₦airaland Forum

An official of the Nigeria Football Federation has revealed that it came to their knowledge that some players were not comfortable with the idea of participating at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in January due to fears over the Ebola virus.

The official, who pleaded for anonymity, added that he strongly believes the unwillingness to take part in the championship contributed to the lacklustre display by some of the players who showed no hunger and desire in the qualification matches.

“It did come to our knowledge that some of them had fears of contracting the virus in the Africa Nations Cup, in fact some of them came out publicly to say they wish CAF would go ahead and postpone the events because they won’t be comfortable taking part in the Championship due to Ebola virus.

That is why I believe some of them were not being serious intentionally because how can reigning champions play the way they did, it’s terrible,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Eagles manager,Stephen Keshi who was brought back on the insistence of President Goodluck Jonathan to oversee the remaining two qualifiers is yet leave his post, despite hinting that he would support and pray for whoever is his successor after the 2-2 draw with South Africa in Akwa Ibom, which ended Nigeria’s dreams of retaining their crown in Equatorial Guinea.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/nff-official-eagles-stars-not-keen-afcon-due-ebola/

Federation Cup kings,Enyimba Football Club of Aba will hope to end their season on a high when they confront Dolphins Football Club of Port Harcourt in the final of this year’s edition of the competition.

The Peoples Elephant, who are the most successful club in Nigeria, came close to winning the league title but lost narrowly to eventual winners, Kano Pillars.

A 1-1 draw against Dolphins in Port Harcourt in their penultimate game of the season put paid to that aspiration.

And now they will be desperate to exert revenge on the Port Harcourt Dwellers and win their fifth Federation Cup title even as the club’s two main strikers will continue their supremacy battle.

Enyimba’s Mfom Udoh picked the Glo Premier League highest goalscorer award with a record 23 goals ahead of Emem Eduok of Dolphins who scored 20 goals. Eduok has scored three goals, while Udoh has two goals to his credit in the Cup race.

Both players will no doubt fancy their chances of thrilling fans at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and help their side achieve victory.

Dolphins have played the Federation Cup final four times in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007, winning all of them against Elkanemi in 2001, against Rangers in 2004 and 2007 and against Bendel Insurance in 2006.

Enyimba will be making their seventh appearance in the final and have won it five times.

STARS TO WATCH

ENYIMBA
CHINEDU UDOJI
The Enyimba captain has over the years marshalled his side defence with great aplomb and he is one of the reasons why the Peoples Elephant are in the final of the competition again.
His solid partnership with Markson ojobo will be key in Enyimba retaining the title. And again, it is another opportunity for the well built defender to prove his worth to the national team selectors.

MFOM UDOH
The man who broke goals record in the Glo League will continue his battle with Emem Eduok and have another big chance to prove his achievement so far this season was not a fluke.
He has scored two goals in the Federation Cup and will fancy a few more.

DOLPHINS
EMEM EDUOK
Eduok has a chance to pick the topscorers gong in this competition and get one over Enyimba’s Mfom Udoh.
The talented forward has scored three goals so far and he will be relied upon once more to help his side win the trophy for the fifth time.

VICTOR EZURUIKE
Much will be expected from the experienced midfielder who has been one of Dolphins dependable star over the year. A lot will be anticipated from him and his understanding with Eduok will no doubt cause problems for Enyimba’s defence.

ROAD TO FINAL

DOLPHINS
Round of 64
DOLPHINS 3-1 INGAS
ROUND OF 32
DOLPHINS 1-0 KOGI UNITED
ROUND OF 16
DOLPHINS 1-0 EL-KANEMI
QUATER-FINAL
DOLPHINS 4-2 LOBI STARS
SEMI-FINAL
DOLPINS 1-0 PRIME

ENYIMBA
Round of 64
Enyimba 3-1 Sokoto North (pen)

Round of 32
Enyimba 7-6 Tornadoes

Round of 16
Enyimba 2-1 Nembe City

Quarter Final
Enyimba 2-0 Sharks

Semi Final
Enyimba 1-0 Giwa FC

TOP SCORERS CHART
Three Goals
Emem Eduok – Dolphins
Ebube Okpokwu – Dolphins

Two Goals
Mfon Udoh – Enyimba
Raphael Boumsong – Enyimba
Bobby Sokari – Enyimba

FEDERATION CUP: PAST WINNERS

1942 : ZAC Bombers
1943 : Lagos Marine
1944 : Lagos Railways
1945 : Lagos Railways
1945 : Marine
1946 : Lagos Railways
1947 : Marine
1948 : Lagos Railways
1949 : Lagos Railways
1950 : Lagos UAC
1951 : Lagos Railways
1952 : Lagos PAN Bank
1953 : Kano Pillars
1954 : Calabar
1955 : Port Harcourt FC
1956 : Lagos Railways
1957 : Lagos Railways
1958 : Port Harcourt FC
1959 : Ibadan Lions
1960 : Lagos ECN
1961 : Ibadan Lions
1962 : Police
1963 : Port Harcourt FC
1964 : Lagos Railways
1965 : Lagos ECN
1966 : Ibadan Lions
1968 : Stationery Stores
1969 : Ibadan Lions
1970 : Lagos ECN
1971 : WNDC Ibadan
1972 : Bendel Insurance
1974 : Enugu Rangers
1975 : Enugu Rangers
1976 : Enugu Rangers
1977 : Shooting Stars FC
1978 : Bendel Insurance
1979 : Shooting Stars FC
1980 : Bendel Insurance
1981 : Enugu Rangers
1982 : Stationery Stores
1983 : Enugu Rangers
1984 : Leventis United
1985 : Abiola Babes
1986 : Leventis United
1987 : Abiola Babes
1988 : Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1989 : BCC Lions
1990 : Stationery Stores
1991 : El-Kanemi Warriors
1992 : El-Kanemi Warriors
1993 : BCC Lions
1994 : BCC Lions
1995 : Shooting Stars
1996 : Julius Berger
1997 : BCC Lions
1998 : Wikki Tourists
1999 : Plateau United
2000 : Niger Tornadoes
2001 : Dolphin FC
2002 : Julius Berger
2003 : Lobi Stars
2004 : Dolphins FC
2005 : Enyimba FC
2006 : Dolphins FC
2007 : Dolphins FC
2008 : Ocean Boys FC
2009 : Enyimba FC
2010 : Kaduna United
2011 : Heartland F.C.
2012 : Heartland F.C.
2013 : Enyimba F.C.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/enyimba-dolphins-clash-federation-cup-final/

Former Nigeria skipper Sunday Oliseh has expressed sadness over the Super Eagles failure to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

The AFCON 1994 winning midfielder stated that despite beating Congo, the team still failed to finish the job against South Africa.

“A sad day for Nigerian Football. I really believed the decisive one was vs Congo, only for South Africa to spoil it. God knows why, believe me!,” he wrote on his twitter page.

South Africa ensured a 2-2 draw against the Super Eagles in the last group game of the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Both South Africa and Congo qualified from group A and will take part in next year’s AFCON in Equatorial Guinea while Nigeria and Sudan were eliminated.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/oliseh-sad-day-nigerian-football/

Keshi Predicts Tough Game Against South Africa

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has predicted a tough match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in tomorrow’s 2015 AFCON qualifier in Uyo, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

“I told my boys after (Monday’s only) training session that the win against Congo (last Saturday) is now history. They must focus on the next game (against South Africa).

‘Now, I have told the players to forget about that game and plan for the next game against South Africa who will come here and look to make things very difficult for us.

Read More and Comment on: http://completesportsnigeria.com/keshi-predicts-tough-game-south-africa/

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will this afternoon (Saturday, November 15) in Pointe Noire play a crucial 2015 AFCON qualifier against the Red Devils of Congo.

Nigeria need an emphatic win- by two clear goals, but anything short of a victory (draw or defeat) virtually eliminates the African champions from next year’s tournament, now to be staged by Equatorial Guinea.

The Eagles have been abysmal in the qualifiers so far; with one win, one draw and two defeats but there is cautious optimism that the team will get the victory that they need.

