Nigeria got off to a winning start at the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations finals after Odion Ighalo came off the bench to score the only goal of an engaging duel at the Alexandria Stadium. In the event, the Super Eagles picked the three points and took an early lead in Group B ahead of […]
Ace forward Odion Jude Ighalo has expressed confidence that three –time champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria can make a serious impact at the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for next year summer. A five–goal haul by the China–based striker over three days, against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the month of October, propelled […]
via Eagles Can Make Real Impact At 2019 AFCON – Ighalo — finixsportsblog
As Nigerians look earnestly towards the all-important double legged Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying games against continental arch-rivals Cameroon, beginning this weekend in Uyo, the attacking duo of Ajegunle born Odion Ighalo and Tony Nwakaeme have vowed to tame the Lions of Cameroon. Ajegunle is a suburb in Lagos, Nigeria, and renowned for producing top […]
via THE BOYS FROM AJEGUNLE VOWS TO TAME LIONS OF CAMEROON — newfanzoneblog
Team captain Mikel John Obi and forward Odion Ighalo are back, and Israel–based marksman Anthony Nwakaeme gets a first call as Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Tuesday released his list of players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying duels with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. Germany–based defender Leon Balogun returns after missing the World […]
via Rohr Names Mikel Obi, 22 Others For Battles With Cameroon — newfanzoneblog
The hopes of Nigeria taking part in the 2018 World Cup slated to hold in Russia, has been placed on the invitation and participation of experienced foreign based Nigerian footballers like Brown Ideye and Odion Ighalo. Speaking during an exclusive interview, Kelvin Irikefe Okirikpo, a renown football manager, was upbeat about the chances of Nigeria […]
via IGHALO, IDEYE RELEVANT TO 2018 WORLD CUP HOPES – IRIKEFE By Akeem Busari. — newfanzoneblog
The Nigeria Football Federation has mourned with Super Eagles’ forward, Odion Jude Ighalo, over the death of his father, Paul, which incident occurred on Monday, 25th April 2016. Paul Ighalo reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, only two days after complaining of weakness, according to his son, Jude. NFF President Amaju Pinnick on […]
via NFF commiserates with Ighalo on father’s death — newfanzoneblog
Coach Samson Siasia has invited 22 home–based professionals and 20 overseas–based players for Nigeria’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-take against the Pharaohs of Egypt this month.
Siasia, who was named last week as Super Eagles’ Head Coach, passionately appealed to all Nigerians, including the sporting media, to rally round the team and show belief as the Eagles host the Egyptians in Kaduna on Friday, March 25 and play away in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29.
The 22 home–boys are expected to hit camp at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, March 6 before the overseas –based boys arrive as from Sunday, March 20.
“I want to passionately appeal to Nigerians, everybody, to show belief in the team and give us total support. It will not be easy, but if we stick together and present a united force to fight this battle, I believe we will triumph.
“I have absolute faith in the players. Nigeria is blessed with so many talented footballers across the world and I know that those we are inviting for this match will give everything for the six points in both matches. Personally, I will give everything that I have to offer for us to win both matches.”
The former Nigeria captain, who was in the same position between December 2010 and October 2011, assured that only the best players who “showed ability to run and decimate the opposition” will be given opportunity in both matches.
Regulars Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Olufemi Thomas, Kalu Orji Okogbue, Austin Oboroakpo, Chima Akas, Ezekiel Bassey and Chisom Chikatara are in the home based mix, while Carl Ikeme, Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon and Fanendo Adi are among the overseas –based legion.
HOME –BASED PROFESSIONALS
Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers)
Defenders: Kalu Orji Okogbue (Enugu Rangers); Chibuzor Okonkwo (FC IfeanyiUbah); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors); Sincere Seth (Rhapsody FC); Segun Oduduwa (Nath Boys); Chima Akas (Akwa United); Chris Madaki (Kano Pillars); Oke Ogogatewho (Sunshine Stars)
Midfielders: Ifeanyi Mathew (Kano Pillars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves); Yau Hassan (Wikki Tourists); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves)
Forwards: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Prince Aggrey (Kano Pillars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists)
OVERSEAS –BASED PROFESSIONALS
Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense FC, Portugal); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey)
Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Matalyspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers, USA)
* Ogenyi Onazi, who got a red card against Chad on Day 1 of the series, is eligible for the Day 4 match against the Pharaohs in Alexandria.
