The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Balogun

  • Siasia calls Balogun

    • Says only fit players to battle Egypt

    Coach Samson Siasia has extended invitation to FSV Mainz 05 of Germany defender, Leon Balogun ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations double –take qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The latest invitation brings to 21 the number of overseas –based players called for the games.

    Also on Friday, Siasia declared that only those who show guts and grit, and ability to adapt to conditions, would be fielded against the Pharaohs.

    The Super Eagles’ new boss stated that there would be no sentiments or consideration of previous ability as only the training sessions in Kaduna and Alexandria would be used to decide the 18 players on the roll for each game.

    “These are two matches that we have to win. There would be no looking at what someone had done in the past, or current form at club level. If you are doing well at your club at the moment and you can’t show ferocious form in training and ability to adapt to the environment, then you would have no place.

    “I am excited at the debate that has been generated by the team list. You can never satisfy everyone. The important thing is that we know the players we want for these big games and we have invited them, and we believe in them to deliver.”

    The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations gold medallist assured that he has been speaking with all the players on the list and has received assurance that everyone is ready to give his all in both games.

    “We continue to ask for the support of every Nigerian as we count down to the two matches. Our people should believe that we can do it, and we will do it.”

    Nigeria host Egypt in Kaduna on  March 25 and visit the Pharaohs in Alexandria on the 29th in two crucial 2017 Cup of Nations qualifiers. Egypt top  Group G  with six points, two more than the Eagles who are in second place.

  • Ambode, Balogun, Phillips for FOHI confab

    Ambode, Balogun, Phillips for FOHI confab

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, foremost banker and industrialist Otunba Olasubomi  Balogun and chairman, Phillips Consulting, Mr Folusho Phillips are among the eminent Nigerians billed to participate in this year’s edition of the General Annual Conference of Fountain of Hope International (FOHI) scheduled to hold at the Faith Plaza Conference Centre, CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos between November 12 and 15.

    While Ambode will declare the conference open, Otunba  Balogun, will chair the occasion.

    The keynote address with: The Role and Impact of Spiritual Development in Business will be delivered by Mr. Phillips.

    Speaking in Lagos ahead of the conference, FOHI chairman, Bro. Bosun Falore said the group has over its about 50 years of existence,  committed itself to promoting youth development, entrepreneurship, adding that the group has also contributed immensely to the spiritual nurturing and financial development of churches in  addition to  contributing to charitable causes in communities.

    He explained that FOHI is an interdenominational church based Christian organisation established in 1968 for evenagelism, adding that through its more than 120 chapters in Nigeria and the two in the United States of America (U.S.A).

    Justifying the choice of the theme of the keynote address, Zone 7 Chairman of the group, Bro Femi Adesanye said it was specifically chosen because it the group believe in marrying business with spirituality. He said: “If you separate business from spirituality, you are not likely to be fulfilled. So it chosen so that as people are making money, they should also be mindful that one day, they will be called to account for their deeds.”

    Other programmes of the conference include an Exposition of the Conference Theme by The Primate of the African Church Nigeria, The Most Reverend Emmanuel Udofia, plenary discussion sessions, a charity visit to a home in Lagos for the physically challenged, finals of the annual FOHI quiz competition, praise evening featuring choral ministration, drama sketches and others. Other programmes include election of new officers and fund raising for the Hostel Project embarked upon by the society at its Secretariat Complex, Ibadan.

    The conference according to him, the group had raised N32million with which it started the project, stressing that 48-bedroom exclusive apartment will serve as an income stream for the group when it is completed.

    “The  theme of the conference is “Behold I will do a new thing’’ (Isaiah 43 vs 19) and it will be rounded off on Saturday November, 14  with a Fellowship Nite at The Faith Plaza, Bariga, Lagos and thanksgiving service the following day at the All Saints Anglican Parish Church Ikosi-Ketu. Lagos,” the chairman said.

  • Banke Balogun, Ifeoma Williams still inseparable

    Banke Balogun, Ifeoma Williams still inseparable

    Many who are conversant with the happenings on the Nigerian social scene would attest to the closeness between former Miss Lux Ifeoma Williams and Banke Balogun, the delectable wife of Ladi Balogun of First City Monument Bank Plc.

    From a mile away, you could sense the affection the bosom friends have for each other. They duo have been friends for ages. They attend events together and carry on like inseparable soul mates. Their friendship hasn’t just strengthened over the years, it is has metamorphosed into an agent for the unification of their husbands who have also become friends.

