₦airaland Forum

enomakos:
he shall have remain in norway

cc: tbaba1234

Whats your take on Troost-Ekong?
Any hope for him to play in the Europa league this season?

Carragher – Iwobi Is Wasting Away At left Wing, He Is What Ozil Is Not In The Midfield

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Former Liverpool and English Premier League legend Jamie Carragher believes Alex Iwobi is at his best when he plays from the midfield, than on the wings.


Carragher made this submission while analysing Arsenal’s 5-1 hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Allianz Arena.


While he believed the youngster has talent beyond talent, he feels he is comfortable playing as a midfielder than as a winger, where he is required to do a lot of tracking back.


” He (Iwobi) was poor, he looked lost as a winger, tonight he was badly exposed but I honestly think he is wasting away as a winger. He has the calmness and strength that Ozil lacks in the midfield”, Carragher said.


” Ozil has failed to convince in the middle, but Wenger still prefers him to Iwobi who has impressed in badges when played through the middle”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/carragher-iwobi-is-wasting-away-at-left-wing-he-is-what-ozil-is-not-in-the-midfield/

Carragher – Iwobi Is Wasting Away At left Wing, He Is What Ozil Is Not In The Midfield

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/image-87.jpg

Former Liverpool and English Premier League legend Jamie Carragher believes Alex Iwobi is at his best when he plays from the midfield, than on the wings.
Carragher made this submission while analysing Arsenal’s 5-1 hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Allianz Arena.
While he believed the youngster has talent beyond talent, he feels he is comfortable playing as a midfielder than as a winger, where he is required to do a lot of tracking back.
” He (Iwobi) was poor, he looked lost as a winger, tonight he was badly exposed but I honestly think he is wasting away as a winger. He has the calmness and strength that Ozil lacks in the midfield”, Carragher said.
” Ozil has failed to convince in the middle, but Wenger still prefers him to Iwobi who has impressed in badges when played through the middle”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/carragher-iwobi-is-wasting-away-at-left-wing-he-is-what-ozil-is-not-in-the-midfield/

Arsenal Loanee Kelechi Nwakali Fails To Sparkle Once Again, Coach Unhappy With His Display

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/image-37.jpg

MVV Maastricht promotion hopes suffered another set back yesterday after Jong Ajax held them to a 1-1 draw in their rescheduled tie at the Sportpark De Toekomst.


Jong Ajax who are also battling to gain promotion to the elite division in the Netherlands are now six points behind leaders VVV-Venlo, while Maastricht stay rooted at 4th position, ten points behind the leaders.


One major concern for coach Ron Elsen of Maastricht has been the poor form of Arsenal loanee Kelechi Nwakali since the start of 2017.


Nwakali started his season long loan spell with the club like a house on fire, scoring his first professional goal aside picking up man of the match awards in three of the games he played in the first stanza.


However since the start of 2017 he has failed to build on his early season momentum, a form which has affected the overall performance of the team.


” Some players are struggling but it is not about them but the entire team. Kelechi can obviously do better but we have to remember he is only 18 years old, plus this is his first season, that alone makes it up for him even though am unhappy with his performance of late”, Elsen said.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/arsenal-loanee-kelechi-nwakali-fails-to-sparkle-once-again-coach-unhappy-with-his-display/

(See Picture) – Fortuna Sittard Coach Oliseh Spotted With Liverpool Loanee Awoniyi In Holland

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Former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Sunday Oliseh, who now handles Dutch side Fortuna Sittard met with Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi.


Awoniyi is on a season long loan from Liverpool to Dutch top division side NEC Nijmegen, where he has struggled to hit same height that made Liverpool splash big to sign him two seasons ago.


Picture of their meeting up was picked up by our online editor, with the duo smiling in a pose in front of what looks like an eatery.


It could be a chance meeting but it’s worthy to note that Oliseh could have passed some tips to the forward on how to succeed in the Netherlands, as the former Ajax man also played in same league during his playing days.


For now Oliseh’s main task is to steer his team further away from the relegation zone, which is part of the requirements given to him by the club before he is handed an extension.