With less than five weeks to the all important 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt, Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh is targeting a possible four points from the double header. He is also ecstatic about the form of his players across Europe. Excerpts……
Ahead of the 2017 game against Egypt in Kaduna, how much do you know about the current Egypt team led by Hector Cuper?
Well, firstly, I will want to seize this opportunity to apologize to those who misunderstood my earlier messages and also to thank those who sent in their messages of understanding inspite of the comments. Ahead of this match, what we know of the Egyptians is that they are crafty and technically good and for us to do well we have to start early. And that is why we have started working on assembling the team ahead of the game.
The Egyptians have played two friendlies against Jordan and Libya last month and are scheduled to face Burkina Faso next month in another friendly ahead of the double header against Nigeria. Won’t your team be engaging in any build up match?
We are still looking at the possibility of playing a game before the match against Egypt but I must admit it’s giving me a lot of concern because many of our players that we will use for the game are majorly based in Europe. So it’s a bit difficult as their clubs won’t release them for the supposed friendly game. We will be creative enough to get match conditions in trainings from our players before the game.
We are going into this game we our very best to win it by the grace of God.
The Pharoahs boast of at least two prominent stars in Mohammed Salah and Mohammed Elneny. How will your team handle them?
We all know Salah’s strength. He’s a player who is brilliant releasing other players with quality passes in from the right flank. He’s good in one on one situation and can hurt any team but we equally have players to handle such situations. What we need to do is to be proactive and not be reactive because they will come to Kaduna to soak us in and get away with a point.
In Salah, they have a very good player who is doing well in Rome and they have players that are used to playing with one another. For that reason, we should expect competition from them. That is why we are going to try to study them more and see what they will do. And we have started by looking at all the players they have abroad and we’re also looking forward to the players we have who can counter the strengths they have.
Are you confident that the Eagles can get at least four points from the qualifying games versus Egypt?
It’s not a question of being confident, that’s our objective of a possible six. I have worked with the Home-based players and they know how we play, so for that reason I have to do the other part with the Europe based. I will be going to watch some of our players in action but I will be starting with those here in Belgium to see those who are ready for the game. The players are all aware of the task.
The strength in the Egyptian team is that they are very mobile and they have lots of players making runs without the ball; that is one thing that makes them play well. But we have players that can counter that and it is based on this that we are counting on the players we have used and the ones that are the best at the moment to help us carry the day. That I why I have started work because I have already done the homework with the CHAN players and we worked with them for about a month and we know the ones that are tough enough to invite them. We have to do the same with the foreign-based one.
Hector Cuper has begun the mind games. He was recently quoted that he already has his starting line-up for the game in his mind, which means he is ready for Nigeria. Can that be said of you and your team?
Of course but we will approach the game differently without much fuss.
Will you be adding new players to the squad?
It’s possible because we have a couple of them. There are about two to three players I’m looking at and I have to see firsthand if they are better than the ones we have been using but it’s very possible we see some.
Also two of your players, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ogenyi Onazi if invited for the crucial game, will play for their respective teams on Sunday 19th of March and may hit camp latest Monday evening giving them just one day to train with their teammates.
How do you intend to shuffle your pack barring any unforeseen circumstances?
Well, I have been in talks with majority of the players and I am happy with the level of preparedness and feedback I am getting from them. We will ensure that they are in good conditions to represent the country at optimal level.
To England coach, where the trio of John Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and Victor Moses are all performing well for their respective teams. How big of a boost is this to the preparation for the game?
Believe me this is what a coach prays for. It’s better to have problems choosing who to start than not to have any at all.
The one that gladdens me most is that Obi Mikel is playing regularly for Chelsea and that means his fitness will be better than what he had before which is a boost for us and as regards confidence he has it more now with the way he plays.
Ighalo is another player who has maintained his form. The Barclays player of the month award winner for December, with 15 goals so far this season is in top form, I just hope and pray they all maintain this level, heading into camp in some weeks time.
Which CHAN players impressed you most?
With no disrespect to others, I will hope that this does not run into their heads. Osaze Okoro is one player who was outstanding. In the three games we played, he had a valuable impact in the games and was voted the man-of-the-match once.
Ifeanyi Matthew is another player who impressed me a lot with his work rate in the middle of the pack and his decisive tackles and who will forget Chisom Chikatara. His calmness in front of goal is superb. I hope they continue their impressive forms for their respective teams.
