Indebtedness To Players: Fc Taraba Warri Wolves Get Deadline

FC Taraba United has been granted 10 working days extension to pay up all amount due players of the club or face sanctions which includes points deduction just as Warri Wolves got a reminder that it has up to October 24th, 2015 to also pay all indebtedness to its players. The LMC also wrote to the players of Warri Wolves through their captain to draw their attention to relevant regulations guiding players’ declaration of industrial dispute with their clubs and reminded them that in line with relevant articles of the Framework and Rule, the Club still has three weeks to comply with the summary jurisdiction notice issued it by the LMC.

The temporary reprieve for FC Taraba followed a letter of undertaken from the Government of Taraba State dated September 25th, signed by the Chief of Staff, Government House Administration pledging to defray all outstanding indebtedness to the players and club officials.

In a letter signed by the LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, the club was reminded that the summary jurisdiction notice issued it on July 30th which required it to pay financial entitlements of the players within 60 days had expired in violation of article B9.45 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules.

Dikko wrote that “we note that till date, the debts owed players of your club remain unpaid. However, we are in receipt of a letter, reference: GHJ/COS/S/3 dated 25th September, 2015, signed by the Chief of Staff, Government House Administration, Office of the Executive Governor, Taraba State, which contains commitment and undertaking that the outstanding salaries of players and technical crew will be isolated for phased payment to commence within the next one week”.

The LMC said it was in consideration of the commitment that “we will put a hold on further action for a period of ten (10) working days (i.e. until 5:00pm on Friday, 16th October, 2015), within which period payment must have commenced”.

In the matter of Warri Wolves, Dikko in another letter to the club brought to their notice the Summary Jurisdiction notice dated August 25th which required it to pay all financial entitlement due the players and officials, would soon expire.

The LMC Chairman in concluding his letter to Warri Wolves said, “you are hereby reminded that the 60-day period, within which you are expected to remedy the breach, will lapse on the 24th of October, 2015. Be advised that your club will become liable to the initial deduction of six (6) points, should you fail to meet the deadline”.

Shehu Dikko, LMC Chairman, and NFF’s 2nd Vice President,

To Azubuike Egwuekwe, captain of Warri Wolves, the LMC wrote, “you will recall that in our previous correspondence, we assured you that the matter of outstanding players’ salaries and financial entitlements would be resolved as the Club had already been issued with the statutory notice to pay up or face sanction; and that you, on behalf of the Players of the Club, pledged to adhere to the League Rules regulating such grievances”.

Quoting articles D1-3 of the Framework and Rules, the LMC also reminded the players of the procedures for embarking on strike, one of which requires the aggrieved players to give a 45-days notice to the club and 15 days for the LMC to resolve the dispute.

It therefore warned the players to “be advised that the current actions by Players of Warri Wolves FC are against the provisions of the League Rules and have the potential to not only undermine the regulatory process already commenced but also to bring the League to disrepute. Please note that we will not hesitate to impose relevant sanctions as applicable”.

“We therefore urge all Players to adhere to the grievance procedure and the rules and regulations of the League, while assuring you that players’ welfare remains of paramount importance and that we are working with the management of the Club to ensure that this matter is resolved before the deadline contained in the statutory notice and also that steps are taken to avert future occurrences of such matters”, the LMC concluded in the letter to the players.

WOLVES TO PLAY WARRIORS ON FRIDAY 22nd, May 2015

The League Management Company has fixed the clash between Warri Wolves and Abia Warriors
for Friday ,22nd ,May at the Warri City Stadium.

According to a short statement released by the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses. this was as a result of the Warri Wolves’ involvement on the continent.

“The team returned late from Congo on Tuesday after a tedious journey and the LMC listened to our plea by shifting the match to Friday. The venue remains the Warri City Stadium and the kick off time is 4.00pm.”

ABIA WARRIORS FC

In a related development, the Captain of the Club, Azubuike Egwuekwe has appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful in view of the three goals conceded in the first leg affirming that they had what it takes to qualify for the next stage.

Azubuike attributed the loss to bad officiating from Referee Joseph Odiatey Lamptey who frustrated every move of the Warri Boys and the bad pitch which did not allow them to play their normal game.

Azubuike revealed that he has never played a match where throughout ninety minutes, the away team did not play a single corner kick and advised CAF to emulate Nigeria where Referees are been monitored by independent assessors.

