The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Ejike predicts doom for Amajita

    Ejike predicts doom for Amajita

    Flying Eagles’ striker, Bright Ejike said Nigerians have no reason to panic over the 2013 AYC ticket hotly contested by the side and Amajita of South Africa.

    Both sides shared the spoils 1-1 at the weekend in Nelspruit, South Africa and are billed for the winners-take-all tie in llorin next Sunday.

    The Nigerians have resumed close camping in the Kwara State capital upon returning from Nelspruit on Saturday preparing for the epic clash.

    Ejike said his side are on top of the qualification race and would deliver the goods at the appointed time.

    “Nigerians shouldn’t entertain any fear over our ability to deliver the ticket, no reason whatsoever to panic over the South Africans.

    “We’ll do our best to win, our desire is to win convincingly, so expect a better performance from us on Sunday.

    “South Africa won’t be coming for sight-seeing, they’re coming with determination to upturn the table against us, so, as expected, it won’t be an easy game.

    “Goals didn’t come in Nelspruit as we expected, be rest assured that goals will rain this time round and I’ll lead the goals rush. I’ll redeem myself in llorin,” the Sharks’ hit-man told supersport.com.

    However, the Sharks forward does not bother his head where he pitches tent for the next season.

    “I’m not thinking of next season now, what is uppermost in my mind is the AYC ticket. I want to take a step at a time. Once I’m done with the qualifier then there would be time to look at thing all over and take certain decisions,” he said.

  • Lawal’s Turkish deal suspended

    Lawal’s Turkish deal suspended

    The contract of Raheem Lawal with Turkish club Adana Demirspor has been put on hold, a top source in Turkey has disclosed.

    A top football agent in Turkey told MTNFootball.com said the contract has been put on hold now as they await his clearance after he was initially declared free by FIFA.

    He said, “Raheem Lawal’s contract has been put on hold at Adana Demirspor. The club have waited for the clearance and it is still yet to come. They are still waiting but Raheem is here still training with the team. Let us wait and see what happens.”

    It was earlier reported that Lawal had been cleared to play for the Turkish team after he Spanish club Atletico Beleares reportedly owed him.

    The Nigeria midfielder’s problems started when he honoured a Super Eagles call against the wishes of his Spanish team Atletico Beleares, who needed him for promotional play-off games, but he instead chose to feature for his country.

    During the summer transfer, Raheem Lawal signed a lucrative two-year deal with Turkish second division side Adana Demirspor without the approval of his Spanish club.

  • Badminton coach dreams gold at Abuja tourney

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Badminton Coach, Ahmed Bako, says he is hopeful that his players will surpass their previous three gold medals at this year’s Abuja City National Badminton Championships.

    Bako told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that although the players had done well in the last two editions, he hoped they would beat their records. NAN reports that the 3rd Abuja City National Badminton Championships began on Sept. 24 in Abuja with 27 states participating.

    Bako said the FCT had 30 players in the competition, comprising 16 males and 14 females for the U-20 and senior categories.

    “We are always prepared and we hope to beat our last year’s record of three gold medals.

    “If we can beat that, good, but if we can’t and we can maintain what we have, well too, but we pray not to go less than the three,’’ he said.

    Bako said the FCT’s participation in the competition was part of its preparation for the 18th National Sports Festival, scheduled for Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.

    “Our participation will help us see how well we have prepared and see what areas we will look into before the festival.

    “After the championships we’re going to have only one and a half months before the festival, so, this competition has come at the right time because we will use it to test our players’ ability,’’ he said.

    He noted that out of the 10 slots given to each state for badminton at the festival, the FCT would only utilise eight because proper plans had to be made to accommodate them.

    “The fewer you go with, the more committed they will be and you will be able to tactically appraise them better than when you have a large number.

    “Also, the female teams are stronger than the male teams so our strength will lie with the female teams,’’ Bako said.

  • Oshinawa tipped for success in Israel

    Oshinawa tipped for success in Israel

    Super Eagles defender, Juwon Oshaniwa, has been backed by Imama Amapakabo, his coach at former club, Sharks, to be a major hit in Israel.

    Oshaniwa joined Ligat ha’Al side MS Ashdod after three seasons with the Port Harcourt team and Amapakabo reckons he would go on to achieve greater things.

    Amapakabo told supersport.com: “It is not a surprise that he has taken his career to the next level because not only was he one of our top players, but he was quite dedicated and has the right mentality to make progress in the game.

    “He was a key player while he was with us because of his versatility as he could also play on the left side of attack, where he made good runs and he also shoots very well.

    “It helped us a lot since we could play him in front of Chidiebere Okolie sometimes, and their combination was quite good.

    “He has the qualities to play abroad and he told me it was a good deal, so I’m just happy for him.”

    When reminded that Oshinawa has struggled at international level, Amapakabo said it had more to do with the Super Eagles tactics.

