₦airaland Forum

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi got fans praises after yesterday's training at the UJ Esuene Stadium as he was being called African Mourinho while negotiating his way to the team's bus that conveyed him to the Transcorp Hotel.

The fans numbering about fifty were locked out from the team's training but yet they still could not hide their love for the team as they were chanting their names one after another when as they enter the team's bus.

Complete Sports can report from the fans’ reaction that a clear victory is what they expect from the team on Saturday when they host the Walya Ibex of Ethiopia in the last 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game holding in Calabar.

Some of the fans who spoke to Complete Sports said they were happy to have the team again in Calabar, saying they expect total victory from the team on Saturday.

Ituban Alocia said: "We are happy to see them here in Calabar and that is why you see all of us outside here but unfortunately, they did not allow us to watch the training. I want them to win and I am sure that we are going to the World Cup."

Collins Esiun said: "I love football and I am always happy anytime I see this team in Calabar, that is why I came to the stadium to see the players and I pray that they win on Saturday.

The Super Eagles who trained once yesterday will be hoping to win the Saturday's game to finally secure a place in the 2014 edition after beating the Ethiopians 2-1 in the first leg match played in Addis Ababa.

Source: www.completesportsnigeria.com

Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi is so confident the team will beat Ethiopia on Saturday that he predicts the scoreline in this interview with BAMIDELE BOLUWAJI in Calabar.

So much has been said about the match and I'm sure you are also looking forward to it, what do you really expect from the Ethiopians?

I expect a tough game from them based on how the first leg match ended in Ethiopia but we are ready for them and our coming here is to make sure that we get the World Cup ticket. We have played a series of qualifying games and we now face the last game, so we are not going to take it lightly with them.

They have been boasting that they are going to cause an upset here in Nigeria on Saturday, how are you guys preparing for them?

Well, that is what they are wishing themselves, but we are not going to allow that to happen. We have worked so hard to this level and we need the World Cup ticket more than them, so they should forget that idea of coming here to cause any upset, we are ready for them.

As one of the young players in the team, how would you reflect on the first leg match played in Addis Ababa?

That match is over now but each time I remember that Nigeria went there to play the first leg match I always ask myself how it happened that we won with all the factors we were told about the Ethiopian players and the country itself but the fact that we wnt there and won the match has shown that we have plans for the World Cup ticket and we hace come here again to complete the job.

Having won the first leg match in Addis Ababa, don't you think you and your colleagues will be under pressure on Saturday to deliver?

We are not going to be under pressure, we have players that are mature and exposed in the team. This is not the first time we will be playing a tough mach like this, so we are not going to take it easy with them, respect them and we are not going to underrate them. The fact that we won the first leg match does not mean that we are going to relax, it is going to be a tough match and we will do our best to win.

What motivation are you guys getting ahead of the match?

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/11/onazi-well-beat-ethiopia-2-0

DID YOU KNOW?

Nigeria have not lost at home in the FIFA World Cup preliminary tournament since 10 October 1981,when they were beaten 2-0 by Algeria in Lagos. Since then, Nigeria have picked up 27 wins (including 21 consecutive victories) and two draws from their home qualifiers.

Along with Tunisia, Nigeria have scored more goals in FIFA World Cup qualification than any other side, 151 in total.

Furthermore, Nigeria became the first African side to hit a century of goals in the competition following their 3-0 home win over Sudan on 7 January 2001. The historic 100th goal was claimed by Victor Okechukwu Agali on 67 minutes.

Source: www.completesportsnigeria.com

Nigeria’s outstanding No10 Kelechi Iheanacho put on a dazzling display of football here in UAE, scoring six goals and setting up a further seven en route to a fourth title for the west Africans. A playmaker and lethal finisher all rolled into one, his trademark goal celebrations had the Nigerian fans here in UAE on their feet from start to finish.

FIFA.com caught up with the best player of the 2013 U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates to talk about how it feels to be a world champion, his chat with Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu and why he had doubts about his size and strength when he was called into the national team camp.

How does it feel to be a world champion?

I feel good, I feel good, I feel good! I thank God because I feel so good. I don’t know if I can find the words to say what I’m actually feeling. I can’t even tell what I’m feeling because I’m feeling a millions things at the same time. I am feeling love for my teammates and my family and my country. I feel all of it. I’m on a high for winning the World Cup and the Golden Ball (best player).

