Watford FC of England star forward Odion Ighalo was the first player at the Super Eagles’ camp in France on Tuesday night, but has since been joined by 16 others as the three–time African champions prepare for a friendly international with Mali’s Les Aigles at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen on Friday night. The […]
via 17 Eagles In France, Visa Delays Iheanacho, Omeruo — newfanzoneblog
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.
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.
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
Coach Sunday Oliseh has expressed delight at the unity in the Super Eagles’ camp as the group focuses on earning a place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
Nigeria could only draw 0-0 with Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the weekend as the race to Gabon 2017 reached a third of the way, but former captain Oliseh says he has confidence in his wards to steer Nigeria to the finals.
“I have said it over and over that I am no magician. We have to come to accept the hard fact that we are not right there at the top there, at the moment.
“No doubt, we have potential, and based on the unity I have seen amongst the players, and the willingness to work hard and accomplish, we will get back to the top in good time.”
Sunday Oliseh spoke at a press conference at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt ahead of Tuesday’s friendly with the Mena of Niger Republic.
“We are building a new team, and patience is required. It is like starting from the scratch, because the fact is that we didn’t qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations.
“However, I have the confidence that this group will make Nigeria proud again.”
Coach Oliseh will lead his troops out at the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium against the Mena, who lost 0-2 to Burundi in Bujumbura on Saturday. But right back Leon Balogun, who suffered a knock at training and thus missed the Tanzanian match, flew back to Germany from Dar es Salaam.
Midfielder Izunna Uzochukwu is also out, and this necessitated the invitation of Nasarawa United midfielder Bature Yaro. Also, defender Kenneth Omeruo has recovered from his knock against Tanzania.
Tuesday’s match starts at 3pm.
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.
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)
Coach Stephen Keshi has invited goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama and 14 other overseas –based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad in Kaduna.
The three–time FIFA World Cup star is joined by defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Babatunde Michael and forward Ahmed Musa, who were all at last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
Exciting right back Leon Balogun, Israel–based John Ogu, former Switzerland junior international Steven Ukoh, China–based Aaron Samuel and Odion Ighalo, whose 20 league goals helped Championship side Watford FC to the English Premiership, have also been called alongside former junior international Rabiu Ibrahim.
New faces William Troost-Ekong, a defender based in The Netherlands, Kingsley Madu of AS Trencin in Slovakia and Portugal –based Anderson Esiti complete the list.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France)
Defenders: Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Leon Balogun (Darmstadt 98, Germany); William Troost-Ekong (FC Dordrecht, The Netherlands); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia)
Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Anderson Esiti (Estoril FC, Portugal); Steven Ukoh (Biel-Bienne FC, Switzerland)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England)
…Home boys arrive Katsina
Meanwhile, Coach Keshi alongside his assistants, the backroom staff and 20 home –based professionals on Sunday arrived in Katsina for Tuesday’s commemorative match against Nigeria National League side, Spotlight FC.
Spotlight FC, which is in the Round of 32 of this year’s Federation Cup competition after defeating Idah United FC in the Round of 64, will try the Super Eagles B for strength as part of activities marking the commissioning of the brand –new, 35,000 –seater Karkanda Stadium located in the capital city.
Picked for the assignment are Chibuzor Okonkwo, Rabiu Ali, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Gabriel Okechukwu, Azeez Shobowale, Moses Ebong, Chima Akas, Nathaniel Joseph, Chidiebere Eze, Olabisi Samuel, Esosa Igbinoba, Onyedikachi Bright, Idris Aloma, Charles Henlong, Kunle Odunlami, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Tunde Adeniji, Onoriode Odah, Stanley Dimgba and Michael Egbeta.
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.
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.
Eagles Camp Bubble, As Mikel, Onazi, Six Others Arrive
…Keshi Replaces Enyeama With Obiazor
Lunch time in Calabar for the Super Eagles technical crew was a delight on Tuesday, as camp suddenly upped to 17, with more players expected before training in the evening after only nine players trained in the morning training session.
Head Coach Stephen Keshi and his assistants were grinning from ear to ear as Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Sone Aluko, John Mikel Obi and standin captain Austin Ejide arrive on time to have lunch with the rest of the team.
Mikel’s entrance was particularly hilarious as he came in with hand gloves and asked Coach Keshi if he will need some with the fear of the Ebola disease in mind. “Coach I have up to four hand gloves and if you don’t mind, I can hand one pair to you”, he said jokingly with the rest of the team reeling with laughter.
The spirit in camp in camp is very buoyant with the arrival of the super stars and Keshi says he expects the best from the players on Saturday in the game against Congo.
