₦airaland Forum

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Watford Marksman Ighalo On His Way To Abuja To Join Nigeria Squad
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Watford marksman Odion Ighalo has landed in Nigeria to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of their make or mar clash with Egypt in Kaduna this coming Friday.

The 26-year-old just landed in Lagos and is on his way to Abuja to link up with his international teammates.


Rumours had been rife that Ighalo would not be fit for the showdown against the North Africans but those suggestions were put to bed when he played the full game at the Vic this past weekend against Stoke City.

The former Udinese, Granada and Lyn Oslo man netted against Chad in the Super Eagles first home game of the AFCON qualifying series.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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Okocha Reveals Arsenal Starlet Iwobi Has Chosen Nigeria Over England
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Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Okocha has revealed that his nephew, Arsenal’s man of the moment Alex Iwobi, will not turn his back on Nigeria, amid reports in the British press that he has been approached by the FA to represent England in competitive games.


The 19-year-old Iwobi has 11 caps in total for the youth teams of England, all of them in non-competitive fixtures, and has played two friendlies for Nigeria, meaning there is still a window open for him to change his mind and represent England as things stand.


“Iwobi is here in Nigeria for the match against Egypt, so hopefully if he plays a part, he can no longer play for England, that will be it,” said Emmanuel Okocha to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“He wants to play for Nigeria and that is why he is here.”


Iwobi trained with Nigeria’s Olympic National Team a year ago but could not make his competitive debut against Gabon in an All Africa Games qualifier because there were uncertainties regarding if he needed approval from Fifa before switching his international allegiance.


The offensive all-rounder netted his first senior goal for the Gunners last weekend against the Toffees.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

NLban:
[color=#000000]MUST READ! Benue Killings: Why blame Buhari when we have the solution? By Benue.com.ng[/color]
[img]http://benue.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/facebook-20160105-233619.png[/img]
Benue state Governor, Ortom (R) with state assembly Speaker.



benue.info/must-read-benue-killings-why-blame-buhari-when-we-have-the-solution/

dainformant:
While the rerun election is ongoing, Mr. Cyril Dum Wite, the Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Special Projects was arrested by the Nigerian army and police few hours ago. He was allegedly arrested alongside some thugs in military uniform at Bori area in River state.

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.com/2016/03/riversrerun-gov-wikes-special-adviser.html

TheSuperNerd:
Oshoala in training: see pixs at link below.
................................................................

www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160316/gallery-asisat-s-first-training-session

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Oshoala moves a step closer to superstardom
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Arsenal new girl Oshoala is heading for superstardom

Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala has moved a step closer to reaching superstardom in the women’s game after she completed her transfer to Arsenal Ladies from Liverpool Ladies.


Patience Avre, Mercy Akide-Udoh and Perpetua Nkwocha have over the years been the standard bearers for Nigerian women’s football, but Oshoala is destined to eclipse all their accomplishments before long.


Oshoala’s Arsenal Ladies are the most successful football club in England as far as women’s game is concern having won 40 major trophies, namely two FA Women Super League titles, 12 FA Women's Premier League titles, 13 Women’s FA Cup, 10 Women’s Premier League title and UEFA Women's Champions League.


The Ikorodu-born forward is headed for greatness with Arsenal going by her pedigree and the quality of players she will now play alongside.

She could call on the experience of 36-year-old forward Kelly Smith and the Spanish star Natalia Pablos, who netted seven goals last year.


Oshoala is primed to win more laurels with the London club after making an impact at Liverpool Ladies, where she scored three goals in nine appearances last year even after she was slowed down by a long-term injury.


She must have left a big impression on Arsenal last year when she scored against them for Liverpool to run away 3-1 winners in a league game in July.


The athletic player, who could also play in defence and midfield, is already an achiever having represented Nigeria at youth and full international levels. She won African Women’s Nations Cup in 2014 and a silver medal at FIFA U20 World same year.

Arsenal coach Pedro Losa has said he is delighted to sign the Highly-rated 21-year-old striker.


“Asisat is a fantastic talent and will be a great addition to our squad. She is quick, with excellent feet and has proven she can score goals, so it’s very positive she has decided to join us,” he remarked.


Arsenal Ladies kick off their season against Birmingham Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, and Oshoala will be looking to hit the ground running.


“I can’t wait for the start of the season to happen,” she said. “I’m really eager for that - I just want to show what we have to the fans,” she said.

