The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • CAF Champions League: Pillars aim to wallop Olympique Bangui

    CAF Champions League: Pillars aim to wallop Olympique Bangui

    Kano Pillars hope they could record a big win over Olympique de Bangui of Central African Republic in Saturday’s CAF Champions League tie.

    The first round, first leg game is schedulded for Saturday afternoon at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

    Pillars coach Mohammed Babaganaru told MTNFootball.com that they have perfected their plans to beat their opponent by a big score so that the return leg would be a mere formality.

    “We are ready for the match. We have perfected our plan to try and win the game convincingly with a very wide margin so that the second leg won’t be very important,” said Babaganaru, who in September led Pillars to their second league crown.

    “We know nothing about our opponents but that won’t be a problem as we are fully ready to give the best in this match.

    “Our players are fit there is no cause for alarm, they are all okay for the game.”

    The little known Central Africa Republic team are due in Kano today.

    Kano Pillars are appearing in this competition for the third time after reaching the semi-final in 2009, wile they crashed out in the first round in 2011.

    Pillars will be counting on new recruit Kabiru Umar, Gambo Mohammed, U20 International Shehu Abdulahi and Rabiu Ali to do the damage on Saturday.

    Olympique de Bangui are appearing in the CAF Champions League for the second time in their history.

    In 2011, they were knocked out by Mouloudia Algier 3-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round.

    They have won the Central African Republic league 10 times.

  • Baseball federation invite 40 players to camp

    Baseball federation invite 40 players to camp

    No fewer than 40 players have been invited by the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) to camp, for the 2nd International Baseball Federation (IBAF) U-12 championship billed for Taipei, in July.

    Olajide Abidoye, the team Manager of NBSA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday on telephone, that the camp will hold from Feb. 18 to Feb. 26 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    “The players are being invited to the first phase of the camp, ahead of our preparations for the IBAF U-12 competition scheduled for July in Taipei, Taiwan. The 40 players we have invited are expected to resume camp in Ibadan on Feb. 18, for the technical crew to work with,’’the NBSA team manager said.

    Abidoye told NAN that 20 players would be selected out of the 40 players at the end of the second phase of the programme in March.

    “At the end of the second camp phase in March, 20 of the best players will be eventually selected to represent the country at the competition,’’ he added.

    The IBAF U-12 championship is the 2nd edition of the prime category (budding talents) to develop and foster the growth of the sport around the world.

  • Rabiu Ibrahim’s boss risks SFA’s axe

    Rabiu Ibrahim’s boss risks SFA’s axe

    Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels was sent off from the dugout during his side’s 1-1 draw with Inverness on Wednesday night risks being banned by the Scottish FA.

    Shiels was dismissed after displaying his anger when he thought his side should have been awarded a late penalty but he believes he would not be receiving a new touchline ban despite making his return from a four-match suspension.

    The coach was sent off just after Borja Perez had earned Killie an unlikely Clydesdale Bank Premier League point with their first shot on target.

    Referee Bobby Madden sent Shiels off but the Killie boss was reassured by the referee after the game that the resulting action will not spark a third ban in recent months – although he may have to go through a Scottish Football Association hearing first, and has a suspended ban hanging over him.

    “I was frustrated he didn’t give the penalty and I turned round and kicked fresh air and there was a bottle lying on its belly and it touched the bottle. I didn’t mean to kick the bottle.

    “But the rule has been changed because Neil Lennon and Steve Lomas had theirs rescinded. Neil Lennon kicked a bottle here and didn’t get anything done against him.

    “But then I’m not Neil Lennon so we’ll see what happens though the referee said it was just protocol because there was someone watching me up in the stands.”

    Shiels was proud of his players for hanging on long enough to snatch a point.

  • Wushu-Kungfu practitioners hope sport will be at 2020 Olympics

    Wushu-Kungfu practitioners hope sport will be at 2020 Olympics

    Michael Oladeinde, Technical Director, Nigeria Wushu-Kungfu Federation (NWKF), on Thursday said he was hopeful that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would adopt the sport at the 2020 Olympic Games.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Executive Board of the IOC on Feb. 12 de-listed wresting from the sports for the 2020 Games.

