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AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves boss delighted to keep 'terrific' Carl Ikeme.

https://africanfootball.com/bp_images/2016/12/Samm_19_August_2.jpg
Carl Ikeme

Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has earned more praise from manager Paul Lambert after he signed a contract extension with English Championship side Wolves.


Ikeme, 30, has signed a new two and half-year deal with an option for another year.


Lambert described the Super Eagles No.1 as terrific and a big signing for Wolves.


“I think it is important to get players like Carl Ikeme signed up to a new deal,” he said.


“As it was with Dave Edwards, he is an experienced member of the team.


“He knows exactly what the club is about and if you get a core of lads like that then they can look after the dressing room as well.


“Carl has been terrific since I arrived and I think this is a big signing for the club.


“I remember coming here with Blackburn last season and he made some incredible saves.


“He is a big presence, a great lad and a top goalkeeper.”


“This is great news,” added Wolves Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.


“Carl has been at Wolves for such a long time and is a big part of what we are trying to achieve going forwards.


“In my opinion he is still right up there as one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship.


“Wolves means a lot to him, and it means a lot to us to get him to commit his future to the club.


“We are all absolutely delighted.”
Ikeme has been at Wolves since he was 15.

africanfootball.com/news/674670/Wolves-boss-delighted-to-keep-terrific-Carl-Ikeme

AF Nigeria Premier League 2016/2017 Leicester City
EXCLUSIVE: How Claudio Ranieri beat Manchester United to Wilfred Ndidi

by Samm Audu

Leicester City wily, old manager Claudio Ranieri was the main reason Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi chose the Premier League champions ahead of Manchester United, it can exclusively be revealed today.


In the new week, Leicester City will announce the highly-rated defensive midfielder, but the Nath Boys of Lagos star could also have gone to another Premier League club Manchester City.


It is a transfer which could rise up to more than 18 million pounds with add-ons.


A close source to Ndidi exclusively told AfricanFootball.com: ”Smart, old man Ranieri was the game changer in Wilfred agreeing to join Leicester.


“He phoned the player after both sides had agreed the deal and made him feel special by this personal touch.


“But Wilfred was before then all for the taking by Manchester United after a former scout of Genk, who also scouted Kevin de Bruyne and Christian Benteke, first proposed the player to the Red Devils after he was hired as their scout.


“United may deny this now, but they delayed in taking a decision on Wilfred, waiting for various approvals, and that was where Leicester stole the march on them for the player.”


Ndidi, who only recently celebrated his 20th birthday, also attracted serious interest from German Bundesliga clubs Hamburg and Wolfsburg.


Last winter transfer window, Genk rejected a six million Euros offer from Hamburg.

africanfootball.com/news/674748/EXCLUSIVE-How-Claudio-Ranieri-beat-Manchester-United-to-Wilfred-Ndidi

AF Nigeria Premier League 2016/2017 Cameroon
Carl Ikeme targets World Cup qualification, Premier League

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Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has said his main targets are to qualify for the 2018 World Cup with Nigeria as well as get Wolves to play in the Premier League in England.


He told the Wolves official website: “My ambition is to play Premier League football with Wolves and that is what I am working towards.


“And with Nigeria as well, I want to get to the World Cup in 2018.
“Those are my main long-term aspirations.


“But for me now the focus is on this season and pushing on.”


“I am still only 30 and have a lot more I want to achieve,” added the 30-year-old shot stopper, who has extended his two and half-year contract with Wolves.


“When Wolves were promoted last time from the Championship I didn’t really play that many games and then I didn’t play when we got there (Premier League).”


Wolves are 15th on the Championship table with 28 points from 23 matches.


Nigeria are top of their qualifying section for the 2018 World Cup with six points from two matches, four points clear of closest rivals Cameroon.


Zambia and Algeria are the other teams in the group with the qualifiers set to resume in August 2017.

africanfootball.com/news/674686/Carl-Ikeme-targets-World-Cup-qualification-Premier-League

AF Nigeria UEFA Europa League 2011/2012 Manchester United
Leicester City to use Ndidi's super Europa League form for Nigeria star's work permit

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Ndidi (right) with Genk teammate Leon Bailey when the Nigeria star won 'Goal of the Season'

by Samm Audu

AfricanFootball.com specially understands that Premier League champions Leicester City hope Nigeria star Wilfred Ndidi will be granted a work permit based partly on what he has achieved in this season’s UEFA Europa League.


