Category: SOS

Manchester United have acted quickly after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Ralf Rangnick poised to replace the Norwegian in the dugout for the remainder of the season.

The German was one of several managers considered for the position, with former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund bosses among those to fall just short following a week of interviews. Rangnick is expected to take over after Sunday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, with his start delayed and Michael Carrick remaining in caretaker charge for the game against the Premier League leaders, as revealed by Mirror Football.

As United gear up for the arrival of a new man in the dugout, it has become increasingly clear why the higher-ups chose the respected 63-year-old ahead of the other men in the running.

United have a verbal agreement with the manager but are relaxed when it comes to determining Rangnick’s first game in charge, and the manager-elect is not expected to be at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The former RB Leipzig manager is set to remain at the club beyond his initial spell as interim manager, with a two-year consultancy role lined up as the Premier League side begin life under their next permanent manager.

Ernesto Valverde, Lucien Favre and Rudi Garcia were also considered for the interim role, but Rangnick’s combination of qualities saw him gain an edge over the other candidates.

“Beyond the managerial side, his lens on football philosophy and strategy is second to none, particularly with the phenomenal job he did at Salzburg and Leipzig,” a senior club source said when explaining Rangnick’s appeal.

The former Hoffenheim and Schalke boss helped build Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig into competitive sides during his time as director of football with both and manager with the latter.

Manchester United have acted quickly after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Ralf Rangnick poised t

How do you celebrate a tournament that has run consistently for 60-years? How do you celebrate a sponsor, whose commitment and unwavering support has kept a tournament going for 60-years? Well, like they say in this clime, roles-out the drums. And that was exactly what happened last weekend when Nigeria best set of amateur golfers and others from the continent stormed the golf section of Ikoyi 1938 for the 60th anniversary celebrations of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited sponsored Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship; the nation’s longest running amateur golf tournament.

Thankfully, the drums were loud and clear, “We are in this for the long haul”; they seem to be saying. Truly, their support for golf and other sporting activities is unrivalled. Polo, tennis, basketball, and football: their imprints are well pronounced. Even horse racing isn’t left out.

Thus, when plans for this year’s Lagos Open circulated within the golfing community, expectations were high. What new thing are they bringing is one of the questions people were asking. Conscious of the expectations, FirstBank dug dip into golfer’s bag and came up with an initiative that will benefit all, off and on the course.

They reached out to Pacelli School of the Blind with the donation of a whooping N5.1m while the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria also got equal measure; they received N5.1m as well.

There was more. Since Lagos Open debuted in 1961, the event has successfully groomed and harnessed talents. And as has been severally proven, Lagos Open is a lift of some sort. It has has seen some golfers transitioned from amateur golfing to professional career. The reason it has become a must-play for all.

Expectedly, 60th anniversary edition winner Aminu Kadir, just like Njoroge in 2019 is already eyeing a move to the professional cadre. Speaking shortly after been declared winner, Aminu who said he has waited long enough for the victory declared his intention to join the elite pro class.

“Next year, I will enroll into the Qualifying School and turn professional golfer. This has always been my dream”, he said, adding “winning the Lagos Open has further boasted my confidence and belief that I will make it”.

If Aminu succeeds, he will be joining the likes of Willy Gift, Oche Odoh, Monday Eze, Ibrahim Ocheje, Austin Akpodiette and others in the professional cadre.

A gross score of 14-over par was all the Ilorin Golf Club based category-one golfer needed to move to the next level.

While Aminu held sway in the amateur category, former winners who are now professionals also gave golf fans something to cheer as seen in the playoffs between Willy Gift and the visiting Kenyan, Samuel Njoroge who have to go extra four-holes before a winner emerged.

Now, it doesn’t take a PhD in sports medicine to know that golf is not a physical contact sport. What is not understood by many golf novices and non-players, however, is that the game is quite physically demanding. Thus, accidents and injuries are common on the golf course. If a golfer isn’t careful, he or she could be out injured for some time. But a simple muscle strain or back pain is nothing compared to someone dying on the greens after being hit with a ball.

The question therefore is what happens, if unforeseen accident happens on the golf Course. It is the thought of this and the need to save life that informed FirstBank’s decision to donate an ambulance to the golfing and other Ikoyi Club Communities to enable them attend to emergencies.

Though, the donation was part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, the ambulance, the Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Demola Mumuney explain, is meant to serve all.

What a way to celebrate.

