₦airaland Forum

Roma Boss Spalleti Speaks On Nigerian Teen Nura Abdullahi After Dazzling Display On Return From Injury

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As exclusively reported by Owngoalnigeria.com Roma Nigerian teen right back Nura Abdullahi made his long awaited comeback from the injury that has kept him out since last year.


Nura suffered a setback during his recovery and was initially billed to be out for the rest of the season, but the 19 year old miraculously recovered and played 45 minutes for the Primavera side in their 5-3 win over Crotone.


Widely regarded as one of the finest young emerging full backs in Italy, his return from injury caught the attention of head coach of the main team Luciano Spalleti.


Spalleti expressed his delight at seeing the youngster back on the pitch of play during his pre match conference ahead of their Serie A tie against Torino.


” Nura returned to the Primavera team for today’s game and he came through it fine, that is one positive for us ahead of what we expect to be a tough game against Torino”, Spalleti said.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/18/11930/

International Friendly – Super Eagles Dump Ghana For Burkina Faso

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have reached agreement to play Senegal and later Burkina Faso in London during the next FIFA international window in March.


Eagles will take on Senegal on the 23rd of March before facing Burkina Faso four days later in London with both games schedule to take place at Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadium.


Ghana were supposed to play Nigeria but according to Jairo Pachon, the match agent of the Nigeria Football Federation the match was called off as the Black Stars are without a coach for now.


” We (Nigeria) will play Senegal then Burkina Faso four days later. The proposed tie with Ghana was called off due to their managerial situation, so we moved quickly to replace them with Burkina Faso, Pacho of Eurodata Sports told Owngoalnigeria.com


The games are meant to prepare Nigeria for their upcoming AFCON 2019 qualifiers and World Cup 2018 qualifiers later in the year.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/18/international-friendly-super-eagles-dump-ghana-for-burkina-faso/

18-Year-Old Nigerian Goalkeeper Makes Oxford United Squad Vs Middlesbrough

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The young Nigerian goalkeeper Manny Agboola could make his competitive debut for Oxford United when they take on Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup.


Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the 18-year-old netminder is in Oxford United’s traveling party to North Yorkshire, and is expected to make his team’s matchday squad.


In the last round, Agboola watched the entirety of Oxford United’s 3-0 rout of Newcastle United from the bench after he was recalled from his loan spell at North Leigh.


This website understands that the highly-rated goalkeeper will not reject a call-up to the national teams if invited, though he is eligible to turn out for England.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22104

Nigerian-Born Striker Scores In First Game Since The Appointment Of Oliseh

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Fortuna Sittard continue to impress under new manager Sunday Oliseh after a 4-1 rout of Utrecht II at the Offermans Joosten Stadion on Friday night.


Seven games after the winter break, Fortuna Sittard have only lost once in the Eerste Divisie, a 2-1 defeat to Almere City on January 27, won three games and drawn three.


Başsan and Stokkers gave the home team a two-goal advantage heading into the interval against the team from Utrecht.


In the second half, Loukili pulled a goal back for the visitors before Dianessy and Junior Torunarigha scored and it turned out to be a comprehensive win.


Yesterday’s strike was Torunarigha first for Fortuna Sittard on his first appearance since the appointment of Oliseh.


In the first round of the season, Torunarigha suited up in every single game in the league, with the exception being the week 14 tie against Kelechi Nwakali’s MVV when he was non-playing sub.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22102

Nigeria Using Family Friends To Put Everton Lookman Under Pressure – English FA Cries Out

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A member of England U-20 back room staff has cried out over the plans of Nigeria to snatch Ademola Lookman from England using close family members of the Everton star.


Representatives of the 19 year old have met with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lookman reportedly seems interested in switching allegiance to Nigeria despite representing England at various youth levels.


England are however unhappy that Nigeria has been using all means available to lure the Everton rising star, including close family members who are putting the lad under pressure to accept Nigeria.


