The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • CAF postpones Champions League 2nd leg final

    CAF postpones Champions League 2nd leg final

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday announced the postponement of the second leg of the final round of the Orange CAF Champions League 2012. This is contained in a statement issued by CAF on its website, cafonline.com.

    The statement said the match, which was earlier scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 9, Nov. 10 or Nov. 11, had been rescheduled to be played on the weekend of Nov. 16, Nov. 17 or Nov. 18. It said that the change was to avoid a clash in the final of the African Women Championship (AWC) qualifiers, which will hold on Nov.11.

    “CAF says that it has decided to reschedule the match number 116 (2ND leg of the final) in CL2012, to be played on the weekend of Nov. 16, 17, or 18, 2012 instead of the initially designated date in the fixtures (Nov. 9, 10 or 11, 2012).

    “This exceptional change was motivated by the willingness to avoid clash of calendar with the final of the African Women Championship (holding on Nov. 11, 2012) and will allow each finalist team to have 2 weeks between each leg of the final,’’ the statement said.

  • BATTLE OF CALABAR: Mikel: I’ll shine for Keshi

    BATTLE OF CALABAR: Mikel: I’ll shine for Keshi

    Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder, Mikel Obi, is set to play his best match for the Super Eagles as he has vowed to put up a dazzling display if fielded against the Lone Star of Liberia in the all-important 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier slated for Calabar next Saturday.

    “Mikel is fired up to help Nigeria qualify for the Nations Cup. He wants to correct the impression in some quarters that he is not committed to the Eagles like he is to Chelsea,” a source very close to the player and the team told SportingLife yesterday.

    “Another reason why Mikel would be in his best element on the day of the match is to compensate Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi for believing in him as well as accepting his excuses for being absent from the previous matches for Eagles”, the source added.

    Mikel had excused himself from the first leg match played in Monrovia claiming that his doctor advised him against playing on artificial turf when it was first rumoured that the first leg of the match was to be played on astro turf in Liberia.

  • Nigerian women referees excluded from FIFA U-17 World Cup

    World football governing body, FIFA, did not include any Nigerian woman referee in the 41 officiating at its ongoing U-17 Women World Cup in Azerbaijan and no reasons were given.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that African zone is represented in the officiating by Aissata Amegee, a Togolese referee. The FIFA Referees Committee also has on their list two assistant referees from Africa, Emmanuella Aglago of Ghana and Diana Mukasa of Uganda.

    The European zone has the highest number of five referees, 10 assistant referees, an additional reserve referee and a reserve assistant referee from Holland and host Azerbaijan, respectively. North, Central American and the Caribbean zone is represented by three referees and six assistant referees. Asia has two referees and four assistant referees, while South America and the Oceania has a referee and an assistant referee each.

    An investigation by NAN reveals that Nigerian referees may have fallen short of FIFA’s invitation because of experience, exposure, competence and age. While FIFA graded female Nigerian referees may be experienced and competent, most of them have advanced beyond FIFA age bracket, a source told NAN anonymously.

    The source said: “It is Nigeria’s new thinking to catch their referees young so that they can grow with experience on the job. Most of our referees actually got FIFA grading when they are about 30 years. At that age, they have few years left for active service to attract FIFA’s recognition,’’ the source said.

    NAN also learnt that for Nigerian referees to attract FIFA’s recognition for its competitions, they must take their jobs seriously. It would be recalled that NAN reported last month that six international male referees with seven assistant referees passed the test to defend their badges with FIFA.

    Four of them were Fustal and four beach soccer referees. But of the three female FIFA-badge referees, only Nwogu Uloma did and passed the test. The other two were excused to undergo their tests on a later date.

  • Red card fallout: Osaze to return better —Baggies coach

    Red card fallout: Osaze to return better —Baggies coach

    Striker Peter Osaze Odemwingie was tipped on Thursday to repay his debt to West Brom if he makes his comeback from suspension in Saturday’s Hawthorns clash with QPR.

    The Baggies hitman is available again after serving a three-match ban following his red card at Fulham.

    And assistant head coach Kevin Keen believes the Nigeria international will return to action determined to repay his team-mates for the violent outburst that saw him lash out at Fulham’s Sascha Riether.