Warri Wolves FC photo credit Moses Etu

” Nigerians should believe in us that we can up-turn the tide in the return leg. They are good but cannot beat us on a neutral ground. The Referee from Ghana was so biased that we did not know what to do. When the match was going on, I thought of quitting the game right there as I have never seen that type of officiating. We did not play a single corner kick because the man always punctuate every move but in Warri, the story would be different. We need the support of Nigerians and their prayer as that will go a long way in motivating us.’ said Egwuekwe.

WOLVES STORM PORTHARCOURT WITH CRACK SQUAD FOR DOLPHINS

Warri Wolves FC fresh from their away victory in the CAF Confederation Cup in Congo stormed PortHarcourt on Wednesday morning with a crack squad for a re-scheduled league match with Dolphin fc which is billed for Thursday at the Liberation Stadium.

Coach Paul Aigbogun dropped two players from the Congo team and added three with a promise to put the Club where they belong in the league which has Giwa FC on top now.

Defender Semiu Liadi who is having a teeth problem was left out while Sikiru Alimi took the place of Onyekachi Okafor with Micheal Okoyoh coming in as the 18th player.

Warri Wolves team before their match against Racing De Bobo FC photo credit Moses Etu

The big news is that Solomon Kwambe who has not kicked a ball for the team will make his debut against Dolphin having been certified fit by the team Doctor, and Goodluck Onamado may have to keep a place on the bench.

The 18 man crack squad include goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who has successfully wrestled the No 1 position, Tejiri Rhiogbere, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Oke Ogagatewho, Solomon Kwambe, Goodluck Onamado, Ojo Mine and Ichul Lordson.
Others are Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Micheal Egbeta, Micheal Okoyoh, Bright Akpojuvwewo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Gbolahan Salami, Abu Azeez, Stanley Dimgba, Omoforman Freedom and Sikiru Alimi.

Speaking before the team left Warri, Paul Aigbogun said they will use the match against Dolphin and the home game on Sunday against Nasarawa United as a re-hearsal towards their crucial last match before the group stage against AC Leopards.

WARRI WOLVES WINS IN CONGO

Warri Wolves on Friday in Kinshasha defeated Etanchetie 1-0 in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup cracker.

Warri Wolves scored a last minute (88TH) goal through Oghenekaro Etebo in Congo, thus the match ended 1-0 in favour of Warri Wolves who have now qualified for the last round on 3-1 aggregate. The goal came in injury time when it looked like the game would end 0-0.

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Mr Amaju Pinnick has congratulated the team and dedicated the victory to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who responded on time to see that team travelled out. The team will return to Nigeria on Monday.

Wolves Dedicates Victory To Gov Uduaghan

The Captain of Warri Wolves, Azubuike Egwuekwe has dedicated their slim victory over MK Etancheite from D.R.Congo to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who motivated them before the first leg and assured him that the team will qualify for the next round which is the group stage.

According to Azubuike, even though people tend to say that it is over, the players have seen their opponents and know what to do in the second leg which comes up next week.

He said some of their key players did not play in the first leg including himself and the second leg would be a different ball game.

“We dedicated our victory to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who came to talk to us before the match. It could have been worse and we thank him for all he has done for the team. We hope to overcome the team from Congo even though a lot of people have given up but we know what to do having played them here.

Gov Uduaghan addressing Warri Wolves players before the match vs MK Etancheite. photo credit Moses Etu Media Manager Warri Wolves

On the performance of the team since its inception, we have not done badly because we have rubbed shoulders with the best in the land within a short time. There are teams who have been on ground for the past 30 years or more but here we are, within 8 years, we have qualified for the continent four times, played FA Cup final once and if you mention four teams in this country, you must mention Warri Wolves.

We know we can do better and we are working towards that. Our players are all over the world, doing well.” said Egwuekwe .

Uduaghan Visits Warri Wolves

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged the Management and players of Warri Wolves to win Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup, second round first leg with MC MK Football Club of D.R.Congo with enough goals to make the second leg a mere formality.

Dr Uduaghan who is visiting the team for the first time in eight years declared to the surprise of the players that he has fulfilled the financial obligations to the team for last season and wondered why they are still complaining.

Dr Uduaghan further said the one of this season is delayed because the budget was passed late and assured that all their entitlements would be met next week.

Dr Uduaghan who was accompanied to the Warri City Stadium on Friday morning by the new Delta Football Association Chairman, Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. photo credit delta.gov.ng

Speaking on behalf of his teammates the Captain of the team, Azubuike Egwuekwe told the Governor that they are ready to play but they have some financial challenges he however assured the Governor of victory in Saturday’s match.