    It has shortlisted Wushu-Kungfu, Karate, Baseball/Softball, Squash, Roller Sports, Wakeboarding Sport climbing to replace Wrestling.

    Oladeinde told NAN in Lagos that the decision would avail the International Wushu-Kungfu Federation with more time to push for the inclusion of the sport in the 2020 Olympics.

    “This is good news for members of the International Wushu-Kungfu Federation. I strongly believe the sport will take the slot at the 2020 Olympics,’’ he said.

    Oladeinde said the sport was demonstrated at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for the world to see and embrace. The technical director said the body had started grooming young talents that would represent the country when the sport was eventually included in the Olympics.

    “We already have young talents that we are nurturing to represent the country if the sport is finally in the Olympics,’’ Oladeinde said.

    Also, the Secretary of NWKF, Solomon Mgbejume, said the federation would engage athletes in competitions to prepare them ahead of the 2020 Olympics. He said that he was optimistic that the sport which has many medals, would be part of the 2020 Games.

    “There are close to 100 medals to be won in Wushu-Kungfu and we will engage our athletes in competitions to prepare them ahead of 2020.

    A Wushu-Kungfu judge, Felix Asemota, said the development was an indication of the popularity of the sport across the world. He added that the NWKF should seize the opportunity to improve its technical officials and promote the sport at the grassroots.

  • Nigeria now 30th in FIFA rankings

    Nigeria now 30th in FIFA rankings

    Nigeria leapt 22 places up the FIFA rankings on Thursday following Super Eagles victory at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations but the continent remained without a team in the top ten.

    The Super Eagles, who edged Burkina Faso 1-0 in Sunday’s final in South Africa to win the competition for the first time in 19 years, rose to 30th place in the table, the team’s best position for three years.

    The Burkinabes, who exceeded expectations by reaching the final, stayed outside the top 50 but had jumped 37 places to 55th, Supersport.com reports.

    Ivory Coast, beaten by Nigeria in the quarterfinals, remained Africa’s highest-ranked side in 12th, followed by Ghana seven places below.

    Surprise package Cape Verde, who reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, moved up 13 places to 63rd.

    CONCACAF’s highest-ranked team is Mexico in 15th while the best Asia could muster was Japan, who is ranked 28th.

    Five-times World Cup winners and 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil remained in 18th spot, the team’s lowest-ever ranking, after losing 2-1 to England in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first game back as coach last week.

    The win took England up two places to fourth.

    The South Americans showed their strength-in-depth as Venezuela climbed 10 places to 45th, leaving all of the continent’s 10 teams in the top 50.

    There was no change in the top three where world and European champions Spain lead, followed by Germany and Argentina.

    The Turks and Caicos Islands, Bhutan and San Marino were tied in 207th and last place.

     

  • Bright Dike out for six months

    Bright Dike out for six months

    Nigeria striker, Bright Dike, who missed the recently concluded African Cup of Nations in South Africa, will be out for six months due to a knee injury, his club announced.

    This has therefore dashed the player’s hope of returning to the Super Eagles in time for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in June.

    MTNFootball.com reports that Dike is expected to be out of action till August.

    He sustained the injury in the Timbers’ pre-season match against Seattle Sounders FC on February 5.

    His manager at the MLS side, Caleb Porter, expressed disappointment with the striker’s injury setback.

    “It’s too bad,” Porter lamented.

    “We feel for Bright. He was going to be a key piece for us this year. But that’s football, it happens and guys get injured. He’s a tough kid, he’s a great kid, and he’s a good kid. We’ll miss him, but he’ll overcome this.”

    Deon McCaulay, a Belize international forward, is being evaluated as a possible replacement for Dike.

    “We need to look at our options,” Porter said. “Losing Bright, he was a guy who was going to push for a starting spot. We’re certainly looking at what options are out there. We want to see how [McCaulay] does, Mwanga.”

