Pinnick: PMB Deserves Place In Guinness Book Of Records

President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) is worthy of a bold mention in the Guinness Book of Records, according to NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

Pinnick spoke in Santiago on Monday morning as he boarded a flight to Buenos Aires on the way back home from a success story at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

“Yes, it is a success story as you just mentioned, but it would not have ended that way without the great support that the Nigeria Football Federation continues to receive from the President Muhammadu Buhari–led Federal Government.

“In fact, the Nigeria Football Federation is dedicating this triumph to President Buhari. He is a man of history. He was there when the first set won the trophy in 1985 as military Head of State; now he is here as civilian President when the Class of 2015 emerged victorious. Seriously speaking, I don’t think there is any Head of State or Government in the entire universe who has this honour, and for this, our PMB deserves a place in the Guinness Book of Records.”

Pinnick, whose one –year administration can now point to successes at the African Women Championship (Namibia 2014), African Youth Championship (Senegal 2015) and now the Eaglets’ triumph (aside qualifications for several major tournaments), insisted on Monday that the masterstroke for the Eaglets’ confident and determined approach was President Buhari’s call to the team a day earlier.

President Muhammadu Buhari

“We appreciate the President for sparing time out of his very tight schedule to talk to each and every player and official. That was a massive motivation. At the end of the conversation, the players told me they would go all out and give whatever it would take to win, having been inspired by the country’s leader.

“Football is a potent and huge tool for national unity and the focus of the present NFF administration is to build a sustainable football culture for our country. Triumphs are good, but we must not overlook the sustainable culture.”

The NFF President assured that his administration would be strongly involved in the players’ development, unlike what happened in the past. “People have talked about monitoring the players. We would do more than that. We would be part of their developmental programs and seamless transition to senior categories.

“We are very happy with this victory because it gives us the opportunity to present to our dear PMB his first global crown on his return as civilian President.”

Pinnick, a member of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and who joined the dignitaries to hand out the medals in Vina del Mar on Sunday, hinted that the NFF already has other targets in its immediate radar.

Golden Eaglets

“Of course, we are celebrating. But I can tell you that our focus has already shifted to the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal. It is important that we earn a ticket to the men’s football tournament of next year’s Olympics in Brazil.

“We will give Samson Siasia’s squad all the support to win the ticket. And of course, we have also concluded arrangements to ensure the Super Eagles defeat Swaziland in the race for the 2018 FIFA World Cup starting with the first leg in Lobamba on Friday,” said Pinnick, as he congratulated the U-20 women national team, Falconets, for earning a ticket to the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after beating South Africa’s Basetsana on Sunday.

Pinnick: We Are Marching Towards Our Goal, Steadily

There is still a lot of work on the road, but the present NFF administration believes it is working assiduously towards the set vision of building a sustainable football culture for Nigeria.

At its inception at the end of September 2014, the Board led by Amaju Melvin Pinnick had unveiled a vision of building a sustainable football culture for the country, founded on strategies of capacity building and a virile youth development program.

On Wednesday, in a statement to mark the one year of the administration and to look forward to the next one year, Pinnick gave the Board a pat on the back, and stated that the unity within the group and general body language assure him that everyone is ready for the enormous work ahead, as well as foreseeable and unforeseen challenges.

“As you rightly note, there is a lot of work ahead. I am not happy with the decline of the Super Falcons and we are putting heads together for an all–encompassing solution to women’s football, not just the Falcons. But apart from that, I believe we have done well in pursuing our vision.

“Our capacity –building programs have had immediate impact in the League, which everyone is now talking about, and only on Tuesday, we did public presentation of our youth development policy.”

NFF President Amaju Pinnick Addressing the Falcons before departure for Equatorial Guinea

Pinnick is delighted by the triumphs of the Falcons and the U-20 boys (at the 2014 African Women Championship and 2015 African Youth Championship), continued progress of the U-23 team in the race to 2016 Olympics and the qualification of the Golden Eaglets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. But he insisted that the focus has not only been on the field of play.

“We have been busy putting blocks in place for the building of a structure. Structure is important because this is what will outlive everyone. Once you have a structure, everything becomes almost automatic. Only monitoring and diligence will be required.

“The other big challenge is funding, and that is why we have been all over seeking the support of corporate organizations to buy into our programs.”

