[b]Babayaro: Awoniyi More Vital To Nigeria

Ahead of the upcoming Under-20 World cup, Atlanta 96 Olympic gold medalist Emmanuel Babayaro says Taiwo Awoniyi is more important to Nigeria's success at the tournament than the illustrious Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City.

"We stand a very good chance of lifting the trophy for the first time and despite all the talks about Iheanacho back to full fitness I feel Awoniyi is still the main man and he is pivotal to our chances of winning the WYC," he told SL10.ng

"My reasons are that Awoniyi confidence is sky high while Iheanacho is just returning back to full fitness,He moved from being voted the MVP at the super 4 invitational tournament to having a fantastic AYC where he was by far one of our best players.

"Iheanacho has got quality no doubt but Awoniyi is the man of the moment for me and his performance will be key to how far we go at the tourney."

Rated as Nigeria best player at youth level after the Under-17 World cup in 2013 where he picked up the silver boot and won the best player award but since his move to Manchester City a collection of injuries and lack of competitive game time has limited his appearance for the Nigeria Under-20 side.

Meanwhile Awoniyi moved from his peripheral role at the 2013 Under-17 world youth championship to being an integral part of the Under-20s in qualifying games and at the tournament proper before finally cementing his position as Nigeria's top teen with a brace against Zambia to qualify Nigeria for the All Africa Games after he was drafted to the team following a 0-0 draw at home in the first leg. [/b]

joseph1013:
Thanks for the frequent bans. Gracias!

why are you been banned? are you doing anything wrong?

[b]Manchester City Might Delay Iheanacho Arrival

Kelechi Iheanacho hopes of joining his Nigeria Under-20 counterpart next week in preparation for the World Youth Championship might not be possible with less than two weeks left for teams to submit their final 21 man squad for the tournament.

Last night the youngster was on target as the club under-21 progressed to the final of the Premier League International Cup with a 3-2 extra time victory over Leicester City taking Iheanacho goals tally to two in four games.

The sour news might be that Manchester City will want the 18 year old to stay behind for the final against FC Porto on the 14th of May as head coach Patrick Viera is keen to win his first trophy with City EDS team but that will be just a day to the deadline for teams to submit final names of 21 players for the tournament.

Also City earlier promised to release the 18 year old if he doesn't suffer a relapse of the injury that kept him out for two months in the return leg of their Youth FA cup game against Chelsea but they went back on their words and are yet to reply the Nigeria Under-20 team reminder on the release of the player.

Secretary of the Nigeria Under-20 team Aliyu Ibrahim Auwal confirmed to SL10.ng that they are yet to get an official response to Manchester City on the date he will be released to join his counterparts in camp.

"It's not true when people say we are not doing enough to secure the release of this players, as am speaking to you now I just sent a reminder to Manchester City on Ihenacho but they are yet to reply" He told SL10.ng.

"The same thing I will do to clubs of all foreign invited players after their weekend games but like I said we will set a deadline when we arrive in Germany for camping by tomorrow".[/b]

[b]Iheanacho & Success key to Flying Eagles in New Zealand, says Garba Lawal


Former Nigeria midfielder Garba Lawal has disclosed that youngsters Kelechi Iheanacho and Isaac Success will play a big role in the Flying Eagles outing at the 2015 Fifa U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The duo were not part of the team’s victorious outing at the African Youth Championship in Senegal and with Manu Garba’s side paired against five-time champions Brazil, Hungary and Korea DPR, the former Levski Sofia midfielder feels they are needed to fortify the squad.

“[Iheanacho and Success] have been in this squad since the Golden Eaglets days, so I think they will be a good addition to the squad despite missing the AYC,” Lawal told Goal.

“In football, you need everybody. Sometimes, you have cases of injuries and you need to make a good substitution. So I don’t think it will be a bad idea taking them to New Zealand whether they are starters or not.”

The U20 World Cup title has eluded Nigeria since inception with the Flying Eagles losing in the final of 1989 (Saudi Arabia) and 2005 (Netherlands) editions as Lawal insists the team must be at their best to break the jinx.

