 29, 2016 and the defender spoke to Egypt's leading football website, Kingfut, on the outcome of those confrontations. “We haven’t qualified yet, football has got no master. We have to take Tanzania seriously, we have to play well and win in Tanzania," Rabia told Kingfut. "We don’t want to complicate things for ourselves and think about goal difference, points, wins and draws. We need to go into the game with a clear conscious just like we are now after beating Nigeria,” Rabia further said. The former Sporting Lisbon star then rubbished claims by the Super Eagles team prior to the game that Egypt should show respect to Nigeria. “We weren’t concentrating with what Nigerian officials and players had to say. But on the contrary, when we did hear about what they said it gave us a push to prove to everyone that we can do something good for ourselves and prove to them that they were wrong. “Nigeria might have names that are bigger than ours but football was never a ‘names game’, football was always known by your performance and fight on the pitch. Nigeria Football Federation claimed Egypt had lacked the 'fundamentals of fair player' after the 1-1 draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna as Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona was fouled moments before Mohamed Salah's late equaliser. “This is nonsense. They started with the lack of fair play in the match. I remember our player was on the ground in the match at Kaduna and Nigeria did not kick the ball out of the pitch. Later in the second half, Hossam Ghaly did to them what they had done to us. That to me seems fair enough,” Rabia stressed. “When they came to Alexandria, we put the ball out of play when their player got injured [Oghenekaro Etebo], if we lacked fair play we wouldn’t have. Rabia revealed what his national team coach Hector Cuper detailed him to do against Nigeria. “Personally, Mr. Cuper gave me the responsibility of man-marking Odion Ighalo, even in set-pieces I was the one marking him. Regarding the long balls, we practiced them a lot because in Kaduna, the Super Eagles’ fullbacks went forward a lot so we wanted to expose those areas by sending long balls to Marwan Mohsen with him or the midfield players sending the ball behind the fullbacks to Salah, Ramadan or Trezeguet. “In the second match the fullbacks did not attack much as we hit them in those areas in Kaduna so when they came to Alexandria, their fullbacks stayed put in their places,” the 22-year-old revealed. “From my point of view, Odion Ighalo and Victor Moses were Nigeria’s best players. I wasn’t too impressed with their defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel," the defender stated. Egypt now have seven points following the withdrawal of Chad from the qualifying race. www.completesportsnigeria.com/rami-rabia-egypt-stopped-super-eagles-kaduna-alexandria/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 12:46pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Aminu, Raheem Lawal hold hosts Fenerbache [/size]  Aminu Nigeria internationals Umar Aminu and Raheem Lawal earned Turkish Osmanlispor a point on the road when they played out a goalless draw at title-chasing Fenerbache today. Aminu, fresh from the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt, played for 84 minutes, while Lawal was replaced after 62 minutes. Osmanlispor are now seventh on the table with 39 points from 26 matches. Fenerbache are second on the table with 59 points, four points behind leaders and bitter city rivals Besiktas. http://africanfootball.com/news/623845/Aminu-Raheem-Lawal-hold-hosts-Fenerbache |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 12:46pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Kanu blasts NFF after Eagles second straight AFCON miss [/size]  Nwankwo Kanu Former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu has said the current leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick has failed the country. Kanu’s bashing of the NFF comes after the country failed for the second straight time to qualify for the AFCON. "What is happening with Nigerian football is that the top management is not what it is supposed to be so what is below is being affected," Nigeria football ambassador Kanu told BBC. He said the NFF have to change their style of leadership if Nigeria were to achieve success again. "When the head is not right, even your body won't be right", said the former Arsenal and Ajax Amsterdam star. The criticism of the NFF leadership comes after several prominent stakeholders demanded the resignation of president Amaju Pinnick as well as his entire executive committee after this unprecedented failure. Pinnick has insisted he will not quit. On Tuesday, the NFF executives will meet with the country’s sports minister for a consultative meeting in Abuja on account of the country’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2017 in Gabon. http://africanfootball.com/news/623819/Kanu-blasts-NFF-after-Eagles-second-straight-AFCON-miss [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by NLban: 12:46pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Tesho Akindele thrilled to score at home for FC Dallas [/size]  Tesho Akindele Nigeria-born Canada international Tesho Akindele has said he is delighted to score in front of the home fans to earn FC Dallas a point against Columbus Crew in a game that ended 1-1 on Saturday. FC Dallas top the MLS Western conference with 10 points from five games as a result. "Wish we would have won, but there's nothing better than scoring in front of the home crowd. I love y'all!" Akindele tweeted. He scored in the 77th minute after coming into the game in the 46th minute for Victor Ulloa to cancel Justin Meram's ninth minute goal. The 24-year-old striker scored six goals last season and his equaliser on Saturday was his first in the 2016 season. http://africanfootball.com/news/623775/Tesho-Akindele-thrilled-to-score-at-home-for-FC-Dallas 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:04pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Will Iwobi be bigger than uncle 'Jay Jay' Okocha? [/size]  Alex Iwobi by Samm