ESPERANCE DEAL: Enyimba’s Sokari Wants More Cash.

Kingsley Sokari has demanded for more cash from Tunisia’s Esperance as clubs in Europe and Egypt have joined the chase for the Enyimba midfield ace.
Esperance and Enyimba have agreed a transfer fee for Sokari, who has been capped by Nigeria at U20, U23 and full international levels.
What is now left is for Esperance to agree personal terms with the player, who is expected this week to fly out to Tunisia with his agent for the negotiations.
He and his agent have been issued express visa to Tunisia, but it remains a fluid situation because Al Ahly of Egypt and now an unnamed French club have jumped into the race to sign the player fresh from the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
“Sokari wants more money from Esperance and he and his agent may well stall unless they get their way as they have several other clubs in Europe and Africa after the player now and they have been begged to hold on for formall offers from them shortly,” a source said.
thenationonlineng.net/new/esperance-deal-enyimbas-sokari-wants-more-cash/

BABAYARO BEGS NFF: Strip Enyeama of Captaincy, if…

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro wants the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to strip Vincent Enyeama of his role as captain of the Super Eagles over what he terms as indiscipline.
The Lille shot stopper allegedly tore a query letter served to him by the NFF over his criticism of Kaduna State, venue of their Saturday game against Chad which they won 2-0.
Enyeama, who has been the Eagles captain since Yobo left the national team after the 2014 world cup, complained of security and the weather in the northern state prior to the game, and also openly criticized the NFF for moving the game to Kaduna as oppose to Abuja, Uyo and Calabar where the Eagles have been playing their games lately.
Babayaro in his opinion said if it’s true Enyeama tore the query letter then he should be strip off the captaincy as that singular act is not befitting for a team captain.
“The NFF should take the captaincy from him if it’s true he tore the query, as a captain he needs to set good precedence for the young ones and that act is unacceptable as a captain,” he told News24.
“No man is bigger than the team not even the captain, England treated John Terry in the same way when he crossed the line, so Enyeama shouldn’t be an exception.
thenationonlineng.net/new/babayaro-begs-nff-strip-enyeama-of-captaincy-if/

I’m Not Unruly -Onazi.

Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has declared that he is not in the habit of losing his cool describing the incident that earned him the marching orders in Nigeria versus Chad match on Saturday in Kaduna as unfortunate and regrettable.
“That incident (of the red card) is not something I am proud of. I don’t have the reputation of losing my head on the pitch, it was an unfortunate event,” he said
Onazi, who expressed delight that the Stephen Keshi tutored side flagged off the AFCON 2017 qualifiers on victorious note, expressed optimism that the national team still nursing the pains of missing the last Africa Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea will make proper use of every opportunity this time with a view to qualifying for Gabon 2017 in style.
“We are determined to make amends for missed opportunities,” he submitted even as he accepted criticism that were dished out by a cross section of his fans on social media following what some of them described as ‘unnecessary and preventable booking’
The former U-17 and 20 ace has so far made over 26 appearances for the senior national team with a lone goal in the kitty.
Eagles will next face Taifa Stars of Tanzania September 4 at the Multi-Purpose Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The 60,000 capacity stadium located adjacent the former national stadium (Uhuru stadium) was opened in 2007.
thenationonlineng.net/new/im-not-unruly-onazi/

Keshi craves more support for Eagles.

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi says he hopes to get more support when they play their next home game in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The ‘Big Boss’ was full of praise for the Kaduna fans, as they filled the Ahmadu Bello Stadium last Saturday and cheered non-stop as the Eagles beat Chad 2-0 in an AFCON qualifier.
Keshi said he would love to see more of the kind of support they got in Kaduna wherever they play in the country.
“The support was good and I have to thank the Kaduna fans for always showing us love,” he said.
“They always support us from the beginning to the end of the match and I hope we can get such support when we play elsewhere.
“This is a new team and the players need the support of the fans to encourage them. This team belongs to us all and it will be good if we can get this kind of support wherever we play.
“We hope it will continue this way and we will continue to improve as a team,” Keshi said.
The 53-year-old also commended the media for their support leading up to the game.
“I also have to thank you guys (media) for your support this time. This is the first time in a while that the media just allowed the team to flow.
“I appreciate it and I hope we can keep this relationship because this is our national team and we must work together to make it work,” he added.
thenationonlineng.net/new/keshi-craves-more-support-for-eagles/

WORLD CUP FALLOUTS: 3 European Coaches for Nigeria.

Sportinglife can reveal exclusively today that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has mandated top level soccer technocrats to shop for three technicaly effiencient coaches who would train the Flying Eagles, Super Falcons and the Golden Eaglets.
The three tacticians are expected to come with their backroom staff but they would work with those Nigerians sent to England for courses in the technical study.
Sportinglife gathered that the agents contacted by the NFF for coaches who would develop templates for the three teams as well as train potential coaches the these squad consistitute some of the best hands that do design the technial framework for the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).
Whispers from those who should know at the Glasshouse in Abuja suggest that the three coaches could be in Nigeria next month for discussions with the NFF culminating in their commencing work latest in July.
It was also gathered that NFF men are outsourcing the payment of the three foreign coaches through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) with words rife that the federation chiefs are keeping the names of their partners under wraps until all the details are sealed with all those involved.
The implication is that the aforementioned teams’ coaches may look elsewhere for jobs.
thenationonlineng.net/new/world-cup-fallouts-3-european-coaches-for-nigeria/