Now, restating its commitment to the sport, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adeduntan said, “FirstBanks support for the development of sport stems from the understanding that it is a major unifying force for individuals and communities, defying language, culture, religion, beliefs and social strata”.

Sports”, he said is also a veritable platform for promoting a healthy nation, as a major vehicle for social and economic development”.

These beliefs, Adeduntan, who was represented by Callistus Obetta said, have been the Bank’s greatest motivation for partnering with relevant institutions for sports development, through the sponsorship of major tournaments, one of which is this annual Golf tournament.

In all, analyst belief, FirstBank’s contribution to sports development is close to 200-years of combined support across all sports.

Georgian Cup of the Kaduna Polo Club, for 102 years; Dala Hard Court Lawn Tennis Championship, 32 years; and Lagos Amateur Open Golf Tournament, 60 years. Not forgetting the Elephant Girls Basketball Club and a male FirstBank Football Club, both of which serve as functional platforms for grooming successful professional sports women and men, as well as notable teams in their respective leagues.

What else can anyone ask for?

 

Nigeria and Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis can’t stop talking about the memorable evening when Vicarage Road went on fire figuratively after their dominant display over Manchester United. “The win against Man United was great,” he began when asked to share his feelings about the EPL game. “It’s hard to explain; it is very strong. We wanted victory and we pressed hard at it and we got it against a very strong team. I think Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of the game was really amazing but we pulled through.”

Following an unforgettable 4-1 victory over the Red Devils, Hornets on and off the pitch took to the social media to share their best photos and messages.

Having netted the fourth Watford goal, causing Vicarage Road to erupt in celebration, Emmanuel Dennis posted on Facebook on voicing his delight at the victory. ‘Unforgettable,’ he wrote.

Watford legend Jay DeMerit showed his support from across the pond. The former Hornets defender watched the game and liked what he saw, posting on Twitter at full- time.

Imrân Louza’s performance at the base of midfield was well-received by Watford supporters and the summer signing posted a picture on Instagram, simply captioned: “Big Win!!!!!”

The Premier League posted their ‘Attacking Threat’ graphic from the triumphant Watford win on Twitter, displaying exactly how dominant the Golden Boys were at Vicarage Road.

It was a day to remember for Brazilian forward João Pedro, who scored his first Premier League goal in the second half. The 20-year-old posted a picture of his celebration on Instagram captioned “It was for you” in memory of his late stepfather, who passed away earlier this month.

Ismaïla Sarr scored his fifth goal of the Premier League season to put the Hornets two ahead at half-time. His post on Instagram has nearly 40,000 likes.

Fantasy Premier League superfan Ben Foster will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet, but the goalkeeper still received plenty of points on FPL thanks to an assist for Emmanuel Dennis from his own box. The popular game tweeted their own surprise at Foster’s efforts moments after the fourth goal.

Joshua King was denied a first Vicarage Road goal as a Watford player in cruel fashion this season, but the 29-year-old got his home strike on Saturday for the opener. King praised the team’s hard work on Instagram.

The Nigerian forward who had largely played in the shadow of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles, was full of praise for Watford’s hard work in front of goal, following a dominant 4-1 win over

Dennis got a goal and two assists for the Hornets on an unforgettable afternoon, and was delighted with a ‘deserved’ victory and three vital points.

Joshua King fired Watford ahead with his first home goal for the club, with Ismaïla Sarr doubling the lead before half-time. Donny van de Beek’s headed effort halved United’s deficit, but strikes late on from João Pedro and Dennis sealed the victory.

The Nigerian played in the centre of attack with King on the left flank, a change from the games so far this season.

“I can play anywhere in the front three, it’s okay to me and I did the job,” said a jubilant Dennis.

“I’m very happy, we deserved to win. Winning was the only thing in our heads, we kept going and got a very important three points.

“We kept going, I missed the chance before the penalty, I could have scored but we kept going and I got a goal!”

Two late goals calmed the nerves of Watford supporters in the second half, and Dennis was pleased to see João Pedro score his first Premier League goal.

He also talked through the build-up to Watford’s fourth goal of the game, and his fourth strike of the season.

“I’m really happy for him,” said the forward. “He was emotional, which is normal, this is the Premier League. I’m happy I could give him the assist.

“I was running and I thought Cucho [Hernández] was going to chest it to me but he took it for himself. The defender was on Cucho so I took the ball, I knew he was going to stay with Cucho, and then the good finish.

