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Is this the car or

No dual role for Keshi, Siasia

Thursday's interview for the position of Super Eagles coach will be all or nothing for Stephen Keshi and Samson Siasia.

NFF's Technical Committee chairman Christopher Green has ruled out suggestions that a compromise solution could be worked out that would see both men take on a dual role.

"We do not have any application for a joint coaching job," Green said. "Both men applied for the position of head coach of the Super Eagles, and it is for that position that they will be interviewed."

The new man will not be allowed to pick his assistants, either.

"It is the board's responsibility to appoint coaches for the national teams, including assistant coaches.

"That will be done in due course."
http://www.kickoff.com/news/18584/no-dual-role-for-stephen-keshi-samson-siasia.php

Mum is the word for Keshi

Stephen Keshi flew into the country on Sunday ahead of his interview for the Nigeria coaching position, but is keeping sealed lips until after his meeting with the NFF's Technical Committee.

Keshi is going head-to-head with former team-mate Samson Siasia, after both men were shortlisted for the post by the NFF.

Siasia is clearly the fans favorite, but Keshi also has huge backing, especially for his experience at senior national level coaching Togo and Mali.

But The Big Boss is clearly intent on keeping a low profile, for the moment at least "This is not the right time to say anything," he told KickOffNigeria.com.

"We have to wait until after the interview. After that, you can ask me anything and there will be enough to talk about."

Former Nigeria captains Segun odegbami and Austin Okocha both shunned the inauguration of NFF committees in Abuja on Tuesday.

Odegbami had been named into the NFF's Appeals Committee, an appointment he has dismissed as 'a joke' and 'an insult' while Okocha was appointed into the Technical Committee.

Neither man was present at the inauguration.

There was no explanation for Okocha's absence.

However, former internationals Christian Chukwu and Victor Ikpeba were present at the ceremony.

http://www.kickoff.com/news/18599/austin-okocha-segun-odegbami-shun-nff-inauguration.php

Big guns line up behind Keshi

A slew of top former internationals have been lining up in support of Stephen Keshi's candidacy for the Super Eagles job.

Keshi goes head to head with former team mate Samson Siasia for the post, with both men to be interviewed by an NFF Technical Committee panel on Thursday.

Siasia enjoys wide support from among the fans, but Keshi is running away with the ex internationals vote.

Among former players who have endorsed Keshi are Kadiri Ikhana, David Ngodigha and Tijani Babangida.

All three have pointed to Keshi's maturity and experience at senior international level with Togo and Mali.

http://www.kickoff.com/news/18603/big-guns-line-up-behind-stephen-keshi.php

semid4lyfe:
Not off track! Let me explain it like this. . .You're a very opinionated person and so am I.


At the end of the day na my keyboard & fingers go suffer if I decide to engage you. Frankly, I've also lost my appetite for the long & multiple pages of debates which you crave and seem to thrive on.    

So you look me sortay, na wetin u fit come up with be that? see me no get time for that either, check my recent posts, i hardly engage anyone in long argument, i don't have time for that again, so abeg get your facts right

NPL announce Media Committee

The Nigeria Premier has announced a 10-person Media/Awards Committee headed by executive committee member Akin Akinbobolal as chairman.

Members of the committee, which is populated by practicing journalists, include KickOff's Colin Udoh, Toyin Ibitoye, Ejiro Femi Babafemi, Victor Iroele, Saidu Abubakar and Bode Oguntuyi.

One representative from the NPL's prospective Title Sponsor and the body's Head of Competitions complete the list.

The decision was approved at a board meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

http://www.kickoff.com/news/18600/nigeria-premier-league-announce-media-committee.php

As Nigeria gets set to appoint a new coach, Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has called for stability in both administration and coaching.

By the time either of Stephen Keshi or Samson Siasia is appointed next Monday, the Super Eagles would have had four coaches in 11 months, and Yobo says the constant change is a distraction.

"We want some stability from the administrative and coaching side," he told KickOffNigeria.com. "There has been a lot of distraction and I just hope we can put it all behind us and make some decisions for the benefit of everyone."

Yobo has assumed the captaincy of the Super Eagles following the retirement of Nwankwo Kanu and admits that the responsibility brings extra pressure.

"Being full captain brings extra pressure, but I just want to put that behind me."

That responsibility includes ensuring that players show up for games, and Yobo had some serious words for serious players who skip games, saying they have to lead the way.

"We have to be at our best in every game and that means all the senior players have to show up at all games to make sure we win.

"And not just showing up, they have to show up in camp on time.

"We all have to stand up and decide what is going to happen. We don’t want to go back to the past where we have to wait until the last day to qualify.