AFCON 2017: Expect More New Faces in My Team – Keshi.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has stated that he will continue to experiment with the national team as the Eagles chase qualification for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.
Nigerian fans watched as the Super Eagles laboured to a 2-0 win over Chad last Saturday. Four new faces were introduced to the team by coach Keshi. He argued that this process will continue as he seeks to achieve a balance in his squad.
Stephen Keshi
“Even if you’ve had a team for five or six years, you will still have one or two additions or subtractions to make in your team because we’re always looking for that balance,” he said.
“Against Chad I had several new faces and they are players I have been studying for some time. I know their quality and if we had time, long enough to work together it would have been different from what we saw against Chad.
“We have to do what we have to do to find a very solid team and I have confidence in this group of players because there is a lot of potential and we have to keep giving them more opportunities,” Keshi said.
However, football administrator, Ahmed Garra Gombe has stated that Keshi was heading for another failure, if he continued with what Gombe termed as his uncoordinated approach to the Eagles job.
“With the way Keshi is going, I am afraid we are headed for another failure.
“Look at the last match that was played. What was the pattern? Did it look like a team that has a mission?”
www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/afcon-2017-expect-more-new-faces-in-my-team-keshi/

Why I am Dumping Spain to Play for Nigeria — Real Madrid Staron.

Spain youth international defender Derik Osede Prieto has revealed that he is dumping the opportunity of playing for the Spanish senior team for his fatherland, Nigeria.
Derik, who has played at all youth levels for Spain including two appearances for the Under-21 team, in an interview with BBC Sport stated that he is ready to represent Nigeria.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who is known simply as Derik, a regular for European giants Real Madrid’s B side, is eligible to play for the Super Eagles because his father is Nigerian.
And under Fifa rules he is free to switch because he has not yet played for a country’s senior national team.
Despite possessing the talent to potentially make the step up to Spain’s senior side, Derik has issued what appears to be effectively a come-and-get-me plea to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“I have lived in Spain all my life and I am not sure the people in Nigeria are aware that I have Nigerian blood,” Derik told BBC Sport. “But I crave for something special with Nigeria because it will give me a chance to properly connect with the ancestral home of my father.
“My father is from Benin City [southern Nigeria] and even though I have never been there I always follow events in Nigeria.
“I celebrated when the country won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and I was cheering the team at the last World Cup in Brazil.”
“Playing for Spain was the foundation to where I am today and I can never take that for granted,” he said.
“You can’t throw away your education or outgrow it, Spain gave me what I have now and my hard work got me to where I am.
“But somehow I feel one half of my life has always been left untouched and I need to fix that.”
Derik has rejected suggestions he could be using Nigeria as a bargaining chip in his push for a call-up from the Spanish U-23 or senior selectors.
He insists: “Even if it’s difficult for some people to understand, I have made my decision [to represent Nigeria] and am going to stick to it.
“My father has not influenced my decision in any way. I respect him and adore his outlook on life but it’s my personal desire to play for Nigeria.
“When you look around Europe there are several Nigerian players playing at the top level and the future looks bright for the team.
“With that in mind I want to be a part of that group. I do not need favours from anyone, I only need an opportunity.
“I eat Nigeria’s wheat meal, listen to Nigerian music and play as Taribo West [former Nigeria central defender] on video games online.
“If I get a chance with Nigeria, I believe my versatility as a player will make me stand out.”
He also want to play for the senior team of Real Madrid
“I would like to play in the Real Madrid first team someday, knowing if I did that maybe the chance would be there to play for Nigeria,” he explained.
“But if I am not playing at the top level week in, week out, I wouldn’t expect to receive a call from anyone because that would be daydreaming.
“The immediate plan now is to go out on loan elsewhere, because at this age I need stability and regular football to fulfil my dream.
“Training alongside big players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Modric, Sergio Ramos and Pepe gives you a taste of what you can be as a footballer.
“The hard truth is that there is no available shortcut to reaching that level and staying there. I need to work extremely hard wherever I go and play first team football regularly. “
www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/why-i-am-dumping-spain-to-play-for-nigeria-real-madrid-star/

CAF Hands Onazi Two-Match Ban.

Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has been slammed with a two-match suspension by Confederation of African Football following his sending off in Saturday's 2-0 AFCON qualifying win against Chad in Kaduna.
Onazi was sent off after getting into a scuffle with Chad players after the referee had awarded the Eagles a penalty, which was converted by Odion Ighalo.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation official website, a circular sent to the NFF from the CAF Secretariat stated that for the “violent conduct, player No.17 Eddy Ogenyi Onazi was expelled and he is automatically suspended for his next two official matches: Tanzania Vs Nigeria and Nigeria Vs Egypt.”
Eagles next game is against Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam on September 5 on Matchday 2 of the qualifiers, and will then host Egypt on March 25, 2016.
Onazi won the title with the Super Eagles at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and was also in the Nigeria squad that reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil last year.
www.completesportsnigeria.com/caf-hands-onazi-two-match-ban/

Azeez: I Hope To Get Keshi’s Attention Again.