And on Wednesday, Arsenal will get this year’s league campaign off and running when they play host to Reading.


Profile

Date of Birth: 9th October, 1994

Height: 1.7m

Position: Striker

Clubs: FC Robo, Rivers Angels, Liverpool Ladies

Honours:

Nigeria Women's League winner 2014, Nigeria Women's FA Cup winner 2013, 2014,


African Women's Nations Cup 2014, FIFA U20 World Cup Silver medal, BBC Women's Footballer of the Year: 2015, Queen of The Pitch Award: 2014, African Women's Footballer of the year 2014, African Women's Youth Player of the year 2014, African Women's Nations Cup MVP 2014, FIFA U20 Women's World Cup top scorer 2014, Best Player at FIFA U20 Women's World Cup 2014.

By Olusola Alao

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Oshoala: I couldn't reject childhood club Arsenal
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Oshoala - New Arsenal signing

Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala has revealed she couldn’t turn down the offer to move to Arsenal having supported them when she was growing up.


“It feels like a dream come true,” she told the Arsenal website. “It was the team I supported when I was small. When I first started playing and watching football, I started supporting Arsenal because I love good football.


“Everyone is happy because it is a very popular club in my country. Having their own player playing for the club is a great thing. Everyone was happy about it - not just my family but football fans around Nigeria."


Arsenal Ladies kick off their season against Birmingham Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, and Oshoala is hoping to make an instant impact.


“I can’t wait for the start of the season to happen,” she said. “I’m really eager for that - I just want to show what we have to the fans.


“When I came here last week, I had a very long conversation with Pedro [Martinez Losa] and he told me the goals of the club, what the club has to offer and what the club is looking to do in the future. I think I’m comfortable and happy with the dream of the club.


“He was talking about the organisation and professionalism of the team. It is getting better each year. The coming years are going to be far better.”

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Arsenal boss delighted to sign Oshoala
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Falcons and Arsenal ladies star Asisat Oshoala

Arsenal Ladies manager Pedro Losa has expressed his delight over the signing of Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala from Liverpool.

The Spaniard said she is a great addition to the squad.


“Asisat is a fantastic talent and will be a great addition to our squad. She is quick, with excellent feet and has proven she can score goals so it’s very positive she has decided to join us,” he remarked.

Coach Losa also welcome Asisat through his Twitter account: "Welcome to @ArsenalLadies Zee!," he tweeted.


The 21-year-old Lagos-born striker, who spent the 2015 season with Liverpool, where she became the first player from Africa to feature in the Women’s Super League, completed her move to Arsenal on Friday.


She scored three goals in 12 league appearances for the Reds.

She is the reigning BBC's Women's Footballer of the Year.

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Nigeria/Egypt: Siasia Gets Information On Egypt, As 11 Home-Based Eagles Battle for Shirts
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By Alex Monye

The Eagles coach has received the tapes of the past matches of the Egyptian team and other vital secret information on how to win the AFCON qualifier in Kaduna.

Super Eagles' interim coach, Samson Siasia, has been getting tips on how to scuttle the Gabon 2017 ambition of Egypt when Nigeria lock horns with the Pharaohs in the back-to-back African Nations Cup qualifiers next week.

Speaking through the Eagles' Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, Siasia said yesterday that the coaches needed to study the weaknesses and strengths of the Egyptians, explaining that it would be dangerous for Nigeria to confront the tactically disciplined Pharaohs without sourcing for vital information on their style of play and the calibre of players that will feature in the matches


Ibitoye said the Eagles are not worried by the caliber of players listed by the Egyptian coach, Hector Cuper, for the matches, adding that Siasia is working to assemble a formidable squad that would win the games.

He added that the 11 home-based players currently in camp were poised to contest for starting shirts with their foreign counterparts, just as he revealed, "the Eagles coach has received the tapes of the past matches of the Egyptian team and other vital secret information on how to win the AFCON qualifier in Kaduna."

The foreign-based players are expected to join the Eagles' camp this weekend.

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2017 Afcon qualifier: Egypt plan grand Kaduna entry, set date of arrival
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Posted By: Adeniyi
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Pharaohs of Egypt players pose for a picture before a match.(Getty)


The first official meeting between Nigeria and Egypt in 4 years was sure to come with a lot of strategic planning and tact as two heavyweights attempt to outdo each other for an automatic easing into the 2017 Afcon.Both teams share 10 Afcon titles between themselves in the 30 editions of the competition’s rich 58- year history, but both have also been inconsistent since 2010 – Egypt since winning their last title in 2010 and the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on a place to be in Equatorial Guinea last year.