"We have to win all our games convincingly from now on."

http://www.kickoff.com/news/18601/joseph-yobo-wants-nigeria-stability.php

rasputinn:
Now the teams are gonna play two games per week.With the penchant for the teams to travel by road and the terrible state of Nigerian roads,I foresee a chaotic situation where teams will find it impossible to make it back from their previous match venue and even the home teams will not be awarded walk over points as they themselves will be trapped on one of the numerous bad roads on their way from their own previous match

NPL: No midweek games

Posted: 2010-11-02 21:20

The Nigeria Premier League have foreclosed the idea of midweek games for the immediate future.

Three postponements of the league's kick-off date means the competition is now way behind schedule and there were suggestions that midweek games would be used to make up for lost time.

But an NPL statement on Tuesday poured cold water on those suggestions, at least until sponsorship is secured.

"Only weekend matches will be played for now until title sponsorship is secured," the NPL release read.

The league body also warned clubs whose stadia are on its readiness watch list, to arrange for final inspection by November 3, or be forced to use alternative venues.

Kwara United's Offa Township Stadium, and Niger Tornadoes' Mamman Kontagora Stadium, two venues previously under that watch list, have passed muster, and been given provisional certification.

Others clubs still facing the possibility of playing outside their home grounds are Gombe United, Zamfara United and 3SC.

http://www.kickoff.com/news/18598/nigeria-premier-league-no-midweek-games.php

^^^^^^

Even if what you are saying is 100% off track?

keep

If Keshi gets the job come November 8th, you can donate your 78' LCD TV to me in protest you hia? so you are trying to say Siasia did not collect "egunje" from those boys (overaged) he took to various tourney? you better let the sleeping dogs lay.

I don't see Keshi playing or calling up Yakubu, never, if it happens, i will arrange bois, we go go kidnap Keshi for a ransom of Yakubu's left ball.

^^^^^

Allegations!!!, may you not be accused wrongly/falsely, say Amen before Angel pass

^^^

And who told you they weren't good enough to play for Nigeria? is Charlton Cole not better than most of our current strikers? yet he didn't play for us, does that mean he isn't good enough?

These girls you are saying aren't good enough helped EG beat the SF last 2 years, so abeg drop that line

Plateau’s Olaniyi to miss league opener
by Sammy Wejinya 02 November 2010, 13:13

Plateau United star midfielder, Olayinka Olaniyi will miss his side’s opening day clash against former champions of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Dolphin.

Olaniyi is suffering from a groin injury which will keep him out for the next two weeks.

“There is no point denying it. Olaniyi’s absence is a huge blow. The boy is too good and he really knows how to dictate the pace of the game thanks to his pace, skill vision and all round ability. However, I have a suitable replacement and hopefully, we will cope,” coach of the team, Ndubuisi Nduka Nduka told SuperSport.com.

The former Dolphin assistant coach also praised the new players for fitting seamlessly into the side noting that several peerless performances would be on the cards.

Big guns like Obinna Nwokolo (Sunshine Stars), Dimka Nwononye, Edward Bewerang and Abdul Isa (all from Gombe United) are some of the new arrivals at thenewly promoted club.

Other new arrivals include Peter Gyang (Wikki Tourists), Sele George (Bayelsa United), Tochukwu Edom (Anambra Pillars), Solomon Bitrus (Dolphin), Waziri Kabiru (Enyimba) and the duo of Eze Wobike, Abayomi Olorunda (both from Sharks).

“The boys have all fitted in well without any problems and hopefully, we would achieve great things this season,” he said. Plateau United begin their 2010/2011 NPL season with a home game against Dolphin on November 7.

© SuperSport.com
Print

by Ojeikere Aikhoje 02 November 2010, 13:25

Over the years, the Nigeria Premier League has remained a fertile ground for foreign clubs to scout for players.

Despite the criticism of the league, Nigerian players still remain in hot demand abroad.

The typical Nigerian player has the will to overcome odds and this explains why Nigerians strive even in cold regions like Ukraine, Russia and the Scandinavia.

As the 2010/11 season draws closer, SuperSport.com profiles players who left the Nigerian Premier League for clubs abroad in the 2009/10 season and others who were closely linked with foreign clubs.

Michael Uchebo: Enugu Rangers to VVV Venlo (Holland)

After a brilliant outing for one of Nigeria’s most popular clubs, Enugu Rangers, Uchebo caught the attention of scouts from modest Dutch side, VVV Venlo.

The former Rangers star was a member of Nigeria’s Under-20 squad at the 2009 Africa Youth Championship in Rwanda, but couldn’t make it to the World Youth Championship in Egypt.

Uchebo satisfied the club’s technical crew after trials and is now one of the club’s reliable players.

The former youth international officially joined Venlo in December 2009.

Nduka Ozokwo: Enugu Rangers to Boluspor (Turkey)

Nduka Ozokwo, who is in the mould of Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips came to limelight at Enugu Rangers. He is a product of Lawrence Akpokona’s coaching tactics.

The youngster got his break at his first and only premier league side, Enugu Rangers.

From Rangers he got an invitation to the Nigerian Under-20 squad and played in the Africa Youth Championship in Republic of Congo as well as the World Youth Championship in Canada 2007.

