Enyeama, Onazi promise victory against Malawi

Super Eagles stand in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, was in jolly mood as the team held its media parley with the national team on Wednesday morning, declaring that he was not in competition with any of the goalies for the number one shirt of the national team.

Enyeama also gave a hint that sooner than later he will quit the Super Eagles, even as Lazio of Italy midfield youngster, Ogenyi Onazi assured that the team will come out clean against Malawi on Saturday.

Enyeama, who spoke first told the media that all the three goalkeepers in the national team, himself, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim are in the form of their lives and any of them will man the post well if chosen by the national team handlers. “All of us are good and I must say I am not in competition with any of them neither are they with me. Nigeria is blessed with great talents and it’s always good when you are called up to play”.

Onazi on his part said he along with his teammates are fired up for Saturday’s game and assured that the team will not disappoint despite the furore that has been generated ahead of the   encounter.

Calabar is very safe - Maigari

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has insisted that the city of Calabar, capital of Cross River State, was  very safe, and had always been very safe, for international matches of all the national teams.

Maigari who was speaking with sports journalists in Abuja yesterday  applauded the efforts of Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and his administration in hosting the Super Eagles and the U-17
teams.

“The Government and people of Cross River State deserve nothing but high commendation for their generosity and hospitality. They have continued to be  great hosts for the Super Eagles and the
Golden Eaglets.

“On our part, the NFF has perfected all arrangements to host a hitch-free World Cup qualifying match, and we are assuring the Government and people of Nigeria that our Super Eagles are adequately prepared to achieve victory against Malawi on Saturday,” said Maigari.

Nigeria need only a draw in Saturday’s clash at the U. J. Esuene Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round of the African series for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

Air scare: Bad weather stops Eagles

A Calabar - bound aircraft  yesterday avoided disaster when it diverted to Port Harcourt after it failed to land in Calabar after two attempts.

[caption id="attachment_357982" align="alignright" width="150"] Echiejile[/caption]

Among the passengers were Super Eagles duo of Elderson Echiejile who plays in Portugal and Newcaslte’s Shola Ameobi who will be playing his second match for the Eagles when Nigeria play Malawi in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday. Ameobi’s first cap for Nigeria was in a friendly match agasinst Venezuela in Florida.

He impressed the coaches in that outing. Both stars had to embark on a four hour journey to Calabar by  road. .

 

Malawi delegation arrives today

The delegation of Football Association of Malawi to Saturday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against African champions, Nigeria will land in Abuja on Thursday morning. The contingent will arrive from Accra, Ghana.

Already, General Secretary of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Mr Suzgo Nyirenda is on ground, having arrived in Nigeria on Monday, and is now in Calabar to see facilities for himself ahead of his team’s arrival.

Nyirenda, who fired a letter to world-football governing body, FIFA last month suggesting that Calabar is not safe for the qualifying cracker, has turned around to praise the NFF for its professionalism, maturity and hospitality.

[caption id="attachment_407149" align="alignnone" width="393"] Flames of Malawi[/caption]

“On behalf of the Football Association of Malawi, I would like to thank you and the entire Nigeria Football Federation for the warm welcome that you accorded me and my accountant (advance party) both in Abuja as well as in Calabar. We are now in Calabar where your Director of Technical (Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme) gave us a fantastic reception.

Thank you for welcoming us at your offices in Abuja and football is a unifying factor and we are indeed brothers.

“We will be accommodated at DANNIC Hotel which is generally very good.

We will inspect the training pitch and the venue of the actual match...,” Nyirenda wrote in a mail to NFF’s Head of International, Mr. Bola Oyeyode.

The Nigeria Football Federation has already guaranteed visa-on-arrival for the delegation, which will be flown to Calabar aboard Arik Air’s morning flight from Abuja to Calabar on Thursday.

Kanu: I would not be here without 1993 title

It is 20 years since one of Africa’s most recognisable faces made his first mark on the international stage at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Japan 1993.

In the centre of Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium, Nwankwo Kanu lifted his first piece of international silverware of what was to be a prestigious career, but also took his first steps to becoming a legend in the green of Nigeria.

[caption id="attachment_368355" align="alignleft" width="175"] Kanu[/caption]

Speaking to FIFA.com, the former Super Eagles forward looks back on his trip to the Far East fondly, having opened up the path to becoming his nation’s second-most capped player.