But, Héctor Cúper’s men are back on course, leading Group G and in contention for an automatic ticket as group winners if they manage to edge out the 2013 champions.

Egypt have 6 points from 2 round of matches; 2 points better than their March 25, West African foes, after the same amount of games.


So, in the first meeting between the sides since Egypt’s 3-2 win in a 2012 friendly, goalkeeper trainer, Ahmed Nagi revealed the North African side travel to Kaduna in a private jet 2 days after the international window opens – 21 March.

“The team will hold a camp on the 19th of March as the squad will be announced after the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games.

” Then we will fly to Nigeria on the 23rd of March in a private Jet, arriving in Kaduna.” Ahmed Nagi said.

The match will be played at the 16, 000 capacity Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna.

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Siasia unfazed by Ighalo's goal drought
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Nigeria interim manager Samson Siasia has played down Odion Ighalo's recent lack of goals, saying the striker is "desperate to deliver against Egypt".


After notching up 14 league goals for Watford during the first half of the season, goals have been hard to come by for the attacker as he hasn't scored in the English Premier League since January 23.


Super Eagles fans will be hoping he finds his scoring touch soon as they will need his goals when Nigeria take on Egypt home and away in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the end of March.

Siasia, though, is confident the Watford man will "deliver" against the Pharaohs.

"I am not worried about Ighalo’s recent lack of scoring goals for his club," he told Goal.com.

"I have been in constant touch with the player and I know that he would deliver against Egypt home and away. I can assure you that Odion is desperate to deliver against Egypt because he knows the importance of the two matches and he told me."

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Rio Ferdinand: Iwobi Showed Great Promise Against Barcelona
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Former Manchester United and England defender, Rio Ferdinand days Alex Iwobi distinguished himself in Arsenal's 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the second leg Round of 16 Champions League clash at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.


The 19-year-old made his Champions League debut and was outstanding throughout the period he spent on the pitch before he was replaced for Olivier Giroud.

According to thereview.com Ferdinand, who rued Arsenal's missed scoring chances, hailed the partnership between Iwobi and Danny Welbeck.


"They (Arsenal) created chances, they didn't finish them, but that's what can happen," Ferdinand remarked.

"There are some positives. (Alex) Iwobi showed great promise – he and (Danny) Welbeck seemed to form a great partnership together, which seemed like something promising.

"We'll see if they get rewarded in the next game (against Everton) when they play at the weekend."

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Okocha Hails Iwobi’s Impressive Showing For Arsenal Against Barcelona
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By James Agberebi:

Former Nigeria international, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, has showered plaudits on his nephew, Alex Iwob, for impressing in his UEFA Champions League debut in Arsenal's 3-1 loss to Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Iwobi, who was named in Arsenal's starting eleven, was brilliant on the night before making way for Olivier Giroud in the 73rd minute.

Okocha who was present at the Camp Nou, expressed his delight with Iwobi's overall performance.


"So happy watching Alex Iwobi (nephew) on the big stage.. I'm very much impressed with his performance," Okoch wrote on his Twitter handle.

Iwobi, has now featured in every competition for Arsenal this season, after he was drafted into the first team from The Gunners' youth side.

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Eagles release Chima Akas, Thomas to Enyimba
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by Samm Audu

The Super Eagles training camp in Abuja has released defender Chima Akas and goalkeeper Femi Thomas for Enyimba’s CAF Champions League first round return leg match at Vital’O of Burundi this weekend.

The Eagles are preparing for an AFCON double-header against Egypt later this month.


“Akas and Femi Thomas have been released to Enyimba for their Champions League return leg match in Burundi,” announced Eagles spokesman Toyin Ibitoye.

Akas is expected to slug out with Monaco ace Elderson Echiejile for the Eagles starting XI spot at left back.

Enyimba trounced Vital’O 5-1 on Sunday with the return leg in Bujumbura this weekend.


The overall winners will face the overall winners between Morocco’s Olympique Khourigba and Etoile du Sahel from Tunisia with the eventual winners reaching the money-spinning group stage of the Champions League.

