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Tag: Babatunde

  • Babatunde Micheal itching for Eagles’ return

    Babatunde Micheal itching for Eagles’ return

    Super Eagles midfielder Babatunde Michael has told SL10.ng that he cannot wait to get back into the Super Eagles team, after missing out on the first phase of qualifiers against Congo and South Africa due to injury.

    The 21-year-old has walked back into the first team of his Ukranian side Volyn Lutsk, and has played three straight games since his return from injury – two in the league, and one in the cup. And he says he’s ready and eager to wear the Green and White colours of Nigeria again.

    “I’m very excited to have been listed for the games against Sudan and I cannot wait to come and help my country qualify for the next AFCON,” he told SL10.ng.

    “It has been a difficult start for us but it has made us stronger and more determined and we know what’s at stake. I already spoke to some of my teammates and everybody is in high spirits and we know we have to beat the Sudanese home and away,” he said.

    Babatunde was left out of the team that failed to beat Congo and South Africa in the first phase of qualifiers due to the hand injury he sustained in Nigeria’s final group game against Argentina at the last World Cup in Brazil. But he said  that his hand is now healed, and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch for the Eagles.

    “I’m really looking forward to it and I feel very proud whenever I get called up for the Super Eagles. It means a lot and I really appreciate it everytime,” he said.

    And on Nigeria’s chances against Sudan, Babatunde said it’s only one thing at the back of their minds, and that is getting maximum points off the Sudanese.

    “We have to get the points against them. We know they will be charged up, especially playing against us as African champions, but we will be more determined. Nigerians are expecting and we cannot afford to let them down,” he said.

  • Babatunde: Eagles’ll bounce back against South Africa

    Babatunde: Eagles’ll bounce back against South Africa

    Super Eagles midfielder Babatunde Michael has said he expects the team to bounce back from their opening day loss to Congo in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    The Volyn Lutsk winger wasn’t in the Eagles team that lost, but believes the Eagles will return strongly on Wednesday when they face South Africa.

    “I strongly believe we will be stronger against South Africa on Wednesday.

    “The loss against Congo was quite unexpected but these things happen and that’s why it remains a highly unpredictable sport,” he told SL10.ng from his base.

    The former Heartland midfielder, however, acknowledged that the players must play better if they are to beat the Bafana Bafana at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.

    “I believe we will do well in South Africa but we certainly have to play better than we did against the Congolese.

    “The South Africans will have so much confidence now having won their first game convincingly, they know they stand a chance against us,” Babatunde said.

     

  • Babatunde out for a month

    Babatunde out for a month

    Nigeria international Michael Babatunde will miss the start of Volyn Lutsk’s pre-season training, but could return to the squad in the next few weeks if he does not suffer any setback during his rehabilitation.

    During the Group F fixture against Argentina, the winger blocked a goal bound shot from Eddy Onazi, which fractured his wrist and ruled him out of the tournament.

    Based on initial prognosis from National Team medics, Michael Babatunde would have returned to the pitch in the next two weeks, but he will now have to spend at least an additional week on the sidelines.

    ”It’s a shame that I was injured after being hit by a teammate (Onazi). In the early days, I was very upset but what do I do. For this team to qualify for the knock out round of the World Cup is a great achievement.

    ”After the championship, I’ll be visiting my family in Nigeria. Doctors told me I’ll not be able to train for a month,” Michael Babatunde said to his club’s official website.

    One of the highlights of the 21 – year – old’s career must be stepping onto the same pitch with  Lionel Messi, and he has admitted that he had a little banter with the Barcelona superstar before the start of the match.

    ”Yes I talked with him (Messi) in the tunnel before entering the field. I told Messi that I was fond of his game and that he was a fine footballer.

    ”Leo thanked me, with a smile. We could not speak much because we were focused on the match,” Babatunde concluded.

    Michael Babatunde had 23 Ukrainian League appearances under  his belt last season, netting in consecutive games against Arsenal Kiev and Illichivets.

  • Babatunde set for Volyn debut today

    Babatunde set for Volyn debut today

    Volyn FC new boy, Michael Babatunde is in pole position to make his debut for the club today in a Ukrainian Premier League match day 6 tie at home to Karpaty.

    Babatunde, who previously played for non-league side Waters FC of Abuja and Heartland of Owerri before his switch to Kryvbas, was unveiled by the club last Friday.

    The 20-year-old, Thursday penned a four-year deal with Volyn FC, who are presently 14th with five points from the first five games of the season.

    The forward was in the Super Eagles’ squad to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil and also featured for Nigeria at the African U-23 Championship in Morocco in 2011.