Pinnick believes that within the next one year, the work on building of a structure will be greatly advanced.

Super Eagles during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Nigeria Training on Sep,1st, 2015 at National Stadium, Abuja
© Kabiru Abubakar/Backpagepix

“On the field of play, we will give all necessary support to the Super Eagles’ crew to qualify the team for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and start strongly in the race to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. We will give support to the home-based professionals to win the African Nations Championship.

“Also, we are determined that the U-23 boys qualify for and do the nation proud at the Olympics, while we entrench our development plan for women’s football and pursue doggedly our youth development program. Not forgetting the defence of the U-17 World Cup, which the Eaglets are set for next month.”

NFF Congratulates Udoh, Oshoala

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated the duo of FIFA-badged referee Ferdinand Udoh and African Woman Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala for deserved strides they made in the past few days.

Udoh, 28, and much respected for his athletism, firmness and strict application of the rules of the game, has been selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as one of the referees for the 11th African U-17 Championship taking place in Niger Republic, 15th February – 1st March, 2015.

Oshoala, Most Valuable Player of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Canada, and also undisputable choice for same honour at the African Women Championship in Namibia last year, signed a professional contract with Liverpool Ladies Football Club of England.

NFF Acting President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, lauded the duo and charged them to see their strides as calls to put in even more effort and diligence into their different vocations.

“The NFF is happy with the selection of Ferdinand Udoh for the African U-17 Championship in Niger. This underscores that the integrated efforts we are making for the general improvement of refereeing in Nigeri has not gone unnoticed by the organisations that matter.

“For some years now, we have not had a Nigerian centre referee at major competitions. Now, Udoh is starting with the U-17, which we know is a stepping stone to further glory and much greater glory. Let me reiterate that our objective is to see a Nigerian referee, or referees, officiate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Asisat Oshoala Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot winner at FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada

“We congratulate Oshoala who is definitely the new poster girl of Nigeria’s women football. Her contract with Liverpool Ladies will certainly encourage her mates in the National Team to also put in more efforts to attract the attention of the best clubs in the world.”

Oshoala was duly crowned the African Woman Player of the Year and Youth Player of the Year at the Glo-Caf African Football Awards in Lagos earlier this month, with Nigeria also claiming the Women National of the Year diadem.

Ferdinand Anietie Udoh, born in 1987, became a FIFA-badged referee in 2013.

Nigeria’s leading assistant referee, Peter Edibi, is presently working at the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea.

Pinnick Hails Super Falcons, Promises Team Adequate Preparation For World Cup

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick on Saturday night congratulated the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, following the team’s triumph over Cameroon that returned the African Women Championship trophy to Nigeria.

ASISAT OSHOALA, DEDICATES NATIONAL HONOUR TO TEAM MATES, PARENTS,

The Falcons defeated the Lionesses 2-0 in the final at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek with goals from Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala – indisputably the two best players of the competition.

“I am very happy at the performance of the Super Falcons. They have given this new Board of NFF its first trophy in under one month in office, and I am delighted.

“They played the Lionesses with lion hearts and there was no doubt which was the better team. They made the country proud and I want to assure the team that the NFF will do everything possible to prepare the team adequately for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada.”

Pinnick was scheduled to travel out of the country on Friday night alongside Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, to watch the final match in Windhoek. He was however, inexplicably, stopped from traveling by some security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In the event, Dr. Danagogo was joined at the State Box of the Sam Nujoma Stadium by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Ambassador Biodun Olorunfemi.

NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.

Pinnick added: “The domination of our women in African football is no longer in doubt. Seven titles out of nine editions aptly tell the story. What we must now work hard towards is making our mark at the global stage. That is going to start with Canada 2015.”

Star–girl Asisat Oshoala was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, replicating her feat at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada in the summer. But she was unable to repeat the double, pipped to the Top Scorer’s award by compatriot Desire Oparanozie, who got five goals to her own four. Nigeria’s Francesca Ordega was also named Player of the final match.

The Falcons, alongside the Lionesses of Cameroon and the Les Elephantes of Cote d’Ivoire, who shocked South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the third place match, will represent Africa at the 7th FIFA World Cup finals in Canada, 6th June – 5th July, 2015.