Audu Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha remains a legend in Nigeria even many years after he quit the sport, but already his 19-year-old nephew Alex Iwobi has started out in a big way to challenge the exploits of his mother’s younger brother. After playing on the red-dusty streets of Enugu and in between hawking oranges to make ends meet, before a short stint at Enugu Rangers, ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha took the more difficult path to Europe via the third-tier league in Germany. But before long his natural talent will shine through for him to go on to feature in the German Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbache in Turkey, PSG in France before his well-documented time in England with modest Bolton Wanderers. ‘Jay’ weighed in with his fair share of goals, clinched a handful of trophies, Olympic Gold at Atlanta '96 and captained Nigeria at the World Cup. But it was his amazing ball skills, akin to a ball juggler in the circus, which really got everyone talking. Iwobi’s own football education has been a lot more deliberate, programmed, after he came through the Arsenal ranks from the tender age of seven. His father, Chuka, was also a decent midfielder who was good enough to play for the now defunct Vasco da Gama of Enugu, who produced such top Nigeria stars like Patrick Ekeji, John Nwodioha and Emma Okocha. He has pointed his son in the right direction on one of world football’s biggest platform for young players. "We have values in our club that are maybe not rated always, but one of them is to give a chance to young people and educate them,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "Every year we bring players out and not many can say that. I'm happy Alex is one of them. "He arrived here at the age of seven or eight. He's completely integrated in the way we want to play football. "He's worked with us since the start of the season and it shows because when he came in he was used to the way we want to play." On Saturday, Iwobi got only his second start in the Premier League and like he did for his first start at Everton last month, he crowned it with a goal and another star showing. He may not have the elaborate skills of his uncle, but he has within a short time proved he knows his way to goal and has the vision and class to flourish on the big stage, just like ’Jay Jay’. Wenger said England have lost a gem to Nigeria after he opted to feature for his father’s native country even after 11 appearances for various age-group teams of his adopted country. "Is he a loss for England? Yes," Wenger said. At only 19, what could he now achieve? He wants to win trophies with ‘The Gunners’ and establish himself in the Super Eagles after his official debut last month against Egypt. His father said he hopes his son goes on to captain Nigeria, just like his famous uncle. “I hope he goes on not only to establish himself in the team, but also goes on to captain the country,” the London-based lawyer told AfricanFootball.com “He has shown character, keeps working hard and above all, he is humble and listens and learns from both his manager and the senior players at Arsenal.” There would also be major trophies in England and Europe to aim for. Another target will be the CAF African Player of the Year, which uncle Austin did not scoop despite his unquestionable class. But in pursuing all these goals, the young Iwobi will have right in his corner putting him through no bigger a talent than the great ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. http://africanfootball.com/news/623757/Will-Iwobi-be-bigger-than-uncle-Jay-Jay-Okocha [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:04pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Hearts boss defends struggling Oshaniwa [/size]  Oshaniwa is struggling now in Scotland Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has come out to defend Nigeria international Juwon Oshaniwa against fans who have written off the left-back. Oshaniwa has struggled to live up to expectations since he joined the Scottish team from Israel as he has lost his position as the first-choice left-back in recent months. The 25-year-old AFCON 2013 winner has featured in only four of Hearts’ last 13 matches, appearing in just one of the last six games - a 3-1 loss to Celtic where he was sent off this weekend. However, Neilson said he remains confident Oshaniwa will prove his worth and insisted he should be given time to fully settle down in his new environment. “Juwon has found it quite difficult trying to adjust to everything,” Neilson told the Evening News. "I still expect him to play a part in the rest of the season. We’ve had Jordan McGhee and Igor Rossi coming in and doing well at left-back, so it’s been a difficult period for him. “He’s a good player and he can expect to get more game time towards the end of the season.” Neilson dismissed the notion that Oshaniwa has been a misjudged signing and was keen to point out that he has started 19 out of 31 league matches in a team with the second-best defensive record in the Premiership. “The defence as a whole has played well,” he said. “We’ve got one of the best defensive records in the country and we’re sitting in third position and Juwon’s played a part in that. He’s started 18 league games for us,” he said. “Like a few of our players, it’s been difficult for him to adjust to a different climate, a different country and a different style of football, but he’ll be a good player for us. “At the start of the season, he did really well but, as the pitches and the weather deteriorated, it can be difficult for him. They all know that nobody can expect to play every single week and that we need to use the squad. “He’s a professional. He trains well and he’s ready to go in when needed. I genuinely think as the weather gets better and the pitches get better, we’ll see the best of him.” http://africanfootball.com/news/623768/Hearts-boss-defends-struggling-Oshaniwa [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:05pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Nigeria's Igbonananike shines in US MLS [/size]  Nigerian striker Kennedy Igboananike was Chicago Fire's