Do you think Stephen Keshi’s team will defeat Congo and get their chances of reaching Equatorial Guinea 2015 enhanced or has Nigeria’s chances of defending their 2013 African Cup of Nations title evaporated?

#AFCON2015qualifiers

Join the conversation on Complete Sports: http://completesportsnigeria.com/expectation-congo-vs-nigeria-today/

Super Eagles and UD Almeria midfielder, Azeez Ramon insisted that he had sent a note of warning to Super Eagles defenders to be wary of Thievy Bifouma days before Nigeria played Congo Red Devils at the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar.

Aware of severe havoc the Congolese predator can cause his team, Ramon stated in clear terms that he had warned his Super Eagles defenders to keep a close watch on the dashing striker but was not surprised when his Almeria teammate scored a brace and provided an assist to defeat Nigeria 3-2.

According to Ramon, the need to be cautious against the Congolese danger man stemmed from the fact that Bifouma is good at getting away from his marker; a skill he perfected at UD Almeria trainings.
“I did warn my colleagues to be wary of Bifouma if they really want to keep a clean sheet but it was quite unfortunate that he eventually got a brace and provided an assist.

“Bifouma is my teammate and he is very good at beating his markers to the ball, this is what we know about him at Almeria. Nigeria still need to keep him at bay in Ponte Noire,” he said.

The Red Devils also hold the advantage of having defeated the Super Eagles 3-2 in the first encounter in September and so Nigeria would now need to win by at least two clear goals today to shade on the head-to-head stats.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ramon-warned-eagles-cage-bifouma/

–Falconets star says it was against NCAA rules

Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National team star, Courtney Dike, has explained why she rejected bonus payments at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Canada.

The Oklahoma State University student wrote in a mail: “I would like to respond to what I have been reading on the internet about rejecting bonuses.

“I am delighted to play for Nigeria whenever called upon. I knew before leaving for the U-20 World Cup that I would not accept any bonuses. Acceptance of prize money is against NCAA regulations (the division 1 collegiate governing body) here in the US, so that is the main reason for rejecting it.

“Knowing this beforehand, I still chose to represent the country because I believed the experience would be more valuable than the money and I was right.”

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/dike-rejected-wcup-bonuses/

–Keshi’s ‘China Product’ Replies Nigerians on his sojourn in the Asian country.

He was highly vilified by Nigerian Soccer fans as well as the media after he was handed an invitation into the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON qualifier against Sudan.
But Aaron Olanare Samuel surprisingly grabbed the headline when he restored the Super Eagles lead against Sudan in Abuja. The China based former Shooting Star forward takes you through his soccer life…

How would you describe your Super Eagles debut?

It was a great experience for me, I mean playing alongside some of Nigeria’s best players. That has been my age long desire; playing for Super Eagles is a dream come true for me. I expected the opportunity long ago and I was glad when Coach Stephen Keshi placed me on standby in one of the World Cup qualifiers. I never had the chance to break into the team but today that dream is coming to pass before my eyes. It has been a great experience for me because it is not that easy to break into the team. Super Eagles is made up of top players and I will regard myself lucky to have made the team for both legs against Sudan.

Your debut came in Khartoum; a time when Nigeria needed to score to pick a draw. Did that put you under any pressure compared to what Nigerians saw in Abuja?

Not really. I won’t say I was playing under any pressure, but the truth of the matter was that we needed to get a goal at all costs and in such situation you will be forced to throw in everything within you to ensure the team doesn’t lose. Such situation cannot really bring out the best in oneself. I will say it was a tougher game compared to the way we played in Abuja, which we eventually won. It was a different feeling in Abuja because I was able to settle down and play better football. Nigerians are yet to see my best. Better days are still ahead.

How were you received, more so with news making the rounds that some Super Eagles players do not really welcome new players into the side, especially if such is not ready to dance to their tunes?

All the players were very nice to me. I had no issue with anybody when I came in the senior national team because I know what it takes to play alongside the big boys. I was welcomed into the team with open arms and that really helped me to settle down well enough. As you can see, it really showed when we played in Abuja; it was easy to blend with them . More importantly, I was ready to work hard for the team and not just for myself. It was a great feeling for me and I hope I keep enjoying that under the new manager.

Questions were asked when Stephen Keshi invited a player from the Chinese League when the likes of IK Uche and Obafemi Martins are still being ignored. Would you say your performance against Sudan has justified your inclusion?

Honestly, I have been seeking for that opportunity to show Nigerians what I can do with the ball but there is no way you can prove that if you re not invited by the manager. I was playing for Sarpsborg 08 In Norway when I was invited as standby even though I never got that chance to break into the team. I had European experience before heading to China. It is just that we all have our reasons for every decision we take in our life and same thing applies to me too. Where I play now does not really matter as long as I can deliver the goals; that is what really matters.

Why the choice of China and not tougher leagues like France, Germany etc?

I had been playing in Europe for two years before I made up my mind to move on to China. I left Shooting Stars for Valerenga; same club Fegor Ogude played for in 2012. I stayed there for a year before joining Sarpsborg 08 in the 2013/2014 season but honestly nothing came out of these places, it was then I decided to join Guangzhou R&F in the Chinese Super League. I think football can be played anywhere, once you are good enough.

When you said nothing, are you referring to money issues?

There are lots of club out there seeking my signature but they are not willing to pay me the right amount of money. These Europeans are living on the ground that it’s Europe so they expect you to sign for their clubs, even when they offer you peanuts but I am not going to fall for that. None of the interested clubs in Europe can afford what I am getting in China. I am not ruling out a possible return to Europe soon, but I just want to concentrate on my game here in China.

But how much do you fancy your chances under Amodu Shuaib who has come out to say it loud and clear that he will only invite top players from Europe?

The last two games I played speaks volumes about my game. I’m ripe for Super Eagles and I am ready to fight for shirts in the team if I’m invited. I may be playing in China, but I know what I can do if given the opportunity by coach Shuaib Amodu.

Do you see Nigeria qualifying for AFCON 2015 in Morocco?

Impossible is nothing! We can still make it to AFCON if we can get it right in Congo. Congo’s game is must win if we really want to qualify honestly. We the players know we just have to deliver in our last two games to stand a chance of qualifying. Once we can defeat Congo then we will shed our blood to beat South Africa here at home. Nigerians should not write off Super Eagles. I know the game in Congo will be played on Astro turf too but we are ready to do everything to pick three points in Congo. It won’t be easy but it is possible.
Finally
Scoring one goal in two matches is a sign of great things to come. I want to give more to the national team. I had a great experience under coach Stephen Keshi and I will always remember him for believing in me. I am ready to give my best under coach Amodu if I am given the chance. Nigerians should believe in Super Eagles; we thrive in difficult situations and I strongly believe we will deliver AFCON 2015 ticket by God’s grace.

sOURCE: http://completesportsnigeria.com/aaron-samuel-matter-play/

Super Eagles’ interim coach Amodu Shuaibu has revealed that he almost turned down the job but had to accept after he was convinced by NFF boss Pinnick Amaju to tinker the team in the remaining two AFCON qualifiers. He spoke with RICHARD JIDEAKA

Was it a difficult task for you accepting to handle Super Eagles last two AFCON qualifying matches as caretaker coach?

First and foremost, my reaction to the news of my coming back to handle the national team was a kind of surprise to me. Surprise in the sense that I have been disconnected from football coaching at the national team level for the past four years and hearing that the NFF wanted me as interim coach was a big surprise.

So, I was the last person I expected to be called for this job. The first thing that came to my mind was to say outright no. The reason why I thought about saying outright no was to make serious efforts to see how we can avert the removal of my colleague, (Stephen Keshi) from this job because he has only two games remaining in the qualifiers.

What is your view on the removal of Keshi from the national team with just two games to go?

My reason for this is that I believe it was not all over for the team. And that if we were patient enough for him to probably finish this job, we could still qualify and at that level, we would have been able to appraise him (Keshi) properly. But it looks like superior reasoning overtook my sentiment. But the decision was taken after I made serious efforts to see if the situation would be salvaged. Unfortunately, it was deeper from what I can see from outside.