AWC2014 CAMEROON WILL FALL-OKON

Super Falcons Coach Edwin Okon has boasted that his team is set to win the African Women Championship (AWC) for the 7th time by beating Cameroon in the final on Saturday.

Speaking after a hard fought victory over South Africa in the first semi final at the Sam Nujoma stadium in Windhoek Namibia, Okon stated that Super Falcons from the on set have made up their mind to beat any side to reclaim the title they lost two years ago

“From the on set, we said it that we shall take the teams as they come. We did not care who we play in the final because we prepared to play who ever and we are ready to beat Cameroon in the final of the AWC

Edwin Okon, Super Falcons Coach, photo credit fifa.com

“South Africa gave us a big scare but we were unlucky not to score more than two goals in the first half. The final with Cameroon will be tougher but we shall also raise our game to beat them and reclaim the title

“We lost to them in the third place match in Equatorial Guinea and I will not say we are seeking revenge but we want to reclaim the title. The harder they come the harder they fall. Nigerians should count on us” he said

Also speaking, the Most Valuable Player in the match against South Africa Asisat Oshoala expressed gratitude to God for giving us victory over South Africa stressing that it was not an easy win

“We are happy to reach the final and by the Grace of God, we shall reclaim the title. I thank God for giving me those goals that gave us the win and if I get the chance to score again in the final, I will gladly take it but it does not matter who score so long as we win the cup” he stressed.

The Golden shoe and golden ball winner at this year’s FifA U-20 women world cup said she is not under any pressure to score in the final adding that the Super Falcons are blessed with plenty of goal bangers who can score vital goals to win.

SOUTH AFRICAN COACH TIPS FALCONS TO WIN AWC

Coach of Banyana, Banyana, Vera Pauw has commended the Super Falcons for beating her team in the semi final of the African Women Championship (AWC) even as she tipped Nigeria to win the cup.

“I have always known that Nigeria was going to be difficult for us but we gave it our best shot. We take solace in the fact that we gave good account and lost to a better side

“Nigeria stopped us from playing our normal game in the first half. I congratulate them and wish them well in the final. I think the Super Falcons are better equipped to win on Saturday

“We have played both finalists and I think I am in a position to say that Nigeria have a better team and I think they will win the cup” she stated

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons returned to training on Thursday.

Play With Your Hearts – Pinnick Charges Falcons

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has charged the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, to play with all their heart when confronting the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the semi finals of the 9th African Women Championship in Namibia on Wednesday.

Victories over Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia and Namibia shot the six –time champions to the semi finals on maximum points from their three matches, with victory against South Africa to guarantee a place in the tournament final and a berth at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick

“I am truly impressed with the way the team has played in the tournament and they have no doubt, made Nigerians happy. Now, they have come to a point where they cannot afford to make any mistakes.

“Against South Africa, we have to be close to perfection. The rivalry between our two countries will make the match more competitive. So, we have to be at our very best. Our girls must play with their hearts.”

The clash at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, which starts at 5pm Namibia time (4pm Nigeria time), is a repeat of the 2012 match –up between both teams in Equatorial Guinea, which the Banyana won to reach the final.

“I have told the girls that they have to overcome the South Africans to qualify for the final, because I want to travel to Namibia to watch them play the final on Saturday,” Pinnick added.

AWC: Nigerian Sports Award Hails Super Falcons

AWC: Nigerian Sports Award Hails Super Falcons…,Charges Super Eagles on AFCON Qualification

The organizers of Nigerian Sports award, Unmissable Incentives Limited has hailed the Nigerian female national football team- Super Falcons for their impressive performance at the on-going African Women Championship (AWC).

The General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu commended the Super Falcons for their high team spirit and patriotism which he said was noticeable in all the three matches they have played so far in the tournament.

L-R Ejiro Omonode, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Kayode Idowu,

‘’We are indeed very proud of the achievement of the Super Falcons at the on-going African Women Championship especially at this moment when Nigerian Football seems threatened with the lacklustre performance of the Super Eagles in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers’’ he said.

Idowu stated that the Nigerian women football teams have been consistent in the last few years with remarkable performances at different competition such as the fantastic performance by the Peter Dedevho led Falconets to the just concluded U-18 World Cup in Canada.