“It’s a long time ago isn’t it! I’ve got great memories of that tournament,” he said from Lagos. “Representing your country is always an honour and to go on and win the tournament was huge for all of us in the team – it helped put us on the map.

“Personally I did well, and it started me on the road to joining clubs like Ajax and the ones which followed, but without it I wouldn’t be here today. It was very important.”

The tournament began well for the former Inter Milan and Arsenal man, scoring in just the first minute of Nigeria’s opening match against Canada, on the way to scoring 14 without reply in a group that also contained Argentina and Australia. “That goal relaxed me, and it’s very important to score early to settle the team,” Kanu recalled. “From there the team were able to gain more confidence and just grow from there.”

The tournament culminated in a West African grudge match, pitting the Golden Eaglets against Ghana, making a huge game for the then-youngsters that little bit more important.

“Of course it was a big game, particularly with it coming against Ghana. They are clearly one of our major rivals,” he admitted, “but while we are brothers there is always this desire to be the better than one another.”

Goals from Wilson Oruma and Peter Anosike secured a 2-1 win, and the fact it was against the Black Starlets made it all the sweeter for Kanu and his team-mates. “Because it was between the two of us it was even bigger. It meant that when we walked away with victory it was almost a double win!”

Talent production line
It was Nigeria’s second title of three so far at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, as well as claiming a further three runners-up medals, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. “In Nigeria we are blessed with talent, and we have a lot of young players coming through,” he said. “Any opportunity given to them, they want to prove something.”

The veteran forward believes there’s no reason why the latest iteration cannot take up the mantle and continue their world-leading performances in UAE. “I’ve watched them play. I’ve seen how they perform and since then I’ve believed they could be a champion, so let’s hope they can go do that, as they have a good team.”

Kanu’s exploits in Japan led him to pulling off arguably his finest achievement in the green of Nigeria, when the team claimed gold again at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA. The tournament even began memorably for him, smiling broadly as he recalls the opening ceremony. “I remember when I was there, being asked to be an Olympic torch bearer, it was something special. For us to go there, becoming the first African team to win it, beating three some huge teams in the process, is something special.”

 

Nigerian players in flying start in Cotonou

Nigerian players campaigning in the ITF West Africa Under-18 Junior Circuit in Cotonou, Benin Republic began their quests for glory in flying starts yesterday as most of the country’s representatives cruised easily into the next round.

Joseph Imeh, ranked number 628 in the world beat Benin Republic’s Gandonou Dominic 6-0, 6-1. Another Nigerian, Sylvester Emmanuel beat Aboufirassi A. of Morocco 4-6, 7-6, 6-1 to advance.

Nigeria’s Mohammed Mohammed also had an easy 6-1, 6-1 victory against Diarra Amadou. Christopher Emmanuel sent Russian Potapov Nikita packing in 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

National Coach, Ubale Mohammed who led the team to the two-legged ITF Junior circuit that will terminate with the second leg in Lome, Togo also confirmed yesterday that other Nigeria players like, Emmanuel Samuel and Sadiq Tswako have all pulled through to the second round.

He expressed the hope that Nigerian junior players who are going to form the nucleus of the country’s Davis Cup qualifying round team are expected to do well at this championship

 

Uplift FC: Udinese FC assures Amosun’s wife

Udinese FC of Italy  Wednesday promised to sustain its partnership with Uplift Football team by ensuring “a wider collaboration” with the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun to make the Summer football internship programme a yearly event.

Speaking at the press conference to mark the official closing ceremony of the two-week Summer football internship programme put together for the 22 players from Ogun State at Udinese FC in Italy, the Serie A Club Youth Sector Manager, Angelo Trevisan described the initiative of Mrs. Amosun to bring the 22 talented players to Italy as “a great start” of good partnership between Mrs. Amosun’s Uplift Development Foundation and Udinese FC.

[caption id="attachment_410391" align="alignnone" width="412"] UPLIFTING ...First Lady of Ogun State,Mrs Olufunsho Amosun (Middle) with the Uplift Under-15 Grassroots Team.[/caption]

”The boys displayed exemplary behaviour and are well disciplined. I hope they really enjoyed their stay in Udine, Italy. Our trainers have seen some very promising footballers among your boys. This ceremony represents the beginning of a wider collaboration. It is our desire to make it a yearly event. This is a great start and we should collaborate together to sustain the project,” he said.

Also, speaking at the event, the President of Fai Sport, Giorgio Zanmarchi commended the wife of the governor for agreeing to make use of Udinese FC facilities to train the 22 talented players from Ogun State.

