TRANSFER ROUND UP FOR JANUARY 31st 2016

Done deals:

– Marseille have completed the signing of Florian Thauvin from Newcastle until the end of the season.

– Monaco have signed Brazilian defender Jemerson from Atletico Mineiro.

– Atlético Madrid left-back Guilherme Siqueira has joined Valencia on an 18-month loan deal.

– West Ham United have signed striker Emmanuel Emenike on loan from Fenerbahce.

BREAKING: #WHUFC have signed Emmanuel Emenike on loan until the end of the season >https://t.co/Ge5rjiSLl2 #COYI pic.twitter.com/xC5rrPs9NF

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 31, 2016

Today’s reports and rumours:

– Striker Moussa Dembele’s move from Fulham to Tottenham is off, according to Sky Sports sources.

– Manchester United have reportedly bid £22million for Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches, according to reports in Portugal.

– According to reports, West Brom are set to sign Spurs midfielder Alex Pritchard on loan.

– LA Galaxy have signed former Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong, according to the Los Angeles Times.

– According to reports, Watford are negotiating with Rennes over the transfer of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

– According to reports, Roma striker Seydou Doumbia is set to undergo a medical at Newcastle ahead of a loan deal until the end of the season.

– Norwich forward Kyle Lafferty will not be going to Sion on loan after talks over the switch broke down.

– Tottenham defender Milos Veljkovic is close to joining Werder Bremen, according to reports.

– Aston Villa manager Remi Garde is confident of wrapping up a deal to bring a striker to Villa Park before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

– Independiente vice-president Noray Nakis says his club rejected Real Madrid’s offer for Martin Benitez because they planned to loan the young striker out after signing him.

– Liverpool are ready to launch a bid for Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev, according to report.

– LA Galaxy are keen on signing Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott, according to reports.

Saido Berahino
photo credit: Warwick Gastinger
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

– Newcastle and Stoke have made £21million bids for Saido Berahino as the race to sign the West Brom striker hots up.

– Lille midfielder Soualiho Meïté is closing in on a loan move to Belgian side Zulte Waregem

– CSKA Moscow are unwilling to sell Premier League target Ahmed Musa in this transfer window, according to reports.

– Stoke City have reportrdly made a £5.3million offer for Tottenham Hotspur defender Federico Fazio.

– Torino striker Fabio Quagliarella is expected to join Sampdoria before the transfer deadline.

Laurent Blanc
Pic by Mohan
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

– Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has suggested that Ezequiel Lavezzi will remain at the club until his contract expires in the summer.

– According to reports, Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has blocked the loan exit of Bertrand Traore.

– AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed “negotiations” with LA Galaxy for Nigel de Jong.

– According to reports, Marseille have made a loan offer with an option to buy for striker Maxi Lopez.

– Roma reportedly have a deal in place for Inter full-back Davide Santon.

– Bordeaux midfielder Clément Chantôme has confirmed that he will remain with the Ligue 1 side until the end of the season, despite an offer on the table from Premier League outfit Leicester City.

– Genoa forward Diego Perotti will reportedly have his Roma medical tomorrow morning.

– According to reports, Caen are interested in signing Christian Kouakou from Ligue 2 side Tours.

Mario Balotelli
photo credit: Nazionale Calcio
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

– According to reports, AC Milan will not sign Mario Balotelli permanently this summer.

– According to report, Lille have made an enquiry for 35 year old striker Amauri.

– Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said the club will not sign Celta Vigo forward Nolito in the winter window.

Football tit bits:

– A Greek second-tier league match was delayed on Friday when players staged a sit-down protest against the death toll
of migrants trying to reach the Aegean islands.

John Terry
photo credit: Joe Gazman
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode

– John Terry has confirmed he is to leave Chelsea at the end of the season.

– Atletico Madrid midfielder Augusto Fernández has partially torn the interior ligament in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for about eight weeks.

– The Brazilian Public Prosecutor’s Office has decided to press charges against Neymar, the current Barcelona president
Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rosell for alleged tax evasion and document tampering, ‘Veja’ magazine has revealed.

– FA Cup fifth round draw

Chelsea v Manchester City

Reading v West Brom/Peterborough

Watford v Leeds United

Shrewsbury Town v Manchester United

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool/West Ham United

Tottenham v Crystal Palace

Arsenal v Hull City

Bournemouth v Everton

* The fifth round matches will take place between 19-22 February.