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/image-84-267x300.jpg

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/see-picture-fortuna-sittard-coach-oliseh-spotted-with-liverpool-loanee-awoniyi-in-holland/

Musa Yahaya Trains With FC Porto First Team, Set For Debut Against Tondela This Weekend

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FC Porto fast rising Nigerian teen forward Musa Yahaya trained with the first team of the Portuguese giants, and reports suggest he could make his debut this weekend.


Yahaya joined FC Porto in the summer from fellow Portuguese side Portimonense, but despite several session with the first team he is yet to make his debut for the team.


In the first half of the season, he spent more time training with the main team which cost him his debut with the B team who are campaigning in the second division in Portugal.


However since the turn of the year, he has had more sessions with the B team than the main team, although he is also yet to make his debut for them as well.


His latest invitation to join the first team in training came at a time where there are speculations that some youngsters could be handed debut by coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/musa-yahaya-trains-with-fc-porto-first-team-set-for-debut-against-tondela-this-weekend/

AF Nigeria Premier League 2016/2017 Manchester City
Wanyama beats Victor Moses, Yaya to EPL Award

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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Victor Wanyama

by Samm Audu

Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama beat off Nigeria’s Victor Moses and Yaya Toure from Cote d’Ivoire to be named English Premier African Player of the Month for January.


Wanyama had a good January with his club, marshaling the defensive midfield and getting up to second in the league, still conserving the record of the team with the best defence in the league.


His performances included a sterling display against league leaders Chelsea, handing the latter a first defeat in 14 matches at White Hart Lane.


The Harambee Stars captain last won the award in September 2015 when he was still a player with Southampton FC.

africanfootball.com/news/688260/Wanyama-beats-Victor-Moses-Yaya-to-EPL-Award

AF Nigeria 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon
No Burkina Faso friendly for Super Eagles in London

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Paulo Jorge Duarte, coach of Burkina Faso (r) embraces Aristide Bance

by Samm Audu

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not face Burkina Faso in a second friendly next month in London because the Stallions have agreed to play Morocco also next month.


The Eagles are shopping for friendlies against robust-playing African teams to prepare them for a Titanic World Cup double header against new African champions Cameroon beginning on August 28 in Uyo.


Senegal have already confirmed they will face Nigeria in London on March 23 before they take on Cote d’Ivoire in another test game in France days later.


Local media reports in Nigeria have suggested Burkina Faso will be Nigeria’s second friendly foes in London on March 27.


But this will not be so as Morocco have confirmed a friendly with AFCON 2017 semi-finalists Burkina Faso on March 24 in Marrakech.


This means that Nigeria cannot play against the Burkinabes in London as it will be against FIFA regulation that stipulates no country should play two matches within days across two different continents.

africanfootball.com/news/688265/No-Burkina-Faso-friendly-for-Super-Eagles-in-London

AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Belgium
Hugo Broos ready to dump Cameroon for South Africa - Agent

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Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon celebrates a victory with Hugo Broos


The Belgian Hugo Broos has indicated interest to be the new coach of South Africa and so dump Cameroon, who he led to win a fifth AFCON earlier this month in Gabon, his agent has revealed.


Broos stunned the formbooks when he led a make-shift Indomitable Lions to beat record winner Egypt in the championship game of AFCON 2017.


His agent Gino Laureyssen of Ligi Star Management has revealed Broos’ resume has been submitted to SAFA.


“I asked him [Broos] if he wants to be a candidate for SAFA because they are looking for a head coach,” Laureyssen told KickOff. “So this week we have sent his CV to the CEO of SAFA, but until now we didn’t get any answer, which I think is a little [unusual].


“He’s very interested in working with a young group and I think the South African national team hasn’t done well in recent years, and if you see how he did with Cameroon, with not only stars but players who want to fight and work hard, I think that [his interest] is a good sign.”


Laureyssen said Broos is content with his achievement of lifting the continental crown with Cameroon and would prefer a new challenge elsewhere.


“Look, if he has won the African Cup of Nations and is a hero in that country, I think he’s very smart [to know] that it can only go backwards [from here on out],” he added.


