₦airaland Forum

Izzycare co-founder Kenneth Colón says the fast rising healthcare innovator is ready to accept African investors willing to join as they look forward to boosting healthiness across the diverse people of the continent.

Mr. Colon who spoke about their ongoing ICO called on investors concerned about healthcare in the region to come in and play a vital role in the quest for a healthier Africa while also making gains.

“Through our token and platform, Izzy Care seeks to build a worldwide community of patients, providers, policy makers, and pioneers to pave the way forward for the future of healthcare, and we’d like African investors to be a part of it.”

He said investors will reap rewards in no time while also contributing to making Africa a healthier place which is a win-win situation.

Another co-founder Joswell Valdez mentioned that the company cant wait to get millions of Africans involved in the project which will bring massive gains.

[b]Joel Obi (Torino) - [/b]A player whose quality has never been in doubt since bursting into the limelight in the early 2000s. Obi has it all, deft touches, trickery and vision for the ‘killer pass’.
Unfortunately, persistent injuries have barred his previous clubs (especially Inter) and Nigeria from really benefiting from his massive talent.
This season at Torino, the midfielder seem to have overcome his injury worries and has settled down to business. He is currently one of Torino’s best performers and many are already calling on Eagles boss Gernot Rohr to invite the player for next friendly matches as Nigeria looks to get its best players in shape for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.



[b]Musa Mohammed (Istanbul Basaksehir) - [/b]captained Nigeria to one of its most unforgettable moment when the Golden Eaglets captivated the world by clinching the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in mesmerizing style.
Was courted by several top clubs afterwards before he moved to Turkish top flight side Istanbul Basaksehir, was able to amass 3 caps for Nigeria during the initial World Cup qualifier stages but lack of playing time in Turkey affected this quality player and was dropped off.
Now with Lokomotiv Plovdiv, the right back/central defender seems to have rediscovered the form he is known for. Is now a starter for the Bulgarian side who are pursuing a European place finish. His tactful overlapping runs, measured crosses and good free kicks have many pundits to also call for his inclusion in the next Eagles list for friendlies.

Qmerit:
So after Jacob zuma came to see Baba the money was reduced to just 300Billion from 1.3trillion, well, so far so good just pay up cause you guys re taking naija for grnter.

Under GEJ there wouldn't have been any fine at all.

Today marks four years since the passing away of Super Eagles most prolific goal scorer Rashidi Yekini died in Ibadan on May 4, 2012.
In remembrance of the sad event, his former teammates Garba Lawal and Tijjani Babangida say his memory lives on considering what he was able to achieve for the country during his playing days.

In a chat with Daily Trust regarding the anniversary, Lawal who was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the France 1998 FIFA World Cup alongside the late Vitoria Setubal striker added that calls by some persons on social media that Yekini’s mysterious death should be reinvestigated by the authorities are ‘nonsense.’
“I had a special relationship with Abdulrasheed (Yekini) even during France 98 I was one of the very few people he normally call to his hotel room and we end chatting for hours. He’s not a very social person, sometimes he’ll be there and you’ll not even notice him but once in a while will crack jokes to make other players laugh.”
The former Roda JC player also spoke about their Kaduna link after being discovered by the same amateur coach in the 80s.
“He was with UNTL (United Nigeria Textile Limited team) from the 1983 and the gaffer who discovered him was the same person that found me and Tijjani Babangida, and we always maintained that relationship.”
Another Ex-international, Tijjani Babangida who said he also enjoyed a close relationship with the departed goal poacher, told Daily Trust that Yekini has left his mark on the sands of time and will never be forgotten.
“He was a consummate professional, always serious with the job at hand and knows how to deliver, we pray to God to grant his soul eternal rest Ameen.”
Yekini scored 37 goals as a Nigerian international, and represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two World Cups where he scored the country’s first-ever goal in the ‘USA 94’ tournament.
He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

FFK slaying Igbo punany since 1869

Super Eagles tackle Egypt on Friday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna for Group G supremacy in the race for next year’s African Cup of Nations in Gabon; here are five players whose magic can turn the tie in Nigeria’s favour.

Odion Ighalo - Watford fans were not the only ones worried after the former Julius Berger striker failed to find the net in over 500 minutes of football (since January) before scoring against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter finals. Nigerians were concerned as well considering the fact that he’s presently the country’s number one striker. Ighalo not only possess a killer instinct in terms of goal scoring ability, he also has the quality to bring other players into action as seen numerous times in the Watford jersey this season, he scored a goal in his debut against Chad at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna the 2017 AFCON qualifiers on matchday one and many are tipping him to net against the Egyptians again at the same ground. The Pharaohs defence will be wary of him and rightly so because he’s one of the Eagles that could change the game in seconds.

Ahmed Musa - skipper of the Nigerian side and one of the most experienced among the invited players. Over the years, Musa has proven to be a big match player and several people will be counting on him to provide another Argentina-Esque performance. His club form hasn’t been mesmerizing as many expected of him this term after an amazing showing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup but his experience of playing top level football across Europe in the UEFA Champions League coupled with his eye for goal and pace makes the CSKA Moscow star one of the players to watch out as the Egyptians come to town for the ‘big one’

Simon Moses - considered as one of the most promising players out of Nigeria at the moment and rightly so considering the immense talent at this player’s disposal. His two well taken second half goals that ensured Eagles qualify for the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers made many Nigerians take notice of his abilities but for fans of Belgian club Gent, they’ve seen it all before. Moses cannot only play under pressure but also a special knack for free kicks and counter attack situations which makes him another player to look out for against the Pharaohs.