The national team Head Coach also announced that he has decided to replace Vincent Enyeama, who is absent for personal reasons with Elkanemi of Maiduguri first choice keeper, David Obiazor. “We have been monitoring the Nigerian league and we see that the keeper of Elkanemi is a talent, that is why we want to give him a trial. We will see how it turns out when he arrives camp”, Keshi said after lunch on Tuesday.
Imoke, Ikpeme So Sure Of Eagles
Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, says he believes that the Super Eagles will come out tops against Congo, despite the short time the team had to prepare for the Morocco 2015 Nations Cup qualifier in Calabar, the state capital.
Imoke spoke through Youth and Sports Commissioner, Hon Patrick Ugbe, who also promised that the fans in Calabar will turn out enmasse on Saturday to cheer the national team to victory. Ugbe, added that he was happy with the quick response of the players to national call and was sure that the team will excel.
Earlier, NFF Director of Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who has been pulling the strings here to ensure the comfortability of the national team, said he was impressed by the showing of the players in the morning training session. Dr Ikpeme, who defied the early morning downpour in Calabar to join in the morning training session, said he will ensure that all that the team needs for a victory against Congo are provided, in conjunction with the Cross River state government.
“I am a son of the soil and we have had a very cordial working relationship with the government and people of Cross River state. That should ensure that we come out tops on Saturday because all of us in the team and government are on the same page”.
Cup holders Nigeria have called up 23 players, including ace goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Red Devils of Congo and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The list released by the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday also included defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Efe Ambrose, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and John Mike Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike.
France –based Elderson Echiejile, who missed the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a result of injury, Nosa Igiebor who missed the final cut for Brazil and Chinedu Obasi who was not considered for the tournament, are all back for September’s double –header.
Onazi, the midfield powerhouse who suffered a terrible injury in the Round of 16 defeat by France, is now fully recovered, but Michael Babatunde, who was stretchered out against Argentina after a hand injury, is left out.
Home –based quartet Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami and Gbolahan Salami who were part of Nigeria’s third place finish at the African Nations Championship in Cape Town earlier in the year, also have opportunity to return to Cape of Good Hope and shine. They are joined by Enugu Rangers’ marksman Christian Osaguona as the lot from the domestic League.
Nigeria play Congo’s Red Devils – restored to the race after conquerors Rwanda were found guilty of using an ineligible player – in Calabar on September 6, before flying to Cape Town to take on the Bafana Bafana on September 10.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)
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 FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers)
Here are our man Paul Ayorinde’s pick of the hottest football transfer news making the rounds at this moment.
you can also follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.
Done Deals:
– Bayern Munich signs goalkeeper Pepe Reina from Liverpool
– Real Madrid have confirmed that striker Karim Bemzema has signed a new five-year contract with the club
– Southampton have confirmed the signing of Algerian midfielder Saphir Taider from Inter Milan, with Daniel Osvaldo moving in the other direction on a season- long loan deal
– Liverpool have completed the signing of right back Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan
– QPR has confirmed the signing of Chilean right back Mauricio Isla from Juventus on a season-long loan deal
– Charlton Athletic has confirmed that Iran international Reza Ghoochannejhad has joined Kuwait sporting club on a season-long loan
– Hamburg have completed the signing of Nicolai Muller from Mainz for €4.4million
– Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Nigerian international Kenneth Omeruo from Chelsea on a season-long loan
– Former Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara has joined Nice on a one-year deal
Today’s report and rumours:
– Nottingham Forest are reportedly on the verge of breaking their club transfer record for Peterborough striker Britt Assombalonga
– Wolfsburg midfielder Luis Gustavo has dismissed speculation that he will leave the club this summer.
– Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hinted at an interest in Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado
– Costa Rica international Celso Borges is close to joining Ligue 1 side Evian from AIK Stockholm
– Swansea winger Pablo Hernandez is close to joining Qatari side Al-Arabi
– According to reports, Southampton representatives are in Lisbon to negotiate a deal over Sporting Lisbon’s left back Marcos Rojo
– Arsenal are lining up a bid for Liverpool defender Daniel Agger as a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen
– According to reports, Alex Song and Dutch winger Ibrahim Afellay have been told that they are not in Luis Enrique’s plans at Barcelona and have been advised to find new clubs.
– Atletico Madrid are close to signing right-back Jesus Gamez from Malaga
– According to reports, Tottenham are ready to pay €20million for PSV winger Memphis Depay
– Swansea will move for £6million-rated Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk once Chico Flores’ sale goes through.
– QPR boss Harry Redknapp will hold crunch talks with striker Loic Remy and midfielder Adel Taarabt to press them on their futures and attempt to persuade them to stay at the club.
– Atletico Madrid are lining up a massive bid for Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle
– Fulham want £2.5million to allow Kostas Mitroglou to join Hertha Berlin on loan.
