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 Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:21pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] ‘We are prepared to face Real Madrid'– Iheanacho [/size] [img]http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_uk/23/33/kelechi-iheanacho-aston-villa-man-city-fa-cup_xc2mc64j3yx71d6g6xhmcesie.jpg?t=-1809742678&w=620&h=430[/img] Iheanacho set for Madrid By Shina Oludare The Citizens face Zinedine Zidane’s side in the Champions League semis on Tuesday and the forward feels his side can contain the Spaniards Kelechi Iheanacho believes Manchester City are ready for Tuesday’s Uefa Champions League game first leg semi-final clash against Real Madrid. Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be hoping to begin reach the final of the competition, but first must scale Zinedine Zidane side’s hurdle at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. And having tamed Stoke City 4-0 in the English topflight on Saturday, the Nigerian believes the victory over the Potters has primed the side for the Spaniards. "This game [against Stoke] was great preparation for us before we play Real Madrid. On Tuesday, we need to focus and work hard because they're a good side. We are prepared to face them,” Iheanacho told club website. "The Champions League is a big tournament so we need to focus and get the mood ready and get everything right to play. We must work hard and concentrate on every ball. "We really need to win here because at their home it's not going to be an easy game. It's a great achievement for the club to be in the last four of the tournament but it would be a dream to get to the final so we're really hoping for that.” Iheanacho striker has linked up excellently with Sergio Aguero in his first season as part of the senior squad and he expects that to continue when given the chance to play throughout the remainder of the season. "I'm very pleased to play with Sergio. It's a big thing so I'm really happy and looking forward to playing with him in the future,” he continued. "I really need to work hard every game and every training. Every time I'm in I really need to show character and show that I deserve to be in the team so I really work hard until the end." http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2016/04/25/22763782/we-are-prepared-to-face-real-madrid-iheanacho?ICID=HP_HN_2 [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:17pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[size=14pt] NFF Commiserates With Watford Star Ighalo Over Death Of Father [/size] https://allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/93070Ighalo.jpg The Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with Watford striker Odion Ighalo following the death of his father in the early hours of Monday, April 25. Paul Ighalo had complained of being weak before the cold hands of death snatched him away from his family. “Our thoughts at this time are with the family of @NGSuperEagles striker @ighalojude whose Father Paul just passed on. May his soul RIP, ” the Nigerian Federation tweeted on Monday. The 26-year-old Ighalo represented Nigeria at U20 and U23 level before making his debut for the Super Eagles. He was in action on Sunday afternoon as the Hornets failed to qualify for the final of the FA Cup, losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Wembley. Ifeanyi Emmanuel http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18794 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:14pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Manchester City Product Reece Wabara Named In League One Team of the Year [/size] https://allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/44745Wabara.jpg Ex-Manchester City starlet Reece Wabara has been recognized for his outstanding performance at the heart of Wigan Athletic’s defense with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) naming him in the League One Team of the Year on Sunday. In a 4-4-2 formation, Wabara got the nod at right-back, though he is capable of playing the role of a central defender. Teammates Will Grigg, Craig Morgan and Yanic Wildschut were also recognized at the ceremony with the trio included in the ceremonial Team of the Year. The 24-year-old Wabara joined Wigan in the January transfer window after stops at Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Oldham Athletic and Ipswich Town. He started all the four matches that the England U20s were involved in during the 2011 Fifa Under 20 World Cup in Colombia, including the 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the second round. Ifeanyi Emmanuel http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18791 [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:14pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] CSKA Moscow Set The Ball Rolling For Permanent Signing Of Aaron Samuel [/size] https://allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/98189aaron.jpg Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that CSKA Moscow have set the ball rolling in their bid to sign Aaron Samuel on a permanent basis from Guangzhou R&F in the summer transfer market. In the next six days, the Nigeria international will enter the final one month of his contract with the Muscovites, meaning he will have to return to his Chinese team if the agreement is not extended. The leadership of the Army Men has invited Norwegian-based intermediary Atta Aneke for talks and it is thought that the parties will thrash out details of a new contract next week. What is clear is that CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky is pleased with the contribution of Aaron Samuel since his arrival in the Russian capital in February. The physical forward has started the last two games played by CSKA in the Premier League. Ifeanyi Emmanuel