hero on Saturday night after he scored the only goal of the game to help his team beat Philadelphia Union in an MLS game. The former AIK of Sweden striker scored in the 51st minute and has now scored two goals in four games. The 27-year-old scored seven goals last season in the MLS. He has played for Djugardens also in Sweden. http://africanfootball.com/news/623654/Nigeria-s-Igbonananike-shines-in-US-MLS 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:14pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Hammers target Ighalo [/size]  Watford Striker Odion Ighalo by Graeme Jackson West Ham United have emerged as potential suitors for Watford’s Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo. The Sun reports that the Hammers are looking to build on their fine showing in the Premier League this season by improving their squad. Top of the priority list is a prolific striker and the East London club has apparently identified Ighalo as the ideal target. The Super Eagles player has enjoyed a fine season with Watford in the English top flight, scoring 14 goals in 31 appearances for the Wasps. Ighalo has also been linked to Manchester United and Arsenal, though those are just rumours at this stage. The 26-year-old striker is reportedly valued at £15-million, with only a big-money move set to tempt Watford to part with their prized asset. West Ham already have five Africans in their squad: Cheikhou Kouyate, Victor Moses, Alex Song, Diafra Sakho and Emmanuel Emenike. http://africanfootball.com/news/623974/Hammers-target-Ighalo [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:15pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Ujah vows Werder Bremen will fight to avoid relegation [/size]  Werder Bremen Forward Anthony Ujah Relegation-threatened Werder Bremen will fight to stay up in the German Bundesliga according to their Nigeria striker Anthony Ujah. Bremen are just a point away from safety with 27 points from 28 matches. Augsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt are also on 27 points each, while Hannover are bottom with 17 points. Ujah has now said he hopes character will save his struggling club from the dreaded relegation. “We have to stay strong and with the help of our fans, we will survive,” said the former Mainz and Cologne striker. “It has been frustrating and we now need the fans till the last day of the season.” This season, the 25-year-old Ujah has scored nine goals in 27 appearances for Bremen in the Bundesliga. http://africanfootball.com/news/623924/Ujah-vows-Werder-Bremen-will-fight-to-avoid-relegation [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:16pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Boniface says God helped him to save Cypriot club [/size]  Boniface (middle) in Cyprus Nigerian striker Matthew Boniface has told AfricanFootball.com there was a divine hand when he fired a last-gasp equaliser for his Cypriot club Aris Limassol to secure a 2-2 draw at home with Ethnikos Achna in a relegation playoff game. He has now scored seven goals in 24 league games and a goal in the cup. "I am so happy to score the goal that helped my team not to lose at home,” Boniface told AfricanFootball.com "The game was a very difficult one, but God helped me to score the last-minute goal." Former Nigeria U20 defender Gbenga Ogungbe scored for Etnikos Achna in the 35th minute to give them a 2-1 lead. http://africanfootball.com/news/623922/Boniface-says-God-helped-him-to-save-Cypriot-club 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:18pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Nwanu: NFF Should Never Have Hired Oliseh [/size]  By David Meshioye: Former Super Eagles defender Chidi Nwanu has said the Nigeria Football Federation took Nigerian football three steps backwards after the body agreed to hire Sunday Oliseh as national team manager. In an exclusive chat with Completesportsnigeria.com on Sunday, the former Beveren FC of Belgium defender stated that the NFF goofed in appointing Oliseh, who was his Super Eagles teammate. “The worst mistake was made by the NFF for bringing someone without experience to destroy the labours of our heroes past,” 1994 World Cup star Nwanu said. “As real as feelings could be, it’s never real. How could you employ a coach by feeling, without results? “I voiced out against the appointment of Oliseh but I was seen as a one who didn’t like the progress of Nigeria’s football.” A lone strike from Egypt’s Radwan Sobhi ended the Super Eagles dreams of qualifying for AFCON 2017 as the Nigerian side lost 1-0 to the Pharaohs in Alexandria. Sobhi’s shot in the 65th minute of the tie earned Egypt an unassailable seven points, leaving Nigeria with only two points in Group G of the qualifying campaign. http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nwanu-nff-never-employed-oliseh/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:20pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Oduamadi Rues Missed Goal, Eager To Shine For Helsinki [/size]  By Johnny Edward: HJK Helsinki winger Nnamdi Oduamadi has rued his missed goal opportunity in his side's 2 – 0 win over IFK Mariehamn on Saturday. The 25 year old Nigerian international was handed his first start of the season in the Veikkausliiga and went close to opening his goal account in the Finnish League with delicate chip which was denied by the crossbar one minutes into stoppage time when he was picked out by Nikolai Alho. The AC Milan loanee who had two attempts told Completesportsnigeria.com that with more minutes under his belt he will break the duck in the Finnish League. "I was happy that I could see through 90 minutes in my first game after a while with Milan," Oduamadi told Completesportsnigeria.com. "It was painful to see my effort crash against crossbar, that would have been a good start had it gone in. "The coach gave me the chance to run and express myself which stretched our opponents, but most importantly, starting on a winning note was what delighted me most." http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/oduamadi-rues-missed-goal%E2%80%8E-eager-shine-helsinki/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:22pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Heerenveen