Confidence, Belief, Faith Won For Eagles-Maigari…Pres. Goodluck Expecting Trophy…Green Hails Team Spirit…Keshi Promises More

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, was at his oratorical best on Sunday afternoon when he addressed the national team currently in action at the CHAN African Nations Tourney in South Africa after the team’s hard won victory over the Atlas Lions of Morocco Saturday.

Maigari, who spoke to the players at their Garden Court De Waal abode after lunch described the team as the proverbial heart of the Nigerian nation and told them that he has the words of President Goodluck Jonathan, on due reward for the players even as he said order has been restored in Nigerian football.

“The top news in Nigeria after your miraculous victory over Morocco, was the message of President Goodluck Jonathan urging you to go ahead and win the trophy, with a promise that he will do same if not much more for the team like he did for the Afcon 2013 Champions. The ball is now in your court to make the dreams of Mr President come true”, he said.

In one word, Maigari declared thus: “Confidence, belief and faith help you to overcome the Moroccan opposition and that is the makeup of the average Nigerian, we expect more of such displays in your subsequent encounters because you have raised not only my hope and that of the NFF board but that of the over 160million Nigerians.”.

NFF Technical Committee boss, Barr, Chris Green, said he was delighted at the performance of the Nigerian team, even describing Coach Keshi as the best coach in the world at the moment. He alluded the victories of the team of recent to the peaceful atmosphere that has existed between the leadership of the NFF and the Eagles coaching crew.

Green said, “some people are gifted, others acquire talent but the head coach here is both gifted and blessed with acquisition. But I must tell him that we must not fail Mr. President in bring home the trophy at the end of the championship”.

Keshi in his remarks at the impromptu event said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of praises for him, but quickly added that his assistant coaches, Dan Amokachi, Houadonou Valere and Ike Shorunmu, as well as the staff of the team, made of medics, psychologist, security, media, coordinator and Team Administrator have been the real force of success for the team. “We are like children from the same mother”, Keshi said.

He promised that the team will not let the nation down in the remaining two matches of the championship. “We will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in this team by Mr. President, the NFF and all Nigerians”, he declared.

Maigari Pumps Up Keshi At 52…Tips Team For CHAN Honours…Hotel, Players Celebrate

Maigari Pumps Up Keshi At 52…Tips Team For CHAN Honours…Hotel, Players Celebrate

Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, took his fatherly role a step higher when he was one of the first to wish Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, a happy 52nd birthday here in Cape Town through a phone call early Thursday.

After him was the Chairman of the NFF Technical Sub-Committee, Barr Christopher Green. In his message, Maigari said Keshi’s birthday is another opportunity for him to demonstrate his coaching and leadership credentials by winning the ongoing African Nations Tourney (CHAN), in South Africa. “On our part in the NFF, I can assure you that support will not be lacking despite the huge challenge of funding football. We congratulate you on the occasion of your birthday and while wishing you many happy returns we pray that you continue to bring Nigeria joy through excellent coaching of the national team with the immediate task being victory at the ongoing CHAN tourney”, he said.

Keshi himself said he was overwhelmed by the message of Maigari and other well meaning Nigerians and promised not to let the nation down. “As a matter of fact we have suspended any form of celebration till we achieve what we came here to do in South Africa”, he said.

The management of Green Court Hotel, will however steal a time during lunch hour to celebrate the coach, as the staff pulled out birthday balloons and cakes for the former Anderletch of Belgium and Strasbourg of France skipper. The players also sang the happy birthday song for Keshi, who was a bit taken aback by the spontaneity of the event. “All these for me, I’m surprised but very grateful”, he said as he admired the birthday balloons in the dinning hall.

The team continues preparation Thursday evening at the Green Point training ground here in Cape Town in preparation for Saturday’s quarter final duel against the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

Foreign based Super players Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Okwuosa Say No Stopping Eagles

Foreign based Super players Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Okwuosa Say No Stopping Eagles

Super Eagles players abroad and in South Africa have been sending messages of goodwill to their mates taking part in the ongoing CHAN African championship with most of them declaring that they believe there will be no stopping the Nigerian side from winning the trophy at stake.

Celtic of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose has been calling every other day to check on the welfare of his mates from team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor. “We have players who are experienced enough to win the championship and by God’s Grace they will”, he said.

