The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Leroy will stay as coach

    Leroy will stay as coach

    Coach Claude Leroy will stay on to train the DR Congo at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations even though he is still protesting, insiders have exclusively told MTNFootball.com.

    The Frenchman has been persuaded by officials of the DR Congo over his decision to quit the Leopards with just two days before they face Ghana in their opening Group B game in South Africa.

    Leroy resigned on Thursday night in a row with the federation and government over bonus payments for the entire DR Congo contingent for the tournament.

    Despite resigning the coach stayed in camp which gave officials the chance to engage him and persuade to return to the team.

    With the country facing a huge embarrassment over the confusion over the bonuses, leaders of the DR Congo have pleaded with Leroy to stay, a top insider has told MTNFootball.com.

    The Frenchman agreed to coach the side on Friday evening at their base in Port Elizabeth, but while frantic effots are being made to seek an amicable solution over the matter.

    MTNFootball.com has been exclusively told the details of Leroy’s anger over the bonuses. The reliable insider said the Frenchman’s anger stemmed from his exclusion from the list of officials to get winning bonuses for winning matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Leroy and his assistants have not been included in the list of the people to benefit for winning bonuses which has irked him and his assistant.

  • KESHI CONFESSES: Eagles on fire

    KESHI CONFESSES: Eagles on fire

    Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has explained the reasoning behind his omission of certain players on his 23-man list to the African Cup of Nations insisting that those picked are on fire.

    Keshi has admitted that though the squad may look inexperienced on paper, he is building a team for the future.

    ”We have to spread this opportunity to everyone. I think the younger kids that are here are desperate, they are on fire. I am not saying the experienced ones that are not here are not in the same mood. It is not just for this Nations Cup, we are building. It is a rebuilding process to become a better team in the next five years for Nigerians. That is why we decided to go with some of the younger players. But I have confidence in them, they have been working very hard. There is belief in the team and a good atmosphere,” says Keshi.

    Skipper Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Uwa Echiejile, Obi Mikel and Ikechukwu Uche are the only players that have played in previous editions of the African Cup of Nations.

  • FIFA rankings: Nigeria still 52nd

    FIFA rankings: Nigeria still 52nd

    Despite their pre-Nations Cup friendly match victory over Catalonia in December 2012, (though not FIFA rated match,) Nigeria maintained their 52nd spot in the world ranking for the month of January released on Thursday.

    With less than three days to the Eagles’ first African Cup of Nations Group C game against the Stallions of Burkina Faso at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, SportingLife findings revealed that despite Nigeria retaining the 52nd and 9th spot in the world and Africa respectively, the Eagles’ cumulative points dropped from 581 to 573 points, meaning their AFCON showing in South Africa could determine if the country’s ranking will rise or fall in the month of February.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria’s opponents in the January 21 tie, Burkina Faso have dropped three steps from 89th to 92nd.

    Defending champions Zambia’s Chipolopolo who host Eagles four days later in their second game are still Africa’s fifth best team and also remain 39th in the FIFA rankings while Ethiopia, Group C underdogs, are on 110th spot.

    However, Ivory Coast remain Africa’s top team in 14th place worldwide followed by Algeria (22nd), Mali (25th), Ghana (26th). Zambia (39th), Libya (47th), Gabon (49th), Central African Republic (51st), Nigeria (52nd) and Tunisia (53rd) make up the African top 10 list.

  • ‘This will make me live longer’

    ‘This will make me live longer’

    Emotions went high yesterday at the Unity Hall of Government House in Asaba, Delta State, when 86-year-old Awoturo Eleaya said that he felt like running again and that the event that he was witnessing would make him live longer.

    Delta State was unveiling the mascot for a sports programme named after him, the Awoturo Eleaya Athletics Fiesta. The finals will hold this year in Sapele. It is a fall-out from the Sports Summit the state held on October 30 last year. The implementation of the report has already started, although the report was officially submitted to government at the same event that also witnessed the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee for the African Youth Athletics Championship that will hold in Warri in March.

    Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan had promised that Delta would produce Olympic medalists and the Awoturo Eleaya Fiesta is one of the launching pads towards achieving the feat. It will see track and field taking place from ward levels to Local Government Areas and from there to Senatorial districts and then the state finals which will take place in Sapele. Juniors, intermediates and seniors will all compete in the fiesta and world stars like Blessing Okagbare will compete in the senior event. The idea is to mentor the young athletes who, no doubt, will be inspired by their presence. Okagbare attended the event. Former African queen of the tracks Mary Onyali was also in the hall. And little Ese Brume whom Amaju Pinnick, head of sports in Delta, touted as one to step into the shoes of Okagbare was also there with her parents.

