Eagles Land In Philadelphia…To Train Twice Daily…Balogun Wishes Teammates Luck
After a pulsating 2-2 draw with the Tartan Army of Scotland last Wednesday in London, the Super Eagles have quickly taken the next step towards it World Cup preparation by arriving in the United States city of Philadelphia for its next round of friendly against another World Cup bound squad, Greece.
In a carefully scripted World Cup plan by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Super Eagles left London on Thursday at exactly 12:40 via a British Airways plane and after seven hours of flight landed in Philadelphia at about 3:20pm local time, about 8:20 pm Nigerian time.
All the 30 invited players are on the trip as the battle for shirts for the World Cup takes a final bend, with Head Coach Stephen Keshi expected to name the final 23 man list in the next 48 hours. The players have been very businesslike in their mood trying to impress the coach in the eleventh hour. Keshi too seem to want a level playing field as he has scheduled twice a day training for all the players to prove themselves.
The first of the training session will take place by 8am on Friday in Philadelphia, while the second will take place at 4:30pm same day. This training regime is expected to be sustained ahead of the naming of the 23-man list for the Mundial in Brazil. The team is putting up at the Westin Hotel and Resort in the centre of Philadelphia, an exotic hotel described as serene and a delight by team psychologist, Dr Robinson Okosun.
Meanwhile, German based defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun says he has been following the progress of the team in London and wishes the team the best during the Brazil 2014. Balogun, who puts his fitness level at about 70 per cent, said with the caliber of players he has interacted with in the team, the Eagles will go far in Brazil with luck on the side. “We’ve got great and classy players that can match any country in the World Cup, we just pray that we should be lucky when the competition starts”.
The Nigeria Football Federation has perfected all arrangements that have to do with the Super Eagles’ run-in to the 20th FIFA World Cup finals, according to Nigeria football spokesman Ademola Olajire.
Olajire said in London on Wednesday that logistics for all friendly matches, hotel accommodation, international flights, local flights, movements to and from airports and hotels, feeding and conducive environments have all been dealt with to the letter.
“I can tell you that the NFF is on top of the situation and not taking anything for granted. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest project there is in football and as far as the present NFF is concerned, every detail is important.”
He disclosed that on Wednesday morning, two assistants of NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon departed London for Philadelphia, USA to prepare ground for the Super Eagles’ arrival on Thursday. It is a seven hours’ flight from London to Philadelphia.
After Wednesday night’s clash with Scotland’s Tartan Army at the Craven Cottage, the Eagles’ delegation, led by NFF President Aminu Maigari, will on Thursday morning fly to Philadephia aboard a British Airways plane, and then driven by bus to The Westin Philadelphia hotel.
After playing Greece inside Philadelphia Union Stadium on 3rd June, the Eagles will move to Jacksonville, Florida where they will stay at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront on East Coastline Drive.
They will play Juergen Klinsmann’s Team USA in Jacksonville on 7th June.
On 10th June, the African champions will fly from Miami International Airport aboard an American Airline flight to Sao Paulo (nine hours) and arrive at the Guarulhos International Airport, Sao Paulo at 8.40pm local time. They will be met on arrival by FIFA’s transport and accommodation officials, officials of the Local Organising Committee and the NFF’s advance delegation.
The delegation will then be driven to the Team Base Camp, Vitoria Hotel Concept in Campinas (60 minutes’ drive from Guarulhos Airport). The hotel was inspected and approved by Coach Stephen Keshi a day after the World Cup Draw in Salvador on 6th December 2013.
Stephen Keshi’s wards will train at the Brinco do Ouro Stadium, which playing pitch recently underwent extensive upgrade at the prompting of the NFF, and the Mayor of Campinas, Mr. Jonas Donizette, has at various times assured of adequate security for Team Nigeria. Portugal is the only other team staying in Campinas.
World football –governing body, FIFA will take over the team from arrival in Sao Paulo, and make arrangements for chartered flights from Campinas to match venues in Curitiba, Cuiaba and Porto Alegre. FIFA will also arrange Venue –Specific Training Sites in those venues.
However, the NFF already knows that the Super Eagles will stay at Radisson Hotel Curitiba when they go to play Iran on 16th June, stay at the Hotel Hits Pantanal when they go to Cuiaba to play Bosnia-Herzegovina on 21st June and stay at Holiday Inn Porto Alegre when they visit that city to play Argentina on 25th June – exactly 20 years to the day both teams clashed at the 1994 World Cup in USA.
