The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Nigeria vs Cape Verde fallout: Eagles’ performance bad for African football — Onigbinde

    Nigeria vs Cape Verde fallout: Eagles’ performance bad for African football — Onigbinde

    Former Super Eagles Head Coach Adegboye Onigbinde has said that the Super Eagles’performance against Cape Verde tells a bad story about African football. Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Thursday in Abuja that there was a need for the technical crew to improve on the team. The former Super Eagles handler was reacting to the team’s 0-0 draw against Nations Cup debutant, Cape Verde, in an international friendly match on Wednesday.

    NAN recalls that in their first friendly match on Jan. 3 in Spain, the Eagles held a star-studded Catalonia to a 1-1 draw. The two matches were part of the team’s build up for the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in South Africa from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10. Nigeria is one of the 16 teams participating in the tournament.

    “I did not see any exciting moment throughout the ninety minutes of the game and that tells a bad story about African football.

    “But I hope the technical crew will work on the team and make them improve,’’ he said. Onigbinde, who is a renowned CAF and FIFA instructor, added that the team’s performance against Catalonia was a fluke and should not be used to assess it.

    “The match we played against Catalonia was a fluke. Fluke in the sense that all those stars paraded in the opponent’s side had another match for their club the following day.

    “So, they did not come out and play with full zeal which we saw on the pitch; we shouldn’t use the match as an assessment of our team in anyway,’’ he said. He, however, expressed the hope that the team would lift the trophy. “My expectation of the team as a patriotic Nigerian is that I am waiting for them to come back with the trophy.

    “But I know it does not come with magic nor by talk, but by hard work, and that depends on what the coaches do with the team,’’ Onigbinde said.

    Reacting to the 23-man final list released by Coach Stephen Keshi, Onigbinde said the coach had the exclusive right for the choice he made.

    “He is in charge of the team and he has the exclusive rights to make the selection of players he feels will be needed. Also, he is the only one that knows the system he wants the players to play and I am sure he made his selection based on that. So, the only thing left is for the technical team to ensure that the players deliver and not fall short of expectations,’’ he said.

  • Keshi’s list based on current form — Okala

    Keshi’s list based on current form — Okala

    Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, has hailed the Super Eagles list for the 29th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) released by Coach Stephen Keshi on Wednesday. Okala, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Awka, commended the list of players for the competition holding in South Africa from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10.

    He said it was a good development that home-based payers were getting attention as their foreign-based counterparts, adding that it was a good omen for the local league. Okala said that players on the list were selected based on their current form.

    “I am particularly happy with the list, especially the inclusion of home-based players; it shows that players do not need to play abroad before getting attention.

    “The team is based on the current form of the players; there is no sentiment and I believe they will go far in the tournament,” he said.

    Okala appealed to the team to be focused to enable the coach concentrate and perfect his plans. The former African Cup of Nations winner urged the players who would feature in the 2013 tournament in South Africa for the first time to make good use of the opportunity.

    “It is good that they are appearing for the first time; I encourage them to embrace the opportunity and do themselves and the nation proud,” he added.

  • Yobo, Enyeama seek steady support

    Yobo, Enyeama seek steady support

    Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo and his assistant Vincent Enyeama, have spoken of the need for Nigerian football supporters not to fret anytime the team falls short of their expectations, urging them to keep supporting the team in its quest for glory at AFCON 2013.

    Yobo also condemned reports that he was nursing an injury and may not be fit for the AFCON championship assuring that he was 100 per cent fit and ready for the championship. His above average performance in the game against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde also underlines his fitness status.

    “I must say Nigerians have been very supportive of the team but we need more, especially when things go wrong because it cannot be rosy all the time. The media especially must always stand behind us so that our families will not be discouraged when they read negatives about the team”, Yobo said in Faro on Wednesday night.

    “ I also heard that they say I’m not fit but I have been very active all season for my club and the proof is there on the net for anyone to see. God has blessed me and no man can put me down, not at this time of my career. Nigerians must unite behind the team for the goals to be delivered”, he said.

    Enyeama, who spoke in similar vein, said most of the players that have been labeled great and won laurels, achieved it because their compatriots and their media stood solidly behind them. “Its very demoralizing when a player makes a single mistake, the people stand up and start condemning such a player calling for his head. They forget the past when the same player saved the nation from defeat or was outstanding. We must always defend our own team all the time, because that is the only way the Super Eagles can bring greatness to Nigeria”, he said.

    Meanwhile, Cape Verde Head Coach, Lucio Antunes, has said the Super Eagles put up a gallant performance against his side and he expects the team will go far in the AFCON 2013 championship. Antunnes, who spoke through an interpreter, declared that his boys met a very experienced side in Nigeria and he was happy that the team played out a draw. He also promised that his team, the Blue Sharks, will cause many upsets at the AFCON championship with the quality of players at its disposal.

