NFF To Take Legal Action Against Ambushing Corporates

The Nigeria Football Federation will not hesitate to take legal action against corporate institutions that seek to exploit the Super Eagles’ participation at the 2014 FIFA World to gain undue advantage, without any prior agreement with the NFF concerning the team.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu decried the trend of flair for ambush marketing by some corporate bodies, who are keen to reap where they did not sow.

“We are disturbed by the ceaseless craze for ambush marketing, with some corporate establishments continuing to innovate on a daily basis in order to look innocent. This is very unfair.

“Such misplaced ingenuity could as well be deployed to convincing the NFF on having a sponsorship agreement with the Federation on the Super Eagles, or any of the National Teams.”

Amadu said the Federation has set up a monitoring team to check the activities of these organizations and report back to it, with a view to seeking legal action and appropriate damages against erring establishments.

“These organizations know what to do to be legitimate supporters of the National Teams or any aspect of Nigeria football. But they prefer the short cut of ambush marketing and trying to harvest where they did not sow. We will no longer take things easy with these violators.”

NFF Logo

Amadu used the opportunity to praise all NFF’s partners and sponsors for their faith in the Federation and the National Teams, especially those who have continued to fulfill their contractual obligations, to enable the NFF supplement funds from Government to prepare the National Teams for international engagements.

Balogun Is Star For The Future, Says Keshi…Pleads Support From Dropped Stars

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, says he is thrilled by the responses of some of the players that were not picked for the World Cup party, especially German based, Leon Balogun, John Ogu, Brown Ideye and others.

Keshi who spoke from his Abuja base said picking the 30-man list for the World Cup was a difficult task and he was ready to please all but that can never be the case. “I wanted the best for the initial camping list but sadly we cannot take everybody along, we have to drop some of our best and committed players, I am happy that the players understand that fact”.

I heard what Leon Balogun said and I must say I am thrilled that he understands the very difficult task we have been given by Nigerians, I trust that sooner than later Leon will be back in the team.

We are targeting to bring him back during the qualifiers for the Nations Cup in Morocco and I trust we will still be in charge. Balogun we reason is one of our stars for the future of the national team”, Keshi said.

The Eagles boss while declaring his unalloyed loyalty to the NFF, called on the media to support him and the NFF in the task of making Nigeria great through football come Brazil 2014 World Cup.

“They create imaginary disputes between me and my employers, but I dare say there is no disagreement between us all I want is for all including the players who did not make the initial 30-man list to Brazil to support us, so that we can excel at the World Cup”, he declared.

NFF RELEASES PROVISIONAL LIST OF SUPER EAGLES FOR 2014 WORLD CUP

After weeks of speculation and intrigue, the Nigeria Football Federation today in Abuja released of provisional list of 30 players likely to make it to Brazil for the FIFA Brazil 2014 World Cup.

There are no real surprises on this list, save for the exclusion of Ike Uche, the other major talking point is the return of Captain Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odewingie.

While its a given that Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide will get the first two goalkeeper’s slot, the battle for the third keeper’s position will now be between Chigozie Agbim and Daniel Akpeyi.

Also missing from this list is new boy Leon Balogun Brown Ideye and Portugal based John Ogu amongst others.

Now that the dust as settled it is hoped that all hands will be on deck as Stephen Keshi and his wards head to Brazil.

GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi

DEFENDERS: Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami, Efe Ambrose

MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Michael Uchebo, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel

FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor, Nnamdi Oduamadi

Keshi: I Have Free Hand To Pick WC Team…As Maigari Focuses On Excellent Outing

As the football world eager awaits the meeting between the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical Sub-Committee and Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, Tuesday in Abuja, the coach has disclaimed reports that he was being arm-twisted to included some players in his squad to Mundial 2014 in Brazil.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, quotes Keshi as saying that he has a free hand to select the best players for the World Cup from the NFF, even as he was not averse to taking advise from well-meaning Nigerians on squad composition. “The NFF is our parent body and should be concerned about team composition for the World Cup, because the body is made up of well-meaning Nigerians, but to be honest to Nigerians nobody in the NFF has come to me to say pick player A or B. They respect my job as the Head Coach and I respect them as my employers and there is no clash of interest”, Keshi declared.

