The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIERS: Ideye eyes starting shirt

    AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIERS: Ideye eyes starting shirt

    SUPER EAGLES’ invitee and Dynamo Kiev striker Brown Ideye has shared his thoughts on his invitation to the national team once again by Stephen Keshi for the African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia in Calabar.

    The Nigerian striker who makes the list of 15 foreign based players invited to battle Liberia on October 13, said it is always an honour for him to be called upon when the need for national assignment arises.

    Speaking live in an interview mornitored on radio yesterday, Ideye added that besides his patrotism and commitment for his father land he accepted to honour the call up with high hopes to be part of action in Calabar.

    It would be recalled that Ideye was the only foreign based player who missed action in Monrovia as he was kept on the bench throughout the match alongside some other home-based players.

    He said: ” I am happy to be invited. it shows that the head coach believes in me, though I was not part of action in Monrovia but the paraded players were just wonderful. Every coach has his own style and vision of the game. Maybe he thought I would not be able to express myself. So, he did not let me enter the field. I hope technical decision will have me in action in Calabar, though the decision rests solely with the head coach.”

    Ideye also said it would be wrong for anyone to discriminate between the home lads and the Eagles’ stars after the wonderful outing at Monrovia saying both sets of players are pride of the national team.

    “ I have said it before the home boys are professionals like us based in Europe so it will be wrong to discriminate. I was once a player in the Nigeria league and I know how challenging it is.

    “ They have confidence and character. I watch the match on the bench and I think if they maintain the feat they can also win shirts to start even ahead of some of us based abroad,” he added.

  • BATTLE OF CALABAR: ‘Eagles are playing on past glories’

    BATTLE OF CALABAR: ‘Eagles are playing on past glories’

    Liberia’s Mamelodi Sundowns forward, Anthony Snoti Laffor, is optimistic the Lone Star will make it to 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa on October 13 despite the 2-2 draw against Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Samuel Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.

    Speaking from his based in South Africa, the Sundowns forward who operates mostly as a winger stated that regardless of all the big names the Stephen Keshi side paraded, the Lone Star were brave enough to hold their ground against all odds.

    “The entire team gave their all to get a win against Nigeria, but that’s the game. People should be proud of such a youthful and low profile team as compare to a high profile Nigerian squad. Coach Smith and his staffs are doing extremely well.

    “Despite the result, I’m very positive that we will turn Calabar outside down and will make it to the finals. What man has done, man can still do. Like I always said, countries like Nigeria are just playing on past glories. Who knew Central African Republic who had qualified over Egypt? We can put up a surprise in Nigeria. That’s football. All the boys need is determination, hard-work and remain committed to the process,” Laffor boasted.

  • Eko 2012: Ondo satisfied with 8 slots for ball games

    Eko 2012: Ondo satisfied with 8 slots for ball games

    The Ondo State Sports Council said it was satisfied that the state qualified in eight of the10 ball games that would feature at the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state secured the spots at the conclusion of the National Sports Council (NSC) South-West Zone II elimination in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

    Ondo will represent the zone, which has Osun and Ekiti, in the male and female categories of the volleyball, handball and abula events as well as the female hockey and basketball competitions.

    The council’s General Manager, Mrs Idowu Akinbulumo, told NAN in Akure on Tuesday that the contingent appreciated the government’s investment in them with brilliant performances.

    “The state government has invested a lot in sports and the brilliant performance of Team Ondo to the zonal trials is the reward it has to show to the world. Our athletes claimed eight out of the 10 events already decided in Ado- Ekiti which is a fantastic result for us at the sports council. We hope to build on the zonal elimination result and prepare well for the National Sports Festival in Lagos from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9,’’ she said.

    According to Akinbulumo, the football event will be decided at a later date to be communicated to the council by the NSC zonal office. NAN reports that the male teams from Ekiti booked their places in the basketball and hockey events at the elimination.

  • Flying Eagles prepare to shadow Amajita’s Dolly

    Flying Eagles prepare to shadow Amajita’s Dolly

    Nigeria youth international, Chidi Osuchukwu is convinced the Flying Eagles are on course to qualify for the Africa Youth Championships.

    The Dolphins playmaker told supersport.com that having avoided defeat away, they would be more decisive in the return leg in Ilorin.

    “I have no doubt that we will beat South Africa when we meet in Ilorin because the surprise element isn’t there anymore,” he said.

    “We didn’t know much about them before the first game and they posed problems initially, but we still finished the stronger side and ought to have won.

    “Their biggest threat was Dolly on the left wing sporting jersey number 7, but we are prepared and will take good care of him now.”

    Osuchukwu reckoned they were able to hold their own in Nelspruit because of their elaborate preparations and cautioned his teammates to avoid over-complacency as they still need to do the job on the pitch.