Maigari sets ‘friendly’ record!
Wednesday’s international friendly between the Super Eagles and Scotland’s Tartan Army was the 24th played by the Senior National Team of Nigeria during the present NFF administration headed by Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
Showered with plaudits worldwide for being, undisputedly, the most successful administration in the history of the game in Nigeria, Maigari’s team has also taken the cake for being the best in preparing all National Teams for international engagements.
Apart from the 26 friendly matches that the Super Eagles must have played under the administration heading into the 20th FIFA World Cup finals (as they also play Greece and USA in the United States of America early June), the other National Teams have also played several international friendlies.
It is the best record for any administration in the history of the supreme authority for the game in Nigeria.
The Eagles have played against Korea Republic (Seoul), Sierra Leone (Lagos), Kenya (Abuja), Argentina (Abuja and Dhaka), Ghana (London), Botswana (Benin City), Zambia (Kaduna), Angola (Abuja), Liberia (Monrovia), Egypt (Dubai), Peru (Lima), Niger Republic (Niamey), Venezuela (Miami, USA), Catalonia (Barcelona), Cape Verde (Faro, Portugal), Mexico (Houston, USA), South Africa (Durban), Burkina Faso (Kaduna), Jordan (Amman), Italy (London), Ethiopia (Abuja), Mexico (Atlanta, USA) and Scotland (London). They play Greece in Philadelphia on 3rd June and USA in Jacksonville, Florida on 7th June.
The Senior Women Team, Super Falcons have played the likes of Czech Republic, Slovakia, South Africa, Japan and Cameroon while the U-20 boys, Flying Eagles have clashed with Benin Republic, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, and featured regularly in the Cape Town U-20 Tournament. They also played in the Toulon International Tournament in France for the first time ever, last year.
The U-17 Boys, Golden Eaglets, have played, among others, Rwanda, Botswana and Qatar and taken part in the WAFU B U-17 Tournament while the Beach Soccer Team has featured in the Samsung Intercontinental Tournament and regularly competed in the COPA Lagos Invitational Tournament.
Maigari explained: “Our philosophy is that those who fail to prepare actually prepare to fail. For a team to do well at major competitions, it has to prepare adequately. That is why we have always endeavoured to, within our limited resources, prepare all our National Teams adequately for international engagements.”
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.
Suswam, Galadima shower plaudits on Maigari…North Central zone endorses him for second term…
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rt. Hon Gabriel Suswam, CON at the weekend praised the impressive strides of the present NFF administration, and said the Aminu Maigari team should be allowed to continue in office for reasons of continuity and stability in the management of the Nigeria game.
Speaking through his deputy, Chief Steven Lawani, OFR during a courtesy call in his office by a large delegation of NFF Executive Committee, Management and Staff, members of the NFF Congress and other stakeholders, Suswam, through Lawani, enumerated the on-field accomplishments of the present NFF team and gave them kudos for off-field achievements as well.
“Your team has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, African Youth Championship, African Women Championship and other trophies, and easily qualified Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup finals.
“There are several off-field achievements that time may not permit us to mention here, but for me, the stability you have brought to Nigeria football administration and your wonderful leadership style easily recommend you for continuity in office.
“The people of Benue State are indeed happy with you and your team and also happy with the achievements of the League Management Company, which you midwifed and which has done so much to bring sanity and progress to the domestic League,” Lawani stated.
Speaking earlier, the NFF President praised the Suswam administration for impressive infrastructural development in Benue State and for the support and encouragement that the State government has always given to Nigeria Professional Football League side, Lobi Stars FC. He called for greater funding for the Benue State Football Association.
Meanwhile, the North Central zone of the country has endorsed NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari for a second term of office, according to a communiqué released at the end of the zone’s summit in Makurdi at the weekend.
“The forum congratulates the NFF President and Members of the Executive Committee for the wonderful job they have been doing in the past four years in bringing so many trophies to the country, and for the country’s brilliant performances in all FIFA and CAF competitions, and hereby passes a vote of confidence on the Alhaji Aminu Maigari-led Board and in full support of its second term bid.”
Show some patriotism – Igbokwe tackles Amiesimaka
The Acting Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and Secretary of the South-East Football Stakeholders Conference, Barrister Iyke Igbokwe has charged former international player, Adokiye Amiesimaka to henceforth learn to show some patriotism while speaking or writing about Nigerian sports, as the former player is neither a repository of knowledge nor a shining example of administrative acumen.
