₦airaland Forum

–Nigeria forward warn mates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete Sports: Could you kindly introduce yourself, sir?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–One cap Eagles striker reveals

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Johnny Edward:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Johnny Edward:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: DanB


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is investing in a football club a good idea?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A document has surfaced which may implicate Kano Pillars in a match-fixing scandal.
The document was published by on Saturday by online news portal, and contains the minutes of an alleged meeting of one of the club’s committees. The document, dated 4 May, has a heading that reads:

“Match Officials Reception Committee of Kano Pillars Football Club.”

According to the document, the main agenda of the meeting was to address the poor placement of the club on the league table as they were 14th in the standings with 13 points from 10 rounds of matches.

According to the document, the resolution passed at the meeting was to issue increased ‘PR’ to match officials for guaranteed away wins and away draws.

PR is a popular term for bribery in Nigerian business circles.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/kano-pillars-in-match-fixing-scandal/

A deadly disease that have recently killed scores of people across the West African region, the Ebola, have led to the suspension of the domestic leagues in Liberia and Sierra Leone where the disease is turning into an epidemic.

Sadly, the disease has found its way into Nigeria with reported deaths of a few Nigerians.

There is an increasing awareness of the Ebola danger and people are afraid to get in contact with others for fear of contracting the dreaded virus.

Sports events are contact activities, and the stadiums are the venues where thousands of fans converge to support their teams.

With the dreaded Ebola now in the country, do you support the idea that football matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), other football games and sports events should go on a recess while the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health search for solutions to the Ebola scourge?

Do you believe that the emergence of this disease which could significantly be avoided by bodily contact with infested persons can hinder football and other sports in Nigeria and West Africa in general?

Are there ways the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Football Federation can help allay the fears of football players and fans, and effectively raise awareness on how not to contract the Ebola virus? What measures do you think the authorities should implement so that Nigerians will not be deprived of sports events due to the outbreak of the Ebola disease?

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/ebola-outbreak-in-nigeria-should-sports-events-be-suspended/

Former Super Eagles star, Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi is undoubtedly one of the most talented Nigerian youngsters who ably represented the country well from the youth teams. A product of the Flying Eagles and the national U-23 team to Holland 2005 U-20 World Cup and Beijing 2008 Olympics, Obasi here recaptures memories of his illustrious career…

LIFE AT SCHALKE 04
It’s been alright as far as I’m concerned. I have been working hard and enjoying my game but unfortunately, injury set in. Everything is intact now and I am feeling good, I’m really looking forward to the new season.

DAILY LIFE WITH COACH JENS KELLER
He likes me and has continued to believe in me and that has really impacted positively in the way I put in my best for the club. Besides, everybody knows how determined I am. I don’t give up and most times , my teammates know how much I put in when I’m on the field of play. I just have to do everything I can to please him. I came in as a loanee and he fell in love with my game and that was it. I am happy working here.

MY ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE DREAM
That is my dream as a player and I will continue to believe until that dream sees the light of the day. It is the league that most Nigerians like to follow always because of it’s stiff competition. I started watching the EPL as a kid and grew up as a staunch follower of EPL. I look forward to the day I will make that move and I know it’s going to be soon, hopefully. I am happy my injury nightmares are over now and just hope things fall into place. Right now, I am with Schalke 04 and the new season is what is paramount before me at the moment.

SCHALKE’S CHANCES IN 2014/2015 BUNDESLIGA
In every season, all you do is prepare well for fresh challenge but you can never tell who the winner will be until the end of the season. The dual dominance of the Bundesliga by Bayern and Dortmund was challenged by Schalke 04. We came third last season and we hope to do better this season. We have good players to strengthen the team for the coming season so I am looking forward to a better season. All we need to do is to remain focused if we really want to give Bayern and Dortmund a good fight. We just want to improve on our performance last season.

MISSING OUT OF BRAZIL 2014 WORLD CUP
It was disappointing! To be honest with you, I was highly disappointed not going to Brazil because that was what I had my sight and attention set on but it did not come to pass. I came to the conclusion that Nigeria is blessed with so many talents and we all cannot play at the same time. I have taken that as my fate and since moved on. Missing out of Brazil is a way of telling me to work harder. The head coach has to decide who plays and who doesn’t. I am glad that things went fairly well for the team until they lost to France in the second round. It will be great to come back to the Super Eagles fold and I am already working hard to achieve that. I want to do well at club level, then we can begin to think of better days with the national team.