UD Almeria midfielder Ramon Azeez opens up on his aspiration to play for the Super Eagles again after being part of the team's 2014 World Cup squad. The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles star who is one of the lucky Nigerian players to play at all age levels and senior side at the World Cup reveals he is not thinking about leaving his relegated Spanish side. He spoke to Comple tesportsnigeria.com's IZUCHUKWU OKOSI.
It's been a very dramatic season for you at UD Almeria this past season. You played 14 games for your club and you guys were still relegated. The season was surely a difficult one for you, right?
Yes, but first, I want to give thanks to Almighty Allah. Its not been an easy season for me but I'll give thanks to God. What has happened has happened. I just have to keep going, working harder on my game.
You played under different managers at Almeria but the last one, Sergi Barjuan, seemed to have trust in you. Would you say his arrival came too late to save Almeria?
I think every coach that was at Almeria was capable of saving Almeria from relegation, but nobody can change what has happened. We just have to keep working hard and could be back in the top flight next year (2016).
You almost left the club the previous season. You had a fantastic season, playing about 30 games and making Nigeria squad for the 2014 World Cup. Now that your club has been relegated, are you thinking of leaving the club?
For now, I'm still a UD Almeria player. I still have a contract with them.
You were not invited for the Super Eagles' 2017 AFCON qualifier against Chad on the 13th of this month in Kaduna. How did you feel not being part of the game and do you think competition for jerseys will be harder in the Eagles now?
I hope to get a recall to the national team soon. I will keep working hard at my game and hope to impress coach Stephen Keshi again. Playing at last year's World Cup was great. So yes, I look forward to getting back to the national team.
What is your plans for the 2015/16 season? Do you think Almeria will make it back to the La Liga or would you leave the club, now in the Segunda?
For now, I'm still a player of Almeria like I said before. All I want to do is to keep working on improving my game.
What was your impression about the Flying Eagles performance at the World Cup?
I wished them luck and a fantastic tournament because the team had talented players, but unfortunately they crashed out.
Finally, what's your message to your fans, both in Nigeria and in Spain?
They should keep backing me up with prayers and God will keep blessing them
Thank you Ramon for speaking with Complete Sports
You're always welcome.
www.completesportsnigeria.com/azeez-i-hope-to-get-keshis-attention-again/

Ex International Raphael Ndukwe says he expects that a couple of players will get a recall to the super Eagles for the next AFCON qualifier away to Tanzania in September.

Nigeria beat Chad 2-0 in Kaduna last week with a few new faces in the starting line up and Ndukwe in a chat with www.footballlive.ng has argued that every player who put in a worthy performance have earned a place to join the Eagles when they travel to Dar es Salam.

‘ This is the first time for many of the players and they know its a new team, a fresh start, so everybody is trying to prove their worth so they can get a recall.And a few of those players deserve to return’ Ndukwe told www.footballlive.ng

‘ You know if you have a good game its a ticket to get another look in because at some point a bad performance in the national team may render your club form whether good or bad insignificant.’

Nigeria Emmanuel Emenike reveals late Dad Got Him to Choose Nigeria.
Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike has revealed to AfricanFootball.com his father, late Felix Ndukwu Emenike, was the one person who convinced him to play for Nigeria and not any other country.
The Fenerbahce of Turkey star also revealed that his father was his greatest adviser ever and he will greatly miss him for that.
Pa Emenike will be buried in Imo State on Friday.
The former Spartak Moscow striker's older brother, Ebuka Emenike, told AfricanFootball.com that Pa. Emenike, who died on May 27, 2015 after a brief illness will get a befitting burial.
"I will miss my father for his advice. He was the one who compelled me to play for Nigeria as he warned me not to honour invitation to play for any country no matter what,” Emenike recalled.
“He told me I will be great, and after the AFCON 2013, he asked me if I regretted playing for Nigeria,
I just smiled and said ‘no’."
Emenike continued: "He always showed me the right way, and I have never regretted any of his advice. This is a man who has seen a brighter future for me and he always told me, my life begins after football.
"My older brothers and the people in the community convinced him to let me choose football. He blessed my first trip to South Africa, and today I am living in his blessings. But I am sad he's gone!”
africanfootball.com//news/539590/Emenike-reveals-late-dad-got-him-to-choose-Nigeria

Eagles Star Onazi Cheers Lobi to Victory.
Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi was among the fans who watched the Nigeria league match between Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The Lazio of Italy star, who has been handed a two-match ban by CAF for a straight red card he received in the AFCON 2017 qualifier against
Chad last weekend, is in Nigeria on holidays and decided to go and cheer his hometown club Lobi Stars to victory.
Lobi recorded their second win of the season with a 2-1 win.
Former ABS FC and Enyimba striker Abdulrahman Bashir netted the winner four minutes to full time.
Results of week 12 games game Wednesday
Enyimba 2 Heartland 0
Bayelsa 0 3SC 0
Ifeanyi Ubah 1 Dolphins 0
Sharks 0 El Kanemi 0
Lobi 2 Nasarawa 1
Akwa 2 Kwara 1
Rangers 1 Abia 0.
africanfootball.com/news/539557/Eagles-star-Onazi-cheers-Lobi-to-victory

Corruption In FIFA: EFCC May Probe NFF Officials.
Salifu Usman— Jun 19, 2015 12.
Following the corruption scandal which hit world football governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), there are strong indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may soon begin to invite some past and present officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for questioning.
This is because the anti-graft agency has, so far, received no less than 10 petitions from individuals and organisations regarding alleged corruption in the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
This reporter reliably gathered that the anti-graft body’s hands have been tied in its bid to carry out an investigation on the football house, due to FIFA’s stance on government interference in football and threat to sanction Nigeria for alleged government interference.
But the tide of corruption which hit FIFA and has forced Joseph Sepp Blatter to pledge to step down as FIFA President later in the year has also prompted the EFCC to started dusting all files relating to the calls for the investigation of the nation’s football federation.
“With the probe against FIFA currently going on, the EFCC will also use the opportunity to launch its probe of corrupt NFF officials who have helped themselves to the funds meant for the development of the game in the country.
“The purported letters from FIFA which undermined the sovereignty of Nigeria, world cup grants, government subvention and other corruption cases are with us and, in a short while, we shall commence full-scale probe on them,” our source, who pledged anonymity said.
It would be recalled that former director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and FIFA/CAF executive committee member, Dr. Amos Adamu, had said that “the rot in global football has reached an alarming height and nobody can successfully cover it” anymore.