One of the representatives of Ndidi told AfricanFootball.com: “The people handling Wilfred’s work permit application will use the exceptional talent argument with the performance of the player in the Europa League getting a special mention.


“His stats in this season’s Europa League are amazing – Do you now he has run this second farthest ever distance in a second match in the competition? He covered 16.8 kilometres in the match against Athletic Bilbao, while the record is 16.9 kilometres.


“And his club Genk are in the Round of 32 of the competition now thanks in part to his contribution.”


The 20-year-old midfielder is ranked by UEFA as the 52nd top player in the competition, ahead of Premier League stars like Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (53rd), Marcos Rojo (72nd) and Antonio Valencia (79th).


He has played six matches and scored two goals in the Europa League.


It will also be revealed that Ndidi’s goal against eventual champions Club Brugge won him the ‘Goal of the Season’ last season.


This season he has played 19 league matches for Genk after playing 38 games and scoring four goals in the previous campaign.

africanfootball.com/news/674907/Leicester-City-to-use-Ndidis-super-Europa-League-form-for-Nigeria-stars-work-permit

MTNF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ikeme recounts 'long, enjoyable' journey at Wolves after extending contract

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Ikeme with his family

Nigeria No.1 goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has described as a long but enjoyable journey with English Championship club Wolves after he extended his contract with them.


The 30-year-old Ikeme has at Wolves since he was 15 and he has now signed a contract that will keep him at the club till the summer of 2019.


He recounted his durability.
“I still remember signing here for the first time as a 16-year-old, signing as a scholar at Molineux with everyone else,” he said.


“That was a big day for me.
“It was a lot different then, and you never know what the future is going to hold!


“In those early days you just think about surviving at the club and then as time goes on you start thinking you can actually do it.


“I am just glad that I have stayed here throughout my career so far.


“I feel like I know the club and I know everyone here.


“It has been a long journey but an enjoyable one.”


He added, “I know some people sometimes feel they need to leave a club to have a fresh and new challenge.


“But for me all those challenges are here, and I am looking forward to kicking on.


“How have I survived at Wolves for so long? You don’t get anywhere without working hard.


“That has always been ingrained in me.


“At 16 or 17 I would go in the gym in the evenings and I have always been one who wants to do extra stuff with the goalkeeping coaches.


“I have just always that hunger to keep improving and that has stood me in good stead in the long run.


“Football is about hard work, dedication and the sacrifices that I have made and my Mum and Dad have made in getting me to football as a youngster.


“It has all paid off.
“I have had to be patient at times and maybe occasions when I thought I might have to leave because Wolves have always had such strong goalkeepers.


“But I always wanted to number one here.


“You have ups and downs during the years but I have always stayed positive.


“Whenever I feel I am on a bit of a downer it is about then working even harder than you were before.”

mtnfootball.com/news/674683/Ikeme-recounts-long-enjoyable-journey-at-Wolves-after-extending-contract

We taught Victor Moses how to defend, claims Stoke’s Mark Hughes

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Victor Moses

The Potters’ boss took credit for helping the Nigerian’s defensive ability which has since helped him settle down at the Stamford Bridge this campaign.


Mark Hugheshas claimed that he taught Chelsea’s Victor Moseshow to defend during his loan spell at Stoke City.


The 26-year-old has been turning heads in his new role as a right wing-back in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation and was even named PFA Fans' Premier League Player of the Month for November.


The Nigeria international made 19 league appearances for Hughes’ side in his second loan spell away from the Stamford Bridge. And his former manager, who seem unfazed by his growth in the new position, took ‘all the credit’ for the winger’s improved defensive abilities.


"I'm not surprised at all. I'm going to take all the credit for all his defensive work because when he came here, he wasn't great at that," Hughes said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Stoke's visit to Chelsea.


"We taught him how to defend and now he's reaping the benefits at Chelsea!"