Paul Ayorinde

The Dominance Of The Igbo Tribe In Nigerian Football by Aderonke Bello @AderonkeW

Growing up in a family that love football has shown me a lot about the great footballers we have ever had in Nigeria.

I recall the likes of Samuel Okwaraji, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Christian Chukwu, Emeka Ezeugo, Mikel Obi, Onyekachi Apam, Uche Okechukwu, etc. All the above named great footballers are Igbo men, as most of the footballers of such calibre to have ever come out of Nigeria are from the tribe.

When observing trending issues on the social media sometime last week, I was privy to discussions and sometimes arguments by some stakeholders and learned people in sport about the fact that the Igbos are dominating the national teams, both male and female, while some accused the team handlers of partiality in their squad selections. Many insinuated that the guys are always the ones they called because they feel they are better talented in football. However, this does not exclude the female players.

Nigerians are interesting people in its entirety when it comes to tribal issues, truth be told, they dominated and are still dominating football in Nigeria. Kudos has to be given to them, worthy of acknowledgement.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Having said that, as a proud Yoruba woman, most of my friends are Igbos, so, no one should accuse me of tribalism or picking on this wonderful footballing tribe. They have collectively brought glory to our great nation Nigeria in so many ways. In recent times, the squad that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations was full of the Igbos, even the 2013 world cup winning U-17 squad. The upcoming dudes are Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidiebere Nwakali and many others, to name but two. Looking at the Nigerian Leagues across the Nation, on its own, most of the players plying their trade there are of the Igbo Tribe.

Moving out of the country right now, the statistics of the players in different leagues abroad in the Scandinavian countries, the middle belt, even in Yemen, are of the Igbo Tribe or descent. I feel they should be happy and proud of their inputs and contribution to local and global football while they rightfully enrich their pockets in return. Many of them have adopted other countries due to the lack of a chance to feature for their Nation. They are of great determination, these folks represent us well with their sportsmanship.

I remember a super eagles player, Sunday Mba who scored the winning goal at 2013 AFCON, Mikel Obi, young Kenneth Omeruo was also superb with the strong input from the now retired Emmanuel Emenike.

Mikel Obi

Statistically, about 70% overall national participation goes to the Igbo guys while the remaining 30% is shared amongst other tribes. Critically speaking, some people from other tribes fade away so soon while the Igbo guys stand the test of time, and are more devoted to the game, conversely, have lengthy footballing careers, I wonder how they do it. What is their secret recipe?

Reasons behind their love for football are many and after a deep thought and questions raised, I realized that, this set of people like the game of football more than the rest of the tribes in the country, and also get more encouragement in doing so.

It can be attributed to a number of reasons, singularly or additionally; Physical prowess, as they’re genetically sturdier than the other tribes; Better encouraged by the number of successful Igbo players; Their enterprising nature afford them the ability to foresee the riches that may lie ahead despite the short-termism of the career; Its better embraced as a way out of poverty within the community; Simply better enjoyed in practice than the other tribes; Better scouting network within the tribe.

Meanwhile, you can hardly see a Hausa girl play football and also, only few Yoruba girls come out to play the round leather game, can we safely blame this on their religion and culture? Of course yes!

Some scouts will rather an Igbo footballer, because it is widely believed that they take football more seriously. Another thing that came to my mind is that the igbos are business oriented and one fast way to big money is through football. I really thank them for their efforts and I hope they keep contributing their skills to bringing glory to the Nation through football.

Ndigbo Kwenu!

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello
Twitter: @AderonkeW

15 Eagles Begin Training In Belgium

The Super Eagles on Monday commenced training for the two international friendlies in Belgium, with 15 players at the R. Battice FC training ground on Monday evening.

England–based midfielder John Mikel Obi led goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun, midfielders Sylvester Igbonu, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ogenyi Onazi and Obiora Nwankwo and forwards Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Iwobi at training on Monday evening.

Eagles’ Team administrator Enebi Achor informed thenff.com that the team will train twice on Tuesday (10am and 4pm) at the same venue.

Defender Godfrey Oboabona is also having visa issues in Turkey, as his international passport is yet to be released by the Belgian Embassy in that country.

Also, Super Eagles’ officials on ground may need to secure the services of a temporary physiotherapist for massage and medical matters if by Tuesday, the team’s medical crew (part of the delegation that is held up in Abuja) is not issued visas to join the group in Belgium.

Six home-based professionals are in the delegation yet to be issued visas in Abuja. These are goalkeepers Femi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defender Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo, midfielder Paul Onobi and forward Prince Aggrey.