”The pressure is telling. Lookman is a young man who should be allowed to focus on his club career but Nigeria are putting him under immense pressure, he is still building his career and the last thing he needs is distractions due to his international future”, he reportedly said to an Everton based media.


However his acceptance to play for Nigeria will be in the open after his meeting with coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr next week, according to reports gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com.


We also gathered that his father is reportedly in supporting of his son representing Nigeria as he is a big fan of the Super Eagles but will let his son decide his international future.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/18/nigeria-using-family-friends-to-put-everton-lookman-under-pressure-english-fa-cries-out/

Uche Agbo Disciplinary Record Worsens With Another Booking In Granada’s Win Over Betis

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Super Eagles and Granada of Spain midfielder Uche Agbo picked up another booking in the La-Liga despite posting a man of the match performance in Granada’s 4-1 win over Eibar.


Agbo was on for the entire duration of the game, and put in a commendable shift in the midfield in his role as part of the three midfielders in front of the back four.


However just like in previous games, he was booked for foul play with nine minutes left to play in the encounter. A booking which takes his season’s caution to nine.


The 21 year old has picked up a booking in the last five games he has played for Granada including a red card in their 1-1 draw against Osasuna, which saw him suspended for three games.


On loan from English Premier League side Watford for the rest of the season, he appears not to have learnt from his suspension, as he has picked up a booking in all of the three games he has played since his return from suspension.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/18/uche-agbo-disciplinary-record-worsens-with-another-booking-in-granadas-win-over-betis/

Zulte-Waregem Converts Eagles Defender Madu To Left Winger, Nominated For POTM Award

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Super Eagles deputy left full back Kingsley Madu has been converted to a left winger by the coach of his Belgian side Zulte- Waregem, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.


Madu has failed to dislodge regular left back Brian Tomming Hamalainen since his move to the team in the summer, although he has replaced the Dane on several occasion.


Manager Frank Dury who rates the Nigerian highly had to devise a way of accommodating him in his team, hence the decision to push him upfront as a left winger.


The Nigerian scored a sublime goal from the new role in a recent friendly tie against Borussia Monchengladbach, a goal which according to many formed the basis of his nomination for the Club’s Player Of The Month Award.


Since joining the Belgian side from AS Trencin, Madu has made seven league appearances for the high flying team while he has played in all of their four games in the Cup, where he has a goal registered to his name.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/18/zulte-waregem-converts-eagles-defender-madu-to-left-winger-nominated-for-potm-award/

Oliseh Extends Unbeaten Run As Coach Of Dutch Side With Big Win Over Jong Utrecht

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Former Super Eagles captain and manager Sunday Oliseh and his new team Fortuna Sittard continued their rise up the table in the Netherlands with a 4-1 win over Utrecht II.


Oliseh took over the reins of the club in January, and has so far helped their aim of trying to avoid the drop to the third division in the Netherlands.


Their lastest win extends their unbeaten run to four games this season, the first time they are putting together such a run since the start of the season.


The win also lifted them to 16th on the log standings, and pulled them further away from the drop zone as they are presently on 27 points, 17 points more than bottom placed Achilles ’29.


Oliseh’s short term contract with the team which is suppose to elapse at the end of the season, will be automatically renewed if they beat the drop.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/18/oliseh-extends-unbeaten-run-as-coach-of-dutch-side-with-big-win-over-jong-utrecht/

Harvard13:
Abeg how does someone have 32 defeats from 31 games??

Bonus defeat +1
Lol

Nigerian Striker Osawe Improves Goal Tally In Germany With Another Goal For Kaiserslautern

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23 year old Nigerian forward Osayamen Osawe scored his sixth goal of the season for German side Kaiserslautern to help them to a 3-0 win over Sandhausen.


The forward was introduced in the 70th minute, and nine minutes later scored the third and final goal for his side to round up a comfortable victory for Kaiserslautern, which takes them to 11th position on the second division standings in Germany.


Osawe joined Kaiserslautern in the summer after scoring 17 goals in two seasons with third division side Hallescher, he is presently four goals short of his last season tally of 10 goals from 20 games in a tougher league in just few games.