  • Michael Babatunde moves to Volyn

    Michael Babatunde moves to Volyn

    Super Eagles forward Michael Babatunde has joined Ukrainian first division side Volyn FC from Kryvbas FC for an undisclosed amount.

    The 20-year-old on Thursday night penned a four-year contract with Volyn FC, who finished 13th last season on the log of Ukrainian league last season.

    Last season, his appearances for Krybas were limited. Babatunde becomes the third Nigerian to star for the club after Chidi Alorzi and Harrison Omoko.

    The left-sided forward was on the squad to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in June and also featured for Nigeria at the African U23 Championship in Morocco in 2011.

    The former star of non-league Waters FC of Abuja was officially unveiled on Friday.

  • Metalist table offer for Babatunde Michael

    Ukrainian club FK Metalist Kharkiv are set to table £1m to land Super Eagles forward Babatunde Michael.

    A source close to the player’s agent informed MTNFootball.com that the former Heartland ace will be leaving Kryvbas for Metalist if both clubs agree as negotiations are ongoing. If the deal goes through, Babatunde Michael will play in UEFA Champions League next season.

    Metalist, who are currently on second spot on the table, are set to meet Kryvbas £1m price tag which was initially slapped on the dazzling winger who is already on international duty with Nigeria.

    “Offers are coming for Michael, both in Ukraine and Germany, but the player prefers to stay put in Ukraine. As I am speaking with you, there are ongoing negotiations between his club and Metalist, who are currently on the second position,” the source revealed.

    He further explained: “Metalist have been watching him since last year when he played against Dnipro, where Kryvbas won and Michael was the star of the game, but they could not meet the asking price of Kryvbas. They are back to offer him a four-year deal if Kryvbas agree on the £1m.

    “No doubt about his ability, he’s a good lad, who is very eager to learn fast, and I think this is the best time for him to start playing regularly for his club and that is why he wants to leave.”

    Meanwhile, Michael has joined the Eagles camp in Germany as Nigeria prepare for high-profile friendly against Mexico on May 31.

    The 20-year-old winger left his club on Tuesday night to hit Nuremberg, Germany, at 8:30am on Wednesday to participate in Super Eagles morning training session, and he has disclosed his readiness to work harder for a dream debut in this friendly.

    He told MTNFootball.com he is determined to fly with Super Eagles in the crunch ties awaiting the team in June.

    “It’s great to be here again with Nigeria and I am ready to work harder in training and look forward to a dream debut for my country,” said Michael on arrival to Nuremberg.

    “I’m ready to give all for the team, it’s a great pleasure to be with my senior colleague again. My first training camp with Eagles was a great one which I can never forget and coming to be part of the camp again for the big matches in June is another challenge for me in my career and I wish to use the opportunity well and help the team win a ticket to 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

  • Metalist table offer for Babatunde Michael

    Ukrainian club FK Metalist Kharkiv are set to table £1m to land Super Eagles forward Babatunde Michael.

    A source close to the player’s agent informed MTNFootball.com that the former Heartland ace will be leaving Kryvbas for Metalist if both clubs agree as negotiations are ongoing. If the deal goes through, Babatunde Michael will play in UEFA Champions League next season.

    Metalist, who are currently on second spot on the table, are set to meet Kryvbas £1m price tag which was initially slapped on the dazzling winger who is already on international duty with Nigeria.

    “Offers are coming for Michael, both in Ukraine and Germany, but the player prefers to stay put in Ukraine. As I am speaking with you, there are ongoing negotiations between his club and Metalist, who are currently on the second position,” the source revealed.

    He further explained: “Metalist have been watching him since last year when he played against Dnipro, where Kryvbas won and Michael was the star of the game, but they could not meet the asking price of Kryvbas. They are back to offer him a four-year deal if Kryvbas agree on the £1m.

    “No doubt about his ability, he’s a good lad, who is very eager to learn fast, and I think this is the best time for him to start playing regularly for his club and that is why he wants to leave.”

    Meanwhile, Michael has joined the Eagles camp in Germany as Nigeria prepare for high-profile friendly against Mexico on May 31.

    The 20-year-old winger left his club on Tuesday night to hit Nuremberg, Germany, at 8:30am on Wednesday to participate in Super Eagles morning training session, and he has disclosed his readiness to work harder for a dream debut in this friendly.

    He told MTNFootball.com he is determined to fly with Super Eagles in the crunch ties awaiting the team in June.

    “It’s great to be here again with Nigeria and I am ready to work harder in training and look forward to a dream debut for my country,” said Michael on arrival to Nuremberg.