According to Kayode Idowu, Nigeria Sports Award is particularly proud of the 2 nominees Azeezat Oshoala and Okparanozie Desire who are both nominated for the footballer of the year (Women) category while Azeezat is also nominated for the Sports Woman of the year category for this year’s edition.

Idowu charged the Coach Edwin Okon tutored team to maintain its rightful place in African Women Football by going all out to win the African Women Championship and also ensure a good outing at the Women World Cup.

Meanwhile the organizers of the prestigious award has charged the Super Eagles under the new Coach Shuaibu Amodu to go all out and win their last two games to stand a chance to qualify for the African cup of Nations billed for Morocco.

The 2014 edition of the Nigerian Sports Award is slated to hold at the Muson Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday November 13, 2014 and it is expected to be attended by prominent Nigerians especially in those in the sports circle.

BEATING SOUTH AFRICA IS KEY TO AWC TITLE – ONOME

Ahead of their crunch semi final clash in the African Women Championship (AWC) Super Falcons central defender Onome Ebi says the match is key to reclaiming the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.

Onome, a prominent member of the team that lost to Van Wyk solitary strike at this same stage in 2012 said they would not allow the mistakes of that defeat to repeat itself again in Namibia.

She said that the mistakes were actually that of poor finishing in front of goal and being complacent during the game adding that they have learnt their lessons and will not allow such to happen again.

Onome Ebi, photo credit fifa.com

“We lost to Banyana last time because we were not able to take our chances and they took theirs and converted their only chance to win. We have learnt our lesson and that will be our guiding principle when we meet on wednesday in the semi final

“This match means so much to us. We know a win will give us ticket to the women world cup aside from taking home the trophy, so we shall take the match as if it is the final. We have to revenge that loss and restore our pride as African queens. We just have to beat them to reach the final

She continued “to me this is the most important game for us as a win qualifiers us for world cup next year and it will further show we are the best in Africa. We have young and energetic players who have made Falcons a stronger team”

Onome who plies her trade in Belarus with FK Minsk stated that her confidence is boosted by the calibre of strikers and the energy the young girls bring into the team adding that Banyana, Banyana will no doubt be tough but that they must fall.

AWC SEMI-FINAL BERTH: OKON HAILS FALCONS

Super Falcons gaffer, Edwin Okon has hailed his team’s performance against the She-polopolo of Zambia, but reiterated that their quest is to reach the finals of the African Women Championship (AWC).

Speaking during the post-match press briefing after his team whitewashed Zambia 6-0, Okon said that though they have qualified for the semifinal of the ongoing championship in Namibia, it is still not yet uhuru until they get to the final and win.

Super Falcons coach – Edwin Okon. Photo credit
: FIFA

“I am excited for booking the ticket to the semifinal stage but it is not yet over. Our eyes are on the ball and we are looking to get to the final and win the Cup for a record seven times. Like I said earlier before the game, we are going to take it one match at a time” said Okon.

Meanwhile, Coach of the losing She-polopolo, Charles Bwale has blamed the officiating which he termed pathetic, but wished Nigeria well as they progressed in the championship.

“Pathetic refereeing cost us the match. You can’t play one man down against Nigeria. But all the same, I congratulate Nigeria for making it into the knock out stage. In the coming game, we will improve, as well as in the next AWC”

Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match, Nigeria vs Zambia, Super Falcons Ngozi Ebere, Receiving her award

Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match, Ngozi Ebere, dedicated the award to Almighty God, saying that she gave her best for the team.

“I feel excited for winning the MVP and I dedicate it to Almighty God for making it possible for me to win it”

The Falcons were simply too much for the Zambians as goals from in-form striker, Desire Oparanozie, who scored a brace, Ngozi Okobi, Osinachi Ohale, Asisat Oshoala and veteran goal poacher, Perpetua Nkwocha, saw them off in grand style.

Super Falcons will next play hosts, Namibia in their last group A match on Friday October 17th

AWC:FALCONS ARRIVE NAMIBIA PROMISE TO BEAT CIV AS BIRTHDAY GIFT TO OSHOALA

Nigeria’s Super Falcons who arrived Windhoek Thursday evening for the ninth edition of the African Women Championship (AWC) have expressed readiness to beat giant killers Cote D’Ivoire on Saturday as signs of their resolve to reclaim the title they lost two years ago.

