Franco-German Gernot Rohr took charge of the Nigeria senior men’s squad, Super Eagles, for the first time on Tuesday as the team began training sessions ahead of Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania. Rohr and a number of players could not fly to Uyo from Lagos on Monday as ARIK airline eventually […]
via Coach Rohr Takes Charge As 20 Eagles Train in Uyo — newfanzoneblog
Defender Leon Balogun insists the Super Eagles have the ability and capacity to come out tops in the two 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battles against the Pharaohs in Kaduna and Alexandria.
Both teams face off in Group G of the qualifying race, at the Ahmadu Bello, Kaduna on Day 3 and at the Borg el-Arab Stadium, Alexandria on Day 4. Nigeria play host on March 25 and Egypt are hosts four days later.
“We would be targeting to win both matches,” Balogun, who stars for FSV Mainz of Germany, told thenff.com. “If we get the six points, that would ease our path to the Africa Cup finals. Winning will be the principle driving us in both matches.
“Egypt is a big football –playing nation, but Nigeria is also very, very big. There is no complex going into both matches and we have the men to give us victory in Kaduna and away in Egypt.”
Balogun won his first cap for the Eagles in the international friendly against Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in March 2014, but missed the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil as a result of injury sustained in that game.
Since then, he has been solid for Nigeria in the defence with a high work rate, churning out impressive performances, most recently against Chad at the start of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2015, and in friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium in October 2015.
Rivers United defender, Yaovi Douhadji has been included in the Togo squad for the country’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double header against Tunisia this month.
Douhadji was named in the 25-man squad made public by the head coach of the Hawks, Tom Saintfiet on Tuesday.
The big defender has played twice for United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season (against Enyimba and Mountain of Fire and Miracles FC) and is now in line to make his international debut.
“I am very happy to get this chance to play for my country. It is the dream of every footballer to defend the colours of his country.
“This is the first time I will be playing for my country and the games against the Tunisians will be big matches.
“I thank the coach for his faith in me and I promise not to let him down,” the defender told Rivers United media.
Togo’s Hawks will meet the Carthage Eagles in the first of the two Afcon 2017 qualifiers between March 23-26 at the Stade Olympique de Radès, Radès with the reverse fixture taking place at Stade de Kégué, Lomé between March 26-29 .
The Hawks are currently in first place in Group A of 2017 Afcon qualifying with maximum points after two games.
Samson Siasia says he believes the Super Eagles can give Nigerians joy on Friday, March 25 by winning and picking all three points in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna.
All the 19 expected home boys were in camp as at Tuesday afternoon, as no other person wanted to suffer the fate of Segun Oduduwa, Usman Mohammed and Stanley Dimgba, who were on Monday barred from showing up at the Bolton White Apartments after reporting late to the camp of the intermediate squad.
Siasia told thenff.com Tuesday afternoon that discipline, strong mentality, self-belief and support of Nigerians can steer the Eagles to heights attained by their predecessors, who pounded the Pharaohs 4-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lagos in October 1977.
“We can recreate October 1977; why not? The home –boys have come in and full training has commenced. Everyone is rearing to go. By the time the foreign –based players arrive, the competition will be what we want.
“I insist that we have invited the players who are capable of giving us the three points in Kaduna and another three points in Alexandria.”
Apart from being two points behind the Egyptians on the Group G table, the Eagles also lag behind the Pharaohs on goals scored. The Pharaohs have scored eight while Nigeria have scored two in the two matches played by each team, meaning the Nigerians have to start racking up the goals.
On October 8, 1977 the Eagles thrashed the Pharaohs 4-0 in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium, Lagos, with the inimitable Segun Odegbami bagging a brace. Skipper Christian Chukwu and John Nwadioha got the other goals.
The Nigeria squad of October 8 1977:
Emmanuel Okala, Annas Ahmed, Samuel Ojebode, Mudashiru Lawal, Christian Chukwu (c), Godwin Odiye, Olusegun Odegbami, Aloysius Atuegbu, John Nwadioha, Godwin Iwelimo, Adokiye Amiesieamaka
Players in camp: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Olufemi Thomas, Emmanuel Daniel, Kalu Orji Okogbue, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Mathew Etim, Austin Oboroakpo, Sincere Seth, Chima Akas, Chris Madaki, Oke Ogogatewho, Ifeanyi Mathew, Etebo Oghenekaro, Yau Hassan, Ezekiel Bassey, Prince Aggrey, Bright Onyedikachi, Chisom Chikatara, Godwin Obaje
Coach Samson Siasia has invited 22 home–based professionals and 20 overseas–based players for Nigeria’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-take against the Pharaohs of Egypt this month.