    “I’m ready to give all for the team, it’s a great pleasure to be with my senior colleague again. My first training camp with Eagles was a great one which I can never forget and coming to be part of the camp again for the big matches in June is another challenge for me in my career and I wish to use the opportunity well and help the team win a ticket to 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

  • FC Kryvbas release Babatunde for Eagles

    Super Eagles invitee and FC Kryvbas winger Michael Babatunde will miss the team’s last two matches in the championship against Karpaty (May 18) and Volyn (May 26) due to national team commitments, reports the official website of the Ukrainian club, fckryvbas.dp.ua.

    Babatunde Michael has been summoned by manager Stephen Keshi for Nigeria’s upcoming friendly against Mexico in the United States as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup.

    The 20 – year – old, who has caps for the Under 23 side, will now link up with the National Team at a training camp in Germany ahead of the high profile friendly against Mexico.

    Mostly used as an impact substitute by manager Oleg Taran, Babatunde started only 2 matches in the Premier League this season.

  • Odibe, Babatunde talk tough on derby clash

    Michael Odibe’s Arsenal Kiev will be looking forward to extend their winning streak when they tackle Kryvbas who will be parading new Super Eagles’ winger Babatunde Michael in their derby clash today in the Ukrainian top league.

    Arsenal Kiev is currently in top form, winning their last two matches. And Odibe was in action for 90 minutes last Saturday in Arsenal Kiev’s 3-1 away win over Hoverla at the Stadion Avanhard said he’s expecting a tough match giving the prospect of their opponents but still aim to extend their consistency. Odibe has played seven matches for his club in the second phase of the league.

    While Odibe look forward to a fair clash, Michael, the new Super Eagles boy who has been named in the 30-man squad for national assignment in June, eyes upset against his country man in the epic clash.

    “I think we are getting back to our winning streak,” said Odibe who has been enjoying another great season in Kiev.

    “With our current form, I think I can say it is 50-50 game because it is another derby match and they are also a good side but we have advantage because of our home crowd which will help us alot.”

    Michael: “They have been in good form as well, they won their last game, which I think will boost their morale against us but we are ready for the battle. We want to see if we can win our remaining and book a place in Europa next season. The truth is that we know how to beat the big team. And the same formula will be used against Odibe’s team. I will console him after the match.”

  • I danced ‘Azonto’ when Eagles won Afcon – Babatunde

    I danced ‘Azonto’ when Eagles won Afcon – Babatunde

    Cherishes playing alongside Ideye, Omeruo, Onazi in Eagles

     

    Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih attacking midfielder Michael Babatunde has told SportingLife he is already in high heavens after hearing the news of his call to the Super Eagles for the 2014 World Cup qualifying match against the Harambee Stars of Kenya slated for the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on March 23rd, 2013.

    “When I heard the news of my call-up I was surprised and started shouting and praising God and Coach Stephen Keshi for giving me this very rare opportunity to exhibit my God given football talent. I am not the only good player in Nigeria but the coach just gave me this wonderful opportunity to come and prove my worth in the team. I can assure you that I won’t disappoint him,” Babatunde popularly known as Little Messi in the Ukrainian Premier League told SportingLife from his base in Ukraine.

    He also vowed to settle in quickly in the team like his friends Brown Ideye, Kenneth Omeruo and Onazi Ogenyi.

    “What makes me happy is the fact that I have friends in the team which help me a lot to settle down quickly. I played alongside Omeruo and Onazi in the Golden Eaglets of 2009 and Brown Ideye is my very close friend in Ukraine. These three players have already assured me that they will help me in all the way they can to make me enjoy the team.

    “I was also informed about the fatherly nature of the Chief Coach and other coaches in the team who are my fathers and I believe I won’t disappoint them. The senior players in the team I was told are great people from the skipper and this will definitely make me comfortable in the team,” Babatunde disclosed.

    The player who has since returned to the first team of Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih after an injury scare has posted series of impressive performances in the club since his full recovery and has promised to show Kenya the stuff he is made of when the Eagles confront Kenya in the match slated for Calabar in a fortnight.

    “Kenya won’t stop us in Calabar by the grace of God. The team is capable of doing Nigeria proud like we did in South Africa recently. I was a proud Nigerian in far away Turkey where we were doing our (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih) pre-season. Every time we won a match in South Africa come and see me dancing ‘Azonto’ to the admiration of my teammates who watched me with awe and jealousy. I was a proud Nigerian in Turkey then,” the former Heartland Football Club of Owerri star disclosed.