Alex Iwobi - the youngster might not likely start due to the availability of his more illustrious midfield teammates but can always be called upon to add creative spark to a game as seen in many Arsenal games this season. Was one of the most outstanding players for Arsenal in last week’s UEFA Champions League encounter at the Nou Camp which proves that Austin Okocha’s nephew can handle pressure, also the fact that one of Egypt’s most trusted players, Mohammed Elneny is presently his teammate in North London which means he could also be useful to Coach Samson Siasia in terms of tactics.

Carl Ikeme - since replacing Vincent Enyeama as Eagles first choice goalkeeper, the Wolverhampton shot stopper has never had a bad game for Nigeria, in fact he has been named man of the match twice after heroics against Ethiopia and Cameroon.
His saves, leadership quality at the back and experience could be massive against Hector Cuper’s men both at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and Alexandria, despite being on the bench for most of Wolves games this season, the player is always tuned on for games with Nigeria and he is expected to come to Eagles rescue against the seven time AFCON winners one of Africa’s best teams.

agbangam:
The painful thing is dat those Anti-Buhari, those dat want dis present admin to fail will never condemn their messaigh GEJ but as soon as dey see any fault against Buhari dey all come here and start commenting rubish/hate language.
Aba Moro action led to d death of innocent youth insted of GEJ dealing squarely rather he still kept d murderer in his cabinent and now dat Buhari wants to correct those wrongs so many bloccked heads/IPOB youths will scream witch-hunt. So annoying

May God bless you sir

Misterdhee1:
Go through all the names, then you see a connection! Smh!! Tribalism won't take us anywhere, election is almost a year now..

May God bless you.. you just took that out of my mouth..

The much anticipated Glo- CAF awards have come and gone, while some landed themselves the gongs some missed out by whiskers, here are the biggest losers from the Abuja held event.

Golden Eaglets (National team of the year)- were in the running to be named best national team of the year alongside African Cup of Nations winners Ivory Coast and the Black Stars of Ghana.
Eaglets run in Chile were surely one of the best stories to have come out of the continent after making history by retaining the FIFA U17 World Cup in South America, unfortunately for the Emmanuel Amuneke led side they were against AFCON winners Cote d’ivoire who after several disappointment of recent years were crowned African champions in 2015.
The voting pattern showed it was a tight race between Eaglets and category winners, The Elephants, which proves that like many Nigerians others were also impressed with Victor Osimhen and co. at the Mundial where they dispatched strong oppositions to emerge world champions.
Yaya Toure (CAF Player of the year)- winning the CAF African player of the year four times in a row was by itself a tremendous achievement but Manchester City star midfielder Toure aimed to break another record with a fifth win.
Only the Ivorian and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o have won the award on four occasions and scooping this one would’ve made Toure the most successful player on the continent as far as the award is concerned.
The mesmerizing displays by category winner Pierre Aubameyang in the Bundesliga with Borrussia Dortmund where he is currently the division’s top goal scorer and assistor and Andre Ayew’s swift adaptation in the English premier League where he set alight his first few months with sumptuous goals meant Toure was in for a big challenge this time around.
Kelechi Nwakali (Youth player of the year) the argument of which is more important to a team between a midfield wizard who does all the scheming and the finisher who nicks the ball in the net will continue for long.
At the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile it was clear to see that Nwakali made the team thick in terms of creation of chances and possession play but at the end the goal scorer always gets the credit for the end product.
With due respect to Osimhen whose goals were massively important in the triumph, a player like Nwakali who is presently targeted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe will feel hard done by despite near perfect outing in Chile.
Emmanuel Amuneke (Coach of the year) - one of the few players to have also tasted success as a coach. After being assistant manager to Manu Garba at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup success, Amuneke was at the helm of affairs in last year’s Mundial where he brought all experiences acquired during his playing days and also as part of Manu’s technical team to the fore.
Herve Renard won this category due to his Ivory Coast’s side winning the AFCON in Equatorial Guinea, which was an amazing victory considering they’ve been waiting for such a moment for 23 years.

OP WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOUR FRIEND SEND SOMETHING GO VILLAGE?

Enyeama’s five most memorable Eagles games

By Mansur Abubakar @mansur_112


An era came to an end when 101 capped former captain of the Super Eagles Vincent Enyeama decided to resign from international football this week, here are some of the best matches the long serving goalie will be remembered by after serving the national team for 13 years.


Nigeria/England 2002 FIFA World Cup
Marking only his fifth appearance for Adeboye Onigbinde’s team against a star studded English three lions, it was evidently clear that the then Enyimba shot stopper would go a long way in the game of football.
Made two glorious saves to deny midfielder Paul Scholes and David Beckham before the break and was also on hand for Sol Campbell’s header in the second half. The game ended goal less with Enyeama seen as Nigeria’s hero of the day for Nigeria instead of the mercurial Austin Okocha or goal getter Julius Aghahowa.

Nigeria/Tunisia African Cup of Nations 2006
This game has the Lille player’s heroics written all over it. Apart from some tremendous saves during the full 120 minutes of this thrilling contest between reigning champions Tunisia and Eagles, Enyeama went on to save three of the North African player’s penalty kicks during shoot out as Nigeria progressed to the semifinal of the tournament only to be defeated by a Didier Drogba led Ivory Coast team.

Nigeria/Argentina FIFA World Cup 2010
Enyeama made his second FIFA World Cup participation in the 2010 tournament in South Africa. In Nigeria’s opening match, he was named man of the match, producing a defiant display to restrict Argentina to a 1–0 win. Enyeama, who was playing his 56th international for the Super Eagles, made six fine saves against the two-time world champions, four of them from Lionel Messi with Argentine coach Diego Maradona praising him as the reason Messi was not able to score a goal.

