₦airaland Forum

[img][/img]Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted the best player in the 23-year history of the English Premier League. Ronaldo played only six seasons for Manchester United from 2003 to 2009.

According to a report in mirror.co.uk, a survey conducted by Usurv placed Ronaldo above Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs, who finished second and third respectively.

Ronaldo joined the Red Devils in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for a fee of 12 million pounds.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or holder had a fine run at Old Trafford which saw him find the back of the net 118 times in 292 games. His exploits saw him named the World Player of the Year in 2008 after inspiring United to a UEFA Champions League triumph.

Real Madrid brought Ronaldo’s stint at the Premier League to an end in 2009 when he joined them for what was then a world-record fee of 80 million pounds.

In the survey, as many as 1,000 members of the public were given a choice of 10 players to vote from and invited to select who they thought was the best in the Premier League’s history.

Ronaldo beats other 9 players namely Henry, Giggs, Eric Cantona, Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp, Steven Gerrard, Alan Shearer, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira to the award.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ronaldo-voted-best-epl-player-ever/

Reading have completed the signing of former Everton and Middlesbrough striker Yakubu on a short-term deal.
Now 32, the ex-Nigeria international had been plying his trade in Qatar with Al Rayyan, but was available to Steve Clarke as a free agent.

Yakubu first came to England on loan to Portsmouth from Maccabi Haifa, before joining the club on a permanent deal in 2003.

From there, he had spells as Middlesbrough and Everton, where he scored 25 goals at each, before securing a move to Blackburn in 2011.

He left England two years ago to continue his career at Guangzhou in China, but has now returned to play in the Championship.

Yakubu becomes Reading’s third arrival in the January window, following the loan signing of Chelsea starlet Nathaniel Chalobah and Slovenian left-back Jure Travner.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/yakubu-joins-reading-short-term-deal/

Nigeria’s most modern stadium is nominated to become Stadium of the Year 2014. Everyone can help their favourite stadium reach for success.

The Akwa Ibom International Stadium is among venues nominated for Stadium of the Year award. The current edition includes 32 major stadiums opened in 2014. 8 are located in Brazil, three in the USA, while Hungary and Poland each have two nominees.

“It’s great to see a new stadium for Nigeria to be proud of. Its white outer cladding and illumination also make it stand out globally and become a true landmark for Uyo,” says Grzegorz Kaliciak, founder of StadiumDB.com, organizer of the competition.

Now stadium enthusiasts from around the world can vote to select their Stadium of the Year. Each Internet user may vote only once by selecting five most favourite stadia. Within the first 4 days over 25,000 people have given their vote through dedicated online platform. The vote is open until February 17.

A separate vote is ran by the competition Jury, consisting of famous architects from five countries. Bob van Bebber and Mike Bell from South Africa designed stadiums of the 2010 World Cup, while Bruno Campos from Brazil was one of the architects of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Jury also consists of John Bontinck (Belgium), Bryan Roe (Ireland) and Serban Tiganas (Romania).

The Public Vote and Jury Vote awards will both be announced on February 19.

Stadium of the Year is held every year in January and February by Stadiony.net and StadiumDB.com, two websites dedicated solely to sports stadiums. Current edition is already the fifth one. Previous winners include Aviva Stadium (2010), PGE Arena Gdansk (2011), Gremio Arena (2012) and Ghelamco Arena (2013).

Stadium of the Year is not a commercial competition. It’s an independent project organized to establish the most appreciated stadiums worldwide. Should you require any further information about the competition or have additional questions, please contact Michal Karas at Michal@stadiumDB.com.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/akwa-ibom-stadium-nominated-stadium-year-award/

The 30th edition of the African Cup of Nations kicks off (today) Saturday, 17 January 2015.

The tournament which is being hosted by Equatorial Guinea after Morocco withdrew as hosts due to fears over the Ebola disease outbreak in parts of the continent will not have defending champions, Nigeria, defend the title they won in 2013.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify from a relatively easy group and many African football experts are already ruing the absence of the team still handled by out-of-contract Stephen Keshi.

How do you see the 2015 AFCON panning out: Do you think the quality of football on show will be low?

Is it more ‘comfortable’ watching a tournament without your own team (Super Eagles) which saves you nervous moments?

