The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • West Ham want Nsofor

    West Ham want Nsofor

    Out -of-favor Nigeria international Victor Obinna Nsofor could return to play in the English Premier League, according to authoritative Russian portal championat.com.

    West Ham, the club Nsofor played for before signing a multi – year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer of 2011, are interested in having him on loan in the winter transfer market.

    Nsofor played 32 games for West Ham in the 2010 – 2011 season scoring 8 goals. The 25 – year – old striker has netted twice in 17 appearances in the Russian Premier League this campaign.

  • ‘I won’t miss Osaze, Taiwo’

    ‘I won’t miss Osaze, Taiwo’

    Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, says he will not miss any player who did not make the team’s provisional list for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Keshi disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, in reaction to the barrage of criticisms which have trailed his list of 32 invited players. The list was for the final phase of camping in Faro, Portugal for the competition, scheduled to kick off on Jan. 19 in South Africa.

    According to Keshi, the omission of the likes of Osaze Odemwingie and Taye Taiwo was not intentional, but for the good of the country.

    “We don’t need Osaze right now; that is all. He is not a bad player and there is nothing personal about it. It is just that at this point in time, there are some players that were not called and we don’t have anything against them. `We also did not invite Obafemi Martins, why are Nigerians not talking about him? These players are not the only Nigerians playing; this is what we want for now. All we want for now from Nigerians is to support the players that are there in prayers,” Keshi said.

    The former Togo and Mali coach added that Martins was not in the list because he did not live up to expectation when he was given the opportunity to prove his worth in the new Eagles squad.

    Keshi pointed out that he was more comfortable dealing with the players he was familiar with.

    “Martins is a good player and has done so well for this country. However, I have some other players I have used before and I think I have confidence in them, not that I don’t have confidence in Martins, but his time will come. He is still a young man and is still playing,” Keshi said.

    Aminu Maigari, the Chairman, Nigeria Football Federation (NFA) told NAN that Keshi’s decision on the list was final.

    Maigari said that the present board of the association had vowed not to meddle in Super Eagles affairs.

    “Actually the duty of the NFF board is to regulate, we don’t impose players on the coaches. But I was able to attend part of the last segment of the technical committee meeting with the coaches themselves.

    “At the meeting, I asked why Osaze was not invited and the committee said it had also asked a similar question, but the coach gave his reasons and they were convinced. I was satisfied too, because I feel it is not my right to come and say the coach must bring back a particular player,” Maigari said.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles would depart Nigeria for Faro, Portugal on Dec. 27 for the final phase of camping for the competition.

  • Fashola switches on Lagos festival of lights

    In an impressive array of colours, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has switched on the Lagos Festival of Lights to officially herald the holiday season with thou

    sands of decorative lights from the stretch of the Marina through Ahmadu Bello Way to Bar Beach.

    Riding in an open-roof Eko Tourist Bus from Marina to Ahmadu Bello Way to the cheers and colourful displays of several groups, who dotted the roadside, the Festival of Lights train arrived Akin Adesola junction of the Bar Beach, which had been a centre point of a carnival-like celebration, to usher in the Yuletide season.

    At a brief reception at the Bar Beach, Fashola said the state for the first time, would be among many global cities and states that would be under world focus and attention from December 31 till the New Year with the waterfront being the centre of activities.

    According to him, it would be a New Year like no other before as people would be celebrating the New Year in Lagos with the whole world participating.

    His words: “It means much more tourism exposure. We are taking control of the beach and giving it a new meaning, You will see all of the vendor stands. So, there would be a lot of businesses that would be going on there. There would also be a lot of partying going on there.”

    Governor Fashola added: “For me, it is investment opportunities and possibilities coming together using one of our biggest resources and waterfront assets.”

    He informed that there would be a sea food festival where fresh fish, shrimps and all related sea foods would be available at a good deal, stressing that there would be a lot of shopping at the waterfront in the next few days.

    The governor said as from next Tuesday around 6pm, only pedestrians would be allowed from Adeola Odeku junction to the Waterfront area as there would be no vehicular activity there.

    Assuring that the countdown to the New Year has been designed to ensure wide participation, he said the people would only be admitted to the venue by invitation, which could be secured through radio talk shows and quiz programmes.

    He said it woud be a few days of pleasure for him to flag off the event that started last Thursday.

    Also speaking, the representative of the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Yussuf Ageni thanked the Government for giving the organisation the opportunity to have the platform which he described as a special privilege.

    He noted that given the fact that the Nigerian Breweries has been around for for a long time and started in Lagos with its first brewery, anytime anyone talks about the success story of the Nigerian Breweries; it is synonymous with the success story of Lagos.

    He said when the team from the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency(LASAA) came up with the initiative, the question from the Nigerian Breweries was that where has the concept been all along as it fits into one of the core values of the company which is “enjoyment,” with others being “respect” and “passion for quality.”

