The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Super Eagles quarantined

    Super Eagles quarantined

    Super Eagles defender Azubuike Egwuekwe may not be available for Nigeria’s second group C game against Zambia on Friday at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

    SportingLife understands that the player is plagued with chicken pox which was brought into camp by fellow teammate Reuben Gabriel who is also down with a groin injury. It would be recalled that Gabriel’s inclusion generated controversy.

    A sign that the player had been infected with the contagious disease manifested before Nigeria’s opening game against Burkina Faso.

    Chief coach Stephen Keshi may be sticking to injured Captain Joseph Yobo in the centre back for Friday’s decider.

    “That was why Yobo could not be substituted in our match against Burkina Faso because Azubuike who plays the same position had chicken pox.

    “So do not be surprised when you see Yobo play the full game on Friday,” our source said.

    The rest of the players have been vaccinated to avoid the disease spreading further.

    They were quarantined two days after their arrival from Faro, Portugal.

    Nigeria needs to defeat Zambia to brighten its chances of qualifying for the quarter- final.

  • Mikel boasts: Zambia will fall

    Mikel boasts: Zambia will fall

    Man of the match against Burkina, Mikel Obi, has said that Nigeria will beat Zambia on Friday to take a bold step towards qualification to the quarterfinals.

    Group C is wide open after both opening day matches ended in 1-1 draws – Ethiopia vs Zambia and Nigeria vs Burkina Faso.

    Chelsea midfielder Mikel, who posted a man-of-the-match display against Burkina Faso on Monday, told MTNFootball.com that they have taken the draw with Burkina Faso in good faith as they look forward to securing victories in subsequent games.

    “We are disappointed with the draw no doubt especially the way it happened, but we have put that behind us now and will strive harder to beat Zambia. I am sure we won’t disappoint ourselves and Nigerians, who should continue to support us,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com.

    Mikel, who is featuring in his fourth AFCON, said the Eagles were a bit naïve in the manner they approached the closing stages of the encounter. He said he would have preferred the three points to being man of the match.

    The star midfielder was injured and not available for selection when Nigeria beat Chipolopolo 2-0 in Kaduna in November 2011 in a friendly with goals from the Uche brothers, Kalu and Ikechukwu.

  • Yobo admits Burkina Faso slip up

    Yobo admits Burkina Faso slip up

    Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo, has opened up that his team slipped up against Burkina Faso in Monday’s AFCON match in Nelspruit.

    Yobo and his teammates had their hearts broken at the death of their opening game at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations when Alain Traore cancelled out Emmanuel Emenike’s first half goal. But the 32-year-old centre-back is of the view that the slip has not ended his team’s ambition of progressing from their group.

    “One slip on the way does not end the journey, as we are determined to make Nigerians happy with this tournament,” said the Nigerian skipper.

    The Fenerbahce man also praised the Nigerian squad for their spirited effort in their AFCON opening game in spite of the draw and made it clear that they are motivated by the letter from their country’s president, Goodluck Jonathan to do well in the tournament.

    “I will like to on behalf of my teammates assure Mr President, that we will not let him down. All we need is for him to continue to say his fatherly prayers for us all and we shall surely deliver,” he said.

    Jonathan’s letter to the Super Eagles was delivered to the team on Monday evening by the Nigerian sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi in company of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership.

    “The Africa Cup of Nations has always been an exciting and important sports event for us in Nigeria and other African countries. However, this edition of 2013 even holds a greater significance for us as a nation. Next year 2014, our dear country will be one-hundred-years-old.

    “As we look back and celebrate our achievements as a strong, united nation, we cannot understate the role that sports, especially football played in our national life. Football remains one enduring unifying factor in our country which transcends our diversity. A successful outing at the Africa Cup of Nations will offer a great opportunity to further inspire pride, faith and hope in a re-energised new Nigeria in the course of our centennial celebrations,” part of the president’s letter read.

  • Igesund basks in Angola win

    Igesund basks in Angola win

    Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has revealed he told his players to “go for it” ahead of their 2-0 victory over Angola on Wednesday.

    The victory in Group A of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations gives the host nation much confidence after their dismal opening day 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

    It was a completely different performance from Bafana, who attacked with menace and passed the ball a lot better. Igesund made five changes for the match and all of those who were brought in did well.

    “I said after our last game that this game was a must win,” Igesund says. “But I felt I had to gamble, I couldn’t be scared to lose. I told the players we couldn’t be scared to lose and they responded.

    “The Cape Verde game was different, we didn’t have the commitment, that was the big difference. [Today] We had to just go for it. I told the players to believe, I told them I believe in them. I was confident the back-four could do the job, and they did.”

    Igesund says it was important for his side to keep playing positively when they were 2-0 up and not allow Angola a way back into the game.

    “This game is a strange game; you can be 2-0 up and they score, and all of a sudden they’re back in it, but we were magnificent. I want to say to the whole team, everyone who went out there today did brilliantly.

    “When we scored I was very happy, because we’re a tough team to beat. We kept a clean sheet last week, today, and we’re looking forward to the next game (against Morocco on Sunday).”