ALTERNATIVE CAREER APART FROM FOOTBALL
Hmmm… I have always wanted to be a lawyer! That is one profession I love with a passion and had it not been for football; I would have ended up at the Bar. I hate seeing people being cheated for what is rightfully theirs. I would have loved to become a lawyer but it’s football for me now.

CAN SUPER EAGLES DEFEND AFCON TROPHY IN MOROCCO?
Of course, impossible is nothing! Nigeria has got the right players to get that done in Morocco 2015 provided the team can stay focused and stick together. Nigeria should not have problem qualifying for the next AFCON not disrespecting South Africa right now. With the right preparation, Super Eagles have what it takes to defend the title they won almost two years ago.

RELATIONSHIP WITH STEPHEN KESHI
I have never spoken to him. I think the only time I met him was in 2011 in Kaduna when he became Super Eagles manager, that was our first and nearest encounter. I have never spoken to him on phone and I can’t really say he knows me that much. Having said that, Keshi is a great manager and I have lots of respect for him because of what he has achieved. It’s nice to have him around as Super Eagles manager.

WHERE YOU BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON?
(Smiles) I grew up just like any ordinary Nigerian boy who has to struggle to get what he wants in life. I did a whole lot of odd jobs like hawking to keep body and soul together. I did other odd jobs to support my parents then because I was not born with a silver spoon. My parents worked very hard just like all ordinary parents would do. My mum was great and she did all that was required to keep us going at that time. It was a hard time, a difficult time to be a young man.

PARENTAL SUPPORT AS A YOUNG FOOTBALLER
(Pause)That question is a tough one. Just like every Nigerian kid, your parents would always want you to go to school, but I think my mom did a lot to ensure I succeed in my choice to become a footballer. My mom knows I love football and she admitted I was talented, I think that made her support me.

FASHION AND LOVE FOR FAST CARS
I am no car freak, I am cool and calm in all I do. I love designer clothes and shoes but I can’t really say there is one particular designer that I like most. I just love to look my best.

LIFE’S HIGHS AND LOWS
I have got no regret in my life because God has been very faithful to me. Injury is part of life for every footballer, it will come and go. I don’t regret dumping Norway to play for Nigeria. Back then at Lyn Oslo with Mikel Obi, I was encouraged to nationalize and become a Norwegian. They wanted me to play for them at that time and I must confess I gave it a thought for a long time. I had already played for Nigeria in one of the friendly games which was one of the deciding factors in my final choice. I love Nigeria and I was well received by the senior players in Super Eagles. I had to walk up to them in Norway and say no. Each time I look back, I still have to thank God for that decision because I know my future lies with the Super Eagles.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/obasi-i-dumped-norway-to-play-for-nigeria/

By Richard Jideaka, Abuja.

The executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has approved the contract extension of Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles head coach following the recommendation of its three-man technical sub-committee.

The Executive Committee also approved that the Acting President of the federation, Chief Mike Umeh convene a meeting of the NFF Emergency Committee to approve and finalize details of Keshi’s possible re–engagement within the shortest possible time.

Complete Sports gathered that the three-man committee recommended that Keshi should be paid N7m as monthly salary as well as the provision of an official accommodation and official vehicle.

Keshi,we gathered wanted to be paid N10m a month but the committee were able to talk him into accepting N7m as his monthly take home pay.

The man who led Nigeria to her third Africa Cup of Nations win last year in South Africa, we further gathered also asked for more powers as well as non-intereference in technical matter of the team by the technical sub-committee of the federation.

“We have made our report to the executive committee of the NFF and it behoves on them to fine tune it and make the offer,”Etubom Paul Bassey,a member of the committee told the media in Abuja yesterday.

“With an AFCON qualifier around the corner in September, it is only wise we allow Keshi to continue as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles for the purpose of continuity,” he stated.

Asked if they agreed to meet the N10 million reportedly demanded by Keshi, Bassey explained that they advised the executive to be sure of where the money is coming from before making the offer noting that if the NFF was finding it difficult to pay Keshi N5 million a month, paying N10 million will be harder.

“In going forward,we should look back from where we were coming from. The federation have to be sure that the money is there before making the new improved offer,”he quipped.

Super Eagles adding that his report and that of the technical committee should be married and sent to the NFF.