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/11/iheanacho-im-feeling-a-million-things

--Ameobi, Osaze, Musa, Ideye fire blanks; Mikel benched


ENGLAND
John Mikel Obi (Chelsea); Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle): Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi was an unused substitute for Chelsea as goals from Yoan Gouffran and Loic Remy dented Chelsea’s Premier League title charge with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory.
Mikel who has been called up for the Super Eagles 2014 World Cup second leg play-off clash in Calabar on the 16th has featured in five EPL games and has scored once for Jose Mourinho’s side so far this season.

Shola Ameobi was replaced by Papiss Demba Cisse in the 62nd minute in his fifth appearance and he is yet to get off the mark this season. His younger sibling Sammy has equally played five games with his only goal coming in the Capital One Cup.

Sone Aluko (Hull City): Nigerian winger Sone Aluko was missing in action for Hull City as they edged past nine-man Sunderland at the KC stadium on Saturday. Aluko has played nine games and has scored once this season and has provided two assists.

Victor Anichebe (West Brom): Super Eagles burly forward Victor Anichebe was not listed for action for Westbrom as they returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win against manager less EPL side Crystal Palace on Saturday. He is yet to score in five games.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/11/emenike-is-best-eagle-in-europe

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi insists being overlooked for the nominees for the 2013 FIFA Coach of the Year award is "no big deal."

The 51-year-old led the Super Eagles to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title in February, and has also taken them to within reach of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals.

However, the former Mali and Togo boss has not been considered for this year's top coaching honour, but he is not losing any sleep over the omission and believes there will be plenty more chances in the future to put himself in the frame for the prestigious award.

"Honestly I don't want to bother myself with such because it is no big deal," he told SuperSport.
"I don't know how they agreed on who qualifies to be nominated or what criteria were used in the process of nomination. That's why I say it is no big deal not being nominated.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/11/keshi-fifa-snub-no-big-deal

3SC wing-back Mutiu Adegoke believes Franklin Howard can guide the club back to the premier league.

Howard was announced as 3SC's head coach shortly after the Akeem Busari-led technical crew were shown the door for taking the club down to the National League.

Adegoke points to Howard's impressive record in the second tier of the Nigerian league previously with Union Bank and in his first spell with 3SC as reason why he is suitable for the job.

He added that Howard has also shown a lot of enthusiasm to ensure the Oluloye Warriors make an immediate return to the premier league.

"Howard has the experience for the job," Adegoke said.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/11/adegoke-backs-howards-appointment-as-new-3sc-coach

NIgeria to Face Uruguay on Saturday

Three-time champions Nigeria had no trouble with Iran at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain racking up three goals in the first half en route to a 4-1 scoreline.

The result sets up a quarter-final date for the Nigerians with Uruguay, a game in which they may likely miss two of their best attackers – Kalechi Iheanacho and

Success Isaac – through injury.

Nigeria came out all guns blazing in the opening seconds. Iheanacho, who scored four goals in the opener on this very pitch, fired a vicious shot from the corner of

the penalty area inside the first minute that only just flew over the bar.

The Eaglets were into the lead just seconds later when Musa Yahaya pulled off an outrageous move to leave his man for dead at the edge of the penalty area. He sent in

a low diagonal ball to Samuel Okon, who sliced in from a tight angle.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 for the Africans. Taiwo Awoniyi, on for the injured Success Isaac, pulled the ball across the 18-yard line for Iheanacho, who dispatched

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/fifa-u17-nigeria-4-1-iran

By Johnny Edward:


Arsenal are monitoring Nigeria wonder-kid Kelechi Iheanacho after his imperious four-goal haul against Mexico in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match with Mexico, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Iheanacho, 17, shot to the top of the scoring charts in the competition with a brilliant display against the CONCACEF champions in their opening Group F game.

After the haul he told Fifa.com: 'I’ve scored four goals in a game many times, but only in the streets with my friends. But never in an international match.'

Gunners chief scout Steve Rowley is out in the United Arab Emirates watching the tournament, and is known to be impressed by the midfielder.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/arsenal-target-nigerias-u17-star-iheanacho

Ahead of tomorrow's international friendly game against Jordan, Scribe of the Nigeria Football Federation, Musa Amadu, has stated that it was necessary for the federation to organize the friendly in preparation for the Championship for African nations (CHAN) which will come up next year in South Africa.