Nigeria/Burkina Faso African Cup of Nations 2013
At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama deputised for regular captain Joseph Yobo, who stayed on the bench for most of the competition and on 10 February, he led Nigeria to its third continental victory, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 defeat of Burkina Faso in the final. He was named to the team of the tournament as first choice goalkeeper, conceding only four goals in six matches.

Nigeria/Argentina 2014 FIFA World Cup
Even though most people will remember this game (Nigeria wise) as belonging to Ahmed Musa who scored two quick fire goals against Mundial favourites Argentina thereby becoming the first ever Eagles player to score twice in a single senior world cup game. Those with deeper memories will also recall the fact that the score line would have been a lot bigger than 3-2 it finished if not Enyeama’s agile saves.
Saved a wonderful free kick from Lionel Messi before half time and made two other massive moves to deny striker Sergio Aguero and Pablo Higuain before the end of the full 90 minutes.

The Managing Director of Fortis Mobile Money, Mr. Henry Nwawuba has said the company had concluded arrangements to deploy 50,000 agents across the country within the next twelve months.

He also said that his company was committed to rolling out unrestricted financial services to the over the 60 million Nigerians on the MTN network in the next twelve months.

Nwawuba said this in Lagos where the firm have over 950,000 registered users. He also said that the mobile banking firm had gone into partnership with MTN.


“Also with the biggest network provider, MTN, we have access to tap into over 60 million customers as we roll out our job is to build a robust project network. So we are going to be deploying 50,000 agents across Nigeria in the next twelve months, yes we have started the launch in Lagos but very rapidly as transactions take off. You will see us going to the South-west, the North, the North-central, South-east and all of that to build a robust system but without building them, mobile money will not work.

“MTN is opening up a mobile network and this is a significant achievement, every mobile money in Nigeria is looking for a kind of access that telecom networks provide. So what we have achieved today is that MTN is opening up a mobile network with network infrastructure that will give us the king of access that would be user friendly to all our customers,” he said.

According to him, Fortis Money would through its partnership with MTN, serve a portion of Nigerians who do not have access to fund.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Mike Ikpoki, said that the product would transform the Nigerian economy.

He said mobile money users would be able to transfer money, pay bills, top up on air time and shop- all from their mobile phone, stressing that mobile money represented another opportunity to bring additional added value to its growing subscriber base.

Speaking further he said, the use of mobile money product would not only improve the quality of the people’s lives but also encourage banking as opposed to storing ones earnings in cash.

He added that the impact of mobile money would flow into other segments of the society and have a multiplier effect on the Nigerian economy.

Akpoborie calls Eagles camp ‘FC Nollywood'

By Mansur Abubakar @mansur_112

Former Super Eagles striker Jonathan Akpoborie has labeled the national team camp in Belgium ahead of the friendly match against Congo and Sunday’s game against Cameroun as ‘FC Nollywood’.
The ex-Hansa Rostock goal-getter was reacting to reported stories of infighting between manager Sunday Oliseh and shot stopper Vincent Enyeama which has taken centre stage instead of preparations for the friendly matches.
“You call them Super Eagles? No, FC Nollywood is a better name,” Akpoborie who scored four goals in 13 appearances for the senior team wrote on twitter.

Former Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu yesterday expressed displeasure regarding unresolved disagreement between national team manager Sunday Oliseh and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, saying the major objective is to work together.
The legendary Arsenal playmaker in a twitter post added it’s vital that peace is maintained at the Hotel Verviers camp of Eagles ahead of the upcoming fixtures against Congo and Cameroun.
“What’s this fighting in our super eagles camp please we don’t need this, all we need is to work together and win matches. Let’s make peace please,” Kanu wrote on the social media.
According to reports, Oliseh was unhappy about his captain’s late arrival and demoted him at a team meeting after dinner, naming CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa as the new captain.
Meanwhile, The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed that there was misunderstanding in the camp of the Super Eagles but it has been resolved.
“It’s true that there was a little misunderstanding in the camp of the Super Eagles, but the matter has been resolved. Enyeama remains in camp,” reads a tweet from the official handle of the NFF.
The Super Eagles camp in Belgium was torn into shreds following squabbles between Coach Oliseh and Enyeama ahead of today’s friendly against Congo.
The arrival of Lille goalkeeper and captain of the Eagles side in Belgium which ordinarily should bring cheers to the camp instead, turned the camp into a war zone following allegations of anti-camp activities against the captain which almost led to his expulsion from the group.

And the eyes have it....