“It [the win] was really important with the big games coming up, we’re really happy.”

Dennis said he has settled well and enjoying the city of Watford. “I’m enjoying every bit of being here. From the first day that I got here I’ve had a great time with the coach and teammates. I’m happy and I like going something special for the fans. So, when you score and they scream, it is one of the best feelings.

“Fellow Nigerian Troost Ekong and (Peter) Etebo are also helping me. It is good that they are here. It is really important to do well here and with friends it makes the job easier. I wanted to settle down quickly and as much as possible get goals and I’m happy that I did not disappoint because we have a great team. I’m really grateful to them.”

Dennis has become a very important member of the team so much that he’s officially the clown in the dressing room.

“I’m the clown in the dressing room because I always make people laugh.”

Under that comical side of him, is also a nervous player who takes each game as it comes.

“I get very nervous before any game. There is no small or big game for me, every game is important and you can get nervous. Sometimes, I had to go to the toilet to get my nerves together. By the time I get out I’m feeling better and once I get on the pitch I’m relaxed and just play.

“So, when I tell them (teammates) I’m nervous, they don’t believe me. But, I’m really nervous before every game. I don’t know why but I’m used to it. I know that at the end of the day, I get bye and do well.

“The Premiership is hard, intense, but I’m a very fast player and I love to run and for that reason I’m finding it real easy here. We have quality players here (Watford FC).

Dennis has also boosted his ratings on FPL. He is fast establishing himself as a must-have on FPL, with his third double-digit return in Gameweek 12. Priced at just £5.3m, the Nigerian is the most valuable forward in the game, with 10.2 points per million.

He’s clearly caught the eye of managers too, with over 100,000 already transferring him in for Gameweek 13 following his 14-point return last weekend.

João Pedro (£5.4m) is off and running in the top flight following a goal against the Red Devils. The Brazilian came off the bench to make an impact and was rewarded with two bonus points and a seven-point total. There’s plenty of competition in the front three meaning the 20-year-old isn’t guaranteed a start against Leicester City on Sunday, but he has already proven he can be dangerous off the bench if called upon.

In the defence, Kiko Femenía (£4.3m) added another assist to his tally and looked bright going forward against Manchester United. Dealing with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on his flank and sparking several attacks, the full-back also won back possession for João Pedro’s goal. The Spaniard provided for Ismaïla Sarr (£6.0m), in similar fashion to their exploits as a duo last season, and was a creative threat throughout.

Between the sticks, Ben Foster was unlucky not to claim clean sheet points after a terrific display in goal, denying Rashford, Ronaldo and co. on numerous occasions. Foster didn’t leave Vicarage Road without a points return however having assisted Dennis for the fourth Watford goal, collecting three of his five points as a result.

With a penalty save and goal contribution in back-to-back games now for the 38-year-old, it’s a no-brainer to bring him in with his value at just £4.1m.

Dennis also has something to say about the experience goal stopper, “He (Foster) kept us in the game because if Ronaldo had netted that goal in the second half when we were up 2-1, it would have changed the course of the game. It would have been a different feeling we would have been struggling, it would have been hard.”

For Claude Ranieri, he has this to say. “I’m enjoying working with him. He’s an experience manager who has won the Premier League. I’m very happy that he came along. I listen to him and do whatever he wants me to do. Like I love to dribble a lot, sometimes take on four or five players I don’t care it may work out or it may not, but he would tell me not to hold on to the ball too much and pass it on, play like a team and I’m learning from that.”

London born winger Ademola says taking the leap to play for Nigeria will not be the first time he would be taking big decisions in his career.

“I’ve always been conscious of what must be done and don’t kid myself into staying put when I have to leap. I call it a leap of faith.”

Though, the Leicester player had represented England from Under 19 to Under 21 and was a key part of the team which won the Under 20 World Cup in 2017, he dramatically committed his future to the Nigeria Super Eagles last week.

The 24-year-old said he took the decision to switch his allegiance to fatherland deliberately.

Lookman made reference to 2018, when he decided to move to Germany instead of going to Derby Country where Sam Allardyce, then in charge of Everton wanted him to go.

Lookman describes the decision to go to RB Leipzig as his first ‘leap of faith.’

“In January 2018 I rejected a loan move to Derby in favour of one to Germany. I just wanted to follow my heart,” he explained.