http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18793 [/b] 2 Likes |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:14pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigerian Exports: Ighalo Will Not Play In FA Cup Final; [/size] https://allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/98111Etebo.jpg Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the European Leagues and FA Cup on Sunday. For the sixth straight game in the Premier League, Alex Iwobi was included in Arsenal’s starting line-up and lasted 71 minutes on the pitch before he was withdrawn as the Gunners were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland. In the Emirates FA Cup, Odion Ighalo was in action for 90 minutes as Watford failed to progress to the final after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace, for whom Emmanuel Adebayor entered the fray in the 86th minute. Scotland international of Nigerian descent Ikechi Anya came on for the Hornets eight minutes from time. In the Italian Serie A, Super Eagle Eddy Onazi played the entirety of Lazio’s 2 -1 loss to Sampdoria at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Joel Obi got injured in the warm-up and was not involved in Torino’s 3-1 defeat suffered at the hands of Sassuol. Over to Germany, Leon Balogun worked a ninety-minute shift for Mainz in their 2-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. In the French Ligue 1, Elderson Echiejile literally watched from the stands as Monaco were held to a 1-1 draw by his former club Rennes. The left-back was suspended for this one following his red card against Lille. Joseph Akpala scored Oostende’s first goal after seven minutes in their shock 4-2 win over Anderlecht in the Jupiler League playoffs. While he played the full game, compatriot Saviour Godwin was missing from the 18-man squad. Italy international Stefano Okaka fired blanks despite being on parade for 90 minutes. Imoh Ezekiel didn’t make Anderlecht’s match day squad. Efe Ambrose made a cameo appearance for Celtic in their 1-1 draw with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership. He came on in the 90th minute. Still in the United Kingdom, Edward Ofere was introduced immediately after the intermission in Dundee United’s 3-1 loss to Hamilton Academical. Nigeria U23 international Oghenekaro Etebo made his competitive debut for CD Feirense as they recorded a 3-1 win over Oliveirense. In his first start in the Portuguese Segunda Liga, the former Warri Wolves star was replaced in the 65th minute. Fred Friday continued his rich vein of form in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, scoring for the fifth straight game as Lillestrom beat Chuks Akabueze’s Odd Grenland 3-1. The ex-Flying Eagles star joined the fray in the 46th minute while Friday and teammate Innocent Bonke played the full match. At the Sarpsborg Stadium, the homers thrashed Modle 4-0, with Onyekachi Ugwuadu watching from the bench for the whole of the game. Viking were no match for Rosenborg at the Lerkendal Stadion, losing 4-0 with Suleiman Abdullahi making the starting ineup for the visitors. He subbed out in the 63rd minute, the same time that Samuel Adegbenro stepped out onto the pitch. Aniekpeno Udoh and Viking number 25 Usman Sale were both unused substitutes. Nigeria youth international Chidiebere Nwakali went the full 90 as IK Start lost for the fourth time this season, this time a 2-0 loss to Valerenga in Oslo. Teammate Austin Ikenna was an unused sub. In the Swedish Allsvenskan, John Owoeri was replaced on the hour mark in BK Hacken’s narrow 1-0 loss to GIF Sundsvall. Azubuike Egwuekwe and Gbolahan Salami found the back of the net as KuPS earned a 2-0 win against FC Lahti. The former Warri Wolves striker subbed out four minutes from time while the defender worked a ninety-minute shift. Former Nigeria U17 international Aliyu Abubakar was introduced in the 83rd minute. Paul Onobi was absent due to incomplete paperwork. Will John played the last 27 minutes of RoPS 1-0 win against PK-35 Vantaa, while Philip Njoku and Faith Friday Obilor started and played for 90 minutes in Inter Turku’s goalless draw with VPS. Kennedy Nwanganga played the last 11 minutes of the game for Inter. Nigeria internationals Taye Taiwo and Nnamdi Oduamadi played the entirety of HJK Helsinki’s goalless draw against IFK Mariehamn. Vincent Onovo was not involved for the capital side. In the Austrian Bundesliga, Bright Edomwonyi fired blanks for the first time in three matches as Sturm Graz lost 2-0 to Rapid Vienna at Ernst Happel Stadion. The attacker was in action for 90 minutes Over to Switzerland, Manuel Akanji was not involved as Basel were held to a goalless draw by FC Vaduz. In the Turkish Super Lig, Godfrey Oboabona went the full ninety minutes in Rizespor’s 3-1 loss to Konyaspor, while fellow defender Kenneth Omeruo was not in the Kasimpasa squad that lost to Galatasaray 4-1 Igho Kingsley http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18788 [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:09pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Onigbinde exposes challenges of Nigerian Coaches [/size] https://footballlive.ng/footballnews/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Untitled-149.png Former super Eagles coach and member NFF technical committee Adegboye Onigbinde has said that the problem of Nigeria in terms of coaches is not technical but administrative, he argues that there are good coaches in Nigeria who only need their knowledge and experience to be updated. Onigbinde’s comments comes in teh light of the recently ignited debate over the professional eligibility of indigenous coaches to lead the senior Men’s national team; the Super Eagles. According to the Afcon 1982 silver medal- winning coach , the number of coaches trained in Nigeria put at 500, is meager compared to its west African arch rivals, Ghana, who have