₦airaland Forum

naptu2:
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR



Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria and AFC Toronto)

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria and Paris Saint-Germain)

For me, Esther Okoronkwo deserves this!

The contributions of some players to their teams' success are sometimes underestimated.

The contribution of Moses Simon to the last two goals scored again Benin and generally to the team, for instance.

Also, Chukwueze's assists in the first two goals.

naptu2:
WOMEN’S YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens)

Shakirat is a brilliant finisher.

Glad to see her on this list.

Nigeria doing well at the ongoing U-17 World Cup will be a big boost.

naptu2:
WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR


Nigeria

Nigeria U-17

Looking forward to Nigeria U-17 doing very well at the World Cup in Morocco.

That will be a boost to a strong competition for the best team national award between the Falcons and the U-17 Team

Great100000:
Most Peaceful and Nicest First Eleven?

Looks like most people don't get the sarcasm.

Any suggestions for a Manager/Coach?

Focusmind:
Let me include others: Felix Ohiwere of Nigerian Breweries, Arthur Mbanefo, Bunmi Oni - They were the corporate gurus of post independence Nigeria

These men made me to look for a career in corporate Nigeria. I read their profiles and got more motivated in pursuing a career in accounting and management.

Thanks!

Rest in Peace Sir!

I thought about him recently.

Akintola Williams, Gamaliel Onosode, Michael Omolayole, Ernest Shonekan

Has the last of the boardroom gurus of that era gone?

Mirasteel:
Nigeria have no chances, Nigeria has always been Argentina beeches. 😂😂😂😂

Nigeria eliminated Argentina 2-0 in the round of 16 in 2023 when the tournament was hosted by Argentina

The outcome of yesterday's match was sweet revenge for Argentina.

https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/player/4de51c51-12d5-4eb2-9873-5b2b09dc4da0?catalogId=4b7dc5e5-ccf0-40ef-aec9-207186debb17&entryPoint=Default


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72sCzLcHljM

Nigeria's Flying Eagles look to erase bad memories at U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile

Colin Udoh
Sep 29, 2025 ,0:35 AM

Nigeria's U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will return to the site of one of their most traumatic experiences as a team in search of a first ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title.

Three and half decades after they subjected expectant fans to soul-crushing tournament performances, crashing out in the group stage after going into the 1987 event as one of the favourites, the Nigerians return to Chile to exorcise those demons.


After a disappointing U20 AFCON, where they lost to South Africa in the semifinals, the seven-time African champions are desperately in need of a spark to rekindle support from their world-weary fans and get them back on onside.

Two pre-tournament friendlies, in Rancagua and Santiago, provide cause for some optimism. They drew 1-1 with Chile in the first and beat Australia 3-1 in the second.

Returning veterans Daniel Bameyi and Daniel Daga, who were both part of the last class, provide experience needed to guide the current crop as they face Norway on September 29, Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombia on October 5 in group play.

How Chile destroyed an entire team's careers
If the Flying Eagles are hoping to emulate Ghana and become only the second African team to win the FIFA Under 20 World Cup, they could not have picked a worse venue to make that attempt.

Chile is the site of Nigeria's most traumatic experience at this tournament. Two years after stunning the world, and probably even themselves, by winning the first ever FIFA Under 17 World Cup, the core of that team, led by captain Nduka Ugbade, headed to Chile to mount a challenge at the next level.

Joining Ugbade from that world-conquering Golden Eaglets team were goalkeeper Lucky Agbonsevbafe, midfielders Sani Adamu and Victor Igbinoba, along with striker Jonathan Akpoborie.

Akpoborie and Igbinoba scored both goals in that historic Eaglets win over Germany. But the abundance of talent did not end there. The team also the electrifying skills of Etim 'Maradona' Esin, arguably one of the most naturally gifted players to have come out of Nigeria.

Not to mention the silky, rangy passing of John Ene Okon, Willy Opara's outstanding shot-stopping, and the emerging midfield genius of Thompson Oliha, who went on to become a Super Eagles stalwart and won the 1994 AFCON.

With all of that talent, it was no surprise that the team travelled to Chile with great fanfare and huge expectations, with fans and media back home crowning them champions even before they had kicked a ball.

It did not take long for those hopes to be brutally extinguished. Clinically exposed by Brazil in their opening game, they were torn apart in a 4-0 demolition. And then, in a game they were expected to canter to an easy win against Canada, a late goal saw the North Americans claim a 2-2 draw.

Italy applied the coupe de grace with a 2-0 defeat as the Flying Eagles returned home, tail between their legs and bottom of a group they were expected to contest with Brazil.

Opara, touted as the next great goalkeeper prior to the tournament, saw the sun set on his senior international career after that. Things got so bad even at club level that he left ACB in Lagos to pursue a career with Orlando Pirates in South Africa. The story was the same for the majority of the team. Oliha was the only member of that squad to enjoy a significant senior international career.

It will take a place on the podium for the Flying Eagles to exorcise the ghosts of Chile that haunt many a Nigerian football fan of a certain generation.

They must channel the Miracle of Damman
If returning to Chile stirs up memories that Nigerians would rather forget, being drawn alongside Saudi Arabia might be a counterweight that brings better memories of this competition for Nigeria.

It was in that country, back in 1989, that the Flying Eagles created one of the most stirring comebacks in football history, what has come to be known as "The Miracle of Dammam".

Playing in the quarterfinal against the Soviet Union at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Dammam, the Nigerians were three goals down at half time and looking out of it.

Within the hour mark that score had gone up to 4-0 and it looked like the Soviets were going to run up the score on the hapless Nigerians. Many Nigerian fans, following the game at home, switched off. Only a hardy few remained to follow the radio commentary. Nigeria looked down and out.