Speaking in Nnewi at the weekend, Igbokwe, nicknamed Torchlight, described a recent statement by Amiesimaka that the Super Eagles would not go beyond the group stage at this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, as unfortunate, misguided and unpatriotic.
“It is clear that Amiesimaka is envious of these players who have been able to easily steer Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup finals – something that his generation failed to do. Since Amiesimaka and his group won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil (which is his only claim to fame in the game), two other generations have gone on to win the trophy for Nigeria on away soil.
“Instead of joining Nigerians and indeed the whole of Africa to wish the team well, he is spewing ill-will and showing despicable jealousy.”
Igbokwe recalled that the NFF did not receive any help from Amiesimaka and his ilk in employing Coach Stephen Keshi in the first place. “The NFF employed Keshi and has given him all the support, and there is no rift between the two parties, so our World Cup preparations are fully on course.
“Amiesimaka’s pomposity and all-knowing talk about administration is flat because in all the years that he administered Sharks FC, he won nothing with the team and eventually led the team to relegation. The Presidents of FIFA and CAF are not ex-internationals, yet they have continued to lead the two organizations very well.”
Igbokwe called on Coach Keshi and his squad not to entertain any distractions as they begin their final preparations for the FIFA World Cup finals.
“Keshi has named his provisional list of 30 players and all we can do is support him and the team. We have a bunch of talented and determined players who will fly this nation’s flag high in Brazil, and the NFF has made adequate arrangements for the team by sealing three quality friendly matches against Scotland, Greece and USA in the run-in to the finals.
“Our prayers, support and encouragement are crucial at this moment. Let all Nigerians begin to give support for the team and the NFF, and to know that only positive vibes will make us shine at the biggest showpiece of football in Brazil.”
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda and the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo will be the special guests at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the NFF/FIFA Regional Technical Centre in Bauchi on Tuesday, 13th May.
Also expected at the occasion are Director General of the NSC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, top officials of the Bauchi State Government, NFF President Aminu Maigari and members of his Executive Committee and NFF Management.
Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, his assistant Daniel Amokachi and former Eagles’ skipper Jay –Jay Okocha are among other prominent Nigerians expected at the occasion.
FIFA Development Officer for West Africa, Mr. Sampon Kablan is expected in Abuja on Monday evening, with project consultants, Sports Solutions also to be represented.
NFF President Aminu Maigari said on Thursday: “The NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are immensely grateful to Governor Yuguda for providing the very large expanse of land for this project. As we have said several times, this project will be replicated in all the six geopolitical zones of our country, to speed up development of the game at the grassroots.”
A FIFA Goal project, the NFF Regional Technical Centre, Bauchi was consummated last year with the provision of land by Governor Yuguda, FIFA’s expressed satisfaction that the Goal Project in Abuja is being put to excellent use and the visit of two FIFA officials to the project site in Bauchi.
The mission of FIFA’s Goal Programme is to “promote the independence and professionalization of its Member Associations through provision of tailor-made projects, such as the construction of association headquarters, technical centres, natural and artificial turf pitches and football schools.”
Its goals include promoting the game of football together with its fundamental principles and social, educational and cultural values around the world; seeking parity in the standard and infrastructure of football in individual countries; establishing modern, functional and transparent football administrations and; promoting sustainable long-term development of the Member Associations and encouraging solidarity among them.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was practically in tears on Tuesday evening when he learnt of the injury to power playing Toronto FC of Canada forward, Bright Dike. He has already instructed team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran to get in touch the medics of the player’s club to know the extent of damage done to a potential World Cup debutant.
“No, no, this is very sad. I can’t believe this is happening to a player with such enthusiasm to play for Nigeria at the highest level, we will surely miss him, if it’s true he would not be ready on time for the World Cup. I can’t think of any replacement for now until we get to the real facts of the matter”
Keshi said in Florianopolis, Brazil, where he is presently attending the FIFA seminar for Mundial 2014 along with coaches of other qualified nations and their officials.
The former Anderletch of Belgium and Strasbourg of France libero also revealed that he has turned a prayer warrior for all the players he is planning to take to the World Cup, and he was sure God will protect them against any form of injury in the run-up to the World Cup. “We just have to commit all the other players to God’s hands, because we can only do well if our players are in good health”, he said.
On the return of Skipper Joseph Yobo to the team, Keshi said he was recalled because he has recently come back to a reach vein of form, warning however that his recall to the team does not guarantee a World Cup place. “He played well against Manchester City, which I watched but he must be consistent and we pray he should be in good health, those are the attributes we want in all the players that will go to the World Cup”.
