The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Minister denies booking Super Eagles return tickets

    Minister denies booking Super Eagles return tickets

    Sports Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has condemned a publication in a national newspaper claiming that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had booked the return tickets for the Super Eagles before the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa was played.

    The Sports Minster clarified this in a release signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Julius Ogunro yesterday.

    According to Ogunro, “our attention has been drawn to a news report titled, ‘Incredible! NFF booked Eagles return tickets before q/final match’ back page of the Vanguard newspaper of yesterday.

    “The thrust of the story was that the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation lacked faith in the technical crew of the Super Eagles and did not expect the team to go beyond the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    “According to the outlandish claim by the writer, the NFF had perfected plans for the return of the team before the match against the Elephants of Cote’d Ivoire because it expected the Super Eagles to lose.

    “We wish to state that there is no grain of truth in this report. It is ridiculous, lacks merit and is the product of the fertile imagination of the author. Even more depressing is the fact that the peddler of this falsehood, a reporter with the renowned national newspaper, lacks elementary knowledge about how international football competitions are organized. If the reporter is sure of his claim he should provide evidence of the so-called travel arrangements and the name of the airline.

    “For the sake of clarifications, it is the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), not the NSC or the NFF, that is responsible for the return flight arrangements of the teams in the Nations Cup. CAF is also responsible for their accommodation, feeding and transportation to the venue of the matches. It can only book return tickets for a team after it has crashed out of a tournament, not before.

    “The NSC and NFF have absolutely no role to play in these arrangements. It is absurd for a reporter who should know better to suggest the contrary, except he is pursuing a hidden agenda. That seems to be the only reasonable explanation for the devious report. At a time when all Nigerians are celebrating the Super Eagles for making the nation proud by beating the Elephants of Cote’d Ivoire, the only goal of that report seems to be to demoralize the team and set them against football administrators in the country

    “We therefore call on the management of the Vanguard newspaper to investigate the claims made and take appropriate actions to ensure that this type of devious mischief is not repeated.

    “The Honorable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has however appealed to the technical crew and the players of the Super Eagles not to be distracted by hearsays and rumors, and to focus on wining their next match. He also thanked the management of the newspaper, especially the Publisher, for their support over time.”

  • Keshi happy to drop Osaze, Martins

    Keshi happy to drop Osaze, Martins

    The Super Eagles’ coach has said that his team is still developing even after it qualified for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with massive victory against Mali in Durban

    Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has reiterated that confidence in the crop of players that he brought to the Africa Cup of Nations has ensured the team’s continued progress as they qualified for the final on Wednesday.

    The Super Eagles defeated Mali 4-1 in Durban with goals from Elderson Echiejile, Ideye Brown, Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa. Mali’s goal was scored by Mady Diarra.

    Going into the tournament, Keshi had been criticised for dropping big names Peter Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Taye Taiwo among a few others.

    “Most Nigerians didn’t understand, it’s not only skilful players that can do the job for you in a tournament. You want the mentality to be strong, you want team players, people that can really work for the team,” Keshi said after the team’s victory.

    “Beyond that I know there’s a lot of potential for this team but it’s going to take a while to build and for them to understand the style I want them to play.”

  • Ngodigha tips Eagles for final

    Ngodigha tips Eagles for final

    Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, David Ngodigha, believes Nigeria would reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations following their decisive victory against the Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals.

    Nigeria played their best match since the start of the competition to send the pre-tournament favourites crashing, and Ngodigha reckons they should be able to beat Mali on Wednesday with their new found form.

    He told Supersport.com: “We are definitely the favourites to beat Mali and reach the final.

    “The Super Eagles didn’t convince us much in the group stages, and I feel the boys probably realised this and decided to raise their game and they have now shown that typical Nigerian fighting spirit in major tournaments that had been lacking earlier on.

    “They stuck together, worked hard, marked very well, were quick to the ball and generally took the game to the Ivorians.

    “The team have found some momentum and are playing really well at the moment.

    “The change in attitude unsettled the plans of Sabri Lamouchi, and it would be best for them to continue with the same team against Mali.

    “I can’t see Mali surviving us if we play with the same belief and team work; we should only avoid being over complacent and realise we still have tough opposition ahead.”

    Ngodigha also put the team’s resurgence down to the fact that the coaches were bold enough to make a raft of changes.

    “The coaches made changes after each game and they have tinkered the team gradually from being laid back to one that plays robustly,” he said.

    “After the first game (Kenneth) Omeruo was brought in to pair (Godfrey) Oboabona, and when Efe Ambrose returned from suspension, we had a determined quartet of youngsters in defence who are ready to play for 95 minutes.

    “(Sunday) Mba and (Ogenyi) Onazi’s introduction appears to have done the trick in the middle, as they have complemented Mikel’s efforts; for once we had a very mobile and fluid midfield that didn’t leave much gap between themselves and the forward line.

    “In the attack, Ahmed Musa hasn’t really found his best form in this competition, and something had to be done.