The media has been awash with reports credited to ex-NNB and Super Eagles midfielder, Edema Fuludu, that Keshi was under great pressure to include certain players. “All Nigerians are entitled to suggest whoever they think should be in the team but all of them must also respect the fact that I and my assistants have the final say and we will not fail Nigerians in this onerous duty”, Keshi added.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who said he has also been inundated with such reports, said he as a former footballer and now an administrator of the game will never force any player on any coach, let alone an experienced and tested coach like Keshi. “The focus as I always say should be on a good outing in Brazil not needless controversy that people generate to make name on behalf of other innocent Nigerians, especially those of us at the NFF.

“We talk with Keshi everyday and he is happy with the support he is getting from us and I have told him that if and when he needs any tool that will make him do well in Brazil, he should not hesitate to tell us and we will provide, so why should people delight in causing controversy. I think enough is enough and it’s about time we come together as a nation to focus on the World Cup in Brazil”.

Nigerian Sports Award: 2014 Edition to Hold November 13

The organizers of the Nigerian Sports Award, Unmissable Incentives Limited has announced that the third edition of the prestigious award will hold on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

According to the General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, the 2014 edition of the award promises to be better than the two previous editions as the award is now widely recognized and a desirable recognition among Nigerian sports men and women.

Idowu noted that the 2014 award will be unprecedentedly and exceptionally exciting due to the fact that the year is a very busy sporting year with the Nigerian teams participating in several sporting competitions including Commonwealth Games, FIFA U-17 Women Football Championship and the Brazil 2014 World Cup taking place during the course of the year.

“This year’s edition of the award is expected to be very interesting not only because it is the year of the World Cup but also because of other competitions like the Commonwealth Games, the FIFA U-17 Women Football Championship and of course the performance of the Nigerian athletes in their respective clubs” he said.

Speaking on what to expect at this year’s event, Idowu stated that the 2013 edition has really raised the bar and set a standard which the organisers must not only match but exceed in terms of the setting and organization as well as free flow of the event which was described by many as world class.

“We must ensure we sustain the euphoria and the momentum generated by the 2013 edition of the award and the pouring commendations from all nooks and crannies. Hence, this year’s event must surpass the achievement of last year”.

A total of 14 categories of the award which includes the Sportsman of the Year Award, Sportswoman of the Year Award, Footballer of the Year Award (Male & Female), Ball Sports Person of the Year Award, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Track & Field Star of the Year, School Sports Award, Administrator of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year (Print & Electronic) and Sports Governor of the Year award would be on the offering for this year’s award.

Senate committee heaps encomiums on NFF… As NFF praises Governor Imoke

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Tuesday heaped plaudits on the Nigeria Football Federation for utilising the money appropriated to it to bring countless laurels to Nigeria in year 2013.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Social Development, Senator Adamu Ibrahim Gumba, extolled the managerial virtues of the NFF leadership, saying that despite not having enough money to play around with, the Aminu Maigari-led NFF scratched the bottom of the barrel to prepare Nigerian teams adequately for international competitions and bring glory to the nation. The NFF received the sum of N1.8 billion from the Government last year.

“I must commend the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation. Our National Teams won so many laurels from international championships last year and even Mr. President (His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR) was so elated each time that he hosted the teams and rewarded them for doing the country proud,” Senator Gumba remarked, when NFF officials led by General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, appeared before the committee to present its 2013 budget performance and defend its 2014 budget proposal.

Gumba continued: “We won the Africa Cup of Nations, won the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the Super Eagles qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. We also won trophies from international friendly matches against Catalonia and South Africa, and our U-17 and U-20 women teams qualified for the FIFA U-17 and FIFA U-20 Women World Cup competitions taking place this year. Let us also not forget that our country represented Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“This committee is very happy with the performance of the NFF in the year 2013 and we charge them to maintain same tempo, or even do better, in this year 2014. ”

Speaking at the budget defence session, NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, lauded the excellent co-operation the NFF has enjoyed with the Senate Committee led by Senator Gumba, and also praised the support and assistance of the National Sports Commission and some State Governments, especially Cross River State Government, for Nigeria National Teams.

“We played all our home matches in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying series in Calabar, thanks to the Cross River State Government, with Governor Liyel Imoke spearheading the support and show of love for our team. The NFF is also very grateful to Governor Imoke and his Government for adopting the U-17 National Team and giving all the support for the team to win the silver medal at the African U-17 Championship in Morocco and then go on to lift a record fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in the United Arab Emirates.”

At the presentation, to which the NFF was led by the Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr.
Tamuno Danagogo, with the Director General of NSC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Amadu explained that the NFF would require the sum of slightly over N2 billion to prosecute the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil and the sum of N3.9 billion for other competitions, events, overhead, capital and personnel matters this year.

