The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • NEWCASTLE 0-3 MANchester UNITED: Our best display yet – Fergie

    NEWCASTLE 0-3 MANchester UNITED: Our best display yet – Fergie

    Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side produced their best performance of the season so far as they beat Newcastle United 3-0 on Sunday.

    The Red Devils contributed a convincing display at St James’ Park as first-half goals from defenders Jonny Evans and Patrice Evraand a strike from Tom Cleverley after the break handed them victory. The win lifted them into second in the Premier League table and got them back on course after defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford last weekend.

    Asked if it was the best United have played this season, particularly in a dominating first 20 minutes, Ferguson told Sky Sports: “I would agree with you. I think so.

    “Although the second half against Tottenham we were terrific, but the first half spoiled the whole day. Whereas today I thought the whole game we were on top of our game in the sense of concentration, determination, all the things you want to see in a team that’s going to win.” He added: “It was a great result. To come here and win 3-0 against a really powerful, aggressive Newcastle team, you have to make sure you really perform and keep control of the game and I think we did that most of the time.”

  • Battle of Calabar: How we can beat Lone Star — Egwuekwe

    Battle of Calabar: How we can beat Lone Star — Egwuekwe

    Super Eagles defender Azubuike Egwuekwe has given a recipe of how the senior national team would overcome their Liberian counterparts next weekend in the make-or-mar Africa Nations Cup qualifying match in Calabar.

    The towering Warri Wolves defender told SportingLife that for the team to survive the onslaught of the rampaging Liberians, the team should maintain a high level of concentration all through the duration of the match.

    He said: “In footall, you need over 97 minutes of concentration to survive the threat of your opponent’s attackers. That is exactly what we need against the Lone Stars in Calabar.

    “We conceeded a last-second equaliser in Malawi due to loss of concentration. In Monrovia, same thing happened. Thank God the Coaches have realised this, and are working assidiously to ensure that we play the game all through its duration without losing concentration. This is important because, a second’s loss of concentratiion can lead to a painful defeat.”

    Continuing, Egwuekwe declared that the team is not under any pressure, and that they have ability to over-run the Liberians before the end of the fisrt stanza. ‘For me, I am not under any pressure, we have played them twice and know their abilities, so we are concentrating on exploring their weak points,’ he concluded.

    Egwuekwe is one of the seven home-based players that will do battle for the Super Eagles on Saturday.

  • NFF praises Flying Eagles

    NFF praises Flying Eagles

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, for its qualification for the 2013 African Youth Championship, following a telling 3-1 defeat of South Africa’s Amajita at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin on Sunday.

    NFF President Aminu Maigari, who joined Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed at the State Box for the big duel, said the Flying Eagles, six-time African champions, deserve credit for an inspired performance.

    “I am truly impressed with the performance of the team, and I can tell you that the NFF as a body and the entire Nigeria football family are impressed.

    “I will use this opportunity to pledge that the NFF will give the team all the support to prepare very well for the defence of its title in Algeria next year,” assured Maigari.

    Midfield impressario, Abduljeleel Ajagun, one of Coach John Obuh’s undetachables from the U-17 squad that finished as runners-up at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, hit a first-half brace before setting up top striker Alhaji Gero for a third and tie-determining goal early in the second period. The petite playmaker was fittingly selected the Most Valuable Player, picking up oil magnate Ifeanyi Ubah’s laid-on-line $2,000.

    Chelsea FC of England boy Kenneth Omeruo, on loan at Dutch top side ADO Den Haag, and Turkey-based Mohammed Goyi Aliyu, both also from Obuh’s U-17 side, held firm at the back while the delicate Chidi Osuchukwu pulled the strings effortlessly in midfield.

    It was hard going but Ajagun, team’s top scorer in the qualifying campaign with five goals, was at the right place to slam past goalkeeper Gershin Kock with seven minutes left in the first half.

    Celebrations were rudely cut short as the Amajita equalized straight from the re-start, only for Ajagun to again slam into the top right corner on the dot of half time.

    Seven minutes into the second half, Ajagun cleverly carved an opening from a sweeping move and set up Gero beautifully. The big striker made no mistake.

    NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, said at the final whistle. “We give glory to God for the victory. The Flying Eagles were impressive against an equally brilliant South African team.

    “We will work hard to give the team quality preparation ahead of the 18th African Youth Championship in Algeria next year March. And we now look forward to the Super Eagles qualifying for the 2013 African Nations Cup by beating Liberia in Calabar on Saturday.”

    Also at the match were Kwara State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Bamidele Towoju, NFF Executive Committee members Barrister Chris Green, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, Dr. Shehu Adamu and Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, and Director of Technical Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.