    “Ideye has taken his chance well and it also helped having two strikers in the middle rather than two wide men and a lone striker,” he reasoned.

  • Mali not scared of Nigeria- Coach Carteron

    Mali not scared of Nigeria- Coach Carteron

    Mali is full of confidence ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal game with Nigeria on Wednesday.

    The Eagles edged out host South Africa in the quarter final via penalty to book a semifinal date with Nigeria, who are seen as favourite in this encounter.

    Mali coach Patrice Carteron has said his side is not afraid of Nigeria, but only accord the Stephen Keshi led lads respect.

    I’m not afraid of them, but I respect them, he said on super sport television.

    Carteron said if his side give their utmost best, there could be a possible miracle for the Malians.

    If we give our hundred percent and stay focus, maybe we’ll get a miracle.

    In order to win we need to play very well. We need to play with our heart and great commitment, Carteron said on Tuesday .

    Mali lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast in the semifinal of 2012 AFCON hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and went on to claim the bronze medal ahead of Ghana with a 2-0 victory.

  • Nsofor: Everyone expects Nigeria – Ghana final

    Nsofor: Everyone expects Nigeria – Ghana final

    Lokomotiv Moscow attacking all-rounder Victor Obinna was ignored for selection when Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi released his African Cup of Nations roster.

    Obinna, who has been monitoring the Eagles performance in South Africa, has commented to the official website of the Railway Men the reasoning behind Keshi’s decision to omit him from the squad which has qualified for the semi-finals of Africa’s premier soccer competition.

    Obinna told the official website, fclm.ru: ”I watch most of the matches on the internet. As it happens, neither in Dubai, either here in Cyprus, no Eurosport, which is showing the tournament. The main upset of course – the quarterfinal game against Cote d’Ivoire. And I was pleased that they qualified – Nigeria.

    ”There are many other surprises. For example, hardly anyone expected to see Cape Verde in the group stages. And I have a feeling that this is not the latest sensation. Now everyone expects that the final will be played between Nigeria and Ghana. And I would not be surprised if Burkina Faso beat Ghana. And Nigeria will find it difficult against Mali. But I believe in the guys – they are fully able to win the African Cup of Nations, we have now selected a very good team.”

    He went further: ”I did not have much luck with the coaching staff that formed the backbone of the team. And another problem, in Nigeria they don’t show the Russian championship. The same coaches have seen Emenike play in the Champions League. Hopefully, this year, Lokomotiv Moscow will be back playing in European competition and then I’ll be back in front of the coach. Spoke to Emenike, who is now in the national team preparing for the semi-finals of the African Cup. I am very happy for the guys and personally for Emenike – he has scored three goals in the tournament. ”

    Obinna’s strike against FC Terek Grozny back in September was voted the most beautiful goal in 2012 by the official website of Lokomotiv Moscow.

  • Henry Nwosu: Past results won’t count

    Henry Nwosu: Past results won’t count

    Ex-Eagles star, Henry Nwosu has warned that previous records between Nigeria and Mali would count for little when both nations clash in the semi final of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations holding in South Africa today.

    After three matches involving both countries at previous AFCON tournaments, Super Eagles remain unbeaten after picking two wins and a draw in those encounters.

    At the 2002 AFCON which Mali hosted Nigeria triumphed 1-0 with Yakubu Aiyegbeni solitary goal during the third place match played in Mopti.

    Both nations met again two years later in Tunisia in the third place match with the Super Eagles having the upper hands again in Monastir.

    Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Peter Osaze Odemwingie accounting for Nigeria’s goals before a certain Abouta halved the scoreline to make 2-1.

    Both sides met for the third time in 2008 in Sekondi,Ghana during the group phase. It ended goalless.

    But in an interview Nwosu admonished the country’s flag bearer to approach the semi final tie with the same way they did against Cote d’Ivoire if they want to book a place in the Sunday’s grand finale.

    Nwosu said:”We have another serious encounter with the Malians. on Wednesday. We need to forget about the euphoria of our victory over Ivory Coast. It is time to get serious.”

  • Mali, Nigeria set Durban alight!

    Mali, Nigeria set Durban alight!

    After the epic victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, the Super Eagles must display the same verve against a Mali side that is young, hungry and led by a wily old-head in Seydou Keita.

    Mali were third place finishers last year in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, but their record against Nigeria does not look good. In their last four Afcon encounters, Nigeria has prevailed on two occasions and drawn the other two.

    So Wednesday’s game against the Nigerians is as much about pride as it is about changing recent records in their favour. Mohamed Sissoko and Samba Diabate are a doubt for Mali with injuries, while Fegor Ogude could come back into the Nigerian line-up to replace Ogenyi Onazi.

    The Super Eagles must bring their game to Durban on Wednesday if they are to have any hope of dislodging the ambitions of the Eagles of Mali, who want to win the Afcon title for their country, which is currently in political and social turmoil.

    Coach Stephen Keshi does not necessarily need to change the team that was used in the quarter-final, barring any injuries, but the players need to be told that they have to show the same level of commitment and drive that they displayed against Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.