”When I was told that Uplift Development Foundation was looking for a partner in Europe to train some talented footballers, I contacted Udinese FC at once.

The players got integrated into Udinese Youth Sector’s training schedule as if they had always been part of it. We can definitely say that we have won another challenge together. We have to sustain this project by giving opportunities to other players to come to Italy to get the exposure. We hope to see you soon,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the initiator of UPLIFTing Under-15 Grassroot Football programme, Mrs. Amosun expressed her gratitude to warm reception given to the Uplift Football Team, saying “I believe our players have indeed proved to you that they are talented.”

Bolt may retire after 2016 Olympics

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Jamaican track star Usain Bolt is considering retiring after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he said Wednesday.

But any plans for going out to grass at the age of 30 would come after three more years of domination that might include a pop at the Commonwealth Games next year and another shot at bettering his own 200m world record.

Bolt has dominated the competitive world of sprinting since claiming three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games but hinted ahead of Friday's season-ending Diamond League meet in Brussels that Rio would be his third and last.

"After the 2016 Olympics: that seems to be a good idea, retiring when I'm still on top of my career," said the six-time Olympic gold medallist.

"But again, if I want to continue to dominate on the track I can't afford an off season, that is a lesson that I have learned. This wasn't a perfect season for me. I won but it was not in a 'Usain Bolt fashion'."

'Usain Bolt fashion' or not, the 27-year-old Jamaican still claimed a treble gold at last month's world championships, taking his world gold medal haul to eight.

"Now that I'm getting a bit older, I know that I have to stay injury free, maintain focus and act responsible," he said.

Bolt added that any plans for the 2014 season, a year with no global championships, would be taken in October after he had taken some time off.

"I will prepare for the next season very well. First, I encouraged my coach (Glen Mills) to turn it down a bit but he convinced me that that is a bad option," he said.

"You need to continue working hard, reduce the risk to get injured and not having to pick it up from scratch.

"So in 2014 I will be racing like I did in any other season. The Commonwealth Games? I've never been there before but I'll leave it up to my coach to decide on my competition programme."

Bolt also hinted that bettering his own world record of 19.19sec in the 200m, his favoured event, could be on the cards as well.

"The 100m world record (which he also set) is the hardest to break because it is more technical," Bolt said.

"In the 200m, if I can master the bend and stay injury free, there is room for improvement.

"As I said, I will prepare well to race as fast as possible in 2014, and with no championships on my mind I can concentrate on just trying to race as fast as I can."

Comment on Sainfeit: I was defending my country - Keshi

Calabar - The Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, says his players are not under any pressure in their final Group F African qualifier for Brazil 2014 World Cup match in Calabar on Saturday.

Keshi said this in Calabar on Wednesday at a media briefing on the team’s preparations for the crucial encounter.

He said that the team and the coaching crew believed in hard work to get the maximum points.

''I have always believed in hard work. I do not believe in anything that is do or die. I am not under any pressure. We are only going to give our best on Saturday.''

The chief coach also said that the team had started training, adding that he was encouraged by the spirit of the players in training.

He further said that the controversy over his comment on the Malawian coach was meant to defend Nigeria and the Super Eagles.
[caption id="attachment_411481" align="alignnone" width="412"] Sainfeit and Keshi[/caption]
''I was defending my country and my team. Whatever I said was not directly to him personally,'' he said.

Keshi also said that Ikechukwu Uche of Villariel of Spain was still part of the team, adding that he had nothing against any player.

He said that Nigeria had a lot of players but not all of them would play at the same time.

''Ikechukwu is part of this team. There is nothing against any player. Only 11 players are needed in any match, so it is not possible to call everybody at the same time,'' he said.

He described Calabar as the home of the team and thanked the people and Government of Cross River for their reception.

Also speaking, the stand-in Captain of the team, Vincent Enyeama, said he was not in any competition with any player in the team, adding that all the goalkeepers in the team were equally good.

Enyeama, who said that he would soon leave the stage for the younger goalkeepers, however, did not specify on the time to quit nation's football team.

''The camp is amazing and I thank God for that. The first training was great with 12 players but I am optimistic that come Saturday we will win. Almost everybody is in camp.

''Calabar is one of the most secured places in Nigeria. I do not really know from where they got the information that Calabar is not secure.

