The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Ahead of AYC: Flying Eagles begin camping

    Ahead of AYC: Flying Eagles begin camping

    Nigeria’s U- 20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, will begin preparations for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) in Abuja on Jan. 6, a Team Official said on Thursday.

    Team Media Officer, Samm Audu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the team would open its training camp on Sunday with 20 players. “The team’s Head Coach, John Obuh, has called up 20 players, the core of the team that defeated South Africa 4-2 on aggregate in October, to qualify for the AYC,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the 2013 AYC will kick off in Algeria on March 16, with the Flying Eagles as the defending champions. The Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group B alongside, Gabon, Mali and DR Congo.

    Audu said the team’s secretary, Aliyu Auwal, had already forwarded a list of the players to report to the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja. The media officer said the Abuja camp would be the commencement of the team’s final phase preparations.

    “Other forms of preparations will follow later on, but the team is also scheduled to set up a training base in Tunisia. This will be at least three weeks to the championship in Algeria,’’ he said.

    Audu named players called up to camp to include goalkeepers Samuel Okani, Jonah Usman and Jacob Abobo. “Defenders Ikechukwu Okorie, Chizoba Amaefule, Shehu Abdullahi, Kenneth Omeruo, Aliyu Mohammed and Abubakar Hassan were also invited. Moses Orkuma, Abduljaleel Ajagun, Ovboka Agboyi, Uche Agbo and Chidi Osuchukwu were also called up for the midfield department. Strikers Alhaji Gero, Yahaya Adamu, Bright Ejike, Umar Aminu, Harrison Egbune and Sikiru Alimi, complete the line-up of invited players,’’ he added.

  • Enyeama joins Eagles in Faro

    Enyeama joins Eagles in Faro

    Despite Maccabi Tel Aviv’s request, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials have rejected the club’s call to have Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama released from his national side’s training grounds where they are preparing for the African Cup of Nations last Tuesday.

    As a result Enyeama will miss the club’s next match with Kiryat Shmona and with the Israeli transfer window only opening on the 9th of January, Maccabi’s recent international signing from Swedish side Obrero, Tomer Chencinski, will not yet be available to take Enyeama’s place in the squad. A goalkeeper from the youth side will be brought up to the first team for the match to ensure adequate defence.

    Enyeama’s first match with Nigerians will be on the 21st of January against Burkina Faso. Four days later they will play Zambia and on the 29th Ethiopia. If his side win the competition, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s goalkeeper will return from South Africa with Nigeria’s first championship since 1994. Enyeama will be helped in this effort by fellow Nigerians in the Israel Premier League, Juwon Oshaniwa from M.S. Ashdod and the Hapoel Beer Sheva goalkeeper Augustine Ejide.

  • I won’t dictate to Keshi —Onigbinde

    I won’t dictate to Keshi —Onigbinde

    Former Super Eagles Head Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, said on Thursday in Lagos that he will not force himself on Stephen Keshi just as he stressed that he had enough experience to prepare the Super Eagles well ahead of the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it would be unethical for him to give unsolicited advice to Keshi. The former head coach, who is a renowned CAF and FIFA instructor, also urged the NFA to focus attention on the development of grassroots football and think less about competitions.

    “I don’t know what Keshi has in his programme, so it will be unethical and unprofessional for m e to begin to tell him what to do. Apart from that, am not his technical assistant; I am not his technical adviser; and no authority has assigned me with that responsibility; and I don’t want to become an irresponsible elder.

    “Keshi knows my number; if he needs any advice, he knows he is free to call me anytime. But we have always been getting our football administration wrong because the emphasis has always been on competition. If we have had effective developmental programme, qualifying for any competition or even winning the cup at any competition would have become virtually a matter of course.

    “An undergraduate who concentrates on sitting an exam without reading, without studying for the exam is deceiving himself and that is what we are doing with our football and sports in general.’’

  • KESHI TO NIGERIANS: Eagles, work in progress

    KESHI TO NIGERIANS: Eagles, work in progress

    Head Coach Stephen Keshi said he was happy at the display of the national team against the Catalonians on Wednesday night pointing out that he was not totally done yet with the task of building a strong team.

    “In the next two weeks we should have a stronger and more reliable team to defend our colours come SA 2013,” he said.

    However, Dutch legend, Johan Cryuff, who has adopted Catalonia as his home country, was full of praises for the Super Eagles’ display against his country on Wednesday in an international friendly at the home ground of La Liga side; Espanyol.

    Also former Indomitable Lions of Cameroon goalkeeper and skipper, Thomas Nkono, says the rebirth of African football has started with what he saw the Eagles play against Catalonia selected on Wednesday in Barcelona.

    Cryuff, who was handling the Catalonian Selected side for the last time, said he told his players that the Nigerian side was a very strong, physical and tactical side and he was not disappointed with what he saw against his side. “It was a good game but the Nigerians are preparing for a major tournament and it showed that they are preparing well and will go very far in the tournament”, he said.