The Super Eagles take on the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in Vise, Liege on Thursday before playing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Dendermonde on Sunday.

Nigeria Striker Akeem Agbetu Launches Clothing Line Tagged ‘k2p wears’

Akeem Agbetu is set to lauch his own fashion line to “serve millions of fans who are enthralled by his image of a master dribbler and dancer” with quality apparel.

The former Nigeria youth international striker who currently plays for French club Le Havre in france unveiled some of the works via his instagram account.

Emmanuel Emenike and Nollywood actor Jim Iyke are some of the top stars who have endorsed K2P wears.

Top Super Eagles players like Emmanuel Emenike and Nollywood actor Jim Iyke are some of the top stars who have endorsed the clothing line tagged K2P wears.

The collection features T-shirts, trousers, knits and flashy caps. It was inspired by his childhood adventures in the slums of Mushin in Lagos Nigeria.

The 27-year-old former Karşıyaka player who joined Le Havre AC in 2014 is also the face of his brand.

Emmanuel Emenike and Nollywood actor Jim Iyke are some of the top stars who have endorsed K2P wears.

“Its the first time you gona have a nigerian footballer branching into fashion in a civilised and professional manner, i love cloths, thats why have decided to branch into creating a clothing line at least my fans will have the oppourtunity to see my other side, its not about football alone, a lot is still coming from me, i am also gona set up my own foundation soon were i am gona give back to the society back home in nigeria. but first its the K2p wears, and am sure my fans will love it” said akeem, hopefully its gona be lauched soon in nigeria , but i have only just unveiled the logos and wears in france now.

Emmanuel Emenike and Nollywood actor Jim Iyke are some of the top stars who have endorsed K2P wears.

The k2p brand is yet to hit the nigerian big market but is currently available at a number of boutiques in france.

Oliseh Calls Enyeama, 17 Others For Tanzania

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.

HARUNA LUKMAN

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)

Full House As Eagles Gear Up For Congo Clash…,Keshi Happy With Players Fitness

Skipper Vincent Enyeama of Lille Metropole of France and Villareal of Spain Ikechukwu Uche were the last players to hit the Super Eagles Bolton White Apartment abode ahead of the crucial Nations Cup qualifier against Congo next Saturday in Point Noire.

The two players effectively missed out in the day’s evening and only training session but should be available for Wednesday’s session that will again be conducted by Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Before then all invited players like Elderson Echejile, Efe Ambrose, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Juwon Oshaniwa, Kenneth Omeruo, John Mikel Obi, Austin Ejide, Raheem Lawal, Godfrey Oboabona, Hope Akpan, Omatsone Aluko, Sunday Emmanuel and Aaron Samuel and Ogenyi Onazi all had lunch with the technical crew before the team set out for the Goal Project site of the National Stadium for the day’s business.

Super Eagles second training session on Tuesday at the Abuja National Stadium, photo credit Ben Alaiya

The training proper lasted from 4-6pm with Keshi taking charge of affairs. Home based stars, Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Christian Osuaguna Ighodalo, Friday Edjidegborie, Solomon Kwambe, Kingsley Sokari, Emem Eduok and Gbolahan Salami were all in full flight during the session.

After some tactical sessions, Keshi chose to play the probables against the possibles to the delight of a sizeable number of fans at the arena. Aaron Samuel was the star of the possibles as he scored a classic goal against Agbim in goal for the probables but goals from Emmanuel ‘Ogbunigwe’ Emenike and Mikel Obi eclipsed his efforts before Keshi called a close to the session. Preparations for the game against Congo continues Wednesday in Abuja with Keshi saying he was totally satisfied with the fitness level of his players and hope it continues like that till match day.

Mikel, Ejide Preach Concentration….Blame Pitch For Loss…Emenike Wants CAF To Ban Countries Without Good Pitches

Super Eagles star midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has emphasized the need to concentrate on the next three games instead of whining over last Saturday’s 0-1 loss to Sudan in Khartoum.

The Chelsea midfield man, who himself was hysteric immediately after the game in the dressing room, later at the team’s hotel and even while the team was flying home aboard the chartered Sudan Airways plane, said the team in particular and Nigerians in general must quickly forget the ugly past and concentrate on the remaining three games.