Lazio midfield ace, Ogenyi Onazi called from Italy to wish Coach Stephen Keshi happy birthday and his teammates goodluck in their game against Morocco on Saturday. “At this point there is no stopping our team from winning the championship again”, he declared. Onazi said he has been in constant touch with some of the players in the team and he was certain that they have the right frame of mind to win the tournament.

Central defender, James Okwuosa, who plies his trade in South Africa with Chippa United, physically came to the Super Eagles Garden Court hotel abode, the third time he was doing so on Thursday morning. “I have come to see my friends and teammates and also to wish our lovely coach, Stephen Keshi, a happy birthday”, he said on Thursday morning. I also believe the team has crossed its biggest hurdle and by the end of the tournament Nigerians will surely smile”, he said.

Midfielder John Ogu, also called all the way from Portugal where he stars for Academica De Coumbria on Thursday. “We are so happy with what our mates are doing there in South Africa, they are really making us proud and help to tell them that we are backing them all the way to winning the trophy. There is no stopping Nigerian football again, we have come to stay at the very top with Coach Keshi. Happy birthday to the Big Boss”, he said excitedly.

VOA’s Mark Ouma and Top Nigerian Sports Journalists Back Super Eagles CHAN Trophy Bid

VOA’s Mark Ouma and Top Nigerian Sports Journalists Back Super Eagles CHAN Trophy Bid

Vastly travelled Voice of America’s sportscaster, Mark Ouma believes that there will be no stopping the Super Eagles of Nigeria, from winning the CHAN African Nations Tournament after the team had overcome host South Africa in the last group match on Sunday.

Ouma, who was at the team’s Garden Court De Waal abode on Tuesday morning said he has watched closely the discipline, contribution of the NFF and its support staff and the revolutionary moves of Stephen Keshi and his crew to know that there will be no stopping the Super Eagles again from winning the CHAN trophy. “I make bold to predict that from now on this team will win its quarter final, semi-final and final duel with effortless ease and there won’t be extra time in any of the games, quote me that I said so”, Ouma declared.

Vanguard’s Jacob Ajom joined him in the fray, noting that he has never seen a team as disciplined and organized as the present set up. “We must thank the NFF for all this innovations” he said. On his part Adeyinka Adedayo of the Guardian, said he has turned a coach because of the Super Eagles. “We were with Mark Gleeson in the media tribune during the last match and he was saying we should learn to behave like media men but we told him we are Nigerians and we hate defeat and the Eagles have been giving us victories, hence the excitement and he permitted us.”

Arafat Aliu of Cool FM Abuja, Samson Omale of Rhythm FM and all the other journalists who are here for the tournament have been heaping praises on the team, with team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, saying that the team cannot afford to disappoint after the huge confidence of all and sundry reposed in the team.

CHAN, South African premier league, and Top European football League Fixtures for the weekend of January 18th – 20th

Africa – Nations Championship: group D January 18

16:00 DR Congo vs Gabon

19:00 Burundi vs Mauritania

South Africa – Premier League January 18

14:30 Orlando Pirates vs SuperSport United

France – Ligue 1 January 18

17:00 Marseille vs Valenciennes

20:00 Bastia vs Bordeaux

20:00 Lorient vs Guingamp

20:00 Nice vs Ajaccio

20:00 Rennes vs Evian

20:00 Sochaux vs Montpellier

Italy – Serie A January 18

18:00 Roma vs Livorno

20:45 Juventus vs Sampdoria

England – Premier League January 18

13:45 Sunderland vs Southampton

16:00 Arsenal vs Fulham

16:00 Crystal Palace vs Stoke City

16:00 Manchester City vs Cardiff City

16:00 Norwich City vs Hull City

16:00 West Ham United vs Newcastle United

18:30 Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Spain – Liga BBVA January 18