defender commits to Nigeria [/size]  Kenneth Otigba Kenneth Otigba has pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria, although the Heerenveen defender has not received a call-up to the Super Eagles squad. Otigba feels his ability in defence will improve Simon Siasia's options as the interim boss struggles to find consistency amongst his back-four. "If I get invited to the Super Eagles I will do my best to help the team. I am strong, fast and a good marker. I would help the team to have an organized defence," the 23-year old told allnigeriasoccer. The towering defender represented Hungary from U15 level all the way to the U21 side and served as captain during his time with the U17 team. However, he's reiterated his desire to play for his country of birth after rejecting a call-up by former Hungary boss Pál Dárdai for a Euro 2016 qualifier last year. Otigba has featured regularly for De Superfriezen since arriving at the club from Hungarian outfit Békéscsaba in 2012, scoring eight goals in 91 appearances. http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14340_143028,00.html [/b] 2 Likes |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 1:27pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Foreign Coach: Prerogative Lies With NFF – Adepoju by Dotun Akano [/size]  Chibuike Chukwu LAGOS Mutiu Adepoju, former Super Eagles star, believes the decision of who coaches the Super Eagles is the prerogative of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). But he would prefer the NFF hiring anybody who will put the interest of Nigeria first. He said that even though he prefers an indigenous coach for the Super Eagles, the prerogative to hire any manager lies with the NFF. “There is nothing wrong in any coach managing the national team. The bottom line is the person’s passion to develop the game in the country and that is what NFF should be looking out for,” he said. He said that he would be against going after an expatriate manager that would come with the intent to use the national team as an avenue to repatriate undeserved fund into his country. “We should be careful in this regard; some of these so-called foreign managers do not worth it. “All they are interested is how much they will make and take back to their country without any plan to develop and reposition the national team. “If we must go for a foreign coach, it must be a very tested one, who has the passion to write his name in the annals of Nigerian football history, but then, we have good Nigerian coaches, who can do the job. NFF should consider the development of football in Nigeria before appointing anyone to take over the national team,” Adepoju cautioned. http://independentnig.com/2016/04/foreign-coach-prerogative-lies-nff-adepoju/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 1:59pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
justiz5:I wish the NFF will do the humble thing by inviting this guy in our next friendlies, either for the Super Eagles or the Olympic team. It is not too cool for us to continue to ignore the guy. Invite the guy and let the Coaches give him a closer look 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:03pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Ex Internationals Kanu, Lawal are a disgrace to Nigeria football – Ezeugo [/size]  Emeka Ezeugo says Ex Internationals in the NFF have offered Nigeria football nothing but abet the corruption in the FA. ( Pix: informationng) Former Super Eagles player. Emeka Ezeugo has described the presence of ex internationals in the current Nigeria Football Federation administration as part of the problem of Nigeria football calling them ” a disgrace”.Ezeugo had a brief 2 year stint with the national team but also enjoyed a long career in club football and venturing into management in 2002.  Pix: Sportsday The former Defender accused former stars like Nwankwo Kanu, Mutiu Adepoju and Garba Lawal of playing the stooge in the NFF and contributing very little to the growth of Nigeria football despite their positions withing the working committees of the FA. [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:06pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Forget the drawing board and consult experts, Ugbade tells NFF [/size]  Nigerian national football team poses during the African Cup of Nations qualification match against Egypt.(Getty) Former Flying Eagles assistant Coach, Nduka Ugbade has told the Nigeria Football Federation to carry out wide consultations for the Technical upgrade of Nigeria football.In a chat with footballlive.ng, Ugbade thrashed the much abused ” going back to the drawing board ” phrase which he argues has yielded nothing. Nigeria will miss out on the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations; and the second consecutive competition, after a shoddy run with only a win recorded in four games – the win was struck out after Chad withdrew from the qualifying race. http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/forget-the-drawing-board-and-consult-experts-ugbade-tells-nff/ |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:08pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Westerhof joins race for Eagles job [/size]  BY JOE APU TWENTY-two years after leading the Super Eagles of Nigeria to her first World Cup in USA’94, former technical adviser, Clemens Westerhof has indicated interest in returning to Nigeria to revive the team. With talks of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF ready to hire a foreigner to prosecute the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier after Nigeria failed to qualify for the AFCON 2017 championship after her loss to Egypt. According to impeccable NFF sources the Dutchman who had never hidden his desire to make a comeback to Nigeria had been in constant touch with egg heads of the Nigeria federation to actualise his dream. “There’re coaches that have indicated their interest to manage the Super Eagles and Clemens Westerhof is one of them. We’ve been in talks with a good number of them,” our source