Egypt beatable in Kaduna, Alexandria – Leon Balogun

Defender Leon Balogun insists the Super Eagles have the ability and capacity to come out tops in the two 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battles against the Pharaohs in Kaduna and Alexandria.

Both teams face off in Group G of the qualifying race, at the Ahmadu Bello, Kaduna on Day 3 and at the Borg el-Arab Stadium, Alexandria on Day 4. Nigeria play host on March 25 and Egypt are hosts four days later.

“We would be targeting to win both matches,” Balogun, who stars for FSV Mainz of Germany, told thenff.com. “If we get the six points, that would ease our path to the Africa Cup finals. Winning will be the principle driving us in both matches.

“Egypt is a big football –playing nation, but Nigeria is also very, very big. There is no complex going into both matches and we have the men to give us victory in Kaduna and away in Egypt.”

Balogun won his first cap for the Eagles in the international friendly against Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in March 2014, but missed the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil as a result of injury sustained in that game.

Since then, he has been solid for Nigeria in the defence with a high work rate, churning out impressive performances, most recently against Chad at the start of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2015, and in friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium in October 2015.

Siasia Calls Balogun, Says Only Fit Players To Battle Egypt

Coach Samson Siasia has extended invitation to FSV Mainz 05 of Germany defender Leon Balogun ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations double–take qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The latest invitation brings to 21 the number of overseas–based players called for the games.

Also on Friday, Siasia declared that only those who show guts and grit, and ability to adapt to conditions, would be fielded against the Pharaohs.

The Super Eagles’ new boss stated that there would be no sentiments or consideration of previous ability as only the training sessions in Kaduna and Alexandria would be used to decide the 18 players on the roll for each game.

“These are two matches that we have to win. There would no looking at what someone had done in the past, or current form at club level. If you are doing well at your club at the moment and you can’t show ferocious form in training and ability to adapt to the environment, then you would have no place.

“I am excited at the debate that has been generated by the team list. You can never satisfy everyone. The important thing is that we know the players we want for these big games and we have invited them, and we believe in them to deliver.”

Leon Balogun Mainz and Nigeria Super Eagles Defender
photo credit @leonbalogun

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations gold medallist assured that he has been speaking with all the players on the list and has received assurance that everyone is ready to give his all in both games.

“We continue to ask for the support of every Nigerian as we count down to the two matches. Our people should believe that we can do it, and we will do it.”

Nigeria host Egypt in Kaduna on Friday, March 25 and visit the Pharaohs in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29 in two crucial 2017 Cup of Nations qualifiers. Egypt top the Group G table with six points, two more than the Eagles who are in second place.

15 Eagles Begin Training In Belgium

The Super Eagles on Monday commenced training for the two international friendlies in Belgium, with 15 players at the R. Battice FC training ground on Monday evening.

England–based midfielder John Mikel Obi led goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun, midfielders Sylvester Igbonu, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ogenyi Onazi and Obiora Nwankwo and forwards Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Iwobi at training on Monday evening.

Eagles’ Team administrator Enebi Achor informed thenff.com that the team will train twice on Tuesday (10am and 4pm) at the same venue.

Defender Godfrey Oboabona is also having visa issues in Turkey, as his international passport is yet to be released by the Belgian Embassy in that country.

Also, Super Eagles’ officials on ground may need to secure the services of a temporary physiotherapist for massage and medical matters if by Tuesday, the team’s medical crew (part of the delegation that is held up in Abuja) is not issued visas to join the group in Belgium.

Six home-based professionals are in the delegation yet to be issued visas in Abuja. These are goalkeepers Femi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defender Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo, midfielder Paul Onobi and forward Prince Aggrey.

The Super Eagles take on the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in Vise, Liege on Thursday before playing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Dendermonde on Sunday.

Oliseh Delights At Unity In Eagles’ Camp

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 photo credit sundayoliseh.tv

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.

Oliseh Calls Enyeama, 17 Others For Tanzania

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.

HARUNA LUKMAN

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)

NFF Seeks Closer Ties With German Football

In its relentless quest to take Nigeria football to a new level, the Nigeria Football Federation has moved to formalize much closer relationship with current world champions, Germany in all football matters.

At a lunch –time meeting with the Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Dietmar Kreusel on Tuesday, top officials of the NFF led by the President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, were on the same page as they praised the giant marks that Germany has made in world football.

“Germany is not only the reigning champions of the world in football, it is also a very strong economic power. We have come here to express our intention to make Germany our model for development of the game of football.

“We keenly desire to partner with the DFB (Germany Football Federation) and the German League. The NFF is presently doing a lot in the area of development of the game in Nigeria. Now, we are requesting for support for our development programme for women’s football, as well as capacity building for our referees and coaches.”

As he has done in several fora in the past months, Pinnick underscored the importance of Nigeria in the comity of nations, and reiterated that the emphasis of the present NFF administration is on youth development and making the League the main hub for our National Teams.

“In view of our various programmes, we are requesting that Your Excellency initiate an easier procedure for our officials – NFF Executive Committee members, Management and Staff – to secure entry visas into Germany for football programmes.”

NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman, League Management Company, Mr. Shehu Dikko added: “Our checks have shown that the Bundesliga is the top model League in the universe. The NPFL is ready to adopt this model.

Amaju Pinnick with Dietmar Kreusel

“We have had discussions with the CEO of the Bundesliga, and our plan involves sending some of our club managers to Germany to go and see how it is done in that country. “

Ambassador Kreusel, who confirmed that he is a big supporter of German Bundesliga club, Mainz 05 (the club of Super Eagles’ defender Leon Balogun), assured that the requests by the NFF leadership would be looked into.

“Nigeria and Germany have always maintained very close relations. I recall that one of President Muhammadu Buhari’s first visits outside Nigeria after inauguration was to Germany. That shows how close our ties are.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi thanked the ambassador for receiving the team. Also on the visit were NFF Executive Committee members High Chief Emeka Inyama and Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma, and LMC chief operations officer Salihu Abubakar.

Keshi calls Enyeama, Balogun, 13 Others For Chad

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.

Stephen Keshi

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)

Ogu John

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.

Eagles Team B Performance Shocks Yaya Toure, Leon Balogun…

Eagles Performance Shocks Yaya Toure, Leon Balogun…

…Anyansi, Amadu, NFF Members Hail Team

Reigning African Footballer of The Year, Yaya Toure, who captained the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire has said he was shocked at the display of the Super Eagles made up of entirely Nigerian league players against his star studded teammates last Sunday night in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to the media and later to Coach Dan Amokachi, Toure said at a point he believed that his mates were deceived to believing that Nigeria was going to parade a wholly home based side but was convinced that it was not the case. Amokachi had to tell him that apart from Steve Ukoh, who plays in Switzerland and had his first cap for the Eagles all the other players are from the Nigerian Premier League.

Toure added, “At a point I had to tell my teammates to slow down the pace of the game and when we scored we could not wait for the final whistle, because the boys were all over us. They must be commended for their confident display” he declared.

All the way from Germany, Eagles defender Leon Balogun, has also said kudos to the Eagles for a good display against the Ivoriens. “My heart and soul has always been with the team and hopefully I will rejoin the team to recreate those beautiful moments that we had when I first played with them”, he said. Balogun presently plies his trade with German second division side, SV Darmstadt 98.

Also speaking on the match, NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, General Secretary, Musa Amadu and HOD Technical Department, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme commended the grit with which players of the Super Eagles approached the game after staying together for only nine days before the match.

Super eagles Abu Dhabi Training

Anyansi said it was a fantastic advertisement for the Nigerian league, noting that with more time together the team will go places and probably be champions of the forthcoming CHAN tournament. Amadu on his part, said he believed that despite observable lapses, the team was simply in a class of its own, especially against the backdrop of the fact that they were playing against a much more experienced side. Ikpeme on his part said “I am impressed, very impressed, the players must keep it up and improve on what we have seen today”.

Others who showered praises on the team are Executive Committee members of the NFF, Inua Rabiu Sheriff and Hussein Modibbo, who were both in Abu Dhabi to cheer the team.

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.

Green Visit Shocks Leon Balogun…Thanks Maigari For Support

After he dropped his crutches in the course of the week, Fortuna Dusseldurf and Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun got the shock of his life when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Technical Committee Chairman, Barr. Chris Green paid him a surprise visit last Thursday in Germany.

Balogun who has been celebrating the support he has received from the federation and its coaching crew said he could not believe his eyes when he saw Green in Dusseldurf just to check on him. “This is a pleasant surprise and I can’t believe that the federation will go the whole hug to support me. I can assure you sir that your visit will hasten my recovery process and help me thank Nigerians for all the support they have shown to me”, he declared.

The defender then went on heap praises on the President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari for his leadership qualities, declaring that the affection, care and support of the federation has offered has reached a level that he has to reciprocate by getting himself physically and mentally fit for the Brazil 2014 World Cup if he is picked by the coaching crew.

The NFF, through Barr. Green assured that it will keep a close tab on the player to ensure that he is not only fit but ready for the challenge of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. “We want the best for the country and you have proven through your commitment after just a game that you are the type of player that we need for the Nigerian football to become a global brand”.

No Surgery For Injured Leon Balogun …Player Excited At Medics Verdict

Fortuna Dusseldorf and new Super Eagles right back, Leon Balogun, will afterall not undergo surgery on his injured right foot, German medics ruled at the weekend.

An excited Balogun said from his German base on Sunday that when he went for a second check on his injury he was told by doctors that the injury he sustained in the friendly against Mexico last Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia, United States is not as serious as previously envisaged hence there will be no need for surgery.

“They told me that the two bones broken are in the base of my foot, which will heal on their own and will not require me to undergo any surgical operation. I was also told that within six weeks I should be in good condition and another two or four weeks for rehabilitation. Overall I should be back kicking the ball by the time the national team returns to camp”, he declared.