    It is noteworthy that Nigeria has qualified for the finals of all major competitions she has entered this year, starting with the U-20 Women, Falconets’ qualification and participation at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan; the U-17 girls, Flamingoes’ qualification and participation at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan and the Super Falcons’ qualification for the 8th African Women’s Championship, which finals take place in Equatorial Guinea between 28th October and 11th November.

    The NFF can look forward to the Super Eagles qualifying for the 2013 African Nations Cup finals and the Golden Eaglets making it back to the African U-17 Championship, which finals hold in Morocco in April 2013.

  • Levante 1-0 Valencia: Martins nets 2nd La Liga goal

    Levante 1-0 Valencia: Martins nets 2nd La Liga goal

    sidelined Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins scored his second goal for Levante Sunday against Valencia, despite a higher ball possesion by the visitors.

    Visiting Valencia had a 70% possession to Levante’s 30% but failed to convert their chances.

    Martins shot the homers into the lead in the 22nd minute of the match after getting an assist from Uruguay import Gustavo Adolfo Munúa Vera.

    The former Wolfsburg ace however bagged a yellow card in the 46th minute in an encounter that can best be described as rough. No fewer than 10 yellow cards were dished out by centre referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande with five of the cards going to Martins and his teammates while the visitors got five.

    Martins’ goal came as a big relief to Levante who have suffered back-to-back defeat to Osasuna and Hannover ‘96 before Sunday’s match. While the former Rubin Kazan striker was part of the squad when they went down 4-0 to Osasuna, he was not part of the 2-1 loss away to Hannover in the Europa clash October 4th.

  • Messi, Ronaldo steal the show in thrilling draw

    Messi, Ronaldo steal the show in thrilling draw

    Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dueled each other to an entertaining stalemate on Sunday, with both superstars scoring twice as Barcelona drew 2-2 with Real Madrid to keep its eight-point lead intact.

    Ronaldo put Madrid ahead in the 23rd from a pass by Karim Benzema to extend his scoring streak in ”clasico” matches to six.

    Then it was Messi’s turn, as he took advantage of a defensive slip to level for Barcelona in the 31st, before adding a second goal in the 61st with a perfect free kick from almost 25 yards out.

    But as Barcelona looked to seal the result, Ronaldo responded five minutes later to split the points.

  • Flying Eagles qualify for Algeria 2013

    Flying Eagles qualify for Algeria 2013

    Nigeria U20s on Sunday qualified for next year’s AYC after they defeated South Africa 3-1 to advance 4-2 on aggregate.

    Flying Eagles coach John Obuh commended the resilience of the South Africans.

    “They are a very good team and they kept us on our toes from start to finish,” said Obuh.

    “Kudos to the entire team for putting in their best to ensure we will be in Algeria to now defend our crown.”

    The Flying Eagles took the game from the first blast of the whistle but it was not until the 38th minute when MVP Abduljaleel Ajagun turned smartly inside the six-yard box before firing past goalkeeper Lebo Ngubeni.

    But almost immediately the Amajita drew level on the back of a quick counter attack as the Nigerians seem to still be celebrating their opening goal.

    And again it was danger man Thabani Mthembu who scored for South Africa, just as he had done two weeks ago in Nelspruit.

    “It was a mistake on our part as we over celebrated our goal and we got punished for it,” lamented Obuh after this exciting clash between two good sides.

    The game was then delicately balanced at 1-1 before Ajagun delivered the best goal of the day on 45 minutes when he blasted home into the roof of the net to the relief of the big crowd at the Kwara State Stadium.

    Enugu Rangers striker Alhaji Gero further settled the nerves of the home crowd when he slipped home a stylish through ball by the outstanding Ajagun. It was his fourth goal of the campaign.

    However, to the credit of the visiting South Africa they did not give up the fight as they then opened up and took the game to their hosts.

    Goalkeeper and skipper Samuel Okani was at his best as he kept out a goal-bound shot in the 74th minute and in stoppage time, Okani tipped another effort for a corner as Amajita continued to press for another goal.

    And when the Ghanaian referee blew the final whistle, players, officials and fans erupted into a wild celebration.

     

    Flying Eagles vs South Africa

    Samuel Okani (skipper) – Mohammed Aliyu, Kenneth Omeruo (Shehu Abdullahi 46), Ikechukwu Okorie, Chizoba Amaefule – Moses Orkuma, Abduljaleel Ajagun, Chidi Osuchukwu – Bright Ejike (Yahaya Adamu 64), Alhaji Gero (Uche Agbo 75), Umar Aminu

    Unused Subs:

    Jonah Usman, Halilu Obadaki, Agboyi Ovboka, Harrison Egbune

    Coach: John Obuh

    Booking: Alhaji Gero 53.