trained more than 2,000 coaches and African powerhouse Egypt have trained over 4,000 coaches. http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/onigbinde-exposes-challenges-of-nigerian-coaches/ [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:09pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Odion Ighalo Loses Father [/size] https://i1.wp.com/www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/odion-ighalo-of-watford_aiibl7bmxbie13dg1t38sewmb.jpg?w=1920 Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has announced the death of his father, Paul Ighalo. The late Paul Ighalo died in the early hours of Monday after he complained of feeling weak, Completesportsnigeria.com was informed. "I lost my father early hours of today (Monday), it is a very painful loss," Watford striker Ighalo wrote via a BBM chat to inform his close friends. Ighalo has scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Watford who failed to reach the FA Cup final in England after they lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/odion-ighalo-loses-father/#iRHvUrIIvCsqkP47.99 |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:09pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Pinnick: Why Super Eagles Will Play Mali, Luxembourg [/size] https://i0.wp.com/www.completesportsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-1.jpg?w=1607 By Richard jideaka, Abuja President of Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has claimed that the two international friendly matches arranged for the Super Eagles in the next FIFA window will benefit the young side Nigeria is building. The Super Eagles are scheduled to engage the national teams of Mali and Luxembourg in late May and early June in France and the NFF has appointed Salisu Yusuf and three other league coaches with the responsibility of leading the senior national in the two matches. The NFF boss told Completesportnigeria.com that the federation tried to arrange bigger games with top footballing countries but it turned out that most of those they approached were occupied in this FIFA window and they had to make do with what was available instead of not playing at all. "The two games will benefit the new Super Eagles we are trying to build and it is wrong to say Mali and Luxembourg are weak teams because Mali is a force in African football while Luxembourg boasts players in the Belgian and French leagues," Pinnick told Completesportsnigeria.com. "Again, we want to build the team gradually by playing some big football nations as well as some weak football nations. We are not going to allow them get bashed anyhow by top teams, they need to get some results to boost their confidence and progress. Nigerians will appreciate what we are doing now very soon. "Our agent is working tirelessly to get us a couple of top ranked teams in the next FIFA window. The coaches have been given a mandate to build a good team that will not only qualify for the World Cup but be the pride of the nation." Read Also: Chikatara Celebrates Wydad CAF CL Progress, Wants To Face Enyimba On the issue of foreign coach, the NFF boss said that the federation has been working tirelessly to ensure that they get sponsors who will pay the wages of the coaches among other things, adding that they are also looking for sponsors or their other programmes. Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/pinnick-super-eagles-will-play-mali-luxembourg/#JUqFVH2hKicCrJEb.99 [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:54pm On Apr 13, 2016 |
TheGoodJoe: When Coach Stephen Keshi called some one 'White Dude' he was adjudged been too offensive or racist, while this one this one that racially abused his player, that made sure his team did not loose. FIFA which way na? 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:46pm On Apr 13, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Giwa promises to free Nigeria football from 'those who have fed on it' [/size] Chris Giwa has declared his group will fight to liberate Nigeria football from those who have fed on it and make it investor friendly. The owner of Nigeria league club Giwa FC is locked in leadership tussle with an NFF executive committee led by Amaju Pinnick and has taken his case back to court. He expressed confidence he will win this fight. We must liberate Nigerian football from the clutches of those who fed on it and make it an investor-friendly game,” he said at a media briefing in Abuja. “We want to assure the nation that this is a mandate we are going to stick to with extreme patience. We have decided to embark on this well-thought-out battle. “We appreciate the enormity of opposition ahead of us but we shall conquer.” He further advanced arguments to why they have resorted to the courts to assert their fundamental rights. “The court was our last resort as respectable citizens of this nation,” he said. “We had patiently followed all the laid down processes. We got the orders of the court and that gave us the rights and the power to do what we are doing. “Today, the laws of the land are on our side. We had come to equity and our hands are clean.” The NFF will stage an extra-ordinary congress in Abuja today and Giwa insisted this will be a contempt of court as the congress has been suspended by the court. “It has come to the notice of the board that the sacked Amaju Pinick board had invited some persons to Abuja to cause confusion, we wish to alert the public that we shall file contempt of court proceedings on such persons,” he warned. http://africanfootball.com/news/624962/Giwa-promises-to-free-Nigeria-football-from-those-who-have-fed-on-it- [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:02pm On Apr 13, 2016*. Modified: 2:43pm On Apr 13, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] EXCLUSIVE: PINNICK LIED TO FIFA [/size] https://i2.