''Calabar is also quiet. But I want the Flames to come out and play their game, have fun and be happy.

''We are professionals we know what is at stake and what is expected of us. We are not under any pressure, we are going out there to dorn the colour of Nigeria which we are also proud of,'' he said.

Chigozie Agbim, one of the three Super Eagles’ goalkeeper in camp for Saturday’s crunch Brazil 2014 World cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi, also spoke with NAN.

''The spirit is high, the players’ spirit is high for Saturday’s match. Personally, I am 100 per cent ready. Our team don’t make noise.

''We will talk on the pitch on Saturday. But I can assure you that we will win them very well,'' he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 players have so far reported to the Metropolitan Hotel camp of the Eagles while three players were being expected.

Some of the players in camp include Vincent Enyeama, Chigozie Agbim, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Ahmed Musa, Godffrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba and Azubuike Egwueke.

In a related development, the State Police Command says it is ready for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Hogan Bassey, gave the assurance in a telephone interview with NAN in Calabar on Wednesday.

Bassey said that the command was putting measures in place to ensure that adequate security was provided before, during and after the match.

''It is not in our character to disclose our strategies but I can assure you that the police are ready to provide adequate security,'' he said.

He called for full and relentless cooperation from the government and people of the state by reporting any suspicious character to the command.(NAN)

Mikel, Moses, 16 Eagles storm Calabar

.. Guinness  promises $2,000 for each goal

After a dull Monday afternoon, the Super Eagles camp at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel came alive on Tuesday afternoon with almost all the top actors already in town, though only 12 of them trained in the evening session at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Among early trainers for the African champions are stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, Chelsea superstar, John Mikel Obi, goalkeepers Ausin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim. New Turkey recruit, Godfrey Oboabona, James Okwuosa, who was the first player to arrive camp on Monday morning, Brown Ideye, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Lazio midfield anchor, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Nwofor, who scored two beautiful goals against Bafana Bafana in the Mandela Challenge.

[caption id="attachment_408982" align="alignnone" width="412"] SUPER EAGLES MIDFIELDER, MIKEL OBI (M), LEADING A TRAINING SESSION[/caption]

When the team arrived its hotel, other players who came in through Abuja were already waiting. Among them, Efe Ambrose, Sunday Mba, whose deal with a French side is now in doubt, Ahmed Musa, Obinna Nsofor and Victor Moses. More players were expected as at the time of this report, but Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has said he is happy with the response of the players and he expects a good game against Malawi on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has assured that the entire state will be out to support the team on Saturday, declaring that he was sure that the team will whip the mouthy Malawians come Saturday.

Imoke spoke through Sports Commissioner, Hon Patrick Ugbe, who had to cough out time off his busy schedule to watch the closing moments of the team’s training on Tuesday evening. “We have his excellency’s support and that of the entire people of Cross River and we are sure that the team will not only win but win well”, Ugbe told Keshi after training on Tuesday evening.

Guinness  promises $2,000 for each goal

Guinness, official sponsor of the Nigeria Super Eagles has again thrown its weight behind the Super Eagles as it announced a $2,000 reward for each goal scored by the National team against Malawi in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game scheduled for Calabar on Saturday to spur the Super Eagles to victory.

Reassuring the team of its unwavering support, Guinness urges the African Champions to go for goals and qualify for the World Cup.

According to the firm’s Marketing and Innovation Director, Austin Ufomba, Guinness believes strongly in the ability and determination of the Super Eagles to qualify for the next round of the qualifiers.

“The Super Eagles have the potentials to defeat the Flames of Malawi and progress to the next round in this qualifier because a team hinging on the massive support of millions of Nigerians behind them is truly a team Made of More. Since the team won the AFCON, they have shown tremendous progress that leaves no one in doubt of their capabilities. We are enthusiastic that with team work, technical and tactical discipline the Super Eagles will fly” Ufomba said.

 

Ogunjobi cries over NFF’s persecution

Former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi has decried allegation of swindling a Flying Eagles player, Kayode Olanrewaju saying it is an attempt to persecute and malign him before the 2014 election into the Nigeria Football Federation board.

The Osun State FA boss is miffed that football issues could be taken to such a ridiculous level of instigating a player to lie against an individual.

[caption id="attachment_85751" align="alignright" width="228"] Taiwo Ogunjobi[/caption]

The NFF set up an investigative panel headed by Chris Green on Monday to look into allegation against the Prime FC of Osogbo boss after Kayode was reported to have allegedly accused him of an offence the NFF did not disclose in its press release on Monday.