But the Flying Eagles had other plans.

Three minutes after that fourth goal, Dimeji Lawal scored what looked to be only a consolation from a well-worked freekick. But then, with 15 minutes to go, it was another freekick that got Nigeria going. Chris Ohenhen ripped in a spectacular effort to bring score to 4-2. Could Nigerians dare to believe? Not yet... Maybe?

Less than 10 minutes after Ohenhen's goal, midfielder Samuel Elijah sneaked in behind the three Soviet defenders on the left channel, found space on the top of the box and let fly. The comeback was well and truly on.

The Flying Eagles had momentum and within one minute of that goal, they were level. Slick midfield play found Nduka Ugbade on the right channel, he held off his man and fired a rocket into the roof of the net. Like a movie, it was 4-4!

Back home in Nigeria, the scenes across the country, even with the game still on, were simply incredible. Fans poured into the streets in celebration, TV sets were turned back on, and time seemed to stand still.

The score stayed the same after extra time and the game went to penalties, where the Flying Eagles converted all five of their kicks, and the demoralized Soviets only managed to make three of theirs, with Nigeria goalkeeper Emeka Amadi saving Mirjalol Qosimov's kick.

Nigerians went wild, history was made and legends were born. Perhaps the current group might want to draw inspiration from there.

Seeking the U20 Holy Grail
Nigeria became the first African country to win a FIFA world title when the Golden Eaglets won the inaugural Under 16 World Cup in 1985. That age group has gone on to win four more world titles, making them the most successful country at that level, with Brazil a close second, one title behind them.

They also became the first African country to win an Olympic gold medal in football when they beat Argentina in the final of the 1996 Games in Atlanta. But despite being one of the top youth countries in the world, the one title that has eluded them at age group level has been this one.

They have come close enough, finishing as runners-up to Portugal 1989 in Saudi Arabia and in 2005 in The Netherlands, where a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina pipped them to the post.

Since then, their best performances have been two quarterfinal appearances, in Canada two years later and at the tournament in Argentina in 2023, where they were denied a place in the semifinal by South Korea after extra time.

The current team have not experienced the same sort of high expectations that teams of the past have carried into this tournament. Although they are expected to advance from a group that includes Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia, few back home expect them to do much better than a semifinal place at best.

Daga, Bayemi to join exclusive club
Nduka Ugbade, Abdul Jaleel Ajagun (2011, 2013), Kayode Olanrewaju (2011, 2013), Edafe Egbedi (2011, 2013) and Wilfred Ndidi (2013, 2015), Moses Simon (2013, 2015) are all veterans of this tournament for the Flying Eagles, but they have something in common that others who have played for the team do not have.

All six belong to a rarefied group of players who have participated in two U20 tournaments for Nigeria. Ugbade, following his U17 heroics in 1985, played at the U20 World Cup in 1987 and was the only surviving member of that nightmare to make it to the 1989 squad, a first for Nigeria.

For 23 long years, he was the only player to do so. And then three came along all at once. The trio of Ajagun, Olanrewaju and Egbedi, who followed up their participation in the 2011 tournament with a second in 2013.

Ajagun made some additional history of his own when he became only the 13th player to score at two tournaments. The trio were immediately followed by Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon at the very next tournament.

It is now the turn of the two Daniels to join the exclusive club. When the tournament gets underway this weekend, Daniel Daga and Daniel Bameyi will swell the ranks of that club to eight.

https://africa.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/46384432/nigeria-flying-eagles-look-erase-bad-memories-u20-fifa-world-cup-chile

Flying Eagles and Chile ’87 disaster

By David Ngobua
Sat, 31 May 2025 3:21:14 WAT
I know many of you may not recall what has come to be known as the Chile disaster. However, for those of us who followed the tragedy, it remains one of the most embarrassing moments for Nigerian football. After so much hype and great expectations, the then national U-20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, led by Coach Chris Udemezue of blessed memory, put up a dismal outing at the 1987 FIFA U-20 Championship in Chile. Pitched against Brazil, Italy, and Canada, the star-studded team failed to win a single match and crashed out at the group stage.

The atrocious performance of the Flying Eagles came as a huge disappointment because apart from the fact that the team was filled to the brim with immensely talented players from the best clubs in the country, Nigeria had won a bronze medal at the previous edition in Mexico, raising hopes for a better outing in Chile. But that was not to be as the team that paraded Etim Esin- one of the best players Nigeria has ever produced, crumbled like a pack of cards in Chile. After a 4-0 hammering by Brazil in the opening match, they managed to draw 2-2 with Canada in their second match but a 0-2 loss to Italy in the last group match sealed the fate of the Flying Eagles.

Although the early exit came as a shock to many, it wasn’t a surprise to those who closely followed the team’s preparation for the youth tournament. After winning all but one of their qualifying matches, the camp of the Flying Eagles was somehow divided over the final list of players for the Championship in Chile.

Since the Nduka Ugbade inspired team had just won the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-16 tournament in China, many felt that most of the outstanding players in that victorious squad should be included in the Flying Eagles. Surprisingly, it became a contentious issue as some felt there should be no preferential treatment for the Eaglets. In the end, the former U-16 players dominated the squad contrary to the wishes of some officials.

Apart from the selection headache for coach Udemezue, another major incident that destablised the team happened a few days to the kickoff of the tournament in Chile. The best player in the team, Esin, was shot in the thigh by armed robbers after he broke camp rules to go clubbing with two of his teammates. The nation was thrown into mourning because some reports had it that he had died in the unfortunate incident. But Esin survived, and everything was done to ensure that he recovered quickly to travel with the team to Chile.