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/image-175.jpg?resize=300%2C180 A board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lead by Chris Giwa, Honourable Shehu Adamu has alleged that embattled factional president of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick lied to FIFA in his letter to the world soccer governing body. Shehu Adamu made this known in an exclusive chat with Owngoalnigeria.com on the NFF impasse following the court ruling that nullified the elections that brought Amaju Pinnick into office as president of the apex football body in Nigeria. “Have you seen a copy of the letter he (Pinnick) wrote to FIFA? We have the letter in our custody and at the appropriate time we will reveal it for Nigerians to see the lies in it” He told Owngoalnigeria.com. “It’s a pity that some individuals can go to any length to rubbish the image of our country, in the letter the lies he told about the minister to FIFA was what lead to the letter of warning but soon FIFA will know the real truth. “This is an internal matter that can be solved without FIFA’s intervention but those who don’t mean well are trying to make it look like we are slaves to FIFA, they have no say in this”. owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/12/exclusive-pinnick-lied-to-fifa/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 2:00pm On Apr 13, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] SCANDAL: Slovenian club coach blasts Nigerian Eleke 'black idiot' [/size] https://africanfootball.com//bp_images/2016/04/Samm_12_August_3.jpg Blessing Eleke by Samm Audu Coach of Slovenian league leaders Olimpija will not be sanctioned even after he racially abused his Nigerian striker Blessing Eleke as “a black idiot” for over celebrating his stoppage time equaliser. Coach Marko Nikolac racially abused Eleke after Olimpija drew 1-1 with Zavrc at home on Sunday. Eleke grabbed an equaliser for Olimpija in three minutes of additional time and thereafter celebrated the goal with such aplomb. The coach insisted that despite his abusive comments, he is not a racist. The club have also backed him, saying: “This incident will not affect the career of a young and talented coach, who has a bright future ahead of him.” The club are top of the league table with 59 points from 29 matches, just two points ahead of closest rivals Maribor. The 20-year-old Eleke has scored two goals in seven appearances for Olimpija after a January switch from another Slovenian club Gorica, where he fired 12 goals. http://africanfootball.com/news/624884/SCANDAL-Slovenian-club-coach-blasts-Nigerian-Eleke-black-idiot- [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 1:59pm On Apr 13, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Joel Obi says his injury nightmare behind him [/size] https://africanfootball.com//bp_images/2016/04/Samm_30_August_1.jpg Joel Obi Torino midfielder Joel Obi has said he has attained full fitness after his many injury problems. "The physical problems are behind me and I hope to be fit to give contribute to the team,” the 24-year-old Nigeria international told his club’s website. This season, he has made seven appearances for his club in the league and played a cup game. He also said Torino are relieved to record a home win after a long wait. Torino beat Atalanta 2-1 at the weekend in front of their fans after their last victory at home was on January 16, when they beat Frosinone 4-2. The former Inter Milan ace said the victory is a huge relief to them as they look to stay up in the Italian Serie A. "This is a very important victory, it had been so long since we won at home and above all came the consistency we were looking for. It's a success that has boosted our morale and strength to continue to work as we are doing,” he said. “We have to think of a game at a time, trying to give more and more to win more points.". They are now 12th on the table with 39 points from 32 matches. http://africanfootball.com/news/624893/Joel-Obi-says-his-injury-nightmare-behind-him [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 12:08pm On Apr 11, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] EXCLUSIVE: SUNSHINE STARS YET TO CLEAR PAUL ONOBI TO KuPS April 9, 2016 [/size] https://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image-38.jpg?resize=225%2C300 Paul Onobi is still not eligible to play for Finnish Veikkausliiga side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS), a month after signing the dotted lines for the club. Owngoalnigeria.com exclusively gathered he is yet to receive the mandatory International Transfer Certificate (ITC) that will enable KuPS to register him. Sunshine Stars the last team he played for in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are yet to sanction his transfer and that has so far prevented him from playing competitive games for KuPS. The one cap Super Eagles midfielder joined the team alongside three other Nigerians, Gbolahan Salami,Aliyu Abubakar and Azubuike Egwuekwe. In his absence the other Nigerians at the club made their debut in KuPS shock 0-1 loss to Ilves in their first league game of the season. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/09/exclusive-sunshine-stars-yet-to-clear-paul-onobi-to-kups/ [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 11:51am On Apr 11, 2016 |
