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

Oboabona, Seven Others Hit Eagles Camp As Enyeama Gets Two Match Waiver

Super Eagles in Philly

The Super Eagles camp for the Nations Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville opened on Monday night with Turkey based Godfrey Oboabona being the first foreign based player to arrive camp. He has been joined by Ebenezer Kunle Odunlami, Azubuike Egwueke, Gbolahan Salami, Chigozie Agbim Nosa Igiebor, Uche Nwofor, Ramon Azeez and Solomon Osadunna.

Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, his assistants Dan The Bull Amokach, Hyadounou Valere and Ike Shorunmu are also all in the team’s Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, with Keshi insisting that there is no time to waste before the game on Saturday.

He also revealed that he has granted team skipper, Vincent Enyeama, leave of absence from the two games against Congo and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on September 10, because of pressing family issues. “It’s better we excuse him, instead of bringing him down here without him concentrating for the game. I have asked him to sort himself out and he can join us in the future. For now there is no replacement for him because there is no time to do that” he declared.

Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor revealed that almost all invited players safe for Enyeama are already in the country and will all storm camp on Tuesday. The team will have its first training session on Tuesday morning at the Abraham Ordia soccer pitch inside the University of Calabar.

Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria
Photo Credit: FIFA

Obasi Doubtful…

Super Eagles officials have threatened to report German side, Schalke 04 to world soccer governing body, FIFA if Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi fails to come for the Nations Cup qualifiers against Congo and South Africa.

Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who has been working round the clock to ensure that all invited players arrive on time for the games revealed that the German side called to say they have submitted the international passport of the player for the coming Champions League hostilities, which may force the player to miss the games, as the passport will not be released on time.

With five days to the game against Congo, officials are angered by the attitude of the club and may report them to FIFA for appropriate sanctions.

WHY THEY CALL ME BALOTELLI – SALAMI

Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami who has netted five times for the Warri based team has said that his insistence to demand for his rights especially what is due to him financially has caused people to call him Nigerian Baloteli, otherwise, he is not a bad boy.

Answering questions on why they tag him Nigerian Baloteli, Gbolahan who crossed over from Shooting Stars at the end of the season to Warri Wolves disclosed that the essence of playing this game is money and once it is agreed that a particular amount is due to him, the onus rest both sides to fulfill the agreement otherwise, he will go to any length to get it.

” I am not really a bad boy but I know why they call me Nigerian Baloteli. If I agree with a team to give me a particular amount , I expect that team to honour their own side of the bargain why I do my own on the field of play. The truth is that I hate deceit and I don’t want anybody to deceive me.

In Nigeria, once you demand for your right, they tag you Baloteli and if they call me that name because I demand for my right, so be it.” said a member of the CHAN team.

Speaking on his new team, Warri Wolves, Gbolahan said it is the best team in Nigeria because of so many things.
Pressed further, Gbolahan said the atmosphere is conducive for one to play good football and that is why he has fit in within a short time.

” I like Warri Wolves and I cannot hide it. I have featured for many teams in this country but you cannot compare them with Warri Wolves. Here, they don’t gossip, they don’t begrudge you. They allow you to have rest of mind and with that, one can play good football.”

Also speaking on the team, Gbolahan revealed that the fans have been fantastic to him and they are the best in the country. When you see what they are doing ,the way they support you, all you’ll want to do is to play for them and God help me, I will do my best for the team.

SALAMI PROMISES MORE GOALS

Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami has declared his readiness to score more goals as the team host FC Taraba at the Warri City Stadium on Wednesday, just as diminutive attacking midfielder, Kelvin Itoya commended the management for prompt payment of the winning bonus the team recorded against Abia Warriors on Sunday.

According to Gbolahan who has netted four goals in the league, he is so hungry of increasing his goal tally that he cannot wait to start the match against FC Taraba if the Coaches considered him good enough.

The former shooting Stars player who was recruited at the beginning of the season said the team is blessed with good strikers and have started to understand themselves and this will help him to achieve his mission to score more goals.

” The truth is that I am hungry of goals and I thought I will score against Abia Warriors but it did not happen but against FC Taraba, I hope to score. The team is blessed with good strikers and we are beginning to understand ourselves, so we should expect more goals’.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder, Kelvin Itoya has commended the management of the Club for prompt payment of the winning bonus ion the victory recorded against Abia Warriors, saying this will motivate the players to do more.

” We got the winning bonus on Monday evening and I want to commend the Management for a job well done. I think this will serve as a morale booster and hopefully, the team will do well in the match against FC Taraba and subsequent ones. We have experience players and young ones like me who are ready to learn and do the team proud. what we want is total support from the fans and their prayers which will go a long way in helping us.” he said

Glo Premier League Update, Wolves on full throttle…,Meet The League’s Goaleadors!!!!

Basking with supreme confidence following their discharge of Cameroun’s Union Dauola from the CAF Confederation Cup, Warri Wolves has put a warning to clubs in the Glo Premier League that it will open all salvos to blast through the league as they set to host El Kanemi Warriors in their opening match of the season.

Warri Wolves surprised fans with a 3-2 away win to Douala and a 1-1 draw at home to remain in contention for the Confederation Cup but club spokesman, Moses Etu, says their exploit against Doaula was just a tip of the iceberg as they focus now on the home league.

“I can assure you that Warri Wolves will blast full throttle. Believe me, our domestic league squad is stronger than our Confederation Cup squad and we will unleash full salvo against all teams in the premier league. In the first place, we have Azubuike Egwueke back in the team. He has been away on assignment with the Super Eagles. He was not available for the two legs of our Confederation Cup. He will be back in action on Thursday against El Kanemi.