It became a contentious issue because many felt that he should be excluded from the squad to serve as a deterrent for others but no one dared make such a costly mistake with the player who carried the hopes of the team. The delinquent Esin was so good that he was nick-named “African Maradona” after the legendary Diego Armanda Maradona of Argentina. So, despite his exceptional qualities and inestimable value, his selection brought about divisions in the team.

Although the Flying Eagles arrived in Chile with unresolved issues, nobody saw what was coming. There was so much belief in the prodigious talents who were in their prime and eager to conquer the world. The Chile 87 squad was made up of some gifted players like Etim Esin, Nduka Ugbade, Thompson Oliha, John Ene Okon, Adeolu Adekola, Jonathan Akpoborie, Nosa Osadalor, Lawrence Ukaegbu, and Sani Adamu. Despite the mishap in Chile, most of these players went on to play for the Super Eagles. Late Thompson Oliha was in the Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 AFCON and debuted at the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

In fact, those who were old enough to follow events in Nigerian football in the 80s would attest to the quality of these players who laced their boots for the best clubs in the country. Unfortunately, they were the same players who recorded what is commonly referred to as the Chile disaster.

Thirty-eight years later, Flying Eagles are returning to Chile to participate in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Will they atone for that shambolic performance in 1987? This is in doubt considering the lacklustre displays by the present squad at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt. [/b]Although the Coach Aliyu Zubairu-led team managed to qualify for the junior World Cup and won bronze medals, their overall performance was anything but satisfactory. The players failed to exhibit the usual flair Nigerian football teams are known for. It may be argued that what is important is the ticket to represent Africa which they won, but the truth is that the underwhelming show exhibited by the team portends danger as they prepare for tougher matches in Chile. [b]Many have said it is another disaster waiting to happen.

While reflecting on the performance of the team in Egypt, I saw nothing other than the same problems that have bedeviled our national youth teams: the vested interest of agents and football administrators who pack every youth team with their players for personal benefits. I also saw traces of age falsification – what we euphemistically call football age. These twin evils were evident in the Flying Eagles to the recent AFCON.

Therefore, I had to agree with a content creator and football enthusiast known by the name “The Big Bird” who alleged in a recent viral video that “agents and football administrators have privatised our youth teams where they bring their own players there, package them, give them CV just so these players can move abroad.

“And when these transfers go through, everybody involved gets a cut. So, now you can see that the main purpose of youth teams has been defeated. Instead of creating and developing future Super Eagles, we are creating and profiling players just for export. We have mortgaged the future of the Super Eagles just for quick deals that are benefitting only a few people.”

“That is why for some time, we have not seen players graduate from U-17 to U-20 and to the Super Eagles. Different years, different people, different faces. So, it must dawn on us that the Super Eagles have no future from the youth teams, and our suffering in the national team hasn’t even started. Even if Nigeria ends up winning that tournament (2025 U-20 AFCON), it will benefit only a few people. It will be a big loss to Nigeria as a footballing nation.”

Indeed, the Flying Eagles failed to win their eighth AFCON title, but like “The Big Bird” foresaw, some players were showcased for personal gain, leaving national interest in jeopardy. So, to stand any chance of breaking the FIFA World Cup jinx, the present Flying Eagles squad must be overhauled and strengthened with more quality players. Most of the players that we took to Egypt are not World Cup material. The only way to avoid another disaster in Chile is to weed them out of the team.

https://dailytrust.com/flying-eagles-and-chile-87-disaster/

naptu2:
https://www.completesports.com/2025-u-20-wc-flying-eagles-lost-concentration-after-argentinas-early-goal-lawal/

It's chilly for Nigeria in Chile again!

Thank God we progressed from the Group Stage this time.

Memories of Chile '87 rekindled.

Losing 4-0 to Brazil in the opening match
A 2-2 draw with Canada in the second match
A 0-2 loss to Italy in the last match of group stage and we were out.

The '87 Flying Eagles had a lot of promise.

Etim Esin was in a world of his own.

Let's hope we bounce back in 2027 like we did at Saudi '89 when we got to the Finals through the Damman Miracle.

naptu2:
Background

I saw around 4 police trucks driving into Wole Olateju Crescent as I went out on Sunday evening. On my way back I saw a police water cannon that was parked at the junction. I was wondering what happened. Now I know.

...

It looked like a pleasant place.

However, in 2010 I discovered that it becomes a very different place at night. Prostitutes and drug dealers invade the crescent at night. There were several bars on the crescent that were frequented by very shady looking characters. A friend of mine told me about it and I witnessed it myself when I went to visit him one night.

Then something happened in 2015 or 2016 that completely changed things.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode went to visit someone that lived on the crescent. This was on a Saturday or Sunday night. He was shocked by what he saw. There were drug dealers and prostitutes everywhere. The drug dealers taunted him and asked if he came to buy drugs.

Policemen invaded the crescent the next Monday. Lots of people were arrested. A police unit was stationed on the crescent and they challenged anybody that seemed to be walking aimlessly. Homeless people, people that lived in shacks and those that couldn't explain why they were on the crescent were removed. The operation was in place for at least a year. The bar closed down and the prostitutes and drug dealers left.

...

I discovered (a few months ago) that the drug dealers, prostitutes and cultists have returned to Wole Olateju Crescent after the police operation ended some years ago.

There's also a second issue.

Policemen were seizing commercial motorcycles in Onosa, Ibeju Lekki much further down the peninsula. Some motorcycle riders staged a protest and it was reported that some of the protesters were killed by policemen. This led to a riot and the Lekki Expressway was blocked.