    Nkono on his part, came to the Eagles’ dressing room to personally congratulate Keshi for raising such a team from Africa and wished the team well at the South African AFCON championship. The towering former Espanyol FC first choice in goal, hugged, back-slapped and said he was fascinated by the display of the Africans in the exhibition game in the Catalan City.

    On his part NFF President, Aminu Maigari, who watched the game live in the company of Technical Committee Chairman of the Federation, Barr. Chris Green, said that winning a trophy in far away Barcelona in only the second day of the year was a sign of good things to come in 2013. Maiagari is scheduled to return with the trophy to Abuja, early this morning.

    He urged the players not to relent in their quest for the AFCON title in South Africa, arguing that President Goodluck Jonathan, has assured that all necessary support will be provided for an excellent outing for the team. “The President even watched the game against Catalonia selected and he was very proud of you. We also on the part of the federation will ensure that adequate provision is made for you to conquer in South Africa.

  • Bauchi stadium fit for Lobi Stars’ matches

    Bauchi stadium fit for Lobi Stars’ matches

    Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Tanimu Saidu, said on Thursday that the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS), Bauchi has all the facilities required to host national and international competitions.

    Saidu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi that that the stadium was Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi’s first choice venue for its CAF confederation’s Cup matches. He said the stadium was of CAF standard and he was optimistic that it would pass the inspection carried out by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and a subsequent one by the Africa Football Confederation (CAF).

    “The ATBS is of CAF standard as it has all the necessary facilities to host national and international competitions,” he said.

    It was gathered that the NFF inspected the stadium on Monday, ahead of the visit by CAF officials scheduled for Jan. 20. The NFF delegation was led by Lawrence Keitens, who represented his Head of Department (HOD), Dr. Sanusi Mohammed.

    In the report, it was concluded that some of the facilities inspected needed to be `brushed up’. Areas inspected by the delegation included the FIFA Turf, Changing Rooms, Media unit, VIP section, the seating pavilions, the Medical Centre and the Police Post.

  • Mikel: I’m fit

    Mikel: I’m fit

    Mikel Obi has declared he is fit for the AFCON in South Africa after a slight knee complaint. Mikel was pulled off late in the second half of an EPL game against Norwich City after he suffered a knock on his knee.

    And he has now told MTNFootball.com that he is as fit as fiddle and ready for action to pour cold water over speculations regarding his availability for this month’s AFCON.

    “I am going to be at Nations Cup as there is nothing to worry about concerning the injury; it is over. I am okay and fit for action. I am already looking forward to play in the FA Cup game against Southampton. I was advised by the doctor to rest it for the QPR game, otherwise I was ready to play,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com.

    Injury ruled out the Chelsea star from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at the last minute and Mikel has again told MTNFootball.com he will be at the Eagles’ training camp in Faro, Portugal, on Saturday.

    Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez said before the QPR game that Mikel’s knee problem was not serious.

    “Mikel missed the Everton clash due to a knee injury, but it is not that serious,” said Benitez.

  • Adamu roots for Beach soccer

    Adamu roots for Beach soccer

    Samson Adamu, Managing Director, Kinetic Sports, organisers of the recently-concluded COPA Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament, said on Thursday that the event could only grow through more viable partnerships.

    Adamu made the remark during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He stressed that organising an international tournament of the magnitude of COPA Lagos required huge sums of money, which, according to him, were not easy to come by.

    “Because I can tell you, based on my experience with COPA Lagos that it’s not a one man thing; the more sponsors you have the better and the merrier,’’ Adamu said.

    When asked about his views on the creation of a Beach soccer league in the country, he told NAN that he was not in a position to spearhead such a campaign. Adamu added that the Beach soccer league concept was still in the realm of speculation.

    “I can only speak for COPA Lagos and Kinetic Sports, but in terms of the proposed league, I have only heard about it just like any other person. If at all there is a plan for a Beach soccer league, there is need to generate more interest before we talk about creating a league. There is need for a followership and

    supporters for any league to thrive. And to do that, you need to work on the awareness to build a followership and to build the support base,’’ Adamu said.

    He went on to say that for such a league to thrive, a massive Public/Private sponsorship had to be in place for its successful take-off. “Should we have a Beach soccer league, there is need to have as much sponsorship as possible; publicity is also essential, and when all that is in place, then having a league is feasible.

  • Martins impregnates Balotelli’s sister

    Martins impregnates Balotelli’s sister

    Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins and Mario Balotelli’s biological sister Abigail Barwuah are expecting a child, according to Italy’s ‘Diva e Donna’ magazine.

    The report further revealed that mother-to-be is excited that she is carrying a baby for the 28-year-old former Inter Milan and Newcastle United ace who is now plying his trade in the Spanish topflight with Levante.

    “The baby is making its presence felt. This is a very special Christmas for me,” Abigail was quoited as saying by the the magazine.