Amadu stressed that the game will enable Coach Stephen Keshi test the players for next year’s championship.

He added that playing Jordan will allow the team to gain confidence in themselves and get themselves used to playing as a unit.

"We decided that our home-based players should go to Jordan and play this match on Monday the 28th of October"

"We know that the game will be tough because Jordan is a very good side as we have seen them in the Asian world cup qualifiers, so we want to afford Keshi the opportunity to test these players and see what he can be able to come up with before they go into the final camping before the tournament in January" Amadu said.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/home-eagles-ready-for-jordan-test

The Nigeria U20 team, the Falconets are step closer to the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup in Canada as they won their first leg of the qualifiers against Sierra Leone 10-0.

Four from first half substitute Uchechi Sunday, a brace from Halimatu Ayinde and Chidinma Edeji, one from Patience Okaeme have made the Sierra Leone dream of making it to the Women World Cup almost impossible.

The Falconets opened scoring as early as the 11th minute through Halimat Ayinde, Chidinma Edeji made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute while Halimat scored her second in the 25th minute.

Injured Bayelsa Queens ace, Yetunde Adeboyejo goes off, to be replaced by Rivers Angels’ forward Sunday Uchechi who made an immediate impact with a brace, scoring one from open play in the 37th minute and the other just a minute later from the penalty spot after Winifred Eyebhiora was brought down in the penalty area.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/falconets-thrash-sierra-leone-100

--Ahead Ghana s/leg play-off

Egypt will open talks with Nigeria and Zimbabwe over the possibility of facing any of them in a friendly game before hosting Ghana in the second leg of the World Cup qualifying playoff on 19 November.

Chief executive Tharwat Sweilam said the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had also contacted several other national teams to arrange a friendly next month.

"We also have an invitation from Zambia to play a friendly on 14 November. We will consider the offer," he added.

The Pharaohs are clinging to a slim hope of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1990, having been hammered by Ghana 6-1 in a first-leg to forget in Kumasi.

The lack of domestic football due to the Premier League's cancellation for the second successive season has left Egypt coach Bob Bradley with no choice but to resort to some low-key friendly matches to prepare his side.

SOURCE: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/egypt-seek-eagles-friendly

--Lazio of Italy star, Ogenyi Onazi reveals his untold story

Small and mighty aptly sums up the description of this former Golden Eaglets star whose amazing performances in the Super Eagles colours, particularly at the last Cup of Nations in South Africa have continued to astonished many.
An unknown quantity when he featured mostly from the substitute bench at the U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria in 2009, Ogenyi Onazi has taken his game beyond immeasurable heights as a star in the Italian Serie A and also an African Champion just within a couple of years.
This petite but solid dynamite tells his story in this interview. Excerpts...

Emerging from a football family

Yeah, football runs in our blood. Those close to my family know that virtually everybody in the family plays football. Though, I must say here that my elder brother is a better footballer than me, but you know God is the one who owns our lives. My brothers are doing well in their respective career s and we really thank God for his mercies. I just want to play football. It is not by might or power but by the spirit of God. I am happy I have parents who always rally behind me. But I must confess that my mentor and my father in the lord, senior prophet TB Joshua is the man that helped me actualize my goal. Lots of talented footballers abound in Nigeria; even the good ones don’t have the opportunity of showcasing their talents. But the man of God accepted me with open arms when I was introduced to him. I know my humble beginning and I cannot forget my source. He accepted me even though he never met my parents before. It was him who gave me that opportunity to play for the U-17 team . I really want to thank him for believing in me and pray God continues to bless him.

On his progress in Super Eagles thus far

It has been so far so good, where the national team is concerned. It has always been my dream to play for my country at any level. It has been my childhood ambition to play football. I believe in my dream and I know God can make dreams come true. I kept working hard while believing God for a major breakthrough in my football career. I am really enjoying life in the national team, each time I look back, nothing brings me joy like seeing my country progressing in the game. I think it is important we believe in ourselves and hope in God to see our dreams come true. Watching Super Eagles many years ago, I kept telling myself that I would one day wear the green and white jersey. Things looked bleak at that time but I really thank God for how far he has taken me in my football career. Honestly, if it’s a dream, I want to keep sleeping (laughter).