Already, treatment for the 25 year defence ace has already began in German and the Nigerian medics are also keeping a close tab on his treatment. “Yes, I have been in touch with Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor and I must say I am totally overwhelmed by the show of love by Nigerians and fans across the world. I remain committed to overcome this initial setback and return quickly for the World Cup preparations”, he said.

He said he will keep fit while recuperating by visiting the gym regularly. “I just hope I don’t look to muscular when I resume training, but I will keep fit while I try to get myself ready for future challenges”, he said laughing.

Eagles Take Delivery Of Calabar Land Papers…Hail Gov Imoke For Gesture…Team Still Wait On Dangote, Elumelu

Super Eagles stand in captain, Vincent Enyeama, has been full of praises for Cross River State government, particularly Governor Liyel Imoke, for redeeming his promise to give members of the victorious Super Eagles team at the last Nations Cup in South Africa, one plot of land each in the state capital, Calabar.

Last week, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, delivered the land papers fresh from Government House in Calabar, to team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who has since commenced their distribution to all the players and officials. “We want to thank Governor Imoke and the good people of Cross River state for redeeming his pledge to us as a team, we promise that we will not disappoint him anytime we return to Calabar to play any game”, Enyeama said.

The plots of land are in the choice area of Calabar and State Sports Commissioner, Hon Patrick Ugbe, has assured that most of the players and officials have already said they will build in the city and live in their properties. The Cross River state capital is generally regarded as one of the cleanest cities in Africa and Nigeria’s number one tourism destination.

Meanwhile, team officials have reminded Africa richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote of the $1million pledge he made to the team, which is yet to be redeemed due to the tight schedule of the business mogul. “We understand the busy schedule of Alhaji Dangote, we are just reminding him and his aides to help remind him”, Enyeama, was quoted as saying on the team’s behalf.

Also yet to redeem his pledge to the team, is Chief Tony Elumelu, who promised the team $500,000, after their victory at AFCON 2013. “It’s just a reminder to patriots who are very busy and may not have been prompted after they made their pledges, because the players are determined to bring more honours to fatherland at the forthcoming World Cup”, he declared.

Maigari orders full service for Balogun…NFF proud of Eagles’ outing against Mexico,

Maigari orders full service for Balogun

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has instructed the medical doctor of Super Eagles, Dr. Ibrahim Gyaran, to ensure full attention and necessary service is provided for injured Germany-based right back Leon Balogun.

Balogun fell hard while challenging for a high ball, after coming in to replace Efe Ambrose in the second half of Wednesday’s international friendly clash with Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

The fair-skinned stopper, a virtual unknown in Nigeria’s football firmament before being called up by Coach Stephen Keshi in place of
injured skipper Joseph Yobo, showed excellent spirit in flying to America at short notice, and was brilliant in the two training
sessions and the few minutes he starred against the El Tri.

“The NFF is pleased with the attitude, general conduct and potential of the young defender Leon Balogun. It is unfortunate that he got
injured when he went for that ball.

“All the same, I have instructed the Team Doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, to keep in contact with the player and ensure that he is able to provide for the boy, or promptly advise the NFF, towards his full recovery. We are happy that afterall, he will not be needing any surgery on the leg.

“A player of Balogun’s attitude, discipline and dedication is an asset to any team in the world,” Maigari said at the weekend.

The Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany defender left Atlanta in crutches, from the impact of the incident, but retained his high spirit of
making Nigeria’s squad to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

“I have been told that this could take a few weeks, but definitely my focus remains making the squad to the World Cup. I believe I will be fine,” Balogun said at the team’s W. Buckhead Hotel on his way to the airport on Thursday.

Maigari has also promised to personally visit the player in Germany to spur his recovery.

“I will find time to go and see the boy in Germany. He has shown brilliant spirit and we are keen on his recovery and general
development.”

NFF proud of Eagles’ outing against Mexico

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles’ performance in the international friendly against Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, USA on Wednesday.

“The match ended scoreless but I can tell you that the NFF is happy with the output of the players and it was well worth the effort to
arrange this game,” NFF President Aminu Maigari said in Atlanta, minutes after the game that ended 0-0 but saw the nearly 70,000 crowd applaud both teams into the dressing room.

Maigari was especially delighted with the performance of new boys Michael Uchebo, Leon Balogun, Imoh Ezekiel and Ramon Azeez in the prestige encounter.

“The new players did not show any stage fright, and the old guard provided them with the confidence necessary to stand up to the
Mexicans. We must remember that Mexico is one of the strongest teams in the world, and our ability to stand up to them on a neutral soil means we are gradually getting into the form for the FIFA World Cup finals,” Maigari added.

The Eagles next play Scotland in London on May 28 before flying to Philadephia for the first of two friendly matches in America, with the second coming up in Jacksonville few days to the team’s departure to the 20th FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

In Brazil, the Super Eagles will stay at the Vitoria Hotel Concept in Campinas, 70 minutes’ drive from Sao Paulo International Airport, and play Iran in Curitiba on June 16, Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba on June 21 and Argentina in Porto Alegre on June 25 – exactly 20 years to the day Nigeria and Argentina first squared up at the biggest stage, in Boston, United States of America.