₦airaland Forum

Akwuegbu: How Nigeria lost David Alaba to Austria

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Legendary Nigerian striker Benedict Akwuegbu has revealed how the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) lost David Alaba to the Austrian Football Association.


Bayern Munich star Alaba, whose father is a Nigerian and of Filipino mother, is an Austria international, who has been representing the European country since 2007 starting with the Under-17 side.


Akwuegbu has urged the NFF to cap Nigeria-born winger Kevin Arase, who is an Austria youth international, before they lose him like Alaba.


“Kelvin Arase is a fantastic player, I told the NFF about him two years ago when he was playing for the Austrian U17 team," Akwuegbu told allnigeriasoccer.com.


“That is how we lost David Alaba to Austria, I told the NFF about him but they were slow to make a move for him before he was capped by Austria.


“They should engage some ex-internationals to talk to these players. The NFF need us, we can’t be overlooked."


The 18-year-old Arase, who is currently on the books of Rapid Vienna, is part of the Austria Under-19 side participating in the 2018 UEFA U19 Championship qualifiers.

mtnfootball.com/mobi/news/695506/Akwuegbu-How-Nigeria-lost-David-Alaba-to-Austria

bigblangston:
I can't believe the owner of Nairabet do read this thread..

Oya, make una answer chief akin alabi why he should not own a club in Nigeria

I just felt he could twist things to his favour, you know since he owns a Club.

Should Ndidi Replace Mikel In Super Eagles Midfield?

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By Augustine Akhilomen

Having enjoyed series of brilliant performances in the colours of reigning Premier League champions, Leicester City, Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi is gradually proving his worth in England.


Despite joining the team during the winter transfer from Genk in the Belgian league in a deal worth £17 million, the former youth international has endear himself into the heart of most Foxes fans, who are still struggling to cope with the departure of N'Golo Kante to Chelsea.


His superlative display against Sevilla in the Champions League has made some football pundits and analysts raise eyebrow on the Nigerian international, which has been compared to Kante.


With two Champions League and seven Premier League games on his belt, his presence in the team is gradually yielding effect in the team. In place of Kante’s Energizer bunny scurrying came Ndidi’s long-limbed contortionism; concerned, as was his predecessor, simply with winning the ball and laying it off to the more expansive ball players.


Besides, since joining the Foxes this winter, he has developed so quickly, making an impressive tackles, shielding the defence frequently, releasing passes in earnest and gradually developing the habit of scoring goals when the opportunity comes. After switching from central defence to central midfield at the beginning of last season, Ndidi became the Belgian outfit's most important player with his ability to cover ground and break up opposition moves in the engine room.

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Should Ndidi Replace Mikel In Super Eagles Midfield?

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By Augustine Akhilomen

Having enjoyed series of brilliant performances in the colours of reigning Premier League champions, Leicester City, Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi is gradually proving his worth in England.


Despite joining the team during the winter transfer from Genk in the Belgian league in a deal worth £17 million, the former youth international has endear himself into the heart of most Foxes fans, who are still struggling to cope with the departure of N'Golo Kante to Chelsea.


His superlative display against Sevilla in the Champions League has made some football pundits and analysts raise eyebrow on the Nigerian international, which has been compared to Kante.


With two Champions League and seven Premier League games on his belt, his presence in the team is gradually yielding effect in the team. In place of Kante’s Energizer bunny scurrying came Ndidi’s long-limbed contortionism; concerned, as was his predecessor, simply with winning the ball and laying it off to the more expansive ball players.


Besides, since joining the Foxes this winter, he has developed so quickly, making an impressive tackles, shielding the defence frequently, releasing passes in earnest and gradually developing the habit of scoring goals when the opportunity comes. After switching from central defence to central midfield at the beginning of last season, Ndidi became the Belgian outfit's most important player with his ability to cover ground and break up opposition moves in the engine room.

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Oliseh’s Fortuna Sittard Win At Home, Nwakali Features In Maastricht’s Away Draw

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By Johnny Edward:

Sunday Oliseh's Fortuna Sittard returned to winning way after two straight defeats in the Dutch second division to beat ten man De Graafschap 3-2 on Friday reports Completesportsnigeria.com.


