Keshi Clears Air On Resignation Rumours…Eagles Back Home Friday

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has said his widely reported resignation from the job may have been a case of misunderstood speech he made to the players in the dressing room after the 0-2-0 loss to France in the second round of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

“What I said to my players was that this maybe my last match at the helm of affairs in the national team, because my contract terminates with the World Cup and I have not been offered a new one. I was a bit shocked that the global media went to town to say I have called it quits with the national team. Resignations are not done on the pages of newspapers but formally”, he said.

He however did not deny that some countries have showed interest in him which he believes is good for Nigerian football and coaches but assured that he will not abandon ship without a formal notice.

Stephen Keshi – Super Eagles Coach

Similarly, the national team is expected to return to Nigeria on Friday this week after their ouster from the Mundial. However, not all the 23 players will return with the team to the country as some of them have already gone to join their clubsides for pre-season preparations. Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said all logistics have been put in place for those who will not come with the team to Nigeria and those who are returning home for a hitch free trip.

Jonathan, Adenuga Boost Eagles Ahead France Clash…

Jonathan, Adenuga Boost Eagles Ahead France Clash…Maigari Hails President…,Mikel Says Its Fight To Finish.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Sunday lifted up the spirits of the national team, the Super Eagles, when he said all their outstanding Brazil 2014 World Cup appearance fee have been ordered cleared by Sports Minister, Hon Tammy Danagogo.

He also promised to clear any outstanding that the team may incur in the course of the championship, including outstanding FIFA grants to the NFF, that will be off-set later by the soccer ruling house. The Minister made this declaration while addressing players and officials of the national team at their Brasilia Palace Hotel camp in the Brazilian capital.

He was in the company of the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, His Excellency, Adamu Azimeyeh Emozoza and top officials of the embassy, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, his vice, Chief Mike Umeh and Technical Committee Chairman, Barr. Chris Green.

The President, said Nigerians from all works of life have implicit confidence in the abilities of the team to excel at the ongoing World Cup, and promised to be in Brazil later in the week to cheer the team to victory. Already, Senate President David Mark is expected on Wednesday in Brazil and a precursor to the President’s arrival. The Minister said the President was particularly thrilled by the team’s outing so far even in the defeat to Argentina, urging the team to remain focused and not fear of non-payment of any outstanding due them.

The Minister, also announced that Nigerian business mogul, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr, has sent through him the sum of $250,000 to boost the team ahead of their clash against France on Monday. “He said this is a token and if the team goes ahead and shock the world he will join Mr President to shock the team” he declared amidst thunderous ovation from the players and their officials.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said the country was very lucky to have a President like Goodluck Jonathan , who takes personal interest in the activities of the national team, assuring the President that the team will not let the nation down at this crucial point. Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo and Head Coach Stephen Keshi spoke in similar vein.

Later at the FIFA Media briefing, Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi, said the game against France is one that the team needs to make a statement that Nigeria has arrived at the soccer map of the world. “It’s a great opportunity for us and the weather will affect both sides but we hope to do what we have to do to win the match”, he declared.

World Cup 2014 Final 23: Keshi Convinced, Confused…List Out monday

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi took his wards through another rigorous session Monday morning, one of the last before the announcement of the final 23 man list for the World Cup in Brazil later this month and came away with a damning conclusion, “these players have all convinced me of their abilities but they are also confusing me on who to or not to drop”.

He said so far all the players merit to go to the World Cup but there was nothing he can do to change the laws governing the World Cup. Adding that the players who will be dropped should take it in good faith and not conclude that they have been victimized.

He continued thus: “God, it’s a difficult decision to make regarding the naming of the final 23 but we have no choice but to do it, otherwise we will be failing in our duties. The players have been so committed, so professional that you feel like shedding a tear because some of them must just go home”.

The list of the final 23 players that will be taken to the World Cup is billed to be sent to the NFF for onward release to World football governing body, FIFA and the Nigerian and global soccer public.