Siasia, who was named last week as Super Eagles’ Head Coach, passionately appealed to all Nigerians, including the sporting media, to rally round the team and show belief as the Eagles host the Egyptians in Kaduna on Friday, March 25 and play away in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29.
The 22 home–boys are expected to hit camp at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, March 6 before the overseas –based boys arrive as from Sunday, March 20.
“I want to passionately appeal to Nigerians, everybody, to show belief in the team and give us total support. It will not be easy, but if we stick together and present a united force to fight this battle, I believe we will triumph.
“I have absolute faith in the players. Nigeria is blessed with so many talented footballers across the world and I know that those we are inviting for this match will give everything for the six points in both matches. Personally, I will give everything that I have to offer for us to win both matches.”
The former Nigeria captain, who was in the same position between December 2010 and October 2011, assured that only the best players who “showed ability to run and decimate the opposition” will be given opportunity in both matches.
Regulars Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Olufemi Thomas, Kalu Orji Okogbue, Austin Oboroakpo, Chima Akas, Ezekiel Bassey and Chisom Chikatara are in the home based mix, while Carl Ikeme, Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon and Fanendo Adi are among the overseas –based legion.
HOME –BASED PROFESSIONALS
Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers)
Defenders: Kalu Orji Okogbue (Enugu Rangers); Chibuzor Okonkwo (FC IfeanyiUbah); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors); Sincere Seth (Rhapsody FC); Segun Oduduwa (Nath Boys); Chima Akas (Akwa United); Chris Madaki (Kano Pillars); Oke Ogogatewho (Sunshine Stars)
Midfielders: Ifeanyi Mathew (Kano Pillars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves); Yau Hassan (Wikki Tourists); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves)
Forwards: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Prince Aggrey (Kano Pillars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists)
OVERSEAS –BASED PROFESSIONALS
Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense FC, Portugal); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey)
Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Matalyspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers, USA)
* Ogenyi Onazi, who got a red card against Chad on Day 1 of the series, is eligible for the Day 4 match against the Pharaohs in Alexandria.
The Nigeria Football Federation will this week inspect facilities and equipment at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Egypt.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, told thenff.com on Monday that the inspection visit will take place on Thursday, and that facilities to be inspected include the playing pitch of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, dressing rooms, proposed training pitches, scoreboard, sanitary facilities, spectator stands and media facilities.
Sanusi will conduct the inspection alongside the Director of Facilities at the National Sports Commission, Engineer Shehu Ibrahim.
“We will inspect the facilities alongside officials of the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Sports Ministry and Football Association. There is the need to put everything in top shape ahead of this big match.
“The NFF will interface with the Kaduna State Government on the areas that need to be improved upon. We will also jointly put in place a flawless medical and security plan for the match.”
The Super Eagles take on the Pharaohs at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Wednesday, 23rd March in one of the Day 3 matches of the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series. The return leg will be played in Egypt five days later.
Nigeria is currently second on the Group G table with four points from two matches, having beaten Chad 2-0 also in Kaduna in June 2015 and drawn 0-0 with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in September 2015. Egypt remain top of the log with maximum six points, from beating Tanzania in Egypt and Chad away in N’Djamena.
Just as the Super Eagles are heading to Tanzania for a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in a chartered aircraft, and will return in the same aircraft immediately after the match in Dar es Salaam, African champions Cote d’Ivoire have announced that their ‘Elephants’ will fly into and out of Port Harcourt aboard a chartered airplane.
Thenff.com learnt on Tuesday evening that the Elephants, who defeated Ghana’s Black Stars to lift only their second continental title in Equatorial Guinea earlier in the year, are excited about coming into Nigeria’s oil –rich city.
Augustin Sidy Diallo, president of the Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF), confirmed on Tuesday that the Elephants’ delegation would hit the Rivers State capital on Friday morning.
Sunday’s match at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium is the first time Nigeria is hosting a competitive international involving two other countries. The Elephants and Leone Stars will kick off at 4pm.
It was also gathered that the Seirra Leone delegation of 33 persons, led by president of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Isha Johansen, will fly into Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening aboard an ARIK Air plane.
It can be recalled that Port Harcourt hosted Nigeria’s home matches in the successful campaign for a place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, and recently played host to the U-23 National Team in its successful campaign against Congo-Brazzaville for a place at the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.
Coach Michel Dussuyer will miss the services of African Player of the Year Yaya Toure, and has also omitted Cheick Tiote, Siaka Tiene and Lacina Traore. But there are still plenty of eminent ‘Elephants’ in goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohou, defenders Serge Aurier, Mamadou Bagayoko and Adama Traore, midfielders Ismael Diomande, Serey Die, Serge N’Guessan and forwards Seydou Doumbia, Gervinho, Max Gradel, Giovanni Sio and Salomon Kalou.