[size=14pt] ELDERSON ECHIEJILE SENT OFF IN FRANCE [/size] https://i2.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image-40.jpg?resize=300%2C200 Super Eagles left full back Elderson Echiejile was shown the second red card of his career in a bad tempered game that ended with Monaco losing 4-1 to Lille. Echiejile was one of the two players sent off in the game with Lille’s Renato Civelli sent off ten minutes before the dismissal of the Nigerian. The last time he was sent off in a game was in 2013 when he was playing for Portuguese side Sporting Braga until the 65th minute of today’s game when he took the walk of shame against Lille. In his absence, Monaco crumbled further from losing 1-0 to crashing heavily to a 4-1 loss against Lille who had Vincent Enyeama in goal for the entire duration of the game. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/10/elderson-echiejile-sent-off-in-france/ |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 11:49am On Apr 11, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] MFON UDOH HAT-TRICK STEERS ENYIMBA TO VICTORY OVER ETOILE DU SAHEL [/size] https://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/image-142.jpg?resize=300%2C203 Nigeria Premier league champions Enyimba FC of Aba secured a resounding 3-0 win over visiting Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia in the CAF champions league, thanks to a hattrick from their inform striker Mfon Udoh. Udoh went home with the match ball by scoring in the 9th,56th and 80th minute to give the People’s Elephant a healthy lead going into the return fixture in Tunisia in two weeks time. His first came via the spot while his second was a tap in from close range with his third goal coming ten minutes from full time courtesy of a well hit right footed shot. So far he has seven goals in the qualifying series making him the top scorer in the competition after scoring a brace in Enyimba’s last two games at home against Vipers of Uganda and Vital O’ of Burundi. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/10/mfon-udoh-hat-trick-steers-enyimba-to-victory-over-etoile-du-sahel/ [/b] 1 Like 1 Share |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 11:47am On Apr 11, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] AWURUM SCORES 14TH GOAL OF THE SEASON IN PORTUGAL [/size] https://i1.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image-42.jpg?resize=300%2C200 25 year old Nigerian forward Stanley Awurum enhanced his goal scoring reputation in the second division in Portugal scoring his 14th goal of the season in Varzim’s 2-2 draw against Farense. The little known forward who was signed from Mozambique second division side Chibuito two seasons ago scored the opener for Varzim in the 17th minute but his strije wasn’t enough to end his team all three point as they ended up with just one point after the 2-2 draw. Awurum who has 12 months to run on his current deal is heavily sought after by top teams in and outside Portugal and latest reports indicates Varzim could cash in on him in the summer. However he is not the top scoring Nigerian in the division with Simmy Nwankwo ahead of him on 15 goals for Gil Vicente. http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/04/10/awurum-scores-14th-goal-of-the-season-in-portugal/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 10:23am On Apr 08, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Super Eagles still lack charisma and winning mentality – Udeze [/size] https://footballlive.ng/footballnews/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Untitled-158.png Nigeria's Oghenekaro Etebo (2nd L) celebrates his goal during the African Cup of Nations qualification match against Egypt.(Getty) The current Super Eagles team have huge potentials but lack charisma and the key ingredient of ‘ the winning mentality’ according to former defender, Ifeanyi Udeze. Speaking with footballlive.ng Udeze said Nigeria lost the race for a ticket to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations because their was too much display of individual talent that team work against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the March qualifiers. Udeze suggested there’s the need for an experienced coach who can ” blend them so they start playing as a team.” http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/super-eagles-still-lack-charisma-and-winning-mentality-udeze/ |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 10:23am On Apr 08, 2016 |
[size=14pt] NFF not losing sleep over FIFA Ranking [/size] https://footballlive.ng/footballnews/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Untitled-143.png Super Eagles training session in Kaduna.(Twitter/Nff) Nigeria’s position in the latest FIFA ranking will not cause the NFF sleepless nights despite the Super Eagles dropping 5 places to 14th on the continent and are likely to face very tough competition in the 2018 World Cup draw. In his reaction to the ranking released on Thursday, NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Barrister Christopher Green played down on its implications but admits facing up to Africa’s best for a World Cup ticket could turn out well for the Eagles. http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/nff-not-losing-sleep-over-fifa-ranking/ |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 10:22am On Apr 08, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Pinnick Has No Reason To Resign – Ogba [/size] https://independentnig.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Amaju-PinnickPost.jpg by Christopher Okobi As Senate Summons Sports Minister, NFF Tony Ezimakor ABUJA Senator Obinna Ogba, Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth and Sports , has dismissed pressure mounted on Amaju Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to resign following Nigeria’s consecutive ouster from the Africa Cup of Nations. Senator Ogba, a former board member of the football federation, said the call is misplaced especially if consideration is accorded the effort made by the current NFF leadership to ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the 2017 AFCON tournament. He said the call would have been sustained had the federation ignored certain ingredients that would enhance the chances of the team, pointing out that from the vantage position he occupies, the leadership did what they ought to do, yet failed to qualify. ” I want to appeal to you journalists, because you