    “I watched the game against Namibia in Calabar, after which I spoke to him and some other players and I think the problem was more of a tactical one, therefore it would be unfair to question his ability,” he reasoned.

    He added: “I don’t think Taye Taiwo or Elderson Echiejile, who are the established left backs, are technically better than him, and Nigerians would come to appreciate his game better with time.”

    It would be recalled that Ashdod signed the 21-year-old Oshaniwa about two weeks ago without giving him trials and he made his debut in the 2-1 defeat of Beitar Jerusalem on September 13.

    Ashdod are 2nd in the Israeli league, behind Vincent Enyeama’s Maccabi Tel Aviv on goal difference after four rounds of matches.

  • October 13 BATTLE OF CALABAR: Gomo Onduku to seize the day

    October 13 BATTLE OF CALABAR: Gomo Onduku to seize the day

    Sharks striker Gomo Onduku has admitted that receiving his invitation to the Super Eagles camp for the upcoming Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia was both a thrill and a surprise.

    Onduku told supersport.com that the immediate past season was his best ever, and that the call-up was a reward for his brilliant performance, but that it came at a time he least expected.

    “I am quite excited about this call-up, but it came as a surprise because I thought I’d been overlooked by the national selectors,” he said.

    “This has been the best season so far in my career, as I scored nine goals from open play and created many more for my teammates.

    “I’d been expecting to be called up in the course of the season since the Eagles were involved in a lot of qualifying games and friendly matches, but the call didn’t come then.

    “So to be called up at the conclusion of the season was a bit of a surprise, though a pleasant one, and I’m happy that recognition at this level has finally come my way,” he added.

    And having finally caught the eye of the national selectors, the former Bayelsa United forward is determined to make the best of the opportunity and hopes his versatility would give him an edge in camp.

    “I fancy my chances because virtually all the players in camp started from the local league, so I’m looking forward to doing well in training and leave the rest to the coaches,” he said.

    “I can play on either wing or behind the main striker, though I prefer playing wide on the right as it is easier for me to cut inside and score from there.

    “However, I’m ready to play in any position the coaches feel will benefit the team.”

    Onduku is one of 23 players from the Nigeria Premier League called up by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi for return leg of the final Africa Nations Cup tie against Liberia billed for Calabar on October 13.

  • Jonathan charges Flamingoes: Win U-17 World Cup

    Jonathan charges Flamingoes: Win U-17 World Cup

    President Goodluck Jonathan has charged Nigeria’s junior women team, the Flamingoes, to go all out and win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

    Tukur Mani, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Iran, who has concurrent accreditation to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Kazakhstan, delivered the President’s message to the team and their officials in Baku.

    The Deputy Head of Mission in Azerbaijan, Garba Bello, said: “Amb. Tukur Mani, while delivering the message of President Goodluck Jonathan to the team and their officials, urged them to excel.

    “President Jonathan said we should boost the morale of the players and inspire them to go far and win the tournament.

    “God willing, the team has started doing what the president urged them to do by beating the host nation Azerbaijan 11 – 0 on Tuesday before their fans.

    “The match of yesterday (Tuesday) was a display of high skill and cohesion in the Flamingoes team.

    “Even in the opening game against Canada, Nigerian girls showed good football, although they drew at the end. It was obvious that Nigeria was a better team than Canada in the game.

    “With the way they are going, our girls will reach the final and lift the FIFA Under 17 World Cup. I have watched all the teams in this competition training and I can say that we have no rival.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingoes will end their group campaign with a match against Columbia at Bayil Stadium in Baku on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, with her five strikes against Azerbaijan in Tuesday’s 11 – 0 victory, Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo set a new tournament record for most goals by an individual in one game.

    She overtakes Germany’s Kyra Malinowski and Korea Republic’s Yeo Minji, who each netted four against South Africa and Nigeria respectively during the 2010 edition.

    Only two games into the campaign, Gambia have already equalled the tournament record for goals conceded.

    The record was set by South Africa who shipped 17 in three matches at the 2010 edition.

  • NFF risks CAF’s ban for slow rate of development

    NFF risks CAF’s ban for slow rate of development

    THe Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) needs to step up its programmes in football development, especially at the grassroots otherwise it may incur the wrath of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), the highest football body on the continent.

    SportingLife exclusively gathered from a top CAF official, who spoke in a condition of anonymity, that Nigeria had failed to impress CAF with her programmes as regards football development in the country, and CAF may come with a sledge hammer if this situation fails to improve.

    “Nigeria is a very important body not only in African football but world football. But it baffles us in CAF that the country’s football body has not convinced us as regards their developmental programmes which are key to the growth of the game in the country. We are still studying the situation and if nothing is done, CAF may come with a position on this matter”, the source, a top Ghanaian CAF official, warned.