16:00 Real Betis vs Real Madrid

18:00 Elche vs Rayo Vallecano

20:00 Granada vs Osasuna

22:00 Espanyol vs Celta Vigo

Africa – Nations Championship: group A January 19

18:00 Mozambique vs Mali

18:00 Nigeria vs South Africa

England – Premier League Sunday January 19

14:30 Swansea City vs Tottenham Hotspur

17:00 Chelsea vs Manchester United

Italy – Serie A January 19

12:30 Udinese vs Lazio

15:00 Atalanta vs Cagliari

15:00 Bologna vs SSC Napoli

15:00 Catania vs Fiorentina

15:00 ChievoVerona vs Parma

15:00 Genoa vs Inter

15:00 Sassuolo vs Torino

20:45 AC Milan vs Hellas Verona

Spain – Liga BBVA January 19

12:00 Getafe vs Real Sociedad

17:00 Villarreal vs Almeria

19:00 Levante vs Barcelona

21:00 Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla

France – Ligue 1 January 19

14:00 Reims vs Lyon

17:00 Toulouse vs Monaco

21:00 Paris Saint Germain vs Nantes

England – Premier League Monday January 20

21:00 West Bromwich Albion vs Everton

Spain – Liga BBVA January 20

22:00 Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid

Africa – Nations Championship: group B January 20

18:00 Burkina Faso vs Zimbabwe

18:00 Morocco vs Uganda

Eagles Will Be Under Pressure Against Mambas-Chisano…Keshi Says Players Will Cope

Eagles Will Be Under Pressure Against Mambas-Chisano…Keshi Says Players Will Cope

Mambas of Mozambique Head Coach, Joao Chisano on Monday assessed the chances of the teams in group A of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), and came to the conclusion that Nigeria is the most pressured of all the teams, even as Nigerian Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, says his boys can handle the pressure.

Chisano, whose team is sharing the same Garden Court De Waal hotel with the Eagles says he made the assertion because his team if beaten by the Eagles have nothing to lose but the reverse will be the case if Nigeria were to lose to his side. “The Eagles are the big brothers in Africa, the African champions and the Coach is the African Coach of the Year, we don’t have any of those accolades, so pressure is on Nigeria not Mozambique.

On likely qualifiers from the group, Chisano said even if his side were to be beaten on Wednesday, the Eagles still has an uphill task against Bafana Bafana on Sunday. “With their massive fans and the Vivuzelas, Nigeria will again be under pressure to perform as African Champions”.

The youthful coach said he will however not be surprised if his team was eliminated from the first round, because according to him the pitch in Cape Town is very poor and that accounted for his side’s 3-1 loss to the host in the opening match. He also said he’s looking to build a strong side in the future that his countrymen will be proud of.

On his part, Keshi said he has been talking to his players along with team psychologist, Robinson Okosun and other officials for the players to forget the past and concentrate on Wednesday’s game. “Gradually, they are getting off it but I must admit that only three players played well in the last game and that was why we lost, we expect eleven players to play well on Wednesday for us to get the result we want”. On Bafana Bafana game on Sunday, Keshi simply said, “we won’t talk about that game now, after the Wednesday game we can talk about that, for now the focus is on the Mambas game”.

Keshi: Eagles Will Bounce Back…Egwuekwe, Uzoenyi Rally Mates

Keshi: Eagles Will Bounce Back

…Egwuekwe, Uzoenyi Rally Mates

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi says he believes that his wards have received the baptism of fire in their Group A opening match against Mali on Saturday in Cape Town and will bounce back to ensure qualification for the next round of the tournament.

Speaking at the post match conference Saturday, Keshi admitted that the players were desperate not only to convince himself and the technical crew of their potentials but majority of Nigerians and the world that they could be part of the World Cup party. “The pressure was massive and I expected this type of happening but I am certain that they now know that they have to satisfy themselves and have confidence in themselves, because we have lost the opening game and we have to forget that and fight for qualification from the remaining two games.

He said most of the players were playing at the big stage for the first time and it showed in the manner they played, adding that he has been talking to them and he was sure that the result will show in the second game.

On why the team played better in the second half than the first, the reigning African Coach of The Year, said he simply told them during the interval to loosen up and enjoy their game instead of trying to impress the coach, the fans, the nation and even scouts. “The team will definitely get better”, Keshi assured after Mali’s shock 2-1 win over the Super Eagles on Saturday.

On the players’ part, defence Trojan, Azubuike Egwuekwe who held his own in the face of misfiring mates and winger Ejike Uzoenyi who was also impressive, said they have been talking to their teammates to wake up to the reality of playing at the big stage.

“We didn’t play well at all today and we all know it but we have decided that we will come back stronger and better. I plead with Nigerians to give us another opportunity, “ Egwuekwe said. Uzoenyi on his part said experience counted aplenty in the game against Mali but assured that all hopes are not lost. “We will be back and better in the next game” he said.