That move proved right as he made an instant hit scoring the winner on his debut against Borussia Monchengladbach.

‘Just a leap of faith,’ says Lookman. ‘I didn’t come here to prove him (Allardyce) wrong. I came here for myself. I knew I’d made the right decision. I always back myself. I know what I’m capable of doing.

‘Whether it was in England, Germany, and Spain or wherever, it’s not a problem for me. Football’s football, right?’

That goal made him the first Englishman to score in the Bundesliga since Owen Hargreaves in 2005 and he ended the loan spell with five goals and four assists in 11 appearances.

Lookman

was to return to Leipzig a second time in 2019, this time around permanently.

‘It’s different the second time,’ says Lookman. ‘It’s a permanent move, This is my home. This is where I’ve come to do good things and help the team. First time around was a leap of faith but the second time it’s more like go time. So, I’m not afraid to make big decisions.’

‘Opportunity, that’s what it is,’ says Lookman. ‘People will go anywhere if there’s opportunity. Everyone’s journey is different. Ultimately everyone’s got to make a decision and hopefully it’s the right one.’

So, when it was time for him to make another big decision about his international future, he knew what he want and go for it.

“It’s been on my mind for years that I have to make this decision. I consulted and thought about it and took the decision on full consciousness.

He added that he would like to help Nigeria qualify for the World Cup and play at the Mundial someday with Nigeria.

‘It’s a competition I’d like to play in, for sure. That’s definitely something I need to address. I’m open and it’s good to have different opportunities. It’s a serious decision. International football is a big thing if you want to keep progressing, which I do.’

LEICESTER

Lookman is also happy for the opportunity to link up with two Super Eagles players in Leicester. “They are great guys (Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho). They are helping me to settle down.”

Though, he did not say if the Nigerian duo helped hi settle for the Super Eagles, he, however, lauded Manager Brendan Rodgers for believing in him.

Rodgers had insisted Lookman will ‘flourish’ with the Foxes, when he signed a season-long loan from German side RB Leipzig with a view to a permanent switch.

Doing a deal for Lookman on the final day of the transfer window saw Rodgers sign a player he has long admired and the Foxes boss hopes he can finally ‘find a home’ at the King Power Stadium.

‘I’m really excited about working with Ade, he’s a top talent,’ said Rodgers. ‘I wanted to take him to Celtic when he was at Charlton. I was aware of him when he was 15.

Read Also: ADEMOLA LOOKMAN: I’m excited to play for Leicester City

‘He has all the tools, he has a great dribbling ability, how he views the game, he has an eye for a goal. My hope is that this environment will give him a chance to flourish. Hopefully he can find a home here. I have no doubt the supporters will be excited by him.

‘He can play in a number of positions. His preferred position is off the left side but he can play on the inside as well and on the right.

“He’s very balanced. He’s got two good feet. You wouldn’t know which his strongest foot is; he can strike the ball very well off both sides.”

So far Lookman has been impressive for Leicester but he believes he can still do better.

He has made five appearances in September. From those five appearances, he made two starts which Rodgers has put this down to building up his fitness.

His debut was a brief cameo against Manchester City during the 1-0 loss and he took the position of covering for Harvey Barnes on the left-wing. His next Premier League appearance was during the tough 2-1 loss at Brighton, but this is when fans got to see a first real glimpse at what Lookman can offer.

Lookman was left unmarked as he stooped low to provide a diving header into the Brighton net for what he, and many others, believed to be his first goal for the club. Unfortunately, Harvey Barnes was ruled to be blocking Brighton’s goalkeeper Sanchez and, as such, the goal was ruled out. Whilst the final result left a bitter taste in the mouth for many a fan, it at least gave a glimpse at what Lookman can do. Following that encouraging performance, Lookman then made his first start for Leicester in their opening Carabao Cup game to Millwall. The game itself was relatively stale, but Lookman – who started as a centre-forward – opened the scoring, latching onto the rebound of Iheanacho’s long-range shot.

The ball came to Lookman who made no mistake, volleying into an open net to open his account for Leicester City. It may look an easy finish, but there are countless examples of players skying over that type of chance. It has prevented any narrative of Lookman having a duck on his shoulder; hopefully this is the first goal of many.

From that, Brendan Rodgers saw enough to hand Lookman his first Premier League start against Burnley, and whilst Lookman didn’t score or assist during the game, his running really excited fans. He started on the right of midfield and assisted the progress of the ball in the match until he was substituted on the 69th minute.