A brace from Emrah Bassan and Djibril Dianessy cancelled out Piotr Parzyszek sixth minute penalty for the visitors who had Nathaniel Will sent off in the 28th minute.


The result sees Fortuna Sittard move up one place to 15th in the Dutch Jupiler League with 34 points from 31 games.


Djibril Dianessy restored parity for Fortuna Sittard five minutes after they conceded and Emrah Bassan gave the hosts the lead in the 29th minute.


Bassan made it 3-1 in the 70th minute- his fourth goal of the season, but Bart Straalman scored a consolation for De Graafschap who are one spot above Fortuna Sittard despite the defeat.


Fortuna Sittard will face Kelechi Nwakali's MVV Maastricht in their next game on Sunday, Apri 2 2017.


At Rabobank IJmond Stadium, Kelechi Nwakali starred for the entire duration of MVV Maastricht's 1-1 draw away at Telstar. It was his 24th appearance for his side currently third in the log.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/olisehs-fortuna-sittard-win-home-nwakali-featues-maastrichts-away-draw/

The Reason Behind The Hype Surrounding Roma Nigerian Teen Right Back Nura Abdullahi

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Nura Abdullahi is one of the most talked about teen defenders from Nigeria playing for an European side, and the 18 year old who plays for Roma has been rated as one of the best emerging full backs in European football.


The Football Academy Abuja prospect is yet to make his first team debut for the Rome outfit, but his name has been severally mentioned by the first team coach of the team Luciano Spalleti.


Injuries have played a major role in delaying his debut for the first team of Roma, but the speedy right back who was once heavily courted by Barcelona is now back to full fitness.


Nura returned to from his second major injury setback, and has so far played two games for the Primavera side of Roma as he bids his way to full fitness, and reports gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com has it that he was on the verge of making the Nigeria squad for their upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso later in the month.


” He is a modern day full back, good in defending and extremely good going forward. The amount of ground he covers in a game is amazing. He sort of make the right wing his property”, Italian journalist Mark Fabrizio told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” These days few European teams are producing full backs like him, as a matter of fact very few are like him. Roma are understandably keen on retaining him despite all his injury problems, he has what all team likes.


” If you think Hector Bellerin of Arsenal is quick, Nura is a little bit faster than him and he uses the ball better in the final third than most emerging full backs we have in Europe at the moment”.

* Osas Mahawi

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/the-reason-behind-the-hype-surrounding-roma-nigerian-teen-right-back-nura-abdullahi/

Rohr Hands Mikel Obi Number 10 Role To Iwobi Ahead Friendly Games With Senegal & Burkina Faso

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John Obi Mikel absence from Nigeria’s upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in London has paved way for Alex Iwobi to take his spot in the team.


Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr usually deploys Iwobi as a left winger, but will play him just behind the main striker in the upcoming friendly games in London.


Rohr will most likely rotate his players for the second game against Burkina Faso, but he has already lined up the players he intends to use in the March 23rd friendly game against Senegal.


Iwobi will reportedly play as part of a midfield three alongside the duo of Eddy Onazi and Leicester City highly rated defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.


Oghenekaro Etebo who has been widely tipped to play behind the striker will now play from the left, while Victor Moses will play from the right according to leaks gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com.

*Osas Mahawi

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/rohr-hands-mikel-obi-number-10-role-to-iwobi-ahead-friendly-games-with-senegal-burkina-faso/

Exclusive – Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee Defy German Club Doctors, Set To Make Eagles Debut

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Half fit Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee has declared himself fit for Nigeria’s upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso despite advices from doctors of his German side Hannover 96.


The German Nigerian opt to play for Nigeria instead of Germany after talks with Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, who subsequently added him to the 25 man list for the preparatory games in London.


Doctors of promotion chasing Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96 adviced the 20 year old forward to skip the March 23rd and 27th games to help him recover fully from the knock he has been nursing since the start of the year.


However Bazee insist he is fit for the games and will in the coming days travel to London for the games on the 23rd of March against Senegal and Burkina Faso four days later.