“I mean, he has reached the maximum possible with that team, in that tournament, so I think now the challenge is to look for a new project where he can see what he can do – if he can maybe go to the [2018] World Cup or the next Nations Cup.


“Nothing is decided yet but if he says he wants a new challenge it means a lot and to be honest, personally, the living conditions in South Africa is maybe a little better than in Cameroon."


Cameroon are second in a World Cup qualifying group with leaders Nigeria, Zambia and Algeria.

africanfootball.com/news/688275/Hugo-Broos-ready-to-dump-Cameroon-for-South-Africa-Agent

Joebie:
source?

Just below the article you quoted

Lambert Hails Ikeme, Enobakhare’s Showings In Wolves Defeat To Wigan

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Wolverhampton Wanderers coach, Paul Lambert, has again praised Nigerian goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and his compatriot, Bright Enobakhare, for their brilliant performance in Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Wigan Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Ikeme conceded his 30th goal of the English Football League – Championship season after Jake Buxton leapt high to head home a late corner for Wigan to stun Wolves.


And Lambert admits his side didn't deserve to win the game and also concedes that letting in a late goal was ‘poor’.

"It was really disappointing and I’m angry as well in the manner that we’ve lost the game," he begins in his post match interview.

"In any football game, you've got to earn the right to win the game and we’ve never earned the right to win that game – that’s the disappointing thing.


"Again, Carl Ikeme had one save to make and then we end up losing the game.

"I’ve got no problem with playing the kids … and Bright (Enobakhare) was very good himself."

It was Wolves' 32nd defeat of the campaign which sees them dropping to 18th position in the EFL Championship table with 35 points from 31 games.

Ikeme has made 26 appearances, keeping seven clean sheets.


Lambert whose side face Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, adds that the Wolves will have to play much better if they must get any chance of progressing to the next round of the Cup.

"If you don't know what you're going into on Saturday, you'll never know,” Lambert continues.

"They won’t need me to say what kind of game it’s going to be like or what kind of team they're going to come up against.

"It’s a game where we will do what we can to try and go through – we’re going to have to play incredibly well and they will have to have an off-day, but Cup football can happen."

Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/lambert-hails-ikeme-enobakhares-showings-wolves-defeat-wigan/#LH8aou6Xr2vI6yiR.99

S/Eagles Have Small Advantage over Cameroon – Rohr

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Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr

Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr believes his team have just a small advantage over Cameroon ahead of the 2018 World Cup double header qualifiers.


Nigeria top their group, with straight wins in two matches but Cameroon recently won the Africa Cup of Nations and they should be highly
motivated, Rohr maintains.

The German gaffer has suggested that Nigeria will require two more homes wins – against Cameroon and Zambia – to secure their berth in Russia next year.

http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/seagles-have-small-advantage-over-cameroon-rohr/

NFF, Ahmad form Alliance to Oust Hayatou, Assures on CAF Reforms

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CAF President, Issa Hayatou

Nigeria Football Federation may back the candidacy of Ahmad Ahmad as the next President of the Confederation of Africa Football.

Ahmad himself told footballlive.ng he has the backing of the NFF President Amaju Pinnick going into the March 16 CAF elections, while Pinnick himself is in the running for an Executive committee seat; and he’ll win Ahmad insists.


Pinnick challenges Benin Republic’s Anjorin Moucharafou and Ahmad boasts the NFF chief will win becasue he has aligned himself to “a group that wants to win.”


Speaking on Wednesday as he continues his campaign, the Madagascar Football Federation President said he’s going up against the establishment and not any individual. Issa Hayatou remains favorite to return as President of the Confederation having headed the body since 1988.

Ahmad stressed the need for reforms in the Confederation and believes he’s capable of defeating Hayatou in the polls.

http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/nff-ahmad-form-alliance-to-oust-hayatou-assures-on-caf-reforms/

Bassey Appointed CAF Super Cup Coordinator

Posted By: Adeniyi

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Confederation of African Football CAF has appointed Paul Bassey as the General Coordinator for the 2017 CAF Super Cup match between the winner of the Champions League Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and the winner of the Confederation Cup TP Mazembe of Congo to be played this weekend.CAF Super Cup is an annual football match organised by the continental football body CAF between the winners of the previous season’s champions league and confederation cup.


Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa defeated Zamalek of Egypt 3-1 on aggregate to lift the 2016 CAF Champions League while TP Mazambe beat MO Bejaia of Algeria 5-2 on aggregate to win the CAF Confederation Cup last year.

The two sides will face each other in the CAF Super Cup match that will decide the champion of champions and the best team in the continent.


Bassey is a CAF and FIFA Match Commissioner, CAF and FIFA Security Officer, CAF Instructor on Club Licencing and member Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF.


It will be the second time in three years that he will be acting as the General Coordinator in a CAF Super Cup match having previously served in that capacity in 2014.


Bassey is the Chairman of Akwa United Football club, he was the General Coordinator during the second leg of the 2016 CAF champions league final in which Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa beat Zamalek of Egypt to be crowned champions.


The 25th edition of the annual football event has been slated for Saturday February 18, 2017 at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

http://footballlive.ng/footballnews/9ja-news/bassey-appointed-caf-super-cup-coordinator/

Europa League – Eagles Defender William Troost-Ekong Not Registered By Gent

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Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong is not in the revised Europa League squad of Belgian side Gent, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.

The 23 year old defender came through the youth ranks at Gent Europa league round of 16 opponents Tottenham Hotspurs before leaving the club in 2013 to head back to his country of birth the Netherlands and join FC Groningen.


The defender joined Gent in July 2015 from Groningen after impressing out on loan at FC Dordrecht. He was immediately loaned out to Norwegian side FK Haugesund where he established himself as one of the best players in the Norwegian league and earned a place in the Nigerian first-team.


He returned to Gent in January and was delighted when they were drawn against his former side Spurs, as it will afford him the chance to face some of his old pals at his former side. But he won’t get the chance.


It was reported by Het Nieuwsblad this week that Gent had not included him in their Europa League squad and he is not on the official list on the UEFA website.

It seems the Nigerian will not get the chance to prove Tottenham wrong on this occasion.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/europa-league-eagles-defender-william-troost-ekong-not-registered-by-gent/

Ex Chelsea Star Mikel Advises Iheanacho On Man City Future

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Super Eagles captain and legend John Mikel Obi who spent ten and half years at English Premier League giants Chelsea has advised Kelechi Iheanacho on his future at Manchester City.


Iheanacho has been frozen out of the first team set up at the Manchester City as the 20 year old has failed to make the matchday squad in their last five games in all competitions.


Mikel who is no stranger to battling for shirts with star names says the competition in the Man City team, that has kept Iheanacho out of the team will help him become a better player in the future.


” Iheanacho will become a better player after this phase, he is a strong lad, a very positive minded being and level headed. He will regain his spot in the team, he just have to keep on working hard in training and wait for his chance, when it comes I know he won’t disappoint.


” Every player wants to play and when you are not getting into the matchday squad it can be so discouraging. But I have learnt to always pick the positives from all situation”, Mikel told Owngoalnigeria.com.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/ex-chelsea-star-mikel-advises-iheanacho-on-man-city-future/

Official – CHAN 2014 Star Ejike Uzoenyi Completes Move To PSL Side Bidvest Wits

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The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2014 CHAN Championship Ejike Uzoenyi has joined Premier South Africa League (PSL) Bidvest Wits, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.


Uzoenyi has been at fellow PSL side Mamelodi Sundowns but a combination of injury and poor form restricted him to just 10 appearances in three years.


Contractual issues lead to a break down of his proposed move to SuperSports United last season but this time around, he has moved on a free transfer after mutually terminating his contract with Sundowns.


Few weeks ago he dragged Sundowns to FIFA but later settled with his former employers to free him from his contract, paving the way to join Bidvest Wits.