“This is strange,” Chief Ogunjobi snapped. “It is ridiculous. How and why will NFF investigate me? I am not a FIFA licensed agent; I am just an individual.''

This investigation smacks witch-hunting. They are just chasing shadow. I want Nigerians to know that I am being persecuted because of the 2014 election into the NFF board. Nothing more!”

Ogunjobi disclosed that his relationship with the said player has the backing of the parents stressing that he has never acted as his manager or agent.

He said: “I am like a guardian to Kayode. I have been guardian to players like John Obi Mikel, Edith Agoye, Duke Udi and even Ike Shorunmu. Whatever Mikel is today has my hand in it and I was not persecuted. In fact, the parents of the players willingly hand them over to me to guide them. I have never told anybody I am their manager.”

Ogunjobi believes that he has done so much for Nigerian players and will not allow anybody to drag his name in the mud saying: “I am waiting for their invitation. When we get to the bridge we will talk of how to cross it. But I can assure Nigerians that this is an exercise in futility.”

Malawi FA makes U-turn, says Calabar is comfortable

Football Association of Malawi is comfortable with Calabar to host the crucial World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

This is in contrast to the association’s fears over the choice of Calabar which prompted Fam to lodge a complaint to Fifa to consider it changing the venue because of security concerns.

Fam General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, who came as an advance party with the association’s accountant Christopher Mdoloto to check on the condition of the state, said their counterparts have given them a warm reception.

[caption id="attachment_412140" align="alignright" width="242"] Suzgo Nyirenda[/caption]

Nyirenda stated in a media   statement  on Tuesday  that they were given a chance to inspect some hotels and settled for Dannic Hotel.

“NFF (Nigeria FootbalFederation)   welcomed the two in Abuja as well as in Calabar. They inspected some of the hotels in Calabar and they have settled for the Dannic Hotel (10 minutes to the stadium). The hotel is new and resembles the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe and it is generally a good hotel,” Nyirenda said.

Contrary to their expectations Nyirenda confessed that Nigeria Football Federation has been supportive.

“NFF has provided every support required and they are no stone unturned in making sure that all is set for the game. Everyone in Calabar is talking about the game and the game fever is so high here,” reads the statement.

The Flames advance party would inspect the training venue today and then   attend a preparatory meeting to be conducted by the NFF.

Nyirenda    is optimistic that the Flames would find the weather favourable since its rainy season in Nigeria.

“In terms of weather, it has been showering this afternoon as we are still in the rainy season in Nigeria. It is generally cool and I think our players will like the weather,” he said.

Flames, who are in Botswana for a friendly game   are expected to leave  on Wednesday  for Accra Ghana.

They will connect to Calabar  on Thursday.

LMC imposes sanctions on Kwara United, orders replay with Wolves

Kwara United and Warri Wolves have been directed to replay the Week 29 abandoned Glo Premier League match on Thursday, September 5 at the FIFA Technical Center, Abuja even as the Ilorin side were slammed a host of sanctions by the League Management Company (LMC) for the breaches that led to the non-completion of the encounter last Sunday.

The sanctions according to the LMC is to serve as a message to all the Clubs that the security of match officials and visiting teams are the responsibility of the host team

In a letter addressed to the Management of both Clubs by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, it was noted that the Match Commissioner’s report indicted the host team, Kwara United for the security breaches that led to the physical assault on the First Assistant Referee, Mr. C. I. D. Durunna by the home fans.

Having established this, Delta State FA chairman, Pinnick Amaju, said yesterday that they were scandalised by the decision to order a replay.

“What the rule says in such security breach that leads to the abandonment of a game is that the home team loses the points. Why is it difficult for the LMC to apply the rule? We will not go to Abuja to replay that match. The rule should prevail.

We are taking this decision to fight for justice for Nigerian football. Let the right thing be done so that our football can grow. What they are doing is encouraging violence. Supporters of any club can now kill and get a rematch. We must all stand for justice in our football,” Amaju said.

 

FCMB backs Ogunkoya 400m championship

[caption id="attachment_412148" align="alignright" width="200"] Falilat Ogunkoya[/caption]

Africa’s 400m record holder, Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo’s desire to raise men and women quartermilers who will break her and Innocent Egbunike’s records has received the backing of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) who has pledged financial   support to next month’s Falilat Ogunkoya Athletics competition.