Do you see the assignment as a difficult one?

I wanted to have a mental picture of what the job is all about before accepting to handle the remaining two matches of the 2015 Afcon qualifiers. I made my condition very clear to the NFF that if I were to accept the job for the remaining two matches; we must appreciate where we are coming from. And as a professional, I thought I was going to be close to the technical department where I was assigned to man for over a year now though without the necessary instrument of office to perform in the first place anyway.

How are you going to prosecute the two matches?

The NFF President Amaju Pinnick assured me of total support and I know he is a man of honour. So, I let him go out with the announcement. As I speak to you now, I am not going to dwell on controversies. My plan is to meet with my technical team to see how we can fashion out plans that will be suitable to prosecute these two matches.

Will Nigeria qualify for the Nations Cup?

At the end of the day what is important to me, my crew and all Nigerians is to see how we can salvage the situation and get the required results that will see us qualify.

Will you work with Keshi’s template in the area of players’ selection?

We have just met with the NFF technical department and they made our job easy by providing a list of 60 players to select from. I will sit with my technical crew and see those who are in good form for invitation. There is no way we can overhaul the Super Eagles within one month. Keshi’s team is made up of some of the best players the country can boast off so we’ll give them a chance to prove themselves.

Are we likely to see the return of Ike Uche in the team?

To be frank with you, I will give Ike Uche a call this night to commend him for scoring 100 goals in La Liga. He is doing well and if he remains in such good form, he surely will be recalled.

What is your term of contract as the interim coach?

To tell you the truth, I have not discussed the terms of the assignment with the FA. I believe that the NFF chieftains will give us what we deserve. Money is not the issue here but patriotism.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/amodu-almost-turned-eagles-job/

Super Eagles’ interim coach Amodu Shuaibu has revealed that he almost turned down the job but had to accept after he was convinced by NFF boss Pinnick Amaju to tinker the team in the remaining two AFCON qualifiers. He spoke with RICHARD JIDEAKA

Was it a difficult task for you accepting to handle Super Eagles last two AFCON qualifying matches as caretaker coach?

First and foremost, my reaction to the news of my coming back to handle the national team was a kind of surprise to me. Surprise in the sense that I have been disconnected from football coaching at the national team level for the past four years and hearing that the NFF wanted me as interim coach was a big surprise.

So, I was the last person I expected to be called for this job. The first thing that came to my mind was to say outright no. The reason why I thought about saying outright no was to make serious efforts to see how we can avert the removal of my colleague, (Stephen Keshi) from this job because he has only two games remaining in the qualifiers.

What is your view on the removal of Keshi from the national team with just two games to go?

My reason for this is that I believe it was not all over for the team. And that if we were patient enough for him to probably finish this job, we could still qualify and at that level, we would have been able to appraise him (Keshi) properly. But it looks like superior reasoning overtook my sentiment. But the decision was taken after I made serious efforts to see if the situation would be salvaged. Unfortunately, it was deeper from what I can see from outside.

Do you see the assignment as a difficult one?

I wanted to have a mental picture of what the job is all about before accepting to handle the remaining two matches of the 2015 Afcon qualifiers. I made my condition very clear to the NFF that if I were to accept the job for the remaining two matches; we must appreciate where we are coming from. And as a professional, I thought I was going to be close to the technical department where I was assigned to man for over a year now though without the necessary instrument of office to perform in the first place anyway.

How are you going to prosecute the two matches?

The NFF President Amaju Pinnick assured me of total support and I know he is a man of honour. So, I let him go out with the announcement. As I speak to you now, I am not going to dwell on controversies. My plan is to meet with my technical team to see how we can fashion out plans that will be suitable to prosecute these two matches.

Will Nigeria qualify for the Nations Cup?

At the end of the day what is important to me, my crew and all Nigerians is to see how we can salvage the situation and get the required results that will see us qualify.

Will you work with Keshi’s template in the area of players’ selection?

We have just met with the NFF technical department and they made our job easy by providing a list of 60 players to select from. I will sit with my technical crew and see those who are in good form for invitation. There is no way we can overhaul the Super Eagles within one month. Keshi’s team is made up of some of the best players the country can boast off so we’ll give them a chance to prove themselves.

Are we likely to see the return of Ike Uche in the team?

To be frank with you, I will give Ike Uche a call this night to commend him for scoring 100 goals in La Liga. He is doing well and if he remains in such good form, he surely will be recalled.

What is your term of contract as the interim coach?

To tell you the truth, I have not discussed the terms of the assignment with the FA. I believe that the NFF chieftains will give us what we deserve. Money is not the issue here but patriotism.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/amodu-almost-turned-eagles-job/

Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has supported coach Stephen Keshi’s claim that he was sabotaged by some people in the group games of the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers.

Onigbinde, a respected FIFA and CAF Technical Adviser submitted that Keshi was speaking the minds of other coaches who faced similar situations when they handled the Eagles in the past.
He recalled that he was also once a victim of sabotage during the period he tutored the senior national team.

He stated that the issue has been prevalent in the team because of maladministration in the NFF. To stop this ugly trend, Onigbinde urges NFF to put strict measures in place to monitor the activities of its members and also coordinate players invited for national duty.

The Modakeke high chief also advised the Federation to assist Keshi investigate the allegations, stressing that sabotage is a serious problem that would undermine the development of football in the country, if not checked.

“The issue of sabotage is not new to Nigerian football. Keshi is a matured and experienced coach for him to make this statement public. This means he has full evidence to prove it. I had faced similar problems when I was the coach of the Eagles in the game against Cote d’Ivoire where I sensed sabotage by some players. I handled it in my own way” begins Onigbinde.

“Keshi should be able to put things in the right state if he wants to mention the names of the people behind this anomaly. It depends on him, Nigerian coaches will continue to face this problem if the NFF doesn’t put measures in place to monitor the activities of their members and players. Nigerian football needs to move forward,” he concluded.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/onigbinde-believe-keshis-sabotage-story/

Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has supported coach Stephen Keshi’s claim that he was sabotaged by some people in the group games of the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers.

Onigbinde, a respected FIFA and CAF Technical Adviser submitted that Keshi was speaking the minds of other coaches who faced similar situations when they handled the Eagles in the past.
He recalled that he was also once a victim of sabotage during the period he tutored the senior national team.

He stated that the issue has been prevalent in the team because of maladministration in the NFF. To stop this ugly trend, Onigbinde urges NFF to put strict measures in place to monitor the activities of its members and also coordinate players invited for national duty.

The Modakeke high chief also advised the Federation to assist Keshi investigate the allegations, stressing that sabotage is a serious problem that would undermine the development of football in the country, if not checked.

“The issue of sabotage is not new to Nigerian football. Keshi is a matured and experienced coach for him to make this statement public. This means he has full evidence to prove it. I had faced similar problems when I was the coach of the Eagles in the game against Cote d’Ivoire where I sensed sabotage by some players. I handled it in my own way” begins Onigbinde.

“Keshi should be able to put things in the right state if he wants to mention the names of the people behind this anomaly. It depends on him, Nigerian coaches will continue to face this problem if the NFF doesn’t put measures in place to monitor the activities of their members and players. Nigerian football needs to move forward,” he concluded.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/onigbinde-believe-keshis-sabotage-story/

–Sacked Super Eagles boss opens up over shock dismissal

Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was controversially relieved of his job Thursday morning despite leading the Nigerian team to secure their first victory in the AFCON 2015 qualifier against Sudan in Abuja.

The Big Boss in this interview revealed for the very first time why the African Champions have become a shadow of themselves and how people in the Federation practically plotted his failure…

Sir, a journey that began three years ago ended on Thursday. I know you will have a story to tell on your experience with the senior national team.

It has been a great experience for me, having to serve my country at the highest level. I really want to thank the FA for the opportunity to serve at that capacity as a coach. I have no hard feelings over my dismissal. I thought it came when we are beginning to get it right in the qualifiers but that is in the past. I am happy we won our first game in the qualifiers and was looking forward to winning the next two games when the news came in, I have no problem with that.