The 28 year old was a member of the Nigeria squad to the last World Cup in Brazil, and he will be hoping to re-launch his career with the national team following his latest move.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/official-chan-2014-star-ejike-uzoenyi-completes-move-to-psl-side-bidvest-wits/

Super Eagles Target Odubajo Returns To Boost Hull City Survival Hopes

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English Premier League side Hull City have received a timely boost in their battle to beat the drop following the timely return of full back Moses Odubajo who has been out injured since the start of the season.


Odubajo dislocated his kneecap in a pre season friendly game against Grimsby and required surgery including ligament reconstruction on the problem.


He underwent further surgery in October after a training ground incident which left him with a fractured knee on his return after a four months absence.


23 year old Odubajo according to his brother Tom Bolarinwa is scheduled to play some part in Hull City survival battle before the end of the season as his recovery is going on as planned.


The England youth international is a target for the coach of Nigeria Gernot Rohr. who has his name on the list of players with dual nationality who are still eligible to play for Nigeria.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/super-eagles-target-odubajo-returns-to-boost-hull-city-survival-hopes/

Dubious EPL Goal Panel Cancels Assist Incorrectly Awarded To Victor Moses In Chelsea’s Game Against Burnley

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Victor Moses cross to Pedro Rodriguez which was converted by the Spaniard to give Chelsea the lead against Burnley has been taken away from his assist tally for the season.


The flying wingback has been one of the most consistent performers for league leaders Chelsea, with many crediting him as part of the reason why the Blues are favourite to land the Premier League crown.


However another statistics that would have further explained his progression at Chelsea this season has been taken away from him by the dubious goal panel of the English Premier League.


Moses’s ball deflected off a Burnley defender before reaching Pedro, and that deflection has been ruled to be sufficient enough to take the assist away from the Nigerian.


That means he now has one assist in the year 2017 not two as recorded against his name after the 1-1 draw against Burnley last week in the English Premier League.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/dubious-epl-goal-panel-cancels-assist-incorrectly-awarded-to-victor-moses-in-chelseas-game-against-burnley/

List Of New Players Under Consideration By Rohr For Super Eagles Friendlies In March

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Ahead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria friendly games next month, coach of the team Gernot Rohr has confirmed that he will use the games to try out some new players.


Owngoalnigeria.com sources revealed that the manager could have as many as five new players in his team for the games against Senegal and possibly Ghana.


We bring to you the list of players who are favoured to be called up by the Franco-German coach in the test games, which will form the premises from which players will be invited for the Eagles competitive games later in the year.

Henry Onyekuru ( Striker, KAS Eupen, Belgium)

David Nwokolor ( Goalkepper, Vitez, Bosnia)

Anthony Nwakaeme ( Striker, Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Olarenwaju Kayode ( Striker, Austia Wien, Austria.)

Tyroone Ebuehi ( Defender, ADO Deen Haag, Netherlands)

Fabian Senninger ( Defender, Hannover 96, Germany)

Noah Joel Sarenren-Bazee ( Winger, Hannover 96, Germany)

Brian Idowu* ( Defender, Amkar Perm, Russia)

Samuel Kalu. ( Winger, Gent, Belgium)

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/list-of-new-players-under-consideration-by-rohr-for-super-eagles-friendlies-in-march/

Guardiola to consider Iheanacho after Jesus injury

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Manchester City Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Jesus could be out for the rest of the season, with the striker expected to spend the next three months on the sidelines due to injury.


The 19-year-old subbed out after 15 minutes in the Citizens 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Monday night and tests have now revealed that he broke his metatarsal.


Kelechi Iheanacho has been frozen out of City squad since Jesus made his debut, with manager Pep Guardiola preferring the Brazilian ahead of the Nigeria international and Sergio Aguero. It is envisaged that the Super Eagles rising star will be included in the 18-man squad for subsequent matches as the Spanish coach is expected to revert to status quo following the injury-enforced absence of Jesus.

Before Jesus made his bow for Man City, Iheanacho has made all the matchday squads for domestic competitions this season.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/guardiola-to-consider-iheanacho-after.html

Iwobi Set To Gundown Bayern Munich At Emirates

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By Augustine Akhilomen

After beating Hull City 2-0 in the Premier League at the weekend, Arsenal will shift their attention to Wednesday's Champions League round of 16 clash against eternal rivals, Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.