    “We did well in South Africa because we prepared well, playing a draw with Benin Republic in Cotonou,” he said.

    “We were the better side though, and we should have won had we converted a late penalty.

    “In as much as I am confident of victory against South Africa it would not come on a platter and I’m anticipating a tough game.

    “They are a good side, so we need to redouble our efforts in training and also on the day of the match.

    “We have blended well as a team and are a much better side than the one that eliminated Tanzania, so Nigerians can count on us.”

    Nigeria face South Africa in the return leg of their Africa Youth Championship final round, qualifying tie on October 7.

     

  • AFCON ‘84 MATCH-FIXING SCANDAL How Nigeria, Algeria cheated Ghana

    AFCON ‘84 MATCH-FIXING SCANDAL How Nigeria, Algeria cheated Ghana

    In a shocking revelation, former Algerian International Mohammed Shoaib has reported that his team struck a deal with Nigeria during AFCON 1984 in the Ivory Coast to eliminate Ghana.

    Shoaib, who was on the Algerian team, revealed to the Algerian media that Nigeria needed to draw to qualify ‘and we helped them with that after the deal.’

    ”We made a deal with Nigeria to end the game with a draw and they moved with us to the semifinal, while Ghana crashed out of the tournament although they won against Malawi,” he said.

    ”Algerians were still depressed after the plot between Germany and Austria in the World Cup 1982 which ousted us so we did the same to Ghana two years later,” he added angrily. Nigeria for the record lost the end game to Cameroon.

  • Peter Utaka itchy for Eagles return

    Peter Utaka itchy for Eagles return

    • Plots Chinese move for John
    • Seeks improvement of Odense goal record
    • Fans want him against Lone Star

    Nigeria international and Dalian Aerbin forward Peter Utaka is desirous of a return to the Super Eagles as the Stephen Keshi-led side continues in its campaign to grab a ticket for the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.

    The 28-year-old, who joined the Chinese Super League in January this year, has since become a hit scoring 16 goals in 23 appearances, just an inch away from holding the highest goal scorer title in the Asian country that has become a new Mecca for top footballers.

    The former OB Odense striker is hoping to re-enact his goal-scoring record in his new club in the hope that his effort will fire the club to geater heights on the one hand, and earn him a place in Keshi’s enclave on the other.

    “I care only about winning matches,” says Utaka. “It would be ideal if my team wins and I score. We are now sitting in sixth and I hope we can finish in a better position. As for me, I hope I can prove my worth with Dalian and hopefully, my club form can earn me a return to the Nigeria national team,” he enthused.

    Utaka, who left an impressive record at Odense scoring 52 goals in 108 appearances, confessed in a chat with FIFA.com that he is enjoying his sojourn in China even as he revealed efforts aimed at convincing his mother and elder brother and Montpellier striker, John Utaka to come over.

    “Everything here is enjoyable in China. I feel comfortable about the life here and I appreciate the help from everyone around me – my coach, team-mates, supporters etc. I hope my mum will come here to join me next season. As for John, we’ve chatted much about the Chinese league via phone and so it is also possible for him to move here,” he added

    Teaming up with his brother, according to the former Royal Antwerp ace, would not be a bad idea as it will further improve the club’s scoring chances

    “That would be fantastic,” he says. “It is not about the family reunion but goalscoring work. John is a good player and he can prove that with any team.”

    Apparently eager to see Nigeria at the Nations Cup next year and Brazil World Cup in 2014 especially after missing the last World Cup in South Africa, some Nigerian fans who have been following Peter Utaka’s exploits have made a case for him to be part of Keshi’s attack.

    One of such fans on Aifuwa, a social network site, said: “Utaka is one of the best in Nigeria. Keshi needs to invite him in October. Congrats Utaka. Keep it up.”

    Tambal2010, reacting from Sudan, however, said “C league still needs time to be a top league”

    Peter Utaka’s romance with the national team began in September 2009 thanks to Coach Shaibu Amodu who handed him a call up. He later made his debut for Nigeria months later in a 5–2 home win over Congo DR on 3 March 2010 and twice in a Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

     

  • Moses: I’m enjoying life at Chelsea

    Moses: I’m enjoying life at Chelsea

    Victor Moses is enjoying life at Chelsea and believes that playing alongside some of the world’s best players at the club will help him improve his own game.

    Moses moved to Stamford Bridge from Wigan for a fee in the region of 11 million Euros over the summer and is excited to be back in London after his spell at Crystal Palace.

    Speaking to the club’s official wesbite, Moses revealed: “Everything is going well at the moment. I’m enjoying life at the club.

    “It’s exciting for me to be back in London and playing for a massive club such as Chelsea, particularly as I’m a London boy, I’m just delighted to be here.