Dr Uduaghan said: ” I ve decided to come and see you all before the match on Saturday. I was told you are having some financial challenges but I can tell you that I have fulfilled all financial obligations for last season. As for this season, the budget was passed late but we shall go and get money to pay next week. You did not win any trophy for me even though I promised you cars. I would have loved to have a trophy to show for what I did for this team.”

Before the Governor departed, the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses apologised to Dr Uduaghan for not winning the FA Cup in 2013 despite the promise to give them cars and thanked him for the visit which he believed would serve as a morale booster to the team.

Egwuekwe Rallies Wolves For Dedebit fc

Warri Wolves Captain and Super Eagles defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe has warned his team mates that the match against Dedebit SC of Ethiopia on Saturday in the CAF Confederation Cup second round, first leg will be tough and urged the fans to come out in thousands to cheer them to victory.

Azubuike spoke when reminded that Dedebit who play their matches in Bahir Dar Stadium, about 700km, North of Addis Ababa has about 42 thousand fans in attendance in their last match, disclosed that they have to finish the work in Warri, otherwise, they will have themselves to blame.

“We are aware of the herculean task ahead because Dedebit is not a small team. About 42,000 fans were present in their last match so we want our fans to come out in thousands to cheer us to victory. They parade national team players, about seven, so we just have to work hard to see that we do well in the first leg because the second leg would be difficult.” said Azubuike.

Azu as he is fondly called by friends has however assured all stakeholders that they are ready to shed their blood to win the first leg by scoring many goals.

Meanwhile, as at Wednesday morning, no word has come from the visiting team as to the time of their arrival and they seem to be playing hide and seek game in the match which comes up on Saturday at the Warri City Stadium.

Eagles Now To Play Yemen In Place Of Sudan…Team Arrives Dubai…Salami Off To Serbia

Following the last minute withdrawal of the Sudanese national team from the international friendly against the Nigerian side, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has moved swiftly to ensure that the team plays a game on Saturday, January 17 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The team will now tackle the Yemini national side on the same date.

Sudan, which gave no reasons for its sudden withdrawal was scheduled to play Nigeria January 17 and Finland, January 22, both games were scheduled for Dubai. But Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said in order not to distort the schedule of the national team for the New Year, Yemen was approached and accepted to play the Eagles and later Finland on the scheduled dates.

The Nigeria versus Yemen game will be played at the Sevens Stadium in the bubbling city of Dubai. Already, The Secretary General of the Yemen Football Federation, Dr Hamid Alshaibani, has sent a letter to the organizers a copy which was made available to the NFF accepting to test the might of his side against the reigning African Champions.

Already, the Super Eagles, who lost narrowly by 0-1 to Cote D’ Ivoire last Sunday have since arrived Dubai to prepare for the game against the Yemeni side. The team arrived Dubai by road on Tuesday afternoon and are staying at the Time Grand Plaza Hotel.

Following the departure of Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami, to go and firm up details of his contract with a Serbian side, 19 players and their officials led by NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu and Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, the NFF, Head Technical Department made the trip to Dubai. Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, gave the players an off day Tuesday but declared that rigorous training for the game against Yemen will resume on Wednesday.

UAE Trip Excites Eagles, Salute NFF

Super Eagles players who made it to the United Arab Emirates for the double header friendly against Cote D’ Ivoire and Yemen, have been heaping praises on the leadership of theNFF for the forward looking approach to the national team.

The players said the mere fact that the team did not make it to the Equatorial Guinea 2015 Nations Cup was enough to demoralize the NFF, but the Executive Committee and the Secretariat of the body, still thought it wise to arrange a January outing for the team, almost the same time the Nations Cup will be starting.

Super eagles Abu Dhabi Training

Team Captain Chigozie Agbim and his deputy Azubuike Egwuekwe who spoke on behalf of the players said they are delighted with the trip and the first class facilities that the team have been exposed to in the course of the friendly games. “We must say a big thank you to the NFF for this visionary move and all we can say is forgive the team for not qualifying and we vow that it will never happen again in our time”, Agbim declared.

Egwuekwe added: We know we are better than most of the teams that are going to the Nations Cup but we made mistakes along the line and we must thank Nigerians for forgiving us and also thank the NFF for being forward looking despite the mishap, we will reward them next time with another Nations Cup win”, he said.

Eagles Land In Abu Dhabi…As Ukoh Joins Team

Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles on Friday morning landed in the United Arab Emirates for the two international friendlies against Cote D’ Ivoire and Sudan later in the month.

The Emirates Airliner that the team boarded from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday night landed at the Dubai International Airport at about 5:30am local time, which is 2:30am in Nigeria. After airport formalities the team of 19 players and officials took a jolly bus ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, a journey of about an hour.