Is the AFCON miss a blessing in disguise in the face of the Ebola threat, or should the Federal Government of Nigeria have accepted to host the tournament when Nigeria’s qualification chances was floundering?

How can the Nigeria Football Federation and technical crew of the Super Eagles and indeed other Nigerian national teams avoid such embarrassing qualification situations in future?

Send in your views and opinions on this topic using the ‘Leave a Reply’ field at the lower part of this page. Please, provide your authentic email address in the required field before posting your comment. Your comment will show here in few minutes after the moderator has approved it.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/will-africa-miss-super-eagles-2015-afcon/

–Swiss based star explains change in nationality

FC Biel-Bienne of Switzerland midfielder, Steve Ukoh who is currently with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in UAE ahead of the friendlies with Ivory Coast and Sudan has given reasons why he chose to play for Nigeria.

Steve Ukoh, 23, who met his Eagles team mates for the first time in UAE has played for the Swiss national U-16,17,18,19 and 20 teams, he revealed that he chose to play for Nigeria when he was approached after a game in Switzerland.

“I was approached by Nigeria after a game in Switzerland, before then I never thought I’ll play for Nigeria it’s an honor for me to be here with the Super Eagles in UAE and I’m looking forward to playing in the two friendlies,”said Ukoh.

Born from a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother, Ukoh recalled that it’s been over two decades since he last visited Nigeria.

“My father is a Nigerian but my mum is from Switzerland and she cooks a lot of Nigerian food. The last time I was in Nigeria was around twenty one years ago, I was well received when I joined the Eagles and it’s like a big family and I’m happy.

“I know some Nigerian foods like Ogbono, Egusi, Bitter leaf, Pounded yam. My parents cook a lot of Nigerian food at home so I’m very familiar with Nigerian food.

Steve Ukoh who is expected to play a part in the friendlies stated that he is looking forward to a future invitation.

“I’ll give my best at all times and I’m looking forward to playing for Nigeria many times. I’m looking forward to a future invitation to the Super Eagles, I’m very happy here and I hope that by the grace of God this will continue”, Ukoh concluded.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ukoh-switched-nigeria/

.........

The year 2014 was an eventful one in Nigerian sports.

In football, the Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations which begins in Equatorial Guinea in two weeks time despite being African champions.

However the women's senior national football team, the Super Falcons won the African Women Championship for a record 7th time in nine editions while the U20 women side, Super Falconets won silver at the FIFA U20 Women World Cup where striker Asisat Oshoala emerged as the Most Valueable Player.

Nigeria had its best showing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as many athletes like Blessing Okagbare broke various records, and also in other Championships.

Aruna Quadri became the first African and black table tennis star to be ranked 30th in the world.

In 2015, the African continent will witness the All African Games in Congo Brazaville. The Nigerian U17 and U20 men's football national teams will campaign in the African Youth Championships and hope to qualify for the FIFA World Cups in both cadres.

The Super Falcons will represent Africa as champions alongside Cameroon and Ghana in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

So what are your projections for these tournaments and many others which may not have been reviewed here but in which Nigerian sports stars will fly Nigeria's flag in?

In which sport are you expecting medals rush at the All African Games?

What are your message to the different sports federations ahead of the Games?


Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/

–Former Eagles Star, Emeka Ezeugo Insists Big Boss Is Not The Sole Culprit For AFCON Failure

Former Super Eagles Star, Emeka Ezeugo holds a different view to the general call for the sack of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi from the Eagles plum job.

In this interview with Complete Sports Saturday’s SULAIMAN ALAO, Ezeugo states his claim in his usual blunt fashion…

COMPLETE SPORTS: In your own assessment, how would you rate Nigerian football in the outgone year 2014?

EMEKA EZEUGO: Our football suffered a major setback in 2014 due to the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations to be held in Equatorial Guinea this year. It was all the more glaring considering the fact that we won the last edition in 2013 and we were supposed to be the defending champion at the 2015 edition. And if you also add the fact that we qualified and played at the World Cup also last year, it was therefore a case of grace to grass story for the Eagles. Now, I’m not saying the sum total of evaluating Nigerian football is tied solely to the performance of the Super Eagles, but there is no denying the fact that internationally, the assessment of a country’s football success is largely tied to that of the senior national team. And on that rating, the Eagles definitely crashed from the highest position to the lowest point.