Keshi Loses 'liberty' on National Team Call-ups.
The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation has been empowered to oversee invitation of players into the Super Eagles for international assignments.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has said coach Stephen Keshi will no longer make autonomous decision as it concerns selection of players for Super Eagles’ international games. Goal gathered that Keshi was queried by the NFF after the Chad game on why Gabriel Okechukwu, a non-league player made the team and for handling him the No. 10 jersey.
According to Pinnick, technical director Amodu Shuiabu will supervise national team call-ups as the ‘big boss’ is also likely to work with the technical study group headed by ex-international Austin Okocha.
"Keshi will still have his input. The only people who are not really working well now is the technical study group because it is a process. He doesn't have the liberty anymore to say he wants to bring in players from places, said Pinnick.
"We must look at all the players [Keshi invites] and it must go through the technical department and Amodu [Shuaibu] will certainly make a comment. And like I told [Amodu], if anything happens we are not going to hold Keshi responsible but him because [he is] a part of it.”
After kicking off their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Chad, the Super Eagles face Tanzania in their next game.
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/12882962

Loyalty be Damned: Onazi's red mist should force Keshi's hand.
The Lazio midfielder let his team down in Kaduna at the weekend, and should henceforth lose his berth as an untouchable in the starting eleven.
The peculiarities of international football make it hard to determine one clear, homogenous criterion for player selection. Club form is the ideal, but it is rather odd that a coach has to pick players based on how well they are faring in a team not overseen by him and therefore, with a wholly different dynamic.
National teams get their players frequently with less than a week to prepare, and because of this, the coach often has to make quick associations on limited, and often, basic assessment. Once these are determined, there is rarely any deviation, and little consideration is given to something as temporal as form; the object is qualification for the next major tournament (in many cases) and so cohesion is achieved and maintained through familiarity.
It is no wonder then that, once the tournament itself comes around and there is longer time for camping and preparation, the coaches make alterations that sometimes end up impairing the team. More time to assess available options leads to decisions that often dilute the chemistry of the qualification process, a case in point being England at the 2010 World Cup: dominant in qualifying, but a damp squib in South Africa.
Therefore, any changes during the qualification process are usually enforced by injuries or suspensions. This brings us nicely to midfield terrier Ogenyi Onazi.
The Lazio man has grown into a mainstay with the national side within the last two-and-half years, and barring injury or suspension, has not failed to start a competitive game for the Super Eagles since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Final against Cote d’Ivoire.
His rush of blood to the head at the weekend earned him a red card, and while it did not jeopardize the result significantly in the end, it is tempting to postulate what might have happened in those last ten minutes had Odion Ighalo missed his spot-kick. He will now miss the next two games, one of them against prime group rivals Egypt; but perhaps now is the time to be rid of the 22-year-old.
Onazi |Running himself out of contention?
The player has gained a popularity that is easy to understand: the eyes are more easily drawn to constant movement, and effort is laudable, even in inefficiency. However, take a step back and it’s clear: he has not been the same player since Blaise Matuidi trod on his foot in Brasilia and ended his World Cup last summer.
It said a lot that the team collapsed in the immediate aftermath of his injury. There was confusion on the bench for a while, as coach Stephen Keshi seemed to vacillate between Reuben Gabriel and Ramon Azeez as a replacement. The team was not equipped to handle his absence, so indispensable had he become. His recovery was quicker than first feared, thankfully, but in the very next fixture – that crucial Afcon 2015 qualifier against Congo two months later – his descent began.
It was his trip on Thievy Bifouma that led to the visitor’s third goal on that ghastly night in Calabar. It would prove to be the winner. While this sort of error was not unprecedented – he had given away a penalty at the 2013 Afcon in similar circumstances against Zambia – it followed on from a truly poor display in midfield, error-strewn and rudderless.
His poor form as shown no sign of abating since then. If anything, it has worsened: Onazi endured a lean season with Lazio, making only 18 appearances for Le Aquile and falling down the club’s midfield pecking order.
All the while, the national team has kept faith with him, perhaps understandably. There are players who perform better at international level, and they deserve the benefit of the doubt. Besides, the memory of his performances leading up to and during that World Cup remained strong.
That faith can only stretch so long though, and Onazi’s absence will coincide no doubt with the establishment of Anderson Esiti as a midfield anchor. The Estoril midfielder was a virtual unknown on these shores, but displayed a maturity that belied his 21 years, and completely outshone his more experienced midfield partner.
Esiti is calmer on the ball, stronger, and a better distributor. Invariably, John Obi Mikel will return for the next qualifier against Tanzania, and it is this pairing that will finally bring the balance required from the deep midfield pivot. Esiti will afford the Chelsea man the technical platform to impose himself in midfield in a way that Onazi never could.
Keshi has shown great loyalty to Onazi, but in letting his team down at a crucial point in the game, he may have made the Big Boss’s decision for him.
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/12775992/