    Some football pundits have severally complained about the poor developmental programmes of football in the country. They questioned the way the country’s national teams are being selected especially the U- 17 and U- 20 national teams for both men and women’s teams.

    Most football followers concluded that lack of a sustainable and well defined structure in the football sector caused the fielding of overage players in our youth teams. They advised that the Nigeria Football Federation needed to come up with a good programme and plans to ensure football is developed in the country.

    The CAF source complained of this and wondered why Nigeria had not done anything concerning this while other countries in the continent showed improvement in the development of the game in their domains.

  • ‘Age-cheating hindering football dev.’

    A former Super Eagles player, Friday Ekpo, on Thursday said that age cheating in football was one of the factors responsible for the game’s stunted growth in Nigeria.

    Ekpo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that many of the players who have represented the country in age-grade competitions did not move up to the next cadre of national team.

    He was speaking on the need for the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to ensure that the current U-17 male and Female teams be kept together to transit to the U-20.

    “Using over age players for age group competitions is one of the major reasons why football has not fully developed in the country.

    “It has done a lot of damage to our football and the image of the country at the international level.

    “You expect a good player who claims to be 17 years old to move to the U-21 and the senior team either in three to four years’ time.

    “When you expect to see them at the senior level, you will discover that such players are not fit to make the team,’’ he said.

    He added that the pressure on coaches to win a competition at all cost had also contributed to age-cheating in football.

    “Some coaches will include overage players in their team so that they can win a competition and also secure their job,’’ Ekpo said.

    According to him, one of the ways to eradicate age-cheating is by organising seminars for young players to enlighten them on the effect of age-cheating in football.

    He urged the NFA and the clubs to collaborate in the fight against age-cheating.

  • Flamingoes observe two days of rest

    Flamingoes observe two days of rest

    After two group matches each, all teams participating in the FIFA Under 17 Women World Cup in Azerbaijan will observe two rest days on Thursday and today.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the matches will resume on Saturday with two games each in Groups A and B, when the Flamingoes of Nigeria will play their last group game against Colombia at Bayil stadium in Baku.

    The other two teams in Group A will play their last group matches at Dalga Arena in Baku.

    Similarly, Group B matches slated for Saturday will feature the U.S. taking on People’s Republic of Korea while Gambia tackles France at Bayil and Dalga, respectively.

    Groups C and D second round matches were played on Wednesday with Brazil defeating Mexico 1–0 and Japan pounding New Zealand 3–0.

    The Black Maidens of Ghana had an easy 5–0 ride over Uruguay, while China held Germany to a 1–1 draw.

    Nigeria tops Group A with 4 points beating Canada to second place on goal aggregates. Third is Colombia with 3 points while host Azerbaijan without a win or a draw.

    In Group B, People’s Republic of Korea tops the table with 4 points, U.S. has 4 points also, France has 2 points and Gambia, a new entrant into the U-17 Women World Cup has no point yet.

    Top of group C is Japan, the 2010 silver medalist having 6 full points from their two straight wins. Mexico and Brazil have 3 points each while New Zealand has no point yet.

    China and Germany are at the top of Group D with 4 points each.

    Ghana, with a 5–0 win over Uruguay, has 3 points and Uruguay has none yet.

    If Japan defeats Mexico in the last Group C game on Sunday, they will join the league of teams to have won all their group matches in the history of FIFA U-17 Women World Cup since inception.

    The others are Nigeria, Germany and Spain in previous editions.

  • Moses, a dad at 21

    Moses, a dad at 21

    Two days after he scored his first goal for his new club, Chelsea FC, Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses became a proud father at 21.

    Moses, Thursday, broke the news to his more than 45,000 Twitter followers through his account, expressing delight at his status.

    “I am really proud to announce I’m now a dad! Brentley Moses born this morning 3.960kg all healthy thank God! fanx 4 ur support” he tweeted.

    The former Wigan attacker, who only completed his dream move to Chelsea this summer for nine million pounds, has also been impressive for his London team.

    On Tuesday evening, the Nigerian was handed his first start at Chelsea in a Capital One League Cup game with Wolverhampton. He rewarded his Coach, Roberto Di Matteo, with a goal for the confidence reposed in him.

    Chelsea won the game by 6-1.

    Already Moses’ fans have been praising the young Nigerian for his ability to be able to score on and off the pitch.

    Many people, including Dare Art Alade, award-winning musician, have been sending greetings to Moses on the delivery of the baby.

    Alade, who confessed to not being a fan of Chelsea, said he was happy with news of the arrival of the daughter already named Bentley.

    “Congrats man. 1st goal though I hate ya club and a big welcome to your daughter. Bless,” Alade tweeted.

    Chelsea face a tough test this weekend as they travel to the Emirates to play Arsenal, and it is likely that Moses will be gunning for a goal for his new daughter.