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.

2017 African Cup of Nations Qualifier: We Can Beat Egypt ​- Oliseh

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.

Super Eagles, photo credit Nigeria Super Eagles fb

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.

Chisom Chikatara

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!​

Thinking about John Mikel Obi by Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

The question on everyones’ lips would be, why is she thinking about Mikel Obi. Surely, Mikel Obi’s girlfriend Olga’s eyes would pop out at the headline. Seriously, this is all about his dwindling career.

Mikel was that young lad, a delight of the nation when at the age of 12 he made it as a talented player to the prestigious Pepsi Football Academy.

He dazzled us with skills and humility and in no time, big clubs had to battle for his signature. He was prematurely unveiled by Manchester United before being gazumped by Chelsea. Indeed, It was a war between the English football mighty. Mikel was that superb.

Ten years after winning medals with Lionel Messi in the same tournament under different categories, he has not really progressed as Messi has done.

So far as a Chelsea player he has not done so well for his career but done superbly well for his bank accounts.

Mikel Obi

Truth be told, he has not been productive, his presence has not been felt at club and country. Till date, he is the biggest name and biggest player in the current squad of the super eagles.

Unfortunately, he is one of the less productive with minimal impact or contribution to the team, I wonder what went wrong.

Jose Mourinho recently showed his confidence in Mikel and insisted he will not be leaving. Great News he is staying back at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, every player wants to play under a great Coach like him.

However, he was linked with a move to Fenerbahce and another team in Dubai, so you mean no club in the EPL wants to buy Mikel? That’s a confirmation of his regression.

As a prospective Super Eagles Captain, his leadership skills leaves a lot to be desired. Another super Eagles midfielder, John Ogu once said in an interview that he was inspired by Mikel Obi.

No doubt, Ogu might be one of many others, but how long has he carried on inspiring? Which of the upcoming players want to watch his video to learn, backpass or overlap? Judging by his recent contributions to club and country.

Mikel was suspended in 2007 by Berti Vogts and after apologies he was seen as deemed fit to adorn the Green and white jersey. This same player won the man of the match against Iran at the 2014 FIFA world cup in Brazil.

Mikel has won the English Premiership twice, FA Cup four times, UEFA, African Cup of Nations amongst others, but can he be proud of his personal contributions to this medals after his retirement?

Not forgetting, he played different roles for Nigeria and Chelsea, maybe he will be better served by playing for a team that can utilize and use him in a position where he is best at which is attacking midfield. Hanging around at Chelsea is not necessarily good for his own career progression or any positive impact he might make in the Nigerian team.

He seems to have lost his zeal/mojo, maybe because of the financial reward he is priviledged to be making at Chelsea which is synonymous with other players. He needs to rediscover what got him to this stage in the first place.

With the generation of new midfielders joining Chelsea and being one of the oldest Chelsea players, he should be celebrated in the team. Coming home now, Can Oliseh build his midfield around Mikel? Can we say he is the next in line to become the Super Eagles captain?

It seems Chelsea can’t wait to sell him off, even this past premier league season he didn’t appear much. Isn’t he worried himself. He is dispensable to Chelsea and looking like a matter of ‘for now’ and I am truly concerned about where he will end up in August.

Mikel Obi

Moreover, he is yet to be allocated a squad number for the upcoming season in Chelsea. Anything is still possible before the transfer window closes. Victor Moses we know for sure will be staying at Chelsea as he has gotten his squad number.

Mikel should still be on top of his career at age 28. My advise; He should get back his zeal and desire to be the best. It is never too late for him to work harder, The potentials are still there, he can still make more powerful effect in the team.

Nigerians are looking forward to him performing to the best of his abilities which can be better than recent years.

Gerrard at age 35 is still doing well, I picture another 10 years of active football career for Mikel if he wants it. He is certainly too skillful to be “bench-warming”

It is never too late. Mikel Obi should get back in the groove of enjoying his football, start working hard, look back and search for where he has gone wrong and make amends, we miss him.Nigerians missed his on-field skills.

Get back to basics. Please come back our dear Mikel Obi

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello
Twitter @Aderonkew

Wenger Pledges Co-operation With NFF…As Pinnick Parleys With Nigerian Players In Diaspora

NFF President Amaju Pinnick held what was generally described as an “extremely positive and encouraging” meeting with the Manager of English Premiership side, Arsenal FC, Mr. Arsene Wenger on Tuesday.