Complete Sports however learnt that Keshi’s decision to remain as Nigeria’s head coach was finalised following his meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan after leading the Super Eagles to the round of 16 at the last FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi,we scooped had demanded for the removal of Barrister Chris Green as the technical sub-committee head of the federation immediately after the World Cup and the turn of events which saw Alhaji Aminu Maigari impeached as NFF president and excommunicated from the federation as well as the withling down of the influnce of Green in the aftermath of Maigari’s impeachement.

Keshi’s immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for next year’s AFCON with the qualifiers starting in September.

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/keshi-gets-new-n84m-a-year-deal/

The South Africa Football Association (SAFA) will today, July 26, announce the successor to erstwhile coach of the South African national team coach, Gordon Igesund.

Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi who was coach of the Super Eagles until after the 2014 World Cup is among the frontrunners for the job of Bafana Bafana managerial position.

Only on Thursday, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation decided to go into talks with Keshi for another stint as Eagles coach.

Now with SAFA likely to prefer Keshi amongst other coaches on their shortlist after a long standing interest in his services, do you think it is best Keshi takes up the job as Bafana Bafana coach?

Would continuing as the Super Eagles ‘boss’ serve him best?

Where do you think Keshi would best be appreciated and respected by the Football authorities and fans: Nigeria or South Africa?

Send in your thoughts and opinions 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. Have you say now!

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and world class music Rapper Lil Wayne will go Into business together.

A report monitored in TMZ reveals that American rapper Lil Wayne is set to branch out into sports management and his No.1 client will be Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair are said to be close friends and Ronaldo’s high profile will help grow the business in the early days of its introduction into the world of sport.

The Hip Hop star’s company will work closely with PolarisSports, which has affiliations with the CAA Agency and GestiFute Sports, two agencies that the Madrid ace’s agent Jorge Mendes uses.

Lil Wayne is set to handle all of Ronaldo’s business in the USA, from the 29-year-old’s branding and marketing in the country, to pushing his new modelling career.

Currently, the Portuguese captain is recognised as the best footballer in the world after winning the 2014 Ballon d’Or ahead of great rival at FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo has been used in many marketing and advertising campaigns and Lil Wayne is sure to be kept busy by the forward’s commercial demands.

Read More: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com

Chelsea of England midfielder Mikel Obi has admitted Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji has a likeable and lovable personality.

Mikel, who is an Amstel Malta Ambassador, spoke as a guest at an event organised by the brand in Lagos.

“We work together, it’s a working relationship,” Mikel said. “We endorsed Amstel Malta together, she’s a very nice person; I spoke to her a few times and she’s a very lovely person,”said Mikel who has been criticised for his below par performance in Brazil at the FIFA World Cup. The Chelsea star is however unpertubed by the criticisms admitting he is always happy to accept criticisms whenever he goes wrong playing for the national team.

“I love when you guys criticise me for not doing something right; I love when you guys praise me as well. So I love all of it.”

“It gives us joy every time we see fans come out and support us and keep praying for us,” he said.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/mikel-genevieve-is-loveable/

Diego Maradona says it is not impossible for Argentina to beat Germany in Sunday’s World Cup final, while suggesting he is happy his country will not face hosts Brazil.

Germany hammered Brazil 7-1 in Tuesday’s first semifinal, putting in a thrilling attacking performance that makes them many people’s favourites to lift the trophy in the tournament decider in Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina’s semifinal progress past the Netherlands was less impressive, with a penalty shootout needed after 120 minutes on Wednesday night.

However, Maradona, who led Argentina to a 3-2 victory over West Germany in the 1986 decider, said on Venezuelan TV show “De Zurda” that he was confident the current side could repeat that achievement.

“Germany is not impossible,” Maradona said. “Argentina can do it. Against Algeria, we saw one Germany, and against Brazil [we saw] another. But we all expected it to be Brazil. Argentina are going in strengthened. Once again Argentine football is back at the top. The jersey had lost prestige. Today it got it back.“

Maradona admitted the game had not been an attacking spectacle but said Alejandro Sabella’s side had been excellent in terms of the way they defended.

“Argentina did not play well, but they did not let Netherlands play well,” he said.

“That was so important. Argentina pressed them on the pitch. [Wesley] Sneijder was not allowed to have one shot at goal. [Arjen] Robben was always pushed inside. He had [Javier] Mascherano who was on top of him with [Marcos] Rojo. [Ezequiel] Garay was superb. ‘Chiquito’ [goalkeeper Sergio Romero] you cannot even talk about. I think Leo [Messi] felt tired and they marked him very well, but he played well. I want to highlight how well the defence worked, the collective work, keeping it tight.”