“The U20 team have been doing great including coach Manu Garba and his crew. These are young lads that are eager to win trophies and achieve something,” he continued.

“We can only hope they continue in that stead and they should be reminded that the U20 World Cup is a different ball game entirely from the African Youth Championship.

“If they want to go far at the World Cup, they must win every games as they come and must give full concentration but with the caliber of players in the Flying Eagles squad, I am sure the will give a good account of themselves,” he continued.

Nigeria’s first game will be against Brazil at the Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth on June 1, 2015.[/b]

Iheanacho goal and assist:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtL6jrFcZA0&feature=youtu.be

[b]Protect the Flying Eagles for future success - Okocha


Austin Okocha has said building sustainable structures for the development of youth players will ensure that Nigeria will have a great future in senior football.

The Flying Eagles will go to the Fifa U20 World Cup next month as African champions and favourites for the title after winning the Fifa U17 World Cup two years ago in the United Arab Emirates.

However, Nigeria’s success in the juniors has not been transferred to the senior level over time. Still Okocha believes Nigeria could be on the verge of getting a new golden generation only if Manu Garba’s team is encouraged to continue in its stride.

“I think so, but we have to make sure that these youngsters can kick on. If we’re going to [have a golden generation], we must give them support and encouragement,” Okocha told Fifa.com.

“If we don’t give them the right backing, then it’s just going to be the same old story. We have youth teams that have shone in the past but which haven’t been able to push on at senior level.

“Let’s try and protect this emerging generation of players and help them mature. I think it’s important that we set up structures that allow us to achieve the kind of continuity we’ve always needed.”

The former midfield maestro also said that members of the Flying Eagles possess enormous potentials to be as great as him.

“One thing’s for sure: there’s an awful lot of talent among those youngsters. No two players are the same, though. Every player has their own attributes, characteristics and flaws, and their own story too,” he said.

Nigeria have been grouped with Brazil, Hungary and Korea DPR at the tournament which begins on May 31.[/b]

billante:

why are you been banned? are you doing anything wrong?

No idea.

[b]FLYING EAGLES WIN IN FINAL TEST MATCH IN ABUJA


Flying Eagles rounded up their training camp in Abuja Saturday with a 3-0 win over hard-fighting Babayaro FC of Gwagwalada at the FIFA Goal Project.

Coach Manu Garba played a different set of teams for each half of this game.

After several near misses at goal, the Nigeria U20s finally went ahead in the 41st minute when Ifeanyi Matthew let fly a canon shot from outside the box.

FC Porto youngster Chidiera Ezeh would have doubled the Flying Eagles lead four minutes later, but his goal-bound effort was deflected for a corner.

However, Ezeh will not be denied in the 55th minute, when he hit target with a powerful shot. Substitute Christian Pyagbara then saw his shot cleared off the goal line after an hour, before Gabriel Ikechukwu made the game safe for the Flying Eagles in stoppage time.

The Flying Eagles will now fly out to Nuremburg, Germany, Saturday night to continue their preparations for the U20 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand.

Flying Eagles 1 vs Babayaro FC
Adamu Abubakar – Musa Muhammed, Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharadeen Bello, Bashiru Monsoru, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Ifeanyi Matthew, Kingsley Sokari, Bernard Bulbwa – Chidera Ezeh, Taiwo Awoniyi

Flying Eagles 2 vs Babayaro FC
Dele Alampasu – Samuel Okon, Wasiu Jimoh, Izu Omego, Abdulganiyu, Akinjide Idowu, Chidiebere Nwakali, Abdullahi Alfa, Saviour Godwin - Abdullahi Ibrahim ‘Muazam’ (Billy Auta), Christain Pyagbara [/b]

Former Flying Eagles Coach John Obuh has echoed the desire of football fans across the Country ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup and in anticipation that the current team have the ability to challenge for the title.