Born in England to Nigerian parents, he had a short spell at English side Blackburn Rovers before trying out at Accrington Stanley, Hyde United and Southport before moving to Germany.


Eligible for both Nigeria and England, the power playing forward is yet to be capped by both nations at any level, no thanks to the slow progress of his career during his teen years.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/nigerian-striker-osawe-improves-goal-tally-in-germany-with-another-goal-for-kaiserslautern/

Ikeme Brace Up For Diego Costa Challenge When Wolves Take On Chelsea In Emirate FA Cup

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Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers shot stopper Carl Ikeme has expressed his happiness at reaching 200 senior appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday evening in their game against Wigan Athletic.


Ikeme is once again expected to be behind the sticks for Wolves when they face Premier League leaders Chelsea this weekend in the FA Cup, and he believes it will be a tougher tie than their last game, where they sent Liverpool out of the tournament.


“Saturday’s going to be even tougher as they’re flying at the moment,” he said.


“It’s something that we can enjoy. I think it’s a game we can give back to the fans.


“We haven’t been in the Premier League for a number of years and we’ve had a couple of low points during that time as well.


“As players, as staff and as supporters I think it’s game that everyone can just go and enjoy.


“I’m looking forward to seeing Molineux packed. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great occasion.


“The bigger the occasion is, the better we seem to play.


“It’s going to be something that everyone’s going to revel in. Nobody’s going to have any fear.


“You’re playing against the best players in the world so it’s going to be something that we’re all going to enjoy and we’re all going to do our best.”

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/ikeme-brace-up-for-diego-costa-challenge-when-wolves-take-on-chelsea-in-emirate-fa-cup/

Everton Star Ademola Lookman Could Make Eagles Squad For Senegal Friendly, Rohr To Hold Talks With Him In London

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Everton rising star Ademola Lookman is seriously under consideration by coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr ahead of the Super Eagles friendly tie against Teranga Lions of Senegal in London.


Lookman who has been an instant hit for Everton since his move from Charlton Athletics has already represented England at youth level, but he is still eligible for Nigeria.


The electronic version of UK based tabloid Daily Mirror reports that representatives of the 19 year old met with big wigs of the Nigeria Football Federation last week about his international future.


Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr reportedly requested for the meeting between the NFF and Lookman, ahead of his meeting with the coveted star next week in England.


Rohr wants to move quickly and has earmarked Lookman for a place in his squad for the next friendly against Senegal next month, which is meant to prepare Nigeria for the AFCON 2019 and World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/everton-star-ademola-lookman-could-make-eagles-squad-for-senegal-friendly-rohr-to-hold-talks-with-him-in-london/

Conte Assures Loanee Omeruo Of Chelsea’s Chance In 2016/2017 Pre Season Games

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One of the numerous players of English Premier League side Chelsea who has been assured of his spot in the team in the nearest future is Kenneth Omeruo.


Omeruo is in his fourth loan spell away from Stamford Bridge, and it is reported that unlike previous seasons where he has hardly been given a look in during pre season, he will get his chance this season.


Chelsea manager Antonio Conte assured the Nigeria international that he has a future at the club, and promised him a spot in his squad for their pre season tour at the end of the current season.


We gathered, the promise from Conte was part of the reasons why Omeruo accepted to extend his contract with Chelsea before heading out on loan to Alanyaspor, where he has impressed so far.


Rated as a future captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the 23 year old centre back has so far impressed in three different roles this season, excelling as a full back, a centre back and most recently a defensive midfielder.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/conte-assures-loanee-omeruo-of-chelseas-chance-in-20162017-pre-season-games/

Ex Man City Boss Pellegrini Talks Up Plans To Reunite With Iheanacho At Hebei Fortune In China

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Former boss of Manchester City Manuel Pellegrini who is now the head coach of Chinese side Hebei China Fortune has spoken out about his plans to sign some players he has worked with in the past.