The handwriting was clearly written on the wall that you might not be allowed to tinker the Eagles against Congo and South Africa. Did you see it coming?

Firstly, I was not really surprised because I was not on contract, I have been working on pay as you win basis. With that alone, I did not see myself as Super Eagles Manager because there was no contract in place. Besides, with the new board coming in, anything is possible, so I had my mind prepared for any unexpected. Nigeria’s national team job is not meant for Stephen Keshi alone, Nigeria is bigger than anybody so if they think another man can do better, all well and good.

The players must be stunned to hear the news that you won’t be barking out orders to them anymore in their subsequent games.

(Smiles) They were shocked beyond description. They have all left for their various club sides and I wish them all the best in their careers. Some of them came to me and wept when the news of my dismissal came to them. I just calmed them down and urged them to move on, I will always cherish the moments we spent together.

Are you saying the likes of Onazi and some of the younger players wept?

No, I won’t mention any names here for fear of them being frozen out of the team. I will be endangering the careers of such players if I dare mention their names. Let us leave them out of this please.

Some of your sins had to do with the selection methods, which according to many affected Nigeria’s performance at the World Cup and AFCON 2015 qualifiers.

The buck stops on my table in terms of players’ selection and there is no selection I made without the consent of the coaching crew. We did our best at the World Cup and don’t forget nobody raised any eyebrow when we won the AFCON in South Africa. When I got the job in November 2011, my project was to build a national team made up of local players here. I told the FA no country would do well with the entire team coming from different leagues in Europe.

We began and it was yielding positive results ,until a group of people in the past FA board said they don’t want a national team made up of home based players. They told me Nigeria’s best players are based in Europe and I was told to reduce the slots for home based players, that was when we started having problems with results. You saw the way South Africa and Congo played; this is what most African countries do now; building from home and injecting few foreign pros, but Nigeria football eggheads said they don’t want that. I had to try some of our players abroad since they no longer have confidence in the local players. Why are people complaining about those foreign pros?

Many were shocked over players being invited from China. Soccer pundits feel Super Eagles was becoming a dumping ground for every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Well, the same people who complained over a player from the Chinese league praised the player when he scored against Sudan. All I want to achieve is the result and it does not really matter whether the player I invite is white or black. My intention is to build from home and have few professionals around the team but the FA disrupted the programme.

Are you surprised to see your close friend Amodu Shuaibu, taking over from you?

Amodu is a great friend of mine and I see nothing wrong with that. Super Eagles job does not belong to anyone, besides the FA has the right to appoint whosoever they want. He (Amodu) called me on Wednesday, assuring me to keep doing my work, but today is in charge. There are no hard feelings, he is a good friend of mine and I wish Nigeria all the best.

How would you describe your experience with Super Eagles?

Honestly, I had a great time working with the players . We worked together as one happy family and we’re willing to help one another on and off the pitch. When I came in, I told them how we needed to play and to my surprise, they adapted quickly and that explained why we got those results then. I am happy for some of the younger ones that came; we had a programme but it’s unfortunate that I can’t continue now. It’s painful I did not get enough time to say goodbye to those players who gave me their all on the field of play.

Where next from here?

I just want to move on.

To where?

(Smiles) Nigeria’s job is over now and I thank everybody for their support and criticisms. This is my country and I am always ready to serve, but I am moving on. I will always cherish my time here as coach.

Do you still see Nigeria qualifying for Morocco 2015 AFCON?

Of course they can! The team seems to have rediscovered that winning formula. The problem started in the qualifiers when NFF started having internal issues and it really affected the team so much against Congo in Calabar. Besides, some people just want the team to fail simply because they don’t like Keshi. This is not about Keshi but Nigeria. It was clear from the first game that a group of people don’t want Nigeria to qualify for Morocco 2015.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/keshi-people-wanted-fail/

According to leaks gathered by SL10.ng, Glasgow Celtic defender Efe Ambrose could be set to end his international career at the age of 25.

In a chat with a close friend of his picked up by SL10.ng, the 25 year old while sitting in the stands said he has had enough.

“E don do me, (have had enough )” he said in native Nigeria pidgin.

Ambrose annoyance we gathered stemmed from the way he was omitted from the match day squad without prior information.

“I no get wound oh, infact I just hear for our meeting say,I no go play or dey bench (I’m not injured, got to know I’m not playing during our pre-match team talk.)

“For three years have serve this team, I deserve better respect I’m not above being dropped, but not in this way.”

The former Kaduna United skipper said he is now set to focus on his club career and wish the Super Eagles well as they bid to qualify for the cup of Nations.

However, question marks still remain if he will rescind his decision to quit the team following the sacking of Stephen Keshi.

A central defender for the Scottish Champions, Ambrose plays as a right back for Nigeria but was dropped, as Keshi preferred Eddy Onazi, primarily a defensive midfielder, ahead of him.

Former Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi axed Ambrose and Nosa Igiebor from his side that won 3-1 over Sudan after their 1-0 loss on Sudan in Khartoun.

The duo were even not listed on the bench and watched the entire game from the spectator stands.

He made his Super Eagles bow in 2010 but was on the fringe, before cementing his spot in the team as first choice right full back in the last two years.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ambrose-quit-super-eagles/

–Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West tells SL10.ng that the election of Pinnick Amaju will bring positive change to Nigerian football as he urge the new board to offer Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi contract extension. He also believes that Nigeria will feature at the Morocco AFCON.

Let’s start by talking about the election of Amaju Pinnick as the new NFF President. You were there on the day and you know the man. What do you think Nigerians should be expecting from the new NFF board?

I believe it will be a new dispensation; it’s like a fresh revolution that has just started. He has ideas and incredible concepts in football administration. It is a new era and we also look forward to how he will solve the issues that have bedeviled Nigerian football for years. He also has to give active roles to the practitioners of the game, both the present and past ones. But I think with him coming as the President of the NFF, I think he will be the Joshua that will take us to the promise land.

How do you think this will impact on Nigeria’s chances against Sudan in the AFCON qualifiers this month because the controversies during the first phase was believed to have contributed to Nigeria’s solitary point from a possible six?

Yes. It will be a great advantage for us because the problems really affected the players in the games against Congo and South Africa. It will be a morale booster and an advantage for the players, unlike the psychological disadvantage they had in the first games. I think it will help us see out the next two games and I see positive things.

How do you think with a new board in the NFF things will change for the better as the Super Eagles play Sudan next week?

Yes, it’s a great advantage. Psychologically the problems at the NFF affected the boys. This new development will motivate the team and most importantly see Nigeria through the games with Sudan.

As regards Keshi’s future, do you think he should be allowed to continue or should the NFF seek another expert?

I think Keshi should be given another chance, the last twenty years hasn’t been easy. Nigeria didn’t do well at the AFCON but he led the team to lift the trophy. He has done better than every other indigenous coaches and that only shows he’s got something working well for him. I strongly feel Keshi should be retained considering that Amaju Pinnick is coming in, there will soon be a new look Super Eagles that will take Nigeria to that level Nigerians want to see the Super Eagles.

During your time in the national team, we had lots of quality defenders but it looks like we don’t have such quality again in the Super Eagles, are you not worried about this?

Hmmmmm, yeah, I’m worried but I think Keshi is equal to the task. He is a strong defender but to be realistic, the generation has changed but he is playing with the best option he has. I must say that there’s a lot of quality in the Golden Eaglets that won the FIFA World Cup in UAE and i feel some of them should be given a chance in the senior national team.

What advice do you have for the new NFF president?

Focus, commitment and discipline. What I saw and heard from him during the election process tells more about the quality he’ll bring to the table.

The Super Eagles got to the round of 16 at the World Cup but the same team having at least 70% of those that made the trip to Brazil lost at home and struggled in South Africa during the first round of qualifiers, what do you think about that?

This is an attack; it comes every now and then. Especially, when we are about to take part in the World Cup, so I think it has come and gone.