  • Chinese Super League: Utaka hits brace

    Peter Utaka, a former OB Odense hero, is delighted to end his recent barren spell in front of goal. His last strike before Saturday’s game was in August against Changchun Yatai.

    He told the newspaper: ”I know my wife and daughter came to watch me, and it is my daughter’s first time watching a football game. I felt motivated, would also like to thank my teammates, we have scored a victory, this is the most important.”

    Utaka’s wife and two-and-a-half-month old daughter were in attendance to watch the 27th round of matches in the Chinese Super League between Dalian Aerbin and Beijing Guoan.

    Dalian Aerbin were victorious against their opponents by 3-1, with the out-of-favour-Super Eagles ace accounting for two of the goals.

    After the game, Chinese media Peninsula Morning News – Haili Network quoted Utaka’s wife as saying: ”She was very well-behaved, rarely crying. She was her father’s Lucky Star; the week she was born, her father scored three goals (last goal was later cancelled, ed.) Today, for the first time, she came to watch a game and her father scored two goals.”

    With 18 hits in 25 matches, Peter Utaka is the second highest goal scorer in China’s elite league.

  • Capital Oil splashes $15,000 on Obuh’s boys

    Capital Oil splashes $15,000 on Obuh’s boys

    Capital Oil and Gas has redeemed a pledge of $15,000 made by its chief executive Ifeanyi Ubah to the Flying Eagles.

    A representative of the oil company, Nnanna Egwuonwu made the cash presentation on behalf of his chairman at the Bovina View Hotel in Ilorin soon after the African champions outscored South Africa 4-2 on aggregate to qualify for the 2013 AYC in Algeria.

    “Congratulations to the Flying Eagles for a marvellous result and performance,” said Egwuonwu, who is the chief inspector of Capital Oil.

    “We are most honoured to have redeemed the Amabssador’s Bonus as pledged by our chief executive, Ifeanyi Ubah.”

    Two-goal hero Abduljaleel Ajagun also received the MVP cash award of $2,000 from the capital Oil representative.

    Ubah is the Nigeria Youth Football Ambassador and he hosted the same team when they reached the last eight of the 2011 U20 World Cup in Colombia.

  • Keshi expects full house Tuesday

    Keshi expects full house Tuesday

    Super Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi told SportingLife yesterday that he expects all his invited 15 foreign based players to hit Calabar, venue of the all-important Africa Nations Cup final qualifying leg against visiting Lone Star of Liberia slated for the U.J. Esuene Stadium on Saturday.

    He also warned that he has not given any special permission to any player to come on Wednesday, insisting that all the invited Europe based pros must hit Clabar unfailingly by Tuesday.

    “I have not given any player special permission to arrive in Calabar on Wednesday. I expect all invited foreign based players to meet us in Calabar unfailingly by Tuesday so that we can have at least five training sessions together”, Keshi disclosed in Abuja yesterday.

    Two players Joel Obi and Efe Ambrose have also confirmed their arrival on Tuesday. Celtic defender, Efe Ambrose told SportingLife that he would be in Calabar unfailingly Tuesday.

    “I just finished playing for my club (Celtic) although the match was tough because Hearts is a very strong side despite being in 9th position on the league table now. We beat Hearts 1-0 to top the Scottish League with 17 points from 8 matches and we still have an outstanding match as a result of the (UEFA) Champions League match we played”, Ambrose disclosed.

    Inter Milan midfielder, Obi also said Thursday that he would make the Tuesday deadline in Calabar. “We have a crucial league match away to AC Milan on Sunday after which I hope to travel, maybe Monday. So I think I should be able to make the Tuesday deadline”, Joel Obi told SportingLife.

  • Sivasspor 2-2 Bursaspor: Eneramo’s goal saves the day

    Sivasspor 2-2 Bursaspor: Eneramo’s goal saves the day

    fORGOTTEN Nigerian international striker Michael Eneramo scored to salvage a point for Sivasspor in their 2-2 draw with Bursaspor.

    Busrsaspor stunned their hosts to take the lead through a goal from Deniz Okan in the 13th minute, and despite a frantic search for an equaliser by the hosts, the score remained the same at half-time.

    Sivasspor carried their search for an equaliser into the second half, but it was Bursaspor that scored again to extend their lead through a a goal from Daniel Belluschi in the 59th minute.

    Despite being two goals down Eneramo and his teammates refused to give up the fight as they contined to pile pressure on Bursaspor.

    Their moment finally arrived when Sivasspor rallied back with two goals in just two mintues to even the scores.

    Jakub Navratil found the back of the net in the 85th minute to give the hosts a chance to get back into the game and, before celebrations could simmer down, Eneramo struck for the hosts in the 87th minute to level the scores.

    Eneramo has now scored two goals in six games for Sivasspor this season.