  • Heartland lead in pre-season tourney

    Heartland lead in pre-season tourney

    Heartland of Owerri have risen to the top of the log in the Kano pre-season tournament after a 2-2 draw with Oriental brothers, Enugu Rangers on Thursday.

    The Naze Millionaires twice took the lead through Happy Okuoka in the 20th minute and Tyavkasse in the 65th minute but the Flying Antelopes managed to claw their way back via Kehinde Adegbite in the 55th minute and Uche Oguchi from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.

    With the surprise 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars on Wednesday, Heartland are on top of the four-team table with four points from two matches ahead of the last day of fixtures billed for Sunday in Kano. Both matches took place at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano and the pre season tourney was organised to put the nation’s representatives in the 2013 CAF inter-club outing in good stead ahead of their matches in the Nigeria Premier League season billed to start on February 16.

    The media officers of Heartland, Cajetan Nkwopara and Rangers, Foster Chime both described the encounter as exciting game of football but rued their inability to grab maximum points.

    In the last round of matches slated for Sunday, Heartland will go all out for a victory against Lobi Stars to seal their conquest in the tourney while a rejuvenated Kano Pillars have a mountain to climb against CAF Champions League rivals, Rangers.

  • ‘Keshi will have a reason for excluding Dike’

    ‘Keshi will have a reason for excluding Dike’

    Former Nigeria international Henry Nwosu has backed the decision of the Super Eagles’ coaches to axe United States based Bright Dike from the South Africa 2013 African Cup of Nations-bound senior national team.

    Dike impressed in his debut for the Eagles against Venezuela in Miami, USA after being handed a late call-up owing to series of withdrawals – one which fetched him another recall against Catalonia selected which he crowned with a goal and an all-round display in Spain.

    Nwosu, in a brief interview, disclosed that he had no reason to fault the decision of Keshi on those he has selected for Eagles’ quest for another charge at the AFCON title for the first time since 1994, adding that the Big Boss got it right with the exception of Dike whom he said deserved a place in South Africa,2013 squad.

    He however charged that since Keshi calls the shots he would have genuine reasons for excluding the Portland Timbers striker and so should not be questioned on the rationale behind the axe.

    The former Golden Eaglets’ boss stressed that Nigerians should get behind Keshi in his effort to raise a formidable team for the country in South Africa.

    “I have seen the list of the selected players and I am pleased with what I saw, with a little question mark on the exclusion of Bright Dike. I thought he did just enough to earn a spot but the coaches have their reasons and should not be bombarded with questions on that.

    “The addition of six home based players has given pride of place to those plying their trade in the country and will make the rest of them who were overlooked to strive harder to attract their attention in future engagements.”

    SportingLife recalls that the Eagles’ technical crew on Wednesday released the list of 23 players to prosecute the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

  • Oliha: FG won’t let Keshi’s Eagles win AFCON

    Oliha: FG won’t let Keshi’s Eagles win AFCON

    Thompson Oliha, a member of the Tunisia’94 Super Eagles which landed the second African Cup of Nations diadem for Nigeria has warned that previous broken promises made by the country’s rulers may not give the present crop of the Eagles enough enthusiasm to add to the two titles won in 1980 and 1994.

    Oliha in an exclusive chat on Thursday morning thumbed up the 23-man list released by the technical crew of the Eagles led by Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, but the former midfielder lampooned the federal government of Nigeria for its double standards and failure to redeem the pledge made to the 1994 Eagles team that won the African Cup of Nations.

    Nigeria won the 1994 tournament in Tunisia after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the finals, with some breathtaking displays in the competition.

    An enraged Oliha, who was a member of that team coached by Clemens Westerhof, said that some of the surviving players from the 1994 squad are still waiting to take possession of their houses with no definite date of when that would happen.

    “They promised us houses in Abuja and till date nothing is done, most of my contemporaries like Yekini and Uche Okafor are dead and they were not given their houses,” Oliha cried out.

    “But, if the Eagles should win again, won’t they treat them the way they treated us? I will rather pray that we don’t win, because Nigeria does not appreciate good deeds,” he said.

    “That notwithstanding I will go to South Africa to lend my support to Stephen Keshi because he has a vision that I support. I sincerely wish the team well,’’ he said.

    He nonetheless applauded Keshi’s decision to take as many as six home based players to the Nations Cup stating that the gesture would rub on positively on the standard and quality of the league.

  • Ositelu dies at 69

    Ositelu dies at 69

    Foremost international sport journalist, Deacon Ayo Ositelu, is dead.