‘We’re Here To Lift Trophy’, Maigari, Envoy Tell Eagles

‘We’re Here To Lift Trophy’, Maigari, Envoy Tell Eagles

Before the Super Eagles stepped out for their first game at the ongoing CHAN 2013 tourney and after the game, the Nigeria Football Federation and indeed the government believe that the team has the potential of lifting the championship trophy.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Sunday.S Yusuf stated their positions while addressing the players at their Garden Court De Waal hotel, which also houses the Mambas of Mozambique, the next opponents of the Nigerian side.

Maigari, who has been variously praised as the best football manager ever in Nigeria said he was certain that with the caliber of players and officials in the Super Eagles, the team will make Nigerians proud by winning the trophy on February 1, when the final is played. “We are a winning nation and the Eagles are a winning brand, come February 1, I will be here along with your coach Stephen Keshi to lift this trophy for Nigerians”, he said. He praised the commitment of the players and officials and asked them not to waiver in the pursuit of the national course.

Ambassador Yusuf, in his remarks said the Eagles are bigger ambassadors than those who are officially posted by the government, as they bring joy to every home in Nigeria through their heroics. He assured that the embassy will do everything possible to make the Eagles stay in South Africa pleasant but enjoined the team to forget the past and concentrate on winning the trophy. “This is a fertile ground for us to win trophies and the ball is in your court to go and once again make Nigerians happy”, he said.

Stallions Seek Eagles Pound Of Flesh…S’Africans Tip Nigeria For Trophy

Stallions Seek Eagles Pound Of Flesh…S’Africans Tip Nigeria For Trophy

West African neigbhours Burkina Faso, say they are thinking of CHAN Cup final against Nigeria to redeem its loss at the last Nations Cup, which incidentally was also hosted by South Africa. Nigeria defeated the Burkinabes 1-0 in a pulsating final last year’s February.

The Stallions were on the same flight with the Super Eagles to Cape Town and seized the opportunity to wish Nigeria well in its group games even as they wished the two teams will meet in the final like last year. Coach Paul Putt after asking after Stephen Keshi said his team has come to the tournament to win. “If we meet Nigeria like last year, we will win it”, he said. But Nigerian officials reacted immediately with Assistant Coach Houandonou Valere saying it will be impossible to defeat the African champion, with a smile.

Also on arrival at the Oliver Thambo International Airport, football fans and even workers at the airport had already given Nigeria the trophy “The Super Eagles have come again to win, I wish you well”, declared Tarto Thandile.

Deputy Sports Editor of the City Press, Timothy Molobi, who is based in Johannesburg, said Nigeria seems to have a psychological edge but noted that because many of the players who won the Nations Cup with the Eagles will not be coming for CHAN, it will be difficult for Nigeria. “We should at least think Bafana Bafana can win this time with almost the full squad ready for the host”.

Eagles Arrive Cape Town In High Spirit…Envoy Charges Team…Nigerian Troupe Welcomes Team

Eagles Arrive Cape Town In High Spirit…Envoy Charges Team…Nigerian Troupe Welcomes Team

The Super Eagles arrived South Africa on Wednesday morning to begin quest for honours in its maiden appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2014, specially designed for players who ply their trade across leagues in Africa.

The team led by Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, who is holding forte for Stephen Keshi, who has stayed back in Nigeria for this weekend’s Glo-CAF Awards before joining the team, left the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos on Tuesday night at about 10:30pm. After five and half hours flight with a South Africa Airways plane, the team arrived Johannesburg at 4:30 Nigerian time, which is 5:30 in South Africa.

The team was received by a team of Nigerian Embassy officials led by Ambassador Sunday S Yusuf, who expressed delight at the safe arrival and ensured that the team had a smooth passage through immigration procedure. The envoy also charged the team to ensure that they win the trophy at the first try. “Nigerians are now used to winning, especially here in South Africa and I’m sure you will not let the nation down”, he said. Amokachi assured that the team will do its best at the tourney, even as Keshi is being expected on time before the Eagles opening game against Mali.

After a little wait at the OR Thambo International Airport, the team connected another SAA flight to Cape Town where it will play its preliminary matches. On arrival the team was received by about 30 cheering and drumming Nigerians under the aegis ‘Nigerian Union in Western Cape’. The group was led by Kalu Obi.

From there the team whose Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, was already on ground was taken effortlessly to its abode at Garden Court De Waal, a quiet suburb of the city. The team has since settled down and will have its first training session tonight at 8:30pm local time, which is 7:30 Nigerian time.

