Two weeks of contrasting fortunes for U-23 National Team Head Coach, Samson Siasia, has ended with sheer headache on which players he should pick for the pre-Africa U-23 Cup of Nations camp in Morocco.
Last week, it was a frustrated Siasia who cried out that his camp was empty due to clubs’ incessant demand for their players to report for club duties. This week, the story has changed as the former Super Eagles’ Head Coach is now faced with the problem of selecting the 30 players who will make his list to Morocco where the team will have a final camping before proceeding to Senegal for the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations starting on 28 November.
All invited 35 home -based players were at the team’s training session on Tuesday evening, with competition intense as all struggled to impress as the list of 30 is soon to be compiled. The session was so charged that Siasia himself had to tell the players to take things easy so as to avoid injuries.
Expressing satisfaction with the players in camp, an elated Siasia said: “For now, all I can say is that I am very happy with what I have seen as the players came back from their club engagements fully refreshed and ready to do the nation proud. The NFF has also responded positively to my cry for the release of these players so we can prepare properly for the big task of picking one of Africa’s tickets for the football event of next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I must confess that selecting the 30 players who will be departing the shores of this country for Morocco is giving myself and my assistants real headache, but this is a positive headache which at the end of the day will enable us select only the best that will fly the nation’s flag with gusto.”
Siasia Samson Nigeria U23 Coach credit fifa.com
Meanwhile, U-23 National Team will on Thursday at the National Stadium, Abuja trade tackles with newly promoted NPFL club Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The encounter is expected to kick off at 4pm.
On Saturday morning, the team will engage C.O.D FC of Lagos.
Head Coach of the U-23 National Team (Dream Team), Samson Siasia has invited a total of 51 players made up of 35 home based and 16 overseas based professionals to camp, in preparation for the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations holding in Senegal from 28th November – 12th December this year.
From the list released, the home based players are being led to camp by experienced Enugu Rangers’ goal –tender Emmanuel Daniel, Abia Warriors defender Erhun Obanor, Warri Wolves attacking midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo and Enyimba midfield maestro Kingsley Sokari.
The overseas legion is being led by Turkey–based Azubuike Okechukwu (captain of the team), Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, Belgium based Moses Simon, Spain–based Isaac Success and Germany–based Taiwo Awoniyi.
Home based players are expected to report to the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye camp immediately while the overseas -based players would report at the team’s final training camp before the tournament.
Siasia Samson Nigeria U23 Coach credit fifa.com
Full list of foreign –based players:
1. Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey)
2. Junior Ajayi (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
3. Taiwo Awoniyi (Germany)
4. Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England)
5. Moses Simon (KAA Gent Belgium)
6. Wilfred Ndidi (Genk, Belgium)
7. Isaac Success (Granada, Spain)
8. Dele Alampasu (Estoril, Portugal)
9. Shehu Abdullahi (Uniao Da Madeira, Portugal)
10. Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, England)
11. Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovenia)
12. Vin Solomon Otabor (Birmingham, England)
13. Uche Ikpeazu (Port Vale FC, England)
14. Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense, Portugal)
15. Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor, Turkey)
16. Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjylland, Denmark)
The full list of home based players
1. Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers)
2. Yusuf Mohammed (Kano Pillars)
3. Emmanuel Iwu (Heartland FC)
4. Segun Oduduwa (Nath Boys)
5. Sincere Seth (Rhapsody)
6. Erhun Obanor (Abia Warriors)
7. Chima Akas (Sharks FC)
8. Daniel Etor (Enyimba FC)
9. Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves FC)
10. Godwin Aguda (Enugu Rangers)
11. Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba)
12. Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors FC)
13. Chukwuebuka Iroha (Diamond FC)
14. Austine Oladapo (FC IfeanyiUbah)
15. Christian Pyagbara (Sharks FC)
16. Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves)
17. Semiu Liadi (Warri Wolves)
18. Godspower Effiong (Kano Pillars)
19. Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors)
20. Bright Onyeadikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah)
21. Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)
22. Mustapha Abdullahi (SportLight FC)
23. Muritala Adamu (Kano Pillars)
24. Zaradeen Bello (Kano Pillars)
25. Dayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)
26. Seun Olulayo (Sunshine Stars)
27. Tiongoli Tonbara (Bayelsa United)
28. Kufre Ebong (Warri Wolves)
29. Kingsley Eduwo (Sunshine Stars)
30. Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars)
31. Anaezemba Nzube (Enyimba FC)
32. Charles Chukwudi (Plateau United)
33. Daniel Enmanson (Akwa United)
34. Ibrahim Alhassan (Hearts FC, Kano)
35. Adebayo Ajadi (36 Lions)
The Manu Garba interview continues with the Flying Eagles coach talking about his team’s opening World Cup match against Brazil, the players who will shine in New Zealand as well as his future.
QUESTION: The Flying Eagles are drawn against five-time champions Brazil, North Korea and Hungary in the first round. What do you know about these teams?