” He will travel for the games in London, he is fit for the game regardless of what the doctors at Hannover are saying, he is eager to play for Nigeria and nothing would stop him”, a source close to the player told Owngoalnigeria.com


” Bazee might not play the entire duration of both games, but he will definitely play a part in the games. He has waited for this opportunity and now he is ready to seize it with both hands.

*Daniel Martins

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/exclusive-noah-joel-sarenren-bazee-defy-german-club-doctors-set-to-make-eagles-debut/

Nigeria Vs Senegal -Chelsea Coach Conte Provides Update On Victor Moses Recovery From Injury

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Manager of Chelsea Antonio Conte has provided update on the injury situation of Victor Moses who is a doubt for Nigeria upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso.


Moses limped out of Chelsea 1-0 win over Manchester United on Monday in an FA Cup quarterfinal tie played at Stamford Bridge. The injury brought about speculations that he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.


Speaking in his pre match conference monitored by Owngoalnigeria.com online editor, the Italian manager revealed that the wing back is among the players who trained fully ahead of their game against Stoke City tomorrow.


” Moses trained well today. I think he’s available but, before Stoke it’s important to check a couple of situations”, Conte said.


His statement could mean the 26 year old will be available for Nigeria for the March 23 and 27 friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso, if he comes out of the Stoke City game unscathed.

* Daniel Martins

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/nigeria-vs-senegal-chelsea-coach-conte-provides-update-on-victor-moses-recovery-from-injury/

Bazee Plays for Nigeria?

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Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee, popularly known as Bazee, is a well-known German footballer. He is now the second striker of the team, Hannover 96; a dream position for several 120 kgcustomers. It was during 2013 that he moved to Hannover 96 and played in the Bundesliga. He has also played in the Regionalliga Nord before appearing against Hertha BSC. He is widely popular among the fine-grained talents in the German team at present.


But, the player is found to be of Nigerian descent. While his mother is from Germany making him eligible for the German team, his father is from Nigeria; thus, making him eligible to play for Nigeria. For a long time now, the Nigerian coach was approaching him to switch his alliance to the Nigerian team. Following this, the player took this matter to the Federation (FIFA) to make this switch. After lots of speculations over his eligibility to play for Nigeria, FIFA has finally made the decision in favor of the player.


Thus, it cleared the way to make his transfer smooth and he is now all set to play for Nigeria.
His first appearance for Nigeria will be in Super Eagles friendly games, during which, he will face Senegal and Burkina Faso with his new teammates. However, still, he has got his Nigerian passport!

Reports say that he has already applied for the passport and is waiting to get it.


In general, a person who holds a PR that is independent of residence in a particular country will qualify to represent the teams of that nation’s associations. Also, a person who has taken part in any match in an official game of any category/type for an association might not be able to play international games representing any other association. But, with Bazee, the exception is that he has no caps for Germany in any way, and it’s being said that he will be able to play for Nigeria on global levels after getting his Nigerian passport.


Meanwhile, a deadline of Mar 20, 2017 has been given by NFF for the players to be called for the friendly games mentioned above.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/bazee-plays-for-nigeria/

What is up with Babatunde Michael

Ogu Reveals His Arrival Date For Super Eagles Friendly Games Against Senegal & Burkina Faso

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Super Eagles midfielder has confirmed his arrival date for the Super Eagles upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in London.


Ogu is in the list of 25 players called up for the game by coach Gernot Rohr, who is using the game to prepare his team for their upcoming AFCON 2019 qualifiers against South Africa and the World Cup 2018 qualifiers tie against Cameroun.


In an exclusive chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, the Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder revealed despite club commitments he will arrive the Eagles camp in London just before the start of training.


” I’m ready to help my country win in both friendlies, am anxiously looking forward to the games. It will be a spectacle as Senegal and Burkina Faso are no push over”, Ogu told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” I will by the grace of God arrive the camp of the team on Monday, which I guess will be the start of training ahead of the games. I honestly would have loved to arrive earlier but we have a league game on Sunday”.