Ikechukwu Uche Signs With Mexican Club Tigres.
The former Super Eagle has made a move to Mexico with top side Tigres UANL in the Monterrey region as they chase continental and domestic success
Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Uchehas announced an agreement to play for Mexican club Tigres UANLin a three-year deal.
Uche, 31, announced via his official Twitter account that he had reached an agreement to play with the Liga MX side.
Tigres are three-time champions of the Mexican top division and are looking to strengthen their attack as they hope to challenge for the league title.
"The project here is very attractive and I thought why not," Uche told BBC Sport.
"I've played in Spain my entire professional career and the opportunity to play in Mexico is a fresh challenge.
"All the Mexican players I've played with all had something positive to say so it wasn't a difficult decision."
They are also in the semi finals of the South American Copa Libertadores where they will play against Brazilian side Internacional of Porto Alegre in July. Their hope is to become the first Mexican side to win the title.
The Monterrey-based side, that plays at the 43,000 capacity Estadio Universitario San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, also signed French forward Andre-Pierre Gignac from Marseille during the week.
Uche moves from Spanish side Villarreal, where he scored 36 goals in three seasons, to the Mexican club. He has previously played for Recreativo Huelva, Getafe, Real Zaragoza and Granada and won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/12869992

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has joined
Bundesliga side Mainz on a three-year-deal.
The German born defender helped SV Darmstadt
98 to gain promotion to the top flight but will
playing against his former side with Mainz.
The club announced the deal on their official
Twitter page.
“I look forward to the task ahead. Mainz 05
has established itself in recent years in the
Bundesliga," Balogun told Mainz official
website.0
“That’s a very good opportunity for me. I am
very pleased and proud to be part of the
future of the club.”
Leon Balogun previously had stints with
Hannover 96 , Werder Bremen and Fortuna
Dusseldorf.
Source:
www pulse.ng/sports/football /leon-balogun-super-eagles- defender-joins-bundesliga- side-mainz-id3887991.html

Tanzania Play Uganda, Tone Up For Nigeria Clash.

Nigeria's next opponents in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier, Tanzania, will host Uganda in a CHAN 2016 qualifying game on Saturday at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
The Taifa Stars who will host the Super Eagles in match day-2 of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers on September 5, will be using the game against the Cranes of Uganda as a dress rehearsal for the big clash against coach Stephen Keshi's led Eagles.
Tanzania were defeated 3-0 by Egypt in their first 2017 AFCON qualifying match on Sunday, June 14, a day after the Nigerian side defeated Chad 2-0 in their 2017 AFCON qualifying opener.
The Tanzanian national team handlers have not revealed their plans for Saturday's game but the Ugandans have already made their squad list public.
Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi have informed that there could be new players invited to the national team for the game against Tanzania in September, and later against Egypt, on the road to Gabon 2017 African Cup of Nations.
The Eagles will be without Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi who has been hit with a two-game ban from the match against Chad in Kaduna by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), for an altercation with an opposing player.
www.completesportsnigeria.com/tanzania-play-uganda-tone-up-for-nigeria-clash/

Ahmed Musa Plans Big for Nigerian Children.

Super Eagles’ wingwizard, Ahmed Musa, hassaid that he is working towards a programme for children to fulfill their dream of playing football at the highest level.
The CSKA Moscow of Russia forward, who decried the current deplorable state of football in Nigeria, said he doesn’t believe that the talents in Brazil, Argentina or any of the other great football nations in Europe surpass that of Nigeria, but that the lack of facilities, developmental programmes and sponsorship are the bane of football growth in Nigeria.
Musa, who last laced his boots for Kano Pillars in Nigeria before he went abroad, said it still beats his imagination that Premier League club sides in Nigeria don’t have feeder teams from Under-15 to Under-19, and competitions are not even organised for them.
“I can’t believe that up till now, Premier League club sides in Nigeria don’t have youth teams from Under-15 level to Under-20 level and no tournament among them? In Europe, as the big teams are playing their league, the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 are having their own leagues too. There are very many young talented players out there but there are no substantial programmes to bring them to the limelight,” Musa told SportingLife
“There is a package on ground we want to execute here in Nigeria as a way to give back to the society. I would like to keep the programme close to my chest for now but when we finish on it everybody will be aware of it. I have deep packages for children where they can be able to discover their God-given talents. It is important that we help these children. I have stayed in Europe for a couple of years now and I can boldly say that we have talents in Nigeria, the only problem facing us is that there are no grassroots programmes on ground to help nurture those talents,” he added.
Musa, who praised the brain behind the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said it will be a good thing if other governors in Nigeria emulate that. He called on private and public organisations to pump money into the development of the game.
Musa, who stayed behind in Jos to spend time with his family after helping the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory over Chad in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Kaduna on Saturday, is expected to travel to his base in Russia on Sunday.
The Golden Boots Academy of Jos product, who has a standard 5-aside pitch in the compound of his newly-built mansion, said he erected the structure not only to keep fit, but to also serve as an avenue where his friends from the grassroots to his present level can meet, play together, have fun and learn one or two things from each other.
The former Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) hit-man said he is happy in his Russian club that is why he signed a new four-year deal with CSKA Moscow.
thenationonlineng.net/new/ahmed-musa-plans-big-for-nigerian-children/

Nigeria: Oboabona Promises Improvement.