    The veteran sports journalist died after watching Wednesday’s pre-AFCON friendly between Nigeria and Cape Verde.

    According to report that was confirmed by a family friend and journalist, Kayode Tijani, Ositelu popularly known as “Arena,”died on Wednesday night.

    “I can confirm now that Deacon Ayo Ositelu is indeed dead! I spoke to his Wife. He was watching TV with her and next moment  he was dead. Am in shock,”  Tijani said on his tweeter handle.

    The deceased was a respected sports journalist and was the compere when tennis greats, the Williams sisters, came to Nigeria for an exhibition match in November last year.

    While pouring encomiums on the deceased,  Tijani said, “Deacon Ayo Ositelu told me never to detest those that offended me but continue to be nice to them.”

    He described the late Ositelu as a complete gentleman, principled and trustworthy.

     

  • AFCON: ‘Ejide’s injury not serious’

    AFCON: ‘Ejide’s injury not serious’

    Goalkeeper Austin Ejide will be fully fit for Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations challenge in South Africa.

    The Hapoel Be’er Sheva shot-stopper limped out of Nigeria’s friendly against Cape Verde on Wednesday with what looked like a hamstring injury.

    Officials of the Super Eagles have now moved to allay fears over the fitness of the 29-year-old for the AFCON.

    “He has not been assessed by the doctors yet but from what we can see, he’s in good condition. He was walking normally after the game (on Wednesday) and we believe he will be fit for the competition,” SuperSport.com quoted spokesman of the Super Eagles, Ben Alaiya, as saying on the goalkeeper.

    The Eagles’ media chief also revealed that a full assessment of Ejide’s situation will be made on Thursday.

    “The game against Cape Verde ended at around 11pm Wednesday Nigerian time so it was impossible for tests to be conducted on him at that time.

    “The doctors will look at him today (Thursday) but like I hinted earlier, I don’t think the injury is serious,” he stated.

    Ejide made his Nigerian debut in 2001 and has played 22 times for the Super Eagles.

     

  • Super Four: Heartland shock Pillars 1-0

    Super Four: Heartland shock Pillars 1-0

    Federation Cup champions Heartland on Wednesday defeated Nigerian Premier League champions Kano Pillars 1-0 in the NPL Super Four in Kano.

    Happy Okuoka’s 90th minute strike saw the Naze Millionaires clinch all three points at stake at the Sani Abacha stadium.

    Heartland displayed strength until the final whistle, and it paid off just at the close of the game.

    The first half ended goalless. Pillars wasted several chances.

    Pillars enjoyed home support in the second half but it did not deter the Owerri side.

    Meanwhile, Lobi Stars FC got off to a bright start on Wednesday, as they defeated Nigerian Premier League runner-up Rangers 1-0 in the opening game of the Super Four tournament going on in Kano.

    An Okolie Daniel shot from 35 yards made the difference in the 25th minute.

    Both sides got into the game with the aim of claiming vital points.

    Rangers had their fair share of opportunities.

    Lobi dominated a greater part of the second period with John Lawrence emerging man of the match.

    Menwhile, Rangers FC coach Okey Emordi has expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players despite losing their opening game.

    “We missed so many chances, but I am happy with the performance of the boys,”Emordi said after the loss to Lobi on Wednesday.

    Heartland now join Lobi on three points, while Pillars and Rangers remain pointless.

    Ranger face Heartland on Friday.

  • Eagles will lack nothing — Abdulahi assures

    Eagles will lack nothing — Abdulahi assures

    Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, has assured that the Super Eagles will lack nothing in terms of welfare at the forthcoming South Africa 2013 Nations Cup.

    Addressing the players and officials in company of Director of Elite Athletes, Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba and NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Abdulahi said that President Goodluck Jonathan approved all his requests for a successful outing at the Nations Cup. “ I want to win the Nations Cup as a Minister, you the players also want to win the championship, but I may not achieve my aim if you the players don’t think you need to win the championship”, he said rhetorically.

    The Minister said he believes there is no team as talented as the Nigeria side in the tournament and again reminded the players to give Nigeria and President Jonathan a New Year present by winning the trophy.

    NFF President Aminu Maiagari thanked the Minister for finding time in his tight schedule to visit the team in camp. He assured that the team will not let Nigerians down.

    Head Coach Stephen Keshi spoke in similar vein before skipper of the side, Joseph Yobo gave a motivating speech. “Honourable Minister, you have moved us with your speech on the history of Nigerian football and the Super Eagles and I must say we want to write our names in gold in South Africa and I can assure you that I and my mates will work extra hard to achieve our set objectives.