*Daniel Martins

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/ogu-reveals-his-arrival-date-for-super-eagles-friendly-games-against-senegal-burkina-faso/

Why Ahmad Ahmad Victory At CAF Elections Means More To Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr

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The victory of Ahmad Ahmad over Issa Hayatou at the recently concluded CAF elections will no doubt make the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr far happy than most Nigerians.


Ahmad ended Hayatou’s 29 year reign as CAF president by polling 34 votes as against the 20 votes Hayatou got at the elections which was held in Addis Ababa yesterday.


While most Nigerians have expressed their happiness over the victory of Ahmad Ahmad at the CAF pools, Rohr will be particularly happy for the new CAF President as they share one thing in common.


The wife of the Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles is from Madagascar, same country as the new CAF president, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.


His emergence will therefore means more to the family of the Super Eagles coach , whose main job still remains qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.


Nigeria currently lead their qualifying group, four points more than second place Cameroon ahead of the resumption of the qualifiers in September.

*Osas Mahawi

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/why-ahmad-ahmad-victory-at-caf-elections-means-more-to-super-eagles-coach-gernot-rohr/

Revealed – Why CAF Will Throw Out Enugu Rangers Protest Against Zamalek

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Enugu Rangers protest against Egyptian side Zamalek for fielding an ineligible player in their CAF Champions League tie will be thrown out by the Confederation of African Football, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.


Zamalek thrashed Enugu Rangers 1-4 in Egypt last weekend in their first leg final CAF Champions League qualifiers tie, but the Nigerians protested that Zamalek fielded an ineligible player in Hossam Paulo, who incidentally scored one of the goals.


Rangers sent a protest to CAF complaining that Hossam Paulo is not eligible for the tie as he is also registered by Smouha, for their CAF Confederation Cup games this season, citing a provision of the competition rules which states that a player can not play for different teams in CAF club tournaments in same season.


However, Africa football expert Lofti Wada dismissed Rangers protest as a ruse, and clearly explained why it would be thrown out by CAF in an exclusive chat with Owngoalnigeria.com.


” Hossam Paulo was registered by Zamalek for their CAF Champions League campaign on the 30th of January with Zamalek paying the usual fine for late registration”, Lofti told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” Although he was in Smouha’s list for the CAF Confederations Cup, but he didn’t play in any of their games, which makes him logically eligible to play for Zamalek. If he had played for Smouha, Zamalek would’ve been kicked out by CAF.


” Moreover two weeks before their game against Rangers, Zamalek asked CAF if their late registered players would be allowed to play in the round of 16, and CAF gave them the green light as there’s now a single round, which is the round of 16 if you’re given a bye like the case of Zamalek”.


From Lotfi’s explanation Enugu Rangers will now focus on overturning the 1-4 loss they suffered in Egypt, when Zamalek visit them in Enugu this weekend for the return tie.

*Prince Michael

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/revealed-why-caf-will-throw-out-enugu-rangers-protest-against-zamalek/

Super Eagles Shehu Abdullahi In Line For Player Of The Year Award In Cyprus

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Nigeria international Shehu Abdullahi has been widely tipped to be among the nominees for the Best Player Award in Cyprus, owing to his performances for Anorthosis Famagusta.


Abdullahi is widely regarded in Cyprus as one of the best players in the league, and the 24 year old has proved his efficiency at both ends of the pitch this season.


Signed in the summer from Portuguese side Uniao Madeira, he has so far played as a full back, distinguishing himself at left back and sometimes at right back aside his commanding performances when he occupies his original role as a defensive midfielder.


Furthermore, he has also played as a central defender, which means he has played all role across the back four this season, where he has made 22 appearances in the league with two goals to his name.


He also picked up one red card and five yellow cards in the league, while he has made four appearances in the cup with a potential goal of the season contender his only goal so far in the cup.


Reports in Cyprus has it that, he is one of the most sought after players in the league and he will most definitely be the target of some European teams in the summer.

*Daniel Martins

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/17/super-eagles-shehu-abdullahi-in-line-for-player-of-the-year-award-in-cyprus/

Revealed – Why Mikel Was Converted To A Central Defender At Chinese Side Tianjin Teda

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The reason behind the conversion of captain of the senior Nigeria national team John Obi Mikel from a midfielder to a central defender has been revealed.