Nigerian Stars In Philly Visit Eagles…Predict Brazil 2014 Win

Super Eagles Ejike Uzoenyi with towering Michael Bamiduro of the Philadellphia Eagles

Four Nigerian stars who play for the Philadelphia Eagles in the American Football League on Sunday paid a visit to the training session of the Super Eagles to urge them on in the coming FIFA Brazil World Cup 2014.

The four of them are Emmanuel Achor, towering Michael Bamiduro, Imeh Igwenagu and Ifeanyi Momah. They took time off to take pictures with the players as Coach Stephen Keshi assured them that the team will not fail in its task of doing Nigeria proud come Brazil 2014.

Igewnagu, who spoke on behalf of his mates said they came to pay homage to the African champions, who have been using their pitch for training so far and to wish them well in the World Cup. He praised the team for the professional manner they were received, declaring that they will not only be rooting for the team but was sure that the team will do Africa proud at the Mundial.

“We are very sure that this team will excel in Brazil and we will put them in prayers because at the end of the tournament we want to join all Nigerians in celebrating Nigeria’s triumph at the sundial”

Green Visit Shocks Leon Balogun…Thanks Maigari For Support

After he dropped his crutches in the course of the week, Fortuna Dusseldurf and Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun got the shock of his life when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Technical Committee Chairman, Barr. Chris Green paid him a surprise visit last Thursday in Germany.

Balogun who has been celebrating the support he has received from the federation and its coaching crew said he could not believe his eyes when he saw Green in Dusseldurf just to check on him. “This is a pleasant surprise and I can’t believe that the federation will go the whole hug to support me. I can assure you sir that your visit will hasten my recovery process and help me thank Nigerians for all the support they have shown to me”, he declared.

The defender then went on heap praises on the President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari for his leadership qualities, declaring that the affection, care and support of the federation has offered has reached a level that he has to reciprocate by getting himself physically and mentally fit for the Brazil 2014 World Cup if he is picked by the coaching crew.

The NFF, through Barr. Green assured that it will keep a close tab on the player to ensure that he is not only fit but ready for the challenge of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. “We want the best for the country and you have proven through your commitment after just a game that you are the type of player that we need for the Nigerian football to become a global brand”.

Eagles Officials Depart For Brazil 2014 Seminar…Team Hails President Jonathan’s CHAN Largesse

Eagles Officials Depart For Brazil 2014 Seminar…Team Hails President Jonathan’s CHAN Largesse

Super Eagles officials led by Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will literarily return to school this week as they take part in a FIFA organized World Cup seminar strictly for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, holding in June this year.

Apart from Keshi, other officials who departed Nigeria for Brazil on Sunday night are team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, team doctor; Ibrahim Gyaran, Media Officer of the team; Ben Alaiya, Chief Security Officer, ACP Abubakar Baba, Scribe of the NFF Security Committee, Christian Emeruwa and Chuks Alizor of the NFF Marketing Department.

FIFA is organizing the course to prepare officials of the qualified nations for Mundial 2014 for high level of professionalism and service delivery during the summer World Cup. Coaches of all 32 qualified nations and other relevant officials will be in the Brazilian city of Florianopolis for the weeklong seminar.

Meanwhile, the national team has hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for the wonderful reception he granted the team last Thursday in Abuja, for coming third at the recently held CHAN African Nations tournament in South Africa.

Team Captain, Chigozie Agbim and Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said the team was humbled by the reception given to the team adding that nobody expected it, which goes to show once again that President Jonathan holds the team not only in high esteem but has a passion for sport, particularly football and the Super Eagles. “We are very delighted and on the part of the players we hope to bring more joy to Mr President and the nation because he has always showed us love”, Agbim said.

On his part Achor said apart from NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, love for the team, President Jonathan ranks equal with his fatherly love for the team. “He visits the team when we are preparing for major competitions and he always rewards us even when we don’t meet his expectation. We must say thank you to Mr. President”, he said.