The encounter which will have Super Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi in the starting line up all things been equal, will be hoping to run riot in the heart of the midfield in a bid to give the Gunners a dream first leg lead.


Having featured six times and scored a goal in this season's UCL, the Nigerian international who's favoured ahead of Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain by Gunners manager, Arsene Wenger would be banking on him to cause the Bayern side lots of havoc.

Iwobi made his Champions League debut against Bayern in 2015 which the Gunners lost 5-1 in the group stage.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/iwobi-set-to-gundown-bayern-munich-at.html

Rohr still searching for new players

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Super Eagles’ Coach, Gernot Rohr, is still scouting for fresh players to beef up his team ahead the Cameroun 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa, which comes up in June.


Sources close to the German disclosed that the coach is still not satisfied with the quality of players in the fullback positions and has therefore decided to use the friendlies against Senegal and others to look at some new stars recommended to him by his assistants and some scouts.

Nigeria will meet Senegal in an international friendly in London next month, as well as other teams in games yet to be finalized.


“Right now the full backs in the team don’t have stable club careers and the coach thinks they may not be ready psychologically for the qualifiers, which begin with the AFCON match against South Africa in June.


“So many players have been touted for inclusion in the team, but nobody knows what the coach wants to do until he announces his squad for the upcoming matches,” a source said.


Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Media Director, Ademola Olajire, told The Guardian yesterday that only the friendly against Senegal has been finalized, adding that the federation was negotiating for more tune up games for the Eagles.


Rohr recently told the NFF website that Nigeria will go into their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers with Cameroun in August and September as underdogs following the exploits of the Indomitable Lions at the Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup.

The Eagles are top of Group B on six points after winning their first two games against Zambia and Algeria.


Rohr, who was at the Gabon 2017 AFCON to monitor Nigeria’s opponents in both the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, said “there Were a lot of information for me, especially about Cameroun and Algeria.


“Cameroun have a good mentality, they never give up. They are physically strong; technically, they play good football. And also they have a very good coach because the team that started the tournament was not the one that finished it, which means there was an evolution in the team.


“I like this idea of us being the underdogs. And the players now know that it will be difficult because I spoke with some of them, everybody has now seen Cameroon and they all know that they are a big team. It will be a magnificent thing to beat the African champions.”

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/rohr-still-searching-for-new-players.html

Yakubu debuts for Coventry

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Former Nigeria international, Yakubu Aiyegbeni was denied what could have been a dream winning debut on Tuesday night as his team were forced to a late away draw by AFC Wimbledon in their League One clash.


Yakubu who just tied a short deal with the Sky Blues till the end of the season was brought in just after the hour-mark when proceedings was still 0-0.


Barely 10 minutes after Yakubu’s entry into the pitch, Coventry City shot in front through Jodi Jones and they held on for a long while.

However, AFC Wimbledon captain Paul Robinson led by example as his injury-timegoal earned his side a 1-1 draw with bottom club Coventry.

After a goalless first half Coventry looked to be heading to a first win in 15 league matches thanks to Jodi Jones' 71st-minute strike.


But in the third minute of injury time, Robinson pounced on a loose ball in the box to dash the visitors' hopes and ensure Wimbledon remain unbeaten at home in seven league games.

Yakubu who admits he is on a rescue mission of some sort will hope things get better when his new club hosts Gillingham in the next round of League fixtures.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/02/yakubu-debuts-for-coventry.html

NPFL players deserve Super Eagles chance, says Lawal

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Samuel Ahmadu

The ex-international feels the home-based professionals deserve an opportunity in the Super Eagles ahead of Senegal friendly in March


Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal believes the Nigeria Professional Football League boasts of quality players capable of challenging for a place in the country’s senior national team.


The Super Eagles will face Senegal in a friendly on March 23 and the 42-year-old has urged Gernot Rohr to offer more home-based players a chance in coming international matches.

He insists coach Rohr needs to make good use of the abundant talents in the country's domestic league.


"The Nigeria Professional Football League is fantastic. We all came from the local league - I started from the amateur league to the National league.