  • Keshi: Osaze wants to be Eagles captain

    Keshi: Osaze wants to be Eagles captain

    Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has dropped a bombshell by revealing Osaze Odemwingie has proposed himself as team skipper.

    Keshi told a stunned Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee that the West Bromwich Albion striker has put himself forward to be the Eagles skipper.

    “He told them that he wants to be captain as he considers himself one of the most senior players in the current squad,” an official revealed.

    “But how he has behaved in the national team over the years has really run counter to his ambition to be the leader of this team. You can only lead by example.”

    The 31-year-old Osaze made his Eagles debut in 2002, but it was not until the 2004 Nations Cup that he established himself in the national team.

    Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide as well as defender and present skipper Joseph Yobo are more senior players than Osaze in the Eagles.

    However, he has rowed with national team bosses, from Austin Eguavoen to Lars Lagerback, and his clash with Samson Siasia was widely regarded as one of the problems that caused Nigeria to sensationally fail to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.

    It is such poor attitude that has now denied him a fifth Nations Cup appearance. In the meantime, the Eagles coach has said he wishes to run the rule over shock invitee Rabiu Ibrahim who has failed to establish himself at Celtic.

    Ibrahim has only managed a handful of games in his second season at Celtic Park and has yet to be capped by Nigeria at full international.

    “Keshi said he has watched Rabiu in a couple of cup games and will want to have a closer look at the midfielder in Faro, Portugal,” a top official told MTNFootball.com

    The gifted Ibrahim has held out a lot of promise since he featured for the U17s in 2007, but he has yet to establish himself in Europe ever since.

    This will be his second Eagles call-up as he was also considered for the 2010 Nations Cup, but opted out as he had just undergone a groin operation.

    Some top officials also took an exception to the continued invitation of Italy-based midfielder Obiora Nwankwo, saying he is sluggish and brings very little to the team. However, Keshi stood by his decision, insisting that the Olympic team skipper is tactically disciplined.

  • NPL interim board for inauguration on Thursday

    NPL interim board for inauguration on Thursday

    Aminu Maigari, the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday said the interim board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) would be inaugurated on Dec. 27.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 13-man interim committee was set-up last week to oversee the management of the NPL pending fresh elections into the board.

    Maigari, however, told NAN that the committee’s other mandate would be to study thoroughly the present situation of the league and come out with a suitable date for the kickoff.

    “No matter the circumstances, the kick-off must definitely be after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    “There were suggestions that the kick-off be fixed for Jan. 16. Some have said it was too far while some also observed that it was too close but I set up the committee to thoroughly study the situation and come back with good advice,” he added.

    The committee will also review all contractual obligations of the NPL including sponsorships and TV rights, developing new standards to improve the welfare of players. They will also develop new strategies to drive the league toward profitability.

    The committee, which was approved at the NFF congress on Dec. 13 in Port Harcourt to fill the gap left by the expelled board led by Victor Baribote will be headed by Nduka Irabor.

    Other members of the committee include, former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, NPL Sec-Gen., Tunji Babalola, Mike Enahoro, Shehu Dikko, Mrs Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Abubakar Nuhu Dan Buran and Kunle Elebute.

    Others are Mike Idoko, the Manager of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Mallam Salisu Abubakar, a former Sec.-Gen. of the NPL, Sabo Babayaro, the Chairman of Kaduna United FC and Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of Lagos State FA, as well as Ifeanyi Dike.

  • Osaze blasts Keshi, NFF on Twitter

    Osaze blasts Keshi, NFF on Twitter

    Osaze Odemwingie has added fire to the debate over his 2013 AFCON exclusion by saying Nigeria have lacked “a good captain for many years”.On Friday, Osaze, Taye Taiwo and Obafemi Martins were left out of a preliminary 32-man squad for the AFCON.

    Coach Stephen Keshi has since defended his decision while also revealing that Osaze asked to be made team captain.

    “This might sound disrespectful but Eagles had no good captain for many years. Everyone looking only after himself,” Osaze said on his Twitter handle

    He also said he was not notified about his omission from the squad. On my non-inclusion to the Eagles list I am not surprised. Not surprised Keshi and NFF couldn’t tell me themselves. No personality!

    “We talk through press hahaha how come I am the only stubborn one but no ex-Eagles player was sent off from the team with respect?” The striker maintained that his being left out had nothing to do with football.

    “Keshi has no footballing reasons not to invite me but is not saying the truth. He is still in my plans he said haha coach u no dey my plans.”

    He dared anyone who wishes to join issues with him on this matter. He said: “To some who wanna put mouth here please act like men. When two men talk 3rd has nothing to do. So Ikpebas and the rest talk to me face2face”

    He again revisited his feud with former Eagles coach Samson Siasia, alleging that the coach dropped him because he did not endorse him for the Eagles top job after he led them to win a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics. “Cos after we got Olympic silver I didn’t say Siasia is ready for Eagles he waited till he gets the job to axe me?” Osaze tweeted.