Moses, who has so far registered three goals in 17 topflight appearances, will be hoping to help Chelsea stretch their winning run to 13 English Premier League games when they welcome Stoke City to the Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Eve.

m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2016/12/30/30974062/we-taught-victor-moses-how-to-defend-claims-stokes-mark

BREAKING: Flying Eagles Defender Shot Dead By Cultist In Benin City

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Reports reaching Owngoalnigeria.com has it that Nigeria youth international Douglas Uzama has been killed by suspected cultist in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria.


Uzama was a part of the all conquering Nigeria U-17 team of 2015 and also played for the U-20 team during their ill fated attempt to qualify for next year Africa Youth Championship.


Last season he represented newly promoted Nigeria Premier League side Gombe United, where he was part of the defence line that helped the team gain promotion.


He was reportedly shot by the clutist in same South South region of Nigeria, where another professional footballer Izu Joseph was shot and killed in a cultist den according to a statement from the military.

More details shortly…..

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/30/breaking-flying-eagles-defender-shot-dead-by-cultist-in-benin-city/

Super Eagles Defender William Troost-Ekong Handed Spanish Chance To Impress Coach Of Gent

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William Troost-Ekong will know his fate at Belgian side Gent after their mid season camping in Spain which is scheduled to begin from the 4th of January.


Ekong is back at the club after a loan spell with Norwegian side FK Haugesund, and the 23 year old has been training with the team for the last two months ahead of his possible registration in January.


Owngoalnigeria.com gathered that Gent knocked back inquiries over his availability from club,who are willing to snap him up on loan as the coach believes he can push for a spot in the team.


However a decision on his retention will be made after the training camp in Spain, even though the coach is keen on bolstering his backline after a not too impressive start to the season in Belgium.


His possible registration and integration will take the number of Nigerian players at the club to four with Moses Simon, Rabiu Ibrahim and Anderson Esiti already on the books of the Europa League campaigners.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/31/super-eagles-defender-william-troost-ekong-handed-spanish-chance-to-impress-coach-of-gent/

Oghenekaro Etebo Dazzles For Underdogs CD Feirense In Stalemate Against Giants FC Porto

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Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo posted a five star performance for newly promoted Portuguese side CD Feirense against FC Porto in their 1-1 draw in the Portuguese Cup.


Etebo was ran rings round Porto in the midfield acting as a link between his team defence and attack, and showed his other side with well hit set pieces through out the duration of the game.


He clearly showed his strength in duels and in keeping possession for his team in the midfield, and his ball recovery also caught the eyes, in a display which clearly showed his high level as opposed to his teammates.


The 21 year old brought out a smart stop from Porto’s goalkepper Orlando Sa with a well hit drive which was sailing into the net before the save from the understudy to Iker Cassilas.


Although he failed to get on the score sheet, his overall display this season has been very impressive, especially in the area of free kicks where he has been exceptional in his deliveries.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/30/oghenekaro-etebo-dazzles-for-underdogs-cd-feirense-in-stalemate-against-giants-fc-porto/

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Leicester City Bound Ndidi On Preferred Role, Iheanacho, Career Rise & Inspirations

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Owngoalnigeria.com Daniel Martins caught up with Leicester City January signing Wilfred Ndidi shortly after his last game for Belgian side Genk as Gent as his £15m move draws near.


Ndidi spoke on a variety of issue ranging from his move to Belgium, his preferred role and his career rise from Nath Boys to Leicester City in 18 months, he also spoke on international teammate Kelechi Iheanacho. Enjoy.


Preferred Role:
Ndidi – I don’t think I have any for now, I have played in lot of roles and have always given my best for the team. I started off as a striker in my early days but I moved to a midfield role later in my career. I got converted to a central defender at the camp of the Nigeria U-17 team and have also played as a full back severally.


To be honest I love playing in the midfield but am ready to play anywhere for my team, the goal is usually to give my best for my team regardless of where am deployed.


Career Rise:
Ndidi- I strongly credit God almighty for my career progression considering where I was 18 months ago and where I am now. My coaches in all level have been wonderful as well, my key still remains playing to the instruction of the coach for the benefit of my team, and that has helped me a lot in my career.