Nigeria defender Godfery Oboabona admitted the Super Eagles were not at their best in the victory over Chad, but promised they would be better against Tanzania.
The Nigerian national team is going through somewhat of a rebuilding phase after failing to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles got their qualification campaign for AFCON 2017 underway with a labored 2-0 win over Chad, and Oboabona conceded they were not good enough.
"It was a bit difficult match for us but we were still able to get the three points we needed from the match," he told Complete Sports Nigeria.
"It was a good result for us but we will continue to work hard and make sure we beat Tanzania in our next game.
"This is our first match and one will expect that we spend some time to get into the game but I want to assure Nigerians that Nigeria will be in Gabon for the Nations Cup.
"I am a Nigerian and I will always be ready to play for my country any time I am called upon. It is a great honour to play for this great nation," he concluded.
www.football411.com/story/0,22162,14322_56402,00.html

Mourinho Set To Offload Mikel For Witsel.
Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho has identified Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel as possible replacement for Nigerian international, Mikel Obi as he plans to bolster his squad ahead of next season.
The Blues are ready to move for the Zenit midfielder, with John Obi Mikel set to leave Stamford Bridge amid interest from Turkey and the Middle East.
Witsel, 26, is eager to leave Zenit this summer and is a target for Serie A champions Juventus, but Chelsea believe he would prefer a transfer to west London.
Mourinho is keen to ensure that Chelsea build on their Premier League title triumph this season and wants a side that can also challenge for the Champions League.
Witsel would be considered a direct replacement for Mikel as a holding midfielder to challenge Nemanja Matic for a starting place.
Mikel, 28, has been told he can leave Chelsea this summer and the Blues are hoping to offload him to a club in Turkey.
Chelsea’s chances of landing Witsel will be boosted by the fact that the Belgian and Mourinho are represented by the same agent, Jorge Mendes.
Witsel cost Zenit €40 million when he signed from Benfica in 2012 but he wants a new challenge after winning the Russian title last season under Andre Villas-Boas.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering a swoop for Augsburg left-back Baba Rahman. The 20-year-old Ghanaian has been the subject of glowing reviews from Blues scouts thanks to his performances in the Bundesliga.
leadership.ng/sports/441775/mourinho-set-to-offload-mikel-for-witsel

Nigerian Internation Emenike Will Join Top European League Says Former Manager.

Fenerbahçe striker Emmanuel Emenike will join a major European league according to his former manager Yücel Ildız.
Ildiz was manager of Emenike at Karabükspor where the powerful striker first made a name for himself.
The experienced striker is expected to leave the Yellow Canaries after a disappointing season.
The Nigerian international striker has scored only five goals in 34 league appearances this season in all competitions.
Emenike has also attracted interest from the Arab gulf and China but Ildız believes he will not leave Europe this summer.
“Emenike will join a top European league over the summer he will not be moving to the Arab Gulf or China,” Ildız told Radyospor.
The 28-year-old striker has been linked with a number of clubs over the past season from England and Russia.
Tottenham were linked with a €10 million move in January for Emenike by the newspaper Metro.
Fenerbahçe finished the Süper Lig as runners up and booked a place in next seasons Champions League competition.
www.turkish-football.com/nigerian-internation-emenike-will-join-top-european-league-says-former-manager/

Eagles Need Mikel, Emenike – Ezeugo

Emeka Ezeugo has expressed his desire to see Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Ikechukwu Uche, Victor Moses and Efe Ambrose back in Nigeria’s lineup again.
The Super Eagles got off their Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign to a blistering start with a 2-0 defeat of Chad at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna last Saturday, with the five players omitted from the squad for the encounter.
Nigeria are pitted against record seventh-time champions Egypt, Tanzania and Chad in Group G of the Gabon 2017 qualifying series.
The Eagles, who missed out on a place in the 2015 tournament in Equatorial Guinea, travel to Tanzania on September 5 to face the Taifa Stars – and host Egypt on March 23, 2016.
The Eagles struggled for creativity to break down a resilient Chadian side for 62 minutes until Warri Wolves forward Gbolahan Salami hit the back of the net in the 63rd minute. Watford sensation Odion Ighalo converted a penalty for the second goal to put the game beyond Les Sao.
And former Nigeria midfielder Ezeugo, who hailed the Eagles’ winning start to their Gabon 2017 qualifiers, believes the three-time African champions can win all their games.
The former Denmark-based player lavished praise on Anderson Esiti and Kingsley Madu, saying the debutants deserved commendation for their showing against Chad.
But the Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist insists the Eagles (who faced Chad) lack players of real quality, urging Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi not to bow to pressure to leave Chelsea midfielder Mikel, Chelsea forward Moses, New Tigres de la UANL striker Uche Ikechukwu and Celtic defender Ambrose out of his plans for the qualifiers.
The players helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
“There was no exceptional player in our team, but they played very well,” Ezeugo, who represented Nigeria at the Seoul ’88 Olympic Games and USA’94 World Cup, told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.
“The new players (Slovenia-based Madu and Holland-based Esiti) are good. But they need time to integrate themselves into the team.”
The 47-year-old, who plied his trade in Denmark, Malaysia, India, United States, Spain, Hungary, Wales and Peru before hanging up his boots after a season at Peruvian side Estudiantes de Medicina in 2001, added, “We still Mikel, Moses, Uche, Emenike and Ambrose in the Eagles.
“They are big names, and have the experience to make the team stronger. We still need our experienced players back in the team.
“We can’t afford to miss out on a place in the 2017 the Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi should invite them for our next game.”
Mikel was restricted to bit-part role at Chelsea following Nemanja Matic’s return to Stamford Bridge in the January 2014 transfer window. The 28-year-old was also be plagued by injuries and only returned late April to play a part in the Blues’ Premier League triumph.
Emenike endured a difficult season in Turkey, scoring only four league goals in 27 appearances for Fenerbahce, while Uche struggled with injuries and poor form – and managed to score only six goals in 23 appearances for his former Spanish La Liga side Villarreal last season.
Ambrose and Moses also struggled with form and injuries last season.
Ezeugo says Keshi deserves all the credit for giving more young players the chance to shine, despite criticism from some sections of the media, saying the country will have a team that can challenge for titles in the future.
But the Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist insists the Eagles (who faced Chad) lack players of real quality, urging Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi not to bow to pressure to leave Chelsea midfielder Mikel, Chelsea forward Moses, new Tigres de la UANL signing Uche and Celtic defender Ambrose out of his plans for the qualifiers.
The players helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
“There was no exceptional player in our team, but they played very well,” Ezeugo, who represented Nigeria at the Seoul ’88 Olympic Games and USA’94 World Cup, told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.
“The new players (Slovenia-based defender Madu and Holland-based midfielder Esiti) are good. But they need time to integrate themselves into the team.”
To be continued in the next post....
www.punchng.com/sports/eagles-need-mikel-emenike-ezeugo/