Growing up in Wandsworth, Lookman recalled the street matches at Waterloo club in London, where he played until the age of 16 and pitches ‘full of leaves, with a slope and potholes’. He thanks his ‘mentors’ Des and Felix for their faith because they never gave up hope.

‘Even at times when I thought I couldn’t do it,’ says Lookman. ‘Sometimes I’d think maybe it won’t work out for me. And they’d quickly be like, “what are you talking about? God’s given you this talent for a reason; don’t ever give up on it”.’

He didn’t give up. He seized his chance when it came and has become a £20m footballer under the instruction of Julian Nagelsmann, one of the most in-demand young coaches in Europe.

Lookman enjoys biographies and documentaries about the lives of famous people. He studies speeches by the actor Denzel Washington reads when times permits.

He’s close to his family, especially, his mother, and enjoys African delicacy.

‘When I went to Germany I was eating things I didn’t know I would have eaten. I missed my mum’s cooking but whenever she comes around, she would bring the goods. You know, African food, all types of food.’

Now that he has joined the Nigeria train, Lookman will come back home more regularly to indulge in the local dishes.

Since returning to the pitch Eberechi Eze for the first time speaks about his five-month layoff watching his team from the stand

This year, Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze has been through one of the toughest experiences a player can. But he isn’t bitter or impatient. He doesn’t brush over multiple setbacks with the usual awkward platitudes. But, of course, he doesn’t drop his trademark smile either.

Speaking with Premier League Productions, the Crystal Palace midfielder gave a revealing interview about the last five months in which he sustained an injury described by then-manager Roy Hodgson as “devastating” and “freak”.

But the pain for Eze didn’t end there, as he returned to the medical room afterwards to find a call-up to the provisional England squad just weeks before Euro 2020 began.

In his own words, the 23-year-old recalls what happened.

“It was mad,” Eze smiles. “Roy said he’s leaving, which was sad. I didn’t know it was happening but there was a feeling around the place that was unsure. To hear him say it was: this isn’t good. I didn’t like that.

“Then to go and play, get injured in that way. I’d just received the ball and went to push off and it felt like someone had kicked me as hard as they could in the back of my Achilles. I looked round and no one’s there so I’m like: ‘Yeah, I know this is bad.’ I’m holding it. The adrenaline could have allowed me to get up and walk but I’m saying to myself: ‘Yeah, I know this is a problem.’ I’m already crying; I’m in tears.

“I go into the doc’s room and was thinking: ‘Oh, my gosh.’ I’m thinking about my parents – what are they going to [say] when I tell them this? My parents worry about me anyway, so this is going to be terrible for them.

“I asked Danny [Young, Player Liaison Officer] if he could get my phone. He brings it and I see a message from someone from England. It wasn’t me being selected, but it was the provisional: ‘You could potentially be selected for the 30.’ So when I saw that I was just like:” – Eze laughs at this point – “’Yeah that makes sense. That’s probably about right.’

“The way I see it, if I was meant to be there I would have been there. God had another plan and He wanted to use this for whatever reason. I’ve just got to get my head around it… I had to put my phone down. I realised this is God’s plan because you couldn’t write that. At all. From where I’ve come from to this point now, this is far beyond anything I could control.”

Read Also: EBERECHI EZE : The day I return from injury is going to be beautiful

The injury has had Eze returning to fitness since May, a period in which the club has changed markedly. He’s been forced to watch the players and manager implements an exciting new style from the sidelines, but has adopted quite the philosophy to deal with it.

Rather than moan or discuss unrealistic return dates, Eze says: “I know that I’m capable of achieving amazing things at football. I know that in myself and I believe in myself in that way. Its how I’ve been taught. It gave me that sense but it also gave me the sense I could be at peace through this whole process. I don’t need to rush or to put pressure on myself to come back.

“I know that, within myself, I can be at peace with all this, do all the work and come back as fit as possible, as good as possible. The things that are meant to come will come. That’s the way I think life is.

“You’re sitting on the side and the worst thing is you’re thinking of positions you’d be picking up the ball and stuff like that. So it’s dangerous to go too far into that because you start to rush yourself and put pressure on yourself. For me, I’m just enjoying watching the team right now because they’re playing so well and they’re doing exactly what I would have hoped in this team. It’s great to watch that and, seeing that, I just can’t wait to get back and to join them.”