The national team coach also expressed grief at news of the death of the son of National Womens’ Team Coordinator, Aisha Falode, Master Toba Falode. “We in the Super Eagles join the NFF and the entire football fraternity to mourn with Falode. We pray God to grant her the fortitude to bear the loss”, he said through team’s Media Officer Ben Alaiya.
FIFA Seminar Excites Nigerian Delegates
Nigerian delegates to the Brazil 2014 World Cup Workshop/Seminar in Florianopolis, Brazil say they have benefitted immensely from the weeklong event, which they will avail the national team and Nigerian football, when occasion warrants.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, said it was a revealing session for him, as it afforded him an opportunity to meet some of the best coaches in the world. “Some of the coaches we have here, were the same coaches some of us were adoring in our playing days. To be rubbing shoulders with them on the same platform is a rare privilege and we must thank the NFF and FIFA for this opportunity”, he said as he exchanged pleasantries with Brazilian coach, Luis Filipo Scolari.
Keshi and Brazilian Coach Felipe Scolari share a moment during lunch time on Wednesday at the ongoing FIFA Seminar in Florianopolis, Brazil
Eagles Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who was also at a similar event at the South African 2010 World Cup, said there have been a few changes to the last seminar, as FIFA continues to evolve as one of the most influential bodies in the world. “The seminar will surely help us when the World Cup starts”, he said.
On his part team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, who has been the most engaged of all the delegates here said it has been another eye opener for him in the field of sports medicine. “We have been told the latest discoveries in medicine, new medical terms, drugs, steps against anti-doping, preventive rather than curative approach in athletes’ management and new rules from international bodies like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the World Health Organisation.
NFF Marketing Department’s Chuks Alizor, said he has gained fresh insights into international sports marketing, which will come in handy in his job with the NFF. “FIFA was simply fantastic with this seminar and I thank the NFF for bringing me here to learn new things”, he said.
Team Security Head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abubabakar Baba, was mouth agape at the huge deployment of security operatives and other salient security details unveiled during Wednesday’s session. “Security wise I have gained a lot but I must also say FIFA has a lot of planners that will make this year’s World Cup free of security threat”, he said.
NFF Security Committee, Dr Christian Emeruwa spoke in a similar vein, describing the knowledge gained at the seminar as an eye opener. The Nigerian delegation is expected back home
Eagles Officials Depart For Brazil 2014 Seminar…Team Hails President Jonathan’s CHAN Largesse
Super Eagles officials led by Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will literarily return to school this week as they take part in a FIFA organized World Cup seminar strictly for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, holding in June this year.
Apart from Keshi, other officials who departed Nigeria for Brazil on Sunday night are team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, team doctor; Ibrahim Gyaran, Media Officer of the team; Ben Alaiya, Chief Security Officer, ACP Abubakar Baba, Scribe of the NFF Security Committee, Christian Emeruwa and Chuks Alizor of the NFF Marketing Department.
FIFA is organizing the course to prepare officials of the qualified nations for Mundial 2014 for high level of professionalism and service delivery during the summer World Cup. Coaches of all 32 qualified nations and other relevant officials will be in the Brazilian city of Florianopolis for the weeklong seminar.
Meanwhile, the national team has hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for the wonderful reception he granted the team last Thursday in Abuja, for coming third at the recently held CHAN African Nations tournament in South Africa.
Team Captain, Chigozie Agbim and Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said the team was humbled by the reception given to the team adding that nobody expected it, which goes to show once again that President Jonathan holds the team not only in high esteem but has a passion for sport, particularly football and the Super Eagles. “We are very delighted and on the part of the players we hope to bring more joy to Mr President and the nation because he has always showed us love”, Agbim said.
On his part Achor said apart from NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, love for the team, President Jonathan ranks equal with his fatherly love for the team. “He visits the team when we are preparing for major competitions and he always rewards us even when we don’t meet his expectation. We must say thank you to Mr. President”, he said.
The first edition of the CAF CHAN Tournament was hosted by Ivory Coast in 2009 the final was played between Congo DR and Ghana and it ended Congo DR 2 – 0 Ghana, the 3rd place play-off Between Zambia and Senegal ended Zambia 2 – 1 Senegal.