The commissioner of police has banned policemen from divisions from seizing commercial motorcycles. Only the Lagos State Task Force is allowed to seize motorcycles. The policemen that were involved in the operation have been detained.

Thanks for providing this background.

Explains quite a lot of what I have witnessed in the area in recent years.

The issue of Okada riders is another conversation altogether.

naptu2:
There have been rumours swirling around for a long time that Rasheedat Ajibade was going to sign a deal with Paris Saint Germain. She left Atletico Madrid before the Nations Cup and people were wondering what next for her.

PSG began teasing fans by showing Jennifer Echegini showing someone around the club. You might remember that it was Jay-Jay Okocha that welcomed Echegini to the club last year.

PSG Feminines @PSG_Feminines

A big congrats to Rash!

All the best in France and Europe.

Looking forward to the powerful combination with Jennifer.

Definitely deserves it!

She's put in the work.

Kudos Chiamaka!

johnie:
Precious Dede was our longest serving keeper. I was very worried about who would succeed her until Chiamaka came along.

Chiamaka has surpassed my expectations and significantly raised the standard.

It may be early days but who are we grooming to meet up to the high standard?

I look forward to seeing the following and more:

Faith Omilana


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Nn1wVCwDE?

Sukurat Bakare

https://www.instagram.com/grazef6productions/reel/DAvvCHnIX7n/

Those punches by Faith and Sukurat in the clips above may seem routine but not making such cost Nigeria the WAFU B U20 Men's Cup just last week when our keeper, Harcourt, who had been good all through the tournament fumbled the ball in the air.

Watch from 5:38


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

It is good when you have a goal keeper who has good timing and is bold.

naptu2:
There were 3 players from that 2018 U-20 World Cup that I was sure would succeed in the Super Falcons. 2 of them have achieved that success, but the third is yet to make it.

I was sure that Chiamaka Nnadozie would succeed Tochukwu Oluehi in goal and that has happened.

I felt that Rasheedat Ajibade would succeed Asisat Oshoala on the right flank and that has happened.

I felt that Anam Imo would succeed Desire Oparanozie as center-forward, but that has not happened.

I totally agree with you and am very happy with the progress made by Chiamaka and Rasheedat.

Ijamilusi was a team mate of Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat and Chiamaka at the 2016 U-17 World Cup but did not make the 2018 U-20 team.

I am glad she has now been able to find a place in the Falcons and hope she can now go abroad. Her combination with Esther Okoronkwo in the 2025 WAFCON were very super. She also won two penalties in the tourney - one against Zambia and the one leading to the equaliser against Morocco.

A number of people were not happy that Gift Monday (another member of the 2018 U-20 cohort) did not make it to Morocco but having now won the tourney, may pardon the coach.

This was his explanation before the tournament for not taking her:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ouOc3Xmfw

I am happy with the transition to the Falcons made by Tosin Demehin, Deborah Abiodun, Sukurat Oladipo from the 2022 U-20 cohort.

Other players coming through the ranks to look out for include Esther Onyenezide, Rofiat Imuran, Opeyemi Ajakaiye, Janet Akekoromowei and Flourish Sabastine.

I eagerly looking forward to the 2025 U-17 World Cup holding in Morocco starting in October this year.

The Flamingoes really have to be at their very best given that the recent feat achieved by the Falcons.

The fact that the tournament will be hosted by Morocco and also that they have France and Canada in their group will not make the task easy.

These clips from the qualifiers show their potential:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NmGrFn5EO8




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=detJ2EaIE8M

naptu2:
Here's the story of Super Falcons goalkeeping


It started with Anne Agumanu (Anne Agumanu-Chiejine) from 1991 till 2000. I remember when she kept while pregnant, I remember 2000 Nations Cup final when we beat South Africa in South Africa (the South African fans kept throwing rocks at her and they were rioting in the stands, so the referee had to end the match before time and award it to us). She was the undisputed number 1 for almost 10 years. Anne Agumanu-Chiejine is now the Super Falcons goalkeeper trainer.

Then came Precious Dede. She was our first choice goalkeeper from 2001 till 2014. She was our goalkeeper coach during the Thomas Dennerby era and she folllowed him to India and is now the goalkeeper coach of the Indian junior national side.

Then came Tochukwu Oluehi. She shared the number 1 spot with Alaba Jonathan, Ibubeleye Whyte and Christy Bulus from 2015 till 2019.

Then came Chiamaka Nnadozie. She took over the number 1 spot from Tochukwu Oluehi (who is now our second choice keeper) and has held it since then.

Precious Dede was our longest serving keeper. I was very worried about who would succeed her until Chiamaka came along.

Chiamaka has surpassed my expectations and significantly raised the standard.

It may be early days but who are we grooming to meet up to the high standard?

I look forward to seeing the following and more:

Faith Omilana


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Nn1wVCwDE?

Sukurat Bakare

https://www.instagram.com/grazef6productions/reel/DAvvCHnIX7n/

Anderline Mgbechi:

She won the 2025 Nigeria Women's Football League's Best Goalkeeper Award but also scored the decisive penalty to clinch the League title for Rivers Angels .


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nga0hR3Gjlo

@naptu2, another request from me.

Can you do a piece on the pioneer promoters of female football in Nigeria?

Notable names (I have left out administrators except Gina Yeseibo) include:

Simbiat Abiola - Simbiat Abiola Babes (or was it Kankanfo Babes?)
Princess Bola Jegede - Jegede Babes
Alhaja Ayo Omidiran - Omidiran Babes
Eddington Kujebola -Ufuoma Babes
Gina Yeseibo - Former Board Member of the Nigeria Football Association.
Larry Eze - Larry Angels
Ian Neilsen - National Marketing Manager of 7Up Bottling Company
Maryam Abacha - Donated the first WAFCON trophy
Aisha Falode - Sports Journalist
Henrietta Ukaigwe - Sports Journalist

The pioneering efforts of these people and others not mentioned is what we are reaping now.