What about the football administration. Do you think Nigeria fared any better?

We didn’t fare any better in our football administration last year because there were crises which are yet to be resolved as we begin a new year. In other words, we now have a carry-over of crisis in Nigerian football both on and off the pitch and this does not in any way portend a healthy situation for the growth of our football. The football house was riddled with crises before, during and after the election of a new board of the NFF and we were almost banned by the world football governing body, FIFA in the process. Even with the way the new board is presently constituted, there is no clear break-away from the old setting because most of the personnel are recycled people who are bereft of new ideas on how to develop our football.

There seems to be a dilemma over the fate of Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi who has been at the centre of the storm so to say. News in the media of recent suggest that he is about to be given a new contract despite calls from many quarters that he should be sacked. What is your take on that?

I think Keshi is being made to bear the brunt of the crisis rocking our football. Even though he is part of the issue, he definitely not the sole culprit of the current state of our football. Almost everyone has been calling for Keshi’s sack but I hold a different view. Keshi’s only minus as we all know was not being able to qualify the team for the Nations Cup. Aside that, his achievements with the Eagles within the three years he has been in charge, speak volumes and not even a foreign coach can beat his record. If Keshi must resign, he should have done that when the ovation was loudest but since he is asking for another chance to handle the team especially after the nation’s number one citizen – President Goodluck Jonathan recalled him, I think we should let him be because sincerely, Keshi deserves another chance. We can take a cue from the Spanish team led by Vincent Del Bosque that won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 only to be humiliated in Brazil last year when they failed to qualify from the group stages and yet Spain did not sack the coach and he is still in charge of the team. For me, Keshi is to be applauded and not crucified!

Are you saying you don’t agree with those who are calling for a total overhaul of the Eagles?

I don’t think that is necessary and overhauling the team would not solve the problem. Don’t forget that Keshi started the rebuilding of the current team in 2011 and he has brought in a sizeable number of young players into the team. So if we really want continuity, we must not disband the team and we should retain Keshi’s services.

With Nigeria out of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea. Do you think the Super Eagles would be missed at the AFCON scheduled to kick off two weeks from now?

Of course, the Eagles would be sorely missed at the Nations Cup. Nigeria is arguably the biggest football-playing nation in Africa and we have a way of lighting up any competition not only in the continent but in the world too. Can you imagine a World Cup competition without Brazil? That’s the same way it is when Nigeria don’t get to play at an African Cup of Nations finals. Perhaps the only people that won’t miss the Eagles are our major rivals who would of course have an easier task of winning the trophy in our absence. Aside being a loss for Africa, our non-participation will also affect our football back at home. Journalists here at home like you would most likely not have the opportunity of going to cover the tournament while the vast populace of Nigerian football fans will also miss their darling Eagles when the competition gets underway. Our missing the AFCON is definitely not beneficial in any sense because it has taken us two steps backward.

Would you say we have learnt any lesson from our previous experiences of not qualifying for a major competition?

No, not at all. We have definitely not learn any lesson from previous failures to qualify for major competitions because we keep doing things the same way. We don’t want to change the status quo. We can’t keep doing things the same way over the years and expect different results. We need to put certain structures in place through which we can strictly and sincerely monitor the development of the game taking into cognizance our school sports, local league and age-grade teams. It calls for great commitment, vision, selfless service and professionalism. But like I’ve said earlier, in this part of the world people don’t come out clean to call a spade a spade. That’s why we have the same bunch of people who don’t want to rock the boat as long as they stand to benefit personally, in charge of the game which is detrimental to our football development. It’s the reason why some of us have been kept on the sidelines all these years for daring to challenge the status quo but that won’t deter us from speaking out since God has been faithful in sustaining us.

Stephen Keshi’s assistant, Daniel Amokachi has been saddled with the responsibility of leading the Eagles in the upcoming friendly matches arranged for the team.

That’s the normal thing to do since the issue of the chief coach is yet to be fully sorted out. It’s good that the NFF are at least trying to keep the Super Eagles active through international friendlies since we’ll not be playing any major competition for the time being. Amokachi has been on ground with the team, he is familiar with the players and that would help him to do a good job.

Let’s digress a bit to the U-23 team. The head coach of the Dream Team, Samson Siasia, is of the opinion that he is building a team that could be the Super Eagles in the nearest future. Do you agree with his views?

