Interim Coach Chris Danjuma has invited to camp a total of 35 players in preparation for the Women’s Football Tournament of next month’s 11th All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.
Onome Ebi, Francisca Ordega, Halimat Ayinde, Esther Sunday and Josephine Chukwunonye – who all missed Sunday’s defeat in Equatorial Guinea which meant ouster from the 2016 Olympics race – have been called again, but injured star forward Asisat Oshoala is left out.
Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Ebere, Desire Oparanozie, Ngozi Okobi and Evelyn Nwabuoku, who were at the FIFA World Cup in Canada in June, are joined by junior internationals Yetunde Adeboyejo, Chinaza Uchendu and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
All the players are to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Abuja on Monday, August 10 with their international passports and training kits. The Super Falcons will play host Congo-Brazzaville, Tanzania and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A of the Women’s Football Tournament of the All-Africa Games. Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana and Egypt are in Group B.
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will receive the Platinum Order of Merit of the Confederation of African Football on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Cairo. This will be during the 37th Ordinary General Assembly of CAF which officially opens Monday evening in the presence of the FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter.
“Through this award, the Confederation of African Football intends to recognize the immense contribution of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union for an emerging Africa, particularly through its vision, Agenda 2063, but mostly importantly show gratitude for the support she has always been able to demonstrate with CAF since she took office. Since 14 June, 2012 CAF and the African Union have partnered in dealing with a number of social responsibility campaigns through our competitions, particularly in the fight against AIDS, Ebola, malaria, and the promotion of education and the culture of peace on the continent, “said CAF President Issa Hayatou.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma CREDIT REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union will be the second person in the history of the CAF to receive this distinction. The first being the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at the opening ceremony of the 30th Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea 2015 on 17 January, 2015 in Bata.
* Africa Cup of Nations semi-finalist, Equatorial Guinea makes the biggest move by points(up 370 points),they also make the biggest move by rank this month(up 69 ranks).
* There were no moves into the top ten this month and no moves out of the top ten as well.
* New Asian champions Australia (63rd, up 37 ranks), beaten finalists Korea Republic (54th, up 15 ranks), United Arab Emirates (66th, up 14 ranks), Iraq (94th, up 20), China PR (82nd, up 14 ranks) and Iran (41st, up 10 ranks) have all climbed at least ten places.
* Costa Rica (13th, up 3 ranks) reached their highest-ever position
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has again reiterated its commitment towards ensuring Golden Eaglets’ impressive showing at next month’s U-17 African Championship to be hosted in Niger.
This much was said by Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF’s Vice-president, during a whistle-stop at the team’s NFF/FIFA Goal Project camp late Wednesday. He commended officials for working assiduously over the festive period, adding that that NFF would offer its usual maximum support to the team at the forthcoming continental cadet championship.
“I want to commend you for the good job you have been doing and we have been following all your activities even during the holiday period,” said Akinwunmi, NFF’s Acting President in the absence of Mr.
Amaju Pinnick who is on official duty for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the on-going 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea. “On our part, we would do everything possible to
support you for a good outing in Niger.”
Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets on Wednesday’s evening thrashed Fountain Youth Sport Club of Ekiti 7-0 in another test match at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Wednesday.
Striker Ebere Osinachi secured a first half brace while Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Abass Ibrahim, Kelechi Nwakali added five more goals in the second half of the highly entertaining match.
Fountain Youth Sport Club actually stated on an offensive note by dictating the early minutes of the match but they failed to press the advantage as goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokeocha denied them the opportunity of
getting the curtain raiser.
Golden Eaglets Training
But they soon fell behind in the 22nd minute when Osinachi scored the opener following a corner kick from Promise Orji. He added the second goal in the 35th minutes to give the Golden Eaglets 2-0 lead in the
first half.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke brought in fresh legs mostly the probable for the second half with the likes of Kelechi Nwakali, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze turning on the skill.
Osimhen put his name on the score sheet in the 49th minute when he dribbled his way through before burying the ball behind Fountain’s goalkeeper. Chukwueze followed up with another goal in the 52nd minute
as he latched on a superb pass from Abass Ibrahim to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.
On the other end, Fountain’s newcomer, Bello missed a golden chance as goalkeeper Benjamin Amos forced him to shoot over the bar. Thereafter, it was Golden Eaglets all the way with Abass Ibrahim getting his first goal for the team in the 70th minute which was later followed by captain Nwakali in the 83rd minute and Chukwueze 90th minute.