We should remember them at a time like this.

naptu2:
Here's the story of Super Falcons goalkeeping


It started with Anne Agumanu (Anne Agumanu-Chiejine) from 1991 till 2000. I remember when she kept while pregnant, I remember 2000 Nations Cup final when we beat South Africa in South Africa (the South African fans kept throwing rocks at her and they were rioting in the stands, so the referee had to end the match before time and award it to us). She was the undisputed number 1 for almost 10 years. Anne Agumanu-Chiejine is now the Super Falcons goalkeeper trainer.

Then came Precious Dede. She was our first choice goalkeeper from 2001 till 2014. She was our goalkeeper coach during the Thomas Dennerby era and she folllowed him to India and is now the goalkeeper coach of the Indian junior national side.

Then came Tochukwu Oluehi. She shared the number 1 spot with Alaba Jonathan, Ibubeleye Whyte and Christy Bulus from 2015 till 2019.

Then came Chiamaka Nnadozie. She took over the number 1 spot from Tochukwu Oluehi (who is now our second choice keeper) and has held it since then.

Naptu2, I requested for this some time in this past.

https://www.nairaland.com/8070044/chiamaka-nnadozie-been-nominated-goalkeeper/1#129586899

Thanks for responding!




I eagerly look forward to seeing Chiamaka's exploits in England and on the podium at the FIFA Awards.

She deserves it.

I lost confidence day I met Messi at 2010 W’Cup – Lukman

5th August 2022

Midfielder, Lukman Haruna, captained the Golden Eaglets to a third triumph at the U-17 World Cup in 2007. The 31-year-old, who also featured at the 2009 U-20 World Cup and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in this interview with JOHNNY EDWARD, opens up on his encounter with Argentine megastar Lionel Messi, his regrets not playing in Europe’s elite leagues and more

What have you been doing lately?

I’ve been training and hoping to get a new team before the end of this transfer window. I train with my former academy here in Lagos.

You captained the Golden Eaglets squad that won the 2007 U-17 World Cup in Korea. As a young player back then, what was the feeling like?


It was a dream come true for all of us in the team. We all came from poor backgrounds and we both knew that in Nigeria only winners are cherished. No room for the second best here.

So where did it go wrong?

Injuries basically slowed my progress at some point.

You are one of the Nigerians on the exclusive list of players who featured at the U-17, U-20 and the senior world Cups. How does that make you feel?


I’m just lucky to find myself in this category. That’s all I have to say. I’m grateful to God for what He has done for me in my career so far.

You played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What was it like coming up against Lionel Messi – a Ballon d’Or winner at the time – during the group clash between Nigeria and Argentina?

People talk about Messi a lot, but I must tell you he is from another planet. It was a great moment for me. Seeing him walk down the tunnel that day, I won’t lie; I lost my confidence as a player that moment because he is a player capable of singlehandedly destroying any team. But I overcame it after our anthem was rendered but unfortunately we lost that game. I still have pictures of that game in my gallery where I came up against him. Each time the Eagles take on Argentina and I see those pictures, it rekindles old memories of my time in the Eagles.

After that triumph in September 2007, you signed for Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco. That must have been one of the biggest moments in your career at that time, coming from a poor background?

You can say that again. Coming from a country like Nigeria, it was not easy to get a deal to a top club like Monaco because it took time and hard work. I think my hard work paid off and things started booming for me. As a young chap then, I only trained for two weeks with the second team before I was drafted to the first team. It was a rapid rise I must say because things started going on well for me


You have played for several European clubs. Which of these teams did you enjoy playing for the most?

I had great time playing for all the teams I starred for from Monaco, Dynamo Kiev, Anzhi-Makhachkala, Astana and Palanga. I never expected I was going to play for Monaco, neither did I believe I would make a mega move to Ukraine then as well. So, I had good times at the clubs I played for before COVID-19 struck. I was not short of offers each time the transfer window reopened then because I was playing well.

Do you regret not playing in Europe’s top leagues like the Premier League, Serie A or the Spanish LaLiga?

Of course, I do regret that. and I’m not always happy when I remember that. I received an offer from Arsenal while I was playing for Monaco then but they turned down the offer. And after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Inter Milan came calling, but Dynamo Kiev also rejected the deal. Bordeaux and Olympiakos also made offers but they were all declined by Dynamo Kiev then as well. I got stuck there for a while due to injuries before I fought my way back. But I had good times at the club. Aside from that, injuries was one of the biggest regrets I had.

How do you cope with your female fans?

I'm used to them a lot. I don’t run away from them. I respect them a lot. My fans understand that I don’t run away from them.

Most sportsmen live a luxurious lifestyle. Are you different?

It depends on how people see me. I don’t think I live flashy, but I do what I want. I work hard, so I deserve to live the kind of life I want. Some footballers live very extravagant lifestyles, but I am different. I am just that normal guy who loves looking good always. I love my jewelry on me always. I have a lot of them in my wardrobe. Yes, they are expensive. I work so hard so I deserve to buy something good for myself.

What’s your assessment of the current Super Eagles under new coach Jose Peseiro?

The current Eagles are doing their best but they need more experienced players to guide the young team. I always use Argentina as an example, at 34, Angel Di Maria is still playing for them, likewise Lionel Messi, who is 35. They equally have young players in their squad, but these older players are in the team. [/b]So, we also need a few experienced players in the team, around the current crop of players because not qualifying for the World Cup is not a good thing at all.