Having grown up in the Arsenal Academy system, Eze spent many of his formative years idolising Vieira’s Gunners team. Today, now working under him, he’s working to start competing for the new Palace manager.

But, despite having been unable to play under Vieira yet, Eze has already felt his impact.

He ends his interview with an insight into life on Copers Cope Road, and why he’s happier now more than ever:

“I don’t tell [Vieira] this, obviously! The first time I walked in and saw him, I felt something inside me that made me sit up. I was thinking: ‘This isn’t supposed to happen. He’s a human being just like me. I shouldn’t be doing this!’ But there’s a presence about him that is just – I don’t think I’ve had that speaking to anybody.

“After speaking to him, he’s such a down to earth guy. He meets you at your level and you speak to him on your level. It’s not like this [Eze hold his hands apart, one above the other], it’s an honest conversation. So for me I can’t tell you how happen I am to be here. I’m so grateful, honestly.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Palace fan, to be at Palace. I believe anything is possible. The players we’ve got right now and the way we played was proof this works. If we take it game by game we could end up wherever.

Uchenna Kanu is fast becoming the new goal queen of Nigerian football. While Nigerians naturally look on to Barcelona star player Asisat Oshoala for direction, Kanu is quietly, stealing the show by scoring goals.

“I’m a natural goal scorer,” says the Abia state born LInkopings FC of Sweden forward. “I have gift and it is to score goals. I have nose for goals and I have scored quite a few”

This boast is not empty.

Kanu saved the Super Falcons from the perennial foes Ghana, scoring the two goals in the 2-0 defeat to secure the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) ticket for Nigeria.

The Randy Waldrum’s girls bounced back from their disappointing 4-2 loss to South Africa in the final of the Aisha Buhari Cup last month with the victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.

Kanu netted his first in the 20th minute after an alerted Kanu reacted well in the 18 yards to score with a header. The second also came through her head as she rose in the box to guide home a brilliant delivery from Toni Payne off a quickly taken free kick.

The home advantage helped Falcons secure a ticket to Morocco with the return leg ending 1-0 in favour of Ghana.

So far, she has scored 12 goals for the senior national team plus three scored at the junior level.

Uche scored 10 goals for the Super Falcons as they lifted the WAFU Cup before the 2019 World Cup in France.

LINKOPINGS

Kanu’s scoring prowess is more known in Sweden where she is a household name following her transfer from Spanish top club Sevilla in 2020.

As soon as she settled down to her new environment, Kanu quickly got down to doing her thing- scoring goals. In the ongoing season, she opened her account in April, scoring the opener for Linkopings in their 2-1 win over AIK.

It was the second game of the season. Kanu got Andree Jeglertz’s side off to a bright start when she opened the scoring after just nine minutes of action.

There in Sweden, Uche has found peace and satisfaction that comes from doing what one loves.

So far, she has scored 23 goals in 45 games with a hat-trick behind her name.

She is suited for the Swedish physical and technical football and has an eye for assists as well. She can play from the wings or behind a main striker and her versatility is an asset for any team she plays for.

“God has been kind to me in Sweden. I want to say that I’m living my dream here. I’ve al ways wanted to play for a team that I can build a career with. They are a good side and I’m enjoying my stay here.”

Read Also: Frills and thrills of FirstBank Georgian Cup

SOUTH EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Kanu, however, pointed out that her career turnaround was sparked at South Eastern University (SEU) in the United States of America.

“I used to dream a lot of this moment right from when I was in Nigeria. I applied for scholarship to play collegiate football for South Eastern University and was granted in 2016. That was my turnaround.”

The College had no idea what was coming until she hit them with goals. They were left counting.

Playing close to a 100 times for the South Eastern Fire, she scored over 150 goals and broke many records along the way.

She became the all-time collegiate scorer in the US where she got many awards and even has a day dedicated to her as “Uchenna Kanu Day.”

In 2017, Uchenna notched the 25th hat trick of her career with her three-goal effort against the Sand Sharks in the 8-0 South Eastern University victory.

Uchenna was also named the 2018 United Soccer Coaches NAIA Player of the Year. On November 18, 2019, she was honoured by the Lakeland City government for her goal-scoring feat, shattering a former record of 146 goals by Julia Schojan of Fisher College, set in 2017. She did not just equal the record; she got eleven more and on November 18 every day is now known as Uchenna Kanu day for her fantastic performances with South Eastern University Athletics.