The competition,an initiative of Falilat Ogunkoya Founda-tion,will feature only the 400m events for both boys and girls and is aimed at identifying talented young quartermilers from every nooks and crannies of Nigeria. The competition is slated for the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode from October 17 to 19, 2013.

FCMB Head of Retail Banking (South-West) Leticia Igna-Igboko said the bank is proud to be associated with Faliat’s efforts to raise world class quartermilers.

 

Odemwingie keen to impress at Cardiff

CARDIFF (AFP) - Peter Odemwingie is eager to get back to playing football following his £2.5 million ($3.8 million) transfer deadline day move to Cardiff City from English Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion.

The 32-year-old Nigeria striker found himself on the sidelines at The Hawthorns after his infamous attempt to engineer a move to Queens Park Rangers by driving to the London club's Loftus Road ground at the close of the January transfer window.

However, that move collapsed and Odemwingie was obliged to stay with Midlands side Albion.

[caption id="attachment_140527" align="alignleft" width="315"] Osaze Odemwingie[/caption]

Now though he is looking forward to life at newly-promoted Cardiff, with the Welsh side having taking four points from their first three Premier League matches courtesy of a win and a draw.

"I missed football and I am delighted to come to a fast-progressing team," Odemwingie told Cardiff City Player on Tuesday. "I am very motivated and ready for action. The last six months, coming on as a substitute for 10-15 minutes was not what made me happy and I am a better player when I am happy.

"I am very hungry and I will show the same attitude I had when I was scoring a lot of goals in games in the Premier League."

Odemwingie also has a family connection to his new club.

"My father-in-law is a City fan and he says there is a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and that is what I want. A lot of people have told me the fans are great here."

Odemwingie became Cardiff manager Malky Mackay's eighth signing of this window period as he joined Andreas Cornelius, John Brayford, Simon Moore, Steven Caulker, Gary Medel, Maximiliano Amondarain and Kevin Theophile-Catherine at the Welsh capital club.

Enugu Best Farmers dare Golden Eaglets

First Best Farmers (FBF) soccer academy under the aegis of Dr. Mrs. Ify Nwobosi would have a foretaste of the firepower of the National Under-17 team today; in a friendly match slated to hold 4pm at the practice pitch of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar. The match would be the Golden Eaglets’ 21st domestic friendly match and it promises to be a spectacle with FBF spoiling for battle.

“First and foremost, we want to use this opportunity to commend the good job you guys are doing with the Golden Eaglets,” the soccer-loving President of FBF, Mrs. Nwobosi was quoted as saying.

”Playing against the Golden Eaglets would give our players needed exposure as we prepare for a   training tour soon and we are ready to give a good account of ourselves against your boys.”

[caption id="attachment_373120" align="alignnone" width="412"] Golden Eaglets[/caption]

The Head coach of FBF is former Nigerian international and Enugu Rangers’ rugged midfielder, Romanus Orjinta who incidentally won the CAF Champions League trophy with Enyimba FC in 2003.

By the way, Golden Eaglets’ Head coach Manu Garba (MFR) has enthused that his wards are not yet ready to give up their winning streak which has seen them recorded an average of five goals per match.

”No match is too small for us and we always play to win,”Garba told the players during training session.”Again, we have a match on Wednesday (today) and as usual, we want you to approach it with all seriousness.

“We want to keep our winning record to be in a good frame of mind for other assignments,” he noted.

Fighting for shirts in the team is getting keener as the Kickoff to the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup is around the corner. Expectedly all the players are up and running in order to make the cut of 21 that would finally be selected to represent the country in the UAE.

Nigeria would open its U-17 World Cup account against the Mexicans on October 19 to be followed with two other preliminary round matches against Sweden and Iraq on October 22 and 24 reapectively.

But in the meantime, the focus now is on today’s match against FBF which is an appetiser for Saturday’s crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the senior National Team, the Super Eagles and the Flames of Malawi at the main bowl of the U.J Esuene Stadium. Calabar fans are indeed in for a double treat.

Bishop Okonkwo tasks Keshi

The Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo has advised Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi to field Nigeria’s best players against Flames of Malawi in the September 7 FIFA World Cup qualifier slated for the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Speaking at the 11th Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football Cup Final on Saturday at the YabaTech Sports ground Lagos, Okonkwo enjoined Keshi and other officials of the Nigeria football Federation(NFF) that fairness and determination are crucial, as only such would guarantee victory against Malawi.