[b]How did you feel when the Eagles missed out on Qatar 2022?

I’m not proud to say we didn’t do well during the two-legged play-offs. We were lacking in so many areas during both games. The midfield could not create chances for the strikers. All we did was just play the ball to the spaces for our forwards to chase down because we believe we had a striker that could leap high to head the ball into the net. We need midfield players with great confidence like Mikel Obi, who can send good passes to the strikers to score. The players in the team are good, but they still lack some elements, like confidence. They don’t want to take risks and life is all about risk. I understand why some of them are scared of taking such risks. It is because they are being called out for mistakes. They use it against you.

https://punchng.com/i-lost-confidence-day-i-met-messi-at-2010-wcup-lukman/

Super Eagles Midfielder Sent Off for Punching Opponent in U21 Match

Super Eagles midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali finds himself in trouble again after being sent off in a U21 match against Birmingham City Academy, on Tuesday.

The Nigerian international, who has four caps for the Super Eagles was already on a yellow card and ejected in the 78th minute after throwing a punch at a Birmingham player during a heated scuffle. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.

Since joining League One side Barnsley this summer, Nwakali has struggled to secure regular first-team action, appearing just twice and providing one assist.

In an effort to help him regain fitness, Barnsley assigned him to the U21 team. However, his involvement was overshadowed by this latest incident.

This isn’t the first time Nwakali has found himself in disciplinary trouble.

In 2022, he was released by Spanish club SD Huesca due to what they cited as “disciplinary issues.”

Though Nwakali claimed the dismissal stemmed from his decision to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations against the club’s wishes.

His most recent stint with Portuguese side CD Chaves also ended poorly.

During a match against Famalicão, he was substituted at half-time and later caught on camera using his phone on the bench.

Chaves went on to lose 1-0, contributing to their relegation and Nwakali’s eventual departure.

Once heralded as a rising star after captaining Nigeria to victory in the 2015 U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball Award, Nwakali’s career has been clouded by disciplinary setbacks.

His recent altercation may lead to further disciplinary action, as Barnsley expected him to use his time with the U21 squad to develop and refocus.

Nwakali’s recurring off-field issues have left fans wondering if he can still fulfill the promise he once showed as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents.


https://www.brila.net/super-eagles-midfielder-sent-off-for-punching-opponent-in-u21-match/

IMPARTIAL:
Lukman, that was always playing like a big man in the Super Eagles! Once he got the ball, he behaved as if the opponents were small boys.

That's what killed his career. The Coaches handling him in Nigeria did not like his attitude.

Well said!

The problem is sometimes not age but attitude.

This was the problem of Kelechi Nwakali after winning the golden ball in the 2015 U-17 tournament where Osimhen got the silver ball. Nwakali was the captain of the trophy winning team just like Haruna Lukman.

Osimhen kept his head down and played ball while Nwakali's achievements at the tournament got into his head.

If Osimhen wasn't in the same cohort as Nwakali, the players of that 2015 Nigerian U-17 team would have been written off by now just as most people on this thread are doing now.

ComeToJesus:
Nonsense Nigerian people. What's the significance of this news sef? Just to bring the poor guy here for dragging by those who are not worthy to lace his boots?

Well said!

larryUG:
Since you want to start reeling out Stats. How about 2005 U20 World cup. Nigeria Argentina.
Apart from Mikel who reasonably had a long career (Even though Messi that played with him is still playing today), what about the rest. Chinedu Obasi, Taye taiwo, Snai Kaita, Chinedu Apam, How many years did they play football before they all retired and stopped playing? What about Isaac? Vanzekin the Goalkeeper? You are mistaking longevity for playing for the national team. I am not talking about the National team here. After the tournament, how many years did they continue playing football befoire retiring compared to the Europeans. Even Mikel that we thought was the youngest in that team, retired years ago and Messi at 38 is still playing, what does that tell you?

Who is talking about playing for the senior team? Their clubs, how many years did those Europeans play before Retiring? Sinama Pongolle, Who did he play with in Nigeria? Karimu Shaibu, Sambo, and etc. Which clubs did those guys play for and how many years did they play football?

How many of the European players I listed above are widely known for playing club football today?

Did they play longer than any of the Nigerian players I have listed?

How many of the team mates at the U-17 Championships of the European players I listed can you mention? Which clubs did they play for and for how many years?


Omeruo played in the 2009 U-17 championships and still plays club football. Can you mention 3 European players in that tournamentthat still play?

Can you mention 3 European players in the 2005 U-20 tournamentthat still play at Messi's level?

Other notable players (with the year they stopped playing in brackets) who played in that competition but have stopped playing at the highest levels while Messi continues to play include the following:

Netherlands- Ryan Babel (2021), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (2017)

Spain - David Silva (2023) , Fernando Llorente (2022) and Cesc Fabregas (2023)

Argentina - Pablo Zabaleta (2020), Sergio Aguero (2021)

Germany - Marvin Matip (2019)

USA - Freddy Adu (2021)


Mikel stopped playing in 2021

Obasi stopped playing in 2021.

Taye Taiwo stopped playing in 2022

Have you factored in the level of medical and other care Messi has had in his career compared to Chinedu Obasi and the Nigerian players?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK1Xzr2TJMQ

Obafemi Martins never played the age group competitions at national level but moved to Europe at age 16.

He played in Europe between 2000 and 2013 before moving to the US and playing there till 2015.

He moved to China in 2016 and retired in 2020.

He played for the Super Eagles between 2004 and 2015 making 42 appearances and scoring 18 goals.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcV68DSDNBc

Photo: Martins at his first European club, Reggiana.

larryUG:
This guy looks Older than me even when he was 17 and I am 36 now. Hmmn.