The legendary manager met with the NFF supremo in his office at Arsenal FC’s training ground where a wide range of issues were discussed, including the rising stock of Nigerian-born players at the club – players like Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick with Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger

After the meeting, the NFF President, who was accompanied by the new Special Envoy for the Federation on International Affairs, Tunde Adelakun, said: “As we had always known, Arsene is very knowledgeable; vast in his knowledge and appreciation of Nigeria as a footballing country, and widely philosophical in his general approach, ” he said, assuring that, contrary to what is reported about some clubs in Europe trying to steer their players to play for the countries where they live, Wenger was emphatic on what should be.

“He told me that he has never stopped any player from opting for whichever national team he wants. He said to me that he always tells his players to follow their hearts and not allow people to push them. He further assured that if Nigeria extended a call-up to either or both of his players, he will have no objection if the players say they want to go”.

Pinnick had led the charge to Arsenal to enlist Wenger’s support in “the process of rebuilding the country’s football” and he was not disappointed.

“Arsene told us that he will gladly do what he can to assist where we want, and has already started giving encouraging signs towards the capacity building exercises for our coaches at all levels”.

Pinnick Parleys With Nigerian Players In Diaspora

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has held a meeting with parents of Nigerian footballers based in the United Kingdom, assuring them of their sons’ safety and progress should they choose to wear the colours of Nigeria.

There is a huge number of Nigerian footballers, many born and raised in the United Kingdom, but who have expressed a desire to open their hearts to the possibility of playing for the Super Eagles; and Pinnick was quick to appreciate that.

“Most of your sons have the option to wait for their chance and play for England, Wales or Scotland”, he said, “and the fact that you are steering them in the direction of playing for their country of origin is laudable and I really appreciate it”.

The NFF President stated that he would like to see youngsters who, in his words, “have been exposed to the scientific methods of football in terms of coaching style, amenities and equipment as well as discipline in areas of fitness and nutrition” to build a new-look Super Eagles team that would conquer the world.

He promised that players will be selected on merit, and that the days of favouritism are forgotten in the new administration led by him.

Victor Moses.CFC photo credit uefa.com

Pinnick, in the company of his newly appointed Special Envoy on International Affairs, Tunde Adelakun, called the attention of the parents to the choice made by Victor Moses who, despite having featured for England Under-21s, opted to play for Nigeria and was rewarded with being a part of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

“That will remain in his books for the rest of his life – a winner’s medal at the AFCON, and I am sure he will not regret playing for Nigeria” he said.

He drew comparison against some of the players eligible to play for Nigeria but who opted for England, were capped only a couple of times and were dropped, and asked the parents to use this as example to their wards.

He was quick to extol, though, the goodness in the Nigerian league system, saying his move was not an act of disrespect to the home-grown talent that abound in the country.

“We all know that the Nigerian leagues produce many players and I know that. However, I also know that we have many talented players in Diaspora and we want to tap into them all, so we can identify and select the very best across the board,” he explained.

The Delta-born administrator gave assurances that the parley will be a continuous process, and that the new Technical Study Group of the NFF led by former international Jay Jay Okocha will visit the players in the coming weeks and establish close links with them with a view to being selected for the national teams.

Latest Football Transfer News and Titbits

Here’s a round-up of saturday’s football transfer news and titbits by Paul Ayorinde

`Please follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:

– Stoke City has completed the signing of Chelsea winger Victor Moses on a season-long loan.

– Liverpool have completed the signing of Alberto Moreno from Sevilla for £12million

– Blackpool have announced the signing of former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger on a one-year deal.

Today’s report and rumours:

-According to sources, Manchester United are interested in signing Athletic Bilbao midfielder Iker Muniain.

– Arsenal have reportedly been given permission to begin talks with PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot

– Bayern Munich are hoping to beat Chelsea and Arsenal to Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira with Pep Guardiola keen to sign a replacement for the injured Javi Martinez

– According to reports, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has phoned Marcos Rojo to reassure him that he still wants him at Old Trafford.