John Mikel Obi, photo credit fifa.com

Why I can’t still believe how and why we lost that game it’s important to move ahead and for those saying we don’t deserve to be in Morocco, I think that is unfortunate and we must stop spreading that negativity because it gets to the team. The pitch we played in was awful. You can’t move, the ball bounces when you want to control it and when you shoot it goes the wrong direction, it was a nightmare playing on that pitch”, he said.

Austin Ejide, Super Eagles Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Austin Ejide, spoke in a similar vein but added that there was need for Nigerians to come together and support the team at times like this instead of condemning the team. “It’s at times like this that we need the media and all of Nigerians but what we hear is condemnation, crucify them. That will not help the team.”

Waterlogged Khartoum International Stadium Pitch

Hot shot Emmanuel Emenike in his own submission suggested that countries that do not have good pitches and proper facilities to host qualifiers should be exempted from them by continental ruling body CAF. “Where we played on Saturday is worst than when we were playing street football, CAF must act to stop nonsense like this from happening and they deliberately took us there because they know we play in better pitches”.

Keshi’s Future In Doubt As Eagles Crash To Sudan In Khartoum.

Our man Joel Musa takes a look at the Afcon 2015 Qualifier between Sudan and Nigeria.

For comments or feedback you can tweet @slysage and @NewFanzone also follow both handles and we will follow you right back

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

It was the ultimate humiliation, the sort you wouldn’t wish for your fiercest foe, the Super Eagles faced another defeat in their bid to qualify for the continental showpiece at Morocco next year.

The loss in Calabar to Congo was seen as an upset, the draw at South Africa was seen as a step out of the mire but there’s no positive spin for the dross Keshi’s charges served up against Sudan.

Granted, the pitch had more plastic than a Lego factory, the weather was sweltering and the animosity of the fans could be felt from a reasonable distance but this was the lifeline they had to take.

Earlier in the day, South Africa had won away at Congo to move to the top of the log and inadvertently made room for the Champions to claw themselves out of the doldrums.

The Eagles started the game looking assured but a lack of a cogent game plan was visible as they literally became clueless when they approached the final third, the lack of innovation and quality saw Sudan grow in confidence to take charge of the game at the half hour mark and just before the break, their No. 10, a charismatic libero, carved out a chance, sliding a ball to the left, Echiejile was left for dead and a strong cross was met by Bacary Elgadir’s determined header from close range.

STEPHEN KESHI

Emenike and Mikel had speculative efforts and Musa missed a golden chance from a quality thru pass.

The Second Half.

The ineffective Nosa Igiebor was withdrawn. Sudan’s confidence wasn’t going to fizzle out in front of their vociferous supporters and disjointed opposition.

They continued to create half chances while staying compact at the back. Keshi responded by sending in rookie subs in the form of Sunday Emmanuel and Raheem Lawal who predictably didn’t have any noteworthy impact on the match.

Chelsea’s Mikel Obi seemed to have grabbed a draw on the 87th minute but his effort was ruled offside. Sudan held out for a memorable win over the faltering Champions of Africa.

Keshi Names Enyeama, Moses, 22 Others For Sudan

Head Coach Stephen Keshi has named goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama and 23 others for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations must-win qualifying tango away and home to Sudan.

Both teams clash at in Khartoum on Saturday, 11th October before trading tackles at the National Stadium, Abuja four days later.

Keshi has also included a hatful of new faces, including former junior international RaheemLawal, China –based striker Aaron Samuel and relatively unknown Anyora Ugonna, who plays in Norway.

There are also opportunities for World Cup star-boy Babatunde Michael, back from injury, Reading of England’s Hope Akpan and Austria –based forward Sunday Emmanuel.

African champions Nigeria must win both matches against pointless Sudan next month to have any realistic chance of reaching the finals in Morocco early next year.

Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria
Photo Credit: FIFA

THE FULL LIST:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (HapoelBe’erSheva, Israel); ChigozieAgbim (Gombe United)

Defenders:Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi FC, Israel); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England); Hope Akpan (Reading FC, England); Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor FC, Turkey); Anyora Ugonna (Haugesund FC, Norway)

Micheal Babatunde

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Victor Moses (Stoke City, England); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China); Aaron Samuel (SV ScholzGrodig, Austria); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine)

Afcon 2015 Qualifier South Africa Holds Nigeria In Cape Town

Our man Joel Musa takes a look at the Afcon 2015 Qualifier between the “Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the “Super Eagles of Nigeria, for comments or feedback you can tweet @slysage and @NewFanzone also follow both handles and we will follow you right back

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

The Super Eagles took an arduous trip to Cape Town after getting outclassed on home turf by the Red Devils of Congo on a wing and a prayer. The morale was dampened, perhaps aided by the uncertainty surrounding the Coach’s future and maybe the shenanigans of the egg heads at the Glass House.

