The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Falconets abandoned at Lagos Airport

    THE Nigerian Under-20 women national team, Falconets who finished fourth on Saturday at the FIFA U-20 Would Cup hosted by Japan were left to cater for themselves on their arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

    No member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was in sight to receive the team which prompted members of the contingent to leave for their different destinations after many hours of futile waiting for NFF officials.

    Some of the players, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, fumed at the cold gesture of the NFF. “We are disappointed for not being welcomed or received on our arrival home. Although our best was not enough to earn us a respectable result at this outing, God knows that we gave our best”, said one of the Falconet players.

  • Eagles have lost class— Amiesimaka

    FORMER Nigeria international, Adokiye Amiesimaka has voiced his sentiments following Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Liberia in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

    Nigeria battled back from an early setback to draw 2-2 with the Lone Star at a packed Samuel Kenyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia thanks to goals from Nosa Igiebor and Ikechukwu Uche.

    The tie is now evenly poised on a knife edge ahead of the return leg in Nigeria and Amiesimaka believes the Super Eagles are no longer the force they once were.

    “Nigeria has lost ‘class’ in football and so can’t show it. Depressing that we can’t be pitted against the likes of Liberia, Sierra Leone, even Madagascar, and have any justifiable expectation of winning at all let alone doing so with relative ease,” Amiesimaka told supersport.com.

    The former dashing winger, who was part of the Nigeria team that won the Africa Nations Cup in 1980, decried the country’s failure to churn out quality players as it did in the past.

    “For too long we stopped producing players. For much longer we may continue to struggle to beat the weakest teams even in Africa.
    “In other words, Nigeria has joined the family of ‘class-less’

  • Iduhua, Bakare count blessings

    THE duo of Iduhua David and Bakare Emmanuel have commended Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), organisers of Copa-Cola for giving them an opportunity to showcase their talents at the just-concluded Copa-Cola tournament held in Pretoria, South Africa. The Nigerian contingent led by Coach Waidi Akanni comprised sixteen players who travelled to South Africa where the youngsters got the opportunity to improve their skills under the supervision of top coaches from Chelsea FC of England.

    In a chat with NationSport, Iduhua stated that he was excited to travel by air for the first time. He expressed gratefulness to God because the weather had been favorable. In particular, he was delighted to be able to catch up easily amongst the one hundred and forty players picked from fifteen African countries. Thus, he has set his sights on playing for the national team when the time comes.

    “When I got to South Africa, the first thing I did was to pray to God for giving me the opportunity. After all, I am not the best out of the whole lot thatthat took part in the Copa-Cola tournament held in Nigeria. I hope to play for the national team. If eventually don’t play football again, I will go into coaching,” Iduhua said.

    However, Bakare, who was named the Most Valuable Player, MVP of the competitive camp, believed that the beverage company had lifted him from an obscure football Academy and had given him prominence by sending him to the Copa-Cola camp held in Pretoria, South Africa.

    “I was so delighted when I was chosen alongside Iduhua to play in the All-stars team in South Africa. Most of them acknowledged the fact that I played like Lionel Messi. I was so proud of my achievements and I thank the organisers of Copa-Cola for giving me the opportunity,” Bakare said. Other countries whose players assembled for the Pretoria camp were Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Congo, DR Congo, Burundi, Cameroon and hosts South Africa.

  • Amoebi: I can’t wait to shine

    SAMMY AMEOBI says Newcastle’s young guns are ready to seize their chance to shine on the European stage.

    With United’s squad stretched through injury and the demands of competing at home and abroad, boss Alan Pardew will give his youngsters ‘unprecedented’ chances in the Europa League, rather than risk his side’s league form suffering.

    United begin their Europa League group stage campaign in Madeira at Maritimo a week on Thursday, and that could see the likes of rookie full-backs Shane Ferguson and James Tavernier, midfielder Haris Vuckic and striker Ameobi involved.

    The latter said: “This is an unprecedented opportunity for us younger players. “With the players we’ve got now, they’re top young players that are coming through.

    “I appreciate the fact the manager has put his faith in us since he took over and now it is up to us to start repaying him. “We have games to come where we will get chances that previously wouldn’t have come our way – and I can’t wait.”