    “Me and Apam begged him to take (Sani) Kaita in the Olympic team.He told us he wants to play Efe Ambrose there who is a centre back? Good plan.

    “The only reason me and Siasia fell out was over kits that were not enough ‘cos they were on sale as the Olympics were on going. Shame! WBA needed me back for an important game and Siasia refused to let me miss a midweek friendly game?

    It was the same social media tool he used at the height of his row with the former Eagles handler. His tweets did not spare the Nigeria Football Federation.

    “NFF spokesman told MTN he is arrogant? I am arrogant? Why did country’s president threaten to close down our federation for two years?”

    “Why didn’t Lagerback continue with Super Eagles after World Cup? Chop and run was his plan and they knew it.”

  • Newcastle coach praises Ameobi

    Newcastle coach praises Ameobi

    Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has praised one-cap Nigeria international Shola Ameobi for his late winner against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

    Ameobi, who made Nigeria’s preliminary African Cup of Nations roster, came off the bench to score in the 81st minute, his first goal in the EPL after 18 rounds.

    ”I know the crowd weren’t particularly pleased when I took Cisse, goalsacorer, off but I just felt Shola… he’s a big man and this was a big occasion and he likes big occasions. It said QPR on the programme but really it was bigger than that, I think we all knew that and he has that calm head – he knows what is demanded here – to produce a quality goal, and it won us the game,” Pardew was quoted as saying by the online edition of Daily Mail.

    Shola Ameobi could miss games against Norwich, Reading, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Spurs if he is selected by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi for the African Cup and the Super Eagles progress to the finals of the competition.

  • Twitter erupts over Keshi’s squad

    Twitter erupts over Keshi’s squad

    Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi named his provisional African Nations Cup squad on Friday, with Osaze Odewmingie, Obafemi Martins and Taye Taiwo the big omissions.

    By contrast, Danny Shittu was a surprise recall along with places for Portland Timbers’ Bright Dike and Newcastle’s Shola Ameobi.

    Expectedly, there were strong opinions on the announcement. Twitter had some of the best.

    Here is a selction picked by Colin Udoh:

    @OkwuobasiOnuoha: Danny Shittu back? What about Taribo?

    Etete @charlyjeje2712: Osaze out? Jeez!!!

    @ntabjay: oh Well!!!!Is dis based on form or wat,cos lately Peter has bin doing so well & who d heck is Shittu,dnt even knw d dude…smh

    Millwall fan @cabbypetemfc: hopefully they’ll be out in the 1st round

    HayKay @gr8akin: Osaze begged Keshi, yet he’s been chopped off d list, did he think he’s a god? Indigenous coaches and their arrogances sha

    Babatunde Adebajo @tundye Shocker! RT @ColinUdoh: Odemwingie out, but Danny Shittu back in as Nigeria name 32 in provisional #ANC2013 squad

    Pete Chenzo @cabbypetemfc does any1 else want @danshittu to come home from African nations cup ASAP like me

    Kinxlee @Kingshizley: Let’s sack keshi b4 its 2 late and cause us anoda embarrassment y drop our best players @OdemwingieP and martins.

  • AFCON: ‘Shittu to snub Eagles’ invitation’

    AFCON: ‘Shittu to snub Eagles’ invitation’

    Danny Shittu is to reject a chance to feature at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, according to Millwall boss Kenny Jackett.

    Millwall skipper Shittu has been named in the Super Eagles preliminary 32-man squad for next month’s tournament, which will be hosted in South Africa, but Jackett has revealed the centre-back does not intend to take part.

    “I don’t think he’s going to go and I don’t think he’s been in touch with them. At the moment that’s the decision.

    “It was a surprise, but it shows how well Danny has done. He’s only in the preliminary squad so that’s going to be cut down.

    “But congratulations to him because he’s in there based on his performances,”MTNFootball.com quoted Jackett as saying on the issue.

    The former QPR defender starred at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola but has been frozen out by Nigeria since the 2010 World Cup incidentally in South Africa.

    He was not highly rated by Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi has not considered him since he took charge of the Eagles last year November till now.

     

  • JANUARY 9 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY Eagles, Cape Verde warm-up sealed

    JANUARY 9 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY Eagles, Cape Verde warm-up sealed

    NIGERIA have finalised plans for an AFCON warm-up with surprise 2013 finalists Cape Verde on January 9 in Portugal, officials said.

    “The match will be played the same day coach Stephen Keshi will announce his final 23-man squad for the Nations Cup,” disclosed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spokesman Ademola Olajire. It will be the first such clash between the two countries. Cape Verde shocked out mighty Cameroon to qualify for their first-ever AFCON. The Eagles other test game will be against Catalonia on January 2 in Spain.

    Following Keshi’s meeting with the NFF technical committee, chairman Chris Green said that nine players from the Nigeria Premier League will travel to Portugal to be joined by 10 overseas-based professionals for the clash with Catalonia.

    Officials said they are hopeful that the rest of foreign-based call-ups will join the squad latest January 4.