Javier Mascherano’s contribution was singled out for special praise by Diego Maradona.
Argentina’s 2010 World Cup coach had special praise for the current team’s leader in midfielder Mascherano, especially for his last-gasp block on Netherlands dangerman Robben late in normal time.

“‘Masche’ was exceptional,” he said. “When I said it was ‘Masche’ and 10 more, they laughed. Today they could not laugh. The example on the pitch is Mascherano. Everyone follows his rhythm. So they cannot score against us. With that one chance for Robben, ‘Masche’ is behind but he reads the danger and comes in running and throws all he has to block it for a corner.”

Mascherano himself, who was named man of the match after an immense performance despite taking a blow to his head in the first half, said in Marca that he was proud of his team but wanted to go on now and win the trophy on Sunday.

“If this group deserved anything it was this,” Mascherano said. “We played a brilliant game, we were not afraid of anything, and we know that on Sunday we will play the game of our lives. We hope to crown this with the trophy, but either way I feel so proud of this squad. It is a dream for all of us, to return Argentina to this possibility. I am happy for my teammates — they are all phenomenons.”

After an underwhelming 120 minutes, Messi converted his side’s first penalty in the shootout. The Barcelona star later wrote a Facebook message while he waited for a drug test after the game, in which he remembered Argentine journalist Jorge ‘Topo’ Lopez, who was killed in a tragic traffic accident on Tuesday night after the first semifinal.

“I was called for the drug test, and I cannot be in the dressing room at this moment,” Messi wrote. “I feel proud to be part of this squad. What phenomenons they all are, what a game they played, what madness. We are in the final. We will enjoy it … we have just one little step more to take. All the best to everyone in Argentina and a very special memory for Jorge ‘Topo’ Lopez, this win is especially for you, friend. A huge hug for the family.”

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/maradona-germany-are-beatable/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a timely boost ahead of their round of 16 tie against France as central defender Godfrey Oboabona has been passed fit.

Obaboana went out injured in Nigeria’s first game at the World cup missing the last two group games due to it.

The former Sunshine Stars captain failed a late fitness test prior to the last game but has participated in full training sessions since then.

In his absence captain Joseph Yobo has deputised admirably but his return to match fitness will gladden the hearts of team handlers and fans of the team due to his two years near perfect understanding with Kenneth Omeruo in the heart of Eagles defence.

It’s not yet known if he will be reinstated into the team’s starting line up to beef up a defence that conceded three goals in their last group game against Argentina.

Aside his defensive abilities, Obaboana is also a threat to opponents defence at set pieces due to his free kicks abilities and aerial prowess.

His partnership with Kenneth Omeruo was the foundation upon which Nigeria lifted the AFCON trophy last year as the Eagles went unbeaten from their second game when he paired with his old Sunshine Stars pal.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/oboabona-fit-for-france/

Nigeria are not scared of France and are capable of beating them, according to Vincent Enyeama.

The Eagles went through as runners up in Group F, earning a last-16 berth despite a 3-2 defeat in their final group match against Argentina in Porto Alegre.

Stephen Keshi’s side are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history and, despite coming up against a France side that have impressed so far, Enyeama feels that dream can become a reality.

“We fear nobody,” the 31-year-old said in an interview with L’Equipe.

“We have a culture for football. It’s our way of life. We work for that and we must show the world what we are capable of.

“France are favourites but anything could happen. I said before the tournament that playing them would be my dream fixture.

“To be honest, we have a great confidence in ourselves.”

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/enyeama-eagles-dont-fear-france/

The Home Eagles will have their first training in South Africa tonight ahead of their opening Group A match against Mali at the CHAN in Cape Town.

The team, according to officials will have their first training session on tonight at 8:30pm local time, which is 7:30 Nigerian time.

This will also be the time for their first match against Mali on Saturday.

The team are booked into the Garden Court De Waal, a quiet suburb of the city.

The Eagles landed in Cape Town on Wednesday. They were led by assistant coach Daniel Amokachi, who is holding the forte for Stephen Keshi who stayed back in Nigeria for the CAF Awards before joining the team.

They left the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos on Tuesday night at about 10:30pm. After five and half hours flight with a South Africa Airways plane, the team arrived Johannesburg at 4:30 Nigerian time, which is 5:30 in South Africa.