    But Igesund does admit that there is still much work to be done if the side is to get into the quarter-finals.

    “We don’t want to get too excited, we just want to see the result [between Morocco and Cape Verde] before we start looking ahead,” he added.

  • Emenike: This is not my best

    Emenike: This is not my best

    Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has told MTNFootball.com he has yet to hit top form even after scoring on his AFCON debut on Monday.

    The Spartak Moscow striker powered Nigeria in front after 23 minutes against Burkina Faso, but he has now said there is a lot more left in his tank at this competition. His goal and high work rate against the Stallions certainly justified his starting role ahead of the more prolific Ikechukwu Uche.

    Coach Stephen Keshi has already tipped the former FC Cape Town star to match the exploits of the late Rashidi Yekini.

    “I have never lost my self belief and I will still like to say that my best is yet to be seen. I will always keep getting better in the team and score important goals like this,” Emenike told MTNFootball.com.

    The big centre-forward said the team were disappointed they did not beat Burkina Faso, but he demanded the focus should now be on Friday’s all-important clash against Zambia.

    “It was not as we had hoped (draw vs Burkina Faso), but that is football for you. We don’t need to be down cast, we just need to remain focused and work harder for the next game against Zambia,” Emenike urged.

    “The draw was not really what we wanted and not too good for us, so we must step up and we must show more character. We are still on course to progress to the next round. And I believe the draw with Burkina Faso will make us to be more ruthless and take our chances against Zambia.“

  • Rose falls 3 spots behind leader at Qatar Masters

    Rose falls 3 spots behind leader at Qatar Masters

    Justin Rose suffered a one-stroke penalty that left him three shots behind leader Ricardo Santos after the opening round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

    Runner-up to Jamie Donaldson in Abu Dhabi last week, Rose had to be content with a four-under-par 68 after he was penalised a foot from the hole on the short 17th.

    England’s world No 4 had missed his birdie attempt and was addressing the ball ready to tap in when he noticed it moved a fraction.

    Penalised: Justin Rose lost a shot after his ball moved on the 17th green at the Doha Golf Club

    European Tour referee Paul Carrigill, himself a former player on the circuit, was called and with no wind to blame for the change in position he imposed the extra shot and told Rose to move the ball back before continuing.

    The incident did not unsettle him, however. After holing for a bogey four the 32-year-old found the green in two at the 589-yard last and two-putted for his sixth birdie.

    One of Rose’s playing partners was Ryder Cup team-mate Martin Kaymer. He was playing with Tiger Woods last Friday when the American incurred a two-stroke penalty for taking a wrong drop and missed the halfway cut because of it.

    Rose told Sky Sports he felt ‘completely hard done by’, but accepted the penalty was correct.

    ‘I think that’s happened to a lot of guys in the past. To cut to the chase, the greens aren’t perfect and have a lot of ridges and humps and hollows.

    ‘It was just unfortunate timing that as I put my putter behind the ball, which I know didn’t cause the ball to move, the ball was finding some indentation.

    ‘I’m deemed to have caused it to move even though in your heart of hearts you know you haven’t.

    ‘There has been a change in the rule, but that only applies to a wind gust, when you are allowed to place it back without penalty.

    ‘Unfortunately I was on the wrong end of it, but I guess that’s the good thing about golf- you have to self-police out there. Nobody else in the group saw it, but I knew the ball had moved when I addressed it.’

    Santos, whose victory in Madeira last May made him the first Portuguese winner for 20 years and earned him the Rookie of the Year trophy, finished one in front of England’s Anthony Wall, Scot Peter Whiteford and Frenchman Alexandre Kaleka.

    The 30-year-old from Faro made six unsuccessful trips to the qualifying school before coming through the Challenge Tour two years ago and his fourth-placed finish on Sunday has taken him back into the world’s top 200.

    ‘My short game was really amazing,’ he said after coming home in 31. ‘Last week gave me a lot of confidence, but I don’t want to put any more pressure on my shoulders – I just want to enjoy it.’

    Londoner Wall has had only one victory in more than 400 Tour starts, but was a joint runner-up in the Irish Open last July and, like Whiteford, did not drop a stroke.

    ‘You don’t often get Qatar with no wind and I took advantage of it,’ said the 32-year-old from Kirkcaldy.

    Kaymer matched Rose’s 68, while world No 5 Louis Oosthuizen finished with a double-bogey seven for a 71.

    Sergio Garcia started his season with a 69, but defending champion Paul Lawrie and Open champion Ernie Els could do no better than 72 and could well have to improve on that just to survive the halfway cut.

  • Keshi hits 51, shelves celebrations for AFCON

    Keshi hits 51, shelves celebrations for AFCON

    Super Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, was a year older on Wednesday, January 23, as he turned 51-years-old, again reiterating that he never used football age in his playing career, hence his long years of active football.

    In fact, most officials and players of the team were oblivious of his birthday as at lunch time as he went about the business of the day as if nothing had happened. Last year’s own was also marked while the team was in camp in Abuja preparing for the qualifiers for the ongoing Nations Cup.

