Super Eagles Can Recreate October ’77 feat – Siasia

Samson Siasia says he believes the Super Eagles can give Nigerians joy on Friday, March 25 by winning and picking all three points in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna.

All the 19 expected home boys were in camp as at Tuesday afternoon, as no other person wanted to suffer the fate of Segun Oduduwa, Usman Mohammed and Stanley Dimgba, who were on Monday barred from showing up at the Bolton White Apartments after reporting late to the camp of the intermediate squad.

Siasia told thenff.com Tuesday afternoon that discipline, strong mentality, self-belief and support of Nigerians can steer the Eagles to heights attained by their predecessors, who pounded the Pharaohs 4-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lagos in October 1977.

“We can recreate October 1977; why not? The home –boys have come in and full training has commenced. Everyone is rearing to go. By the time the foreign –based players arrive, the competition will be what we want.

“I insist that we have invited the players who are capable of giving us the three points in Kaduna and another three points in Alexandria.”

Apart from being two points behind the Egyptians on the Group G table, the Eagles also lag behind the Pharaohs on goals scored. The Pharaohs have scored eight while Nigeria have scored two in the two matches played by each team, meaning the Nigerians have to start racking up the goals.

On October 8, 1977 the Eagles thrashed the Pharaohs 4-0 in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium, Lagos, with the inimitable Segun Odegbami bagging a brace. Skipper Christian Chukwu and John Nwadioha got the other goals.

The Nigeria squad of October 8 1977:

Emmanuel Okala, Annas Ahmed, Samuel Ojebode, Mudashiru Lawal, Christian Chukwu (c), Godwin Odiye, Olusegun Odegbami, Aloysius Atuegbu, John Nwadioha, Godwin Iwelimo, Adokiye Amiesieamaka

Players in camp: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Olufemi Thomas, Emmanuel Daniel, Kalu Orji Okogbue, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Mathew Etim, Austin Oboroakpo, Sincere Seth, Chima Akas, Chris Madaki, Oke Ogogatewho, Ifeanyi Mathew, Etebo Oghenekaro, Yau Hassan, Ezekiel Bassey, Prince Aggrey, Bright Onyedikachi, Chisom Chikatara, Godwin Obaje

Siasia Calls Up 42 Players, Rallies Nigerians For “Operation Beat Egypt”

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.

Super Eagles, photo credit Nigeria Super Eagles fb

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)

Super Eagles during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Nigeria Training on Sep,1st, 2015 at National Stadium, Abuja
© Kabiru Abubakar/Backpagepix

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.

Enyimba, Akwa United Battle For Charity Shield In Abuja

Nigerian champions Enyimba FC are in battle again, few days after they drew the short end against Ugandan champions Vipers FC in a first round, first leg CAF Champions League encounter in Kampala.

This time, the People’s Elephant are up against Federation Cup winners Akwa United of Uyo in the annual Charity Cup match, in what is billed to be a titanic session at the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday. The Charity Cup traditionally opens the football season.

Akwa United are brimming with immense confidence following a run of marvelous results, including beating better –fancied Lobi Stars to win the Federation Cup and conquering fellow continental campaigners (Enyimba FC, Warri Wolves and Nasarawa in two rounds of the Super Four organized by the League Management Company.

2015 Federation Cup Winners Akwa United FC, football, Nigeria. photo credit Alonge Akinlolu

On Saturday, the boys from the Land of Promise boldly promised more, by beating more experienced Vita Club Mokanda of Congo 1-0 in Pointe Noir in a CAF Confederation Cup first round, first leg match.

In Abuja on Wednesday, Ubong Moses Ekpai, whose goal in Pointe Noir has made the return leg against Vita Club Mokanda an easier session, will seek more goals, with goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode, former junior international Samuel Okon, Namso Edo, Ubong Friday, Kufre Ebong and U-23 star Godspower Igudia also set to impress.

Enyimba FC have returned from Uganda feeling a sting, and it is the right time to let off steam and regain confidence ahead of the return leg against Vipers FC.

Enyimba boast three of the best goalkeepers in the land, namely Olufemi Thomas, Moses Ocheje and Theophilus Afelokhai. Afelokhai was in action in Kampala, but any of the three can do a great job any day. They also have on their books Super Eagles’ aces Chima Akas, Kalu Orji and Ezekiel Bassey, as well as other decent names like Chinedu Udoji, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, Christian Pyagbara, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, Daniel Etor, Mfon Udoh, Andrew Abalogu, Oladapo Olufemi and Nzube Anaezemba.

The match is also the perfect tune –up for both teams as the new Nigeria Professional Football League kicks off this weekend.

Oliseh Invites Salami, Akas, 24 Others For CHAN Camp

Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has called 26 players, including forward Gbolahan Salami and defender Chima Akas, for the first phase of preparatory camp ahead of next month’s 4th African Nations Championship in Rwanda.

The Super Eagles B has already been drawn into Group C of the competition alongside Niger Republic, Tunisia and Guinea, with matches to be played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Kigali.

Also called are regulars Kalu Orji, Austin Oboroakpo, Jamiu Alimi (defenders), midfielders Ifeanyi Mathew, Paul Onobi, Usman Mohammed and Bature Yaro, forwards Ezekiel Bassey, Tunde Adeniji, Chisom Chikatara and Prince Aggrey, and goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Olufemi Thomas.

Invited players have been directed to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja on Monday, 14th December.

Nigeria won the bronze medal at the last African Nations Championship held in South Africa in early 2014. The 4th edition runs between 16th January and 7th February, 2016.

Super Eagles Training in Uyo

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); David Obiazor (Heartland FC); Okemute Odah (Warri Wolves)

Defenders: Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers); Austin Oboroakpo (Warri Wolves); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Chris Madaki (Giwa FC)

Midfielders: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United); Osas Okoro (Enugu Rangers); Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Warri Wolves); Julius Ubido (Heartland FC); Ibrahim Salawa Attah (Shooting Stars); Christian Madu (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

Oliseh Calls 23 Home-Boys For Tanzania

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh has invited 23 home –based professionals who will kick–start preparations for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania.

At the head of the pack is Warri Wolves’ forward Gbolahan Salami, who scored one of the goals when the Eagles opened the race with a 2-0 win over Chad in Kaduna in June. There are also regular faces like Solomon Kwambe and Nelson Ogbonnaya.

A handful of players of the U-23 squad that survived a stern test in Pointe Noire on Sunday to qualify for the African U-23 Championship finals, will be joined by former junior international goalkeepers Olufemi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, as well as a number of new faces, led by top scorer in the Glo NPFL race, Tunde Adeniji of Sunshine Stars.

The players are expected to report to the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Monday, 17 August. Nigeria play Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on September 5 in one of the Matchday 2 games of the qualification series for Gabon 2017.

GOALKEEPERS: Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); David Obiazor (Heartland FC); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars)

DEFENDERS: Orji Kalu (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Samson Gbadebo (Lobi Stars); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars)

MIDFIELDERS: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Azubuike Okechukwu (Bayelsa United); Lordson Ichull (Warri Wolves); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves)

FORWARDS: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Bright Ejike (Heartland FC); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)