    Those who should know said they have passed through a lot together. Many months ago, they resorted to lying low. But they are back on the social scene better and bigger with their friendship as strong as ever.

  • Why banks are rejecting dollar deposits, by Balogun

    The Group Managing Director, First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB), Ladi Balogun, has said commercial banks  are not collecting cash deposits in dollars to discourage naira speculation.

    The bank chief told Reuters in a conference call that the lenders took this position because the local currency had been battered by the fall in oil price, which affected the dollar flow into the economy from the international market.

    “Banks no longer accept dollar cash due to large speculation on the currency. However, commercial lenders will continue to receive dollar transfers from other banks. His comments were confirmed by another Nigerian lender, which asked not to be identified,” he said.

    “We are constrained due to the current influx of foreign exchange cash deposits we have been receiving in recent times, and the lack of available foreign exchange cash outlets, to stop receiving foreign exchange cash deposits”.

    Likewise, Standard Chartered Bank, has told customers it would no longer accept foreign exchange deposits in cash due to an unprecedented influx of cash deposits by customers.

    In a note to its customers, the bank said it would stop receiving forex cash deposits from August 11,  “until the situation improves.”

    “We are constrained due to the current influx of foreign exchange (FX) cash deposits we have been receiving in recent times, and the lack of available FX cash outlets, to stop receiving FX cash deposits,” the bank said, adding, “However, the bank will continue to receive, into your domiciliary account, your inward FX telegraphic transfers from other banks. You will also continue to have access to funds in your domiciliary accounts.”

  • Balogun happy Eagles now have a coach

    Balogun happy Eagles now have a coach

    Nigeria international Leon Balogun has underscored the importance of the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to put to rest the issue of the Super Eagles head coach.

    Stephen Keshi was on Tuesday given a fresh two-year contract after several months of speculations and uncertainties.

    The Germany-based Nigeria defender Balogun with three caps told AfricaFootball.com from his base, “It was very important that the issue of the trainer has now been sorted out.

    “The coach is one of the most important person, he is the one who picks the players, he is the one who sets up the strongest team, he is the one who prepares the road to success starting with the qualifies and hopefully we would be participating in the AFCON 2017.

    “It’s very important that there are no more struggles on who is trainer of the national team.”

  • Balogun, Ukoh bring Swiss, German flavour

    Balogun, Ukoh bring Swiss, German flavour

    Nigeria’s latest international imports, Leon Balogun and Steven Ukoh both born in Germany and Switzerland have expressed their delight at playing for Nigeria at home despite the loss to Uganda.

    Leon Balogun told supersport.com that “playing for Nigeria is an honour but playing against Uganda was an even greater delight and it was great to see the passion of the people and just how beautiful it was for me to visit the country and also experience it for a number of days.”

    Balogun was also excited about travelling with the team to their second friendly away in South Africa and enjoyed his third cap against Bafana.

    Swiss-born Steven Ukoh, who has represented Switzerland at U-17 and U-21 levels was equally happy to experience Nigeria

    “I had only ever been to Nigeria once when I was about two years old so didn’t have any memories but playing at home and in Uyo in Akwa Ibom where my family comes from was the icing.”

    “Right now, I am just focused on how to help the Super Eagles achieve big things,” Ufot said.

  • Green’s visit shocks Leon Balogun

    Green’s visit shocks Leon Balogun

    After he dropped his crutches in the course of the week, Fortuna Dusseldurf and Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun got a pleasant surprise when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Technical Committee Chairman, Chris Green paid him an unexpected visit last Thursday in Germany.

    Balogun, who has been celebrating the support he received from the federation and its coaching crew, said he could not believe his eyes when he saw Green in Dusseldurf just to check on him. “This is a pleasant surprise and I can’t believe that the federation will go the whole way to support me. I can assure you sir that your visit will hasten my recovery process and help me thank Nigerians for all the support they have shown to me”, he declared.

    The defender then praised President of the NFF, Aminu Maigari for his leadership qualities, declaring that the affection, care and support the federation has offered has reached a level that he has to reciprocate by getting himself physically and mentally fit for the Brazil 2014 World Cup if he is picked by the coaching crew.

    The NFF, through Green assured that it will keep a close tab on the player to ensure that he is not only fit but ready for the challenge of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. “We want the best for the country and you have proven through your commitment after just a game that you are the type of player that we need for Nigeria football to become a global brand.”