revealed. However, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick who was shocked by the sudden resignation of Sunday Oliseh just weeks to Nigeria’s back-to-back encounter against Egypt had proposed the hiring of a foreign manager stressing that the country cannot afford to toy with the World Cup qualification. “I cannot put our World Cup hopes on a local coach. We need a world class coach who can reshape our football,” Pinnick said. “That is why I cannot compromise my decision for a foreign coach. Egypt has so many professionals abroad, but Cuper used only five and he still went ahead to get the desired result. That is why I am insisting on a foreigner for the Eagles.” In a statement after the Eagles crash, the NFF said like most Nigerians, they were saddened by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final competition, following a 1-0 defeat by seven –time African champions Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday, 29th March 2016. “We see this failure to qualify as an unfortunate turn of events, because it came despite the undoubted efforts of the Coaching crew led by Coach Samson Siasia and the players led by the captain, Mikel Obi, and the efforts of the NFF leadership who not only supported the technical crew but also provided necessary support regarding comfortable traveling arrangement and accommodation for the team’s home and away matches. http://sunnewsonline.com/westerhof-joins-race-for-eagles-job/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:15pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Inyama faults call for Pinnick’s resignation [/size]  FORMER board member of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Emeka Inyama has declared that those calling for the resignation of the president of the nation’s soccer federation, Amaju Pinnick, following the failure of Nigeria to qualify for AFCON 2017 are not being fair to the NFF leader. Inyama stated yesterday that as a person who only left the NFF board some few months back, he knew how passionate the NFF president is about Nigeria football and his desire to take the game to the next level. The Abia Warriors boss said the fact that Nigeria did not qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup did not mean we should rock the boat, especially for a board that had recorded several successes before now. “We all know that Nigeria has before now qualified for virtually every international tournament under this same board. Beyond qualifying for major tournaments, we have won in places like Chile (FIFA U-17), in Senegal at the U -23 Nations Cup and African Women Championship. The truth remains that we can’t win all the time. And when we fail to win, it should serve as an avenue to take stock and re strategize and not to make selfish calls for people who are working hard to quit.” Continuing Inyama said: “ The Amaju that I worked with in the NFF board is very passionate about our football. He is one young man who is ready to put in everything in an effort to get result. What he needs now is our support and encouragement ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.” Inyama whose side Abia Warriors had started this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League on a bright note also gave a pat on the back to the League Management Company (LMC), organizers of the league. “Our league is getting better with every season. This informs why the fans are getting back to the various league venues. The officiating has improved a great deal and this is why clubs now get results on the road. The LMC is getting it right and this is good for Nigerian football,” Inyama said. He was quick to add that the target of Abia Warriors this term is to finish in the top bracket of the league log and pick a continental ticket. http://sunnewsonline.com/inyama-faults-call-for-pinnicks-resignation/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:15pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Forget local coaches for Eagles –Maigari [/size]  FROM ROMANUS UGWU, ABUJA IMMEDIATE past president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari has warned the current board of the federation to perish the idea of retaining any Nigerian coach as Super Eagles handler. Speaking to SportingSun in Abuja recently, the former Glass House boss argued that having tried the indigenous coaches without getting the desired solution, it had become imperative to bring in a foreigner to handle the team. Asked if he would subscribe to the clamour for foreign coach, Maigari said: “I will subscribe to the demand for foreign coach very well. I have continued to say that we need a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. We have tried almost all our indigenous coaches, but it could not just work out. “I am sure that every Nigerian has now seen the situation we found ourselves. So, let us try foreign coach. I won’t say Nigerian coaches have failed, but they could not just give us what we want. Nigeria will not be an exception to the world trend because even in England, foreign coach is in charge. “In the interest of the game, I don’t see the reason we should not follow suit. I am 100 per cent in support. I spoke as a football stakeholder and a Nigerian entitled to his views. If I were to head the football federation I will bring in a foreign coach. “They have what our coaches don’t have. They will bring in discipline, unity, way and means of working together and game formation. Even at club levels, we can always see the impact of foreign coaches in a game, which indigenous coaches lacked.” http://sunnewsonline.com/forget-local-coaches-for-eagles-maigari/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:24pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] AFCON 2017 FALLOUT: Onazi roots for new Eagles coach By Ade Ojeikere [/size]  • Mum over retaining Siasia • Ready to play for Nigeria anytime Lazio FC of Italy’s midfielder, Oguenyi Onazi has stated categorically that Nigeria’s senior football team, the Super Eagles needs a new coach with the right technical savvy to mould the immensely talented players available into an invincible squad for the country. Onazi drew a parrallel