– Celtic are keen on signing Wigan winger Callum McManaman.
– Tottenham have been told that Marseille midfielder Florian Thauvin is not for sale.
– According to reports, Manchester United have submitted a bid of £8million for AC Milan midfielder Nigel De Jong
– West ham have approached FC Basel about striker Marco Streller according to the player’s agent
– Galatasaray are considering a move for Portuguese international Hugo Almeida
– Southampton are poised to complete a £7million deal for keeper Fraser Forster if Celtic crash out of the Champions League tonight.
– Barcelona are set to offer £10million to Arsenal for Thomas Vermaelen.
– According to reports, West Ham have failed with a £7million bid for Stuttgart striker Vedad Ibisevic.
Football tit bits:
– Howard Webb has retired from a refereeing career that included a World Cup final to become technical director of the body that selects and governs Premier League match officials.
– England’s bid to host the Euro 2020 semifinals and final could be unchallenged at next month’s vote, with Germany FA chiefs considering dropping Munich’s rival bid.
– Brendan Rodgers has warned new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal that the fierce competitiveness of the Premier League will make it difficult for him to win the title in his first season.
– Kenyan Football Federation have appointed former Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson as head coach of the Harambee stars.
Keshi Pins Hope On Oboabona’s Recovery…Team Heads For Cuiaba
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi says despite the two deep cuts that defence ace, Godfrey Oboabona has, which has since been stitched, he still has hopes that the Turkey based defender will be ready for the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The player was hit on his feet with sharp studs by an Iranian attacker in the goalless draw against the Persian Stars and medics immediately took him for a scan which shows that he had deep cuts on his limbs but there were no fractures. “Yes, I have received the medical reports on Godfrey and we are still very hopeful that before the d-day he may still make it. Let’s just be hopeful because he is an important player in the team”, he said.
The Nigerian side will head for Cuiaba on Thursday morning for its second game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, after drawing goalless in its opener against Iran. Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, said the focus should be on the game instead of talking about the past game against Iran. “We are all disappointed that we didn’t win against Iran but we must refocus on the immediate task of winning our next game.
Eagles Will Eclipse Bosnia-Maigari, Yobo Boast …,Players Handed Afcon Land Papers
NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari made a morale boosting visit to the Super Eagles Campinas camp on Wednesday afternoon to assure the team that the federation is solidly behind them and that he was sure that the team will make it to the next round of the championship.
He was accompanied on the visit by Chairman Technical Committee, Barr Chris Green, Chairman, Media and Publicity of the NFF, High Chief Emeka Inyama, Executive Committee member and Enyimba Fc boss, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, Assistant Director Media NFF, Demola Olajire, with soccer Ambassador and immediate past skipper of the national team Nwankwo Kanu as well as PA to NFF President, Jubril Nasir in tow.
Maigari said he came to reassure the team that majority of Nigerians still believe in them to deliver and the NFF board has a special place for the team ahead of their game against Bosnia Herzegovina on Saturday. “We have heard the barrage of criticisms against you by the same people who say you are the best in the world only a few days ago, but we know that it was the same thing that happened at the Nations Cup and helped to rejuvenate the team. I am certain that those who have criticized you today, will be the same people that will join to celebrate you in the coming weeks and it will be to the glory of God and the greatness of Nigeria”, he declared.
Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, said he was aware of the criticisms especially in the social media but declared that the team remains undaunted and will once again prove critics wrong in their next match. “We know the football family is behind us, we know the NFF is behind us and we will not let the nation down when the time comes for us to be counted among great football nations”.
The NFF President thereafter presented the papers of the landed properties given to the team by President Goodluck Jonathan following their triumph at the last Nations Cup in South Africa. Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, received the papers for onward distribution to the players.
photo credit:Super eagles google+ page
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has tipped Super Falcons to beat Rwanda and ultimately go ahead to win the African Women Championship later in the year in Namibia.
The Chelsea FC defender who just completed a loan season at Middlesborough FC of England spoke after watching the Super Falcons training in Abuja on Wednesday morning said he was delighted with what he saw and believed that Rwanda can not match the Nigerian women.
“I see Falcons emerging the next AWC champions because that is where they belong. Aside the last time they lost the title, they have always been the best in Africa. I am tipping them to win the AWC and do well at the World cup
“It is amazing seeing how much talents we have in women football and in the national team. I am very confident that these girls would deliver. It is at the world stage that I want them to rise to the occasion and show the stuff they are made of” he stated.
The former Flying Eagles star however warned the girls not to underrate the Rwandese as women football is no longer the exclusive right of Nigeria to win adding that Falcons should go to Kigali for a win and make the return leg a formality.
newfanzone 