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/10/onazi-how-keshi-inspired-my-super-eagles-success

-Ex Coja boss Says he is Now Transformed

The three-year ban on former Nigeria CAF and FIFA Executive Committee member, Dr. Amos Adamu, slammed on him by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) three years ago has expired, thus making the Nigerian high profile sports administrator free again to participate in football activities within and outside Nigeria.

The FIFA ban on Adamu, a retired Director General of the National Sports Commission, expired at 12 mid night on October 19, making him a freeman again from October 20.

But contrary to expectations, Dr. Adamu has declared that he is not in a hurry to return to football administration in CAF, FIFA and WAFU.

“My interest is not to rush back to the international federations, but I am delighted that my ban has expired and I am free to contribute to the development of football and sports generally in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.”The former WAFU president noted that, he learned lots of lessons during his period of incarceration, and on return now, he would be delving into sports business and not sports administration as it was the case before his ban.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/amos-adamus-fifa-ban-ends

Vincent Enyeama's impressive display in Lille's 1-0 win over Montpellier at the weekend which ensured he has not conceeded a goal in 495 minutes of action (five consecutive Lique 1 games) has earned the Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper plaudits from both his manager and team-mates.

The 31-year-old produced a classy display between the posts for Les Dogues as they beat the 2011/12 Ligue 1 champions in their own back yard to stay third.

The former Hapoel Tel Aviv star pulled off a number of crucial saves in the tight affair including a penalty save,with boss Rene Girard singling him out for praise after the match.

"For us, this is a great victory. It's nice to get the three points. Vincent (Enyeama) took out a big game, he's a cat. He managed three and four important decisions when he was called to action, this is not simple," the manager told the club's official website.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/enyeama-goes-495-mins-without-conceding-goal

The Nigerian Football Federation have confirmed Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has not received a salary since March this year.

The NFF are struggling financially despite the success of the national team, and a number of Keshi's coaching staff as well as the African Cup of Nations-winning tactician have gone unpaid for the past seven months.

NFF president Alhaji Aminu Maigari confirmed the unfortunate situation, but revealed the dire financial position the federation finds itself in means there is little they can do to address the lack of payments.

"It is true that Keshi has not been paid for the past seven months but the hands of the federation are tied over this matter," he told SuperSport.

"It's not as if we are hoarding this money and have refused to pay him. The NFF is in dire straits as far as financial resources are concerned. We have even had to slash the winning bonus of players of the Super Eagles from $10,000 USD to $5,000. USD as a result."

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/10/keshi-unpaid-for-7-months

The Chairman of the League Management Committee, Hon Nduka Irabor, has said that there will be a regular review of the the Merit Award.

The League managers only on Friday announced a N50m prize money to be shared by the teams that participated in the Nigeria Professional Football League. Irabor said the prizes are a part of the strategy to ignite healthy competition amongst the clubs and extract greater commitment and enhanced quality of performance from the players.

'' The LMC will review the Merit Award prizes as we stabilize the League and grow the revenue base of the company to inspire the players towards higher quality performance and also engender healthy competition amongst the clubs,'' Irabor said.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/10/lmc-plan-regular-review-of-merit-awards

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has lauded the Super Eagles for beating the Walyas of Ethiopia 2-1 on their home ground and thanked them for honouring President Goodluck Jonathan who paid the team a visit in Addis Ababa with this victory.

The DG of the NSC observed that President Jonathan's unwavering support to the team did the magic in Ethiopia and he charged the team to finish up the job in Calabar, Cross River on November 16, 2013.

"I’m highly elated for the Eagles' victory over Ethiopia in today's (Sunday) match. The team and their coaches have justified the support given to them by Mr. President (Goodluck Jonathan).

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/elegbeleye-goodluck-made-eagles-victory-possible

--Hailed by Ex-Eagles stars

Super Eagles two-goal hero Emmanuel Emenike says he had confidence he would get a goal despite the tight attentions of Ethiopian defenders in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 win over the Waliya Ibex.