Also, many of our players were not registered for the Confed Cup but they are available for the league. We have the likes of Daddy Bazuaye who just joined us from Cape Town FC in South Africa. We have Gbolahan Salami, from Shooting. He is a good top 9 but even at that he will have to battle with Musa Najere for that position, and Najere is scoring now.

We also have the duo of Dan Akpeyi and Martins Oduchie who joined us from Heartland. Everybody knows that Akpeyi is a great keeper and he will have to battle his position out with Ambrose Vanzekin and Okiemute Odah who stopped a penalty against Douala in Cameroun. Martins scored against us when we went to Heartland last season and since then we had an eye on him and we have got him.

“With our first leg victory in Cameroun, we had the leverage to play in some players who have not tasted action for some time. Joseph Osadiaye alongside Brenda Ogbu and Bright Akpojuvwevwo were back in the return leg against Union.

That has helped against match rustiness and keeps them in match form against the two warrior teams from Maiduguri and Abia. By the time we finish with them, they will find out that they are not warriors at all. Good thing is that we are playing two straight home games. That reduces the fatigue of travels and gives room for better concentration and conditioning.

I can also tell you that for now there is no injury in the camp and the players are very focused and enthusiastic. For us enthusiasm is important and we have it in Warri Wolves in addition to the experience and influence of the likes of Azubuike Egwueke. With Warri Wolves, there is no shaking.”

The oil city boys will host El Kanemi Warriors of Borno on Thursday and Abia Warriors on Sunday at the Warri City Stadium, and return to the continentals by upper weekend to host their next Confederation Cup opponents, Club Athletics Bizertin of Tunisia.

They have been on high after a swell performance which saw the trio of Musa Najere, Oghenekaro Etebo and Heartland import Ikechukwu Ibenegbu all finding the net away against Union Douala’s two goals before coming home to consolidate with a 1-1 draw. Club Coach, Paul Aigbogun has said that his boys only failed to convert yawning chances otherwise the goals would have been a rain.

Wolves’ confidence in the league opener against El Kanemi is boosted in the fact that they took the Borno warriors to the cleaners with a 4-1 wallop when El Kanemi visited Warri last season. That became the tonic for Wolves after they had run for about seven games without a win.

…………………………………………………………..

Glo Premier League Update:

The Goaleadors!!!!

The season openers threw up some great strikes….

BUT

Who will pull the most trigger at the end of the season?????

Stay with The Goaleadors for the top strikes in the Glo Premier League
1. Bobby Abel (1) (FC Taraba) vs Nassarawa

2. Chima Uluocha (1) (Abia Warriors) vs Kaduna Utd

3. Bishop Onyeudo (1) (Abia Warriors) vs Kaduna Utd

4. Namso Edo (1) (Akwa Utd) vs Gombe

5. Kelechi Ekeh (1) (Heartland FC) vs Dolphins

6. Ifeanyi Egwim (1) (Dolphins) vs Heartland

7. Stephen Eze (1) (Lobi stars) vs Crown FC

Midweek fixtures: (Thursday, March 13)

1. Sunshine vs Enyimba

2. Warri Wolves vs El Kanemi Warriors

3. Bayelsa Utd vs Sharks FC

Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Dele Alampasu makes Keshi’s final list alongside Chigozie Agbim and Egwuekwe,

Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Dele Alampasu makes Keshi’s final list alongside Chigozie Agbim and Egwuekwe

Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has picked first choice goalkeeper and skipper Chigozie Agbim, defender Azubuike Egwuekwe, midfielder Joshua Obaje and forward Gbolahan Salami among 23 players that will represent Nigeria at the 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa.

Usual suspects Solomon Kwambe, Francis Benjamin, Kunle Odunlami, Umar Zango, Barnabas Imenger, Daniel Akpeyi and Ifeanyi Ede also make the list, but former junior internationals Abdullahi Shehu and Christian Pyagbara also make the cut, with FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Dele Alampasu expectedly joining the big boys so early.

Nigeria take on host South Africa, Mali and Mozambique in Group A of the championship reserved for senior players plying their trade in the domestic League of their countries. The competition runs from 11th January – 1st February, 2014 in three South African cities.

In his quest to win the tournament just as he did at the full-strength Africa Cup of Nations staged in the same country early 2013, Coach Keshi has picked three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.

Agbim, Kwambe, Benjamin and Egwuekwe are integral part of Nigeria’s A Team, while Pyagbara and Shehu played for the Flying Eagles at the African Youth Championship in Algeria and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey in 2013.

Alampasu was selected as the Best Goalkeeper as Nigeria’s U-17 side cruised to a record fourth win at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates October/November 2013.

GOALKEEPERS: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC); Dele Alampasu (Abuja Football College)

DEFENDERS: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars); Ikechukwu Gabriel (Bayelsa United); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC); Erhun Obanor (Insurance FC)

MIDFIELDERS: Ugonna Uzochukwu (Enugu Rangers); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Christian Pyagbara (Sharks FC); Ikenna Hilary (Sunshine Stars); Abdullahi Shehu (Kano Pillars); Joshua Obaje (Warri Wolves)

FORWARDS: Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers); Gbolahan Salami (Shooting Stars); Barnabas Imenger (Lobi Stars); Aliyu Ibrahim (Nasarawa United); Christian Obiozor (Enugu Rangers); Ifeanyi Ede (Enyimba FC)