In a chat with www.footballlive.ng Obuh suggested that the level of competitiveness and quality in the squad should avail the handlers utmost opportunity to pick the best 21 players.
Obuh said: ” I hope their training camp will be very successful, play some good friendlies and make few corrections from the past and every player fight for the final 21 names that’ll be sent to FIFA

” I know the sky will be their limit, as far as the Coaches and the players are concerned, the general expectation is that they play into the final of the World Cup.”

[b]Garba Names 30-Man Squad For Germany Camp


Flying Eagles head coach, Manu Garba, has listed a total of 30 players for the training in Germany to step up preparations ahead of the upcoming FIFA under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

25 players will leave the shores of Nigeria today, while the five foreign-bases players in the team are expected to join them in Germany.

The players were selected from the initial list of 35 players submitted by the coaching crew as part of Nigeria preliminary list for the World youth championship and after spending time in training five players were dropped from the team.

In defence Roland Silas of Airforce FC and Adebayo Ademilua of Nath boys were dropped while the duo of Saddam Billy Auta of Wikki Tourist and Okechukwu Gabriel of Water FC were the attackers not listed for the Germany trip.

However the biggest omission is in Midfield where Obinna Nwobodo tipped to be a star at the World Youth Championship after impressing at the Africa Youth Championship was dropped after he failed to shake off a niggling injury picked up after the AYC triumph.

A final list of 21 players is expected to be submitted to FIFA on the 15th of May.

30-Man squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Adamu Abubakar (Flash FC); Dele Alampasu (Football College Academy); Joshua Enaholo (MFM FC); Olorunleke Ojo (Giwa FC)

Defenders: Saheed Abdul-Ganiyu (Ace Academy); Monsuru Bashiru (MFM FC); Zaharaddeen Bello (Dabo Babes Academy); Musa Muhammed (FC Heart Academy); Abdullahi Mustapha (Spotlight FC); Onyinye Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Samuel Okon (Greater TomorrowAcademy); Prince Omego (Apapa Golden Stars)

Midfielders: Abdullahi Alfa (Football College Academy); Bernard Bulbwa (Shuttle Sports Academy); Akinjide Idowu (Nigeria Young Academy); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Water FC); Wasiu Jimoh (Kwara Academy); Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City, England); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Musa Yahaya (Tottenham Hotspur, England)

Forwards: Alhassan Abdullahi (FC Heart Academy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Imperial Academy); Chidera Ezeh (FC Porto, Portugal); Saviour Godwin (FC Sports); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Success Isaac (Granada FC, Spain); Christian Pyagbara (Dolphins FC); Usman Sale (Wikki Tourists); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium)[/b]

[b]Olorunleke: Better Days Ahead For Nigerian Football


Flying Eagles and Giwa FC goal keeper, Ojo Olorunleke, has stated confidently that Nigerian football will experience unbelievable success this year.

The lanky goal keeper who is always wearing a smile told SL10.ng months back that he's confident that Nigerian football will achieve unbelievable success this year, he started with Nigerian clubs playing on the continent: "it will be tough for the clubs I know but one or two will go all the way,"Olorunleke told SL10.ng.

"Before we (the Flying Eagles) left for the African Youth Championship (AYC) I said it that we shall come back home with the trophy, I told the coaches too. Mark my words, the world will be surprise at the unbelievable turn around in Nigeria football," Ojo Stated.

When Warri Wolves got a slim victory in the first leg of their second round match in the CAF Confederation Cup in Warri against DR Congo's MK Etancheite, Olorunleke said the Nigerian representative will qualify with a good result from home which the Warri based team did by recording a lone goal victory in Congo.

" Wow! i'm happy for Warri Wolves. I hope SL10 still remember that I told you the other day that Warri Wolves will against all odds get a win in Congo, that has been done this evening," Olorunleke stated.

The goal keeper, Olorunleke who was part of the Flying Eagles team at the 2015 AYC where the young Nigerian team left the tournament as champions made a bold statement about Nigeria's chances at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.

"We shall bring the FIFA U-20 World Cup back to Nigeria next month by the grace of God Almighty,"Olorunleke stated confidently.