Etoile held Khourigba to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Morocco.

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Cuper rolls out monster squad for Nigeria

by Andrew Randa
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Cuper

Egypt coach Hector Cuper has selected a 23 man team for the March 25 Africa Cup of Nations Group G qualifier against Nigeria in Kaduna.

Roma’s Mohammed Salah and Arsenal’s Mohammed Elneny headline a squad dominated by players from Zamalek and Al Ahly.

Veteran goalkeeper Mohammed El Hadary made the cut which is a reward for his stellar performances in the Egyptian top flight this season
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Egyptian fans

First choice goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy has shaken off a knock and will be available for the game against the Super Eagles.

Egypt will fly out to Nigeria on March 23 for the March 25 encounter against the Super Eagles in Kaduna. The return leg takes place on March 29 in Alexandria.


The Pharaohs sit on top of Group G of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with six points from two games while Nigeria are in second place, two points behind the leaders.


The full squad
Goalkeepers:Essam El Hadary (Wadi Degla); Ahmed El Shenawy (Zamalek) , Mohamed El Shenawy (Petrojet).
Defenders: Hazem Emam (Zamalek); Ahmed Dwedar (Zamalek) , Ahmed Hegazy (Al Ahly) , Omar Gaber (Zamalek) , Rami Raiea (Al Ahly) , Sbary Rahil _Al Ahly) , Aly Gabr (Zamalek) , Hamada Tolba (Zamalek).


Midfielders: Hossam Ghaly (Ahly); Abdullah Al Saied (Al Ahly) , Ibrahim Salah (Smouha) , Mohamed Elneny _Arsenal) , Mohamed Salah (Roma) , Mahmoud Hassan Terezguet (Anderlechet) , Tarek Hamed (Zamalek) , Ramadan Sobhy (Al Ahly) , Moastafa Fathy (Zamalek) , Aymen Hefny (Zamalek) , Amr Warda (Penaliokos)


Strikers Marwan Mohsen (Ismaily);Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka’ (SC Braga) , Amr Gamal (Al Ahly).

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CAF Salutes Iheanacho, Toure, Bony Over UCL Q/Finals Feat With Man City
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By James Agberebi:

Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), has sent a congratulatory message to the continent 's shining Stars in the ongoing UCL; Kelechi Iheanacho, Yaya Toure and Wilfred Bony whose contributions have been instrumental in Manchester City's qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, for the very first time.


City edged Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv 3-1 on aggregate, to progress to the last eight.


Toure played the full 90 minutes of the match, Bony was benched throughout the encounter while Iheanacho was not in the squad for the quarter-final match.


Responding the players' achievement, CAF wrote on their official Twitter handle: "Congrats Yaya Toure, Wilfred Bony, Kelechi Iheanacho, helping Manchester City reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time."


Manchester City, the 2016 Capital One Cup winners, now joins Real Madrid, Wolfsburg, Benfica, Paris Saint-Germaine and Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.


The remaining two quarter-finalists will emerge tonight after Barcelona Vs Arsenal and Bayern Munich Vs Juventus games.

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Mikel key for Nigeria to see off Egypt - Utaka
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Mikel in action for Chelsea

Former Nigeria international John Utaka has predicted Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi will play a pivotal role for the Super Eagles to beat Egypt in decisive AFCON 2017 qualifiers later this month.


The former Ismaily of Egypt forward said the Chelsea midfielder knows what is expected of him in the middle of the park.


“We have quick players in the attack as well but I think Obi Mikel will be the key to Nigeria’s play because he knows his midfield duties," Utaka told Kingfut.com


Despite choosing Mohammed Salah as Egypt’s main threat for Nigeria, Utaka revealed his admiration for two other players on the Pharaohs squad.


“Mohamed Salah will be dangerous because he is quick and very dangerous on counter attacks,” the former Portsmouth star said.

“Ahmed Fathy and Amr Gamal have been very impressive.”

forgiveness:
I hope we don't loose Tiago Ilori and Jordon Ibe. jordan-ibe self no get sense. Why does he want to waste his career waiting to play for England. Oh! He wants to go to Europe Cup ahead of some established English players.

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Jordan in sight for Maidens and Flamingos
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Ghana and Nigeria are on course to maintain their enviable record of qualifying for every edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2008.


The West African duo look set to continue with their run in the global cadet ladies tournament, with their places almost secured among the continent’s trio for the fifth edition of the biennial championship due for Jordan later in the year.