    Ameobi has recovered from the serious knee injury that ruled him out of the second half of Newcastle’s league campaign last term, and got over the

    pre-season knock that has so far kept him out this season. He has been joined in the treatment room by older brother Shola, who missed the start of the season with a hamstring problem but could be in contention for next Monday’s trip to Everton.

    Ameobi Jr. said: “The Ameobi family hasn’t been a great place to be!
    “Luckily I’m back now and I don’t think he (Shola) is very far away from being ready either so it will be great to have us both back. It has been frustrating but I can see the end of it now.”

  • Azuka agrees three-and- half-year Esperance deal

    AFRICAN champions, Esperance have officially announced that they have agreed to sign on Nigerian international, Izu Azuka.

    It has been reported on the official website of Esperance that a three-and-half-year contract has been agreed with Azuka.

    The agreement between Azuka and the Tunisian club was finalised when Esperance played hosts to Sunshine Stars in a group game of this year’s CAF Champions League.

    Esperance have been tracking the Nigerian forward for a while before they finally agreed on a deal last month.

    The Sunshine Stars’ striker is expected to join the CAF Champions League holders in December this year, supersport.com can report.

    Turkish club, Adana Demirspor were also linked to Azuka, who rejected their offer of test games before being offered any contract.

  • Gov. Akpabio boosts Eaglets with N10m

    THE rank and file of the National Under-17 team was lifted on Sunday evening with confirmation that Governor Godswill Akpabio is set to redeem a pledge of N10m donation to both officials and players of the team, following their 4-1 win over the Junior Menas of Niger at the weekend.

    The governor actually met the team by chance last Thursday at the Abuja International Airport on their way to Niamey when he unconditionally promised the largesse to the officials and players when they returned!

    “I’m glad to meet with you guys again,” said Akpabio in reference to the duo of Emmanuel Amuneke (MON) and Nduka Ugbade, who were part of soccer celebrities when Akwa Ibom State commissioned the posh Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort last year.

    “I have just been told that you guys are currently with the Golden Eaglets and that you are going to Niger to represent the country,” said Governor Akpabio.
    “I’m just coming back from an overseas trip but that notwithstanding, I’m giving the players and officials of the team the sum of N10m. When you come back, you come and pick it for the team,” the governor added, and was given a thunderous ovation by officials and players.

    Late Sunday night, an emissary of the governor reached out to the team’s Oasis Hotel camp in Niamey with words that the donation is ready for collection, adding that the amiableg overnor is a man of his words.Golden Eaglets’ Head coach, Manu Garba (MFR) saluted the governor’s uncommon gesture, saying that the tremendous amount of goodwill so far enjoyed by the team from the NFF, individuals and state governments would further challenge the team to do the best.

    “One of the factors that has so far contributed to our team’s success is the tremendous amount of goodwill we have received from the NFF and individuals and this really motivated the players against Niger,” Manu said as heaped praises on all the team’s benefactors including the government and people of Cross River State.

    Said he: “Our meeting with Governor Akpabio on our way to Niamey was divine because we would not have met him if the NFF did not fly us to Niamey. All of these factors motivated us and we are grateful to good people like Governor Akpabio.

    “We are very lucky in this team, Senator Liyel Imoke, His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River was the first to adopt the Golden Eaglets and he has spared nothing to ensure we are comfortable in Calabar and we are grateful to all of them.”

    NFF Technical Committee member and consultant for the annual Secondary Schools Athletics Championship in Akwa Ibom State, Etubom Paul Bassey who was on the Golden Eaglets’ contingent to Niamey, lauded Governor Akpabio even as he tasked Corporate Nigeria on their social responsibility.

  • Giggs: Van Persie is ‘world-class’

    RYAN Giggs is positive that Manchester United’s signing of “world-class star” Robin van Persie will give his side the vital push on the road to their 20th league title this season.

    While United lost out to ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City on goal difference in last season’s Premier League title race, the Welsh midfielder is confident that Van Persie comes ready to deliver the goods, having netted 30 Premier League goals for Arsenal last season.

    The £22 million (€30m) transfer fee and Van Persie’s age represent a departure from Sir Alex Ferguson’s recent transfer policy of securing young players with a high sell-on value, but with four goals for the former Arsenal striker already this season, Giggs insists it is a great deal for United.

    He told Sky Sports News: “The goals that [Van Persie] scored, and his performances in general, it’s obvious he’s a world-class player.