Mikel shone in his new role as the heart of the defence of his Chinese team Tianjin Teda helping them pick their first point of the season, and also their first clean sheet in the two weeks old Chinese League.


His conversion from a midfielder to a central defender by Spanish coach Jaime Pacheco was done to help the team snuff out aerial threat from opposition, and also aid their style of play of building from the rear.


The Super Eagles captain didn’t disappoint in the role, as he won most of his aerial duels and also sprayed nice passes from the back to help his team set up attack.


His performance against Jiangsu Suning was roundly praised by the media, especially the ease at which he intercepted passes with near faultless reading of play.


It is also worthy to note that, it is not the first time he has played as a central defender because last season under interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink he played the second half of their Premier game against Swansea City as a central defender replacing Matt Miazga who had a nightmarish time against Bafetembi Gomis.

* Osas Mahawi

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/16/revealed-why-mikel-was-converted-to-a-central-defender-at-chinese-side-tianjin-teda/

Exclusive – Arsenal To Loan Out Nwakali Again As Wenger Rates Dutch Teen Wonder Higher Than The Nigerian

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Arsenal Nigerian teen midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will once again head out on another loan deal away after the expiration of his present deal with Dutch second division side MVV Maastricht, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.


Nwakali has won several man of the match award for his performances for his present team who are chasing promotion, but he still hasn’t done enough to convince the club hierarchy about his readiness to make the step up to the main team.


” If there’s one youngster who has been pencilled down for more first team action next season Donyell Malen has to be the one not Nwakali. As a matter of fact about 8 players are currently ahead of the Nigerian”, Arsenal youth team expert Simon John told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” Nwakali will go out on loan, am cocksure about that but Malen will be given a chance to push for a spot in the first team, before probably heading out on loan towards the end of next season.


” Malen has trained regularly with the first team and from those who have watched their session, he has linked up well with the senior players at the club.


” He has some areas in his game he needs to work on but overall he has improved tremendously, especially in front of goal. He is a sure to be included in the first team pre season activities”.

* Daniel Martins

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/16/exclusive-arsenal-to-loan-out-nwakali-again-as-wenger-rates-dutch-teen-wonder-higher-than-the-nigerian/

komekn:
Goldfish80,

True word.

I met Pogba's older twin brothers infact knew one of them when he played at Crew with Chuks Aneke. These guys are undiluted Africans.

I remember the Boateng brothers one played for Germany and the other for Ghana.

Even our Sone Aluko his sister plays for Nigeria.
Fashanu played for England but lives in Nigeria and is fully engrossed in Nigerian life. Anichebe get house for Lagos in yawo is Nigerian.

So what makes you a Nigerian

@bolded
You have mixed things up Sir.

FC Porto Awaziem Reveals Travel Plans To London For Nigeria Friendly Games

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FC Porto Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem has exclusively revealed to Owngoalnigeria.com the date he intends to arrival the camp of the Super Eagles.


Awaziem is in the list of 25 players called up by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for the upcoming friendly games in London against Senegal and Burkina Faso.


In a chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, the 20 year old central defender says he plans to team up with the Super Eagles, a day after FC Porto’s B team second division game against Vizela.” I will play our league game against Vizela on Saturday afternoon, all things being equal I should be in the Super Eagles camp on Sunday evening”, Awaziem told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” I am not going to London to make up the numbers, my plan is to make an impression on the coaches and get to play in one of the games, I honestly believe I have a future with the team.


” The opportunity to train and fight for a shirt with the likes of Leon Balogun, Uche Agbo and William Troost-Ekong is one that will bring out the best in me, but I must admit am also going to the camp to learn from them as well. They are more experienced than me at the moment”.

*Prince Michael

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/16/fc-porto-awaziem-reveals-travel-plans-to-london-for-nigeria-friendly-games/

Assist Master Sarenren-Bazee Will Help Iheanacho & Co Score More Goals For Nigeria

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria latest invitee Joel Noah Sarenren Bazee has the talent to make the attack line of the Nigerian team better than it is right now.


Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has not been too impressed with the firing line of his team , a situation that has seen him try various combinations in attack in the three games he has handled Nigeria.


Rohr convinced Sarenren Bazee to commit his future to Nigeria ahead of Germany because he believe that the 20 year old will help address some of the pressing issues of the Super Eagles in attack.


Bazee’s main attributes is speed but he is also blessed with the ability to thread passes to the point man of his team, as illustrated in his performance so far for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga 2.


He has six assists from just 12 games this season, making him third in the list of players with highest number of assist in the league this season.The likes of Manchester City Kelechi Iheanacho and other Super Eagles forwards will no doubt benefit from his tailor-like passes in their quest to score more goals for Nigeria.

* Prince Michael

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/16/assist-master-sarenren-bazee-will-help-iheanacho-co-score-more-goals-for-nigeria/

AZ Alkmaar Striker Friday Not In Contact With Nigeria Coach But Battle Ready If...

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AZ Alkmaar striker Fred Friday has reacted to speculation in the local media which claimed that he has been handed a late invitation for the Super Eagles friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in March.


Though the former Lillestrom sensation did not waste time to dismiss the reports, he has stressed that is ready to represent the national team if called upon at short notice by Nigeria coach Rohr.


“I have not heard anything about my call-up to the Super Eagles, I have not been in contact with the coach (Rohr),”said Fred Friday to
allnigeriasoccer.com.


“I would be ready to play if I am invited. It is every footballer’s dream to represent their country.”
Aged 21 and said to be one of Nigeria’s top youngsters in Europe, Fred Friday was called up to the Dream Team VI get-together in Abuja back in December 2014.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22313

NPFL Star Sunday To Know Lillestrom Fate Next Week

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Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Norwegian Tippeligaen outfit Lillestrøm SK will make a decision on their Nigerian trialist Sunday Ngbede in the next one week.


The manager of the Canaries and his staff have been running the rule over the Plateau United star with a view to a transfer before the close of the Norwegian transfer window.


Sunday started on the bench as Lillestrom thrashed Sogndal 4-0 in a pre-season friendly on Thursday, with new signing Chigozie Udoji opening scoring in the first half.


The Learning FC of Buruku product is primarily a winger that can play on both flanks, and he can also operate as a supporting striker.


If he passes his audition, he will join Ifeanyi Mathew and Innocent Bonke at Lillestrom.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22314

Samuel Kalu Scores First European Goal For Gent, Esiti Sees Red

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In a Europa League Round of 16 game between two Belgian First Division A teams, Gent were beaten 5-2 by Racing Genk at the Ghelamco Arena on Thursday night.


There Nigerian stars Anderson Esiti, Samuel Kalu and Rabiu Ibrahim tasted game time, with the number 40 coming off the bench just before the start of the second half.


The visitors took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to Ruslan Malinovsky’s goal but Kalu whipped in a rebound shot after the ball had hit the crossbar on 27 minutes to restore parity for his team.


Literally, Gent defense went to sleep as they conceded three more goals before the intermission, and killed off any chance of a comeback in the second half.


A penalty was awarded to Gent in the 67th minute after Kalu was fouled in the box butJeremy Perbet failed to convert from the spot.


Super Eagles winger Moses Simon was introduced in the 76th minute with the outcome of the game all but decided, while Esiti was dismissed in the closing minutes for a second bookable offense.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22315

Nigeria Target Tammy Abraham Focused On Representing England Ahead Of U21 EURO

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Chelsea wonderkid Tammy Abraham is focused on representing England youth teams ahead of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and Fifa U20 World Cup.


Nigeria Football Federation chief Amaju Pinnick thinks he can use his connections with Abraham’s father to convince him to play for the Super Eagles, but the striker has admitted that he’s delighted to play for England U21s.


The Camberwell-born talented netted twice on his full debut for England U21s in their 5-0 rout of Bosnia and Herzegovina and has gone on to make four appearances in total since his debut.