On hand to welcome the team was new face Steven Ukoh, who plays his football with Swiss side, FC Biel. He was quite joyous to link up with the Nigerian team for the first time and declared that he can’t remember ever Nigeria, except as a child. But his quick mix-up with the rest of the players whom he has never met before must be commended.

The team is quartered at the serene Crown Plaza Hotel in Abu Dhabi and will have its first training session by 7:30pm local time, which is 4:30pm in Nigeria to start preparations for its first match against the Ivoriens January 12.

Super eagles Abu Dhabi Training

The 20 players in the Eagles squad: Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United); Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Idris Aloma (El-Kanemi FC); Chimma Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonna (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC

Midfielders: Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Charles Henlong (Giwa FC); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Austin Godspower, Steven Ukoh (FC Biel, Swizerland)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves);Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars); Christian Obiozor (Enugu Rangers).

Eagles To Play Elephants, Les Aiglons In Abu Dhabi

In kick –starting its pledge to ensure that the Senior National Team, Super Eagles is engaged for all the FIFA –free days available next year, the Nigeria Football Federation has secured two international friendly matches for the team prior to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, confirmed on Wednesday that the Eagles will confront two teams they battered on the way to a third African title in South Africa early last year, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in January 2015.

The Super Eagles will confront 1992 African champions Cote d’Ivoire, whom they edged 2-1 in the quarter finals in South Africa, on 9th January, and take on fellow Eagles of Mali, who were overhauled 4-1 by the Nigerians in the semi finals in South Africa, four days later.

“We are working round the clock to make sure that the Super Eagles will have opponents for all the FIFA windows available in year 2015, and we are happy that the two games with the Ivorians and the Malians are sealed.

“The Elephants and the Les Aiglons are on their way to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, so they are sure to give our team good games.”

Already, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi has drawn a list of 24 players who will do battle for shirts for the two matches.

Gombe United goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim leads the invitees, with Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kwambe Solomon, Umar Zango, Rabiu Ali, Emem Eduok, Kingsley Sokari, Mfon Udoh, Gbolahan Salami and Gambo Muhammad also called.

Players are expected to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, 28th December with their international passports and four passport photographs.

Nigeria Super Eagles starting 11 With Babatunde Micheal at the 2014 World Cup photo credit Reuters

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United); Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Idris Aloma (El-Kanemi FC); Chimma Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonna (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Erhun Obanor (Bendel Insurance); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars)

Midfielders: Ammel Angel Wilfred (Kogi United); Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Charles Henlong (Giwa FC); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Chinedu Udeaga (Enugu Rangers); Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Osaguona Christian (Enugu Rangers); Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars); Christian Obiozor (Enugu Rangers)

NFF Lauds Seina Marine, ARIK On Support For Referees’ Training

The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded Seina Marine Limited and ARIK airline for the support both companies are offering to 20 Nigerian elite referees going to the United Kingdom for the arbiters’ next capacity enhancing programme.

NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick said: “Seina Marine Limited is bankrolling the cost of the three –week exercise as well as the stay of the 20 referees in London.

“On their part, ARIK Airline has offered to fly the referees at only half the fare and we are very appreciative of this gesture. I can tell you that this is the beginning of what is sure to be useful relationships between Seina Marine and NFF, as well as ARIK Airline and NFF.

“There were 10 referees involved in the first batch that returned to the country on Sunday. There will be 20 referees in the second match that will leave the country on January 25, 2015, for another two –week capacity building exercise.”

It is confirmed that 17 highly –qualified persons, including coaches and ex-internationals will fly to the United Kingdom mid –January for a three –week match reading technique and backroom analysis exercise, aimed at helping all the National Teams in international engagements.

…Congratulates MFM On World Cup Triumph

MFM FC

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated the MFM Football Club on its victory at the inaugural Church World Cup which ended in Goa, India on Sunday.

In a letter of congratulations addressed to the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya on Wednesday, and signed by General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, the NFF lauded the feat and affirmed that it was worthy of recognition and good mention.

“The new Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation is determined to celebrate excellence in all spheres of the Nigeria game, and the laudable achievement of your football team, which has brought honour to our dear country, deserves recognition and good mention.

“We also want to express deep appreciation of the NFF and the Nigeria football family for the keen interest of the General Overseer and the entire leadership of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in football, and also commend your huge investment in the football sector, which has seen MFM Football Club become one of the strongest teams in the Nigeria National League – the second tier of our country’s domestic football.