Will you be releasing another video anytime soon, given how the last one went and do you regret those actions and statements?
Well, I don’t want to delve into this but the reason for releasing videos is because you don’t want to be mis-quoted. Obviously, that doesn’t work but what is paramount on my mind is to continue the work we have been doing and I’m happy with how the players have been progressing.
Did you consider resigning during the recent face-off with the NFF?
Not at all.
Thanks for your time.
You’re welcome!
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper-Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace):
The Welsh shot-stopper was at his best at the weekend, making three crucial saves to guarantee his team got a victory at Stoke.
Right back- Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea):
Ivanovic had a stand-out performance against Sunderland at the weekend. He put in a good shift at defence and capped it off with a lovely goal.
Centre back- Per Mertesacker (Arsenal):
The German defender had an exceptional game against Manchester City on Monday night. He made nine clearances, five aerial clearances and won 100 percent of his aerial duels.
Centre back- Craig Cathcart (Watford):
The Northern Ireland international defender was a “rock” in the heart of Watford’s defence against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Left back- Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth):
The English defender had a lovely defensive display against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend and scored the penalty that sealed all three points for Bournemouth.
Centre midfield- Etienne Capoue (Watford):
The French midfielder had an outstanding performance against Liverpool at the weekend. He was in control in the midfield and made Liverpool look weak in the middle of the pack.
Centre midfield- Alexander Tettey (Norwich City):
The Norway international midfielder was impressive against Manchester United at the weekend. He was in control of the midfield and scored a beautiful solo goal to help Norwich City to get their first victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.
Right midfield- Oscar (Chelsea):
The Brazilian midfielder was at his best against Sunderland at the weekend. He was creative and made Chelsea play a fluid attacking style that has been lacking in the Blues’ team this season. He capped off his outstanding performance by scoring a penalty.
Attacking midfield- Mesut Ozil (Arsenal):
The German playmaker continued his blistering form on Monday night against Manchester City. He assisted Arsenal’s two goals and took his assist tally to 15 assist in 17 league matches.
Left midfield- Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City):
The Algeria midfielder continued his scoring form at the weekend scoring two well-taken penalty against Everton to guarantee Leicester City will be top of the league at Christmas.
Striker- Odion Ighalo (Watford):
Just like his captain Troy Deeney said in the post-match interview, Odion Ighalo is “on fire”. He scored two beautiful goals in the 3-0 demolition of Liverpool on Sunday.
Formation: 4-2-1-3
Goalkeeper- Joe Hart (Manchester City):
The England No 1 shot stopper was at his best at the weekend making top saves against a rejuvenated Swansea attack. He made six saves at the Etihad on Saturday.
Right back- Allan Nyom (Watford):
The Cameroonian international defender had an outstanding game against Sunderland at the weekend. He had a good defensive performance, minimising the threat of Jermain Defoe from the flank and he set up Odion Ighalo’s 10th goal of the season.
Centre back- Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion):
Jonas Ollson was a “rock” at the heart of West Brom’s defence at Anfield on Sunday. He co-ordinated the Baggies defence, making 10 clearances in the process. He capped off his fine performance by scoring a lovely header against the Reds.
Centre back- Simon Francis (Bournemouth):
Simon Francis had an outstanding game against Manchester United at the weekend. He was “solid” in defence and made runs forward to support the attack.
Left back- Nathan Ake (Watford):
The young Dutch defender continued his fine form against Sunderland at the stadium of light on Saturday. His darting runs help his team pile a lot of pressure on Sunderland’s defence.
Centre midfield- Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace):
The French midfielder dictated the pace of game in the midfield and capped off his fine performance with a well-taken goal.
Centre midfield- Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal):
The Welshman is enjoying life in the centre of the Arsenal’s midfield. His creativity and build-up play is a joy to watch. He capped off his stand-out performance with a fine goal.
Attacking midfield- Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City):
The Algerian playmaker continued his “magical” form against Chelsea on Monday night, setting up Jamie Vardy’s 15th goal of the season and also scoring a stunning goal to send Claudio Ranieri’s men back to the summit of the Premier League table.
Forward- Joshua King (Bournemouth):
The former Manchester United striker tormented the “red devils” young defence through out the match and scored the winning goal.
Forward- Odion Ighalo (Watford):
The Nigerian international striker continued his blistering form against Sunderland, he simply can’t stop scoring as he got his 10th goal of the season at the weekend.