“It was a great feeling for me. To score two goals on my full debut was brilliant and I think it was the confidence from playing week in, week out at Bristol which helped me going into that game.


“Scoring goals is what I love doing, ” Tammy Abraham told chelseafc.com.


Abraham helped the Young Lions to qualify for the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup last year in Germany, and was promoted to the U21s after a blistering start to his Bristol City career.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22316

Ex-Spurs Defender Troost-Ekong : I Am Treated Like A Celebrity In Nigeria, A La Justin Bieber

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/87938WTE.jpg

Gent defender William Troost-Ekong has admitted that it is almost impossible to walk unnoticed whenever he is Nigeria because he represents the Super Eagles.


The former Netherlands youth international has also revealed that airport formalities are fast-tracked and everyone wants to assist him carry his luggage.


“For instance, I never had to wait at customs and show my passport. I can walk right. Until the car my bags are carried, ” Troost-Ekong told Elf Voetbal.


“Everyone knows me there by now, after nine international matches and the Olympic Games.”
Troost-Ekong went on : “It’s a weird feeling that 140 million Nigerians know me. I have to think about things like security. We are trapped with the national team in a hotel, a la Justin Bieber.


“It is a very different life. You feel you a celebrity. And as soon as I step on the plane to Europe, everything is back to normal again.”


A product of Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, Troost-Ekong made his debut for the Super Eagles in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad in 2015.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22317

Samuel Etoo Supports NFF Chief Pinnick : Not A Bad Idea Having A New CAF President

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Former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o has commented on the crisis that is shaking the Confederation of African Football before the elections which should allow his countryman Issa Hayatou to run for another term.


Nigeria Football Federation supremo Amaju Pinnick has been openly campaigning against the re-election of Hayatou, who has been in power since 1988, and is supporting Ahmad Ahmad, the head of Madagascar’s FA to be the new president.


“No institution resists the laws of cycles and change. I just hope that these changes will help African football to evolve, because it is the most important, ” said Eto’o to Jeuneafrique.com.


“The development of CAN has improved infrastructure, and that is important. But the main beneficiaries of these changes must be players, especially those in Africa.


“The Caf is at a certain level of financial income. It is respected, within FIFA for example.”


The Antalyaspor striker added :“But we should bring more freshness to open up other horizons. Without denying what has been done. These changes could prolong and improve what has been accomplished.


“Look at FIFA: the arrival of Gianni Infantino in the presidency has reignited innovation. Trying to do something else at the head of CAF is not a bad idea”.


The elections for the president of CAF will take place on March 16 in Ethiopia.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22318

PEC Zwolle Ace Ehizibue Is The Dutch-Based Player Being Considered For March Friendlies

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Versatile PEC Zwolle winger Kingsley Ehizibue is the Dutch-based player being considered as a late addition to the Super Eagles roster ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso.


Scorenigeria.com has claimed that Super Eagles coach Rohr was in contact with Ehizibue’s intermediary this week regarding the possibility of representing the national team.


Born in Munich to Nigerian parents, the 21-year-old is eligible to represent Nigeria, Netherlands and Germany at international level, and has a cap for Netherlands U21 squad.


Back in October, Ehizibue’s agent Wessel Weezenberg acknowledged that the Nigerian Federation were testing the waters regarding his client playing for the Super Eagles, but stressed that the player has to establish himself in the first team squad of PEC Zwolle before making a decision about his international future.


“Until now it (playing for Nigeria) has only be a topic of superficial discussion with both players as their main focus is to become regular first team players at their respective clubs, ” Wessel Weezenberg told
allnigeriasoccer.com.


Former Feyenoord star Weezenberg also handles the affairs ofTyronne Ebuehi, who has now agreed to play for the Super Eagles ahead of the Netherlands.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22319

Iheanacho targets FA Cup glory with City

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Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has set his sights on helping Manchester City win the FA Cup this season.


The Citizens are currently ten points behind premier league leaders, Chelsea and winning the UEFA Champions League looks a long shot for Pep Guardiola’s men due to their not too impressive form this season.