In July 2007, French side OGC Nice gave him a chance to play football in Europe. At the Côte d'Azur club he played alongside compatriot Onyekachi Apam, also a former Enugu Rangers player.

Unlike Apam, Ozokwo struggled to earn a regular shirt in the French side and eventually left the club on June 30, 2009.

His former club, Enugu Rangers grabbed him as he staged a comeback to the Nigerian Premier League.

However, his return to Rangers was short-lived as he joined Boluspor on January 29, 2010.

Ozokwo has returned to Rangers for the new season.

Uche Agba: Heartland to Club Sportif Sfaxien (Tunisia)

Tunisian side, Club Sportif Sfaxien, which is well known for their interest in players from the Nigerian league monitored Uche Agba during the 2009 Caf champions league when Heartland went all the way to the finals, but lost to eventual champions, TP Mazembe.

Agba was no doubt one of the best players in the Heartland squad.

Despite losing to Mazembe, he was linked to several clubs in the continent and Sfaxien eventually got their man.

King Osanga: Heartland to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Osanga’s road to stardom began at the cadet level when he earned a place in Nigeria’s Under-17 National team. He won the African championship in Togo and also won the world cup in South-Korea, all in 2007.

His club career began at Akwa United and moved to Heartland in 2009 to boost their Caf champions league squad after representing Nigeria at 2009 Fifa world youth championship. <> The youngster justified his presence in the Heartland squad.

He was one of the most creative players as Heartland zoomed to the finals, but lost to TP Mazembe.

Interestingly, he played against Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel and this offered the Tunisians a good opportunity to watch him from close range. Heartland battered the Tunisians 3-0 at home and secured a draw on the road.

Like his former teammate, Agba, Osanga was also linked to several clubs in and outside Africa.

In November 2009, he was linked with a move to Tunisian top club, Etoile Sportive du Sahel, which has a strong association with players from the Nigerian league.

The likes of Ogechukwu Obiakor, Emeka Opara, Muri Ogunbiyi and Eric Frimpong are some of the players who have moved to Etoile from Nigeria.

On March 4, 2010, he got a dream move the Sousse based side.

Alex Nkume: Enugu Rangers to VVV Venlo (Holland)

Alex Nkume is another product of the Enugu Rangers football school.

Interestingly, Nkume joined Venlo in December 2009 with his Rangers teammate, Michael Uchebo.

Like Uchebo, he was with the Nigerian Under-20 team at the Rwanda 2009 africa youth championship, but missed the wyc in Egypt.

Nkume has since wormed his way into the first team of Venlo.

Stanley Okoro: Heartland to Almeria (Spain)

‘Little Messi’ as Okoro was called in Nigeria moved to Spanish side, Almeria, this year.

His five-star performance during the Fifa Under-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria last year earned him global recognition. He was also a member of Heartland’s 2009 Caf champions league squad.

He is now a senior international.

Anthony Ujah: Warri Wolves to Lillestrom (Norway)

Ujah is a forward who began his career at FC Abuja.

From FC Abuja, he moved to Warri Wolves, in 2009 and left in January 2010 to sign for Lillestrøm, a club in Norway’s elite class.

Ujah made his debut on March 14, 2010 against Aalesunds FK.

Aziz Ansah: Heartland to FC Dallas (USA)

Aziz Ansah is an experienced Ghanaian international who has played in several leagues.

He gambled with a move to Heartland and it paid off as the Nigerian side reached the finals.

This earned him a return to the Black Stars. Ansah narrowly missed Ghana’s squad for the Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ghanaian moved to FC Dallas in America’s Major League Soccer in 2010, but after one month the contract was cancelled.

Eric Frimpong: Enyimba to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Eric Asamoah Frimpong is a former Niger Tornadoes attacking midfielder-cum-forward who now plays for Tunisian side, Club Sportive Hammam-Lif on loan from Etoile du Sahel.

Eric, who is a younger brother of former Enyimba star and Ghanaian international, Joetex Frimpong, lives with his parents in Nigeria’s Northern city of Minna.

Like his elder brother, he started football in Minna and secured attention from premier league side, Niger Tornadoes.

He had a stint at amateur side, Bida Lions, in neighbouring Bida and finally signed a professional career with Tornadoes, a team that remains very close to his family.

In November 2009, he left Enyimba Aba for Etoile du Sahel and scored on his debut in the Tunis derby against rivals, Club Africain.

Etoile later loaned him to CSHL.

John Owoeri: Heartland to Ismaily (Egypt): Owoeri, who had stints at Holland’s Feyenoord and Belgium’s Westerlo, was at American side, Columbus Crew that has former NPL star, Emmanuel Ekpo.

However, the deal wasn’t fruitful and he returned to Heartland.

The good news is that Owoeri has headed for Egypt’s Ismaily after an impressive performance in the continent with Heartland.

Fengor Ogude: Warri Wolves to Valerenga (Norway)

Ogude made his mark at Warri Wolves and also became one of the popular players in the domestic scene.