    “I’ve been so impressed by him, especially over the last two weeks,” said Keen. He’s champing at the bit to get back into the team and perhaps to make up for his sending-off, and give the lads back a little bit after he maybe let down at Fulham. I think he is always quite humble and a nice bloke.

    “I find him to be an intelligent, good man. His training has been fantastic over the last two weeks and he will certainly be in Steve Clarke’s thoughts for Saturday. He’s a great player, whether starting or coming off the bench.

    “He’s got some real quality and a goal in him every time he goes on the pitch.”

    Odemwingie has suffered a troubled spell at Albion since Clarke’s appointment as head coach, admitting he questioned his Hawthorns future in the summer.

    But Keen has paid tribute to the 31-year-old’s contribution so far during Clarke’s reign, in which the Fulham defeat has been the only Premier League loss.

    “He is great around the place, speaks goodness knows how many languages, is good with the lads and I would say his training over the last two weeks has been as good as it’s ever been,” said Keen.

    “His qualities are really, really top drawer. What happened at Fulham was really out of character and, as Steve said at the time, these things do happen and suddenly the game can switch.

    “But that’s not normally Peter. He has a lot to offer and I’ll be surprised if he’s not involved in some way on Saturday.”

  • ‘I am not happy’

    Flamingoes coach, Peter Dedevbo, has rued Nigeria’s exit in the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan.

    The Flamingoes coach told FIFA’s official website moments after the first penalty shootout of Azerbaijann 2012 saw Marion Romanelli strike the winning spot-kick for France as they beat Nigeria 5-3 to reach the semi-finals after a 0-0 draw as the Dedevbo tutored-side fell at the quarter-final stage for the second tournament running.

    “France read us very well. We had our strategies, but they did not pay off. Sometimes football is like that. I am not happy, I have taken my team twice to the World Cup and we lost twice in the quarter-finals. I am not happy at all,” Dedevbo said.

  • Europa League:Joel Obi’s goal lifts Inter

    Super Eagles returnee, Joel Obi, was among the goal scorers on the night as Serie A giants, Inter Milan eased to a 3-1 away win over Azerbaijan’s Neftchi to move to four points from two Europa League Group H matches.

    The Nigeria international, who recently returned from injury, was rated high in the first UEFA game between clubs from Azerbaijan and Italy, the Nerazzurri strode into a three-goal lead by the break.

    Fredy Guarín crossed for Coutinho and Obi before instigating Marko Livaja’s second goal in the competition. Nicolás Canales got one back in the 53rd minute as Neftçi upped their game, but Inter held on comfortably to move onto four points in Group H.

    The hosts started nervously and when Jonathan released Guarín in the tenth minute, the Colombian played a telling ball for Coutinho, who applied a tidy back-flicked finish. Neftçi roused themselves, but just as it looked as though they were getting a foothold in the game, Inter struck again.

    Guarín ran onto Coutinho’s lay-off, streaking down the right before squaring for Joel Obi. The Nigerian had never scored for Inter, but that did not show as he placed his shot across Saša Stamenkovic with supreme confidence to double his side’s lead on the half-hour.

    Inter Milan were cruising by the 42nd minute when Livaja made it three. Guarín was again involved, threading through a pass that Bruno Bertucci could only divert into the path of Livaja and the Croatian had the simple task of heading into an empty net.

  • Guinness reaffirms commitment to national teams

    The official sponsors of the Super Eagles, Guinness Nigeria Plc, has reiterated its commitment to support all categories of the National Teams and the development of Nigerian football in general.

    According to a statement signed by Ademola Olajire, the Media Officer of Nigeria Football Association (NFA), the pledge was made during a meeting with the management of NFA on Thursday in Abuja.

    The Guinness delegation was led by Dr Obinna Anyalebechi, the Marketing Manager and Mr Uche Onwudiwe, Brand Manager and they were all received by Musa Amadu, the NFA’s Secretary General.

    The Guinness team promised its total support for the Super Eagles in its Oct.13 crucial 2013 AFCON qualifier against the Lone Stars ofLiberia.

    Anyalebechi was quoted as saying that the company was delighted with the recent performances of the national teams and will always continue to stand by them.

