₦airaland Forum

Super Eagles defender,Kenneth Omeruo says he and his colleagues are not scared of which teams they get tomorrow at the draw for next year's World Cup in Brazil,insisting they are good enough to play agaist the so-called big teams.

"We don't mind who we get in the draw. We've shown we can play well against the best teams," he said adding that the team that will be returning to Brazil next year will be better than the one competed at the FIFA Confederation Cup last June.

Nigeria failed to get past the group stage last June at the FIFA Confederations Cup but Omeruo is confident the team will go as far as the semi-final this year and possibly come back with a World Cup medal.

"Our aim with Nigeria is to get to the semi-finals in Brazil and try to win something," Omeruo told the BBC.

Read More: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/omeruo-were-not-scared-of-brazil-spain

– Guess What, It’s Round

Balls to Brazil. Literally. Revolutionary – tick. Pioneering – tick. And most crucially of all: round – tick.
Yes the Brazuca, the 2014 World Cup ball, has been launched by makers adidas to the expected fanfare in Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro – the city which will host next summer’s final.

The key is that World Cup organisers have again gone for a round, ball-like structure which has proved popular at previous tournaments.

Rumours of a square or oblong ball were wide of the mark and thankfully the world’s best footballers should find it easy enough to get grips with the Brazuca.

The ball was so named after a public vote by hosts Brazil, and the word means ‘Brazilian’ or the Brazilian way of life.

nice and round, the Brazuca went through a stringent testing process over two and a half years (seriously) and involving more than 600 of the world’s top players and 30 teams in ten countries across three continents.
Samba star Dani Alves – he always likes to be referred to as this – said: ‘My first impression of Brazuca is of a ball that is fantastic and we’re going to have a lot of fun with it.’

But then, isn’t everything fun in Brazil?

World Cup-winning Spain captain Iker Casillas said: ‘Brazuca has a stunning design that feels inspired by Brazil.’ Again, genius.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/12/meet-the-brazuca-the-2014-world-cup-ball

Nigerian football chief refutes impostors' Claims that he needs cash bailout

The president of the Nigerian Football Federation has insisted his email account has been hacked amid claims he has been asking his friends for money.

In a statement made through the federation, Aminu Maigari says he realised today that his emails had been compromised and hackers sent a message to his contacts asking for cash while he was out of the country. Maigari went on to say ‘this is far from the truth’.

The NFF boss, who travels to Brazil tonight ahead of Friday’s 2014 World Cup draw, said he believes the email asking for cash to help him with a project he is working on was ‘the handiwork of fraudsters’.

African champions Nigeria were one of five teams from the continent to qualify for next year’s finals, along with Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon and Algeria.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/12/maigari-my-emails-have-been-hacked

A British woman has appeared in court charged with conning thousands of pounds from Premiership footballers while working as their “lifestyle coach.”

Claire Duke, 38, is accused of defrauding high-profile clients – including Cardiff City FC striker Peter Odemwingie – out of more than £70,000 over a one year period.

It is alleged Duke received money for holidays and flights from clients but kept the money for herself.

She appeared at Cannock Magistrates’ Court in Staffordshire last Wednesday charged with five counts of fraud and one of theft.

Between September 1 last year and July 10 of this year she is accused of making a total of £71,106.83 fraudulently. Included in the charges is that while Duke was the lifestyle consultant of 32-year-old Odemwingie, she allegedly stole £15,437.67 by using his debit card.

Dressed smartly in a grey dress and black blazer, Duke spoke only to confirm her name and age in court.

Read More: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/11/british-woman-defrauds-osaze-odemwingie-of-pound70000

Top officials have told MTNFootball.com that the new Nigeria league season is most likely to kick off only after next year’s CHAN in South Africa.

The 2014 CHAN, which Nigeria have qualified for the very first time, will begin on January 11 and end on February 1.

Earlier proposals were that the league season will begin next month.

A row over the tenure of the League Management Board (LMC) and a new licensing agreement for clubs by the Confederation of African Football(CAF) are believed to have pushed behind the start of the new season.

An official said: “The new season will now most likely begin after the CHAN because there are several issues to be resolved, from the LMC tenure to the new licensing agreement by CAF.

“CAF, for one, have given a December 31 deadline for this agreement to be adhered to.”

The Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will take place in Warri next week and these issues are expected to be addressed.

FIFA have already ordered that leagues across the world be rounded up before the June kick-off of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

A shortened league season from February will most likely mean that midweek matches will be played so as to meet up this FIFA deadline.

Last season ended in October with Kano Pillars retaining the championship.

Kano Pillars are the defending champions and will along with last season’s runners-up Enyimba represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/11/nigeria-league-season-kicks-off-after-chan

Vincent Enyeama has proved his invinciblity in the goal post and has not conceded a goal in 8 games with his French side, Lille.

That record will be further put to test when hostlities resume in the French Ligue 1 after the international break.

Lille host Toulouse today at the Toulouse who are 15th on the log have scored 11 goals and conceded 19 after 13 rounds of matches this season.

They don't look like a side capable of beating Enyeama and his teammates, but it is important the Nigerian prevents them from scoring to help steer his side to victory.

Enyeama kept a clean slate for Nigeria in the game against Ethiopia and Italy, proving a hard nut to crack for the likes of Mario Balotelli, Andrea Pirlo, Allesandro Diamanti and Salahdin Said.
Aside his record, the former Enyimba shot stopper,has conceded only four goals in 15 games in the Ligue 1 this season.