    In their penalty shootout victory over South Africa, Mali showed thaat they are well prepared tactically and technically to weather any storm and will look to drag this encounter into their comfort zone, so expect a cagey affair with the Malians playing on the counter-attack and the Super Eagles looking to get an early goal to settle their nerves.

  • Ugbade to Super Eagles: Come all out to beat Mali

    Ugbade to Super Eagles: Come all out to beat Mali

    Golden Eaglets Assistant Coach, Nduka Ugbade has tasked the Super Eagles to come all out like they did against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire if they want to nick a spot in the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The Eagles proved bookmakers wrong with a tantalising display against the Ivoriens which fetched them a famous 2-1 victory.

    But Ugbade in a brief chat informed that if Nigeria lowered their guard against Mali and become complacent, their West African neighbours could shock them.

    He said Eagles should be ready to work for the entire duration of the game and ensure they don’t give their opponents an opportunity to express themselves.

    “The Malians are a good side. I took time to watch their game against South Africa and I must say that they were never tired.

    “We should try to assert ourselves on the game and try to pin them in their half. We should be ready too to play the entire duration of the game without losing much steam or enthusiasm.

    “They are also a youthful side and we must play just exactly as we did against Cote d’Ivoire if we are to stand a chance at all,” Ugbade said.

     

  • Nigerians in South Africa demand more from Eagles

    Nigerians in South Africa demand more from Eagles

    BASKING in the Euphoria of the Super Eagles victory over the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Sunday’s quarter final clash at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Nigerians living in South Africa have urged Eagles to go all out and beat Mali in Wednesday’s semi final clash.

    The jubilant supporters who spoke to SportingLife on Monday said they were proud of what Nigeria’s performance against the Ivorians. They have however begged them not to relent on their oars until they get the job done.

    Ken Agbim, a business man, said the Eagles had proved doubters wrong and want the chief coach, Stephen Keshi to keep the winning team.

    “The match is something made out of the heaven because it is just a miracle. I am very sure that Nigerians never expected that performance from them. Eagles proved every one wrong on Sunday. I will suggest that the coach would keep this selection against our next opponents because you don’t change a winning team. I wish Eagles all the best as they try to make us proud again when they face Mali.”

    Olorunfemi Omoola aka ‘Olubadan of Ibadan’ pleaded with the Eagles to go the extra mile and get victory against Mali on Wednesday in Durban, he said: “We thank God that the boys didn’t disappoint us. We prayed to God and he answered our prayers. We are still hopeful that the Cup is going to Nigeria by the special grace of God because we’ve passed the big hurdle. What I want from Eagles on Wednesday is winning even if it is 1-0. Winning is winning.”

    “Super Eagles tried for the Cote d’ Ivoire match, I believe if they can put more efforts they will reach the finals. I don’t want them to let the victory against Cote d’Ivoire to get into their head. We are very happy and we are still celebrating and we don’t want them to dash our hope. We can believe now and we believe in them,” another Nigerian, Mutiu Sofoluwe said.

  • MAN DIES WATCHING EAGLES, COTE D VOIRE MATCH

    The on – going African Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa has claimed its first casualty in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as one Moshood Owolabi slumped and died.

    SportingLife gathered that Owolabi, 40, and father of two kids, died on Sunday while watching the quarter final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire at a crowded viewing centre at Promise Stadium in Lanlepe compound, Oke-Sokori area of Abeokuta.

    Owolabi could no longer control himself as the match progressed. He suddenly jerked up from his seat only to collapse on the lap of another viewer, sitting adjacent to him.

    An Engineer with Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) at theFederal Ministry of Works in Abeokuta office of the Federal Ministry of Works, he started to choke and foam from both mouth and nose.

    He was quickly rushed to Success Medical Clinic and later to First Alpha Medical Centre where he was confirmed dead.

    Medical Director of Success Medical Clinic, Dr Odede Kolawole, confirmed the deceased was brought dead to his hospital and efforts to revive him failed.

    Dr Kolawole said Owolabi probably died of anoxia (shortage of oxygen)as a result of excessive inhalation of carbon dioxide.

    Kolawole said: “Immediately the man was brought in dead. A close friend of the deceased told me of how he survived a fatal accident about two months ago.

    “From the way I saw him, he looked weak and sick for a very long period of time. Like someone who was managing his life, and facing a crowd with shortage of oxygen he must have suffered from anoxia persistently for a long period of time but it was late before he was brought here.”

    A witness, Mr Taiwo Adebayo, said it was like Owolabi had cardiac arrest and was foaming when he fell to the ground.

    He noted that the deceased was rescued and taken to the clinic alive but there was no doctor to attend to him at the first clinic and said it was while rushing him to the second clinic that he died on the way.

    He said:“We were together when the match started, when Moses played a shot on target and it was deflected off by the Ivorian defender. It was at that time that he fell on someone’s laps as is if he suffered from cardiac arrest and he started foaming.