    Eleaya was so moved by the day that he prayed for God’s blessings on Dr. Uduaghan and his government for not only honouring him while he is still alive but also embarking on what he likened to a revolution that will turn around sports in the country. Grassroots football has already started in Delta with the Governor’s Cup and weightlifting, swimming and other events will follow in due course.

    “I’m so delighted that at almost 86, I feel that I should be in the field running again,” Eleaya said in his remarks that attracted ovations.

    “Many of those I ran with are no more. Some are on wheelchairs and some not too strong again. The concept of this competition really covers grassroots, it’s what will make athletes graduate from juniors to intermediate and then to seniors. This is great. (Turning to Governor Uduaghan) You are making me to live longer and I pray that God blesses you and all those putting this together. You will live to watch these competitions and your children will live to watch them too.”

    Before Uduaghan spoke he paid tribute to the late Ayo Ositelu and asked that all should stand for a minute’s silence in honour of the veteran journalist who passed on last week. He also extolled the virtues of sports and reiterated his commitment towards transforming sports in Delta, saying that “sports reduces criminality, enhances good health and employs the youth and as we are planning for a period without oil; sports is one key area that could be vital to the economy.”

  • FAILURE TO TRAIN: Lawal faces legal action

    FAILURE TO TRAIN: Lawal faces legal action

    Turkish first division club Adana Demirspor has threatened to take legal action against Raheem Lawal after he refused to appear in training for the second successive day, according to reports in Turkey.

    The defensive midfielder had trained with the Super Eagles at their Faro base in Portugal. Unfortunately, he failed to make the final roster to South Africa.

    Officials of Adana Demirspor have been waiting for Lawal to return to the club, but in vain.

    Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively reveal that Lawal and his manager are in Istanbul negotiating a contract with Super League club Istanbul Büyüksehir Belediyespor.

  • Keshi regrets Ameobi’s absence

    Keshi regrets Ameobi’s absence

    Super Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi has admitted Newcastle forward Shola Ameobi will be missed by the Nigerian squad during the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.

    Addressing the media on arrival in Johannesburg, Keshi noted that Ameobi’s experience would have impacted positively on the Eagles side during the championship. “We hope he (Shola Ameobi) will return when the World Cup qualifier starts in March,” he said.

    Speaking further, the Big Boss reechoed that the team will take each game as it comes, insisting that he was not under any pressure to deliver the trophy to Nigerians.

    “But we have our personal targets that we have set and we pray that we are able to achieve them to make Nigerians happy.”

    Meanwhile, NFF board member, Anyansi Agwu, who spoke first, noted that the team was there to return Nigerian football to its glory days despite the relatively youthful side that the Eagles will parade at the tournament.

  • Super Eagles job: My wife will kill me — Oliseh

    Super Eagles job: My wife will kill me — Oliseh

    Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh has ruled himself out of coaching the Eagles in the future.

    Oliseh, who was a member of the1994 squad that won the Nations Cup trophy for the nation in Tunisia, stated this on Soccer Africa aired on Sports cable station, SuperSport on Thursday evening.

    Considered one of Nigeria’s most traveled players it was believed that he was interested in the job when declared vacant by the authorities in the past.

    But responding to a question on the possibility of coaching the team, Oliseh simply responded: “My wife will kill me,”

    Asked what he had been up to since quitting the game, the former Ajax Amsterdam of Holland revealed he returned to school and only recently acquired a UEFA B coaching license. “Two months ago l was in Nigeria on the invitation of the President, to rub minds on how to move the game forward.

    On his views on the reported special bonuses for the players, aside the $10, 000 winning bonuses, the former Borussia Dortmund star said the team will get much more if they eventually win the title. “Eagles will get more than winning bonuses if they win the trophy even their families from the village will travel to Abuja to say thank you to them. It has been long that the nation won the cup and Nigerians are desperate to see the trophy back in Nigeria”

    He however refused to be drawn on which of the teams will win the trophy. “I do not think it is a realistic question for now until the first two matches are played. After that l can tell you,” he replied.

    His last outing for the national team was the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.

  • Osaze’s first child overdue

    Osaze’s first child overdue

    The waiting game for Osaze Odemwingie’s first child contiues as latest reports from the United Kingdom suggest that the date for ‘Odemwingie junior’s’ arrival is already overdue.

    The Nigeria international was looking forward to the birth of his first ‘son’ before now but reports now reveal that his wife, Sarah, is still awaiting their first child, seven days after due date.