    Only last weekend, Martins admitted in an interview that he was dating Abigail, even as he was quick to add that no wedding date had been set by the love birds.

    Interestingly, last month Abigail’s brother, Balotelli’s ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico gave birth to a daughter Pia, though the Manchester City forward is seeking a DNA test before he will recognise paternity.

  • AMEOBI AFCON SAGA: NFF won’t drag Newcastle to FIFA, unless…

    AMEOBI AFCON SAGA: NFF won’t drag Newcastle to FIFA, unless…

    NIGERIA Foootball Federation (NFF) General Secretary Musa Amadu has revealed to SportingLife that the football body cannot take the case of Newcastle player Shola Ameobi to FIFA unless the player requests the NFF to intervene.

    He siad: “The NFF cannot do anything about the case until Shola Ameobi requests the Federation to intervene in writing. This is an issue that has to do with a clause in his contract.

    “If such a clause exists in the contract, and the player is willing to play in the Nations Cup, he should write to us, and we will request FIFA to invoke Article 62 of player’s eligibility clause of the FIFA statute which would compel the club to release him, or forfeit using him all through the duration of the championship.

    “If they do, they would stand the risk of losing such points to their opponents. But in the first place, Shola would have to signify interest to play first”.

    Foluwashola “Shola” Ameobi, born on 12 October 1981 is a Nigerian footballer but raised in England, Ameobi was capped by the England under-21 team before making his Nigeria debut in 2012. He is the older brother of fellow footballers Tomi and Sammy.

    Ameobi has made more appearances for Newcastle than any other current player at the club, and received a winner’s medal in 2010 when the team lifted the Championship trophy. Ameobi has the nickname the “Mackem Slayer” due to his scoring record against rivals Sunderland.

    In late 2009, Ameobi declared his interest in playing for Nigeria. On 14 January 2011, he was announced in the Nigerian national squad for the first time, for a friendly against Guatemala in the United States, in February. He withdrew from the replacement game against Sierra Leone after breaking his cheekbone in a Premier League match.

    On 1 November 2011, it was announced that FIFA had cleared Ameobi to play for Nigeria.

    In November 2012, Shola received his second call up for the Nigeria national team against Venezuela. He made his debut on 14 November, appearing as a substitute in the 60th minute for former teammate Obafemi Martins. In stoppage time at the end of the game, Ameobi laid a perfect pass into Ogenyi Onazi to make the score 3–1 to Nigeria.

    His recent announcement in the 32-man team released by Coach Stephen Keshi in preparation for the Africa Nations Cup holding in South Africa, sparked a row with his club coach later coming out to announce that the player would not be available for the AFCON as there is a clause in his contract that stops him from the tournament. He signed the contract two years ago.

  • Neville battered and bloodied after Anichebe’s collision

    Neville battered and bloodied after Anichebe’s collision

    Nigeria’s Victor Anichebe left his captain at Everton, Phil Neville in a pool of blood after a collision during the latter stages in Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Newcastle United.

    The midfielder who required eight stitches in the head after the incident was left in discomfort by his mates, but he received no sympathy in the dressing room afterwards.

    Neville, 35, tweeted a picture of Nikica Jelavic holding his head under the shower to wash away the remaining blood in his hair with the message: ‘No sympathy from Jelevic!!!! [sic]’

    He had earlier posted: ‘Great 3 points had to defend well 2nd half-got a nice bang on the head 8 stitches!!’

    Everton fought back from conceding a second minute Papiss Cisse goal to win, thanks to a stunning 30-yard free-kick from Leighton Baines and a close-range finish from sub Anichebe in the second-half.

    Neville refused to leave the pitch after receiving treatment and helped Everton withstand a late barrage to claim the points.

    Meanwhile, Anichebe has hailed Leighton Baines as the best left back in the world. “Bainesy is probably the best left-back in the world at the moment and that’s no exaggeration. I couldn’t believe his goal”, said Victor.

    “I was thinking ‘he’s not going to shoot here surely,’ then he ran up to the ball and I was in disbelief. That just shows you how good he is.

    “Sometimes I’m watching him from the side and he’s just unbelievable. The way he’s progressed is fantastic. When he first came here he wasn’t really playing but he didn’t complain. He was always in the gym working and trying to improve himself.

    “Same with Sylvain Distin. It shows through their displays how professional they are, and I’m looking at that and seeing how it can help me. I’ve tried to follow their example and do as much as I can and I think it’s started to show.”

    “Every time I come here I look back to when I got that injury but I always feel like against Newcastle I get chances or something happens. I don’t know what it is. Hopefully now I don’t need to look back at the past any more and I can just concentrate on the future. When we played against West Ham earlier this season me and Kevin Nolan made up. I want to keep progressing myself now, that’s all behind me.

    “People tell me about my goals ratio per minutes played but I don’t really think about these things. To be honest I don’t care. I just want to play and not be injured. It’s something I’m getting better with. Even when I had my hamstring injury I knew I’d come back.”