Then came the next edition of the CAF CHAN tournament in 2011 hosted by Sudan, the host nation made it to the 3rd place play-off where they faced Algeria, the Sudanese pipped the Algerians by a lone goal, and in the final of that year’s tournament Tunisia walloped Angola 3-0 to carry the day.
Fast forward to 2014 and it’s the turn of the Rainbow nation South Africa. The host nation started on a bright note winning their first game and playing a draw in the second while Nigeria faltered at the start of their debut at CHAN.
A must win for both nations ended up in favour of the Nigerians who ran the Bafana Bafana ragged and this led to the South Africa minister tongue-lashing the team and calling for a complete overhaul of the entire football system, it was even hinted that a change of name might be in the offing.
The Super Eagles however moved on the quarter-final stage to face African football powerhouse Morocco in an epic battle. Two goals in quick succession in the first half of the game was surely going to be enough to sent the boys from Nigeria packing ! But wait a minute, isn’t this the same coach that won the AFCON trophy in the same country around this time last year? Well some pep-talk by Stephen Keshi was all it took as the Eagles came out Guns blazing in the 2nd half of the match to give us one of the finest moments in football history as the Super Eagles eventually triumphed over the Atlas Lions of Morocco to book a place in the Semi-final of the tournament.
The Blackstars of Ghana also won their quarter final match to book a place in the Semi-final against their brothers from West-Africa Nigeria. The Ghanians tutored by Maxwell Konadu have arguably got the meanest defence at this years CHAN, letting only two goals in the four games they have played so far.
The Nigerians on the other hand have got serious issues at the back and this is evident in the way they have been letting in goals. Captain and goalkeeper of the team Chigozie Agbim has been largely singled for blame but we all forget that a goalkeeper is only as good as his back line.
So today when the home Blackstars of Ghana take on the Home Super Eagles of Nigeria it will be a battle between the team with the “best” defence against the team with the “worst” defence. But that’s not all while the Ghanians have not conceded much they haven’t scored much either, a miserly 4 goals from 4 games is not altogether “daunting” .
The Super Eagles on the other hand have scored a whopping twelve goals in four matches (that’s an average of three per match) so in contrast to their West African brothers the Eagles have been extremely prolific.
So today in Bloemfontein it’s the “Meanest” Defence versus the “Greatest” offence, and believe me when I say “something’s gotta give” this match will be good for the image of the African game and hopefully help attract more attention to the Local Leagues that have suffered much in the hand of foreign football leagues.
Can the Ghanians make it to their second CHAN final?
Will the Stars shine bright tonight?
Will the Eagles soar into the finals on their debut at CHAN
Can Keshi make history by making it to the final of 2 CAF tourneys back to back in the same country ?
All questions will be answered tonight at 7pm when the SUPER EAGLES take on the BLACKSTARS
Today it’s Konadu vs Keshi,
it’s Godfrey Saka vs Ejike Uzoenyi,
it’s Ghana vs Nigeria. And may the best team win
Sola Rogers
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Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Dele Alampasu makes Keshi’s final list alongside Chigozie Agbim and Egwuekwe
Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has picked first choice goalkeeper and skipper Chigozie Agbim, defender Azubuike Egwuekwe, midfielder Joshua Obaje and forward Gbolahan Salami among 23 players that will represent Nigeria at the 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa.
Usual suspects Solomon Kwambe, Francis Benjamin, Kunle Odunlami, Umar Zango, Barnabas Imenger, Daniel Akpeyi and Ifeanyi Ede also make the list, but former junior internationals Abdullahi Shehu and Christian Pyagbara also make the cut, with FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Dele Alampasu expectedly joining the big boys so early.
Nigeria take on host South Africa, Mali and Mozambique in Group A of the championship reserved for senior players plying their trade in the domestic League of their countries. The competition runs from 11th January – 1st February, 2014 in three South African cities.
In his quest to win the tournament just as he did at the full-strength Africa Cup of Nations staged in the same country early 2013, Coach Keshi has picked three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.
Agbim, Kwambe, Benjamin and Egwuekwe are integral part of Nigeria’s A Team, while Pyagbara and Shehu played for the Flying Eagles at the African Youth Championship in Algeria and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey in 2013.
Alampasu was selected as the Best Goalkeeper as Nigeria’s U-17 side cruised to a record fourth win at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates October/November 2013.
GOALKEEPERS: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC); Dele Alampasu (Abuja Football College)
DEFENDERS: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars); Ikechukwu Gabriel (Bayelsa United); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC); Erhun Obanor (Insurance FC)
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