Interestingly, he sealed the move to Norway’s Valerenga at a time he was invited to the Super Eagles camp on the eve of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Madagascar.

Omonigho Temile: Warri Wolves to Valleta (Malta)

Former Nigerian international, Omonigho Temile, started his first campaign abroad in Bulgaria.

However, he returned to home town club, Warri Wolves, in the Nigerian league after an uneventful spell in Russia.

Less than a year after his return, Temile secured a deal at Malta’s Valleta.

Ahmed Musa: Kano Pillars to VVV Venlo (Holland)

Former Kano Pillars star, Ahmed Musa, earned legendary status in the Nigerian League after setting a new All-time goal record of 18 goals to erase the previous efforts of legends like Ishaya Jatau, Eugene Salami and Akarandut Orok.

The feat earned Ahmed a contract at modest Dutch side, VVV Venlo, where has joined two other Nigerians, Michael Uchebo and Alex Nkume.

Indeed, it was a great year for the young Ahmed as he became a junior international and also got a full international cap.

Efe Ambrose: Kaduna United to FC Ashdod (Israel)

Kaduna United fans were really sad to see their famous star, Efe Ambrose, leave for Europe.

Ambrose has been a loyal staff of the Kaduna side and was a member of Nigeria’s squad at the last Olympics, in China, where the team won silver in the football event.

Eugene Salami: Niger Tornadoes to Al-Ahly (Egypt)

Salami was unknown at Lobi Stars, but his story changed when he joined Niger Tornadoes.

He scored 17 goals and became a target of foreign teams like Belgium’s Westerlo and Israel’s Maccabi Haifa.

The forward is on trials at Africa’s most successful side, Al-Ahly in Egypt.

Solomon Okpako: Kano Pillars to Palonios (Greece)

Okpako had a great time at Kano Pillars when the club campaigned in the Caf Champions League.

He continued last term and was scouted by modest Greek side, Palonios.

Signswonder Chibambo: Heartland to El-Masry (Egypt)

Zambian International, Signswonder Chibambo made history as the first East African to play in Nigeria.

The settled at Heartland and became a favourite of the fans. He made an impact as Heartland reached the 2009 Caf Champions League finals.

Chibambo moved to Egypt’s El-Masry, but later returned to his Nigerian team.

http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/101102/NPL_players_who_left_in_200910

Wafu Cup delays Ezeji’s Rangers deal
by Ojeikere Aikhoje 02 November 2010, 13:21

The impressive performance of Sharks in the sub-regional Wafu cup has delayed the transfer of experienced forward, Victor Ezeji to rivals, Enugu Rangers.

Sharks qualified for the final stage of the competition which holds in December and the forward is expected to play a key role as the clubs seeks its first title.

The forward has put his name in the score sheet in the club’s Wafu campaign.

“I can’t play for Sharks and Rangers at the same time. So I have to wait till Week 9 when the transfer window reopens to decide my future with the team. It would be my decision to remain or not. I believe my transfer to Rangers will be a reality,” Ezeji told SuperSport.com.

Sharks secretary, Cyril Wite, confirmed that club and player have since agreed to a new deal.

“Ezeji is one of the players registered for the new season. He has played a key role in our Wafu Cup campaign and we believe his experience will be an advantage when the season begins,” he said to SuperSport.com.

The transfer of Victor Ezeji to Rangers has since become the most discussed in recent times.

Rangers celebrated his arrival last season, but the forward had to return to Sharks when negotiations failed.

© SuperSport.com

NPL players who left in 2009/10
by Ojeikere Aikhoje 02 November 2010, 13:25

Over the years, the Nigeria Premier League has remained a fertile ground for foreign clubs to scout for players.

Despite the criticism of the league, Nigerian players still remain in hot demand abroad.

The typical Nigerian player has the will to overcome odds and this explains why Nigerians strive even in cold regions like Ukraine, Russia and the Scandinavia.

As the 2010/11 season draws closer, SuperSport.com profiles players who left the Nigerian Premier League for clubs abroad in the 2009/10 season and others who were closely linked with foreign clubs.

Michael Uchebo: Enugu Rangers to VVV Venlo (Holland)

After a brilliant outing for one of Nigeria’s most popular clubs, Enugu Rangers, Uchebo caught the attention of scouts from modest Dutch side, VVV Venlo.

The former Rangers star was a member of Nigeria’s Under-20 squad at the 2009 Africa Youth Championship in Rwanda, but couldn’t make it to the World Youth Championship in Egypt.

Uchebo satisfied the club’s technical crew after trials and is now one of the club’s reliable players.

The former youth international officially joined Venlo in December 2009.

Nduka Ozokwo: Enugu Rangers to Boluspor (Turkey)

Nduka Ozokwo, who is in the mould of Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips came to limelight at Enugu Rangers. He is a product of Lawrence Akpokona’s coaching tactics.