    “The manager’s policy over the last 10, 15 years is to buy young players and develop them, the likes of Cristiano [Ronaldo], the likes of Wayne [Rooney].
    “But Robin’s a ready-made world-class star and is proven. I think he’s shown that in the first few games and I’m sure there’s more to come.”

    Losing out on the final day to bitter rivals Manchester City was galling for the United squad, and Giggs feels that the addition of the prolific Dutchman could make the difference between the two Manchester clubs if the sides are neck and neck once more.

  • Drogba vows to remain in China

    FORMER Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has expressed his desire to help the Ivory Coast win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations by staying in China and playing competitive football.

    The Shanghai Shenhua striker scored a penalty in a 4-2 qualification victory over Senegal in Abidjan on Saturday, and put the minds of all his fans at ease by stressing that he not only intends to stay in Asia, but also to help his country to glory, should they come through the second leg unscathed.

    “For the Africa Cup of Nations 2013, I will do everything in order to remain competitive while in China. Don’t worry,” he told L’Equipe before the game.
    “My start has generated good and bad reviews but I’ve always taken on my choices.”

    The 34-year-old made good on his word, helping his side twice fight back from a losing position to put themselves in the driving seat ahead of October’s decider.
    With the scores tied at 2-2, Drogba stepped up to convert a late penalty, before Max Gradel added a fourth goal with five minutes left on the clock.

  • 2006 WORLD CUP. How I rejected $300,000 bribe — Kingson

    FORMER Black Stars first choice goal-tender, Richard ‘Olele’ Kingson, must have left viewers of Prophet T.B. Joshua’s Emmanuel TV and the large congregation of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) Sunday in awe following his revelation that he rejected a bribe of $300,000 to throw a match at Ghana’s maiden World Cup in Germany.

    In his testimony before the Church in Lagos where he had gone with hiswife of 15 years to thank God and the Bishop for a recent deliverance, the former Stars’ goal ace did not mince words as he pleaded that he be given the time to reveal a secret that he and the wife had kept since the Germany World Cup in 2006.

    According to Olele, he was approached with $300,000 to throw Ghana’s second group match against the Czech Republic, then rated number two in the world, by conceding two goals. That is, he should allow the Czechs to win the match 2-0.

    “I got confused weighing the options of getting richer by $300,000 after that match, whereas all that I would get in the event of a Ghana victory would be much less, just $8,000,’’ Kingson recounted.

    According to Kingson, he then decided to consult his wife, Adelaide, who was residing nearby on the knotty and intriguing issue. “But my wife said, ‘Richard I love you not because of your money, so don’t get tempted by this offer to lose your dignity and credibility’ ’’.

    To the veteran goalie, who was rated among the top three goal tenders in Germany 2006 World Cup, his wife’s admonition was gospel and he acted accordingly, going into the match with a very clear conscience and never allowing any ball to go past him.

    Eventually, the Stars, who would have lost 0-2 in the match had Olele fallen to the bribe influence, rather turned the scores in their favour, thanks to the superlative goalkeeping by him on the day.

    It will be recalled that after the historic victory over the Czechs, Ghana went on to beat the USA 2-1 in their last group match to qualify for the second round along with Italy who gave them a baptism of fire (2-0) in their debut game at the World Cup.

    Incidentally, Italy became champions for the fourth time at the Germany tournament, beating France 5-3 after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

  • Serena hails ‘awesome’ recovery

    NOT for the first time in her career, Serena Williams climbed off the canvas to win her 15th grand slam title on home soil at the US Open.

    The 30-year-old had been a hot favourite to beat world number one Victoria Azarenka after her victories at Wimbledon and the Olympics but she was pushed all the way, fighting back from 5-3 down in the decider to win 6-2 2-6 7-5.

    Williams looked stunned as she absorbed her achievement, which brought a fourth title at Flushing Meadows and very different headlines to the ones she had written in New York over the past few years.

    In 2009, the world number four lost to Kim Clijsters in the semi-final after receiving a point penalty for abusing a lineswoman, then last year she was beaten by Sam Stosur in the final after again losing her cool, this time with umpire Eva Asderaki.

    Earlier last year, Williams feared not justher career but her life was in danger when she suffered from blood clots on her lungs as a result of a foot injury that kept her out of the game for a year.