So you mean Nigeria will qualify for the Nations Cup?

Yes, Nigeria will qualify. Though, we are walking on a tight rope but I’m optimistic Nigeria will qualify for the Morocco 2015.

Keshi said recently that he’s using what he has but does that mean Nigeria doesn’t have enough talents for the national team or is it a case of him not looking enough?

I know every coach has his own kind of philosophy and I believe the way the domestic league has been managed can even discourage a coach to go out to search for talents. It’s not that he is lazy but I believe that now that Amaju Pinnick who understands proper development of the game is the NFF boss, a change is about to be experienced.

You mentioned earlier that the Golden Eaglets class of 2013 has a lot of quality in them and one player that easily comes to mind is Kelechi Iheanacho, do you think the young man deserves a call up to the Super Eagles now?

Yes, I agree totally because the Eagles have not been so creative lately especially at the last World Cup and AFCON qualifying matches we played. So because of this, I think Iheanacho must be invited to the Super Eagles to fight for a position, and every other young player coming through that have shown they have what it takes. Mikel has been doing fine, but not enough creatively so I think Iheanacho must be called up to the team.

Thank you very much pastor…

God bless you.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/taribo-keshi-deserves-new-deal/

The 44-member congress of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) meets in the southern city of Warri to determine who will lead the organisation for the next four years.

Amaju Pinnick is new NFF President.

More to follow on http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/

–Ogunjobi, Umeh, Amaju, Dikko, 3 others slug it out as NFF elction holds today in Warri

The elective congress of the Nigeria Football Federation will today in the oil city of Warri decide who among the seven eminent Nigeria football administrators replaces outgoing Alhaji Aminu Maigari as President of the NFF.

Love him or hate him, Maigari’s board has left a big shoe for whoever that will emerge as NFF president after today’s election.

With the AFCON title won 19 years after such feat was last achieved in Tunisia in 1994, the FIFA U-17 trophy won for the third time and Super Eagles second round appearance in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after the 1998 tournament, Maigari’s board really gave Nigerian football moments to savour as far results on the pitch are concerned.

Complete Sports here x-rays the candidates who want to succeed Maigari and brings out their credentials for Nigerians and indeed the delegates to chew on before casting their votes.

CHIEF TAIWO OGUNJOBI:
Ogunjobi is one of the top contenders for the NFF Presidency. Experience counts for him. He has at one time or the other worked with most of the delegates and belongs to the group of ‘FA chairmen’ himself being chairman of Osun FA. He knows the football terrain, has worked as NFF Secretary General, chaired the all powerful NFF Technical Committee and has not only played the game but also been an astute administrator having managed 3SC, Gabros International and Julius Berger FCs.

CHIEF MIKE UMEH:
Umeh has been around the corridors of football administration for long. He’s Anambra State FA chairman, a former Super Eagles Team Manager and first vice president of the NFF in the outgoing board led by Aminu Maigari. Though he later fell out with Maigari, but there are talks both of them have reconcilled. If the reconcilliation is true, then that means he could spring a surprise.

SHEHU DIKKO: Shehu Dikko is the vice chairman of the League Management Company, LMC. He’s seen as the annointed son of Maigari. This could swing the pendulum of victory in his favour as he is alleged to be enjoying the support of Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the LMC.

AMAJU PINNICK:
Pinnick may not be a popular candidate among the delegates but if there is anything like home advantage in the present circumstance, then he could ride on that factor to glory. This could be the reason some of the contestants earlier kicked against Warri being chosen as venue for the election.

AMANZE UCHEGBULEM:
The chairman of Imo FA is one man with the acumen and dexterity of chief Taiwo Ogunjobi. He has experience on his side, was a former first vice president of NFF during Sanni Lulu Abdullahi’s regime. He knows how to get through his delegates members having known the terrain well. This gives him a chance especially if he pulls his plugs well.

DOMINIC MTEM IORFA:
Iorfa is an a former Nigeria international, having played for the Super Eagles. He also had a smooth run in European football with spells at Queens Park Rangers, England Royal Antwerp of Belgium, Galatasaray of Turkey among other clubs. Back at home, Iorfa served as vice chairman of the NFF Technical Committee under Ogunjobi during Sani Lulu’s regime. Since 2003, Iorfa has been chairman of Lobi Stars fc, a glo Premier League side. Presently, he is the vice chairman/Technical Director of the club. He has made it clear he can coach Super Eagles or any other national team even as NFF president if the situation demands.

ABBA YOLA:
Yola was a former staff of the National Sports Commission, NSC. He later headed the board of Kano Pillars FC which was dissolved earlier in the year. As NFF presidential aspirant, Yola may have obstacles from Dikko and Iorfa.

WHAT THEY SAID

The Nigeria football Presidential debate gave the aspirants an opportunity to share their plans with the delegates who will vote for the next president of the NFF.Complete Sports brings quotes from what the aspirants said at the debate…

CHIEF TAIWO OGUNJOBI:
“It is the responsibility of coaches to pick the right players for the youth teams.Then it is for the NFF to prepare the
team. Coaches must be sincere.As regards sponsorship,If we have a solid national team, companies will be interested in supporting us.Main reason for the constant crisis in our football is that we are not honest with ourselves”.

CHIEF MIKE UMEH:
“I have been Anambra FA chairman for 16 years. Team Manager for Super Eagles. I eat and sleep football. I am the architect of this elections. Otherwise it would have been an unopposed election. I am proud to be associated with that.Never mind the rascality that characterised the last days of the board, Maigari remains an achiever. I will perform wonders.I am a successful business man. Sometimes I loan the FA money. I am not going there to look for government money.There are many areas I know we didn’t perform well. Those are the areas I will work on”.

AMAJU PINNICK:
“What Nigeria football needs is proper marketing and sound administration. Since 1999, I have raised over 1 billion naira in sponsorship for Delta FA. Last FA have achieved a lot. It is not luck. We must build on that”.

AMANZE UCHEGBULEM:
“I have the experience after working under various NFF administrations. Statutes must be obeyed so as to avoid crisis. We must also show accountability.Statutes provide automatically for development of football. No need to stress it”.

DOMINIC MTEM IORFA:
“As an ex-international I can change the tide. I am a pure football person, not a businessman or marketer.
(if voted into power) I will show you the difference between a real footballer and someone who wants to come and take our jobs”.

ABBA YOLA:
“I will strive to ensure peace in Nigerian football. Nigeria football needs a new beginning. Everybody must be brought on board to involve all the stakeholders.We know our problems. I cannot say it all. I will look for solutions. Nigerian football cannot do without government”.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/nff-election-cap-fits/

–Former Leverkusen coach reveals

Nigeria’s coaching musical chairs has taken another twist as former Bayer Leverkusen manager, Christoph Daum, has claimed that he was last week approached to be at the helm of the Super Eagles.

Daum, 60, who has coached previously at FC Cologne, VfL Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, all in Germany, has last managed at Turkish Super Lig side, Bursaspor, and is currently out of work.

Nigeria have failed to renew Stephen Keshi’s contract when it expired just after the Fifa World Cup in June and is currently on a ‘game per game’ contract, according to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials, who failed to confirm to supersport.com if Keshi will be given a proper contract.

Keshi oversaw the first two 2015 Afcon qualifiers which Nigeria lost 3-2 in Calabar to Congo and drew 0-0 with South Africa in Cape Town to pick just a single point from a possible six in Group A.

Daum was reported to have told German website mobo.de that he rejected multiple offers from Africa with Nigeria being one of the African countries he turned down.

“I had offers last week to become coach of Nigeria,” mobo.de quoted Daum speaking to Sky Sports.

The former Fenerbahce coach however stated that he did not take up the offer as he is not open to any coaching job till next season.

“By next year, I’ll take over a team,” Daum announced.