Ethiopia took the lead 10 minutes into the second half, but it lasted just 10 minutes as Emenike's shot all from 25 yards beat Tassew in Ethiopia's goal.
Nigeria then raised their game and in the 77th minute, Mikel Obi threaded a pass to Musa, whose shot came off the upright. It was a huge let-off for the East Africans.

But with a minute to time, Hailu Reda Aynalem upended Emenike in the box for a late penalty.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/10/emenike-speaks-on-brace

--Super Eagles speed star predicts tough duel

Liverpool dazzler Victor Moses has insisted that the Super Eagles have a major task on their hands if they are to overcome Ethiopia in a World Cup play - off match on Sunday.

Nigeria go into the tie in Addis Ababa as the bookies favorites having lost only once in their last seven meetings against the East Africans.

But Victor Moses has cautioned against complacency and expects the Antelopes to be tough opponents.

Speaking to reporters shortly after he was unveiled as a Globacom ambassador, the ex Crystal Palace ace said: “We are ready for the battle in Addis Ababa.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/moses-ethiopia-will-be-tough

Nigeria star of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Sunday Mba has vowed to shut critics up once he gets another chance with the Eagles.

Mba, 24, has not featured for Rangers after the Enugu team crashed out of the CAF Champions League in Angola earlier this year.

And then a move in the summer to French second division CA Bastia fell through.

Critics have queried the rationale behind Mba’s invitation to the Super Eagles as he has been inactive for several months now.

However, the Eagles midfielder told MTNFootball.com:"I don't care about what people say because people will continue to talk.

"I will continue to do my best and my game on the pitch will be my evidence."

Mba was the star when Nigeria qualified for the first time for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN), but he was frozen out of the Eagles last World Cup qualifier in Calabar last month.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/10/afcon-hero-mba-vows-to-shame-critics

--Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi confident of a favourable result

The die is cast and all eyes now are on Super Eagles to fly the flag higher in Addis Ababa this Sunday. What is going through your mind now coach? Do you really think of anything else other than this game?

Well, it is nothing but the game for now. That does not mean I don’t create time for other issues, but paramount in my mind now is Sunday’s game. I am not really worried about it, I am calm about this game and I never panic when the chill is down. This is not to say that I disrespect my opponents, I respect the Ethiopians and I know they play good football; they are fighters as well but my team is in good shape for this epic clash and we can’t just wait for Sunday to come.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/10/keshi-eagles-are-battle-ready

Super Eagles defender, Godfrey Oboabona is thinking about nothing but victory in next weekend's 2014 World Cup qualifying tie against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.

The Rizespor of Turkey defender posited that he and his colleagues are determined to take the battle to the Ethiopians and are fully focused on winning the game.

He declared"The game against Ethiopia is an important one for us and I strongly believe we can beat them right there in their backyard.

Read More: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/10/oboabona-its-victory-or-nothing-against-ethiopia

The eye-catching exploits of Ethiopia national team Walya Antelope cannot be mentioned without including the name of head coach Sewnet Bishaw, who has proved that local coaches can reach the very top when given the same backing and incentives as their foreign counterparts.

The veteran tactician has instilled discipline, self-belief and confidence in his team to lead them to where they are right now.

The secret of their great success lies in unity, teamwork, hard work and commitment as well as the belief that the name in front of the jersey (ETHIOPIA) is more important than the name at the back of the jersey.

Read more: www.completesportsnigeria.com

Ethiopia are not leaving anything to chance ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup play off against Nigeria.

Coach Sewnet Bishaw has been conducting two training sessions daily with the 23 players already in Camp.

The Walia Ibex have set camp at the prestigious Intercontinental hotel in Addis Ababa and have been training at the EEPCO ground in readiness for the October 13th first leg clash to be played at the National Stadium in Addis-Ababa.

Sewnet is expected to trim the players as foreign based players are yet to link up with the rest of the locally based squad, with every player working hard to impress the tactician.

Read more: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/ethiopia-intensify-preparations-for-nigeria

As the much anticipated 2014 FIFA World Cup play-off between Super Eagles and Walya Antelopes draws closer, Complete Sports Saturday’s David Meshioye continues his previews and provides vital information for first time travelers planning a trip to Addis- Ababa to cheer on the Nigerian team .