people can make or mar football in this country. You Journalists should support the football house for it to move forward. Some people are calling for Amaju’s resignation. I don’t know how; resign for what? For not qualifying? How many times have you asked the president to resign because of the fuel scarcity? He was elected to serve four years. It’s you people that said he was elected. “ He insisted that the board under Pinnick has done it’s best in the circumstance, deploying his contacts and personal resources at the disposal of the Federation to ensure success of the AFCON qualifiers. According to the Ebonyi State FA chairman, the board supported the coach to get all the players it needed to prosecute the double header against Egypt. Meanwhile the Senate Committee on Sports has summoned Solomon Dalung, minister of Sports, and the Nigeria football federation to chart the way forward in the wake of the embarrassing outing at the AFCON qualifiers among other issues. Senator Ogba disclosed that the meeting slated for Tuesday next week is expected to also take a critical look at preparations for this year’s Rio Olympic Games. - See more at: http://independentnig.com/2016/04/pinnick-no-reason-resign-ogba/#sthash.OyDwSUWr.dpuf [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 10:21am On Apr 08, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Eagles drop to 67 in FIFA rankings [/size] https://d1phczbdxyh8yo.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/27230418/Super-Eagles-players.jpg Super Eagles players Idris Adesina Nigeria may not be seeded for the final group phase of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers as the country dropped five places from 62 to 67 in the April world rankings released by FIFA on Thursday. The seeding for the World Cup qualifiers would be done in June and it would involve the top five ranked teams on the continent by then while the other countries would be drawn behind them. The final phase of qualifying involves 20 teams who scaled through the preliminary phase of the qualifiers. The winners of the five groups would represent Africa in Russia in 2018. According to the latest rankings, the Super Eagles, who crashed out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, plummeted five places from 62 in the world to the 67th position and are now 14th in Africa as against the 11th position they occupied in March. With their ouster from the AFCON qualifiers, the Eagles now have 534 points as against the 547 points they garnered in March. On the continent, Algeria, who were ranked third in March, are now the first team in Africa. They have 771 points to move four spots up from 37th to 33rd in the world. Ivory Coast are in second place with 738 points to move from 36th to 34th. Ghana, who are 38th in the world, are third on the continent. Senegal with 651 points and 43rd position in the world are fourth. Egypt, who top Nigeria’s 2017 AFCON qualifying group, are in fifth position. The Pharaohs, who are 44th in the world, moved from the seventh position in March. They are behind Cape Verde, who occupied the second place last month. Cape Verde dropped 16 places to 47th and are sixth in Africa alongside Tunisia, who retained the 47th spot they occupied in March. DR Congo, Guinea and Congo complete the top 10 on the continent. Cameroon, Morocco and Mali are the other countries ahead of Nigeria in the rankings. The top 10 countries in the world changed as 2014 World Cup runners-up, Argentina, climbed to the top. They ended Belgium’s five-month reign at the summit of the rankings. Belgium are now second while Chile, Colombia and Uruguay complete the top five. http://www.punchng.com/eagles-drop-to-67-in-fifa-rankings/ [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 10:21am On Apr 08, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Iwobi can fill the shoes of Kanu but stop pressuring him!’ [/size] https://dailycannon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/alex-iwobi-celebrating-e1460058448609.jpg Alex now has the eyes of more than a few nations on him By Lee Hurley Former Nigerian youth international, Eddy Lord Dombraye, has warned people not to put too much pressure on Alex Iwobi as the Arsenal youngster starts to make his mark on world football. Bursting on to the scene this season, Iwobi already seems set to increase his wages from £750-a-week to around £30,000 if recent reports are to be believed. What is certain is that a new deal is on the way. https://cache4.asset-cache.net/gc/515980764-alex-iwobi-of-arsenal-shoots-at-goal-during-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXp3oUDuw4mnIAdlw49HecybgY7U17j1MqpXovBPKgk5B&b=REY= BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 16: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal shoots at goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC at Camp Nou on March 16, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Expectations are rising with every performance and it’s not hard to see why. He’s quick, strong, skilful and intelligent. He looks like the full package and it’s easy to forget that he’s just 19 and only just being exposed to football at the top level. Already playing for his country in a full international, the weight on Iwobi’s shoulder is building. “Nigerians should not put pressure on him. I mean the media should stop trying to compare the little boy with his big uncle Jay Jay Okocha,” Dombraye told Punch in Nigeria. “He can fill the shoes of Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, but should not compare him to because it will put the young player under pressure. https://cache4.asset-cache.net/gc/516312650-alex-iwobi-of-arsenal-in-action-during-the-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXlxS3rIkUI5myNFn1%2btlQhigcdWfLtJqDjyLOr3JDv0V&b=ODU2 HULL, ENGLAND – MARCH 08: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round