Ghana’s Black Maidens, who boast of the best record by an African side at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, third place in Azerbaijan in 2012, beat their Moroccan counterparts 4-0 in Rabat, all but securing their place for Jordan ahead of the return leg in a fortnight in Accra.


Mukarama Abdulai scored a first half brace whilst Rafia Kulchirie scored in between to give the Ghanaians a 3-0 lead at the interval. Sandra Owusu-Ansah wrapped up victory with the fourth goal on 71 minutes.


The Flamingos of Nigeria were ruthless against South Africa’s Bantwana beating them 6-0 in Abuja, and almost putting the latter’s dream of another appearance at the global championship since 2010 go up in flames. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade bagged four goals whilst a brace from Yetunde Fajobi sealed victory.


“I believe we gave the Nigerians too much respect in the first half. We also had a lapse in concentration and lack to communication in the first half but in the second half we played to our strengths.


“We showed that we can hold them and with more practice, we believe we have what it takes to do better in the second leg,” Bantwana coach Maud Khumalo was quoted by the South African Football Association website.


The continent will have a new representation in either Cameroon or Egypt, who are fighting for the other slot. Cameroon beat Egypt 2-1 in Douala in a game that recorded all three goals in the first half. Alexandra Takounda and Dominique Djoubi scored for Cameroon whilst Noha Tarek pulled one back for Egypt before the break.


The second leg will take place in a fortnight with the winners qualifying to represent Africa at the final tournament fixed for 30 September to 21 October 2016 in Jordan.


Results

Saturday, 12 March 2016

Morocco 0-4 Ghana

Nigeria 6-0 South Africa

Cameroon 2-1 Egypt

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Siasia looking for Ighalo goals against Egypt after strike against Arsenal
By Mohamed Salah
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Photo: Watford FC

Super Eagles boss Samson Siasia has praised Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo after he regained his scoring form against FA cup holders Arsenal and inspiring his team to knock out the Gunners in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.


The 26-year-old Nigerian won the Man-of-the-Match award after his outstanding performance on Sunday against a helpless Arsenal side, Ighalo scored his side’s first in the 50th minute before his Algerian teammate Adnan Gedioura doubled the Hornets’ lead 13 minutes later. Danny Welbeck scored the consolation goal in the 88th minute but it was too late for the gunners to equalize.

FACT: @NGSuperEagles striker @ighalojude scores his first goal since the 30th of January.

— KingFut.com (@King_Fut) March 13, 2016


Samson Siasia contacted Ighalo before the game to wish him good luck and was a happy man when one of his star players played a huge role in ousting Arsene Wenger’s side out of the Cup.


The Nigerian head coach spoke with SportingLife after the game and was hopeful Odion Ighalo would repeat what he did against Arsenal in Kaduna and Alexandria when the Super Eagles face Egypt for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.


“I am very happy that Odion (Ighalo) is back to his best and started scoring again. I told you guys that this can happen to any player and that when the goals starts pouring in again it will continue,” Siasia said.


Ighalo previously brushed off worries regarding his goalscorering drought, confirming that the he will soon be back to scoring ways again.


“I like the goal Odion scored and I am hopeful that he can replicate this scoring form when he comes home for the Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifiers against Egypt in Kaduna and away in Alexandria,” Siasia concluded.

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Oliseh, Sports Committee meeting 'postponed indefinitely'
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Sunday Oliseh

By Shemmy Sholabomi

The much anticipated meeting between Sunday Oliseh, who voluntarily resigned his position as Super Eagles coach last month, with the House of Representatives’ Committee on Sports scheduled for Thursday has been postponed indefinitely.


Oliseh was to fly in from his base in Belgium on Thursday to explain the reasons for suddenly resigning from his position as the chief coach of the Super Eagles barely a month to the crucial 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Egypt.


A source in the National Assembly told Goal exclusively on Monday that the meeting has been postponed indefinitely and there would be an announcement to the effect if the meeting would hold again.


"The meeting between the House Committee on Sports and former Super Eagles Chief Coach Sunday Oliseh has been postponed indefinitely. No reason or reasons have been given to that effect. Even as I speak with you I am doing so as a friend and not saddled with the responsibility of making any public statement to that effect. But the truth is that the meeting will not hold on Thursday,” the source told Goal.