There is nothing wrong with Siasia’s views. Of course, the U-23 team is the closest amongst the age-grade national teams to the Super Eagles and if a coach can do a good job with the U-23 team, such a coach has the potential to do well with the senior team. In the past, we have seen a huge number of players within the U-23 age bracket who were already a mainstay in the senior team. Besides, Siasia is in a good position to air such views having had previous experiences of handling the U-23 Eagles and the Super Eagles.

What are your expectations for Nigerian football in the New Year 2015?

Well, I expect us to do well in the age-grade competition as we have been doing in the past. I think we can win the U-17 World Cup again and we can also do well with the U-20 team. The U-23 team is gradually taking shape and look in good stead to do well too. Of course, our female teams can always do us proud and I expect them to build on past achievements. But I am not expecting anything much from the Super Eagles because of the current air of instability which has been prevailing over the team. By and large, we have not been consistent in being able to transform our various successes in the age-grade teams to the senior teams and that has been a big minus.

Your parting words…

What’s more to say than to wish all Nigerians a prosperous new year and to keep our resolve to build a better country for ourselves and the coming generations.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ezeugo-keshi-deserves-another-chance/

QPR Manager Harry Redknapp, who has been linked with a move for former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, has opted for West Ham striker Mauro Zarate.

Redknapp, according to reports had a three-man shortlist of Yakubu, Mauro Zarate and Jermain Defoe lined up as a back up signing to first choice forward, Charlie Austin, in the winter.

However, the QPR manager appears to have settled for out of favour West Ham forward Mauro Zarate with the Argentine scheduled to undergo a medical with Rangers on 2nd of January.

Aiyegbeni, currently out of contract following the expiration of his deal with Al Rayyan of Qatar where he scored three times in eight appearance, was first signed by Redknapp in 2003.

He enjoyed a distinguish career in England playing for Portsmouth, Middlesborough, Everton, Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers before moving to China in 2012 where he played for Guangzhou R&F.

The 32-year-old holds the record of being Nigeria’s third highest goal scorer in history with 21 goals from 57 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Read MoreL: http://completesportsnigeria.com/redknapp-dumps-yakubu-opts-karate/

–As model sues ex-boyfriend ‘for leaking flirty messages’

A glamour model is to sue her ex after he reportedly leaked flirty text messages between her and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil onto the internet.

Melanie Rickinger is launching a legal action against former Bayern Munich player Christian Lell, and wants damages for “theft of data”, according to German newspaper Bild.

In October, Lell accused Ozil of having an affair with Rickinger – whom he branded a “groupie” – while he was still in a relationship with her.

Ozil, 26, split with his girlfriend Mandy Capristo, 24, after the messages were published.

Attorney General Thomas Steinkraus-Koch confirmed the legal complaint had been lodged.

The Arsenal superstar, who is currently enduring a prolonged spell on the sidelines, threatened legal action towards German newspaper Bild, who published the text messages.

Lell, 30, had claimed that his break-up with Rickinger was partly as a result of what Ozil had been doing. He told Bild:

“Mesut exploited his fame, and muscled in on our relationship. That isn’t OK.” Ozil’s girlfriend Capristo moved with him to London in September 2013 when he signed for Arsenal in a club record £42.5million deal.

But the singer has now deleted all photographs of him from her Facebook and Instagram accounts. Ozil refused to make a statement on the allegations about his love life last October.

His agent Roland Eitel said at the time: “We are not commenting on this.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ozils-affair-row-continues/

–Red Devils skipper optimistic of team’s chances

Wayne Rooney says “anything can still happen” in the race for the title as Manchester United continue to track the current leaders.

The Red Devils continued their impressive form on Boxing Day with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford against Newcastle, taking their unbeaten run to eight games in which they have won seven.

The Blues are 10 points ahead of Louis van Gaal’s team going into their final game of 2014, so it does seem like a tough challenge for the Red Devils to win the Premier League title this season.

Despite the big margin Rooney is feeling optimistic about United’s chances and the England international admits the next few games are important.

“There is still a long way to go, we know that,” he said. “We have chased leads down before and we’ve lost leads ourselves before, and by a big number of points.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/rooney-united-still-title-race/

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