eluquenson:
A police recruit earns a consolidated annual salary of N108, 233, 00 and a monthly consolidated salary of N9, 019.42 but when N676.46 is deducted as pension, the recruit goes home with N8, 342.96.
A police constable on grade level 02 (1) earns a gross monthly salary of N42, 508.13 while the one on grade level 02 (10) earns a total of N46, 840.86 with rent.
A police constable grade level 03 (1) earns a gross monthly salary of N43, 293.80 while the one on step 10 earns N48,619.16 including rent while a corporal on grade level 04 (1), earns N44,715.53 and a corporal on grade level 04 (10) goes home with N51,113.59 per month including rent subsidy.
The gross monthly salary of a police sergeant on grade level 05 (1) is N48, 540.88 while a Sergeant on step 10 earns N55, 973.84.
A sergeant major on grade level 06 (1) earns N53, 144.81 and the one on grade level 06 (10) earns N62, 204.88 per month.
For senior officers, the package appears relatively improved.
A cadet inspector on grade level 07 (1) earns N73, 231.51, an Inspector on grade level 07 (10) earns N87, 135.70 including rent subsidy while a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, on grade level 08 (1) earns N127, 604.68 and an ASP on grade level 08 (10) earns N144,152.07.
An ASP1 on grade level 09 (1) earns N136, 616.06, an ASP on grade level 09 (10) earns N156, 318.39, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) on grade level 10 (1) earns a total monthly salary of N148, 733.29, a DSP on grade level 10 (10) earns N170, 399.69, a Superintendent of Police (SP) on grade level 11 (1) earns N161, 478.29, an SP on grade level 11 ( earns N187, 616.69.
A Chief of Superintendent of Police, CSP, on grade level 12 (1) earns N172, 089.06, a CSP on the same level on step 8 earns N199, 723.96, an Assistant Commissioner of Police on grade level 13 (1) earns N183, 185.73, an ACP on grade level 13 ( earns N212, 938.16 while a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, on grade level 14 (1) earns N242, 715.65, a DCP on grade level 14 (7) earns N278, 852.79.
A Commissioner of Police, CP, on grade level 15 (1) earns N266, 777.79; a CP on step 6 earns N302, 970.47. While an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) on grade level 16 (1) gets N499, 751.87, an AIG on step 5 earns N546, 572.73.
Still, the salary of the Nigerian Inspector-General of Police, IG, is meagre compared with those of the heads of the State Security Services, SSS, National Intelligence Agency, NIA and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
While the IGP earns N711, 498 per month, the Director General of the SSS earns N1, 336 million per month and the EFCC Chairman, N1.5 million, per month.

Source

Super Eagles manager Sunday Oliseh earns 5million a month

Oliseh almost fought me because of Eagles job- Peterside

By Mansur Abubakar @mansur_112

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Super Sports pundit Idah Peterside yesterday revealed how Nigeria’s new manager Sunday Oliseh almost engaged in fisticuffs with him after saying to his face that he was the leader of Eagles ‘mafia faction’ during his national team days.

The ex Maroka Swallows shot stopper said the pair met during an event in Johannesburg, South Africa few years ago where he wasted no time in bringing up the mafia issue to Oliseh who according to Peterside was visibly angry because he felt ‘rumours’ like that were stopping him from becoming Eagles’ manager.

“Sunny (Sunday) Oliseh almost fought me in south Africa .when I told him that he was the head of the mafia in the super eagles. He believed that rumor was stopping him from getting the eagles job, he believed he should have had, happy for him his got the job now and I pray he handles the national team, not like it was in his time where we had factions. This happened when he came to do a program in Johannesburg” Peterside wrote via his twitter handle yesterday.

Meanwhile, as part of the mouth-watering contract for Oliseh, a brand new Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 2015 Model Car was acquired as his official ride for his new role. The car was delivered yesterday at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Football Federation in Abuja.

It will be recalled that the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder last month signed a 3 year contract with the Glass House with an option of extension based on performance. The manager earns N5 million monthly which puts his annual pay at N60 million same as that of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi who was in charge until June 23rd after the Eagles against Chad AFCON game in Kaduna.

I substituted Okwaraji after he slumped against Angola- Sadi

By Mansur Abubakar @mansur_112

Former Super Eagles midfielder Dahiru Sadi revealed to Daily Trust that he was the player that substituted teammate Samuel Okwaraji after he collapsed in the ill-fated match against Angola in the 1989 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the national stadium in Lagos.

Wednesday was the 26th anniversary of Okwaraji’s death with many sports personalities across the country calling on the government to immortalize the former Stuttgart player who against the wishes of his club travelled to Nigeria to serve his fatherland.

In the chat with Sadi, the Saudi 1989 star also added to that call, saying heroes like Okwaraji deserve all the recognition they could get adding that it’s a shame that his family was allowed to suffer after his death.

“I vividly recalled events of that day in 1989, prior to that, we flew together from Germany to honour that game against Angola and I was tipped to start the game ahead of him but turn of events meant he started before me until the incident occurred (Okwaraji’s collapse) and I was asked to substitute him while he was rushed for treatment” Sadi told Daily Trust.
Meanwhile, on the eve of the anniversary, Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick put a call through to Lady Jane Okwaraji, Samuel’s mother who lives in Owerri, Imo State.

“Mama, there is nothing I can say other than to tell you to continue to take solace in the fact that Sochukwuma was a star for Nigeria, a name that no one has been able to forget no matter how much they tried. He was the quintessential professional and patriot per excellence.

“Please be rest assured that Sochukwuma will continue to be in our hearts and consciousness. He was a rare gem. I assure you that the NFF will continue to keep in touch with you.”

Pinnick recalled that as a young boy, he was at the National Stadium to watch the big match only to go home with a heavy heart after news broke of Okwaraji’s tragic departure.

“It was a horrible day, for someone like me and several other Nigerians who were right inside the National Stadium, Lagos that day. By all accounts, Sam Okwaraji was a consummate professional and was a shining example of patriotic fervor.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi was also one of the scores of thousands of fans at the National Stadium, Lagos that fateful day.

Sanusi said: “That was a day better forgotten. We lost one of the most dedicated and committed players to have featured for any of the National Teams.”

A doctorate degree student of law, Okwaraji slumped under his own weight 13 minutes to the end of the match and was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

Patrick Okwaraji, Samuel’s brother, said after the phone call by the NFF President. “We are grateful to the NFF President for his phone call. At least, Mama is feeling better now.”

Yesterday, the portrait of the late midfielder was displayed round the eight venues of the Federation Cup quarter –finals in remembrance of him.

The NPFL night matches issue

By Mansur Abubakar @mansur_112

The declaration last week by the chairman of the League Management Company, Shehu Dikko that the Nigeria Professional football will soon be witnessing night matches has attracted a lot of reactions from the game’s ardent followers from across the country.

Some say even though the LMC has made giant strides in the top flight this season, the Glo Premier League is still a long way from such an innovation while others argue it’s something that could be done with little adjustments here and there, let's analys the issue.