Keshi will lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the 2015 Afcon qualifying double-header against Sudan and it is left to be seen if he will be given a working contract or the NFF will opt for someone else to replace the 2013 Afcon winning coach.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/daum-offered-eagles-job/

Former Barcelona boss Johan Cruyff feels the club has gone backwards in recent years due to the coaches’ inability to “control” the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Cruyff was outspoken following the signing of the Brazil international last summer, claiming Messi should have been sold in order to accommodate the ex-Santos man into the side under Gerardo Martino.

Barca endured disappointing campaigns in Europe and La Liga last term, prompting Martino to depart the head coach post, and Cruyff considers his exit was in part down to a mismanagement of star names – something he believes was also behind David Moyes’ failure as Manchester United manager.

“I still like Barca very much. I also like [Real] Madrid. Barca also went back a little because of the people they put as coaches,” Cruyff told The Guardian.

“I’m not saying they’re good or bad coaches but it’s very difficult to control a Messi and a Neymar. If you don’t control them it’s a problem. It’s the same thing with David Moyes and Manchester United.

“Some people can control certain players and you need that – otherwise it will not work. Moyes is a good coach – just not for Man United.”

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/cruyff-messi-neymar-are-mismanaged/

Bafana Bafana 0-0 Nigeria: What is your say on the Super Eagles performance against South Africa on Wednesday? What do you think went wrong for the Keshi’ team in that match? Who impressed you and who didn’t make your grades? What corrections do you want Keshi to implement ahead of the subsequent matches?

The Super Eagles have just earned one point out of a possible six points from two matches in the qualification series for AFCON 2015. Congo Brazzavile are leading the group with maximum six points, followed by South Africa in the second position with four points. Nigeria are in the third position with one point, while Sudan are currently placed last without any point.

Will the Super Eagles still qualify with four rounds of matches remaining?


Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com

South Africa Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula has charged Bafana Bafana to beat the Super Eagles when both sides meet today in a 2015 AFCON qualifier.

Speaking ahead of the clash which is billed for the Cape Town Stadium, Mbalula said: “It will be a good feeling for me if we beat Nigeria.”

“It will be good to beat them more than Sudan. To me, if we win against Nigeria, I will forget everything and celebrate.

“I don’t want to put any pressure on Shakes Mashaba and his team but that’s my wish on top of everything.

“But Shakes Mashaba said it is much better to play outside the country because we give them (Bafana) a lot of pressure playing at home.

“I can see that our happy days are back but it’s still early days, let’s not get carried away now.

“Eish, these Nigerians have been tormenting us throughout and if we beat them, I am sure all South Africans will celebrate all night and my champagne is ready.

“My message to Shakes is that you can lose against all but please beat Nigeria, I am tired of these people.

“But at the end of the day, Shakes and his boys have my support and as a country, we are fully behind them.”

Source: Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/safrica-sports-minister-beat-eagles-for-me/

Self acclaimed President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Giwa was banned from meeting the players before their game against Congo at the UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar.

The Chairman and financer of Giwa Football club of Jos,who was ordered by the Federation of International football Association, FIFA to vacate his post as the nation’s football federation boss was usered away by security operatives before the start of the game.

Self acclaimed Nigeria Football Federation President, Chris Giwa was banned from shaking the players before their game against Congo in Calabar. completesports can report.

Giwa’s election was cancelled by the House committee on sport following public hearing that involved all stakeholders on Thursday.

Nigeria was defeated 3-2 by the Devils of Congo on Saturday in the opeining game of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Morocco.

The three time African Champions will take on Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Moses Mabida Stadium in Cape Town on wednesday for the second match of the group.

Nigeria are third in group A alongside South Africa, Congo and Sudan, with two teams qualifying for Africa’s most prestigious competition.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com

–Nigeria forward warn mates

Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has told AfricanFootball.com Congo could be very dangerous on Saturday because they do not have anything to lose against the African champions.

Nigeria welcome to Calabar the Red Devils from Brazzaville in their opening qualifying match for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In the last meeting between the two teams, the Congolese held Nigeria to a goalless draw at the 2000 AFCON, which was hosted by Nigeria and Ghana.

And Fenerbahce star Emenike has now warned that desperation and arrogance cannot bring results especially when playing against a team like Congo and other Africa teams tagged as underdogs.

“Being the defending champions could make it tough for us and the Congolese have nothing to lose,” Emenike told AfricanFootball.com

“Maximum three points is important and that’s what we are looking forward to in Saturday’s (today) game, but we should expect a tough test from Congo.”

Emenike added: “Fans will be expecting a massacre, but we will be wrong if we think the Congolese will be an easy team to ride over.

“I believe we will win, but we must show humility and respect for our opponents. I understand from experience that desperation does not work for us.”

Emenike, for one, will hope to end his goals drought at the World Cup in Brazil, where he failed to score in four matches.

“Everybody in camp is ready, it’s a collective battle and it will be a victorious one for us by God’s grace,” he assured.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com

Chris Giwa, who claims to have been elected NFF president, has been quizzed by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency EFCC.

Giwa was whisked away from his Abuja home Friday by EFCC operatives to answer to the banking transactions of one of his associates.

The associate’s banking transactions between January and June this year were put at 300,000 Naira, but between June and August, the transactions had skyrocketed to 250 million Naira.
EFCC have now ordered 19 other persons who were transferred cash through this account to appear before them on Monday.

The list includes an ex-international, who was inaugurated on a six-man panel by Giwa to run the Nigeria premier league till the end of the season.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/giwa-quizzed-by-efcc-over-private-business-issues/

The melodrama in the Nigeria Football Federation continues but this time, has taken a positive dimension.

The Aminu Maigari-led general assembly and elective congress opted Thursday to reinstate Maigari as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after a brief meeting in Abuja instead of conducting a fresh election.

This decision was taken in line with FIFA’s letter dated September 3, which called for Maigari and his board to be returned to office latest September 8, 2014.

The Maigari-led executive committee will now have to convene a general assembly meetings “in order to proceed with the elections of the new NFF office-bearers,” as directed by FIFA.

“The NFF executive committee as it was composed on August 25, 2014, meaning under the presidency of Aminu Maigari, should then convene as soon as possible a first extraordinary general assembly to elect the members of the electoral committee and a second extraordinary general assembly in the shortest time possible allowed by law in order to proceed with the elections of new NFF office-bearers,” a part of the letter read.

Speaking after the meeting, Maigari confirmed that a general assembly would be called within the shortest possible time, but added that new elections would now be held in 2015. This will keep him in office for at least another four months.

“Of course, the elections will hold in 2015 because it is tagged for 2015,” Maigari told sl10.ng.

“We will work as a team and as a family and decide on a new date, but I want to assure Nigerians that we will do this within the shortest possible time.”

The latest development is expected to stop an impending FIFA ban though the Maigari-led NFF executive committee was dissolved on August 26.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/maigari-reinstated-as-nff-boss/

Arturo Vidal says he is 100 per cent ready to start the season with Juventus despite interest from Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal is an avowed admirer of the Chile international and having pursued him for most of the summer, Goal revealed that United would make a final push to sign him before Monday’s transfer deadline.

But Juventus have been unwavering in their public insistences that Vidal will not be sold this summer and now the player himself appears to have scotched talk of a move to Old Trafford.
Vidal tweeted: “Ready to start the championship! We are 100% Juventus !!!!!”

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/vidal-100-ready-for-juventus-start/

Complete Sports: Could you kindly introduce yourself, sir?

Professor: I am Professor Innocent Ujah, a gynecologist and currently the Director General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos.

CS: Why is there so much panic surrounding the Ebola virus in West Africa?

Prof: Let me start by saying the panic is created by the press/media. We’ve had series of epidemics (in the past) but probably because of the speed at which people die of this virus; I think that is why there is so much panic among people.

But in my opinion, the reason why the Ebola has caused much anxiety is because of the way and manner it is contracted; shaking of hands, through sweats, urine, bloods, etc and it is obvious people don’t want to die. But I’m happy Nigerians have responded very well to the issue of this virus because it is real, unlike before when people would have doubted (that) such a thing
exists.