“Goal scoring seems to come naturally for me. ‘Uchenna Kanu day’ came up because I scored, I broke the goal scoring record of 146 goals, and I had 157 goals in four years of college soccer.“I did not even know about it, until I broke the record and I was received by the mayor of the county in Florida.

“I was received and a day was made for me. I have my own day and it was because of the goals I scored.”

Since she left South Eastern University in 2018, she has played for Pensacola FC, Sevilla, and now Linkopings, but her sight is now on achieving great things with the Super Falcons.

She reiterated her ambition to score more goals in the national team: “I hope to replicate my scoring feat with the Super Falcons and help the team achieve more in Africa and the rest of the world.

“I hope to do it, not just for myself but to help the team be where they should be. As an individual, I hope to have an impact in the team as much as I can, to get the team to the top, not just in the World Cup but the next stage from where we are now.

“At least becoming top five or top ten in the world and as a team I expect us to keep doing what we do, represent Nigeria and push the team forward.

On a personal some of her interests include music and dance and her favourite athletic team is SEU women’s soccer.

 

UCHENNA KANU’S SCORECARD 

 

FRESHMAN (2016)

She made her debut mid-season for the Fire on October 15 against Thomas and netted 13 goals through the first ten games of her collegiate career, which included a hat trick versus Ave Maria. She was three time Sun Conference Offensive Player of the Week and was voted TSC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-Conference.

SOPHOMORE (2017)

She started all 21 games for South Eastern Fire. Set single-season program records for goals scored (45) and points (100). Her total in goals scored tied for fourth in the all-time NAIA single-season rankings. She registered two five-goal games, the first on October 11 versus Thomas and the second on October 28 against Ave Maria. Kanu was a five-time Sun Conference Player of the Week, The TSC Player of the Year, and First Team All-TSC. She earned NAIA Offensive Player of the Week honours on October 24, and was named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team, and was a Second Team NAIA All-American.

JUNIOR (2018)

Kanu started 23 matches for the Fire. Scored a program and NAIA single-season record 57 goals and recorded 18 assists. Her 132 points was also an SEU and NAIA single-season record. Additionally, Kanu was named The Sun Conference Player of the Year, the United Soccer Coaches NAIA Player of the Year, and represented her home country Nigeria in all four of their matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France this summer.

Kanu has represented Nigeria in the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and in the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where she netted three goals in tournament play.

Back in the spring of 2019, Raphael Onyedika came to Ikast, in the Midwestern part of Jutland-Denmark, where he started at the academy. Prior to that, he had spent three years at the FC Ebedei Youth Club in Nigeria.

“I started playing football on the street when I was very young. Then I came to the academy in Nigeria as a 15-year-old, where I was for three years before coming to Ikast. It was quite difficult to move to Denmark in the beginning. It was a completely new country, a new culture, new weather and so on, says Onyedika about his first time as a football player.

In his first full season in FC Midtjylland, he impressed in the U19 League and in the UEFA Youth League with his physique, speed and tight playing style.

“It has gone well, I think. There are many in the club who have helped me adapt to Denmark. For example, the other African players in the club were important to me in the beginning,” remembers the 20-year-old player who has only visited his family in eastern Nigeria once since arriving at FCM.

Onyedika, who is also called ‘Rafa’, is also happy with his Danish host family, which FC Midtjylland uses to help players throughout the youth system.

“My host family has also played a big role in my career so far. They help me with everything I need and they support me in everything and come and watch my matches. I am very grateful for that.”

HAPPY YEAR IN FREDERICIA

As a youth player, the physically strong Onyedika most often appeared in the central defense of FCM’s U19 team.

In the last season he has been loaned out to FC Fredericia, where he played as a defensive midfielder.

“It was my first year as a senior player, and I just had to get used to it. The game is faster, so there were some mistakes in the beginning, but it kept getting better and better, says Onyedika, who was listed for 28 matches for Fredericia.

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The season went so well that the Nigerian attracted the attention of TV3 Sports’ selection for the year.

“I am very grateful that the coach gave me the chance and gave me so much playing time. My teammates also helped me a lot on the field. All in all, it was a good year, sums up a humble Onyedika.

In terms of whether he now sees himself as a midfielder or defender, there is no doubt.

“I do not think so much about what position I should play. I’m ready no matter what place the coach needs me in, ‘Rafa’ insists.