Pellegrini who gave Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho his breakthrough at Manchester City last season, listed the Nigerian as part of the players he would love to work with at the Chinese club in the future.


Although the Nigerian has found games hard to come by under new City boss Pep Guardiola, Pellegrini insist the 20 year old forward is very happy at the Etihad.


” I have worked with a whole lot of players, but some I feel I won’t love working with them in the nearest future but I won’t mind luring some to join me in China,” Pellegrini said.


” The young players have worked with in the past are the ones I strongly feel we could work again before I retire, there are many like Iheanacho but I know he is very happy at Manchester City”,

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/ex-man-city-boss-pellegrini-talks-up-plans-to-reunite-with-iheanacho-at-hebei-fortune-in-china/

Eagles Star Etebo Hands Portuguese Side Injury Boost Ahead Of Boavista Clash

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CD Feirense have been handed a big boost after the full recovery of Nigerian star Oghenekaro Etebo from the injury that has kept him out for one month.


Etebo is available for selection this weekend when they take on Boavista in the Portuguese league, and his fitness will no doubt gladdens the heart of the technical crew of the club.


Since limping out of Feirense’s clash against Vitoria Guimaraes on the 14th of January with a thigh muscle injury, he has missed the games against Estoril, Moreirense, Rio Ave and Tondela.


So far injuries have limited Etebo’s appearances for the newly promoted Portuguese side as he has only made ten league appearances this season, with just a goal to his name this season which game in the Portuguese cup.


The 21 year old forward return to full fitness will also put him in contention for Nigeria’s set of friendly games against Senegal and possibly Ghana in March.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/eagles-star-etebo-hands-portuguese-side-injury-boost-ahead-of-boavista-clash/

Reminder: Oyibo Wall – Rohr Lines Up Alternative As Fear Looms Over Game Time For Ekong At Gent

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There are palpable fears that William Troost-Ekong will struggle to get game time at Belgian side Gent after a successful loan spell in Norway with FK Haugesund.


Ekong has been out on loan since joining the Belgian side but he is expected to push for a first team spot after impressing for Haugesund in the recently concluded season in Norway.


After a splendid performance for Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics, his regular run of games in Norway where he captained the team to a respectable finish in the league has helped his international career blossomed.


The Dutch-born Nigerian defender has formed a formidable partnership with Leon Balogun in the heart of Nigeria defence, a combination that is now known as “Oyibo Wall”.


Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr is reportedly worried that Ekong could be starve off game with Gent, as the back four of Lasse Nielsen, Stefan Mitrovic, Rami Gershon and Nana Asare appears to be untouchable for now.


The coach has already advised the 23 year old to switch to a tougher league, but it appears even at Gent he could struggle to get game time when his registration is done in January.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/17/reminder-oyibo-wall-rohr-lines-up-alternative-as-fear-looms-over-game-time-for-ekong-at-gent/

Ikeme, Moses In FA Cup Battle

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By Augustine Akhilomen

Super Eagles duo of Carl Ikeme and Victor Moses will be at loggerheads as Chelsea visit Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday's fifth round of the English FA Cup at the Molineux Stadium.


Ikeme was not in the team when Wolves shocked Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the fourth round, however, he will be hoping to regain his starting shirt as they confront Premier League leaders, Chelsea.


While Ikeme could probably be in goal for the host, he will have so much to handle against a Blues team that is blessed with attacking firepowers that also includes Nigerian international, Victor Moses.


Both players will be seeking to qualify to the quarter final stages of one of the oldest competitions in England, with the hope of winning a silverware at the end of the season.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/ikeme-moses-in-fa-cup-battle.html

Uche wins big with Granada

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Super Eagles invitee, Henry Agbo and his Granada teammates are in celebration mood after they recorded what was their biggest win of the season; beating Real Betis 4-1 in Friday night's La Liga clash.


The 21-year-old Nigerian defensive midfielder was in action from start to finish as Granada finally showed that they deserve to be be in the Spanish top flight as they commendably scored three goals in 33 minutes.