The youngster got his break at his first and only premier league side, Enugu Rangers.

From Rangers he got an invitation to the Nigerian Under-20 squad and played in the Africa Youth Championship in Republic of Congo as well as the World Youth Championship in Canada 2007.

In July 2007, French side OGC Nice gave him a chance to play football in Europe. At the Côte d'Azur club he played alongside compatriot Onyekachi Apam, also a former Enugu Rangers player.

Unlike Apam, Ozokwo struggled to earn a regular shirt in the French side and eventually left the club on June 30, 2009.

His former club, Enugu Rangers grabbed him as he staged a comeback to the Nigerian Premier League.

However, his return to Rangers was short-lived as he joined Boluspor on January 29, 2010.

Ozokwo has returned to Rangers for the new season.

Uche Agba: Heartland to Club Sportif Sfaxien (Tunisia)

Tunisian side, Club Sportif Sfaxien, which is well known for their interest in players from the Nigerian league monitored Uche Agba during the 2009 Caf champions league when Heartland went all the way to the finals, but lost to eventual champions, TP Mazembe.

Agba was no doubt one of the best players in the Heartland squad.

Despite losing to Mazembe, he was linked to several clubs in the continent and Sfaxien eventually got their man.

King Osanga: Heartland to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Osanga’s road to stardom began at the cadet level when he earned a place in Nigeria’s Under-17 National team. He won the African championship in Togo and also won the world cup in South-Korea, all in 2007.

His club career began at Akwa United and moved to Heartland in 2009 to boost their Caf champions league squad after representing Nigeria at 2009 Fifa world youth championship. <> The youngster justified his presence in the Heartland squad.

He was one of the most creative players as Heartland zoomed to the finals, but lost to TP Mazembe.

Interestingly, he played against Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel and this offered the Tunisians a good opportunity to watch him from close range. Heartland battered the Tunisians 3-0 at home and secured a draw on the road.

Like his former teammate, Agba, Osanga was also linked to several clubs in and outside Africa.

In November 2009, he was linked with a move to Tunisian top club, Etoile Sportive du Sahel, which has a strong association with players from the Nigerian league.

The likes of Ogechukwu Obiakor, Emeka Opara, Muri Ogunbiyi and Eric Frimpong are some of the players who have moved to Etoile from Nigeria.

On March 4, 2010, he got a dream move the Sousse based side.

Alex Nkume: Enugu Rangers to VVV Venlo (Holland)

Alex Nkume is another product of the Enugu Rangers football school.

Interestingly, Nkume joined Venlo in December 2009 with his Rangers teammate, Michael Uchebo.

Like Uchebo, he was with the Nigerian Under-20 team at the Rwanda 2009 africa youth championship, but missed the wyc in Egypt.

Nkume has since wormed his way into the first team of Venlo.

Stanley Okoro: Heartland to Almeria (Spain)

‘Little Messi’ as Okoro was called in Nigeria moved to Spanish side, Almeria, this year.

His five-star performance during the Fifa Under-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria last year earned him global recognition. He was also a member of Heartland’s 2009 Caf champions league squad.

He is now a senior international.

Anthony Ujah: Warri Wolves to Lillestrom (Norway)

Ujah is a forward who began his career at FC Abuja.

From FC Abuja, he moved to Warri Wolves, in 2009 and left in January 2010 to sign for Lillestrøm, a club in Norway’s elite class.

Ujah made his debut on March 14, 2010 against Aalesunds FK.

Aziz Ansah: Heartland to FC Dallas (USA)

Aziz Ansah is an experienced Ghanaian international who has played in several leagues.

He gambled with a move to Heartland and it paid off as the Nigerian side reached the finals.

This earned him a return to the Black Stars. Ansah narrowly missed Ghana’s squad for the Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ghanaian moved to FC Dallas in America’s Major League Soccer in 2010, but after one month the contract was cancelled.

Eric Frimpong: Enyimba to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Eric Asamoah Frimpong is a former Niger Tornadoes attacking midfielder-cum-forward who now plays for Tunisian side, Club Sportive Hammam-Lif on loan from Etoile du Sahel.

Eric, who is a younger brother of former Enyimba star and Ghanaian international, Joetex Frimpong, lives with his parents in Nigeria’s Northern city of Minna.

Like his elder brother, he started football in Minna and secured attention from premier league side, Niger Tornadoes.

He had a stint at amateur side, Bida Lions, in neighbouring Bida and finally signed a professional career with Tornadoes, a team that remains very close to his family.

In November 2009, he left Enyimba Aba for Etoile du Sahel and scored on his debut in the Tunis derby against rivals, Club Africain.

Etoile later loaned him to CSHL.

John Owoeri: Heartland to Ismaily (Egypt): Owoeri, who had stints at Holland’s Feyenoord and Belgium’s Westerlo, was at American side, Columbus Crew that has former NPL star, Emmanuel Ekpo.

However, the deal wasn’t fruitful and he returned to Heartland.