  • Absolute honour to play for Nigeria—Balogun

    Absolute honour to play for Nigeria—Balogun

    Super Eagles debutant Leon Balogun whose debut against Mexico lasted all but twenty minutes due to an injury sustained in a collision with the advertising boarding is still very upbeat.

    “I am actually feeling quite good. Of course, it is not a nice situation, something different from what I have imagined but I have been in this situation and have come back stronger than before. I will do so again,” Balogun said.

    Early prognosis says Balogun has fractured his foot, “the centre of the foot actually,” during that collision but confirmation will happen when he gets back to Dusseldorf.

    “I expect to have an MRI scan and most probably surgery to correct it all,” he said.

    Balogun will not allow anything to detract from what he describes as an “incredible honour and pride I have felt in representing Nigeria for the first time.“

    “It is also a matter of mindset, so I plan to leave no space for any negative thoughts and put all my focus in recovering so I can be back available for selection again as soon as possible,” Balogun declared.

    On how he felt running onto the pitch in the Nigerian colours, he enthused: “Great. Absolutely great. A little nervous of course but not too much. It is still football at the end of the day and all of us can ball. So I stayed focused and started going in hard on the Mexicans ‘cause they had been kicking my team mates like crazy.”

    In the days leading up to the match, you’d think Leon will struggle to fit in to the culture and camp environment. He confessed: “I have been quite relaxed in the camp with the players and team mates who had made me welcome totally. Wish I spoke more pidgin though.”

    What has been most noticeable with the Fortuna Dusseldorf defender is how he is still very calm and relaxed and joking in spite of the injury.

    “I have spoken to my mum and my girlfriend who were very happy I got a game but really sad due to the injury. As a result of the time difference I could not get to speak to dad as he was asleep. Not a problem. May be I should eat fufu as some people have been asking me to do,” Balogun joked.

    Hopefully, his positivity can help him through this injury and, who knows, still get him on the plane to Brazil as a member of the squad.

  • Absolute honour to play for Nigeria —Balogun

    Absolute honour to play for Nigeria —Balogun

    Super Eagles debutant Leon Balogun whose debut against Mexico lasted all but twenty minutes due to an injury sustained in a collision with the advertising boarding is still very upbeat.

    “I am actually feeling quite good. Of course it is not a nice situation, something different from what I have imagined but I have been in this situation and have come back stronger than before. I will do so again.”

    Early prognosis says Balogun has fractured his foot “the centre of the foot actually” during that collision but confirmation will happen when he gets back to Dusseldorf.

    “I expect to have an MRI scan and most probably surgery to correct it all.”

    Leon will not allow anything to detract from what he describes as an “incredible honour and pride I have felt in representing Nigeria for the first time.“

    “It is also a matter of mindset so I plan to leave no space for any negative thoughts and put all my focus in recovering so I can be back available for selection again as soon as possible.”

    On how he felt running onto the pitch in the Nigerian colours “great. Absolutely great. A little nervous of course but not too much. It is still football at the end of the day and all of us can ball. So I stayed focused and started going in hard on the Mexicans cos they had been kicking my team mates like crazy”

    In the days leading up to the match, you’d think Leon will struggle to fit in to the culture and camp environment. He confessed: “I have been quite relaxed in the camp with the players and team mates who had made me welcome totally. Wish I spoke more pidgin though”.

    What has been most noticeable with the Fortuna Dusseldorf defender is how he is still very calm and relaxed and joking in spite of the injury.

    “I have spoken to my mum and my girlfriend who were very happy I got a game but really sad due to the injury.

    “As a result of the time difference I could not get to speak to dad as he was asleep. Not a problem. May be I should eat fufu as some people have been asking me to do,” Still cracking another joke.

    Hopefully, Leon Balogun’s positivity can help him through this injury and who knows still get him on the plane to Brazil as a member of the squad.

  • Balogun bags Gateway award

    Founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun has bagged the honorary award of ‘Gateway Business Ambassador’ of the year.

    The award was organised by Cue Ideas For All International (CIFA) at the Olives Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State.

    The awards, according to Mr Niyi Akinsiju, who spoke on behalf of the organisers, are aimed at celebrating outstanding Ogun State indigenes, businesses and institutions whose achievements have shaped lives and social welfare in domestic and international markets.

    It is also designed to celebrate their excellence and positive impacts within their industry as well as contributions toward the development of the nation.

    Head of South Western Zone Adelaja Adeleye, who represented Otunba Balogun received the award on his behalf.