"In three years, we've established ourselves. From Kaduna, I was taken to Lagos where two to three seasons played with Julius Berger.


"I've watched the NPFL very well and I think there are good players here. The chairman Shehu Dikko and CEO Nduka Irabor are doing a great job with the league. It is improving a lot.''


According to him, the German tactician should discourage the over-reliance on foreign based players at the expense of the home based pros.

"Whenever he [Rohr] sees a player born in Europe, he always wants to go and bring him,'' he continued.

''I think he needs to keep monitoring him gradually before he decides to bring him.

"That's if they want to play, then if they do not want to play for Nigeria - there is nothing he can do.


"He should concentrate on getting some players from the local league and I believe he can get some talents that can fit into his style of game. I believe with that, the sky is going to be the limit.”


Nigeria will face South Africa in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on August 12 before locking horns with African champions, Cameroon in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4055/main/2017/02/14/32675872/npfl-players-deserve-super-eagles-chance-says-lawal?ICID=HP_HN_1

Fanendo Adi's goal rescues Portland Timbers

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Fanen Adi of Portland Timbers (left)

Tolu Olasoji

The Nigerian came from the bench to score his club's leveler in a friendly game against Adrian Heath's men

Fanendo Adi’s goal helped Portland Timbers to a 2-2 draw against Minnesota United in a pre-season friendly at the Providence Park on Monday.


The Timbers were at the receiving end of two first half goals from Minnesota’s Kevin Venegas. Six minutes after the interval, Jack McInerney smashed into the roof of the net to reduce the deficit.


Adi, introduced in the 58th minute, had the final say on the encounter with a beauty. With few minutes left of normal time, Sebastián Blanco released Alvas Powell down the right flank, before the wing-back crossed for the lanky striker who finished with a cheeky back heel to level things up for Caleb Porter’s men.


The goal was the former Copenhagen striker's third in the preseason tournament. And they will play the final game of the tourney against Vancouver Whitecaps on February 15.

https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/C4g3BOwUEAAoGx9.jpg

http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2017/02/13/32642052/fanendo-adis-goal-rescues-portland-timbers?ICID=AR_RS_1

joseph1013:
Super Eagles Coach Rohr Roars – I Want To Oversee Nigeria Youth & Female Teams

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The dwindling fortunes of Nigeria in age group competitions and female football is giving coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr, a lot to worry about.

Rohr whose main job is to steer the Super Eagles back to the top of Africa Football has so far succeeded in turning around the fortunes of the Super Eagles, with three wins from their first three games under the German.

However, it was not only with the senior side that work needed to be done. Recent results at age-group level had also not been as successful as the past.

“This is something that I wanted to help change,” Rohr said. “I also offered to accompany the local selection, even if I was not in charge of it directly. I also said I would keep an eye out for the national women’s team. These are some of the things I said I wanted to do when I started in August last year.”

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/super-eagles-coach-rohr-roars-i-want-to-oversee-nigeria-youth-female-teams/

#Passion&Dedication#

We may have had gold in our hands already, What!!!

Rwanda FA Shortlist Samson Siasia In Final List For National Team Coaching Job

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Football Federation (FERWAFA) has shortlisted eight coaches from the list of 52 applicants for the Men’s Senior National Team Head Coach Position.


After the pre-selection process held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at FERWAFA headquarters, the candidates who made it to the shortlist include;

1. Antoine Hey (Germany)
2. Georges Leekens (Belgium)
3. Jose Rui Lopes Aguas (Portugal)
4. Paul Put (Belgium)
5. Peter James Butler (England)
6. Winfried ‘Winni’ Schafer (Germany)
7. Raoul Savoy (Switzerland)
8. Samson Siasia (Nigeria)


The shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Source: Ferwafa.rw

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/rwanda-fa-shortlist-samson-siasia-in-final-list-for-national-team-coaching-job/

Marcos Alonso Explains Why Victor Moses Has Been The Surprise Of The Season At Chelsea

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The rise of Victor Moses as a right wingback at English Premier League leaders Chelsea has generated a response from his teammate on the opposite flank.