Garden Court De Waal

These Eagles Will Go Places, Says Keshi… Maigari, Bako Hail Team

These Eagles Will Go Places, Says Keshi… Maigari, Bako Hail Team

Major football stakeholders in the country were at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday, when the Super Eagles took on the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in a CHAN pre-tournament tune-up. The game ended 2-1 in favour of Nigeria.

Among them was the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bolaji Abdulahi, the NSC Director General, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari, former NFA Chairman, Col Abdulmumuni Aminu, NFF Technical Committee Chairman. Barr Christopher Green, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who heads the secretariat department of the technical committee, NFF Scribe Barr Musa Amadu and indeed all executive committee members of the federation.

It was a fitting test for the Super Eagles, who are first time qualifiers for the African Nations Tournament that starts next week in South Africa.

After an impressive and dominant first half, which saw the Eagles score through impressive hitman Ifeanyi Ede in the fifth minute and Ugonna Uzochukwu in the 26th minute it looked like the Nigerian national team will have a game full of goals but misses were too many and that gave the Ethiopians room to come back in the second half and score against Nigeria.

From an outsider’s point of view, Ikenna Paul was outstanding as his two long throws resulted in Nigeria’s two goals. Azubuike Egwuekwe was obviously the Nigerian man of the match, goalkeeper and skipper, Chigozie Agbim, looked shaky atimes in goal, Abubakar Aliu was very hardworking but wasteful in front of goal and Kwambe Solomon needs to justify the tag of ‘Cafu’ the Brazilian legend that many now refer him to. Ebenezer Odunlami was a delight in the centre back, Shehu Abdulahi was good in the middle of the pack when he came on in the second half through dangerman Asrat Megersa.

All others, especially the substitutes need to work on their game and Head Coach Stephen Keshi knows so. Speaking moments after the match, Keshi says he believes in the team he has been able to work with under three weeks. “Three weeks is too short to raise a national team but for me the scoreline does not matter because we are getting the results we want from the players, they will sure go places”.

NFF President Aminu Maigari towed a similar line, declaring that sooner than later the Nigerian league will form the fulcrum of the future Super Eagles. Maigari spoke through NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Barr Chris Green, who also praised the job that Keshi is doing with the home based squad.

On his part former National Broadcasting Commission Chairman and an avid football follower, Mallam Danladi Bako declared that finally Nigeria is getting it right in football politically and technically. “I told a few friends on the executive committee that all they need to do is to be patriotism, dedication and the results will come for Nigeria. Barr Green will bear me out, today we are seeing the results but we must not rest on our oarse”.

New-look Eagles File Out Against Ethiopia …Keshi Instills Confidence …Team Physio Seeks Birthday Gift

New-look Eagles File Out Against Ethiopia…Keshi Instills Confidence

…Team Physio Seeks Birthday Gift

It will be a totally new team today as the home-based national team files out against Wyalai Antelopes of Ethiopia in a friendly aimed at tuning up both sides for the CHAN 2014 Africa Nations Tourney, which starts January 11 in South Africa.

With the exit of most players hitherto part of the squad, Big Boss Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will have to rely on new recruits whom he said he has absolute belief in to deliver the goods at the CHAN tourney, with the Ethiopian friendly a good test. “We have talents all over the country but we don’t have time enough to groom them but I’m sure that the ones that we have chosen will give a good account of themselves in South Africa”, Keshi said on Wednesday.

He added that naturally the players are gifted but only need a little bit of self confidence while on the pitch. “That we have been trying to do, so that when we come out fighting everything is possible and nothing will be impossible, the results we are getting are quite positive”, he said.

With the exit of the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Juwon Oshaniwa and many others who started the battle with the national team as home based stars two years ago, Keshi has been forced to rely on new stars on the bloc and he insists they will not disappoint even as he quickly points out that the trophy should not be given to the Eagles just yet because of lack of experience.

Similarly team Physiotherapist, Adewale Oladejo, whose birthday falls on January 4, the same day the Eagles will tackle Ethiopia has pleaded with the team to help him with a befitting birthday gift by defeating Ethiopia on Saturday. ” I’m happy that the players are healthy and well but I also want to beg them to help and win the game even if it’s a friendly against Ethiopia so that I can have a super birthday celebration after the game”, he said on the eve of the game.

Eagles Probables: Chigozie Agbim (CAPT), Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ebenezer Odunlami, Ugonna Ozochukwu, Ikechukwu Paul, Rabiu Aliu, Abubakar Ali, Gbolahan Salami, Ejike Uzoenyi