The team was received by a team of Nigerian Embassy officials led by Ambassador Sunday S Yusuf, who expressed delight at the safe arrival and ensured that the team had a smooth passage through immigration procedure.

The envoy also charged the team to ensure that they win the trophy at the first try.

“Nigerians are now used to winning, especially here in South Africa and I’m sure you will not let the nation down,” he said.

Amokachi assured that the team will do its best at the tourney, even as Keshi is being expected in time before the Eagles opening game against Mali.

After a little wait at the OR Thambo International Airport, the team connected another SAA flight to Cape Town, where they will play their group matches.

The flight to Cape Town lasted 1:40minutes and on arrival the team were received by about 30 cheering and drumming Nigerians under the aegis ‘Nigerian Union in Western Cape’. The group was led by Kalu Obi.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2014/01/chan-eagles-land-in-safrica-begin-training-today

Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi is hoping to be crowned Africa's best player at tonight's GLO-CAF Awards ceremony at the prestigious Eko Hotel in Lagos,he said on Wednesday.

The Chelsea midfielder is vying for the prestigious award with the Ivorian pair of Yaya Toure, of English Premier League rivals Manchester City, and Didier Drogba, from Turkish club Galatasaray.

"It is an honour to be selected and nominated for the award. I am looking forward to winning it for my country," Mikel, who has twice been voted Africa's best young player, told AFP by phone from London.

The 26-year-old helped Nigeria win a third Africa Cup of Nations in February last year and also qualify for a fifth World Cup finals in November.

He also won a first-ever UEFA Europa League title for his club side.

Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke and Victor Ikpeba have previously won the CAF player of the year award but former Arsenal ace Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigeria star to clinch it in 1999.

Mikel said he plans a whistle-stop visit to Lagos, for this evening's awards organized by the continent's highest football authority (CAF) and bankrolled by one of Africa's leading indigenous telecoms operators, Globacom. "I am coming for the CAF awards. I will be flown in and out of Nigeria by the Chelsea jet. I will arrive on the awards day and return immediately after," Mikel disclosed.

Chelsea, currently third in the English Premier League behind Arsenal and Manchester City, are away to Hull City on Saturday.

During tonight's ceremony, winners in 11 categories, voted for by African coaches and captains of national teams, will be unveiled.

These include the African Footballer of the Year, the African Player of The Year (based in Africa), National Team of the Year, Club of the Year, and Coach of the Year. Other categories are the Most Promising Talent, Referee of the Year, Legend of the Year, Fair Play Award, Platinum Award and Africa’s Finest XI. of character and skill he displayed each time he played for both club and country.

African leaders, past and present football icons will converge to witness the coronation of Africa's best football assets. Globacom has been sponsoring the annual CAF Awards since 2005.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2014/01/mikel-i-want-to-be-crowned-africas-best

Bosnia coach Safet Susic has predicted it will be a big fight between his team and Nigeria for automatic qualification to the next round of the World Cup.

Bosnia are making their world Cup debut in Brazil and Susic has conceded top place to Argentina in Group F, while he believes his team will battle African champions Nigeria for second place.

“There’s one huge side (Argentina) who will undoubtedly finish first, Nigeria who always get to the World Cup and Iran who are completely unknown to us but finished top in qualifying so are definitely a good team. What’s certain is that we’ll be playing for qualification in the second match against Nigeria,” Susic told FIFA.com

He said his immediate target is for his team to at least reach the knockout stage of the tournament.

Susic admitted his team love to attack, but they lack sttength in depth and could struggle if one or two players are missing.

We’ve been playing really well against smaller teams but so far haven’t beaten a big side like France, Portugal or Brazil,” he said.

“I think that to be a great team, you need to be able to field two sides. We have 10 or so very good players, but the players on the bench aren’t at the same level. When we’re at full strength we can give anyone a run for their money, but that changes if we’re missing one or two players.”

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2014/01/bosnia-coach-says-its-fight-to-finish-with-nigeria

--Telecom Giant Signs Eagles Star

National Carrier, Globacom has signed Super Eagles and Fenerbache of Turkey striker, Emmanuel Emenike as its latest brand ambassador.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos on Friday, Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, Mr Segun Adeyemo described Emenike as an embodiment of the resilient Nigerian spirit which always triumphed against all odds, adding that Globacom as a super brand always identifies with super stars.

“ Globacom has always been in the forefront of sports development in Nigeria and Africa, committing over N9 billion to the holistic development of the sector. We have stood by the nation’s football because we believe that this is the most patriotic thing to do as a proudly Nigerian telecoms brand," Mr Adeyemo said.