– Sporting Lisbon are keen on signing Manchester United winger Nani on loan.

– Liverpool Boss has promised to pursue a world-class striker right up until deadline day.

– Hull City are keen on signing Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher.

– According to reports, Midfielder Yaya Toure will not be offered a new contract by Manchester City despite settling his differences with the club.

– According to reports in England, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has intensified his effort to sign Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin after Manchester United’s intended move for Juventus’ Arturo Vidal seems to have stalled.

– Deportivo La coruna are closing in on the signing of Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou on one-year loan deal

– According to reports, QPR have agreed an £8million deal for Norwich city midfielder Leroy Fer

– According to Skysports, Manchester United are on the verge of signing AS Roma star defender Mehdi Benatia

– Manchester city striker Stevan Jovetic is a target for Italian club AS Roma

– Monaco are planning to submit an improved bid for Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger,after a £12million bid was rejected for the German

– West ham are close to signing attacking midfielder Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille

– Monaco and Real Madrid are keen on signing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech

-Middlesbrough coach Aitor Karanka is keen on signing Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford on loan

– Liverpool are close to signing Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero

– QPR coach Harry Redknapp is interested in signing Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Lassana Diarra

-According to reports in Italy, Juventus are keen on signing AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata

Victor Moses.CFC photo credit uefa.com

Football tit bits:

– Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said his players’ confidence would be “smashed” after the worst possible start to his reign at Old Trafford. “When you have preparation,win everything,then lose your first match,it cannot be worse. We have built up a lot of confidence,it will be smashed because of this.” He said

– Roberto Martinez fears Everton midfielder Ross Barkley could be missing for up to five months due to a knee injury

– Returning Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has thanked Brazilian midfielder Oscar for giving him back his famous number 11 shirt. Oscar have reverted to the number 8 worn formerly by Frank Lampard

– Manchester City new signing Bacary Sagna has apologized to his new team-mate Pablo Zabaleta for an angry bust-up between the pair when he was an Arsenal player in 2011.

Super Eagles Arrive Brasilia Ahead Clash with Les Blues Of France

Eagles Arrive Brasilia, Start Training For France…,Babatunde Bemoans Injury

The Super Eagles have arrived the Brazilian capital city of Brasilia for Monday’s second round World Cup tango against the Les Blues of France.

All the 23 players and technical officials led by Stephen Keshi were on the flight that landed at 4:07pm local time, which is 8:07 Nigerian time. Also on the flight with the Eagles was NFF Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh and Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Following the controversy over the team’s training schedule on Thursday, the team immediately checked into its abode at the serene Plaza Brasilia, which is a stone throw away from where the French side is quartered. After light refreshment the team zoomed off to training to do the catching up on missed time.

Team News:
Youthful midfielder, Babatunde Michael, will however be the only player who will not taste action and he said he feels bad following the injury he sustained on the wrist, upon which surgery has since been carried out. “I will be praying for the team and I am sure they will do the nation proud in this World Cup”, the soft spoken star declared.

Babatunde Undergoes Successful Surgery…,…Out Of Mundial…Moses Resumes Training

Babatunde Undergoes Successful Surgery…,…Out Of Mundial…Moses Resumes Training

Super Eager burgeoning midfielder, Babatunde Michael has undergone a successful surgery on his fractured wrist and has since returned to the team’s Camp base in Campinas, ahead of the trip to Brasilia for the second round duel against France.

Though, his team mate Ogenyi Onazi, whose shot did the damage jokingly said that Babatunde stopped his goal bound shot. “I swear that was a sure goal if not for Tunde’s hand, I wish him quick recovery”, he said.

Micheal Babatunde
Photo Credit: FIFA

“Unfortunately, he is ruled out of the tournament because it will take at least three weeks for that surgery to heal”, Head Coach Stephen Keshi told Team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya. He added that Nigerians should not fret over the development as there are capable replacements for the player.

“It’s not looking good that he will feature again in the tournament ,we are sad about that but we have people who can fill in for him very well and I think we have to go win for him now”, Keshi added.

The player has since joined his teammates in Campinas ahead of the trip to Brasilia for the second round game against France.