BACK IN CENTRAL JUTLAND

Returning to FC Midtjylland Onyedika says has come with some challenges, he’s happy to be back.

“It has been a good start so far. Although there has been a lot of hard physical training, it is great to be back in Central Jutland again, says Onyedika, who is a little slower to answer what his biggest strengths on the field are.

Aptly described as the sport for Kings, Polo, anywhere it’s played has always attracted the high and mighty. But if what played out in this year’s edition of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited sponsored Georgian Cup in Kaduna is anything to by, then, one can safely say, polo, and indeed the Georgian Cup is a sport for all.

Expectedly, the week long competition was not just about jamming of mallets, display of grits and guts, and turf actions that Polo is noted for, but of razzmatazz off and on the turf. Talk of the Blue Jackets Night, of the parties, royalties and of course the sport’s teaming followers.

On the other side also are those making brisk business; the Maisuyas and the Mairekes, people who waited patiently every year for the Georgian Cup.

The Blue Jacket, which has become an important aspect of the yearly competition, was a prelude to what was to come, an appetizer of some sort. It was a night to eat and drink, a night dedicated to players, their families and friends and the sponsors. Simply put, it was a night of celebrations. Celebration of success, celebration of victory, of grits and guts and determination to excel, celebration of that ‘never say die’ spirit, some of the values the sponsor, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited hold in high esteem as if to say, ‘we will always be there for you’. And that’s what FirstBank has done for 102-years non-stop.

Blue Jacket Night is a day set out to celebrate winners of preceding tournament by adorning them the now iconic Blue Jacket. In 2020, Hadi Sirika led Abuja Rubicon were honoured for winning 2019 edition. In Kaduna last weekend, it was the turn of Kaduna El-Amin; a team promoted by the son of the former military head of State, Mohammed Ibrahim Babangida, winner of 2020 edition.

El-Amin stole the show last year when it battled Abuja Rubicon for the events coveted trophy.  The Kaduna El-Amin team led by team patron, Mohammed Ibrahim Babangida, and inspired by Argentine import, Raul put up a fantastic performance to win back the Georgian Cup, their 15th victory of the trophy made of Georgian silver in 1875.  The victory was a revenge sort of, of the defeat they received from Rubicon in 2018 and 2019.

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The last two chukkers of 2019 edition was the decider as Rubicon extended the lead to 7-5 but Raul reduced the tally and helped El-Amin levelled the game 7-7. El-Amin then showed their grit to score two goals in the last chukker even as Rubicon lost a 30-yard penalty to lose the game 7-9.

Thrilled and entertained, fans were all over the players at the blast of the closing whistle.

Now, if last year’s Georgian Cup was interesting, this year’s edition was even more. Of course, nobody had expected anything less. The rivalry between the combatants over the years is well documented. Just like the previous ones, this year’s kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the seven Chukkers the tournament lasted.

The sight big horses, high goal players, are regular features. So it was in Kaduna last weekend.

Check the list of hired assassins on ground. Ashrada Chido from Argentine and Eduardo Nico playing for Badako Zaz, a team led by Atiku Abubakar, a 3-goaler, Ashraf Yahaya, newly promoted to 3-goal player, also in the Badako team. On for Rubicon are the non-playing Captain, Promoter and Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, +1, Abdulamalik Badamosi +3, Argentine import: Tolito Ocampo and Silvestre Donovan. Malcomines had in its fold Murtala Ahmad Laushi; the patron +1 goaler, fierce rider, Hamisu Buba +4, Andre Crespo and Alejo Aramburu +6. El-Amin had one of Nigeria best in its fold, fans favourites Bello Buba +4, Martin Origi and the man simply referred as Nico and Mohammed Babangida, patron and promoter of El-Amin completed the four-man team.

To do the job were the best ponies money can buy. There were Argentine thoroughbreds and the slim fast paced Sudan ponies.

Urging the players on were high ranking Nigerians. All the way from Katsina came First Class King from that domain, the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, who is also the life patron of Nigeria Polo Association, the Emir of Kano; Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Keffi, Emir of Zaria and former Governor of Adamawa State, Umar Jibrilla Bindow.

Having been beaten in the semi-final by El-Amin, Abuja Rubicon came better prepared for the finals which they won in the seven thriller Chukkers.

By the time the bell rang for an end to the encounter, the fans, thoroughly impressed returned home thanking FirstBank for making their weekend a memorable one.

Truly, Polo is a story of dreams.