    Occasionally, people called from far and near to wish him luck and success in life but he kept it under raps, wishing as he told close camp confidants to celebrate after the AFCON 2013 championship has come to a glittering end for Nigeria. “There may be a minor birthday song for him at dinner time but nothing serious will happen until we achieve our aim here in the Nations Cup,” a source hinted.

    Meanwhile, national team’s midfield talisman, John Mikel Obi, has said he has started dreaming of the 2013 trophy for Nigeria after a long trophyless time for the two-time African champions. “We may have drawn our first game but we need to settle down and forget it and concentrate and I can see us smiling home with the trophy at the end of the day,” he said during Tuesday’s evening training session.

  • Mo Farah links up with Octagon

    Mo Farah links up with Octagon

    Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah has teamed up with the Octagon agency.

    The popular British long distance runner, who won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000-metres at London 2012, will work with the global sports marketing company to further develop his commercial brand alongside long-time manager and good friend Ricky Simms of Pace Sports Management.

    According to Octagon, the strategy will ‘very much be quality over quantity, with a particular focus on partnerships that are consistent with Mo’s interests and values.’

    Farah’s signature pose, dubbed the ‘Mobot’, was one of the defining images of London 2012 and has since featured in a UK-wide advertising campaign for Virgin Media.

    “We are excited to be working with Mo, he has captured the country’s imagination, with his great personality, incredible story and winning performances; key qualities that brands look for in ambassadors,” said Clifford Bloxham, senior vice president at Octagon.

    There are also plans for Farah to collaborate with fellow Nike endorser Paula Radcliffe, as Bloxham explained. “In addition to developing partnerships with a select few companies, we are also looking to build a national family running event, hosted by Mo and Paula Radcliffe; both successful parents who share a passion for encouraging youngsters.

    The goal is for Mo and Paula to ‘Mo-bilize’ Britain.”

  • Basketball coach urges NBBF authorities to look inwards

    Basketball coach urges NBBF authorities to look inwards

    Lateef Erinfolami, Head coach, First Deep Water Basketball Club, on Wednesday urged the authorities to look inwards for the selection of players to represent the country in international competitions.

    Erinfolami made the remark during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, as his team commenced preparation for the new season.

    “We need the authorities to give due consideration to home-based professional players when they are selecting players for the national team,” he said.

    Erinfolami commended the opportunity given to the country’s home based footballers in the Super Eagles squad that is currently in South Africa for the ongoing AFCON tournament. He added that the gesture would encourage other players to work hard, in anticipation of an invitation to the national squad in the nearest future.

    “There are players who can make the country proud if only they are allowed to show what they have. The dependence on foreign professionals for our international engagements will continue to hinder the growth of the game at home. When you take a look at Steven Keshi’s AFCON squad, some home-based players were part of the team.

    “Therefore, such an arrangement should be available for basketball, especially female basketball that needs to grow in the country. We have to give our local players the chance to grow; by this we encourage true patriotism which is the foundation of true champions,” he said.

    Erinfolarin also commented on his team’s expectations in the forthcoming season and told NAN that it would strive to retain the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title.

    “We have already commenced our training ahead of the upcoming season and we are hopeful of another good outing. All hands are on deck for us to ensure that we retain the title that we have continuously won in the last three seasons. However, this year, we are looking forward to conquering the continent. This is our major objective,” he added.

  • Squadron brings Henry Nwosu, Zeb Ejiro to analyse match

    Squadron brings Henry Nwosu, Zeb Ejiro to analyse match

    The selected Squadron Dark Rum viewing centres in Lagos were set agog on Monday, as Nigeria and Burkina Faso’s national teams clashed in a supremacy battle that ended in a draw. The entry of big-time sports personalities like former Green Eagles Captain, Henry Nwosu and former national team player Edema Benson into the Prince of Anthony Sports Bar, sparked up another buzz of excitement.

    Further screams of excitement filled the massive hall that was filled to capacity as the “Sheikh” of the movie industry, Zeb Ejiro, majestically walked into the centre to join Nwosu and Edema at the analysts table.

    Henry Nwosu, after analysing the match, said: “Squadron Dark Rum brand is on the path to taking the game of football, in Nigeria, to a higher level. The idea to bring the Nation’s Cup to sports-loving Nigerian fans, who could not make it to South Africa, is great and considering the fact that it is not being televised, on the local TV stations, makes this idea ingenious.”

    With the high-capacity hall, bursting at its seams, soccer fans that had no seats insisted on standing, as they watched the match and sampled the refreshing Squadron Dark Rum, that was freely served, to all the fans that were present.

    The Brand Manager of Squadron Dark Rum, Zekeri Dokpesi, on his part, said: “This is just a tip of the iceberg among the plans that Squadron brand has lined up for Nigerian sports, as it is determined to inject a resurgence of passion into sports, especially, the game of football, which keeps Nigerians together and happy.

    “When we play soccer, we don’t remember who is Ijaw, Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, Hausa, or Igala, what we see is one Nigeria, that is why Squadron Dark Rum wants to unite the country with the unifying force of football, because without unity Squadron as a brand which brings delight and satisfaction to its teeming consumers cannot thrive. Soccer offers the opportunity to share the African experience with the power of Squadron.”