    “My son will be born around January 11,” recalled Odemwingie, who has had a difficult relationship with Keshi and predecessor Samson Siasia. “So, it was a difficult call for me to go away to the training camp, come back for one day for the birth and go again. It is clear now that my days with the ‘Super Eagles’ are over,” hinted the Baggies and Eagles forward after his ouster from AFCON 2013 squad.

    Meanwhile, Osaze is keen to speak to Queens Park Rangers about his possible transfer this January.

    The saga of the Hoops’ interest in the 31-year-old rumbled on Thursday afternoon with news that the Nigeria international would like to hear the London club’s offer.

    But West Brom are determined to stand firm and continue to insist Osaze is not for sale after rejecting a bid of around £2million from Loftus Road last week.

    QPR boss Harry Redknapp hinted on Tuesday that he was ready to abandon his pursuit of Osaze and Hawthorns team-mate Jonas Olsson after sealing an £8m deal for Loic Remy and lining up a £7m swoop for his fellow Frenchman, Yann M’Vila.

    But Rangers are still monitoring Osaze amid stories in London that the former Lokomotiv Moscow man would consider submitting a transfer request to force through a move.

    Those reports remain unconfirmed but the Express & Star understands Osaze would be interested in speaking to the big-spending Premier League strugglers.

    They are believed to be paying Remy around £80,000 per week and could offer Odemwingie a substantial increase on his current weekly Hawthorns pay-packet, which is in excess of £35,000.

    However, Baggies boss Steve Clarke has been steadfast in his refusal to entertain selling Odemwingie, Olsson, or any of his other first-team regulars.

    Clarke is willing to listen to offers for unsettled midfielder Graham Dorrans but has insisted the rest of his senior players are ‘not for sale’ with the Baggies rejecting a bid for Osaze and a £5m offer from Rangers for defender Jonas Olsson.

    Odemwingie, who has 18 months remaining on his current deal, is braced for a hectic week.

    But West Brom are not ready to cave in easily to any transfer bids and defender Gareth McAuley has welcomed the club’s stance.

    McAuley said: “Everyone knows the club is run properly and don’t have to sell their best players to make ends meet.

    “That’s great for the club, for the fans, and group of players we have here. I don’t think it is a distraction. The lads are professionals.”

  • Emenike: trophy important for my career

    Emenike: trophy important for my career

    Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has admitted in an interview with a Turkish Sports website that winning the coveted African Cup of Nations trophy is important for his fledging career.

    Emenike is one of the greenhorns selected by Coach Stephen Keshi for a debut appearance in Africa’s biggest football showpiece which gets underway this weekend in South Africa and the Russia-based striker has said he is ready to make the best of the chance given.

    “I would like to win the Africa Cup of Nations, that is our aim at the championship.

    “I ‘m going to try as much as I can to score but that does not matter; what is most important is that Nigeria emerges champion.

    “This championship is extremely important in terms of my career,” Emenike told ajansspor.com.

    Nigeria have just two AFCON titles in her kitty after victories in 1980 and 1994 and are keen to complete a hat-trick of wins in South Africa.

    Emenike has been in good form for the national team scoring twice in two of the tune-up games played by the Eagles in Faro, Portugal.

  • Maigari: Eagles are here to soar

    Maigari: Eagles are here to soar

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari said on Thursday that the Nigerian National Football Team, Super Eagles, is at the African Cup of Nations in South Africa to fight for the trophy that the country last won in Tunisia 19 years ago.

    Speaking in Johannesburg, when he arrived in the capital of the Rainbow Nation on Thursday morning, and at about the same time the Eagles delegation was landing at the Oliver R. Tambo International Airport, the NFF President said the Super Eagles will take no hostages at the Cup finals.

    “People have been talking about the chances of the different teams. It is nothing out of the ordinary. Some persons have gone ahead to name their favourite teams for the trophy. My own favourite team for the trophy will be the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    “We have come to the finals with a fine blend of experienced and ambitious competitors; only few of them have been at the Nations Cup before. But the bulk of them have been together over the past 15 months and blended very well,” Maigari told the media in Johannesburg.

    Players and officials of the Super Eagles, who had been in a final training camp in Faro, Portugal since December 28, and played a total of four tune-up matches, arrived in Nelspruit on Thursday evening and immediately checked into the Ingwenyama Conference and Sport Resort.

    The delegation, which was led by NFF Executive Committee member, Felix Anyansi-Agwu from Portugal, was received at the Nelspruit Airport by NFF Executive Committee member and chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Emeka Inyama, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Director of Marketing Idris Adama and Store Manager Tajudeen Tiamiyu. Head of Protocol, Ibrahim Abubakar received the delegation in Johannesburg.

    The team is expected to train today.