GOLDEN EAGLETS Vs.FOUNTAIN YOUTH SPORT CLUB:E. Nwokeocha(A. Benjamin 45, C. Chisom 75);A. Muhammed(E. Akpan 45, M.Gold 75); A. Usman ( A.Ibrahim 45); D. Femi (A. Bamidele 45); J. Ipalibo(E. Agenor 75); U.Ogugua (O.Okonkwo 75; H. Okebugwu (K.Nwakali 45); P. Orji(S. Chukwueze 45); K.Ayinde(S. Abdulahi 45); N. Umar (45); E. Osinachi (V. Osimhen 45)
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick flew into Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday as the African football fraternity got into the mood for the 30th Africa Cup of Nations kicking off on Saturday.
The NFF supremo will commission two matches in the group phase at the championship with opportunities for more in the knock –out rounds.
Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF 1st Vice President
However, the Confederation of African Football has once more rued the absence of 2013 champions Nigeria, who failed to reach the finals after finishing behind South Africa and Congo in Group A of the qualifying campaign.
Before jetting out of the country, Pinnick transmitted a letter to Members of the NFF Executive Committee notifying them that the 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will act in his stead.
“I will be away to the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea from 16th January – 9th February, 2015 on the invitation of CAF and in official capacity.
NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.
“The First Vice President, Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi should thus oversee the workings of the Office of the President for the period I will be away. All official correspondence should be channeled to him.”
Host Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Burkina Faso and Gabon will contest in Group A of the three –week, 16 nation finals, with Zambia, DR Congo, Tunisia, Cape Verde battling it out in Group B.
Group C has Ghana, Senegal, Algeria and South Africa while Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali and Cameroon contend in Group D.
The finals, scheduled for 17th January – 8th February, will be played across four cities: Malabo, Ebebiyin, Mongomo and Bata
The change of plan by the Federation Malienne de Football concerning the Les Aiglons’ final camping ahead of the 30th Africa Cup of finals in Equatorial Guinea has slightly altered the programme of the Super Eagles’ B for their January tour of United Arab Emirates.
With this change, the Eagles B, bronze medallists at the 3rd African Nations Championship held in South Africa early this year, will now play Cote d’Ivoire and Sudan instead.
Super Eagles Training in Uyo
The game against the Elephants, 1992 African champions and Super Eagles’ quarter final victims at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations also held in South Africa, comes up on January 11, while the clash with the Falcons of Sudan will come up on January 17.
In view of these changes, the players invited to camp at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja are now expected to arrive on Tuesday, 30th December, and not 28th December as earlier planned.
Steven Ukoh FC Biel, photo credit: (UrsLindt/freshfocus)
Meanwhile, former Swiss junior international, Steven Effiong Archibong Ukoh, whose application to represent Nigeria at senior level was recently approved by world football–governing body, FIFA, has confirmed his availability for the mini-tour. He becomes the 25th player on the invitation list.
Despite finishing ninth over-all in the just concluded 29th Africa Champions Cup for Men held in Tunis, Tunisia, Nigeria’s sole representative at the competition Mark Mentors basketball club have receive praises from various basketball stakeholders across Nigeria.
The Peter Ahmedu tutored Mentors who debuted at the continent biggest men club championship failed to made it to the knock-out stages after starting it group-B campaign on a promising note with a 68-65 points win over Abidjan Basket Club of Cote d’Ivoire but subsequently faltered in the group remaining games.
The Nigerian side also defeated Malabo Kings basketball club of Equatorial Guinea to finish ninth after getting a full dosage of what it takes to play among the biggest teams across Africa.
Mark Mentors chairman, Igoche Mark was singled out by stakeholders for remaining steadfast and believing in the ability of the team that came into limelight two seasons ago.
Tijjani Umar. NBBF President
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Tijjani Umar while speaking on a live radio programme on Monday said the team did well at the continental championship.
The NBBF boss, however, believed that Mentors would have finish among the top-four if it had the needed experience and exposure but says the team must have learnt one or two lessions from the Tunisia Champions Cup won by Angola Clube Recreativo E Desportivo Do Libolo.
Umar called on all stakeholders in the game to play it’s part so that Nigeria teams (clubs and national teams) can benefit more from activities that would propel the game to a higher level in Nigeria.
He concluded that 2015 will be a more challenging year for Nigeria as there are more continental championships that Nigeria would enter at national and club levels.
Ayo Bakare
Former head coach of the senior national men’s team, Ayodele Bakare urged people to understand that Mark mentors made its debut at the African stage and finishing ninth was not a bad result.
“I understand people’s expectation from Mentors but sincerely, it is not easy on the international stage, especially for first-timers as Mark Mentors were. Let us appreciate what they have been able to do, commend and encourage them. I am sure they have learnt a lot and will do much better as time goes on. And thanks to them, Nigeria’s flag was hoisted at that tournament and the country was represented, Bakare opined.