The revolutionary idea of a night football game started with a group of students who had played on British Mansfield University’s first football team in 1891 who, eager to showcase their new sport, came up with the idea of playing a game in front of the crowds at the Great Mansfield Fair using the electric light which was invented just 13 years earlier by Thomas A. Edison.

Which shows that though electricity was just 13 years old at the time, Mansfield had an abundance of it that those students could contemplate such a venture in comparison to Nigeria which is yet to get it right ‘electricitically’ in 101 years of existence as a nation.

Going round most of the stadia across the country, it is glaring to see that the most basic element for such a journey, the floodlights are either nonexistent, not numerically enough or are in a terrible state due to years of neglect, talk less of issues regarding powering the grounds.

Now, compare that to what many describe as one of the wonders of modern Europe, the ‘Allianz Arena’ (Bayern Munich stadium) which is the most lighted in the world with over 13 thousand fluorescent lights and with the capacity to change from colours blue, red and white depending on the occasion.

The second issue is that of security, even the most developed countries which has some of the best policing policies and prepares well ahead before night matches are played complain of a surge in crime and thuggish behaviours during those night games.

Your guess is as good as mine regarding how well our police and other security personnel would be able to handle a new phenomenon like this in which there hasn’t been any prior training seeing how some of them perform during ‘daytime’ matches.

For anybody that was present, the Eagles against Chad game at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna during an African Cup of Nations qualifier was a testament to how incapable we are to provide adequate security at grounds, if such laxity can be seen when the country’s national team is playing it won’t be hard to imagine what would happen in the case of ‘fans bad behaviour’ during an NPFL game at night.

Lastly, the league is witnessing a mammoth turn out of fans to watch matches in stadiums like never before which proves the top flight is in an upward spiral but for example how many of the over 8000 fans that turned up for Sunshine stars against Kano Pillars at the township stadium in Akure on 25th June, would have been willing to attend the game at 8.45pm.

The truth is, a situation whereby you are wondering how safe you’ll be and how long it will take to get to the stadium and return (some states have terrible traffic especially in the evenings) will surely put even the most loyal NPFL followers off.

In essence, a huge step like playing night matches shouldn’t be rushed but to be carefully planned on the long term by the LMC thereby concentrating on other short terms achievable objectives in the pursuit of a world class league.

Written by Mansur Abubakar @ mansur_112

The 2015/2016 European football season kicks off in few weeks’ time with some of Nigeria’s young players trying to stake a claim to first team action from their various clubs with mesmerizing displays at the ongoing pre-season friendlies and tournaments.
Based on performances, here are the four that look most likely to break into their side’s league quota for next term as they hope to make the next big step in their careers.


Kelechi Iheanacho- entering his third year with English giants Manchester City, the stage finally looks set for the 2013 U17 World Cup winner to be part of the former EPL champions for next season after two loan stints and time with the club’s second team.
His nicely taken goal and assist for City’s new boy Raheem Sterling against Roma at the MCG stadium in America was a testament to how well the attacking midfielder has come off age and adapted to being with the ‘big boys’.
Iheanacho also shone on City’s tour of the United States 12 months ago, but did not obtain a work permit enabling him to play for their youth-team until earlier this year. Now manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to underline his faith in the 18-year-old by drafting him into the first-team squad this season if Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic leave the Etihad.
Iheanacho admitted that he is desperate to break into the senior side after once again proving that he can make an impact at the highest level.
He said: ‘The manager has promised me nothing. He’s just told me to keep working hard every day. So as yet I don’t know what my chance is, but I pray that it will come soon.
‘Last season, everything was okay. It was just about getting a work permit, but everything is sorted out now. I am able to play for Man City now.
‘It was nice to get a goal, I feel good about it. This season I hope to be here. I’ve been training hard with them during pre-season and I hope this is the time for me to break into the first-team.’ The player said.
Dele Alli- nearly two years ago, Alli was at the centre of a transfer tussle between Arsenal (who are known for their affection for wonder kids) and Liverpool, at the time League one club MK Dons refused to sell knowing full well that a better offer would come for the talented youngster and right they were as Tottenham Hotspur finally landed the player for £12 million while the lad rejoined Dons on loan for the remainder of the season.
At the moment, Alli, is proving Daniel Levy (Spurs chairman) right to have splashed the cash after marking his first Tottenham run-out with a goal as Brentford were overcome 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.
‘Obviously I’m delighted to get the goal and it was a good team performance and we got the win,’ he told the club’s website after the match. It’s pre-season and it’s always good for confidence to go into the season winning games.
‘It is a huge weight off my shoulders getting that first goal because sometimes you can get into a run of form where you just can’t get that goal and I’m happy to continue where I left off last season.’
With what he has shown so far, many pundits sense coach Mauricio Pochettino will definitely keep the talented youngster with the team hoping he’ll turn out be another Gareth Bale in the making.
Musa Mohammed- the national U20 skipper Musa Mohammed posted a solid debut for new Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir in a pre-season game against Belgium’s biggest team, Anderlecht on Tuesday.
Both teams played out a goalless draw in Holland with Musa sporting jersey No 25 playing the second 45 minutes. “He was very solid, delivered three top-class crosses and also defended very well,” a source informed AfricanFootball.com
“Officials were very impressed with his performance and how he has quickly integrated into the group after just a handful of trainings.
“On the evidence of what he produced against Anderlecht, he will certainly have a big role to play in this club.”
Apart from his usual commanding displays at the back, the Kano-born player is an amazing free kick taker which will also come as a strong asset in his bid to cement a place in the team.