The match eventually ended 4-1 in favour of Agbo and his team – their third win of the season.


With nine yellow cards and one red card in his 17 La Liga games, Agbo had 54 touches of the ball and attempted three dribbles, which were successful.


He also made 89% of his 38 passes and launched the counter attack that fetched his side the fourth goal.


With their third win of the season, Granada now have 16 points from 22 matches and are now three points from safety.


Agbo and his teammates will hope for more of Friday's performance so they can successfully battle relegation and avoid dropping back to the Segunda.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/uche-wins-big-with-granada.html

Arsenal may hijack Solanke transfer

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Though England youth international of Nigerian descent, Dominic Solanke, is originally linked with a switch to Liverpool from Chelsea, fresh transfer reports suggest that Arsenal may just hijack the deal.


As reported in London Football, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation of Solanke and could make a move to take the 19-year old from their London rivals, Chelsea.


Solanke is believed to want to increase his wages from £7,000-a-week to £50,000 – demands Chelsea are unwilling to meet.


Boss Antonio Conte has already confirmed Solanke is unlikely to be at Stamford Bridge next season.


He said: ”I think [he will leave], I am not sure, but I think this is his will.


“I don’t know, I should have a crystal ball to tell his future, I wish for him and his family the best.


“I have spoken with him to try to understand his decision. It is normal. We must have a great respect for every decision.”


Solanke, who has played for England at every age group from Under-16 to Under-21, is out of contract at the end of the season and he is still very much eligible to represent Nigeria through his descent.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/arsenal-may-hijack-solanke-transfer.html

Enyimba is the best Club in Nigeria

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The famous football data statistics website Football database recently published its eagerly anticipated ranking of clubs in the world.


European powerhouses Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern occupy the top three positions, followed by Juventus and Chelsea.


In the African ranking, Al Ahly (Egypt), TP Mazembe (Congo), Esperance de Tunis, Etoile (both Tunisia) and Vita Club are the top five teams.

Two-time African champions Enyimba are the top ranked Nigerian club. They were ranked 488th in the global ranking and occupies 31st position in Africa, with a points tally of 1,429.
Enugu Rangers, Warri Wolves, Rivers United and Wikki Tourist join Enyimba in the top five Nigerian clubs.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/enyimba-is-best-club-in-nigeria.html

Super Eagles star joins new club in South Africa

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One of Nigerian players to the last World Cup in Brazil, Ejike Uzoenyi has joined a new club in South Africa.


Uzoenyi who recently saw his contract with PSL side, Mamelodi Sundowns terminated, has now signed a new deal with Bidvest Wits.


Uzoenyi struggled for game time with Sundowns who hejoined from Enugu Rangers in 2014, after emerging as the MVP at the CHAN tournament in South Africa.


The petite forward will now be looking to make an impact at Wits.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/super-eagles-star-joins-new-club-in.html

AF South Africa ABSA Premiership 2016/17 Nigeria
Orlando Pirates to register Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel

Nigeria U23 goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel

South African giants Orlando Pirates will reportedly register Nigeria international Emmanuel Daniel with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this week.


The goalkeeper joined the Buccaneers during the recent January PSL Transfer Window from Nigerian Professional Football League side Enugu Rangers.


Pirates are in need of a fit goalkeeper following Jackson Mabokgwane's straight red-card against Bidvest Wits in the Absa Premiership game on Wednesday.


The club's first choice goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo is nursing an injury which leaves Siyabonga Mpontshane as the only fit Bucs shot-stopper.


According to reports coming out of South Africa, Pirates are looking to register Daniel before their league clash with Cape Town City on Saturday.


"Daniel has been training with the club since he arrived in the country in January," the source tells KickOff.com.


"He is free to play and fill the foreign space left after the departure of Edwin Gyimah."


The Buccaneers parted ways with Ghana international Edwin Gyimah on Thursday after the defender-come-midfielder requested the Soweto giants to release him.