That is why our under 17 players do not last compared to Europeans

Nigerian

Kelechi Iheanacho won FIFA U17 world championship in 2013, He won the golden ball and silver shoe at the tournament. He still plays at club and national levels today.

Wilfred Ndidi was part of Kelechi's team but did not go to the U17 world cup. He still plays at both club and national levels today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puKBsxPes3o

Victor Osimhen won the FIFA U17 world championship in 2015. He won the golden boot and silver ball at the tournament. He still plays at club and national levels.


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

Kenneth Omeruo was part of Nigeria's silver winning 2009 U17 team and played for the Nigerian Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. He played 7 games for the Super Eagles in 2024.

Omeruo's goal at 0:46


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmkQp-3QFpg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k2IMbFfAhM

European

Germany
Marcel Witeczek was the first player to win the Golden Shoe award at the 1985 edition of the (then) Kodak U-16 Championship held in China.

He went on to win the Golden Shoe award at the 1987 U-20 World Championship in Chile

He scored 50 goals in 410 Bundesliga appearances between 1985 and 2007.

He played for the German U-16, U17, U-19, U-20 and U-20 teams but never played for the national team.


France

Sinama Pongolle won the the 2001 U17 championship with France. He was the player of the tournament, winning the golden ball and golden shoe. He was the first person to win the Golden Boot and Golden Ball and holds the joint second all-time highest FIFA U-17 goal scoring record of 9 goals. Pablo Zabaleta played in that tournament.

He was already a Liverpool player by the time he went for the competition and played another 5 years in England.

In 2012, after playing for teams in Spain for 6 years, he spent two years in the Russian Premier League with FC Rostov where he featured rarely.

He played his only game with the French national team senior on 14 October 2008, during a 3–1 friendly win against Tunisia


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lac4roxnrOo

Spain
Borja Bastón represented Spain's under-17 at the 2009 FIFA World Cup in Nigeria. His team finished in third position while he won the Golden Boot. This was the same competition Kenneth Omeruo featured in. Borja never played for the Spanish national team.

Switzerland
Benjamin Siegrist was the best goalkeeper at the 2009 U17 world cup. He never played for the Swiss national team.



Sweden

Valmir Berisha won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot while Iheanacho won the[b] Silver Boot[/b]. At the tournament he scored 10 goals.

His only other international goals were 1 for the Sweden U-18 side and 5 for the U-19 side.

His other notable international experience was being in the Sweden Olympic football team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He never played for the senior national team.

Amudeneogu:
Where is equatorial Guinea today? I think they said that they are mighty because they recruited Nigerian girls to their team then,today they are nowhere to be found.

4 August 2016

Equatorial Guinea have been banned from the next three editions of the Africa Women Cup of Nations for fielding a player using fraudulent documents.

In April, Fifa ruled that Camila Maria do Carmo Nobre de Oliveira was found to have used two passports with different birth dates and two birth certificates.

It then expelled them from 2020 Olympics preliminary qualifying.

The Confederation of African Football has now penalised Equatorial Guinea over the same issue.

Caf said on its website, external that it acted after a protest by Mali, who lost 3-2 to Equatorial Guinea in the final round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Camila Nobre do Carmo Oliviera featured in the first and second leg matches on 6 April and 10 April.

Following an investigation, Caf found the player in question was "registered for the Women AFCON Namibia 2014 as Camila Maria Nobre Carmo with date of birth: 07/10/1994 and for the 2016 edition, her date of birth stated 10/06/1988 and the name Camila Nobre do Carmo Oliviera".

The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation admitted that it is the same player.

Caf said: "The sanction by Fifa proved that Equatorial Guinea was guilty of fraud due to the different information relating to the identity of the player."

And African football's governing body concluded that "the participation of player Camila Nobre do Carmo Oliviera with Equatorial Guinea in the two matches against Mali is considered illegal".

Mali will replace Equatorial Guinea in the final tournament of the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cameroon from 19 November to 3 December.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36979311.amp

naptu2:
Women's World Cup qualifiers

Thanks for sharing this Naptu2

Another one for the record books...

Nigeria has been the first country to win each new trophy.

Nigeria is also the only country to have won each trophy.

Nigeria won 3 out of the 3 editions before the first trophy was retired in 2002.

Nigeria won 6 out of the 9 editions before the second trophy was retired in 2022.

Nigeria has recorded the first win of the third trophy.

Bonus: Nigeria is the only country that has never lost a final.

naptu2:
Women's World Cup qualifiers


African Women's Championship/Women's African Cup of Nations

1998
In 1998 Nigeria's first lady, Mrs Maryam Abacha, donated a trophy for an African Women's Championship.

2024

A new trophy was unveiled for the 2024 edition.

CAF unveils new WAFCON trophy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024.

The trophy was unveiled on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner TotalEnergies in Casablanca, Morocco.


According to the football governing body, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity and excellence.

“We are drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

“The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing women’s football in Africa and making African women’s football amongst the best in the world.

“The trophy’s striking design features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team.

“Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty,” the statement said.

The statement also expatiated further on the distinctive features of the trophy.

“Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.

Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

“Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

“The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the WAFCON legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport,” it added.

CAF also noted that the new trophy would serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/07/caf-unveils-new-wafcon-trophy/amp/

https://www.nairaland.com/8463140/cfr-national-honours-award-abubakar

The response of Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), to the conferment of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on him by President Bola Tinubu.

The Rise, Fall and Exit of Sultan Dasuki,
By Jaafar Jaafar
by Premium Times November 16, 2016

On April 20, 1996, a small chartered aircraft carrying some key Sokoto figures landed on the tarmac of Sultan Sadiq Abubakar III Airport, Sokoto.