Written by Mansur Abubakar @mansur_112

Nigerian born Wilmington Hammersheads FC striker, Qudus Lawal has advised Super Eagles new manager Sunday Oliseh to draft promising young players to form the nucleus of the Eagles as a new chapter beckons for the team’s history.

In a telephone chat with Daily Trust yesterday, the former Seattle Sounders player noted that integrating the younger players will afford them a superior tactical knowledge to what they have which will augur well for the national team when they finally take over the mantle from the ageing players.

“As you know tactical knowledge at an early age is very important, so if they could get that from the new manager then when the senior players retire or don’t have as much energy to carry on, those players could fit in easily,” Lawal said.
The 19 year old in a recent interview with Fever Pitch maintains he might one day appear in the country’s green and white jersey despite his strong links with the United States of America where he was brought up.

The Nigeria Football Federation under the leadership of Amaju Pinnick has resolved to lure players of Nigerian descent with options of playing for other countries to come back home to represent the national teams.
Pinnick over a month ago held a meeting with parents of Nigerian footballers based in the United Kingdom, assuring them of their sons’ safety and progress should they choose to wear the colours of Nigeria.

There is a huge number of Nigerian footballers, many born and raised in the Americas, United Kingdom and other parts of the world who have expressed a desire to open their hearts to the possibility of playing for the Super Eagles and the President was quick to appreciate that.

Nigeria’s top five rated players of all time

By Mansur Abubakar

Since the formation of Nigeria’s first national football team in 1949 which was coached by the famous Fulham star' John (Jack) Finch, the country has went on to produce some of the brightest players in the history of the game. From the Christian Chukwu inspired side that landed Eagles their first African Cup of Nations trophy in 1980 to the immensely talented ‘dream team’ which took the world by storm in 1994 (many also describe it as the best of all time).

All manner of stars have adorned the green and white before going on to achieve stardom, international recognition and trophies alike, these five players are the most highly rated as far as football in Nigeria is concerned.

5 Stephen Keshi- [/b]present coach of the senior national team who apart from guiding Eagles to their third AFCON title in South Africa two years ago also enjoyed a sterling playing career with both Nigeria and a host of clubs in Europe.

A no nonsense centre back who was occasionally drafted as a holding midfielder, Keshi got his debut at the age of 17 in 1989 and went on to captain the team to both the Tunisia 94 AFCON triumph and their first FIFA World Cup, gaining over 80 caps on the way.

His record with Belgian side Anderlecht is also admirable having being part of the team that clinched the league and cup double in 1993, today Coach Keshi is one of the most decorated and recognized ex Nigerian players.

[b]4 John Obi Mikel- came to limelight during the 2005 U17 World Cup in Holland where he almost eclipsed arguably the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi to the coveted Golden Ball due to his mesmerizing display at the tournament which made many rate him among the three most talented footballers in the world at the time.

Apart from being part of the 2013 AFCON winning side in Johannesburg, Mikel’s Eagles career can best be described as average but Chelsea FC of England is where the midfielder has really made his name, being part of the team that has won three EPL titles, four FA Cups, three League cups, UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

All that meant this list would have been incomplete without including the former Lyn Oslo player who due to his talents was at the centre of a transfer tussle between Manchester United and Chelsea in 2006. Today he is no longer a first team player in the ‘Blues’ team but will go down as one of Nigeria’s biggest exports in football.

3 Rashidi Yekini- No one is yet to break his goal scoring record for Eagles having netted 46 times in 94 appearances. Was the focal point of Clement Westerhoff’s amazing team of 1994 where he scored vital screamers that helped landed the ‘Tunisia 94’ AFCON title.
Scored Nigeria’s first ever goal at a FIFA World Cup against Bulgaria in USA with his goal net celebration stuck in the minds of millions of football lovers till date.

In Europe, Yekini didn’t disappoint either, notching up goals wherever he went to from Boavista, Vitoria Setubal to swiss side Young Boys, the Kwara born star was able to achieve high international rating and stardom during his playing days, may God bless his soul.

2 Austin Jay Jay Okocha- He remains Nigeria’s most technically gifted player till date, he was able to do things no one could do with the ball. The great Pele once said of him “Okocha is the only African player that could walk straight into the Brazil national team” what a compliment from the legendary player.

Another player from the great 1994 team, starting his career with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga (one of his goals is rated among the top three in the history of the league) by 1998 Okocha was Africa’s most expensive player when he moved from Fenerbahce to Paris Saint Germain after the World Cup.

His stint with Bolton Wanderers is still fresh in the minds of football crazy EPL fans where he mesmerized English top flight with his abundant of skills. Bolton fans just like Nigerians rates him among their best of all time having helped them avoid the drop several times not forgetting guding them to the league cup.

Nwankwo Kanu- What haven’t been said about this player, this week a pub in South London which celebrates a legendary hero every week, wrote this about their ‘man of the week’.

“ inspired Nigeria to Olympic gold in 1996, overcame heart bypass surgery to win numerous trophies with Arsenal including being part of the invincibles of 2004 not forgetting FA Cup win for Pompey, all hail King Kanu “ they wrote on their board

Kanu was already an Eredivise and UEFA Champions league title winner with Ajax at the age of 17 before engineering the miracle of Atlanta 1996 despite being close to death at the time. His inability to lift the AFCON is the only blip in the career of Nigeria’s most highly rated and respected player.

Arsenal fans express reservations over Dangote’s interest to buy club

By Mansur Abubakar

Some Loyal Arsenal fan have reacted negatively to widespread reports of Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote desire to buy their beloved north London club in the near foreseeable future.

In an interview with BBC Hausa service on Tuesday, the cement, sugar and flour magnate reiterated his plan to own the ‘gunners’ team which he has always supported and cheered as a fan adding that he’s only bidding time to get his refinery project on track before turning his attention to Arsenal.