THE TEAM
The Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia are fast becoming a force to reckon with in East Africa and have moved on to show some serious intent at the international level. At the last AFCON in South Africa, Ethiopia crashed out due to illluck, losing to Nigeria at the last group match. Had the likes of Asrat Megersa and Adane Girma featured in that all important game, perhaps the story would have been different.

Qualifying for the final stage of FIFA 2014 World Cup is indeed a great milestone for the Sewnet Bishaw tutored lads. This team looks good to give Nigeria’s Super Eagles a good run for their money when both sides lock horns in Addis Ababa in October.

Read more: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/ethiopia-a-nation-on-a-quest

--Super Eagles starninsists Reds can maintain challenge with Suarez still to return

Victor Moses has arrived at Anfield with a twinkle in his eye and a stark warning: Liverpool are finally ready to win the Premier League title.

For a club that has failed to win a league title for over twenty-three years, so often inhibited by the burden of history, it is quite the assertion.

For those into their history, 1990 was some year. Abroad, the reunification of Germany, the release of Nelson Mandela and the beginning of the Gulf War transformed the spectre of world politics.

In the United Kingdom, we had the dismissal of Margaret Thatcher. This was the season of Michael Knighton’s keepy-uppies on the Old Trafford pitch, as Manchester United finished 13th.
Added to Liverpool’s last title win in May 1990, their tenth in fifteen years, these may have been happy days on Merseyside.

Moses would be born in the December. He has never seen Liverpool win the title. So why the confidence?

‘Look at the way we have started so well,’ Moses explained, speaking to Sportsmail at a launch event for EA SPORTS FIFA 14, and there are enough quality players here to win games and help us win the Premier League.

‘A lot of people are saying Liverpool can be in the top four this season but we believe in ourselves as footballers. Not just me, but the other players, we are confident we can be looking beyond the top four.’

As the Manchester sides adapt to life under new regimes and the divorce lawyers ink up their pens as Jose Mourinho’s marriage of convenience at Chelsea faces teething problems, Liverpool sense an opportunity.

‘This year is a lot different. If you look at the way the table is at the moment, anyone can win the league. It’s not only about two teams that have always been up there, so why not Liverpool?’

Read more: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/moses-liverpool-can-win-epl-this-season

…Arsenal Legend, Robert Pires confirms attendance

Lagos, Nigeria, September 19th, 2013: Nigerian music heavy-weight, 2face Idibia is expected to set the Agege Township Stadium alight this Sunday, September 22nd, 2013, for the Closing Ceremony of the Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship.

Also the youngest Nigerian non-inheritor millionaire and winner of the inaugural edition of the Nigeria’s Got Talent (NGT) Television show, Amarachi Uyanne, and the first runner up of the NGT competition, violinist, Godwin Strings are slated to perform at this event.

Big Brother Africa – The Chase Housemates, Melvin Oduah and Beverly Osu will also add colour to the occasion as they storm the venue of the championship to support talented kids drawn from 16 African countries. Meanwhile, Arsenal legend, Robert Pires, has also confirmed his attendance of the closing event. He will arrive Nigeria on Saturday, September 21 for the Grand finale

Nigeria’s topnotch songster, 2face will light up the stage and take excitement to a higher level as he performs hits from his rich repertoire of songs while Amarachi Uyanne and Godwin Strings will also relive moments of the maiden edition of the NGT show as they perform to thrill guests with what some enthusiasts have dubbed avant-garde entertainment.

This year’s edition of the ARS kicked off Monday at the Agege Township Stadium with host Nigeria recording respective victories in the opening group matches against Kenya female and DRC male teams.
The Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship, which kicked off on Monday, is part of the Airtel Rising Stars programme, a soccer talent initiative that has focused on identifying and nurturing soccer talent.

Broadcast by SuperSport and Canal Plus, the Airtel football competition provides the perfect platform to spot top soccer talents from the continent.
Over 600 aspiring footballers travelled to Lagos to participate in the Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship. The countries that are participating are - Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Malawi, Ghana, Zambia, Gabon, DRC, Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

Segun Ogunsanya, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, said: "Airtel has signed broadcasting pact with SuperSport and Canal Plus to ensure that young aspiring footballers get the Pan African media exposure they deserve. Fans across the continent have the opportunity to view the dazzling skills of these extremely talented players."
Mr. Ogunsanya confirmed that as part of its partnership with DSTV’s sports channel, SuperSport, the Boys and Girls final matches will be broadcast live on Sunday September 22nd.