 

ANED mourns Mathew Atuegbu

Atuegbu passes on
Former Mighty Jets player, Mathew Atuegbu is dead this was disclosed by the coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Ex-Internationals in the Diaspora (ANED), Paul Okoku.

Okoku said that the Atuegbu died on August 24 after a brief illness. He was 70.

Mathew Atuegbu left behind a wife, Oge Atuegbu, three children and a grandson: Ogochukwu (daughter); Ifunanya (daughter), Olisa (son) and Sochima (grandson).

He was the oldest of the Atuegbu brothers, comprising the late Nicholas, Andrew and the late Aloysius, who were all prominent footballers. All the Atuegbu brothers featured for Mighty Jets of Jos in the ‘70s.

Okoku said that he got the confirmation of the death of Atuegbu from another ex-international, Christian Nwokocha.

“It was so sad to hear of Matthew’s death from Christian Nwokocha. He also told me that he touched so many lives from coaching and counseling young footballers  as a coach with Enugu Rangers in the 1980’s.

The likes of ex-internationals he would be proud of are  lke Ofoje, Totty O. Totty, Donald “Stone” Igwebuike and Charles Okoye, who have accomplished so much academically and professionally.

“I can only imagine what you and your family are going through at these difficult times. It wasn’t too long ago that you paid your last respect to your late mother as you were coping with the death of another of your late brother, Aloysius “Blockbuster” Atuegbu, one of the Nigeria ’s greatest footballers of all time.

The Association of Nigerian Ex-Internationals in the Diaspora, (ANED), sympathies with the family and pray that God grants you the fortitude to deal with the loss of  Matthew, as our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family” Okoku said in a statement.

There would be a wake keeping on  September 13  in USA and September 18, 2013, in Nigeria, respectively.  The burial ceremony will take place on September  19-20.

World Cup Qualifier: Supporters’ Club holds prayer session for Super Eagles

Lagos - The Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) on Tuesday held special prayer for the victory of Super Eagles over their opponent, Flames of Malawi, ahead of Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifying match.

The prayer session held at the club’s secretariat in Surulere, Lagos. The Eagles are scheduled to take on the Flames on Sept. 7 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The Secretary of the club, Samuel Ikpea, who led the prayer session, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the match was a crucial one for the Nigeria team.

[caption id="attachment_412124" align="alignnone" width="412"] Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River (m) flanked by 1st Vice President, NFF, Chief Mike Umeh (r) and Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr Stephen Keshi (l), hen The Team Presented The 2012 Afcon Trophy They Won In South Africa To The Governor In Calabar On Wednesday[/caption]

He urged the Eagles not to take the Malawians for granted.

``Prayer session was necessary because in football, there is element of luck.

``We at NFSC do not want to take chances like what happened in Kano in 2006 that Nigeria did not qualify for the Germany World Cup.

``Nigeria has a lot at stake as the current African Champion if we fail to go the World Cup in Brazil.

``We have also called on all Nigerians to pray against any form of confusions among the players and the coaches during this game’’.

Ikpea said that the club had been mobilising members and fans across the country to troop out in large number to cheer the Eagles to victory.

The secretary expressed confidence in the ability of the Eagles to defeat their opponents. (NAN)

La Liga is the Real deal - Gareth Bale

Real Madrid’s new world-record signing Gareth Bale has delivered a blow to the Premier League by insisting the Spanish La Liga is the best league in the world.

Welsh star Bale finally sealed a £86million move to the Spanish giants on Sunday night after a protracted saga throughout the summer over his switch from Tottenham.



And in his first interview as a Madrid player, Bale said he believes his new home plays host to the world’s brightest talents.

‘I’m very excited to be here. I think La Liga is the best league in the world,’ Bale told Real Madrid TV.

‘It has the best players playing here and I can’t wait for it to start.’

Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona made a big signing of their own with the £50m capture of Brazilian star Neymar lining up alongside Lionel Messi, with Bale joining former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo at Real.

Bale said he is looking forward to joining up with his new team-mate, insisting that he, not Messi, is the world’s No 1 player.

‘It’s another dream come true for me. I’ve been watching him since he first started at Manchester United,’ said Bale.

‘For me, he’s the best player in the world, it will be a pleasure to play with him. You can only learn off the best and he certainly is that.

‘Hopefully we can both work together and provide more trophies for Real Madrid in a great team.’