The national team boss also dispels insinuations that he has any personal issues with Victor Moses, hence he is not being featured. “It’s purely medical, my last child is older that Moses, so why will I quarrel with my son?. People must find out facts and not speculate especially when we have a capable media person in our midst.

The coach then added that Moses has a muscle strain that was discovered by the team’s medics after the first game against Iran and he was advised to rest it so that he can come out better in subsequent games.

“We can understand that all players want to play at the big stage but it’s up to us and the medical team to manage their career and balance it with due diligence regarding their health and that is why we have not played him.

We hope he should be back in training later on Thursday”.

Moses it would be recalled watched the last game from the stands with technical officials and was not dressed for the encounter but he looks ready to join the fray in the game against France.

Balogun For Surgery In Germany…Vows To Bounce Back For Mundial 2014

Newly invited Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany right back, Leon Balogun, will undergo surgery in Germany, when he returns to his base by this weekend after he suffered a fractured foot in the highly explosive international friendly between Nigeria and Mexico on Wednesday in Atlanta Georgia, United States.

Super Eagles doctor , Ibrahim Gyaran told Head Coach Stephen Keshi, that it was the best option open to the young defender and the surgery will effectively rule him out for up to 8weeks. That may give him enough time to quickly bounce back and rejoin the national team ahead of preparation for the World Cup in May if invited.

The medics explained that they if he does not carry out any surgery, it will take him a longer time to return to action (up to 4months) hence the surgery option. His club medics have already been briefed about the development even as Keshi says his immediate concern for the player is about his health.

Balogun was involved in a horrific fall with a Mexican striker near the dug house of the El Tri midway into the second half of the encounter and hit his legs against objects in the technical area, forcing the Nigerian bench to replace him even when he came on only in the second half of the game.

The player himself said it was painful that he copped the injury but added that he has no regret making a decision to play for Nigeria. “I am a Nigerian, my father is from Ijebu Ode and my mother is half Italian and half German so I chose to play for my fatherland and I am enjoying it so far. The only thing at the moment is that I don’t understand Pidgin English, which many speak in camp but I will soon catch up because I like the atmosphere in the Eagles camp”.

The players who bonded faster with Balogun in camp include John Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi. “But am in tune with all my teammates and I’m happy the way I was received as if I have been with them for a very long time meanwhile I never met any of them till now. I pray my injury heals on time so that I can return to playing football for my club and country”.

Eagles Get Conduct Code Booklet …Team Returns Friday

The Nigeria Football Federation is taken nothing to chance as it seeks a decent performance at this year’s World Cup in Brazil and better conduct by players and officials of all national team in the future.

Towards this end the federation during the week in faraway, Atlanta Georgia, United States handed out the much-hyped hand book on code of conduct while in the national team to players and officials of the Super Eagles. The 18page document clearly outlines what is expected of players, officials and even the federation during camping and major tournaments.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, in the company of Chairman, Technical Committee Barr Chris Green and NFF Director, Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme came with the documents and handed them over to the team through Team Adminstrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who has since distributed them to the players and officials of the team. “The document is done in good faith and to ensure that players and officials know their obligations and how to properly conduct themselves, while the NFF will ensure that it also fulfils its own part of the bargain during major tournaments”, Maigari said.

The Nigerian delegation to the United States is expected back in Nigeria on Friday evening after playing a goalless draw against the El Tri of Mexico in an international friendly preparatory to Mundial 2014 in Brazil. The team will arrive through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

Keshi picks Yobo, 22 others for Mexico friendly

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has listed Skipper Joseph Yobo in his squad of 23 for the international friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, USA on Wednesday, 5th March.

Yobo, who is back in the keenly-followed English Premiership, this time with Norwich City, on loan from Fenerbahce FC of Turkey, last played for the African champions at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which Nigeria won.

Also returning are Israel-based defender Juwon Oshaniwa, 2014 African Nations Championship Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi and Canada-based striker Bright Dike.

New faces include former junior internationals Ramon Azeez and Shehu Abdullahi, and Belgium-based strikers Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo. Centre – back Kunle Odunlami, who made CAF’s list of Best Eleven at the recent African Nations Championship in South Africa, is also called.

Usual suspects like goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders John Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Obinna Nsofor will also fly to America.

THE FULL SQUAD OF 23

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel
Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England) Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC. Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy);
Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michel Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)