     

  • Eagles receive Adenuga’s N160m cheque

    Eagles receive Adenuga’s N160m cheque

    In fulfilment of his pledge to the Super Eagles in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday , Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, (GCON), Chairman, Globacom Limited, on Tuesday night in Abuja presented a cheque of N160 million to the the Super Eagles for winning the 29th edition of the African Cup of Nations. The event was held at the Banquet Hall of Dr. Mike Adenuga’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

    Speaking at the occasion, Dr Adenuga said, “we are indeed proud of the achievement of the Nigerian national team at the African Cup of Nations. I congratulate the Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, the rest of the coaching crew, the players, the Nigerian Football Federation and the Federal Government for this important victory which has rekindled hope among our people.”

    The Globacom Chairman subsequently presented the cheque for N160 million, the equivalent of the sum of $1m he promised the team, to Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo.

    Responding to Dr. Adenuga’s gesture, Yobo said: “I want to thank you very much on behalf of the team. You made a pledge to us just on Monday morning and here we are on Tuesday night for the redemption of the pledge. We thank you for everything you’ve done for Nigerian football; we thank you for being the No 1 supporter of the Super Eagles. This financial support you have given to us will go a long way to motivate us.”

    Speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, President, Nigerian Football Federation, thanked Dr. Adenuga for the money and the cars.

    He said: “On behalf of the Nigerian football family, I want to thank you most sincerely. This relationship between Globacom and Nigerian football will endure for a long time. You have been very supportive of Nigerian football over the years, sponsoring the league and the national teams.”

    Marketing Consultant to the NFF and Chairman of Pamodzi, Mike Itemuagbor, thanked the Globacom Chairman for consistently supporting Nigerian football for the past 10 years. He said that Globacom had within the period spent over N9 billion in cash and kind to support the development of Nigerian football.

  • AFCON FINAL MISS: It’s a nightmare-Emenike

    AFCON FINAL MISS: It’s a nightmare-Emenike

    Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has described as a nightmare his inability to play in the finals of the 29th edition of the Africa Nations Cup held in South Africa.

    The 2013 Nations Cup highest goal scorer said, when it became obvious that he would not be part of the match, he was full of bitterness.

    “I want to tell you that it was like a nightmare for me when the doctors told me that I would have to rest the legs, and would not be part of the final match. It was not that I never trusted my colleagues, but because I wanted to contribute my quota to ensure that my countrymen are happy. It was not that I was eager to increase my goal tally, but to contribute to the team’s success,” he said.

    “Because, we have been working like a family, and wanted to consolidate on that. Where I was sitting all through the match, I was praying for the success of my colleagues, I thank God they lived up to all expectations.”

    On his highest goal scorer award, the Anambra state born bully striker said he dedicates the award to all Nigerians for standing behind the Super Eagles all through the tournament. “I dedicate that award to all Nigerians. They were really in support of us with their prayers, and we promise not to let them down in subsequent matches.”

    Emmanuel Chinenye Emenike was born on 10 May 1987 in Otuocha, Anambra State, and currently plays as striker for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League.

    Emenike started his football career with Delta Force. Later on his career, he transferred to South African National First Division team Mpumalanga Black Aces in January 2008 and debuted against Dynamos F.C. on 17 February 2008. He scored his first goal with the team in his debut but Black Aces lost the match 4-2. He was a member of the Black Aces team that lost against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final.In May 2008 he joined First Division team F.C. Cape Town.

    In 2009 Emenike signed a one-year loan deal with Karabükspor. On the opening game of the 1.Lig season on 23 August 2009, Emenike made his debut in a 3-3 draw against Samsunspor and would score his first goal on 11 October, against Kartal. Emenike would score his first hat-trick of his Turkish career in a 6-1 win over Mersin Idmanyurdu and scored another hat-trick on 14 February 2010 in a 4-2 win over Kayseri Erciyesspor. He would on to score 16 goals in the 1.Lig, leading the club to the title and automatic promotion. Emenike won the 1.Lig Best Foreign Player award at the end of the 2009–10 season, and also had his contract extended by three years for 300.000 €.