“The NFF believes that the excellent feat of MFM FC in India will encourage the leadership of your church to invest even more in football for the benefit of the youth of our nation.”

Onazi’s Battle Cry: Prayers, Unity Key To Victory…As Eagles Converge On Abuja For Congo

Super Eagles midfield gem, Ogenyi Onazi, has set his sights on victory in Congo over the host in next weekend’s Nations Cup qualifier but has stated that there are conditions to be met if victory must come Nigeria’s way next Saturday.

Onazi, who was expected in Nigeria on Sunday night, said Nigerians desirous of the Nations Cup ticket must all join hands and pray and that the football community must be united to achieve success. “Once I arrive Nigeria, I will go to my father in the Lord to pray with me, because I want the Nations Cup ticket and I know we can win in Congo. We must also cooperate and forget past differences to achieve our aim”, he said on phone from his base in Italy.

Preparations for the make or break Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in Point Noir is expected to be kick-started on Monday following the arrival of invited Nigerian league stars to Abuja on Saturday, after a highly impressive 1-0 win over Ghana in the maiden Restoration Cup at the ultra-modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium last Friday.

The players who came into camp with Head Coach Stephen Keshi, his assistants and other members of staff of the national team are goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, Warri Wolves skipper, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, scorer of the epoch making goal in Uyo, Emem Eduok, Nasara United’s Tony Edjomari, Christian Osaghuna Ighodalo, Gbolahahan Salami and new comer Kingsley Sokari.

The players are nested at their usual abode in Bolton White Apartment, Zone 7, Abuja and Keshi said all invited players should be in camp by latest Monday. “We have no time for this game and the players know, so all of them must be here early enough for the trip to Congo”, he declared.

Ogenyi Onazi, photo credit fifa.com

Bobby Breaks Into Eagles Afcon Squad

As predicted by many, exciting Enyimba International midfielder, Kingsley Sokari alias Bobby has broken into the Super Eagles squad for the two remaining qualifiers against Congo and South Africa next week and this is official.

Before now, Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi had said the player is as exciting as former Super Eagles skipper, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, a view also held by other assistant coaches, Hyandonou Valere and Ike Shorunmu. But he also put a caveat. “We must allow our boss, Stephen Keshi to make the final decision”.

Last Friday at the Uyo International Stadium inauguration game against the Black Metoers of Ghana, Keshi had a first-hand opportunity to assess the player and his final verdict was that the player is excellent and good enough for the main team. He subsequently ordered him on the plane to Abuja for the remaining two games and Bobby is presently at the Bolton White Apartment with the rest of the stars from the Nigerian league. Invited foreign based stars are expected to start trooping in from Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, has said he believes in the ability of the present squad to nick one of the tickets in the group A of the Afcon qualifiers this weekend in Point Noir. “We have a strong technical crew, formidable players and solid backroom staff, coupled with a new NFF that is visionary and focused, I think with hardwork we can get the ticket” he declared.

Ten Eagles Fly Into Camp…Anyansi, Keshi Say It’s Must Win Against Sudan

Ten Eagles Fly Into Camp…Anyansi, Keshi say It’s Must Win Against Sudan…Full Camp Expected Tuesday

The seriousness of the Super Eagles double header against Sudan in Omdurman and Abuja has been underlined by the promptness of players’ arrival to the team’s camp at the Bolton White Apartment in Abuja, the Federal Capital.

As at 3pm on Monday, at least ten players have arrived the team’s camp with training expected to commence on Tuesday Morning at the training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium. All other players invited for the game are expected on Tuesday before dinner time.

Super Eagles in Philly

Among the early arrivals are Omatsone Aluko of Hull City, Hope Akpan, Babatunde Michael, who shone like a million star at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, midfield gem, Noskhare Igiebor, who recently relocated to Israel, Aaron Samuel, Gbolahan Salami of Warri Wolves, his team captain in Warri, towering Azubuike Egwuekwe, Emem Edward , Chigozie Agbim and leading Nigerian league scorer, Ighodalo Osagunna.

A visibly refreshed Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, said he was impressed by the response of the players because of the need to bond well before the first leg game against Sudan. “The response so far has been wonderful and I am in touch with those who are yet to arrive and they will surely be here on time for proper preparation against Sudan.

Speaking in the same vein, re-elected member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, said the new board under the leadership Melvin Amaju Pinnick is determined to not only qualify Nigeria for the Maroc 2015 Nations Cup but also to retain the trophy. “We have the experience of a lot of the executive committee members and the President is determined that we will reach our destination, that is why we are meeting this week to chat the way forward for the national teams”, he declared.