Kelechi Iheanacho :
He opened the door for most of us to be noticed, he was my teammate at U-17 and 20 level and now in the Super Eagles. His progression at Manchester City inspired most of us to believe we can also survive in England but we are too different players in terms of role on the pitch and more.


Inspiration:
The holy bible is my favourite book, it inspires me a lot, before games and even after games I go through it. It has worked for me in more ways than one, also I love listening to music before games, it calms me for the task ahead.

*Daniel Martins

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/31/exclusive-interview-with-leicester-city-bound-ndidi-on-preferred-role-iheanacho-career-rise-inspirations/

Schalke 04 Interested In Rohr’s German Nigerian Target Noah Joel Sarenren-Bazee

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The fine performances of German born Nigerian forward Noah Joel Sarenren-Bazee for 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 has made him a target for Bundesliga side Schalke 04.


20 year old Sarenren-Bazee has been one of the breakaway stars in the German second division this season, after putting aside the various injury and fitness problems that slowed his career in the past.


Sport1 reports that Schalke 04 expressed interest in the right winger who has four assists and a goal this season, but Hannover 96 are keen on having him sign an extension.


”It would be better for Noah to stay a year or two in Hannover. He can develop further and increase his value. We want to extend his deal but with the right conditions”, Hannover coach Martin Kind said.


''Noah is a super guy and a very talented player. He has only played 11 games as a professional footballer, when you consider that then you will properly appreciate his talents”.


Eligible to represent Nigeria and Germany at senior level, he has been contacted by the German coach of the Nigerian national team Gernot Rohr over a possible call up to the Nigeria team.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/30/schalke-04-interested-in-rohrs-german-nigerian-target-noah-joel-sarenren-bazee/

In-form Chelsea Loanee Tammy Abraham Scores 15th Goal Of The Season

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Bristol City lost 2-1 toIpswich Town on game week 24 in the EFL Championship on Friday, December 30.


The home team took the lead in the 39th minute, scoring through Kevin Bru, and the visitors did not respond until six minutes out of intermission through Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham.


The Nigeria target calmly finished from close range and tallied his 15th goal of the season across all competitions.


On 73 minutes, Abraham had a chance to give Bristol City the lead but fired the ball over the bar, and that miss proved costly in the end after Brett Pitman netted the winner with three minutes left on the clock.


The 19-year-old played the entirety of the game at Portman Road.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21565

Victor Moses had a hand in Chelsea's second goal.
Williams scores for Chelsea FC

Watford Striker Success Faces Three Weeks On The Sidelines

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Watford have been been dealt a big blow with the news that one of their Nigerian strikers, Isaac Success, faces up to three weeks on the sidelines.


A hamstring injury prevented the former Flying Eagles star from suiting up in the Premier League fixture versus Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, and additional tests carried out revealed that the injury is not minor.


“Success will miss two or three more weeks, more or less,” Watford coach Walter Mazzarri told reporters.


“Okaka we are hoping a bit earlier. We are doing all we can. He has big muscles and we need to be careful how we use him. For sure he will be back for Middlesbrough.”


Success has managed eight appearances in the English top-flight despite his injury troubles for a large part of the ongoing season.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21560

Exclusive: Olanrewaju Set To Join New European Team In January

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Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that former Nigeria U23 invitee Olanrewaju Kehinde might bid farewell to United Arab Emirates team Al-Fujairah SC in the winter transfer market.


The prolific striker is in advanced talks with an unnamed Turkish First League team over a transfer.


Subject to a successful visa application, Olanrewaju will travel to Turkey next week to put pen to paper on a contract without him undergoing trials.


He previously represented Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Kfar Saba, Hapoel Acre and Hapoel Afula in Israel, and joined Al-Fujairah SC on loan from Nigerian club Dominion Hotspur in July.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21557

Exclusive - Done Deal : Nigeria U23 Defender Signs Four-And-A-Half Year Deal With Cadiz

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/43908Saturday.jpg
Spanish Segunda División side Cadiz are on the brink of announcing the capture of Nigeria U23 international Saturday Erimuya.


Following a successful trial, the central defender has already put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal with the Andalusian club.