His impressive showing in between the sticks has also helped Lille to second place on the log,five points behind big spending Paris Saint Germain and a place ahead another big spending side,Monaco.

Source; http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2013/11/enyeama-looks-to-preserve-cleansheet-record

By Nnamdi Ezekute:

Super Eagles striker, Shola Ameobi has been hailed as an admirable personality off the pitch, so much so that his Newcastle coach Alan Pardew believes he has the intelligence and aura to go all the way and become a Prime Minister after retiring from football, reports Completesportsnigeria.com

Top British tabloid, The Telegraph, has quoted Pardew as saying, in glowing terms, that Shola is endowed with such intelligence and admirable personality well above an average Premier League footballer, and Newcastle have benefitted immensely from such rare qualities.

According to The Telegraph, Pardew believes Ameobi is so clever that he could become a very successful man with another life outside football, especially if he decides to make a new career in politics.

“Most times footballers are put into this category where they’re not particularly bright,” said Pardew. “They’ve not really got a personality you would aspire too, well Shola is the complete opposite.

"You could put him in any environment, any school, any political field and he could hold his own. It is that intelligence that he brings to the dressing room.

“I don’t know what will happen with Shola in the future, he could become Prime Minister one day with his personality,” Pardew states.

The Telegragh emphasizes: "Ameobi has become the club’s elder statesman after 14 years there and has helped to pull together a divided dressing room that last season almost cost the club its Premier League status."

Ameobi, 32, switched his international football allegiance to Nigeria this year, and he is now working hard and hoping to make Stephen Keshi's squad to Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

His current contract with Newcastle runs out at the end of this season. Whether or not the club will negotiate an extension of his contract is an issue of conjecture.

Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has pledged houses for players and officials of the victorious Golden Eaglets.

The houses are to be located within the state's new housing estate scheme in Akpabuyo in Calabar.

The Governor informed his ecstatic guests during a special session held on their behalf inside the council chamber at the Governor's office Friday night with the full complement of the state's executivecommittee including Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham in attendance.

Governor Imoke said it was necessary to break away from the norm in order to give a befitting future to the players as well as their officials hence the state's was duty-bound in rewarding the team with properties instead of monetary largesse.

"I'm not going to announce any largesse to you, rather we are going to give players and officials of the team a befitting property in our new housing scheme where work is already ongoing," the Governor said amidst shouts of Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!

"We want to partner and invest in you because we believe this kind of investment would yield better dividends in the future even if you no longer want anything to do with football."

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/11/eaglets-get-houses-in-calabar

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has rewarded the members of FIFA U17 World Champions, Golden Eaglets who are from the state.

Governor Okorocha announced a cash donation of 2 million Naira to the assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, and a million Naira each to Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chidera Ezeh and Odinaka Uzoho.

He also announced the donation of parcel of land to each of them at a choice area in Owerri as well as scholarship award to university level.

He further announced their enlistment for the awards of highest honours in the Imo Merit Award instituted by the State government to honour citizens who have excelled in their different fields of endeavour.

He noted that the boys have written their names in gold by displaying skills, spirit of resilience and excellence which Imo people are known for and charged other youths in the State to follow the path of honour rather than engaging in criminal acts that can endanger their future.

The players and coach were treated to a rousing reception by the government and the people of Imo State as they were received at the Sam Mbakwe Airport and their convoy waded through the major streets of Owerri to the Government House, where they were again warmly received.

Source: www.completesportsnigeria.com

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is set to reclaim his place in the Eagles starting XI against Ethiopia today in Calabar.

Omeruo has been sidelined by a shoulder injury, which he suffered at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, and Warri Wolves skipper Azubuike Egwuekwe has deputised in his absence.

The 20-year-old Omeruo partnered Godfrey Oboabona when Nigeria won a third AFCON title in February.

Omeruo's change will effectively mean, Nigeria will start with an all-Europe-based cast.
Otherwise, it will be a familiar Eagles line-up by Keshi.

Stand-in skipper Vincent Enyeama, who has posted 11 clean sheets for his French Lique 1 side Lille this season, will retain his number 1 shirt against Ethiopia.

Full back positions will be manned by Celtic utility player Efe Ambrose and Elderson Echiejile.
Ogenyi Onazi will pair Mikel Obi in the heart of the midfield while Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa will take charge of the wings.

Emmanuel Emenike will again be given the license to shoot down Ethiopia, while Dynamo Kiev striker Brown Ideye will most likely combine with him in the attack.

Read More: Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is set to reclaim his place in the Eagles starting XI against Ethiopia today in Calabar.

Omeruo has been sidelined by a shoulder injury, which he suffered at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, and Warri Wolves skipper Azubuike Egwuekwe has deputised in his absence.

The 20-year-old Omeruo partnered Godfrey Oboabona when Nigeria won a third AFCON title in February.

Omeruo's change will effectively mean, Nigeria will start with an all-Europe-based cast.
Otherwise, it will be a familiar Eagles line-up by Keshi.

Stand-in skipper Vincent Enyeama, who has posted 11 clean sheets for his French Lique 1 side Lille this season, will retain his number 1 shirt against Ethiopia.

Full back positions will be manned by Celtic utility player Efe Ambrose and Elderson Echiejile.
Ogenyi Onazi will pair Mikel Obi in the heart of the midfield while Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa will take charge of the wings.

Emmanuel Emenike will again be given the license to shoot down Ethiopia, while Dynamo Kiev striker Brown Ideye will most likely combine with him in the attack.

Read More: http://completesportsnigeria.com/blog/2013/11/omeruo-reclaims-eagles-shirt

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