Vice-president of the NBBF, Muktar Khaleh on his part said Nigerians need to appreciate what the mentors have achieved; we must not forget it’s their first time out there. The team must have learnt a lot at the championship and for sure they will register a better performance the next time they get there. Kodus guys.
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
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.”
Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama
Chairman of the NFF Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama and three other eminent Nigerians have been invited by the Confederation of African Football to play important roles at the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea.
NFF President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, was earlier appointed member of the Organising Committee for the championship, which will be staged in four Equatorial Guinean cities 17th January – 8th February next year.
Paul Bassey
Also invited is Etubom Paul Bassey, who served blamelessly on the CAF Media Committee for several years before becoming a General Coordinator. He will serve as a Security Officer at the tournament.
Screen diva and respected administrator, Aisha Falode, who like Inyama is a member of the CAF Media Committee, will serve as media coordinator during the three–week, 16–nation party, like Inyama.
Samson Adamu, the organiser of the annual COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, will be an Assistant General Coordinator in Equatorial Guinea.
Ahead of their crunch semi final clash in the African Women Championship (AWC) Super Falcons central defender Onome Ebi says the match is key to reclaiming the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.
Onome, a prominent member of the team that lost to Van Wyk solitary strike at this same stage in 2012 said they would not allow the mistakes of that defeat to repeat itself again in Namibia.
She said that the mistakes were actually that of poor finishing in front of goal and being complacent during the game adding that they have learnt their lessons and will not allow such to happen again.
Onome Ebi, photo credit fifa.com
“We lost to Banyana last time because we were not able to take our chances and they took theirs and converted their only chance to win. We have learnt our lesson and that will be our guiding principle when we meet on wednesday in the semi final
“This match means so much to us. We know a win will give us ticket to the women world cup aside from taking home the trophy, so we shall take the match as if it is the final. We have to revenge that loss and restore our pride as African queens. We just have to beat them to reach the final
She continued “to me this is the most important game for us as a win qualifiers us for world cup next year and it will further show we are the best in Africa. We have young and energetic players who have made Falcons a stronger team”
Onome who plies her trade in Belarus with FK Minsk stated that her confidence is boosted by the calibre of strikers and the energy the young girls bring into the team adding that Banyana, Banyana will no doubt be tough but that they must fall.
Super Falcons’ veteran striker Perpetua Nkwocha has expressed the optimism that they will reclaim the African Women Championship they lost two years ago to then host Equatorial Guinea.
Perpetua Nkwocha, photo credit laget.se
The Sunana SK of Sweden forward who is one of the six foreign based players enlisted for AWC in Namibia said her optimism stemmed from the commitment and impressive performance of the team since her arrival last week.
He stated that losing the AWC in Equatorial Guinea was a big set back which they are raring to surmount in Namibia, noting that she is thrilled by the way the young players have integrated into the squad in such a short time.
“We are going to Namibia to prove that we are still number one in Africa and that the title is ours to lose. With what I have seen of the team so far, it will be very difficult to stop the Super Falcons at AWC. We are going to bring back the cup.
Perpetua Nkwocha. photo credit fifa
“We are not going to take any game easy because we want to win back what belong to us. We shall face any team as if we are playing the United States of America or Japan. It is true the women game has improved in Africa but we are still the best because we have a good youth program” she stated
The former Africa footballer of the year assured Nigerians that the Falcons will go to Canada for the World Cup as African champions.
After her goals and efforts failed to win the FIFA Under-20 world cup for Nigeria, in Canada, Asisat Oshoala has her eyes set on winning the African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia next month.
The gangling striker who emerged the top scorer and most valuable player at U-20 World Cup in Canada said she and her colleagues, some of them where in the team that lost in the final to Germany in Canada, have resolved to regain the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.
Oshoala who is one of the players listed to receive national honours on Monday in Abuja said she as a person will be looking forward to her first senior cup title by giving the AWC her best shot.
The Ikorodu, Lagos state born forward told the Super Falcons Media Officer Gracious Akujobi that they have trained to a point of pain that anything short of the cup will be regarded as poor performance in Namibia.
Asisat Oshoala Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot winner at FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada
Oshoala who is excited at having another hand shake with President Goodluck Jonathan at the award at the International Conference Center on Monday, stated that the Super Falcons will not underrate any team in their group.
“We know the task ahead of us in Namibia is not going to be easy but we are determined to win the cup and go back to the world cup in Canada as African champions” she stated
Meanwhile, the fight to make the final 21 member cut for the AWC is hotting up thereby giving the coaches selection problems even before the arrival of the invited foreign professionals.
Coach Edwin Okon said that the players are in the best form of their lives and although he admits it is not easy dropping any of them but that he would submit his final list on Monday,29 September.
newfanzone 