Replay match between Hull City and Arsenal at KC Stadium on March 8, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) http://dailycannon.com/2016/04/iwobi-can-fill-the-shoes-of-kanu-but-stop-pressuring-him/ [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 10:21am On Apr 08, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigeria: Senate Summons Dalung, NFF Over State of Football [/size] By Jude Opara Abuja — Following the continuous dwindling fortunes of Nigerian football, the Senate Committee of Sports has summoned the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) to appear before it on April 12 . Chairman of the Committee, Senator Obinna Ogba told journalists in Abuja that the invitation is for the two bodies to brief it on the latest stage of preparations for Team Nigeria ahead of the August 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil and to explain the events that led to the elimination of the Super Eagles from the Gabon 2017 All Africa Games (AFCON) qualification. Senator Ogba argued that the upper legislative body needed to be informed on what went wrong with the team, adding that its explanations would also help Nigerians to know the true position of things. He equally hinted the interest of the lawmakers in the rumoured poor preparation of Team Nigeria for the Olympic Games. The former member of the board of the NFF, further revealed that the senate committee will also use the opportunity to find out from the NFF leadership what they have on ground for immediate preparation of the Super Eagles for the upcoming Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying matches. "I have asked the clerk of the committee to issue a letter of invitation to both the minister of sports and the NFF leadership, and they will appear before the committee on Tuesday, April 12 to explain their plans for the events ahead. "It is obvious that Nigerians are not comfortable with the recent happenings in the country's sports. It has become pertinent that the sports committee should intervene to avert future disappointments which has put Nigerian sports in question mark. "Very soon we will go into the Olympics and as at this moment we do not know our level of preparedness for the games. After the woeful 2012 edition, we promised to get it right in the next four years, so we should be intimated on the level of our preparations to ensure that we do not return from Brazil empty handed as we did four years ago in London" Senator Ogba added. http://allafrica.com/stories/201604080183.html [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 12:46pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Tesho Akindele thrilled to score at home for FC Dallas [/size] https://africanfootball.com//bp_images/2016/04/Samm_1_Dec_4.jpg Tesho Akindele Nigeria-born Canada international Tesho Akindele has said he is delighted to score in front of the home fans to earn FC Dallas a point against Columbus Crew in a game that ended 1-1 on Saturday. FC Dallas top the MLS Western conference with 10 points from five games as a result. "Wish we would have won, but there's nothing better than scoring in front of the home crowd. I love y'all!" Akindele tweeted. He scored in the 77th minute after coming into the game in the 46th minute for Victor Ulloa to cancel Justin Meram's ninth minute goal. The 24-year-old striker scored six goals last season and his equaliser on Saturday was his first in the 2016 season. http://africanfootball.com/news/623775/Tesho-Akindele-thrilled-to-score-at-home-for-FC-Dallas 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 12:46pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Kanu blasts NFF after Eagles second straight AFCON miss [/size] https://africanfootball.com//bp_images/2016/04/Kanu580_580x473.jpg Nwankwo Kanu Former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu has said the current leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick has failed the country. Kanu’s bashing of the NFF comes after the country failed for the second straight time to qualify for the AFCON. "What is happening with Nigerian football is that the top management is not what it is supposed to be so what is below is being affected," Nigeria football ambassador Kanu told BBC. He said the NFF have to change their style of leadership if Nigeria were to achieve success again. "When the head is not right, even your body won't be right", said the former Arsenal and Ajax Amsterdam star. The criticism of the NFF leadership comes after several prominent stakeholders demanded the resignation of president Amaju Pinnick as well as his entire executive committee after this unprecedented failure. Pinnick has insisted he will not quit. On Tuesday, the NFF executives will meet with the country’s sports minister for a consultative meeting in Abuja on account of the country’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2017 in Gabon. http://africanfootball.com/news/623819/Kanu-blasts-NFF-after-Eagles-second-straight-AFCON-miss [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 12:46pm On Apr 04, 2016 |