Marcos Alonso who mans the left wingback position for Chelsea rates Moses as the surprise of the season, judging by the speed at which he has settled into a new role as a wingback.


While Alonso has played at wing-back before, he told Sky Sports he has been seriously impressed with the way Moses has adapted to a new position.


‘You have to run a lot more because you have to attack like a winger and defend like a full-back’ the Spaniard said.


‘You have to pick the best time to go up and maybe have a rest at some point during the game to be the first to defend when the team is not having full control of the game.’


‘Some days when I see that he is attacking more, I will stay more to cover and sometimes when I push more, he covers at the back,’ Alonso added of his partner.


‘He is doing an amazing job, because I think for me, it is easier that I used to play in this position before but for him it is something new and he is doing a fantastic job there.’

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/marcos-alonso-explains-why-victor-moses-has-been-the-surprise-of-the-season-at-chelsea/

Ex Bayern Munich Star Advises Wenger To Drop Giroud And Play Iwobi & Ozil Behind Sanchez Against Bayern

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Former Germany and Bayern Munich captain Lothar Matthaus has advised manager of Arsenal Arsene Wenger on how best to use Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi against Bayern Munich.


Arsenal will take on Bayern in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, and Matthaus who now writes for the Sun says proper usage of Iwobi and Ozil could help the Gunners shock their host in tomorrow’s encounter.


Matthaus played over 300 games for Bayern Munich in two different spell and also lead Germany to victory as captain at the World Cup in 1990, his view was picked up by Owngoalnigeria.com online editor.


“Arsenal have high quality. You only have to look at Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud to see that, while I also like Alex Iwobi.


“In Munich, I think Arsenal have to leave Giroud on the bench and play Sanchez through the middle.


“Giroud is really just a box player but Munich will play on the front foot and have the ball most of the time.


“That means Arsenal must play on the counter and that is where Sanchez can do a much more vital and valuable job than Giroud.


“He can use his pace, popping up all over the pitch to take advantage of the space Bayern leave, allowing Iwobi and Ozil to get on the ball.”

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/ex-bayern-munich-star-advises-wenger-to-drop-giroud-and-play-iwobi-ozil-behind-sanchez-against-bayern/

Rohr Assures Musa Mohammed Of Super Eagles Spot Following Move To Bosnia

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Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr has confirmed his happiness with the recent transfer of Musa Mohammed to Bosnian side FK Zeljeznicar Saravejo.


The Super Eagles full back joined the Bosnian side on loan from Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, where he failed to make a single league appearance for the team in 18 months.


He was reduced to playing cup games for the team, a situation which Gernot Rohr frown at and subsequently axed the former Nigeria U-17 and 20 captain from his starting line up.


Rohr played Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi ahead of Musa Mohammed despite the fact that they are not natural full backs by trade, and warned Musa to sort out his club form.


However following Musa’s move to Bosnia, and Rohr confirmed his happiness over the move in an interview with NFF.com.


” We understand how the transfer window works, and some players like Musa Mohammed who were not playing at their clubs made moves to team where they are going to get games”, Rohr said.


” We hope Musa get to play games in Bosnia because that will work in our favour as well in the national team”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/rohr-assures-musa-mohammed-of-super-eagles-spot-following-move-to-bosnia/

Exclusive – Rohr List Five New Players For Senegal Friendly

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As many as five players who have never been called up to the senior Nigeria national team will be in the squad for the friendly game against Senegal and possibly Ghana.


Owngoalnigeria.com can authoritatively confirm that coach Gernot Rohr has started the process of drawing up the list of call ups, with at least five new players under consideration for the March 23 friendly.


Although our source refused to reveal the names of the players already penciled down, the five players could be a combination of both local and foreign base players.


” Presently as many as five new players are under consideration comprising of players from the local league and those abroad for the friendly tie against Senegal”, a source close to the coach told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” The friendly are meant to test new players and Rohr is not keen on the results but that doesn’t mean he will fill a weak team. We have our reputation to protect as a team”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/14/exclusive-rohr-list-five-new-players-for-senegal-friendly/