“When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for,' he said.

As the issue was widely discussed on social media and sports forums it turns out there are tonnes of the team’s faithful that are against such a move even the 67th richest man in the world has promised to give the club a new direction, away from the ‘nurture and sell’ policy of the FA Cup winners in recent years.

“How about helping to sort out the mess in his country first” Kido 44 from Birmingham posted on Daily Mail website and the comment got over 700 green arrows from other readers which signified agreement.

Another Arsenal fan on metro.co.uk, Anthony Loucades from Kent also expressed his view regarding Dangote’s interest “i'm not that keen on someone taking over the club who still thinks it's 2012 and we have to sell our best players” referring to the fact that the club is now in a healthy financial state and doesn’t have to sell its best players unlike in the past when world beaters like Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Adebayor all had to leave in order to pay off debt from the Emirates stadium project.

Also in the billionaire’s home country of Nigeria, many football folowers are of the opinion that the Kano born businessman should help to develop the local professional football league instead of investing in what is already the best division in the world.

9jatriot:
Being graduate does not give you the entitlement status of a certain amount. To dream big is within the rights of every human being. The question is, do you have another job waiting for you? A lot of people earn far more than that, some others earn far less than that, yet you are different and should decide for yourself if you want to take it. That is after considering if you intend to build up your experience base that you require for the next big job, if you prefer sleeping up and waking up every morning and watching children go to school and others go to work while you stay at home doing nothing and if the job will afford you the opportunity to meet people who in turn may be the ones to give you information that you would never had heard sleeping and eating at home. In all the choice is yours.

I did not proof read, so any error in English is regretted.

you have said my mind, may God bless you

Lost someone in a ghastly motor accident recently and like most people who have experienced such a tragedy one keep thinking about Death frequently and sometimes the thoughts take another dimension as you keep thinking how you own end will be,is it going to be sudden,sickness and bedridden for days/months,gunshot,knife wounds or will one be at the wrong place at the wrong time and Boko boys strike,what in your opinion is the best way to bow out after what we hope will be an eventful life?

[b]Arsene Wenger finally gives up-[/b]after eight years without a trophy and a woeful start to the season, the immense pressure from the fans and media might be responsible for this being Wenger’s last season in charge of Arsenal, I feel the fans frustration will reach a boiling point at the end of the season with possible boycott being touted by some fan groups.
The manager knows how impatient the fans have become and I’m sure he has a plan B lined up in case he fails to deliver a much trophy at the end of this season with reports suggesting Laurent Blanc is only serving as a caretaker since the owners have made it clear remains their first choice for the managerial position citing his love for beautiful football display, eye for talents and financial discipline as a huge turn on, well this might be the year they finally get their man.

If his group of youngsters fails to add to the Emirates trophy cabinet at the end of the season, the pressure might too much for the gaffer to handle and might leave which bring the end of an era and an 8 year project that has attracted heavy criticism by both the media and fans. We’ll be watching but I strongly feel the Premier League will lose another longest serving manager for the second season in a row.

[b]Mourinho’ second spell turn sour- I have this eerie feeling that Jose Mourinho’s dramatic return to Chelsea after a 7-year sabbatical wouldn’t go according to plan. Chelsea owner and fans are hinging their hopes of success based on fond memories of his first spell forgetting that a lot of water has passed under the bridge since that time. During Mourinho’s first spell he had a bunch of hungry players, I never saw groups that were so desirous of success, they all could sacrifice their right arm to hold on to a 1-0 win, their commitment and dedication was unquestionable.


This present Chelsea team unlike the 2004-06 team don’t play as a unit, has too many egos and the dressing room is a bit divided now and above all they lack that hunger that brought much success to the his other Chelsea team. Players like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are still at the bridge but you’ll agree with me that they’re all past their best. At the end of this season the blues faithful might come to realize the full meaning of the saying “not all that glitters is gold”

[b][b]Redundant first season for Goal line Technology- after years of controversies, debates and anticipation, goal line technology has become a reality in the English Premier League to put an end to years of injustices in the beautiful game, I still recall the 2005 season when Tottenham’s Pedro Mendes’ shot from just over the half way line that got the better of Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll who spilled the ball 2 yards over his line unfortunately Referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistant Rob Lewis were too far away from the incident to judge correctly therefore Mendes was denied an amazing goal and United escaped with a point.


Since that incident at Old Trafford in 2005,no season has passed without an incident that calls for the need for goal line technology(which incidentally has been used with immense success by other Sports for years) My prediction is this season will be free of any incident that will make us shout “what if it wasn’t there” the guys at Hawk Inc. will be praying this doesn’t happen.

Pellegrini breaks Man city’s CL first round jinx- after investing a fortune on players and wages for 5 years now, the owners desire to see Manchester City join the fray of European power houses, big time. It has become a norm to see the club fail at the first hurdle in their attempt to conquer Europe for the first time in their history.



Last season they were unlucky to be drawn against Spanish giants Real Madrid, eventual finalist Borussia Dortmund and Eredivisie Champions Ajax. This season they’ve spent £100 million on 5 signings which include Brazil International and former Shaktar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho, the owners, fans and players will be hoping for a kind draw this time around but I really fancy “the Engineer” to guide the club to their first Champions League second round berth.