MANU GARBA: Sincerely speaking, we know very little about them, but then everyone knows the Brazilian philosophy – they play the way we want by moving the ball from the rear, they don’t kick long balls. This style is good for our own pattern of play.
The Hungarians are from Europe, they will play a more direct game, while the Koreans are very, very fast and they like moving the ball.
But we are a team who do not want to be diverted from the way we play and so we want the opponents to play the way we want.
We have really worked very, very hard and I believe by the time we are in New Zealand, we will be ready for any team in the world.
Your opening match is against mighty Brazil, who have won this competition five times. How are you looking forward to that game and how crucial is it in your aspiration?
I respect all the teams who have qualified for this championship and that includes Brazil, who have been good at this level, but believe you me, Brazil is Brazil and Nigeria is Nigeria.
Brazil have won the World Cup several times, but Nigeria have got silver twice and a bronze.
At U17 level, we are rated no.1 in the world. And half of the team to New Zealand are from the last U17 team. We are a united team who have conquered the world at U17 level and we have now been joined by other players who are more technically balanced than some of them from the U17s. So, I believe we are ready to take on any team.
But I also know that the first match in any tournament is the most important and so we will do all we can to pick up the maximum three points against Brazil, which will go a long way to motivate the team in subsequent matches.
I could recall Mexico came to last U17 World Cup as defending champions and they had not lost a match for two years. But against a Nigerian side, who did not play a test game for a month, we defeated them 6-1.
This is not to say we will be overconfident. We are confident in ourselves to beat Brazil in our opening game.
We are very ready for the World Cup.
CAF ORANGE AFRICAN U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP
You said you will go to the World Cup as African champions and after that you said you wish to make history as the first Nigerian team to go all the way and win the U20 World Cup. Are we on track in this regard?
Yes, I said before the AYC that I wish to go to Dakar to qualify as African champions. I still believe we can go all the way to win this U20 World Cup for the first time for Nigeria.
Nigeria have reached the final twice and we got a bronze in Moscow (1985). This time we have a team who are very focused, determined and want to go out there and win the World Cup for Nigeria for the first time.
But we cannot do that by merely talking about it, we intend to take every match as it comes. So, the most important game now is the match against Brazil.
We will approach every game with caution, although the knockout stages are the most difficult, but we want to win every game and by so doing, we will be champions. This is our major objective at the World Cup.
All we need is for Nigerians to keep faith in this team, for them to pray for this team and on our part, we will do everything humanly possible to bring the cup back to Nigeria and Africa.
Nigeria Men’s Under20 Football Team The Flying Eagles. Photo Credit: nffmedia
When, and not if, you win the World Cup, what will be the next step for you and the team?
I am a firm believer in destiny and I always put the country first.
The most important thing for me now is to make sure we go to the World Cup and accomplish our mission of winning the tournament. Whatever comes after that, God knows what I will be and when I will be.
Wherever he takes me to, I will remain grateful to God Almighty because he determines everything.
Right now, God knows the team who will win the World Cup – it is our hope and prayer that it will be Nigeria.
We have come a long way, we have worked very hard throughout the qualifiers, managing ourselves in all aspects, but our major focus has remained to win the World Cup.
With God on our side, we can do it.
Could you pick a particular player from this very talented team who will shine at the World Cup?
Right from the qualifiers, Taiwo Awoniyi has been very consistent and he has improved match after match. He is a player who gets into a scoring position better than any other player.
I believe if he stays calm, he will be one player who will do very, very well at the World Cup.
There are some others like Kelechi Iheanacho, who was the best player at the last U17 World Cup. If he was free of injury, he will hit very big as well.
There is also Kingsley Sokari. If he listens very well and works very hard too, he will have a great World Cup.
You cannot forget a player like Moses Simon, who has been fantastic in Belgium, he will be great.
I believe the best player and highest scorer (of the World Cup) will come from my team.
With such a presentation of top quality players, won’t you have selection problems?
We have a way we choose our team here – the starting team will be the best players in the week of the match, the player who are injury free and who are in top shape and the right frame of mind to deliver the goods.
With these 21 players, you can close your eyes and say this 11 will start and they will do well.
At times, the bench will be stronger than the starting line-up. Sometimes you win your match from the bench.
There won’t be selection problems because we will pick players who understand each other more, so that the cohesion and the rhythm will go well. Team play comes first before any individual showmanship.
We will pick players who are free of injury, players who play together and who are committed to cover for each other throughout the game.
So, is it safe to say this is the best team you have ever worked with?
I believe the U17, who won the World Cup two years ago are the best because this team are yet to play in the World Cup.
With the U17s, we broke so many records – Best player, best goalkeeper, won the fair play trophy and so on.
But this team in terms of quality has improved a great deal. We cannot rate them because they have not played at the World Cup yet.
This team is the delight of any coach at this level.
We just hope these boys keep their cool, listen to what we teach them and with God on our side, we will win the trophy.