The good news is that Owoeri has headed for Egypt’s Ismaily after an impressive performance in the continent with Heartland.

Fengor Ogude: Warri Wolves to Valerenga (Norway)

Ogude made his mark at Warri Wolves and also became one of the popular players in the domestic scene.

Interestingly, he sealed the move to Norway’s Valerenga at a time he was invited to the Super Eagles camp on the eve of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Madagascar.

Omonigho Temile: Warri Wolves to Valleta (Malta)

Former Nigerian international, Omonigho Temile, started his first campaign abroad in Bulgaria.

However, he returned to home town club, Warri Wolves, in the Nigerian league after an uneventful spell in Russia.

Less than a year after his return, Temile secured a deal at Malta’s Valleta.

Ahmed Musa: Kano Pillars to VVV Venlo (Holland)

Former Kano Pillars star, Ahmed Musa, earned legendary status in the Nigerian League after setting a new All-time goal record of 18 goals to erase the previous efforts of legends like Ishaya Jatau, Eugene Salami and Akarandut Orok.

The feat earned Ahmed a contract at modest Dutch side, VVV Venlo, where has joined two other Nigerians, Michael Uchebo and Alex Nkume.

Indeed, it was a great year for the young Ahmed as he became a junior international and also got a full international cap.

Efe Ambrose: Kaduna United to FC Ashdod (Israel)

Kaduna United fans were really sad to see their famous star, Efe Ambrose, leave for Europe.

Ambrose has been a loyal staff of the Kaduna side and was a member of Nigeria’s squad at the last Olympics, in China, where the team won silver in the football event.

Eugene Salami: Niger Tornadoes to Al-Ahly (Egypt)

Salami was unknown at Lobi Stars, but his story changed when he joined Niger Tornadoes.

He scored 17 goals and became a target of foreign teams like Belgium’s Westerlo and Israel’s Maccabi Haifa.

The forward is on trials at Africa’s most successful side, Al-Ahly in Egypt.

Solomon Okpako: Kano Pillars to Palonios (Greece)

Okpako had a great time at Kano Pillars when the club campaigned in the Caf Champions League.

He continued last term and was scouted by modest Greek side, Palonios.

Signswonder Chibambo: Heartland to El-Masry (Egypt)

Zambian International, Signswonder Chibambo made history as the first East African to play in Nigeria.

The settled at Heartland and became a favourite of the fans. He made an impact as Heartland reached the 2009 Caf Champions League finals.

Chibambo moved to Egypt’s El-Masry, but later returned to his Nigerian team.

http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/101102/NPL_players_who_left_in_200910

by Ojeikere Aikhoje 02 November 2010, 13:25

Over the years, the Nigeria Premier League has remained a fertile ground for foreign clubs to scout for players.

Despite the criticism of the league, Nigerian players still remain in hot demand abroad.

The typical Nigerian player has the will to overcome odds and this explains why Nigerians strive even in cold regions like Ukraine, Russia and the Scandinavia.

As the 2010/11 season draws closer, SuperSport.com profiles players who left the Nigerian Premier League for clubs abroad in the 2009/10 season and others who were closely linked with foreign clubs.

Michael Uchebo: Enugu Rangers to VVV Venlo (Holland)

After a brilliant outing for one of Nigeria’s most popular clubs, Enugu Rangers, Uchebo caught the attention of scouts from modest Dutch side, VVV Venlo.

The former Rangers star was a member of Nigeria’s Under-20 squad at the 2009 Africa Youth Championship in Rwanda, but couldn’t make it to the World Youth Championship in Egypt.

Uchebo satisfied the club’s technical crew after trials and is now one of the club’s reliable players.

The former youth international officially joined Venlo in December 2009.

Nduka Ozokwo: Enugu Rangers to Boluspor (Turkey)

Nduka Ozokwo, who is in the mould of Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips came to limelight at Enugu Rangers. He is a product of Lawrence Akpokona’s coaching tactics.

The youngster got his break at his first and only premier league side, Enugu Rangers.

From Rangers he got an invitation to the Nigerian Under-20 squad and played in the Africa Youth Championship in Republic of Congo as well as the World Youth Championship in Canada 2007.

In July 2007, French side OGC Nice gave him a chance to play football in Europe. At the Côte d'Azur club he played alongside compatriot Onyekachi Apam, also a former Enugu Rangers player.

Unlike Apam, Ozokwo struggled to earn a regular shirt in the French side and eventually left the club on June 30, 2009.

His former club, Enugu Rangers grabbed him as he staged a comeback to the Nigerian Premier League.

However, his return to Rangers was short-lived as he joined Boluspor on January 29, 2010.

Ozokwo has returned to Rangers for the new season.

Uche Agba: Heartland to Club Sportif Sfaxien (Tunisia)

Tunisian side, Club Sportif Sfaxien, which is well known for their interest in players from the Nigerian league monitored Uche Agba during the 2009 Caf champions league when Heartland went all the way to the finals, but lost to eventual champions, TP Mazembe.