    Emenike scored four goals in the just ended Africa Nations Cup in South Africa to emerge winner. An armstring injury he sustained in the semi final match against Mali ruled him out of the final match against Burkina Faso.

  • Bright Dike undergoes surgery

    Bright Dike undergoes surgery

    Nigeria international Bright Dike has successfully ndergone surgery on an injured knee in Oregon, USA, the player disclosed.

    The Portlands Timber striker told MTNFootball.com that he suffered the injury while playing a pre-season match against Seattle Sounders.

    “I injured my knee during a test game for my team against Seattle Sounders. It all happened when their goalkeeper and a player fell on my leg. I thank God the surgery was successful and I am looking forward to a quick recovery,” Dike told MTNFootball.com.

    On his international career, Bright Dike, who became a big hit among Nigeria fans when he scored a superb goal in a friendly against Catalonia as part of the build-up to the 2013 AFCON, told MTNFootball.com he hopes to be involved in the Eagles 2014 World Cup qualifiers and Confederations Cup.

    “I hope to be back with Eagles for the World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup, but I don’t know for now when because it will depend on my recovery,” Dike said.

    Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United who is on trial with the MLS side scored the only goal for Portland Timbers in a 1-0 win.

    Dike has congratulated the Eagles for their victory in South Africa and said he would have been surprised if Emmanuel Emenike had not emerged as the top scorer of the tournament.

    “I congratulate Nigeria for winning the Nations Cup. I always knew Emenike would do well and score goals. I would have been surprised if he didn’t end up as top scorer. He is a wonderful goal getter,” Dike hailed his cousin Emenike.

  • Ambrose: 2014 World Cup is next target

    Ambrose: 2014 World Cup is next target

    Efe Ambrose has said Nigeria will now shift focus to qualifying for next year’s World Cup after they won the AFCON.

    Nigeria are top of a qualifying group that has Malawi, Namibia and Kenya with four points. They host bottom team Kenya on March 22 in continuation of the qualifying series.

    The versatile defender, who did not return to Nigeria so that he could feature for his Scottish club in Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 match against Juventus, revealed to MTNFootball.com the Eagles were fired to win the AFCON after they were not given a chance.

    The Glasgow Celtic defender, who was named as the best right back of the tournament, told MTNFootball.com in this interview that unity, determination and zeal to make history galvanised them to be crowned African champions.

    Congratulations on being crowned an African champion?

    Ambrose: Thank you.

    How does it feel being an African champion?

    It is a great feeling, I am on top of the world and give God the glory for making it happen. We are worthy champions because we worked for it.

    Nobody gave the Super Eagles any chance to win the trophy, what did that do to the team?

    Honestly, we were seen as underdogs before the competition started. Many believed Cote d’Ivoire or Ghana will win the title and I believe that is one of the reasons why we are now champions of Africa.

    How do you mean?

    You know we were not under pressure as people were not expecting us to win, that made us to be determined to write our name in gold, work harder and make Nigeria proud. I thank God he made it happen for us. We worked hard and believe in God.

    Who would you dedicate the victory in South Africa to?

    I dedicate the victory to God who has crowned my efforts and that of the team. I also dedicate it to my family and all Nigerians who stood by us while the competition lasted.

    Who influenced you the most in the team?

    Everybody did his best to achieve this. We are one big family. We talked to ourselves and played for ourselves on the pitch.

    You were named the best right back at the tournament, how do you feel about this?

    I give God all the glory for giving me the strength to do well. It is not only me, but it happened due to the contributions of my teammates who did well on the field to make my job easier. The coach too did a great job on me and the team. Above all, I thank all the fans and supporters who prayed for me and the team while the tournament lasted.

    After winning the AFCON, what is your next target?

    That is the Brazil 2014 World Cup. We have qualifiers by next month and so I want to do my best and help Nigeria qualify for that.

    What of the FIFA Confederations Cup, which will take place in Brazil in June?

    It will be a big tournament too where we will fly Africa’s flag. I am looking forward to that too, but the World Cup is the main target for me. That is the biggest stage.

    What is your message to the fans?

    I thank them all for supporting us, and we will keep doing well so as not to disappoint them.