However, Iheanacho feels that the most realistic target for a trophy this season is the FA Cup and on Saturday they play Middlesbrough in the quarter-finaland the Nigerian is fired up already.


“It is a big game on Saturday against Middlesbrough,”he said.
“It is a final for us to play. We have to go there to playthe good football that we can do and we hope to get the win that we need so we have got a trip to Wembley for the semi-finals.


“Can we win it? There are strong teams in the FA Cup,of course Chelsea and Manchester United play each other.


“But we need to keep working hard and believe in ourselves and of course, if we work hard, we are going to win.”


Iheanacho is likely to start against Middlesbrough as Manchester City will be involved in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg showdown against Monaco next week Tuesday and Guardiola may decide to rest Sergio Aguero for the match.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/iheanacho-targets-fa-cup-glory-with-city.html

Brown Ideye ready for Tianjin TEDA debut

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After finally completing his move from Olympiacos, Nigerian striker,Brown Ideye is ready for his Tianjin TEDA debut.


Ideye did not play in Tianjin TEDA’s opening day 2-0 defeat to Shandong Lunengin the Chinese Super League (CSL).


The striker was not listed for the game because of the delay in the completion of his transfer.


He is, however, ready to return in TEDA’s home CLS game against Jiangsu Suningon Friday, March 10.


"The next game is very important to us and I hope we bring back three points," Ideye told sports.enorth.com.cn.


The Super Eagles of Nigeria striker joins his national teammate John Mikel Obi in Tianjin TEDA and he praised his international captain for helping him settle in China.


"From the first day I came here, Mikel has constantly helped me settle in,” Ideye said about Mikel Obi.


"We are national teammates and there's a good understanding between us, so we play together without any problems.


"Ideye and Mikel Obi have left out of the Super Eagles squad for their two friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in March.


Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles,Gernot Rohrleft out the two stars so they can get have time to settle at their new club.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/brown-ideye-ready-for-tianjin-teda-debut.html

Iheanacho Sad Over Man City's Goalless Draw Against Stoke

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By Augustine Akhilomen

Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho believes Manchester City's did everything possible to defeat Stoke City in Wednesday's goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.


Iheanacho came on as a substitute in the second half but couldn't change the composure of the match despite creating some half chances as the Potters were solid at the back.The result cost City the chance to move to second in the table and left them 10 points behind leaders Chelsea.


'As a striker you need to take chances. We need to focus to put the chance (away) if it comes. It came and of course I missed it, but I focus on the next one - that is going to count.'


'I think we didn't do anything wrong. I think we really worked hard but they really stood up because they are a good team as well. They are strong, they really fight.


'We fought to the end and to get a draw was unfortunate but I think we focus on the next games.'


'I think we believe in ourselves and what we can do as well as other teams. Chelsea are doing well as well but if we keep this standard, keep working hard, I think we will get there.'


Iheanacho, who has scored seven goals this season but not started a game since January 2, said: 'We are happy to have everyone around. On my part, any time I am in I need to give 100 per cent because everyone is important in the team.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/iheanacho-sad-over-man-citys-goalless.html

AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
Arsenal star Iwobi could miss Nigeria friendly games

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Nigeria match winners in Zambia - Kelechi Iheanacho (left) and Alex Iwobi

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi could miss Arsenal's Emirates FA Cup quarter-final encounter against Lincoln City on Saturday.


The attacking midfielder missed Arsenal's midweek clash with German giants Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League clash in London.


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Iwobi and his team-mate Danny Welbeck are both ill ahead their Cup encounter.


“I believe that we have two uncertainties," Wenger told Arsenal.com.


"Welbeck, who had to come off after the warm-up against Bayern due to sickness.


"And Iwobi, who on the day of the game couldn’t turn up as well due to the same problem."


Iwobi, who has played 22 English Premier League games for Arsenal this season, has been included in the Nigerian squad that will play two international friendly games later this month.


The Super Eagles will take on Senegal on Thursday, 23 March, before locking horns with Burkina Faso on Monday, 27 March. Both games will be played in London, England.

africanfootball.com/news/693984/Arsenal-star-Iwobi-could-miss-Nigeria-friendly-games