He added that Emenike’s trajectory was a vivid reminder to all youths across the continent that there was no short cut to success with his untiring efforts to score goals for Nigeria.

Responding, Emmanuel Emenike expressed gratitude to Globacom for signing him as a brand ambassador and promised to continue to work hard with his team mates to make sure Nigeria excelled at the World Cup.

Also commenting, the President General , Nigeria Supporters’ Club Worldwide, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo described the signing of Emenike as a Glo brand ambassador as a dream come true and prayed that he would be in good health to bang in goals for the Super Eagles at the World Cup.

“Emenike would score goals for Nigeria like Rashidi Yekini did. Super Eagles will play at least up to the semi finals," Oladipo prophecies, adding "I thank Glo for supporting everything good.

Emenike, watch it! By the grace of God, Glo will increase your value if you excel at the World Cup”, Dr. Ladipo enthused.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2014/01/emenike-becomes-glo-ambassador

Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, has confirmed to supersport.com that Kenneth Omeruo, will leave Chelsea on loan.

Keshi explained that it is imperative for the centre-back to leave Stamford Bridge to secure regular playing time to boost his World Cup chance with Nigeria.

“I know he will leave Chelsea soon and it will be on loan. This is a World Cup year and I’ve told him that he needs to be playing regularly to have a chance of being part the team to the World Cup,” said the Nigerian manager to supersport.com from Port Harcourt on Friday.

The 20-year-old defender last season spent 18 months on loan at Dutch club, ADO Den Haag and Keshi believes that the spell helped the young centre half’s development.

“Kenneth is an important player for us and he showed that this year during the (Africa) Cup of Nations. It was good at the time that he spent his time on loan in The Netherlands (with ADO Den Haag after signing for Chelsea) and that helped his career well.

“I believe he will leave Chelsea soon (on loan) to have playing time since this is a World Cup year,” said the former Mali and Togo manager.

Omeruo made his debut for Nigeria in a goalless draw with Cape Verde in a friendly match earlier this year and played a key role in the Super Eagles’ run up to winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Read More: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/omeruo-seeks-chelsea-exit

Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike believes the success recorded by Fenerbahce in the first half of the 2013/14 Super Lig season is as a result of team play.

The Yellow Canaries finished the first half of the Super Lig season in top spot, seven points clear off second placed Kasimpasa.

Emenike in an interview with the club’s TV channel revealed that the collective performance of his team-mates including himself has been instrumental to the club’s impressive run so far in the league.

“The foundation of success is team play. So it is not correct to say that it is just my success instead its a team success.

“I think we have done an important job in the first half of the season. Fenerbahce is a great team and the important thing is that we always aim to prevail in every game,”Emenike stated.

The Nigerian international who has had an impressive 2013 year, helping Nigeria to the Nations Cup triumph in South Africa earlier in the year has been a massive addition to the Ersun Yanal led Fenerbahce side since joining the club for Russian side Spartak Moscow in the summer.

The powerful and prolific forward has made 10 starts from 15 appearances for the Turkish side and has found the back of the net in seven occasions.


Fenerbahce finished the first half of the 2013/14 season with 38 points from 16 league games, recording 12 victories, two draws and two losses while scoring 38 times and conceding 18.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/emenike-team-play-secret-of-fenerbahces-success

Nigeria will halt a poor World Cup run against Argentina because they revolve around a “tired” Lionel Messi, Chinedu Obasi has predicted. The Super Eagles have lost to the South Americans on all three occasions they have clashed at the World Cup.

And both teams will again battle it out in the first round of the tournament in Brazil next year.

But Schalke 04 forward Obasi has told MTNFootball.com he believes the African champions could finally put an end to the dominance of the highly-rated Argentines in Brazil next year. "As a matter of fact, Argentina are built around Lionel Messi and he's already getting tired," Obasi told MTNFootball.com

"I do have the feeling that we can really end their dominance over us next year at the World Cup. I am not underrating them, neither do I encourage my country to underrate them, but Super Eagles have the depth to really match them this time.

“Argentina are our long-time rivals at all national team levels and they have been having an edge over us, but I won't give it to them this time.

This is our time to put an end to that." Obasi has won 18 caps and scored four goals for Nigeria, but he has been overlooked since the 2010 World Cup mainly on account of injuries.