CS: Countries like Cameroun have closed their border with Nigeria. And Lesotho pulled out of U-20 football match with Nigeria in Kaduna and were walked over and eliminated rather than travel to Nigeria. Rwanda also raised concern over Calabar where they were scheduled to play a Nations Cup qualifier with the Super Eagles. Do these countries have good reason to be scared?

Prof: Well, this is an opinion. If in their opinion they believe they don’t want to expose any of their people to this virus then they are right. However, Cameroun has no business closing its border with Nigeria because we don’t even gain anything from there. As for Lesotho, I think they’re just pretentious. First of all, there is no Ebola case reported in Kaduna. I may say it is obvious they knew they were going to lose the game and it was better for them to conserve the limited amount of money they have. But in all, I think it is overblown.

We are all here in Lagos and nobody has contracted the disease apart from the primary contacts. Even the secondary contacts that are quarantined, none of them has been reported positive (as at the time of this interview). So with the anxiety and the pretence
of some international communities giving the impression that they love their people more than we do, then they are wrong. But if it is just to contain the disease, I have no problem with that.

CS: Are you saying Rwanda, Lesotho and other future opponents of Nigeria are just looking for excuses?

Prof: There is no evidence of any Ebola case in Enugu till today. The truth is that, apart from Lagos, Ebola has not been recorded in any other part of the country and that means if they don’t come to play, then we win. There are just three countries that have been
designated to have the case of this virus i.e. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea; Nigeria is not one of them and that is why we won (against) Lesotho. Their fear may be justified, but it is
overblown.

CS: Is it possible for an athlete who is infected with Ebola to participate in sporting activities. Is it possible to contact it on the field of play?

Prof: You see, the symptom of this Ebola is similar to that of malaria and typhoid but the only difference is that at its critical stage, you experience bleeding all over your body.

So if you have malaria, you won’t be able to do anything likewise an Ebola at its infectious stage, you won’t be able to do anything let alone participating in sporting events. Therefore, the best to do is to go to the hospital.

CS: Finally, what hope do you have for the international sporting communities who have upcoming sporting engagements in Nigeria?

Prof: What we need to do is to give the right message. There is no Ebola in Kaduna and Calabar. They should know that Nigeria is a big country. There are some countries that are not even up to Calabar in terms of population; such countries should not have that
impression that the whole of Nigeria is infected with Ebola. We should let them know so that we don’t create unnecessary anxiety. But in all, I think it is overblown.

Prof. Ujah spoke to TUNDE KOIKI on the radio programme, SPORTS PLANET, a production of COMPLETE SPORTS STUDIOS.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/prof-ujah-lesotho-withdrew-to-escape-defeat-by-nigeria/

–One cap Eagles striker reveals

Nigerian striker Imoh Ezekiel has revealed that he is happy joining Qatari outfit Al Arabi.

The 21 year old forward ditched Belgian side Standard Liege after two impressive seasons that saw him score 32 goals in 93 matches in the Belgian league for mega rich Qatari outfit Al Arabi.

“New team, new life./ I’m happy to be here in Al Arabi,”the 2104 Ebony award nominee posted via his instagram wall.

Ezekiel who completed a reported $10.8m move to Al Arabi is expected to earn around $3.8m per year, making him one of Nigeria’s current top earning footballers.

The seven-time Qatari League champions have also acquired Ashkan Dejagah from Fulham.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ezekiel-delighted-with-qatar-move/

By Johnny Edward:

Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is seeking divine intervention from God after keeping two clean sheets for Lille in the League this season.

The 32 year old shot stopper produced two outstanding saves to help his French side record their first win of the Ligue 1 campaign against Caen last Sunday.

“Banging my drums with vibes from #sinach. God I look up to you for the season,” he posted on his instagram wall @vinny2908.

The former Enyimba and Macabi Haifa star who is expected to be named the new national team skipper produced a total of 96 saves helping Lille finish with the second-best defensive record in France’s elite division.

He began the 2013/14 season with an amazing streak of 21 clean sheets in 38 appearances (11 straight clean sheets from late September to early December) which catapulted Lille to a third-place finish.

Given last Friday’s display it appears Enyeama is picking up where he left off last term.
He is expected to be in goal for Lille this Saturday against Lorient after featuring in Wednesday night Uefa Champions League first play-off clash against Porto.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/enyeama-seeks-divine-intervention-to-shine-again-for-lille/

By Johnny Edward:

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday called up 23 players for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Red Devils of Congo and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

The list includes defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Efe Ambrose, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and John Mike Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike.

France –based Elderson Echiejile, who missed the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a result of injury, Nosa Igiebor who missed the final cut for Brazil and Chinedu Obasi who was not considered for the tournament, are all back for September’s double –header.

Onazi, the midfield powerhouse who suffered a terrible injury in the Round of 16 defeat by France, is now fully recovered, but Michael Babatunde, who was stretchered out against Argentina after a hand injury, is left out.

Home–based quartet; Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami and Gbolahan Salami who were part of Nigeria’s third place finish at the African Nations Championship in Cape Town earlier in the year, also have opportunity to return to Cape of Good Hope and shine. They are joined by Enugu Rangers’ marksman Christian Osaguona as the lot from the domestic League.

Nigeria play Congo’s Red Devils – restored to the race after conquerors Rwanda were found guilty of using an ineligible player – in Calabar on September 6, before flying to Cape Town to take on the Bafana Bafana on September 10.

THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers)

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/nff-unveils-23-man-squad-for-congo-clash/

By: DanB


You don’t have to be a billionaire oil magnate to invest in a football club; putting your money into something you care about can feel more rewarding than shares in some faceless plc. But if you put your head before your heart, is it a smart investment?

Football Supporter
If you have a spare few billion lying around and feel like buying a football club and assembling a dream team, you’ll have seen plenty of your rival oligarchs beating you to the punch over the past few years.

But even if you don’t have the money to buy Messi and Ronaldo for your team, you might still want to buy shares in football clubs. It’s worth considering what you expect to get out of owning a small part of your team, as well as weighing it up against other investment options.
Can you invest in football teams?
Most British teams are owned by private investors, meaning you won’t be able to pick up shares in the club. However, there are a few publicly listed teams including Celtic, Birmingham City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

How to buy shares in a football club
As well as making sure your team is currently publicly traded, you’ll also need to check the following:

The share price, to make sure you can actually afford to buy any. Each share can sometimes cost thousands of pounds, which won’t help if you’re just looking to make a small investment
Some clubs offer “Fanshare” schemes that allow you to buy a fraction of a share instead – this might be a more affordable option if it’s available.

Whether the club will pay you a dividend. Most clubs don’t, so if you’re expecting a regular return for your money, you might be better off investing elsewhereInvesting in Arsenal FC.

If, for example, you chose to invest in Arsenal, you’d need a serious amount of spare capital if you wanted to buy individual shares, since they cost around the £15,000 mark each! However, the club do offer a Fanshare scheme, which allows you to invest smaller amounts to buy a percentage of a share instead.

The scheme lets you make monthly contributions, so if you invested enough, you could eventually end up owning an entire share. This would give you a place at their AGM and some voting rights, but your influence in the club’s direction would be minimal and no dividends have been paid in more than 30 years.

Investing in Manchester United
Let’s take a closer look at the stock market fortunes of one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United.

The club first went public in 1991 on the London Stock Exchange but only sold half of the shares they wanted to. As the club’s fortunes increased over the 90s, so did the share price – especially when there were rumours of a buyout.

From 2004, the Glazer family bought 98% of the club’s shares and delisted the team from the London Stock Exchange. The takeover was funded by getting the club into debt.

There was another public offering of shares in 2012 to raise extra funds, but only 10% of the club was floated, and this time it was on the American stock exchange.

The owners intended to keep half of the profits made by the sale. Shareholders do not receive a dividend or have any control over how the company is run.

Manchester United had a difficult 2013/14 season on the pitch, which led to their share price falling. However, talk of a new kit deal that would bring huge amounts of extra revenue into the club pushed the share price up, so it’s not just what happens on the pitch that affects the price
Fan ownership schemes.