    “It’s a quality feeling to be playing alongside some of the most talented players in world football at the moment, and that’s what you need around you. The more you play with these type of players, the more you improve and the more experience you gain.”

    Moses made his first start for the club when the Blues hosted Wolves in the League Cup last night and the Nigeria international has fond memories of facing them.

    He added: “I remember the game, we won 3-2 at the DW Stadium. We went into a 3-0 lead but then Wolves came back and scored twice, but luckily we managed to hold on for an important win.

    “They are a good side, it’s not going to be an easy game, but we’ve started the season well. It’s important we keep doing what we’ve been doing, approach the game in the right way and get the win.”

    The 21-year-old is hoping to use the competition to show of his ability to Roberto Di Matteo and help the club to win more silverware.

    He continued: “When I was at Crystal Palace and Wigan I played in most of the League Cup games, it’s a good experience for younger players to play in competitive matches.

    “It’s a big opportunity as a young player to show the manager that you’re good enough to hold down a regular place in the side.

    “It’s an important trophy to win. Winning trophies can help give you the mentality to push on and do well in other competitions such as the Premier League and Champions League, so we just need to keep on winning games.

    “It’s a few years since Chelsea have won the competition, so it would be great for the club and the players if we could win it and get it in the trophy cabinet.”

  • BATTLE OF CALABAR KESHI SEEKS TO DROP NWANKWO

    BATTLE OF CALABAR KESHI SEEKS TO DROP NWANKWO

    •Plots plan B over Mikel

     

    SUPER EAGLES chief coach, Stephen Keshi, is looking at several other players to replace Italy-based Obiora Nwankwo who struggled in Liberia this month.

    Top team officials told MTNFootball.com that the big boss has not forgotten that Nwankwo was slow and sluggish against the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia and is looking out for a more capable replacement for the player, who incidentally has failed to make the grade at Inter Milan.

    Chelsea star Mikel Obi is already a sure bet to be recalled for the return leg match against Liberia on October 13 in Calabar, but should he again opt out, officials are also weighing other options. Joel Obi from Inter Milan, Kano Pillars star Gabriel Reuben and Nigeria U-20 star Kenneth Omeruo are among the names that have been suggested to replace Nwankwo.

    However, there remains doubt over the match fitness of both Joel Obi, who has just returned from a long-term injury, and Rueben, who was ruled out of the Liberia game on account of a groin injury. Omeruo, on the other hand, has been in fantastic form for his Dutch club ADO Den Haag playing at right back but can also play at central defence or as a defensive midfielder.

    The 18-year-old shone at right back on Sunday night at home against champions Ajax Amsterdam in a game that finished 1-1, and has confirmed his availability for the Flying Eagles return leg qualifier against Amajita October 7 in Ilorin. The Chelsea loanee is however yet to be capped at full international level by Nigeria.

  • Romanian club honour Ihelewere

    Romanian club honour Ihelewere

    ROMANIAN club Delta Tulcea have bid farewell to Nigerian midfielder Henry Ihelewere, who died in action and was buried at the weekend.

    Ihelewere slumped and died while in action for Delta Tulcea on August 6 in Romania and has been buried in Isikwato LGA of Abia State

    ‘Awilo’, as the late mercurial midfielder was called, was at the weekend celebrated by his club mates after they beat Dunarea Galati II 1-0.

    The players all wore t-shirts carrying a tribute on behalf of Ihelewere with his picture and an inscription in Romanian which said ‘”We are all thinking of Henry, you will be next to us every day.”

    Henry’s compatriot Mansur Rasaq told MTNFootball.com that Henry will be missed by all.

    “Henry was a good friend, a nice guy who was easy going but still got to do his job well,” Razaq mourned.

  • Flamingoes to play in green

    Flamingoes to play in green

    •Match to hold

    NIGERIA’S U-17 Women National Team otherwise referred to as Flamingoes will stick to his traditional green attire against host side, Azerbiajian in today’s second group A game at the on-going FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. It was the same colours it wore against Canada in its opening game that it drew 1-1 last Saturday in Baku.

    Yesterday’s decision was taken at the usual pre-match meeting with officials of the Federation of International Football (FIFA).

    Team Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi told SportingLife that hostilities will commence at 1pm (Nigeria time). “That will be 5pm here in Azerbiajian,” she said.

    Nigeria needs victory against the host side that lost its opener 4-0 to Colombia.

    Chief Coach, Peter Dedevbo has assured victory.

    The team used the whole of Sunday and Monday to watch its match against Canada in a bid to point out its mistakes especially utilizing its scoring chances.

    “I and my technical crew have sat down to discuss the changes to be made. I can assure Nigerians that the next game will be different,” said Dedevbo.

    Nigeria occupies the second position on the group.

    at 1pm