Agba was no doubt one of the best players in the Heartland squad.

Despite losing to Mazembe, he was linked to several clubs in the continent and Sfaxien eventually got their man.

King Osanga: Heartland to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Osanga’s road to stardom began at the cadet level when he earned a place in Nigeria’s Under-17 National team. He won the African championship in Togo and also won the world cup in South-Korea, all in 2007.

His club career began at Akwa United and moved to Heartland in 2009 to boost their Caf champions league squad after representing Nigeria at 2009 Fifa world youth championship. <> The youngster justified his presence in the Heartland squad.

He was one of the most creative players as Heartland zoomed to the finals, but lost to TP Mazembe.

Interestingly, he played against Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel and this offered the Tunisians a good opportunity to watch him from close range. Heartland battered the Tunisians 3-0 at home and secured a draw on the road.

Like his former teammate, Agba, Osanga was also linked to several clubs in and outside Africa.

In November 2009, he was linked with a move to Tunisian top club, Etoile Sportive du Sahel, which has a strong association with players from the Nigerian league.

The likes of Ogechukwu Obiakor, Emeka Opara, Muri Ogunbiyi and Eric Frimpong are some of the players who have moved to Etoile from Nigeria.

On March 4, 2010, he got a dream move the Sousse based side.

Alex Nkume: Enugu Rangers to VVV Venlo (Holland)

Alex Nkume is another product of the Enugu Rangers football school.

Interestingly, Nkume joined Venlo in December 2009 with his Rangers teammate, Michael Uchebo.

Like Uchebo, he was with the Nigerian Under-20 team at the Rwanda 2009 africa youth championship, but missed the wyc in Egypt.

Nkume has since wormed his way into the first team of Venlo.

Stanley Okoro: Heartland to Almeria (Spain)

‘Little Messi’ as Okoro was called in Nigeria moved to Spanish side, Almeria, this year.

His five-star performance during the Fifa Under-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria last year earned him global recognition. He was also a member of Heartland’s 2009 Caf champions league squad.

He is now a senior international.

Anthony Ujah: Warri Wolves to Lillestrom (Norway)

Ujah is a forward who began his career at FC Abuja.

From FC Abuja, he moved to Warri Wolves, in 2009 and left in January 2010 to sign for Lillestrøm, a club in Norway’s elite class.

Ujah made his debut on March 14, 2010 against Aalesunds FK.

Aziz Ansah: Heartland to FC Dallas (USA)

Aziz Ansah is an experienced Ghanaian international who has played in several leagues.

He gambled with a move to Heartland and it paid off as the Nigerian side reached the finals.

This earned him a return to the Black Stars. Ansah narrowly missed Ghana’s squad for the Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ghanaian moved to FC Dallas in America’s Major League Soccer in 2010, but after one month the contract was cancelled.

Eric Frimpong: Enyimba to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Eric Asamoah Frimpong is a former Niger Tornadoes attacking midfielder-cum-forward who now plays for Tunisian side, Club Sportive Hammam-Lif on loan from Etoile du Sahel.

Eric, who is a younger brother of former Enyimba star and Ghanaian international, Joetex Frimpong, lives with his parents in Nigeria’s Northern city of Minna.

Like his elder brother, he started football in Minna and secured attention from premier league side, Niger Tornadoes.

He had a stint at amateur side, Bida Lions, in neighbouring Bida and finally signed a professional career with Tornadoes, a team that remains very close to his family.

In November 2009, he left Enyimba Aba for Etoile du Sahel and scored on his debut in the Tunis derby against rivals, Club Africain.

Etoile later loaned him to CSHL.

John Owoeri: Heartland to Ismaily (Egypt): Owoeri, who had stints at Holland’s Feyenoord and Belgium’s Westerlo, was at American side, Columbus Crew that has former NPL star, Emmanuel Ekpo.

However, the deal wasn’t fruitful and he returned to Heartland.

The good news is that Owoeri has headed for Egypt’s Ismaily after an impressive performance in the continent with Heartland.

Fengor Ogude: Warri Wolves to Valerenga (Norway)

Ogude made his mark at Warri Wolves and also became one of the popular players in the domestic scene.

Interestingly, he sealed the move to Norway’s Valerenga at a time he was invited to the Super Eagles camp on the eve of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Madagascar.

Omonigho Temile: Warri Wolves to Valleta (Malta)

Former Nigerian international, Omonigho Temile, started his first campaign abroad in Bulgaria.

However, he returned to home town club, Warri Wolves, in the Nigerian league after an uneventful spell in Russia.

Less than a year after his return, Temile secured a deal at Malta’s Valleta.

Ahmed Musa: Kano Pillars to VVV Venlo (Holland)

Former Kano Pillars star, Ahmed Musa, earned legendary status in the Nigerian League after setting a new All-time goal record of 18 goals to erase the previous efforts of legends like Ishaya Jatau, Eugene Salami and Akarandut Orok.