Football club investment isn’t limited to buying shares in the big teams. Putting money into your local club might not be the most profitable way to invest, but it can be rewarding in different ways: from having more influence in how the club is run to seeing the difference your investment is making.

Around thirty UK football clubs are owned by supporters’ trusts, including several that are run democratically, where each member is only able to buy one share each, or is only allowed one vote. Fan-owned teams include AFC Wimbledon, Exeter City, FC United of Manchester and Wycombe Wanderers.

In 2010, green energy businessman Dale Vince became the majority shareholder in Gloucestershire’s Forest Green Rovers, who play in England’s fifth tier. Although the club’s fortunes have only improved a little on the pitch since his investment, Vince has been able to bring his own values to the club – the keen environmentalist has brought solar panels, vegan food, an organic pitch and an emphasis on environmental awareness to the club.

Even fans with far smaller stakes to invest have been able to save clubs threatened with extinction. The largest British club owned by its fans is Portsmouth FC; the Pompey Supporters’ Trust bought the club in 2013 after it had again fallen into administration. One of Greece’s biggest sides, Panathinaikos, were taken over in 2012 by the Panathenian Alliance, a group that allowed thousands of fans to own a stake in their ailing club.

In Spain, Real Oviedo had amassed enough financial problems to put their future in jeopardy until an internet campaign and the support of some high profile ex-players brought in enough investors to secure the club’s existence. This CNN article looks into Oviedo’s tale in greater detail.

Is investing in a football club a good idea?

Despite the ever-increasing price of match tickets and merchandise, Premier League clubs generally have large net losses, relying on huge debts or their rich owners’ munificence to fund their spending. Going further down the leagues, it’s even tighter, as only three teams in the second tier made an operating profit in the 2012/13 season.

There aren’t many teams that you can buy shares in, and sports teams hardly ever perform well on the stock market compared to other companies. They also don’t usually grant shareholders any level of control over company decisions.

As clubs very rarely pay dividends, the only chance of making a profit would come from selling shares for more than you bought them. Share prices often rise and fall for a range of reasons; rumours of takeovers can push the price up as much as events on the pitch, which can benefit short term speculators looking to make a quick buck more than long term investors.

So football shares aren’t the most stable form of investment out there for anyone looking to make a sure profit. But they could be what you’re looking for if you want to invest in something that interests you.

Shares in one of the big clubs might be worth it if a shareholder certificate for the team you love is enough. But if you want to see your money go towards something more tangible, helping out a team that really need it might be your most rewarding option.

Other ways to invest for profit
If the limited returns of football club shares don’t sound so tempting, there are plenty of other ways you can invest in the rest of the stock market; read our guide, How to Start Investing in Shares.

Alternatively, you could use other investing methods to try to make some profit from your knowledge of the beautiful game.

Spread betting on football results allows you to place bets on a huge range of factors, from the number of goals in a game to the bookings or even offside decisions. But you could also use financial spread betting to make money from predicting the movement of teams’ share prices. Spread betting can lead to considerable losses if you’re not careful; make sure you read our guide on Getting Started with Spread Betting.

With Contracts for Difference you can profit when shares fall in price, as well as when they rise, since you don’t actually buy the shares. Read our guide, Contracts for Difference Explained, to find out what you need to know.

If you have a large amount to invest or will rely at all on any income you might make from it, consult an Independent Financial Advisor first to make sure you understand exactly what you’re doing; follow our 5 Step Plan to Finding an IFA You Can Trust with Your Money.

SOURCE: http://completesportsnigeria.com/how-to-invest-in-football-club/

–Super Eagles defender, Godfrey Oboabona rues injury blow in Brazil 2014

He was one of the Super Eagles biggest revelations at the South Africa 2013 AFCON.
Caykur Rizespor of Turkey centre-back, Godfrey Oboabona was expected to consolidate on his superb showings at the AFCON in Brazil 2014, but a serious injury in Nigeria’s opening fixture against Iran would ensure the former Sunshine star of Akure stalwart would play no further part in that championship.

Oboabona in this interview pours out his emotions as he relays his worst moment in the round leather game.

BRAZIL 2014 WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE
I still have to thank God for all that happened to me at the World Cup because nothing happens without divine arrangement. Brazil 2014 was my first World Cup, which I was looking forward to as every player would. But it was painful because I could only play for just a few minutes before that dream was cut short by injury. It was a sad moment for me, though I felt I could bounce back in subsequent games, alas that was not to be! Like I said, I thank God for everything because whatever happens in life should be taken in good faith.

THE INJURY
It was devastating! I never envisaged that at all and if anyone had told me my World Cup would end in just 30 minutes, I would have called that a joke. I went for the ball in the air and to my surprise, landed badly and my ankle was twisted in the process. I wanted to eventually emerge as one of the best defenders of the World Cup but that injury ended my dream. In all situations, you just have to thank God, besides, once there is life there is hope. I am back now still playing football and there are still more World Cups ahead of me by the special grace of God.

WORLD CUP HIGHS AND LOWS
Yeah the World Cup has come and gone now but the memories will forever remain with me. Honestly, my happiest moment was kicking the ball in Brazil even though I never had the opportunity to play much but I have got no regret at all as far as Brazil 2014 is concerned.

Playing at the World Cup is my happiest moment because not every player gets to do that in a lifetime. However, it was painful I had that injury. Each time I look back, all I have to do is to thank God. At that time when I was in the wheelchair, several thoughts were running through my mind; I felt like God, is this how my World Cup dream would end? Just like that! I was close to tears but I had to summon courage and wish my team the best of luck.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME?
Well, I would still go for that ball in the air and hopefully be more careful with my landing. I would be happy to play against Lionel Messi and some of his Argentina teammates. It hurt missing out on the Argentina match because that was a game where Super Eagles did their best even though they lost by 3-2. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would look towards to playing against France and hopefully help Nigeria win that game. But in reality, the rest of the team gave their all and the defenders were great too. I wouldn’t have done anything special, even though we all agree that injury tends to deplete a team and ours was not different.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RUMOUR THAT YOU WERE HAUNTED BY TEAMMATES
I don’t believe in that, I believe in God almighty who is the maker of heaven and earth. My injury was due to happen because God himself is aware of it. All that happened to me in Brazil was a divine arrangement, God knows why he allowed the injury. The view that some of my teammates used some diabolical means to stop me from playing does not hold water at all. I was not witch hunted in Brazil by my teammates as some people speculate, the injury just happened.

DID SUPER EAGLES MISS GODFREY OBOABONA?
I don’t think my presence would have made any difference from what we had against the likes of France. We could have lost badly too if I was not injured, that is football. In all, credit must go to my Super Eagles teammates for pushing the team all the way to the second round. I am the one that missed the team much because I had no other option than to sit and watch, then offer some encouraging words to the team.

LIFE IN TURKEY
Yeah, I have to keep thanking God for the move because it was the turning point of my football career. Daniel Amokachi’s legacy lives on in Turkey, the country is just crazy about Nigerian players. In life nothing good comes easy. I have really settled down to business at my club now and all I am looking forward to now is for the season to start. Talking about the people, I will say they have been wonderful and the food too. Just as they say; if you’re in Rome you have to behave like the Romans. I am enjoying my career here in Turkey; this coming season would be a better one for me. Everything is going on fine with me here and I have really integrated into the Turkish community.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE NEW SEASON
The pre-season is over now and we all are back in the club training and looking forward to a new football season. We are training hard daily as we look forward to our first season game.

Lots of friendly matches were played during the pre-season and that really helped put the players in top shape. Our vision and plan is to make sure Çaykur Rizespor qualify for Europa at the end of the season by the special grace of God.

RELATIONSHIP WITH COACH MEHMET OZDILEK
Things get tougher as you aim higher in life. Yes it was rough at the initial stage of my arrival in the club but it worked out in my favour in the long run because I was able to work very hard and fight for my place in the team. At the end, I was able to play 21 matches last season but I am looking forward to an improvement on that this coming season. My relationship with Mehmet Özdilek is cordial and he has continued to spur me on.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/oboabona-how-my-world-cup-ended-in-30-minutes/