Daniel, who represented Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, is expected to challenge Mhlongo, Mabokgwane and Mpontshane for the No.1 jersey at Bucs.

africanfootball.com/news/688672/Orlando-Pirates-to-register-Nigerian-goalkeeper-Daniel

Blackburn Rovers charged, Akpan faces stiffer ban

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Blackburn Rovers have been charged by the England FA and Nigeria midfielder Hope Akpan could be slapped a bigger ban than his three-match suspension after he pushed a referee this week.


Akpan was sent off in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday for pushing referee Scott Duncan after he disallowed what would have been an equaliser for handball has until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge, while the club have until 6pm on Tuesday.


The Nigeria midfielder will serve a minimum three match suspensions - ruling him out of Sunday's FA Cup tie with Manchester United and the English Championship games with Burton Albion and Derby County - but that could be extended depending on Akpan's response and the findings of an independent commission.


Rovers also saw winger Elliott Bennett hit with a two match ban after he used foul and abusive language towards the officials after the final whistle at Hillsborough.

mtnfootball.com/mobi/news/688705/Blackburn-Rovers-charged-Akpan-faces-stiffer-ban

Eagles coach spies on Rivers United in Champions League tie

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Super Eagles chief coach Salisu Yusuf will continue his scouting mission this weekend when he watches a CAF Champions League clash between Rivers United and visiting AS Real Bamako from Mali.


Both teams played out a goalless draw in Bamako last weekend.
“I will be in Port Harcourt this weekend for Rivers United Champions League match. I wish to use this game to look at some of the players who will be suitable for the national team,” Yusuf disclosed.


“I also plan to be in Enugu for a midweek league game.”
Last weekend, the Eagles coach watched hosts Lobi Stars being held to a goalless draw by Katsina United.


He has also monitored several home games involving Kano Pillars.


Besides assisting Gernot Rohr in the Super Eagles,Yusuf is in charge of the CHAN Eagles, who are due to take on either Togo or Benin Republic in a final qualifying playoff for CHAN 2019 in August.

Kenya will host CHAN 2019.

mtnfootball.com/mobi/news/688483/Eagles-coach-spies-on-Rivers-United-in-Champions-League-tie

Ref chief demands more than 3-match ban for Hope Akpan

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Former England referee chief Keith Hackett has said Nigeria midfielder Hope Akpan ought to get more than a three-match ban after he pushed a referee in an English Championship game.


Hackett relayed the situation with Paola Di Canto who raised his hands to a referee and got an 11-match ban as well as a fine of £10,000 in 1998.


Blackburn Rovers ace Akpan was sent off in the closing stages of the defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night after coming in to contact with the referee as he protested against what he thought was a late equaliser being chalked off for hand ball.

mtnfootball.com/mobi/news/688518/Ref-chief-demands-more-than-3-match-ban-for-Hope-Akpan

tbaba1234:
Belgiun is a better league than Norway. He will still play games in Belgium.

Ok lets watch how events will unfold

Former Arsenal Star: Chamberlain Deserves More Playing Time Than Iwobi

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By James Agberebi:

Former Arsenal and Scotland international Charlie Nicholas says Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be ahead of Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi for a starting place in the London club.


Both Iwobi and Oxlade-Chamberlain were in action on Wednesday night as Arsenal capitulated 5-1 to Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg clash at the Allianz Arena.


Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled to hold down a first-team spot and has started just 12 Premier League games this term – 16 across all competitions, while Iwobi has been a regular feature.


The England international has entered the final 18 months of his Arsenal contract and has previously admitted he would consider his future in the summer.


Nicholas, a League Cup winner with Arsenal in 1987 who was Arsenal Player of the year in 1984, believes Oxlade-Chamberlain's inability to dispace Iwobi means the England midfielder's time is up at Arsenal.


"I think it's time for him to move on," Nicholas told Sky Sports.

"He's got bundles of ability, pace and strength, although he could do with finishing a bit better.

"He should be playing more than [Alex] Iwobi and the fact that he isn't in ahead of him means I don't think he has a promising future at Arsenal."