Shakes Mashaba, source Facebook.com

Shakes Mashaba had been throwing taunts all week and had raised the hope of his countrymen who are desperately seeking for a competitive win against their bitter rivals but were able to snatch a fair draw, their second competitive point against the reigning African Champions in 20 years, after a dogged performance.

The game started on an attritional note, both sides easing their selves into the game with short, sideways passes. Both teams maintained a good shape but the Bafana Bafana sat deep, overcrowding the trequartista – Nosa Igiebor and allowing bulky forward Emmanuel Emenike no space at all. Ahmed Musa hadn’t no joy on the flank as the fullback was equipped to nullify his pace.

The notable moment of the half came towards its end when Mikel got into a spat after South Africa’s No. 11 rough handled him. Nigerian fans might still be frustrated by his performances but he seems to have some passion lately.

Stephen Keshi – Super Eagles Coach

The second half saw the standard of the game degenerate. The visitors visibly fatigued while the hosts were seemingly content to hold out for a draw.

Osaguana Ighodaro, who came in for Gbolahan Salami almost scored after good work on right by Ahmed Musa on the 63rd minute but a defender cleared on the line.

On the 71st minute, former England youth player Sone Aluko came in for Igiebor and his most notable contribution was a tame shot from outside the box.

South Africa almost snatched a late win after a goal-mouth melee, but the Eagles defenders cleared. The draw means Nigeria is third in the group with a single point. It also means that Stephen Keshi’s team has won just one of its last ten matches.

Joel Musa

Emenike, Osagunna, Obiazor Shine In Eagles Training…,As Keshi Raises Alarm Over Facebook Impersonators

Super Eagles only training session on Thursday evening at the UJ Esuene Stadium, was one that stood some players out, though all the stars, 22 of them are fit to start according to Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

Emmanuel Emenike’s rising profile in front of goalkeepers was obvious as his powerful runs, crosses and blistering goals came to the fore even as he played on the side of the possible against the probables in the training session.

New boy, Christian Ighodaro Osagunna, also showed signs that he has a future with the team, with smart play when given the ball in front of goalkeepers.

But the man who stole the show on the evening was Elkanemi goalkeeper, David Obiaozor, who was having his first training session with the team. He dived, parried and clutched balls to the delight of hundreds of fans who turned out to watch the team’s training under very clement weather in Calabar.

After the session, Coach Keshi raised a fresh alarm about some impostors who have been using his name on facebook pretending to be Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. “I have heard about people posing as Keshi on facebook and I want to say because of this type of activities by deviants, I never set up a facebook account.

He continued: “I don’t have a facebook account, but I have my email and phones which is even restricted because people will be looking for ways to use this new wave of technology to dupe people. I call on relevant security authorities to put a stop to those parading themselves as Stephen Keshi on Facebook”.

Super Eagles Training

Eagles Full House Excites Keshi

It’s been drumming hard in Calabar, the Cross River State capital in terms of rainfall and the Super Eagles seem to have shown that they are up to rain ball by the way they trained on Wednesday evening in the Canaan City.

Head Coach Stephen Keshi, his technical crew and even backroom staff were all out in the rain as the national team filed out with full compliments in Wednesday’s evening training.

The last two players to arrive, Emmanuel Emenike of Fernabahce of Turkey and Inter Milan’s Joel Obi were in full flight and the atmosphere was to say the least enthralling.

Though, Elkanemi goalie, David Obiaozor missed, officials say he can come and still be part of the team as he is a material for the future.

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

At the end of the rain-soaked training, Keshi again said he expects his wards to acquit themselves very well against the Red Devils of Congo on Saturday.

The team has changed its training schedule from 4pm local time to 5pm, which is the time the continental soccer ruling body CAF, approved for the match on Saturday.

Keshi has also spoken of one of Nigeria’s most talked about players, Ikechukwu Uche, who plays for Villareal in the Spanish Laliga.

Asked why Uche has not been invited to the national team recently, Keshi revealed that he was supposed to be part of the Nations Cup preparatory team currently in Calabar but he wanted to be begged.

“He was supposed to be part of the team that is presently in camp but he said we must beg him first to play for Nigeria because he was left out of some competitions but I can’t beg anyone to play for Nigeria, impossible. That’s why he is not here.”