Continue from the last post....
The 47-year-old, who plied his trade in Denmark, Malaysia, India, United States, Spain, Hungary, Wales and Peru before hanging up his boots after a season at Peruvian side Estudiantes de Medicina in 2001, added, “We still Mikel, Moses, Uche, Emenike and Ambrose in the Eagles.
“They are big names, and have the experience to make the team stronger. We still need our experienced players back in the team.
“We can’t afford to miss out on a place in the 2017 the Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi should invite them for our next game.”
Mikel was restricted to bit-part role at Chelsea following Nemanja Matic’s return to Stamford Bridge in the January 2014 transfer window. The 28-year-old was also be plagued by injuries and only returned late April to play a part in the Blues’ Premier League triumph.
Emenike endured a difficult season in Turkey, scoring only four league goals in 27 appearances for Fenerbahce, while Uche struggled with injuries and poor form – and managed to score only six goals in 23 appearances for his former Spanish La Liga side Villarreal last season.
Ambrose and Moses also struggled with form and injuries last season.
Ezeugo says Keshi deserves all the credit for giving more young players the chance to shine, despite criticism from some sections of the media, saying the country will have a team that can challenge for titles in the future.
But the Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist insists the Eagles (who faced Chad) lack players of real quality, urging Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi not to bow to pressure to leave Chelsea midfielder Mikel, Chelsea forward Moses, new Tigres de la UANL signing Uche and Celtic defender Ambrose out of his plans for the qualifiers.
The players helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
“There was no exceptional player in our team, but they played very well,” Ezeugo, who represented Nigeria at the Seoul ’88 Olympic Games and USA’94 World Cup, told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.
“The new players (Slovenia-based defender Madu and Holland-based midfielder Esiti) are good. But they need time to integrate themselves into the team.”
The 47-year-old, who plied his trade in Denmark, Malaysia, India, United States, Spain, Hungary, Wales and Peru before hanging up his boots after a season at Peruvian side Estudiantes de Medicina in 2001, added, “We still Mikel need Moses, Uche, Emenike and Ambrose in the Eagles.
“They are big names, and have the experience to make the team stronger. We need all our experienced players back in the team.
“We can’t afford to miss out on a place in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi should invite them for our next game.”
Mikel was restricted to bit-part role at Chelsea following Nemanja Matic’s return to Stamford Bridge in the January 2014 transfer window. The 28-year-old was also plagued by injuries and only returned late April to play a part in the Blues’ Premier League triumph.
Emenike endured a difficult season in Turkey, scoring only four league goals in 27 appearances for Fenerbahce, while Uche struggled with injuries and poor form – and managed to score only six goals in 23 appearances for his former Spanish La Liga side Villarreal last season.
Ambrose and Moses also struggled with form and injuries last season.
Ezeugo says Keshi deserves all the credit for giving more young players the chance to shine, despite criticism from some sections of the media, saying the country will have a team that can challenge for titles in the future.
www.punchng.com/sports/eagles-need-mikel-emenike-ezeugo/

Nigeria/Egypt: Keshi - Eagles Will Topple Pharoahs.
Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has tipped his side to overtake Egypt when the next round of games are played in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Eagles had on Saturday shot to the summit of Group G but their temporary leadership lasted for about 24 hours after Egypt whipped Tanzania Cairo 3-0 in Cairo to now occupy the top position.
Like the Eagles, who defeated Chad 2-0, Egypt had to wait till the second half to grind out a 3-0 win against Tanzania, with all the goals coming within a spate of nine minutes. Rami Rabia broke the deadlock in the 61st minute and barely four minutes later, Basem Morsi added the second goal with Fiorentina forward, Mohammed Salah netting the the third in the 70th minute of the encounter.
With three points and three goals, Egypt have the same three points with Nigeria but lead on superior goals difference. The next round of qualifiers comes up in September with Nigeria travelling to Dar es Salaam to battle Tanzania while Egypt face a difficult trip to N'Djamena against Chad.
With the top team in each group qualifying for the tournament due to be hosted by Gabon, Keshi has maintained his confidence in his charges ability to topple Egypt from the summit of Group G. Speaking in a radio interview, Keshi said "this is just the beginning of the qualifying campaign and I am happy that we started with a win.
The last time we were involved in an opening AFCON qualifying match was against Congo last year and we all remember that it did not end well for us. "But now, we have started with a win and I believe that even though the Egyptians are leading us that we can overtake them after the next were involved in an opening AFCON qualifying match was against Congo last year and we all remember that it did not end well for us.
"But now, we have started with a win and I believe that even though the Egyptians are leading us that we can overtake them after the next matches are played. I know that football is not arithmetic but if we put our house in order and play with determination that we can be the ones setting the pace for others in the group", added the former AFCON winner and African coach of the year.
allafrica.com/stories/201506190897.html?viewall=1

Super Eagles Gbolahan Salami Close to Joining Zamalek.