"Yes, it's sure! It has not even started yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg more success that would shake the entire World is around the corner. I trust God that it'll happen because the signs are there," Olorunleke concluded. [/b]

[b]Awoniyi Speaks On Germany Trip


Ahead of their trip today to Germany for a training camp, Flying Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi says the delay they suffered with their trip hasn’t and won’t dampen the team spirit.

The Nigeria U20 squad was initially scheduled to leave for Germany last Wednesday, but the trip was shifted to today, as they were yet to get their entry visas to New Zealand, where the FIFA U20 World Cup holds.

And as the get set to make the trip today, the 18-year old says their focus remains unhindered.

“It hasn’t affected us in any way,” he said. “We still have the same focus as we did before now so whether we travel today or tomorrow won’t change it.

“The focus is to go to New Zealand and win the World Cup and that is what we have in our minds. So the travelling thing doesn’t affect anything at all,” he posited.

The team will travel out of Abuja at 10pm tonight, and fly directly to Frankfurt, and Awoniyi admits the Germany camp will put them in shape for the competition.

“The camp in Germany will be good I believe. That is where we will have our final preparation and I believe it will get us into shape for the World Cup,” he added.[/b]

[b]Nwobodo Grateful To Garba Despite U20 Exclusion


Enugu Rangers midfielder, Obinna Nwobodo, says he remains grateful to Nigeria Under-20 coach Manu Garba despite his omission from Nigeria Under-20 squad for the World Youth Championship.

The 18-year-old was a victim of a horrific tackle at the final of the Africa Youth Championship against Senegal which Nigeria won 1-0 and the injury sustained cost him a move abroad and now a spot in Nigeria 30 man list for camping in Germany ahead of the World Cup.

Despite the setback and disappointment, the ever smiling skillful Nwobodo thanked coach Manu Garba of the Under-20 for the opportunity given to him to be a part of the Under-20.

"As expected am disappointed to have missed out on a place in the World cup team but i still remain grateful to Coach Manu Garba, Nduka Ugbade and the entire technical team for the opportunity given to me" He told SL10.ng

"Thousands were considered to be a part of this team but i was picked by this coaches i can't forget that act from them,prior to the AYC few people know me but now thanks to Coach Manu and the rest am a source of pride and joy to my immediate family.

"I sincerely believe my teammates will do well at the World cup and make Nigerians proud by lifting the trophy despite my absence.

SL10.ng also scooped from a source close to the player that the NFF might foot the bills for his treatment although there is no confirmation to the claims.[/b]

Chai Nwobodo. This boy would have be a star to watch @the worldcup. Hope for another oportunity to come for you, but till then stay strong and work harder. Wish you quick and beter recovery

My world cup first eleven.
1.Enaholo
2.Musa
3.Mustafa
4.Akinjide
5.Ndidi
6.Omego
7.Bulbwa
8.Mathew
9.Success
10.Awoniyi
11.Yahaya

And my world cup full squad.
Goalkeeper
1.Enaholo......................gk
2.Alampasu...................gk
3.Ojo................................gk
Defence
4.Omego............................cb
5.Musa..........................rb/cb
6.Mustapha........................lb
7.Okon.................................lb
8.Bello.................................cb
9.Ndidi.................................cb
Midfield
10.Alfa...............................cam
11.Bulbwa............................rw
12.Simon..............................lw
13.Yahaya.............................lw
14.Mathew........................cam
15.Akinjide..........................dm
16.Nwakali............rb/cam/dm
Attack
17.Ezeh................................stkr
18.Awoniyi...........................stkr
19.Alhassan.........................stkr
20.Iheanacho.......................stkr
21.Success..........................stkr

joseph1013:
I'm devastated for Nwobodo. He was going to be a star at the World Cup. One of my favourite players in the team. I hope we don't miss him.

we wont miss him.. we have a direct if not better replacement in simon moses.. hope genk release him on time..

jobsat34:


we wont miss him.. we have a direct if not better replacement in simon moses.. hope genk release him on time..