[size=14pt] Aminu, Raheem Lawal hold hosts Fenerbache [/size] https://africanfootball.com//bp_images/2016/04/Samm_31_July_4.jpg Aminu Nigeria internationals Umar Aminu and Raheem Lawal earned Turkish Osmanlispor a point on the road when they played out a goalless draw at title-chasing Fenerbache today. Aminu, fresh from the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt, played for 84 minutes, while Lawal was replaced after 62 minutes. Osmanlispor are now seventh on the table with 39 points from 26 matches. Fenerbache are second on the table with 59 points, four points behind leaders and bitter city rivals Besiktas. http://africanfootball.com/news/623845/Aminu-Raheem-Lawal-hold-hosts-Fenerbache |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 7:35am On Apr 02, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Nigerian Exports:Echiejile Starts For Monaco, Olhanense LB Amuzie Missing; Friday & Utaka Hit Target [/size] https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/39089Fred.jpg Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the European Leagues and Asia on Friday. Former England youth international Nedum Onuoha started and played 90 minutes of Queens Park Rangers 3-2 loss to Middlesbrough at Loftus Road. The Warri-born defender has gone the distance in 39 straight games in the Championship. Super Eagles star Victor Obinna went the distance in Duisburg’s 2-0 loss to FC Heidenheim in the 2 Bundesliga, and was cautioned five minutes from time. Teammate Kingsley Onuegbu came on in the 61st minute. In the French Ligue 1, Monaco lost 2-1 to Bordeaux with left-back Elderson Echiejile in action for 58 minutes. Moses Simon was introduced in the 88th minute as Gent played out a 1-1 draw with Zulte-Waregem. Over to the Portuguese second-tier, Dream Team VI wing-back Stanley Amuzie was not in Olhanense’s squad versus Feirense. It ended goalless. In the Norwegian Tippeligaen, Fred Friday and Innocent Bonke played the entirety of Lillestrom’s 4-2 loss to Molde. The striker opened his account for this season in the16th minute. Former Super Eagles frontman Peter Utaka bagged a brace as Sanfrecce Hiroshima thrashed Vegalta Sendai 3-0. The ex-OB Odense hero scored in the 51st and 55th minutes before he subbed out in the 90th minute. Ifeanyi Emmanuel www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18512 [/b] |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 7:30am On Apr 02, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Victor Moses Looking Forward To Locking Horns With Crystal Palace [/size] https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/13059Moses.jpg Victor Moses is looking forward to locking horns with his former club Crystal Palace when they visit West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday. The Nigeria international spent his formative years as a footballer with the academy team of Crystal Palace before he was promoted to their first team at the age of 16. Moses has since played for Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham since his departure from The Eagles in January 2010. “The most important thing now is that I am a West Ham player and we just need to concentrate on making sure we get the three points, ” Moses told West Ham’s official webpage. “We are looking good in training and we need to keep doing what we are good at.” The 25-year-old added : “Crystal Palace will want the victory on Saturday and I am sure they will be doing everything to stay in the Premier League. They will come to the Boleyn Ground and will want to express themselves. “But we need to focus on our tactics and try to stop them as we look to come away with the victory and get into the top four.” During his three-year spell with the first team of Crystal Palace, Moses made 69 appearances for the Londoners. Ifeanyi Emmanuel www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18511 [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 7:28am On Apr 02, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Coquelin Believes Alex Iwobi Will Motivate The Young Stars At Arsenal [/size] https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/63425Iwobi1.jpg Francis Coquelin believes Alex Iwobi’s progress at Arsenal this season will motivate up-and-coming talents at the club that they have a chance of breaking into the first team if they work hard in training. The Nigeria international netted his first Premier League goal against Everton before the international break; few days after he made his first Champions League start against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. “We’ve got a few who have joined in with training, such as Jeff Reine-Adelaide - he’s a big talent - and Chris Willock as well,” Coquelin told arsenal.com “There’s a lot of talent there and for them to see Alex breaking into the first team will give them a sign that there’s a chance for young players to come through. “What Alex has done is unbelievable. He played really well against Everton and he can help us a lot in the final push.” Iwobi, who joined Arsenal at the age of seven, could make his 15th appearance for the first team on Saturday against Odion Ighalo’s Watford. Igho Kingsley www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18509 [/b] 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2027, 2028 And 2030 World Cup by NLban: 7:27am On Apr 02, 2016 |
[b][size=14pt] Exclusive: Chelsea Star Mikel Reacts To Reports He Demanded Super Eagles Captaincy From Musa [/size] https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/16434Musa.jpg Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has moved quickly to dismiss reports in the local media that he pressured Ahmed Musa and interim coach of the Super Eagles Samson Siasia to be appointed skipper of the national team. Based on the reports, Mikel had threatened not to honour the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt if he was not given the armband. But his representative has picked holes in the story, stressing that the player would have featured in both games prior to his appointment. “The story is false and I don’t know what the writer wants to achieve,” Mikel’s adviser told allnigeriasoccer.com. “Mikel did not even know he was going to be appointed captain before he arrived the Super Eagles camp. He only came to camp based on his invitation, they are only trying to create trouble.” Just last week, CSKA Moscow frontman Ahmed Musa revealed that he willingly gave the armband to Mikel and stated that seniority was overlooked by Sunday Oliseh when he was appointed skipper. Ifeanyi Emmanuel www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=18507 [/b] 1 Like |