    “We are committed to making matches of the Super Eagles, and indeed other National Teams more interesting and memorable for fans. We also want to be able to show greater visibility at matches involving the National Teams,” she said.

    According to the statement, Amadu said that the company remains one of the NFA’s strongest partners in the development of football in Nigeria.

    Also present at the meeting were NFA’s Director of Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, Director of Marketing, Mr Idris Adama, and Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire. Others are Mr Okey Obi, Principal Legal Officer, Mr Alizor Chuks, Senior Marketing Manager.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles will engage the Lone Stars of Liberia at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar for the return leg of the2013 AFCON qualifier. The Lone Stars had forced the Eagles to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Liberia.

  • NIGERIA 3-5 FRANCE: Q/final jinx stops Flamingoes again

    NIGERIA 3-5 FRANCE: Q/final jinx stops Flamingoes again

    Nigeria have again failed to go past the quarterfinal of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after they lost 5-3 on penalties to France.

    The Flamingoes also lost out at this stage of the competition two years ago in Trinidad and Tabago.

    On Thursday, they were held to a goalless draw before they crashed out of the tournament on penalties.

    Sarah Nnodim put her penalty horribly wide to give the French girls a chance to nail their Nigerian counterparts, before Marion Romanelli scored the last penalty to dash the hope of Nigeria.

    The French dominated the game and came close to scoring one of which was when goalkeeper Andy saved a goal-bound shot from Ghoutia Karchouni.

    Griedge Mbock Bathy missed a free header at the back post from Lea Declercq’s corner with Andy stranded.

    Nigeria looked dangerous on the break but France were controlling possession and the play. Kadidiatou Diani was next to test Andy, with the No9’s header from Declercq’s cross sending her sprawling to her

    right.

    The pendulum swung marginally in Nigeria’s favour after the break, withholding possession much better, though chances remained scarce.

    Declercq eventually jarred what had become a stagnant game back into life, charging into the Nigerian area and crashing a fierce drive off the underside of the bar. It was then cleared, but her corner found the head Mbock Bathy who headed narrowly wide for a second time.

    Flamingoes captain Adielomon was sent off after a second bookable offence, the second red card of the tournament.

    Halimatu Ayinde almost gave Nigeria victory in the 84th minute but hit the side netting.

  • Pitch Awards good for Nigeria football — Keshi

    Pitch Awards good for Nigeria football — Keshi

    Head Coach of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has lent a strong backing to the institution of a Nigeria Football Awards superintended by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Keshi, Nigeria Senior Team’s longest-serving captain, said awards serve motivational purposes and help to trigger better performances from the actors and actresses in any particular industry.

    His comments came against the backdrop of plans by the Nigeria Football Federation, through Matchmakers Consult International, to organize the inaugural Nigeria Pitch Awards in December 2012.

    “It is a very good initiative and we must commend the Nigeria Football Federation and Matchmakers Consult International. The institution of a Nigeria Football Awards, for every area of the football pitch, will bring out the very best in everyone, be they players, coaches, referees, sponsors, administrators or fans.

    “For decades, our football has craved such an Awards programme but even the few that reared their heads did not last. I believe this one has protection and high chances of survival because it is backed by the football-governing body in the country,” said Keshi.

    Coach Keshi leads out the Super Eagles in a must-win 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia in Calabar on Sunday next week, and insisted that thoughts of possible rewards at an elaborate ceremony such as an Awards help to ginger players to put in their best.

    “Surely, when you know that there is a credible Awards out there at the end of the year, it helps your performance. I believe the organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards will do everything to make the process of selection transparent and credible.”

  • Mikel opens Record Label

    Super Eagles and Chelsea FC midfielder, John Mikel Obi has never hidden his love for music.

    It is practically seen whenever the footballer is not on the field of play for both his country and club, he listens to music from his devices with his headphone.

    The Jos, Plateau State-bred footballer has taken his love for music to another by floating his own music label. According to an industry source, Mikel now owns new record label named Matured Money Minds (MMM). This was recently established and is fully in control of his younger brother, Patrick.

    MMM already has about four artistes. They are: Splash, Kido, Edgar and Charass. We learnt that the artistes already have their songs and full promotions are in the pipeline to promote and make then rub shoulders with the biggest artistes in the music industry in Nigeria.