Aboard the aircraft on that Saturday afternoon were Sarkin Sudan Shehu Malami, the late Ibrahim Gusau, and a former governor of Sokoto State and Abacha ally, Attahiru Bafarawa.

Shortly after the arrival of the aircraft, the then governor of Sokoto State, Col. Yakubu Muazu, clearly acting on a script, summoned Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki, alongside the commissioner of police and director of SSS, to an “emergency meeting” in the Government House.

Moments after Sultan left his palace to attend the “emergency meeting”, with a coterie of aides and array of palace courtiers, a detachment of mobile policemen took over the palace.

On reaching the military administor’s office, all the aides were waylaid and locked in a hall, while the Sultan’s briefcase (containing his hypertension drugs) was seized, and his flowing coat (alkyabba) stripped.

Before he could protest, the bewildered Sultan, then 70, was led into the military administrator’s office.

After a brief meeting, which saw to the end of his eight-year rule, the Sultan was ushered out of the governor’s office by the then Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Tsav and led by armed policemen into a waiting grey-coloured Peugeot 505.

The vehicle zoomed off toward the airport around 1:30pm, from where he was taken to Yola, and later on to Zing in Taraba State.

Dasuki was subsequently accused by the military government of unauthorised travels, interference in government affairs, invitation of foreign dignitaries without permission, the lack of respect for government, misappropriation of funds, among others.

There have been different accounts on why the late Sultan was deposed by the Abacha regime. While some attributed his ouster to the implication of some of his companies in the fraud unraveled in the financial sector by Abacha’s Failed Banks Tribunal, others believed Dasuki’s alleged “interference and lack of respect for Abacha” cost him the most influential throne in Northern Nigeria.

Dasuki was subsequently accused by the military government of unauthorised travels, interference in government affairs, invitation of foreign dignitaries without permission, the lack of respect for government, misappropriation of funds, among others.

There have been different accounts on why the late Sultan was deposed by the Abacha regime. While some attributed his ouster to the implication of some of his companies in the fraud unraveled in the financial sector by Abacha’s Failed Banks Tribunal, others believed Dasuki’s alleged “interference and lack of respect for Abacha” cost him the most influential throne in Northern Nigeria..”

After his banishment to Zing in Taraba State, the late Sultan was kept incommunicado in a three bedroom bungalow for months without access to his family. He remained there until the military regime of Abdulsalami Abubakar set him free after the death of Abacha.

Born on December 31, 1923, in Dogon Daji village of Sokoto, Dasuki had early Quranic and elementary school education in this village. He rose to become the private secretary to the late Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Resident Officer of Jos Province, a diplomat, permanent secretary and later after retirement, a business tycoon with a wide network of friends within and outside the country.

The emergence of Dasuki as the 18th Sultan of Sokoto after the death of Sultan Abubakar III on November 1, 1988 came as a rude shock to the people of Sokoto State and sparked violent riots in the seat of the caliphate. This, perhaps, was largely because his predecessor had many brothers, 52 children, and dozens of direct cousins who were closer to the succession line than he was.

According to a chapter dedicated to Sultan Dasuki in a book titled Sultans of Sokoto: Biographical History Since 1804, the succession battle was largely fought among six contenders, although over 20 princes qualified to vie for the throne. Late Dasuki emerged the favoured, beating Almustafa Attahiru, Muazu Lamido, Muhammadu Maccido, Muhammadu Zayyanu and Shehu Malami.

After the tension that greeted his ascension died down and several peace meetings with the ruling houses of Abdullahi and Aliyu, Dasuki’s coronation ceremony took place on March 15, 1990.

Dasuki’s reign from 1988 to 1996, saw to sweeping changes and remodelling of the architectural design of the Sultanate. Perhaps because of his wealth and influence, Dasuki rose from a relatively obscure ruling house of Buhari to become one of the most powerful Sultans in the history of Sokoto Caliphate.

Aged 93, Dasuki died on Monday in Abuja after a protracted illness.

Jaafar Jaafar, a public affairs analyst and media practitioner, writes from Abuja.

https://opinion.premiumtimesng.com/2016/11/16/175811/

johnie:
Komo, The Military Administrator Who Watched Over Ogoni Massacres Dies in Port Harcourt

A native of Zuru, Kebbi State, Komo’s life, ironically, ended in Port Harcourt Rivers State where he held sway as Military Administrator between 1993 and 1994 during the regime of maximum Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha.

Komo, reportedly, slumped in Port Harcourt where he had traveled to on an invitation to a public function, and died.

He ruled Rivers State during a turbulent period as it was at the time the Ogoni crisis, which stemmed from the Community’s problem with Shell escalated.

It was during his tenure as Military Administrator that four prominent Ogoni sons were gruesomely murdered on 21st May, 1994, at Gokana, Ogoni, while they were at a meeting.

Their grissly murder led to the arrest of the ‘Ogoni 9’, which included Ken Saro Wiwa, an environmentalist, and leader of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, for allegedly, instigating the blood cuddling incident. They were subsequently arraigned before a Special Tribunal, found guilty, and were hanged at the Port Harcourt prisons before their appeal could be heard.

https://www.ogoninews.com/komo-the-military-administrator-who-watched-over-ogoni-massacres-dies-in-port-harcourt/

Some interesting points:

1. He hailed from Zuru, same town as General Bamaiyi
2. Was Rivers State Administrator when the Ogoni 9 were arrested, tried and hanged
3. The Ogoni 9 were recently awarded national honours posthumously
4. He reported died in Port Harcourt days before the June 12 honoring of the Ogoni 9