He restated his resolve to fight to make the final squad to Brazil 2014. "It is always great to be back from injury and do better, I am back to do well for Schalke 04, I want to return to the national team and I know what it takes to get national team call up,” Obasi said. “I will try my best to work my way back to the Eagles with full dedication and impressive performance every week. I will return after (the Bundesliga) break to fight for a shirt."

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/obasi-boasts-eaglesll-beat-argentina

Interview By David Meshioye

Goal scoring challenges

It is the joy and desire of every striker to score goals and when the goals fail to come, it gives you cause for worry. I really want to keep improving my scoring skills in the national team. I enjoy playing with Emmanuel Emenike and other strikers in Super Eagles because we all play for one another. It doesn’t really matter who scores in every match, all that matters is to see Nigeria win games and the glory is shared by everyone. Having said that, I am not sitting back at all, I want to keep working hard and getting the ball behind the net. There is room for improvement and I believe Nigerians will get to see me at my best in Brazil.

Brazil 2014 World Cup chances

I think we have a very good chance of going further than our previous records in the World Cup if you consider the strength of our team, coupled with the fact that we are a team that is a work in progress. Winning AFCON has really given us confidence that impossible is nothing in football. You can achieve your goal if you believe. Besides, the current Super Eagles players are hungry for glory and Brazil is just the perfect place to do that. Yes, we were at the Confederations Cup and it was a big lesson for us, we will be going for glory in Brazil.

Super Eagles generation next without World Cup experience

The generation of players in Super Eagles will surely go places, given the atmosphere with which we train now in the national team. The fact that most of the players have never featured at the World Cup does not really mean that we can’t surprise bookmakers in Brazil. You can say that experience is a huge factor but I ask this, what more experience do we need than what Confederations Cup offered us? The hunger of success will spur us on in Brazil 2014. My prayer is for my teammates to remain in top shape during the World Cup and the sky will be our limit.

http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/12/ideye-nigerians-will-see-my-best-in-brazil

--Searchlight on Super Eagles Group F foes


ARGENTINA

THE COUNTRY
POPULATION: 40.6 million (UN, 2010)
CAPITAL: Buenos Aires
AREA: 2.8 m sq km (1.1 million sq miles)
MAJOR LANGUAGE: Spanish
MAJOR RELIGION: Christianity
NATIONAL STADIUM: Antonio Liberti Monumental'de Nunez [76 Capacity]

HISTORY AT THE WORLD CUP

URUGUAY 1930
The first ever world cup was held in Uruguay. Only thirteen teams entered the competition which was eventually won by the hosts. The Argentina national football team actually lost in the final with Uruguay. Overall the tournament was bad tempered. It could also be seen as competitive, as there had been a worry it may not capture the public’s attention.

ITALY 1934
Four years later the World cup tournament had undergone a change. It was held in Italy and this time team’s had to qualify to take part. Although the Argentina national football team made it to the finals, they had also undergone a few changes. The side did not contain any players that were in the squad that made it to the final four years previous. This was due to internal disputes. They were eliminated in the first round, losing 3-2 to Sweden.

SWEDEN 1958
After 1934 the Argentina national football team did not enter another tournament until 1958 in Sweden. This was due to disputes over the staging of back-to-back tournaments in Europe and the second World War. On their return they were well fancied but struggled in the group, eventually finishing bottom. After an opening fixture defeat to reigning world champions West Germany, the side recovered to beat giant killers Northern Ireland. The final fixture, to eventual losing finalists Czechoslovakia, was where it really unraveled for the team. A 6-1 defeat left the Argentina national football team on the plane home. The team actually landed in Uruguay to avoid the angry fans in Argentina.

CHILE 1962
The 1962 world cup was notable for being the first to use goal average as a means of separating teams in a group format. Different to today’s goal difference, goal average is calculated by dividing the number of goals scored by goals conceded. This change actually worked to the Argentina national football team’s disadvantage. After beating Bulgaria and losing to England, both they and England drew their last fixtures to end on the same points. On goal average Argentina again fell at the first hurdle, as they had four years previously.

ENGLAND 1996
The 1966 world cup was held in, and won by, England. It proved to be an improvement for the Argentina national football team as they progressed from the initial group phase with two wins and a draw. In the 1st knockout round through the side came unstuck against the hosts in London. Sir Geoff Hurst, hero in the final, scored the only goal in a 1-0 defeat. The game is remembered as a controversial one, as Argentina had a man sent off before the goal.