Saturday Erimuya is expected to pick up his visa to Spain as from next week before resuming training with his new employer.


The 18-year-old had attracted interest from Maltese club Mosta before agreeing terms with Cadiz.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21559

Chelsea Boss Hints Ola Aina Will Act As Understudy To Victor Moses

Answering questions from reporters at Friday’s press conference, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted that the young Nigerian right-back Ola Aina will continue to be the understudy to Victor Moses in the second half of this season because he is trusted.


Aina has made two substitute appearances in the Premier League, replacing the seasoned Nigeria international in games against Leicester City and Bournemouth, and Conte has emphasized he will continue running the rule over the wing-back and other youngsters in his squad.


“We have a lot of young players and I trust in them. Ola Aina, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah, and also we have Zouma returned, ” said Conte.


“It is important also to work with these type of young players to try find the right solutions at home, and if this is not possible, it is important to look around to find the solution.”


Aina’s two other appearances for the Blues this term was against Bristol Rovers and West Ham, and he started both matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21562

Saw this video today, the girl is very skillful & quick. http://linkis.com/www.youtube.com/BdwYk

zoboizee:
Saw this video today, the girl is very skillful & quick. http://linkis.com/www.youtube.com/BdwYk

She's a baller! It would be hard for her to break into the Falcons starting 11. If she manages to do so, it's Ordega she would bench.

Hi everyone just popping in to wish us all a healthy and Prosperous 2017 God bless

Arsenal, Leicester City Send Scouts To Run The Rule Over Nigeria Rising Star Etebo

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/29061Etebo.jpg
Representatives of top European teams were at Estádio Do Dragão on Thursday night to witness the Portuguese Taça da Liga game between Porto and CD Feirense (1-1).


The well informed Twitter accountScouts in Attendancehas reported that Arsenal and Leicester City scouts watched the match, and suggested that their main priority was the versatile Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo.


Italian Serie A side Atalanta and Moldovan club Zimbru Chișinău also sent members of their scouting team to watch the 2016 Rio Olympic Games sensation.


Wearing the number 95 jersey, Etebo was one of the most outstanding players on the pitch and played the full game.


The 21-year-old has a contract with CD Feirense until the end of the 2017-2018 season.

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21564

Ola Aina in my opinion is a very good option for the right back slot in the Eagles.

City seem to lack cohesion and are struggling against Liverpool.

I expected more from City, not surprisingly Kelechi is on the bench. He will probably come on second half.

It was just same as Nacho sitting on the bench throughout.

terzurum5:
The standard of play expected from Kelechi is from Mars.

Seriously, no one considers the age, game time and experience he needs to attain that height.

Any way, such high expectations are so common with players with rich potentials with some early hipe around them.

U can say u expect him on the stars but that does not excuse making up flaws in his performance. The ratings he was given on here did not match what i saw with my eyes. He did much better.

Pep is losing and waits till 86 mins to bring on an extra striker. Is he trying to waste time? so ridiculous..

walahi this Pep no sabi anything.

When your team is a goal down to a team like Liverpool, common sense states that you should begin using your substitutions, at most on the 70-minute mark.

The subs today were laughable at best. Lucky for City, Gabriel Jesus will be there in January, cuz they gonna need all the saviours they can get to remain in the Top 4

pep been think say he dey laliga...
this is EPL boss... the home of upsets and suprises...

safarigirl:
walahi this Pep no sabi anything.

When your team is a goal down to a team like Liverpool, common sense states that you should begin using your substitutions, at most on the 70-minute mark.

The subs today were laughable at best. Lucky for City, Gabriel Jesus will be there in January, cuz they gonna need all the saviours they can get to remain in the Top 4

But it's important to have a goalkeeper who can play with his feet

TheGoodJoe:
I was also not happy with the late changes. Felt Sterling should have gone off earlier and we needed Nacho's work rate up front.

However, at the time to make changes, City played better and created loads of chances. Changing at that time would disrupt the momentum.

Hope the lads bounce back stronger.

momentum kwanu? Ngwanu, gwam, who the momentum epp now?

The perfect time to sub was when that momentum was high. City got into Liverpool's box so many times, but there was no one to bury the chance