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011 for an initial £12million and has won two FA Cups during his six years at the club.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/former-arsenal-star-chamberlain-deserves-playing-time-iwobi/#Q74BC5SRHOpd0gss.99

FIFA World Ranking: NFF Targets Top 10 Before Russia 2018

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Richard Jideaka, Abuja:

The Nigeria Football Federation is doing everything possible to ensure that Super Eagles are ranked among the top 10 teams in the FIFA World Ranking before the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, General Secretary of NFF, Sanusi Mohammed has said, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.


Reacting to the Super Eagles' recent leap to 41st position in FIFA World Ranking, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said the target was to be number one in Africa and make the top 10 in the world before the 2018 World Cup in Russia


"We are on the right track to being the best in Africa and may be number five in the world where we were after the 1994 World Cup in the USA, but we would be contented if we make the top 10. It is not an easy target, but I think we are capable," Sanusi told Completesportsnigeria.com.


"To realize our target, aside the World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifying games which the Super Eagles will be involved in, the federation will ensure that the team play top quality friendly games to improve on the ranking."


Sanusi also expressed optimism that the Super Eagles have the wherewithal to progress ahead of Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia from their World Cup qualifiers Group B, adding that his optimism stemmed from the manner the new coach Gernot Rohr has been handling the Eagles' games.


"We don't fear Cameroon because they won the AFCON. We believe they are not better thnn us, and come August, we shall prove to them that we are more determined to go the World Cup after missing the AFCON in Gabon. We have to beat them in Uyo first and get a result in their home few days later," Sanusi stated.

www.completesportsnigeria.com/fifa-world-ranking-nff-targets-top-10-russia-2018/#jKFs01RMi8mOO0TY.99

Ideye Ruled Out of Olympiacos Europa League Clash Against Osmanlispor

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Olympiacos Piraeus and Nigeria International, Brown Ideye has told footballlive.ng he’ll miss his club’s Europa League round of 32 first leg tie against Osmanlispor in Greece with a Shoulder injury.


The 28-year-old played and scored a 9th minute goal at the weekend against AEL Larissa in the Greek league but was subbed off in the game after he bruised his shoulder.

http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/ideye-ruled-out-of-olympiacos-europa-league-clash-against-osmanlispor/

Gernot Rohr Expresses Concern Over Sporting Gijon Defender Elderson Echiejile

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The left full back spot of the Super Eagles is still a thing of worry for coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr, who is keen on having more options before the start of the AFCON 2019 and resumption of World Cup 2018 qualifiers.


Rohr in a chat with NFF.com lamented the struggles of regular left full back Elderson Echiejile at his club Monaco before his loan move to Spanish side Sporting Gijon on transfer deadline day.


The Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles is worried that he might not be match fit when the Eagles regroup for competitive games later in the year.


His worry can also be extended to the fact that Echiejile deputy Kingsley Madu is also struggling to nail down a permanent shirt at Belgian side Zulte-Waregem.


Madu has been sparingly used by the Belgian league leaders in league games, although he has featured in almost all of their games in the domestic cup.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/16/gernot-rohr-expresses-concern-over-sporting-gijon-defender-elderson-echiejile/

tbaba1234:
Troost Ekong played very well in his first few matches in Belgium but Gent's coach is very unpredictable. Even with strong performances and clean sheets, he still found himself on the bench. Troost-Ekong will still play in the league, the gent coach always changes his starting 11.

From all indications, it seems it should have been better if he had stayed back in Norway as subscribed by Sir enomakos.

It is better to see regular playing time in Norway than sit on the bench in Belgium.
My take.

I think this Stephen Odey of MFM FC deserves a place in the home based super eagles team. #teamcatchthemyoung#
www.nairaland.com/attachments/4872376_lmc21_jpegdbfe2a14446d94910302074306eb3231

Now I can seriously weep for why we didn't qualify for CAF AYC U20. We wouldn't have lacked the quality both home and abroad to fight for gold.