Mansur Abubakar
mansurabu9@gmail.com/@mansur_112
[/b]

Anyone that has played football or soccer (no vex, my American friends will be reading this) either professionally or backyard players like myself know that the most difficult skill in the game is hitting target with your back to goal but when you can score with the goalkeeper anticipating your move in such a position then it elicits an amazing feeling. “Back-heel” as it is popularly called is so difficult that it is the least attempted skill in the history of the game.
Over the years the players who have attempted this hard technique with success include, Algerian international Rabah Madjer who helped Porto claimed their first ever continental trophy with a stroke of genius against Bayern Munich in the decider. "I had my back to goal and the only way I could score was with a back-heel," Madjer explained to FIFA.com, having followed up that strike by then assisting Juary to notch the winner in a 2-1 triumph. "It was an instinctive thing and I just did it. I didn't have any time to think about it. I tried it again in a league match just after the final and it went in that time too."
French striker Thierry Henry managed 'just' 25 to help Arsenal finish Premier League runners-up in 2004/05, and Gunners fans still reminisce about his cheeky effort against Charlton Athletic in October 2004. Given possession by Jose Antonio Reyes and left with few obvious options as he faced away from goal, Henry caught Charlton No1 Dean Kiely off guard with a powerful and precise jab of the heel. That quick thinking helped Arsenal prevail 4-0 .
Johan Cruyff could hardly have been happier when he rattled in one of the greatest goals of his illustrious career for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid in 1973. The game was still goalless when Carles Rexach sent in a cross from the right – and although the ball looked to be curling too far in front of its intended target, the Dutch phenomenon launched himself through the air and back-heeled it beyond goalkeeper Miguel Reina to open the scoring in a 2-1 win. "Cruyff is extraordinary, a player to be ranked alongside Alfredo Di Stefano," remarked Atletico Juan Carlos Lorenzo afterwards, making an apt comparison since the Real Madrid forward showed similar skill to notch one of his four goals in a match against Los Colchoneros in 1955.
And more recently Ivorian Striker tried it with success when Galatasaray played against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League Quarter final.

Apart from that amazing team work that culminated in that mesmerizing goal, our general display was satisfactory and I strongly believe that our beloved Super Eagles are on the way up, so fasten your seat belts, we are in for more treats.
Apart from the goals, Uche Nwafor’s general contributions to the game was very inspiring for a debutant and I’m sure the former VW Venlo Striker has a bright future ahead as the far as the game of football is concerned. My fervent hope and prayer is he’ll score a similar; winning goal for Nigeria in the world cup final against the host next year, which will heal all the people with symptoms of heart diseases, all the ones in the hospital and 2015 will be peaceful irrespective of the election results.



Mansur Abubakar
mansurabu9@gmail.com/@mansur_112

As a new academic session beckon, getting a new school for your child is a huge task and could prove to be very challenging. It is every parent’s dream to bequeath his or her child with qualitative knowledge that will lead to the fulfillment of their potentials for the betterment of themselves, family and the society at large; this has become more imperative considering our world has become highly competitive.
Before arriving at a decision, it is important that we practice some of the detective films we are accustomed to by carrying out a little personal investigation and stop relying on advertisements (don’t hinge your child’s future on a 3 min video clip or a sweet radio jingle) or word of mouth, these are some tips to guide you as you make such an important decision.


School’s administration- You’re about to entrust your child to some people, so it is important that these people are in the right frame of mind in terms of character, intelligence and teaching methodologies. Teachers can make or mar your child’s future, while a good teacher will bring a child closer to fulfilling his potential a bad teacher can go a long way in killing your child’s chances in life, stories of teachers abusing their students or teaching them bad habits have become more rampant and makes headline news almost every day now.
Where you have “Ogas at the top” that are nonchalant about the interaction and dealings between the students and teachers then there’s a problem, the overall admin staff has to be vigilant and active in tackling all issues concerning the school especially one that affects the safety and social wellbeing of a child. You should investigate this area thoroughly.

Facilities- this area also deserves a close look because no parent will smile at the idea of having your child back from school with a disease he got from the school’s toilet or injuries sustained from the playing ground, as you go about your “Magnum P.I” investigations, it wouldn’t be complete unless you inspect the school’s facilities, make sure the toilet is fit for children’s usage, clean for human use, classroom sitting arrangement, ventilation not forgetting the laboratories and library, this will give you a comprehensive view of what awaits your child in such an environment.

Proximity- Having a school that is very accessible to either your home or office has many advantages, in the case of emergency, parents-teachers meetings or open days it is always easier to dash in, to see things for yourself instead of sending your eldest child or brother who can’t wait to leave the place to go see what BBA’s Beverley Osu will do next.
When the school is close you’ll feel more obliged to attend their activities and you’ll be more tempted to send a representative when the school is out of reach, you’ll also find it easier to visit unannounced which sometimes is the best way to come to grip with real happenings in the school because on school arranged visit days everything is air brushed to look perfect so as not to discourage the parents.

Extra-curricular activities- As we all know, education encompasses more than classroom teachings, outdoor activities play a vital role as well, so get a school that take this seriously. The importance of Debating, French, Cultural etc. contribute immensely in moulding our children’s characters and minds not forgetting Sports with its good health and mental strength benefit, it’s always a sweet getaway from academics for the children, you should surely put this on your investigation list.

School’s motto- As funny as this may sound it’s actually important and necessary, let me give you examples of some of the mottos I’ve seen inscribed on school walls and billboards and maybe you’ll understand why this made the list
“We make your child bright for future”
“Education is light and power together”
“The brains is number one”
It’s not funny, stop laughing for God’s sake but why should i enroll my child in a school that can’t get it right in the simplest of things, the motto is an advertisement for the school and why would someone buy a product that advertises itself in bad light, it’s like a soft drink company saying in a jingle “drink and you’ll get diabetes”
Some might argue it’s the handwork of the painters or labourers, okay, but a school that doesn’t see it necessary to replace something like that shows they are only after your money, so make sure the school’s motto sounds right before you even go in to assess other things.


Mansur Abubakar
mansurabu9@gmail.com/@mansur_112