The six times African champions were received on arrival by Nigeria’s envoy to Namibia Ambassasdor (Dr) Biodun N. Olorunfemi who urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria on and off the pitch and also to return home with the trophy.

Skipper Evelyn Nwabuoku in her response told the high commission that they stand by the promise they made to Mr. President and Nigerians that they would bring back the cup to Nigeria come October 25.

She said the team haS also promised to show their intentions in this tournament by beating Ivory Coast as a gift to striker Asisat Oshoala who celebrated her 20th birthday on Thursday.

Oshoala the MVP and top goal scorer at Under-20 world cup in Canada on her part said she would work hard for the team to do well and achieve their target of reclaiming the title they lost in Equatorial Guinea two years ago

Asisat Oshoala Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot winner at FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada

“I thank God for making me add another year to my life and I wish to celebrate it by performing well and also by meeting the expectations of Nigerians at this AWC.

“I don’t make promises but I can only assure that I will give my best to ensure that we do well and win the cup for Nigerians. Adding another year to my life in a foreign land portend lots of positives for me and the team and I pray that God will give us the strenght and luck to win the cup” she said

The Falcons touched down at Windhoek airport by 3.30pm (local time) after transiting at the O R Tambo airport in Johannesburg for six hours.

The team who are lodged at the Safari hotel will have a feel of the Sam Nujoma stadium by 7. 30pm Friday.

There is no injury problem with the team and all the players are eagerly looking forward to this opening game.

Gracious Akujobi,

We Are Going To Bring Back The Cup-NKWOCHA

Super Falcons’ veteran striker Perpetua Nkwocha has expressed the optimism that they will reclaim the African Women Championship they lost two years ago to then host Equatorial Guinea.

Perpetua Nkwocha, photo credit laget.se

The Sunana SK of Sweden forward who is one of the six foreign based players enlisted for AWC in Namibia said her optimism stemmed from the commitment and impressive performance of the team since her arrival last week.

He stated that losing the AWC in Equatorial Guinea was a big set back which they are raring to surmount in Namibia, noting that she is thrilled by the way the young players have integrated into the squad in such a short time.

“We are going to Namibia to prove that we are still number one in Africa and that the title is ours to lose. With what I have seen of the team so far, it will be very difficult to stop the Super Falcons at AWC. We are going to bring back the cup.

Perpetua Nkwocha. photo credit fifa

“We are not going to take any game easy because we want to win back what belong to us. We shall face any team as if we are playing the United States of America or Japan. It is true the women game has improved in Africa but we are still the best because we have a good youth program” she stated

The former Africa footballer of the year assured Nigerians that the Falcons will go to Canada for the World Cup as African champions.

OPARANOZIE,OTHER FOREIGN PROS ARRIVE SUPER FALCONS CAMP AHEAD AWC

Super Falcons foreign based forwards Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega have said that Super Falcons will use the forth coming African Women Championship (AWC) to redeem their image.

The former Delta Queens and Rivers Angels strikers who ply their trade in France with En Avent De Guingamp,France and Pitea IFF, Sweden expressed joy at re-uniting with their national team mates for the AWC.

Oparanozie said she almost lost hope because her club did not want to release her but expressed happiness that she has finally joined the team and she is rearing to go.

“My club almost did not release me because of the matches we have to play in the league. I am happy that they released me and I am finally here to join my team mates to help Super Falcons do well at the AWC and reclaim the trophy”

OPARANOZIE,OTHER FOREIGN PROS ARRIVE SUPER FALCONS CAMP

Ordega on her part said she is delighted to join the team after her two years absence.

“I am happy to be back to the Super Falcons for the AWC after not being part of the team for the last championship in Equatorial Guinea. My club in Russia stopped me then and the same thing wanted to repeat it self now but I bluntly refused”

“I am happy to be hear now,I promise to put in my best to see that Falcons reclaim the AWC trophy and bring back the glory days to Super Falcons”.

The duo arrived camp tuesday night from their bases in France and Sweden and had their first training with Super Falcons on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Onome Ebi and Esther Sunday from Belarus and Perpetua Nkwocha from Sweden also arrived camp this Wednesday afternoon.