Super Eagles forward Gbolahan Salami is reportedly close to joining Egypt football powerhouse Zamalek.
Salami who is currently on the books of local team Warri Wolves, scored Nigeria’s first goal in their weekend 2-0 victory over Chad in the 2017 Africa cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nicknamed “Nigeria Balotelli” for his fearsome nature is fighting for his wages with Nigeria teams, notorious for owing players he is rated as one of the best in the league.
In the past he has failed in his bid to move away from the Nigeria league, the last of which was a failed move to Partizan Belgrade in March.
The 23 year old representatives are already in Egypt trying to thrash out terms on what is reported to be a three year deal.
In 2009 Zamalek failed to sign Salami with a bid but, this time around reports indicates they are close to a transfer for the Ex Shooting Stars, Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves and Enyimba forward.
yashidasports.com/super-eagles-gbolahan-salami-close-to-joining-zamalek/

Lemme get my seat.

Enyeama to Appear Before NFF Disciplinary Committee, Onazi Fined.
The goalkeeper has been summoned by the NFF to appear before its disciplinary body before Tuesday for his comment on the choice of Kaduna for Eagles game versus Chad.
By Shina Oludare
Nigeria international Vincent Enyeama must appear before the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 or risk being sanctioned.
The Lille goalkeeper is expected to explain his remark against the NFF’s choice of Ahmadu Stadium, Kaduna for Eagles Afcon qualifier against Chad played on June 13,2015.
“You will recall that you were queried by the Nigeria Football Federation for your uncomplimentary remarks with regards to safety and security in Kaduna State, host of the Nations Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Chad Republic,” Chris Green wrote
“You received the query letter on June 13th, 2015 and refused to reply to the query up till now, which is well over the 48 hours deadline given to you to reply to the query. Consequently, the NFF has referred the matter to the Disciplinary Committee for adjudication.
“You are by this, invited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of Nigeria Football Federation sitting on Tuesday, 23rd June, 2015 at the Federation’s Secretariat in Abuja. The committee sitting will commence at 11am prompt.
In a related development, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, who was sent off against Les Sao has been issued a letter of reprimand, ordered to produce a written apology and fined the sum of $5,000.
“The Board of the Nigeria Football Federation has viewed your behavior and conduct during the Nigeria/Chad match as tantamount to gross indiscipline and unprofessional, which undermined the discipline of the team in its totality and a breach of ethics for players as well as the Code of Conduct for players and officials,” a letter signed by Tunde Aderibigbe on behalf of the General Secretary read.
“Consequently, the NFF having reviewed the situation hereby impose a fine of $5,000 (Five Thousand American Dollars Only) on you as well as a written apology.
“We believe that subsequently you will be of good behavior and conduct, for a repeat of this behavior shall earn you even stiffer punishment. We hope that this action shall serve as a deterrent to others in our future engagements.”
Nigeria will face Tanzania in their next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September.
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/12910522

NFF to Investigate Keshi's Ivory Coast Application.
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Nigeria.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it will investigate reports that national team coach Stephen Keshi applied to manage Ivory Coast.
On Friday, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced it had received 59 applications in the race to succeed Herve Renard.
The list will be then be narrowed down to three who will be interviewed.
The FIF initially published the name of every man to declare interest in the job, including Stephen Keshi.
He is still employed by Nigeria having signed a new deal in April.
The page on FIF website listing Keshi and 58 other applicants for the Elephants job has been taken down but the NFF insists that will not prevent 'a full investigation'.
"The NFF will open a full investigation to determine whether Mr Stephen Keshi actually applied for the vacant Ivory Coast job," NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport.
"There will be no hasty decision. We hope to get a full part from the Ivory Coast football federation before making an official statement."
Keshi returned as Nigeria coach for the third time in April by signing a two-year contract with the NFF.
In his first spell he won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but the deal was not renewed after the 2014 World Cup.
He later returned on a match-by-match deal, which ended in November 2014 after failure to reach the 2015 Nations Cup.
As caretaker coach, Keshi endured a turbulent 2014, in which he was sacked by the NFF and only reinstalled after intervention from then Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan.
Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player with Nigeria in 1994, declined to comment on his decision to apply to manage the African champions.
m.bbc.com/sport/football/33211300

No Asian Move for Emenike By: Andrew Randa

Contrary to reports linking Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Emenike, with a move to the Middle East, a close confidant of the player has revealed that the former Karabukspor striker will still ply his trade in Europe in the 2015/16 season.
Emenike, 28, has endured a torrid campaign last season netting only five goals in 34 league matches prompting rumours Fenerbahce might let the powerful striker go.
Yucel Iidiz, who coached Emenike at Karabukspor, told the media in Turkey that Emenike who has been linked to Tottenham Hotspur will remain in Europe.
“Emenike will join a top European league over the summer, he will not be moving to the Arab Gulf or China,” Ildiz told Radyospor.
The Super Eagles striker has had a 2015 to forget as injuries and loss of form saw him netting few goals for Fenerbahce and also losing his place in the Nigeria set-up.
He has also had to deal with the death of his father, Pa Felix Emenike Ndukwu, who passed on in May this year.
The interment took place on Friday, June 19 in Amakor-Amazano, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi and his assistant, Valere Hoaundinou as well as Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo and Joel Obi were all in attendance to give support to the striker.
mobi.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/150620/No_Asian_move_for_Emenike

So NFF wan use style make Onazi pay Njoku's fine na wa o how his red card come take concern them