Dike’s Injury Rankles Keshi…Turns Prayer Warrior For Others …Commiserates With Falode

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was practically in tears on Tuesday evening when he learnt of the injury to power playing Toronto FC of Canada forward, Bright Dike. He has already instructed team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran to get in touch the medics of the player’s club to know the extent of damage done to a potential World Cup debutant.

“No, no, this is very sad. I can’t believe this is happening to a player with such enthusiasm to play for Nigeria at the highest level, we will surely miss him, if it’s true he would not be ready on time for the World Cup. I can’t think of any replacement for now until we get to the real facts of the matter”

Keshi said in Florianopolis, Brazil, where he is presently attending the FIFA seminar for Mundial 2014 along with coaches of other qualified nations and their officials.

The former Anderletch of Belgium and Strasbourg of France libero also revealed that he has turned a prayer warrior for all the players he is planning to take to the World Cup, and he was sure God will protect them against any form of injury in the run-up to the World Cup. “We just have to commit all the other players to God’s hands, because we can only do well if our players are in good health”, he said.

On the return of Skipper Joseph Yobo to the team, Keshi said he was recalled because he has recently come back to a reach vein of form, warning however that his recall to the team does not guarantee a World Cup place. “He played well against Manchester City, which I watched but he must be consistent and we pray he should be in good health, those are the attributes we want in all the players that will go to the World Cup”.

The national team coach also expressed grief at news of the death of the son of National Womens’ Team Coordinator, Aisha Falode, Master Toba Falode. “We in the Super Eagles join the NFF and the entire football fraternity to mourn with Falode. We pray God to grant her the fortitude to bear the loss”, he said through team’s Media Officer Ben Alaiya.

FIFA Seminar Excites Nigerian Delegates

Nigerian delegates to the Brazil 2014 World Cup Workshop/Seminar in Florianopolis, Brazil say they have benefitted immensely from the weeklong event, which they will avail the national team and Nigerian football, when occasion warrants.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, said it was a revealing session for him, as it afforded him an opportunity to meet some of the best coaches in the world. “Some of the coaches we have here, were the same coaches some of us were adoring in our playing days. To be rubbing shoulders with them on the same platform is a rare privilege and we must thank the NFF and FIFA for this opportunity”, he said as he exchanged pleasantries with Brazilian coach, Luis Filipo Scolari.

Keshi and Brazilian Coach Felipe Scolari share a moment during lunch time on Wednesday at the ongoing FIFA Seminar in Florianopolis, Brazil

Eagles Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who was also at a similar event at the South African 2010 World Cup, said there have been a few changes to the last seminar, as FIFA continues to evolve as one of the most influential bodies in the world. “The seminar will surely help us when the World Cup starts”, he said.

On his part team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, who has been the most engaged of all the delegates here said it has been another eye opener for him in the field of sports medicine. “We have been told the latest discoveries in medicine, new medical terms, drugs, steps against anti-doping, preventive rather than curative approach in athletes’ management and new rules from international bodies like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the World Health Organisation.

NFF Marketing Department’s Chuks Alizor, said he has gained fresh insights into international sports marketing, which will come in handy in his job with the NFF. “FIFA was simply fantastic with this seminar and I thank the NFF for bringing me here to learn new things”, he said.

Team Security Head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abubabakar Baba, was mouth agape at the huge deployment of security operatives and other salient security details unveiled during Wednesday’s session. “Security wise I have gained a lot but I must also say FIFA has a lot of planners that will make this year’s World Cup free of security threat”, he said.

NFF Security Committee, Dr Christian Emeruwa spoke in a similar vein, describing the knowledge gained at the seminar as an eye opener. The Nigerian delegation is expected back home

Keshi picks Yobo, 22 others for Mexico friendly

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has listed Skipper Joseph Yobo in his squad of 23 for the international friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, USA on Wednesday, 5th March.

Yobo, who is back in the keenly-followed English Premiership, this time with Norwich City, on loan from Fenerbahce FC of Turkey, last played for the African champions at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which Nigeria won.

Also returning are Israel-based defender Juwon Oshaniwa, 2014 African Nations Championship Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi and Canada-based striker Bright Dike.

New faces include former junior internationals Ramon Azeez and Shehu Abdullahi, and Belgium-based strikers Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo. Centre – back Kunle Odunlami, who made CAF’s list of Best Eleven at the recent African Nations Championship in South Africa, is also called.

Usual suspects like goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders John Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Obinna Nsofor will also fly to America.

THE FULL SQUAD OF 23

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel
Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England) Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC. Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy);
Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michel Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)