The feat earned Ahmed a contract at modest Dutch side, VVV Venlo, where has joined two other Nigerians, Michael Uchebo and Alex Nkume.

Indeed, it was a great year for the young Ahmed as he became a junior international and also got a full international cap.

Efe Ambrose: Kaduna United to FC Ashdod (Israel)

Kaduna United fans were really sad to see their famous star, Efe Ambrose, leave for Europe.

Ambrose has been a loyal staff of the Kaduna side and was a member of Nigeria’s squad at the last Olympics, in China, where the team won silver in the football event.

Eugene Salami: Niger Tornadoes to Al-Ahly (Egypt)

Salami was unknown at Lobi Stars, but his story changed when he joined Niger Tornadoes.

He scored 17 goals and became a target of foreign teams like Belgium’s Westerlo and Israel’s Maccabi Haifa.

The forward is on trials at Africa’s most successful side, Al-Ahly in Egypt.

Solomon Okpako: Kano Pillars to Palonios (Greece)

Okpako had a great time at Kano Pillars when the club campaigned in the Caf Champions League.

He continued last term and was scouted by modest Greek side, Palonios.

Signswonder Chibambo: Heartland to El-Masry (Egypt)

Zambian International, Signswonder Chibambo made history as the first East African to play in Nigeria.

The settled at Heartland and became a favourite of the fans. He made an impact as Heartland reached the 2009 Caf Champions League finals.

Chibambo moved to Egypt’s El-Masry, but later returned to his Nigerian team.

http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/101102/NPL_players_who_left_in_200910

medjai:
yes Mali is an average team with average players. Infact, they are below average. Kanoute's form has since dipped. Sissoko is no more than a bit part player at Juve and only God knows when Diarra last played for Real Madrid. Mali would have qualified for the quarter-finals if not for the head to head rule. They had a superior goal difference to that of Algeria and were only knocked out cruelly by the head to head rule. Even when Mali had an experienced foreign coach in Henri Kasperczak, they couldn't do better than a quarter final finish. Keshi has proven his mettle at the highest level unlike Siasia. Siasia was sacked at JUTH, Ocean Boys and most recently could not deliver at Heartland. Siasia has only achieved at age grade competitions where we even paraded over aged players. Not saying he is a bad coach though

Thank you jare, it's not like Siasia is a bad coach but when it comes to choosing between the 2 shortlisted, i will go for Keshi anytime anyday, he has managed more strongheaded players than siasia.

Dalby:
The problem doing the some is that you never know when you have gone off track. See the analysis of Jesus about the sabbath day

I think this can be checked with the same word of God (the bible)

Call him a good adviser

5 Nigerians in the EG team? hmmm, that one go be problem oo.

Bazuaye warns of Enyimba struggles


Daddy Bazuaye has warned Enyimba that unless they resolve player financial issues, the team will struggle this season, especially in the CAF Champions League.

Enyimba are the reigning champions and will represent Nigeria in CAF's premier club competition next season, but Bazuaye says there is unhappiness within the squad.

"Enyimba are a very good side and everybody knows them. They are two-time champions. But players are not happy about the current situation," Bazuaye told KickOffNigeria.com. "In terms of financial, team spirit and morale boosters.

"Those things are not there anymore. They are really lacking right now, and if they do not put those things in order, I don't think they are going to do well in the Champions League," he said.

Enyimba Media Officer Tonnex Chukwunwas miffed by the comments. "Bazuaye is a good junior international who did not move on to the senior team due to gross indiscipline. I think he should restrict his comments to matters on the pitch," Chukwu said.

He did admit though, that Enyimba are going through a difficult patch. "We may be going through bad times, but Enyimba is like a cat with nine lives, and whatever we are going through now, we will overcome.

"In any case, we are still in a much better position than most other teams."

http://www.kickoff.com/news/18580/daddy-bazuaye-warns-of-enyimba-struggles.php

Those who like the NPL, here are the players you should watch out for.

scantee:
Guy i dey naija, i dey pray make i dey leave them so i go travel go watch-am live.
try hit me on ym morow

ok, will do.

would offer to let her know me

jamace:

HA HA HA HA. Let me laugh first. Remember the saying "Pride goes before a fall"? Ok.

@post
Will teach him how to play scrabble.

can you actually play scrabble? let's meet at isc.ro, google that site, sign up, download the platform, then let me have your id, i have some Nairalanders i converted to that site and ever since then, they have become my puppets

@topic

Will make her want to cuddle me

Odunnu:
Yea

motivates her

@topic

give him 100points head

scantee:
yeee we need the three point to secure our stand in knock-out stage. i wish i will be on leve before Nov 27th, i need to watch my boys crash morinho boys live in spain, hit me on ym lets browwwwwwwwwwwwwww

ok man, ain't you in Naija? you wan go watch am live? nna meeeennnnn

^^^^

Encouragement?

^^^^

other fans can do it joor