But when probed further, it was revealed that any meeting of that nature would definitely be a big distraction to the make or mar double Afcon qualification matches.


“What I can also tell you as a friend is that the House Committee considered the fact that the outcome of the meeting may distract or have adverse effect on the Eagles versus Egypt’s Nations Cup qualifying matches.


“So in as much as the House Committee on Sports wants things to be done properly in the Nigeria Football house its action and intentions must not have negative effects on our national team,” the source explained.


The source also disclosed that a prominent member of the committee who was supposed to chair the meeting has traveled out of the country and is not expected to be back until next week.

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Chibuzor Okonkwo eyes 2017 Africa Cup of Nations ticket
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Goal news

The defender has expressed his delight getting a recall to the senior national team while hoping to justify his inclusion in the team


FC Ifeanyi Ubah defender Chibuzor Okonkwo has promised to fight for a place in the Super Eagles squad ahead the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt.


The 2008 Olympics silver medalist expressed his delight getting an invite to the senior national team while hoping not to let the opportunity slip off.


"I'm truly grateful for this opportunity to wear the Green and White shirt of Nigeria again,” Okonkwo told Goal.

“There's nothing as beautiful as representing one's country and I'm glad with the invitation.


“I got the invitation as a result of hard work and I promise not to disappoint, I'll give my all to grab this opportunity.”

The Ifeanyi Ubah defender also expressed confidence in the Anambra Warriors' chances of lifting the Nigeria Professional Football League diadem.


"FC Ifeanyi Ubah are ready to take the game at any opponent in the league because our only target this season is to lift the NPFL trophy,” he added.


“We are well motivated to go all out to conquer the challenge that comes our way in the NPFL this season.”

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EFE AMBROSE OUT OF FAVOUR AT CELTIC
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Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose is having his worst season in Scotland since joining Celtic in 2013/2014 season as the 27 year old has found games hard to by.


Ambrose got just one minute of game time yesterday when Celtic defeated Patrick Thistle 1-2 to make his first appearance since the 31st of January when he got sent off in a 3-1 League Cup loss against Ross County.


Despite serving out his one match suspension in the game that followed the next weekend Ambrose didn’t play a single game in the entire month of February.

He has missed Celtic last 8 games in all competition further fueling rumours that he might be sold in the summer.


So far he has made just 16 appearances in the league with less than 10 games to go he is on course to record his lowest ever league appearance at Celtic since joining them four seasons ago.

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EXCLUSIVE: SIASIA CONSIDERS DROPPING GODWIN OBAJE AND SINCERE SETH TO U-23s
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As preparations hots up ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Egypt interim coach of the Super Eagles Samson Siasia will further trim his squad of home based players before the arrival of the foreign based professional.


Owngoalnigeria.com exclusively gathered that the duo of Godwin Obaje and Sincere Seth who have both been doing well in camp are set to join the U-23s ahead of their friendly game against Brazil on the 24th of March.


19 year old Obaje has been scoring regularly in training and test games but his chances of making the team are slim due to the avalanche of options available to the coaches in attack.


He will hence drop to the U-23s where he will push for a spot to join the traveling party to Brazil for the friendly game against the U-23 team of the host of the next Olympics.


Sincere Seth on his path has always been a part of the U-23s and he will return to the team despite posting above average showing in training with the Super Eagles as like the case of Obaje he has little or no chance of getting selected if he stays with the Super Eagles.

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UCHE KALU BAGS BRACE SEALS WIN FOR TURKISH SIDE
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28 year old former Enyimba FC of Aba forward Uche Kalu scored twice to power his team Adanaspor to a 2-1 win over Altinordu.


Kalu’s brace scored in the 40th and 49th minute of play to give his side a 2-0 lead and despite a late goal from Goksu Turkdogan Adanaspor were able to hand on and pick all three points.

Since moving to Europe in 2013, Kalu has not been lucky with injuries which blighted his time at Rizespor and his first spell with Adanaspor.


His brace took his tally to four goals in all competition since re-joining Adanaspor in January after a short tint with Tobol in Kazakhstan.
http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/03/13/uche-kalu-bags-brace-seals-win-for-turkish-side/

Icon4s:
They were using the SA girls to practice ahead of the main World Cup

I mean they should have scored more goals now. The Coach should have brought in may be his second eleven to prosecute the match maybe to try out some who do not always get the chance to play seen that the Bantwana did not come to the party.