The delegation of Super Eagles of Nigeria to Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania will fly out of Abuja at 3pm on Thursday, according to the NFF
Arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam will be at 10pm (8pm Nigeria time) of the same day.
The Tanzania Football Federation has confirmed that the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Taifa Stars and Super Eagles of Nigeria will come up at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5.
The match will kick off at 4.30pm Tanzania time (2.30pm in Nigeria).
The Super Eagles are joint top with the Pharaohs of Egypt in Group G of the qualifying series, having beaten Chad 2-0 in Kaduna in June’s Matchday 1, but the North Africans have one goal advantage having beaten the Taifa Stars 3-0 the same weekend.
The Nigeria Football Federation has also confirmed that it has finalized all arrangements with regards to the Super Eagles’ movement into and out of Dar es Salaam, as well as accommodation for the delegation in the Tanzanian capital.
Sources further confirmed that while the delegation will fly out from Abuja, the chartered aircraft will fly the delegation to Port Harcourt on return, where the Super Eagles tackle the Mena of Niger Republic in an international friendly on Tuesday, September 8.
The Tanzania Football Federation has confirmed that the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Taifa Stars and Super Eagles of Nigeria will come up at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5.
A mail from TFF President Jamal Malinzi also confirmed that the National Stadium has natural grass, and that the match will kick off at 4.30pm Tanzania time (2.30pm in Nigeria).
Nigeria’ Super Eagles share joint top –place with the Pharaohs of Egypt in Group G of the qualifying series, having beaten Chad 2-0 in Kaduna in June’s Matchday 1, but the North Africans have one goal advantage having beaten the Taifa Stars 3-0 the same weekend.
Coach Sunday Oliseh has 19 home –based professionals in camp in Abuja, and has also called 18 overseas –based players, led by Eagles’goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama.
The Nigeria Football Federation has also confirmed that it has finalized all arrangements with regards to the Super Eagles’ movement into and out of Dar es Salaam, as well as accommodation for the delegation in the Tanzanian capital.
Sources further confirmed that while the delegation will fly out from Abuja, the chartered aircraft will fly the delegation to Port Harcourt on return, where the Super Eagles tackle the Mena of Niger Republic in an international friendly on Tuesday, September 8.
Super Eagles’ Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 18 overseas-based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
First–choice goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama headlines the list that also has defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Rabiu Ibrahim, Lukman Haruna and Joel Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Anthony Ujah.
There are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh’s earlier pledge to make current form and first–level football key indices for selection.
There are goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon.
All the 18 players, who will join up with the 23 home boys who arrived camp in Abuja on Monday, are expected in Abuja on Monday, 31st August, 2015 at the latest.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey)
Midfielders: Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emem Eduok (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen, Germany); Sylvester Igboun (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium)
Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, leading marksman Tunde Adeniji has thanked new Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh for giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the senior national team.
Oliseh on Friday named the former Rising Stars of Akure striker among a strong 23 home–based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania.
Adeniji, who is just 19, was discovered by scouts of the Ondo State Football Agency, ODSFA, while playing for Methodist High School in Okitipupa, Ondo state and he insists his target is not just to become the league’s highest goal scorer this season but also to break the NPFL all time goal record of 23 goal set last season by Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh.
“My target is to break the record created by Mfon Udoh last season. He scored 23 goals and with the help of my team mates, I know I can go pass that record this season,”
The erstwhile Rising Stars of Akure forward, has scored 12 goals so far, one ahead of Heartland’s Bright Ejike who is on 11 goals.
His goals have helped Sunshine Stars reclaim NPFL top position from Enyimba of Aba.
Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh has invited 23 home –based professionals who will kick–start preparations for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania.
At the head of the pack is Warri Wolves’ forward Gbolahan Salami, who scored one of the goals when the Eagles opened the race with a 2-0 win over Chad in Kaduna in June. There are also regular faces like Solomon Kwambe and Nelson Ogbonnaya.
A handful of players of the U-23 squad that survived a stern test in Pointe Noire on Sunday to qualify for the African U-23 Championship finals, will be joined by former junior international goalkeepers Olufemi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, as well as a number of new faces, led by top scorer in the Glo NPFL race, Tunde Adeniji of Sunshine Stars.
The players are expected to report to the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Monday, 17 August. Nigeria play Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on September 5 in one of the Matchday 2 games of the qualification series for Gabon 2017.
GOALKEEPERS: Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); David Obiazor (Heartland FC); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars)
DEFENDERS: Orji Kalu (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Samson Gbadebo (Lobi Stars); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars)
MIDFIELDERS: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Azubuike Okechukwu (Bayelsa United); Lordson Ichull (Warri Wolves); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves)
FORWARDS: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Bright Ejike (Heartland FC); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)
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