The best players of the tournament will participate in football clinics under the supervision of the best coaches of the Arsenal FC and Manchester United soccer schools. The clinics will be held in April 2014 in Lagos (Nigeria) and Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo).
The Airtel Rising Stars Africa U-17 soccer tournament is a unique pan-African initiative of Airtel Africa designed to create a pool of talents to feed the national football teams of African countries.

http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/2face-to-perform-at-ars-championship-closing

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi and former international, Taribo West have lost properties handed to them after helping the Super Eagles qualify for the 2002 Fifa World Cup.

The duo along with other members of the Super Eagles were rewarded with land gifts in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria by former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili in 2001.

The properties have however been taken over by “hoodlums” according to West, who raised the alarm during a chat with supersport.com.

“I went to my property along Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt to start developing it only to find out that hoodlums and illegal occupants have taken over the place,” an angry West told supersport.com.

West, who earned 41 caps for the Super Eagles between 1994 and 2002, further revealed that other members of the 2001 Nigeria squad also suffered a similar fate.

“I was not the only person that lost his land. The other players and even Keshi who was a member of the technical crew lost his land too.

The former Inter Milan centre half said he was at the Rivers State Government House on Wednesday to begin the process of recovering his property.

“I have met with the (present Rivers State) governor (Chibuike Amaechi) and I have made an appeal to see that I get back my property.

“I served this country with distinction so it is only right that the reward I got in the process be returned to me by the illegal occupants,” he said.


http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/keshi-taribo-lose-properties

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to sign a new Real Madrid contract in the coming weeks that will see him always eclipse the earnings of Gareth Bale.

Ronaldo, who has two years left on his current deal, has been locked in talks with Madrid for months over an extension.

But the Portuguese superstar is close to accepting a new four-year-contract, which includes a clause that he must always earn more than new signing Bale.

Ronaldo’s nose has been put out of joint by the Welshman’s arrival, and in a bid to keep their main man happy, Madrid will cough up extra cash

Morehttp://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/ronaldo-set-to-eclipse-gareth-bale

Last weekend, the boys were separated from the men in African football.
Following the results of last weekend’s series of World Cup qualifying matches, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Senegal, Ethiopia and Nigeria have emerged at the final bus stop for the qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

A close look at the 10 teams makes a loud announcement – the original giants of African football are back at the top, That is, the countries that have impacted the most from Africa at the World Cup - Cameroun, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Nigeria! The only country in that category of traditionally well-established African teams, which narrowly failed in a group that included Cote D’Ivoire, with its constellation of football superstars, is Morocco!

The other outstanding feature of the final list is the authentication of the arrival at the apex of African football of a few new teams – Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde Islands.

Although the Cape Verde were disqualified on technical grounds (for fielding an ineligible player) after defeating Tunisia in Tunis, the incredible run of great performances of this tiny African island nation since the run-up to the African Cup of Nations of 2013 has caught the attention and imagination of all.

Ethiopia and Burkina Faso qualified for this last lap on the merit of the results earned through credible performances.With their performances so far in the World Cup qualifiers, both countries have confirmed beyond any doubt that their fantastic outings in the African Cup of Nations in January 2013 were no flukes.

Read more; http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/09/separating-the-boys-from-the-men-in-african-football

Pharaohs star wishes to avoid Algeria in playoff

Egypt star Mohamed Abou-Treika does not wish to meet Algeria in the World Cup qualifying playoffs ahead of a potential clash between both nations.

After Tunisia and Morocco had failed to make it to the last qualifying stage, Egypt and Algeria became the only North Africans in the playoff round.

As Algeria could be possible opponents for the Pharaohs, Treika - who has just earned his 100th international cap - was candid about his wish to avoid the Arab rivals, citing his hope to see both nations in the World Cup finals.

"I wish Egypt and Algeria would qualify together for the World Cup rather than one team eliminate the other in the playoff," Treika, 34, told reporters on Wednesday.

"We shouldn't be preoccupied by who we're going to meet; we must be ready to face any side."

Egypt do not have pleasant recollections with Algeria, who ousted the Pharaohs from the 2010 World Cup qualifiers following a fierce competition between both sides four years ago.


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