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Nigeria’s Flamingos will beat South Africa again, says Coach Nikyu
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Coach Bala Nikyu

Bala Nikyu, Head Coach of the Flamingos has given an assurance that his players would replicate their first leg performance in the second leg game in a fortnight’s time.


Nigeria’s under-17 women football team whipped their South African counterparts, the Bantwana, 6-0 in their encounter at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.


The match was the final round first leg fixture in the qualifiers for the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Speaking after the match, Nikyu told newsmen that his players were as good as qualifying for the competition billed for Jordan later in the year.


“I am happy with my players because they played to instructions, and I commend them for their good performance.Our target was to score all the goals we could in the first half, so that in the second half we would not have much to do.


“My girls listened to my instructions and did exactly what I asked them to do. We will start preparations immediately for the second leg and I can assure you that we will beat them in South Africa.


“Flamingos will make Nigerians proud at the end of the second leg game in South Africa,” he said.

On her part South Africa’s coach Maud Khumalo said her team would be going back home to work on their mistakes.

“Nigeria was able to score all these goals because of the silly and unavoidable mistakes from my players.I can understand and pardon the young lads because this is the first time they were playing in an international match.


“We are going back home to work and correct all our mistakes and I promise that the return leg will be a more serious game,’’ she said.

The Nigerian side had earlier in the qualifiers silenced hosts Namibia 5-0 in the second round second leg game of the qualifiers.

This was after a 4-0 win in the first leg, and they thus advanced 9-0 on aggregate.

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Flamingoes met goals target against South Africa, admits coach Bala Nikyu
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Flamingoes Coach Coach Bala Nikyu

The Flamingoes trainer has acknowledged they got the goals they wanted against their South African opponents after a massive home victory on Saturday

Nigeria U17 women coach Bala Nikyu has admitted his side realised their targets in the 6-0 massive home victory against South Africa in the final round, first leg of the Fifa U17 Women's World Cup.


Rasheedat Ajibade netted a hat trick and Yetunde Fajobi grabbed brace to hand Bala Nikyu's ladies a huge first leg advantage against Maude Khumalo's ladies at the National Stadium, Abuja.


"We thank God so far because what we wanted is what we (Flamingoes) got," Nikyu told media.

"From the first half, I needed quite a number of goals to keep the second half going well and we got it.


"Definitely, if the first half had ended in one or two goals, the second half will have been very bad because they (South Africa) will not allow the game to flow.


Ahead of the return leg, Nikyu is confident of his side's chances of scoring more goals in Johannesburg when they face the Bantwana in the return leg after the first leg demolition.


"Like I use to say, goals are not bargain outside the field of play but after 90 minutes. So if we go to South Africa, whatever number of goals we can score that is been destined by God, we will definitely take it.


"I want to appreciate Nigerians and assure them that we are going to play a good match in South Africa. We will definitely be in Jordan," he concluded.


After a healthy first leg win, the Flamingoes will be seeking to consolidate on their six goals advantage against South Africa in Johannesburg to seal a place in Jordan 2016.

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Nigeria/South Africa: SA's Half-a-Dozen Disaster Against Nigeria
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By Tintswalo Baloyi

SOUTH Africa's Under-17 women's national football side coach, Maud Khumalo, said the 6-0 thrashing by Nigeria was a rude awakening for her team.


On Saturday, Bantwana, as the South Africans are otherwise known, lost to the Flamingos of Nigeria in the first leg of the final round of the U-17 FIFA World Cup qualifiers played at the Abuja National Stadium.


Atinuke Fajobi scored a brace while captain Busayo Ajibade scored four goals, all six coming in the in the first half, to condemn the visitors and leave them with a mountain to climb in the return leg set for Johannesburg in a fortnight.

Khumalo blamed a number of factors.


"This was always going to be a tough ask of the girls considering they haven't played an international match up to this stage, but such is football," she said upon returning to South Africa.

Bantwana had not played an official match due to the withdrawal of Zambia earlier this year and lack of match fitness was evident earlier on.


"I believe we gave the Nigerians too much respect in the first half. We also had a lapse in concentration and lack to communication in the first half but in the second half we played to our strengths.

With his side staring elimination, Khumalo can only hope for an improved performance.


"We showed that we can hold them and with more practice, we believe we have what it takes to do better in the second leg," she said.