Forward- Romelu Lukaku (Everton):
The Belgian striker is “on fire” scoring in his sixth successive Premier League match in Everton’s 1-1 away draw with Norwich.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper- Artur Boruc (Bournemouth):
The Polish shot stopper who just returned from injury had a solid performance against Chelsea at the weekend. He made five saves to help his side get a rare away win.
Right back- Matteo Darmain (Manchester United):
Darmain had an outstanding performance for Manchester United against West Ham at the weekend.
Centre back- Steve Cook (Bournemouth):
Steve cook was a rock at the heart of the cherries defence against Chelsea. He made seven clearances and two blocks against the blues and assisted Glenn Murray’s winning goal.
Centre back- Winston Reid (West Ham United):
Reid had an outstanding performance at the heart of West Ham defence. He co-ordinated the Hammers defence and almost got a goal when his header hit the woodwork in the first half.
Left back- Erik Pieters (Stoke City):
Pieters had a stand-out performance against Manchester City at the weekend. His darting runs down the left side was a joy to watch and defensively he was rarely beaten by Manchester City creative players.
Centre midfield- Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United):
The Dutch midfielder was at his best against Liverpool at the weekend. He was energetic and creative in the midfield and he capped it off with a beautiful goal.
Centre midfield- Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal):
Ramsey played in the heart of Arsenal midfield against Sunderland and excelled in that position making 124 passes, he capped off his excellent midfield display with a well-taken goal.
Attacking midfield- Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City):
A top-class performance by the Algerian winger at the weekend scoring an hat-trick against Swansea.
Attacking midfield- Marco Arnautovic (Stoke City):
The Austrian winger had an outstanding performance against Manchester City on Saturday. After just 15 minutes, he had scored a brace and could have gotten an hat-trick before half-time but was denied by the woodwork. It was a sensational first half display by the former Inter Milan man.
Attacking midfield- Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City):
The Swiss winger had an excellent performance against Manchester city at the weekend. He was full of pace,skills and trickery throughout the match and assisted Marco Arnautovic’s two goals.
Striker- Odion Ighalo (Watford)
The Nigerian striker continued his goal scoring-form against Norwich City at the weekend. He was brought down for the penalty that was scored by Troy Deeney and he scored a beautiful goal to seal the victory.
Formation: 4-1-2-3
Goalkeeper- Jack Butland (Stoke City):
The English goalkeeper was outstanding at the weekend making six saves against Newcastle. He made two world-class saves to deny Moussa Sissoko and Jamaal Lascelles from scoring against his team.
Right back- Hector Bellerin (Arsenal):
The young Spanish defender had a solid performance against Swansea at the weekend. He combined with Joel Campbell effectively on the right-wing throughout the match. Defensively, he snuffed out the threat of Swansea’s Jefferson Montero.
Centre back- Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal):
Another top defensive performance from the French defender against Swansea at the weekend and he capped it off with a goal.
Centre back- Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City):
The Argentine defender had an outstanding performance at the heart of Manchester City’s defence and scored a thumping header to give his team the lead against Norwich City at the weekend.
Left back- Nathan Ake (Watford)
The young Dutch defender had an impressive performance against West Ham at the weekend. He made a lot of darting runs which helped his team to put a lot of pressure on West Ham’s defence. Defensively, he made more tackles than any other defender in the match.
Defensive midfield- Dele Alli (Tottenham):
The 19-year-old English midfielder had an impressive performance against Aston Villa on Monday night. His passing skills and calmness in midfield was a joy to watch, he capped off his night with a lovely goal.
Attacking midfield- Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City):
Riyad Mahrez was at his best against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It has been a wonderful season so far for the Algerian playmaker, his pace and dribbling skills are simply breathtaking and he capped off his sensational performance with two beautiful goals.
Attacking midfield- Mesut Ozil (Arsenal):
The German midfielder continued his blistering form by grabbing two assists in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Swansea on Saturday.
Forward- Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool):
The Brazilian forward had an outstanding performance against Chelsea on Saturday scoring two beautiful goals.
Forward- Arouna Kone (Everton):
The Ivorian striker had an impressive performance against Sunderland on Sunday scoring his first premier league hat-trick.
Forward- Odion Ighalo (Watford):
The Nigerian striker continued his goal scoring form with two lovely goals against West Ham on Saturday.
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