between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the current Barclays English Premier League leaders, Leicester FC of England when he revealed that the English side had ordinary players who last season barely escaped relegation stressing that: “Look at what the presence of a competent coach Claudio Raneri has done with those players at Leicester under one year. “Compare what Raneri has done with the average players he has moulded into good players with the Super Eagles that is filled with immensely talented players but who cannot qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. Well, it is not my duty to say this but I feel deeply pained that Nigeria won’t be at the Africa Cup of Nations given the calibre of players available to the country.” Asked repeatedly on a Silverbird/The Nation’s television show’s exclsuive interview on Friday if he still wanted Samson Siasia to remain as the chief coach of the team, Onazi was evasive and did not say yes to the question, insisting that it wasn’t his duty to determine that pointing out that: “I’m ready to give my 120 per cent for Nigeria anytime I’m invited to play for the country, irrespective of who the coach is.” http://thenationonlineng.net/afcon-2017-fallout-onazi-roots-new-eagles-coach/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:24pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Egypt were afraid of Eagles – Aikhuomogbe [/size]  Super Eagles players Festus Abu Egypt never believed they could beat Nigeria in their Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header, says former Super Eagles goalkeeper Andrew Aikhuomogbe. Italy-based Mohamed Salah snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw for the Pharaohs in their first leg Group G class in Kaduna on March 25 to help the seven-time African champions maintain their two-point lead in the table. And they ended the Eagles’ Gabon 2017 qualification hopes after the North Africans won maximum points with Ramadan Sobhy’s second-half strike in the reverse fixture in Alexandria four days later to open a five-point at the top group with a game left to play. Aikhuomogbe, who had predicted victory for Nigeria over Egypt in the two-legged fixture, lamented the Eagles failed to live up to expectations in the qualifiers. He said the Pharaohs felt inferior to the Eagles ahead of the encounters and had conceeded victory to the three-time African champions. “They were afraid of Nigeria – and they never believed they could pick up a point, not to talk of beating us in the matches,” the Egypt-based former BCC Lions custodian told our correspondent on the telephone on Saturday. “The double-header was a hot topic of discussion in the country. Egyptian radio and television stations focused on the matches. “The Egyptian media and fans still believed the Eagles would win in Alexandria, in spite of the fact that their team got a good result in Kaduna. “The manager (Hector Cuper) and the players were afraid of the Eagles. The media and fans were afraid of our players. “The Egyptians were surprised their team got a point in Kaduna and beat us in Alexandria.” The Cairo-based football agent said the Eagles’ caretaker coach Samson Siasia should not be blamed for the country’s failure to qualify for Gabon 2017, saying the former Nigeria attacker distinguished himself in his short time with the team. Aikhuomogbe, who is backing Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, urged the Nigeria Football Federation to encourage homegrown coaches by giving them a free hand to plan and execute their programmes. The former Shooting Stars keeper added, “If the NFF insists on appointing a foreign coach, they have my support. But we should not downplay the achievements of Nigerian coaches.” http://www.punchng.com/egypt-were-afraid-of-eagles-aikhuomogbe/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:35pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Wenger: Arsenal fans know Iwobi’s ‘special’ [/size] [img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_korea/c7/c0/alex-iwobi-alexis-sanchez-arsenal-english-premier-league_1s3hdkbzndnui16j604dfl3xy1.jpg?t=-677779941&w=620&h=430[/img] By Lolade Adewuyi The Nigerian youngster got a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd after coming off when he scored and provided an assist against Watford Arsene Wenger has described the standing ovation that Arsenal fans gave Alex Iwobi in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Watford as deserving of a ‘special’ player. The Nigerian youngster provided an assist for Alexis Sanchez to open scoring before receiving an assist from the Chilean to score his second goal in as many starts in the Premier League. He would go on to hit the cross bar before being substituted late on when he received a standing applause from the Gunners faithful and earning him a place in Goal's Premier Team of the Week. “I think our people have seen many good players over the years and they know straight away when a player has something special, so they acknowledge that,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “You cannot cheat people. They’ve seen how quickly [Iwobi’s] improved and how well he’s played. “It’s surprising how quickly he’s integrated into our game. He’s worked with us since the start of the season and he has grown, gained confidence and when he came in he had an impact straight away. “That’s benefited from the fact that he knows everybody and they trust him as well. I didn’t expect that level of efficiency or impact on the scoresheet.” Arsenal closed the gap on their rivals Tottenham and still have an eye on the title if they continue to play this well. “Our game had a quick flow with technical quality,” Wenger added. “We created chances, played well together and overall we dominated all departments of the game. We scored four, didn’t concede, so it’s positive. “Now we have to find the right mixture between belief and being realistic, focusing on the next game, focusing on the process, and adding that belief. We can still challenge for the title.” http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2016/04/04/22002622/wenger-arsenal-fans-know-iwobis-special?ICID=HP_HN_1 [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:40pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] SUPER EAGLES JOB: Amuneke favoured By Ade Ojeikere [/size]  • Siasia busy with Olympics • Yusuf, Agu, backroom staff remain There are strong indications that former Golden Eaglets’ World Cup winning tactician, Emmanuel Amuneke will be given the Super Eagles chief coach job, ahead of Samson Siasia who is expected to resume with the country’s Olympic Games squad in Abuja today. Sportinglife gathered that Amuneke is being favoured because of his coaching qualifications which tower above Siasia, with word rife that Amuneke, shocked his employers when he proceeded to Spain for a coaching refresher course after guiding the Eaglets to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year. Sportinglife scooped further that Amuneke is listed as the Eagles chief coach in the new dispensation that should have Frenchman Paul Le Guen as the team’s Technical Adviser only if the Sports Minister Solomon Dalung is swayed by arguments that chieftians of the NFF would proffer in thier meeting on Tuesday in Abuja. Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf, the team team’s goalkeeper trainer Alloy Agu and other backroom staff would keep their positions, ahead of the two international friendly games slated to hold in London in June. Indeed, the NFF chiefs have no plans to sack siasia, who is presently occupied with the country’s preparations for the Olympics in Brazil. He has been assured of a place in the Eagles whenever he compltetes his assignment wiht the dream Team VI. http://thenationonlineng.net/super-eagles-job-amuneke-favoured/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Orkpekyandega(m): 2:45pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
justiz5:I prefer Coach Emmanuel Amuneke to continue with his boys (the flying eagles) rather than take job. Because NFF have not repented from maltreating local Coaches. What is the assurance that he will endure their treatment? 2 Likes |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:56pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] TEAM OF THE WEEK: NIGERIA PLAYERS ABROAD [/size]  Vincent Enyeama: Inspired Lille to an away win, three super saves against Nantes’ strikers; Sigthorsson and Thomasson. He was excellent and this performance came at the right time after being named among the top African players in French Ligue. Moses Odubajo: Produced a wonderful cross from the right – headed behind for a corner at the back post with Clucas looking to pounce at 58 minutes, caused problems for Bristol’s defenders down the right flank all though the match with his lively burst of energy and direct crosses. Kingsley Madu: Excellent performance from Nigerian left full back, he gave it all, frustrated opponent’s strikers from wreaking havoc, he was full of running, delivering his trademark crosses at will and at 72 mins, he provided a beautiful cross that was wasted by Rabiu Ibrahim, good performance from Madu. Kenneth Otigba: Decent performance from Otigba again, he was at the right place to block Roda’s offensive threat, resolute in defending and his aerial dominance was top notch. He did enough to be included in our team of the week, one of the reasons why his club picked a maximum point against Roda. Wilfred Ndidi: I don’t know what to say about this young man, highly rated by Belgian press, some even rated him as the most improved central midfielder but I see Ndidi’s development more of central defender, worked like a Trojan, difficult to displace and his markings were neat. He produced a great moment that almost resulted into goal against Anderlecht, all round solid performance. Anderson Esiti : He was outstanding again, won most of the balls for Estoril and he added long range of passing to his game , one his passes met Mendy but he wasted a good chance to put Estoril ahead during the first half. Esiti was mobile and unlucky to miss a golden opportunity after dribbling his way pass two Pacos’ defenders, he unleashed a left grounder that was off target, a very decent performance from Esiti. Joel Obi: Rare start for Joel, work really hard and his defensive contribution cannot be neglected and he was at the receiving end of Miranda’s brutal tackle. He covered a lot of ground and kept Torino’s midfield intact, he left the pitch prematurely but he did enough to be named in our team of the week. Alex Iwobi – Produced a cross in from the left and Alexis tapped home from close range, later Doubled Arsenal’s lead with a cool finish from Alexis’s assist, and almost score Arsenal’s 4th goal cut inside his man and crashed a powerful strike off the crossbar. He won Man Of The Match again and his confidence was sky-high against Watford with the way he glided past opponent’s defenders with skill and sublime passes. Blessing Eleke: He scored his first goal since his record breaking move to NK Olimpija, a beautiful header that has the venom of an angry striker as a result of being benched in his club last 3 games, he was too strong for the opponent and his ball handling was superb, great performance from Eleke. Suleiman Abdulahi: Worked tirelessly for his team, his raw power was too much for IK Start’s defenders and it was not a surprise that he scored a textbook goal, well deserved. He intercepted another misplaced pass from his opponents with only the goalkeeper to beat but his effort hit the IK Start’s goalkeeper, good performance from Abdullahi Suleiman. Fred Friday: He scored from a poor goalkeeping error, Molde’s Goalkeeper spilled the initial cross and Friday was around to tap home for LSK, he wasted another beautiful opportunity when he received a brilliant pass from his teammate with only the goalkeeper at his call he blew ball far wide, with that being said, he did very well and that was enough for him to be included in our team of the week. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/04/team-of-the-week-nigeria-players-abroad-5/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:56pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] REVEALED: HOW POOR ATTITUDE COST CHIKATARA A SPOT IN SUPER EAGLES SQUAD FOR EGYPT GAMES [/size]  The poster boy of Nigeria AFCON 2016 team Chisom Chikatara missed out on a spot in Nigeria’s ill fated back to back AFCON 2017 qualifiers game against Egypt due to his poor showing in training. Chikatara according to a coach of the team who spoke to Owngoalnigeria.com on the condition of anonymity said the 22 year old was feeling like a superstar in training who felt like he needed to less to get into the team. “Chikatara wasn’t pulling his weight during training, limped off too often and generally wasn’t committed, he left us with no chance but to drop him, am afraid if so early into his career he is beginning to exhibit such” He told Owngoalnigeria.com. Already he is set to join Morocco’s league leaders Wydad Casablanca when registration reopens in the league in the summer and presently he has three goals for his Nigeria league side Abia Warriors. http://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image-12.jpg?resize=300%2C244 [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 2:59pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] BABATUNDE MICHAEL AND OSAGUONA SCORE TO KEEP RAJA TITLE DREAMS ALIVE[s][/s] [/size]  Super Eagles World cup 2014 forward Babatunde Michael and his Nigerian colleague Osaguona Ighodaro at Raja Casablanca were both on target to help third place Raja keep the pressure on the league leaders. Raja needed to win their game against Moghreb Tetouan to keep their title hope alive and with scores at 2-0 Babatunde Michael made it three before Osaguona put the game to bed with their fourth to kill off the host who have pulled scores back to 2-3. They hanged on to edge the seven goals thriller 2-5 and move to 37 points one behind second place team FUS Rabat but four point behind the leaders Wydad who have played a game less. Osaguona back at Raja Casablanca after leaving the team following a pay dispute is making up for lost time with splendid performances while Babatunde Michael is in Morocco rebuilding his career after his move from Volyn to Dnipro ended in a fiasco. Both players have so far been pivotal to Raja staying in touch with the league leaders. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/03/babatunde-michael-and-osaguona-score-to-keep-raja-title-dreams-alive/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 3:02pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] INDISCIPLINE THREATHENING IHEANACHO’S NATIONAL TEAM CAREER [/size]  The national team career of Manchester City teen star Kelechi Iheanacho could suffer unless the 19 year old readjust his conduct while with the team. Iheanacho during the reign of Sunday Oliseh as Super Eagles coach was late to the team bus three times in five training sessions and more alarming was his lack of remorse after the act. The story was all different under Samson Siasia but this time around his poor relationship with fans in Abuja and Kaduna during camping made the fans to give him cold shoulders as oppose to Alex Iwobi who was the toast of the fans. In Kaduna thousands of fans who were screaming his name didn’t get a wave back or thumb up as he snubbed like he wasn’t hearing them unlike Iwobi who wave,nods and gave thumbs up at the mention of his name. Journalist were not left out of his poor attitude as the Manchester City kid was hardly interviewed by members of the press due to his poor way of acting like he isn’t interested in talking. Owngoalnigeria.com however gathered that same can’t be said about him in his club where he is viewed as a level headed professional who plays with a smile on his face. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/04/indiscipline-threathening-iheanachos-national-team-career/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 3:02pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] KURIAT SEX SCANDAL: READ THE ROLE PINNICK PLAYED IN THE EXPULSION OF BABAYARO,AGALI AND AIYEGBENI FROM THE SUPER EAGLES IN 2004 [/size]  Amaju Melvin Pinnick the president of Nigeria Football Federation who is under intense pressure to quit his role after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Africa cup of Nations for the second consecutive time is not entirely new to controversy. In 2004 during the cup of Nations in Tunisia according to a newspaper report of TheNews Magazine of 2004 picked up by owngoalnigeria.com, Pinnick then Vice Chairman of the Delta State Football Federation brought three ladies for the trio of Victor Agali,Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Celestine Babayaro to the hotel where the Super Eagles were lodged for the tournament. It happened on a Thursday the 29th of January 2004 at Hotel Kuriat Palace some few metres to the Habib Bouiguiba International Airport, Monastir where Pinnick checked in with three ladies, one German and two English. Pinnick checked into a room while the ladies were lodged in room 334 and at about 2am that same night Babayaro crept into the room and was later joined by Agali before Aiyegbeni came into same room. Their movement caught the attention of the team’s security officer and camp commandant DSP Gideon Akinsola who raised alarm got the trio caught and expelled from the cup of Nations totally while Pinnick who reportedly flew in the ladies for them went unpunished. 10 years after the incident, Pinnick became the President of the NFF and has brought nothing but chaos to Nigeria football hiring and firing coaches yet failed to qualify the team for the second consecutive year, the first time in their history they are missing out on back to back cup of Nations. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/04/kuriat-sex-scandal-read-the-role-pinnick-played-in-the-expulsion-of-babayaroagali-and-aiyegbeni-from-the-super-eagles-in-2004/ [/b] |
| Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by justiz5(m): 3:05pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
Orkpekyandega:The only factor which might work against Coach Emma is the inadequate experience with any serious senior national setup just like in the case of Oliseh, if not every other thing goes in his favour. 1 Like |
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