Are they playing the same position!

jobsat34:


we wont miss him.. we have a direct if not better replacement in simon moses.. hope genk release him on time..

you're not sure of Moses so you in fact do NOT have a replacement just yet.

and i do not think both of them play the same position, so Nwobodo will be sorely missed, hopefully, we'll get a replacement who will ensure his absence isn't felt

safarigirl:
you're not sure of Moses so you in fact do NOT have a replacement just yet.

and i do not think both of them play the same position, so Nwobodo will be sorely missed, hopefully, we'll get a replacement who will ensure his absence isn't felt

i guess genk is trying to toy with the gentleman agreement they had with the nff.. if simon were to be a south american player they wudnt wanna do that.. and yes they play d same position and almost same style of play.. only that moses is more exposed n experienced..

they both love to play frm d left side of attack... layoff, dribble and directness...

billante:

Are they playing the same position!

yes... judging from nwobodo position in d last super 6 tournament..

O no, am so unhappy abt d news of nwobodo, I pray he gets fully recovered on time, and better luck next time

Flying Eagles Coach Manu Garba submitted his list of 30 players that will embark on the Germany training camp as they enter the final phase of preparation for the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The noticeable omission from the list is the midfield revelation from the African Youth Championship in Senegal, Obinna Nwobodo; the player was allegedly dropped for a niggling injury he couldn’t shake off.

Meanwhile only 25 players will leave Nigeria as the other 5 are foreign based who are expected to join from their bases.

Captain of the team Musa Muhammed who’s been training with the team in Abuja says he’s confident about the quality of the team and is not overly bothered about the threat posed by Brazil or other favorites.

” We are not afraid of any country and intend to take every game like another final. So be it Germany, Brazil or who ever, we’re ready and just like Mexico and Brazil are tipped, Nigeria is also highly rated.

” We are also a big team and opponents will certainly be shocked and know it’ll be difficult to get past us.”
A final list of 21 players is expected to be submitted to FIFA on the 15th of May.

30-Man squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Adamu Abubakar (Flash FC); Dele Alampasu (Football College Academy); Joshua Enaholo (MFM FC); Olorunleke Ojo (Giwa FC)

Defenders: Saheed Abdul-Ganiyu (Ace Academy); Monsuru Bashiru (MFM FC); Zaharaddeen Bello (Dabo Babes Academy); Musa Muhammed (FC Heart Academy); Abdullahi Mustapha (Spotlight FC); Onyinye Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Samuel Okon (Greater TomorrowAcademy); Prince Omego (Apapa Golden Stars)

Midfielders: Abdullahi Alfa (Football College Academy); Bernard Bulbwa (Shuttle Sports Academy); Akinjide Idowu (Nigeria Young Academy); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Water FC); Wasiu Jimoh (Kwara Academy); Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City, England); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Musa Yahaya (Tottenham Hotspur, England)

Forwards: Alhassan Abdullahi (FC Heart Academy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Imperial Academy); Chidera Ezeh (FC Porto, Portugal); Saviour Godwin (FC Sports); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Success Isaac (Granada FC, Spain); Christian Pyagbara (Dolphins FC); Usman Sale (Wikki Tourists); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium)

jobsat34:


yes... judging from nwobodo position in d last super 6 tournament..

no i believe Nwobodo is more of a facilitator while Moses is more CR7 i honestly feel Moses should come off the bench as a super sub. we won't miss Nwobodo cuz we have Yahaya who is a little similar only difference is his enhanced eye for goal.

BascoVanVeli:


no i believe Nwobodo is more of a facilitator while Moses is more CR7 i honestly feel Moses should come off the bench as a super sub. we won't miss Nwobodo cuz we have Yahaya who is a little similar only difference is his enhanced eye for goal.

wait till yu see moses in action.. yes he is more of CR7 but the same aggressiveness and eye for goal with nwobodo.. meanwhile, only if moses make it.. not to also forget the fact the the strength of this team lies in the team work and not individual qualities which is just a plus.. i trust manu to take care of that..