GERMANY 1974
Despite their progress in 1966, the Argentina national football team actually failed to qualify for the 1970 edition. Upon returning in 1974, the team progressed from their opening group with a win, a draw and a loss. They finished in second place on the same points as Italy, but with a better goal difference. In this format of the world cup the teams then went into a second group phase. This did not go as well for Argentina as they only managed a single point. This included a painful 2-1 defeat to rivals Brazil.

ARGENTINA 1978
In 1978 Argentina themselves hosted the world cup. There were several controversies surrounding this edition of the world cup. These included a military coup in Argentina two years previous which nearly caused other nations to withdraw. There was also an apparent deal struck between Argentina and Peru to allow the host nation to win by more than four goals. Whether this is true or not history will tell us that the Argentina national football team won their first ever world cup, on home soil. In the first group stage Argentina and Italy both won their two opening fixtures which meant when the teams met, the result did not affect who qualified. After losing to Italy the team finished second and were placed in the second round group alongside old rivals Brazil. After both teams won their opening fixtures and drew with each other, it would come down to goal difference to decide who was to make it to the final. As Argentina were playing after Brazil they would know how many goals they needed. Needing four they beat Peru by six goals to nil. In the final they met the Netherlands where they needed extra-time to beat them 3-1.

SPAIN 1982
The world cup in 1982 was the first time the competition expanded from 16 to 24 teams. The format of the tournament had also adapted. There were still two group phases but now separate one off fixtures for them semi-finals. The Argentina national football team did not begin their defence well as they lost 1-0 to Belgium. The side recovered to win there last two group fixtures to progress in second place. Their second round group contained themselves, Italy and Brazil. The side lost both games and were eliminated, although Italy did go on to lift the trophy.

MEXICO 1986

Read More: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/12/focus-on-nigerias-world-cup-rivals

The ongoing 2013/14 football season has not been too rewarding, yet, for Nigerian strikers plying their trade in the tough English Premier League, as they have been experiencing goals drought.

A check on Nigerian players in the EPL reveal that aside John Mikel Obi who is a midfielder with Chelsea, the remaining five comprising of the Ameobi brothers - Shola and Sammy with Newcastle, Cardiff City’s Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe of West Bromwich Albion and Victor Moses of Liverpool are attackers.

As things stand, almost all of the above-listed forwards have one thing in common. Aside Sammy Ameobi who is yet to score a goal in the 5 games he has played this season, the rest all have just ONE goal to their credit in numerous games they have featured for their respective clubs.

In other words, the combined goalscoring efforts of Ameobi (in 10 games), Odemwingie (in 12 games), Anichebe (in 10 games) and Moses (in 11 games) have fetched a cumulative of FOUR goals only (in 43 matches combined) so far in the EPL.

Meanwhile, the leading scorer in the EPL, Liverpool’s Luiz Suarez currently has 17 goals to his credit followed by Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero with 13 strikes so far.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/12/epl-nigerian-strikers-struggle-to-score-goals

--FIFA U-17 World Cup MVP leaves Eagles camp for Manchester

Kelechi Iheanacho has been granted permission to leave the Super Eagles camp in Abuja to enable him finalise a move to English giants Manchester City.

Stephen Keshi released the young midfield maestro to his representatives after his family put in a call to the Super Eagles coach, asking that Iheanacho be permitted to exit camp to make a quick trip to England where he is expected to sign for City.

“Initially a young man came declaring that he was the agent of Iheanacho, but I declined to deal with him until I hear from the family because the boy is still a minor,” Keshi said.

“It was soon after my rejection that I got a call from his father who told me that they have gotten travelling visa to the United Kingdom and that I should oblige him with his son’s release.

“I did and told the young man to go and do the nation proud at whichever club he finally chooses to settle down with.”

Keshi went on to acknowledge the great potentials if the youngster, and warned against piling too much pressure on the FIFA U-17 World Cup's Most Valuable Player. The former coach of Mali and Togo advised Iheanacho's representatives to handle the career of the youngster gently and professionally

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/iheanacho-off-to-man-city

Man. City(ENG) v Barcelona (ESP)
Olympiacos (GRE) v Man. United (ENG)
Milan (ITA) v Atlético (ESP)
Leverkusen (GER) v Paris (FRA)
Galatasaray (TUR) v Chelsea (ENG)
Schalke (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP)
Zenit (RUS) v Dortmund (GER)
Arsenal (ENG) v Bayern (GER)

Source: http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/ucl-round-of-16