Manu Garba
Finally, how confident are you Nigeria will be crowned world champions on June 20?
I am not overconfident, but right from when I was born I do not fear in whatever I do because God has a way for everybody in life.
I go into any challenge without fear but with good preparation, I pray very well and ensure the team is united. No matter how good a team is, when there is no unity between the officials and the players, it will affect the team on the pitch.
But this team has been very wonderful. The officials are a team and so in Senegal despite some few problems, we managed ourselves and at the end of the day we won the trophy with a half strength team.
The team have grown in confidence and unity. You could see that even we announced the 21-man squad, it was just like it had not been announced.
This goes to show that we have done a very good job to unite this set of players.
I believe this unity will be for a purpose and God will now crown all our efforts for us to create that history in winning the cup for the first time for Nigeria.
Former U-20 international Gero Abdullahi was the surprise exclusion from the 21 –man list released by the Head Coach of U-23 National Team Samson Siasia for this weekend’s All-Africa Games qualifying game against Gabon in Libreville.
Others who failed to make the team are Aminu Umar, who arrived late to camp and Warri Wolves’ forward Freedom Omofonma who also arrived camp late after his club’s CAF Confederation Cup game in Burkina Faso.
The list of 16 home boys and five overseas- based professionals are expected to depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday evening for Gabon aboard an Ethiopia Airline flight.
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.”
Enyimba star Kingsley Sokari has joined up with the Flying Eagles squad in Kaduna, but he will undergo a scan to determine the extent of his hamstring injury.
Sokari pulled out of the jogging exercise at Monday’s training and the Flying Eagles now hope to ascertain the severity of the hamstring injury the midfielder suffered in the final of the Federation Cup against Dolphins last month.
Otherwise, Sokari has said he has been warmly received by the Nigeria U20s and he wants to fight for his place in the team.
Flying Eagles
“I have been very well received by the officials and fellow players and I know I now have to justify my call-up,” said the young midfielder, whose eventful season was crowned with Enyimba retaining the Federation Cup.
“The fact that I have trained with the Super Eagles does not mean anything. I just have to work harder so that I could play regularly for the Flying Eagles.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of young players have continued to troop to the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna with the hope of impressing the Flying Eagles coaches led by Manu Garba.
The screening exercise involves training twice a day and officials have hinted that soon the team will begin test matches for the selected players.
Super Eagles midfield gem, Ogenyi Onazi, has set his sights on victory in Congo over the host in next weekend’s Nations Cup qualifier but has stated that there are conditions to be met if victory must come Nigeria’s way next Saturday.
Onazi, who was expected in Nigeria on Sunday night, said Nigerians desirous of the Nations Cup ticket must all join hands and pray and that the football community must be united to achieve success. “Once I arrive Nigeria, I will go to my father in the Lord to pray with me, because I want the Nations Cup ticket and I know we can win in Congo. We must also cooperate and forget past differences to achieve our aim”, he said on phone from his base in Italy.
Preparations for the make or break Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in Point Noir is expected to be kick-started on Monday following the arrival of invited Nigerian league stars to Abuja on Saturday, after a highly impressive 1-0 win over Ghana in the maiden Restoration Cup at the ultra-modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium last Friday.
The players who came into camp with Head Coach Stephen Keshi, his assistants and other members of staff of the national team are goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, Warri Wolves skipper, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, scorer of the epoch making goal in Uyo, Emem Eduok, Nasara United’s Tony Edjomari, Christian Osaghuna Ighodalo, Gbolahahan Salami and new comer Kingsley Sokari.
The players are nested at their usual abode in Bolton White Apartment, Zone 7, Abuja and Keshi said all invited players should be in camp by latest Monday. “We have no time for this game and the players know, so all of them must be here early enough for the trip to Congo”, he declared.
Ogenyi Onazi, photo credit fifa.com
Bobby Breaks Into Eagles Afcon Squad
As predicted by many, exciting Enyimba International midfielder, Kingsley Sokari alias Bobby has broken into the Super Eagles squad for the two remaining qualifiers against Congo and South Africa next week and this is official.
Before now, Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi had said the player is as exciting as former Super Eagles skipper, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, a view also held by other assistant coaches, Hyandonou Valere and Ike Shorunmu. But he also put a caveat. “We must allow our boss, Stephen Keshi to make the final decision”.
Last Friday at the Uyo International Stadium inauguration game against the Black Metoers of Ghana, Keshi had a first-hand opportunity to assess the player and his final verdict was that the player is excellent and good enough for the main team. He subsequently ordered him on the plane to Abuja for the remaining two games and Bobby is presently at the Bolton White Apartment with the rest of the stars from the Nigerian league. Invited foreign based stars are expected to start trooping in from Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, has said he believes in the ability of the present squad to nick one of the tickets in the group A of the Afcon qualifiers this weekend in Point Noir. “We have a strong technical crew, formidable players and solid backroom staff, coupled with a new NFF that is visionary and focused, I think with hardwork we can get the ticket” he declared.
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