The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Chan Eagles

  • CHAN Eagles’ list omission shocks Igbinoba

    CHAN Eagles’ list omission shocks Igbinoba

     • Ready to continue giving best to Nasarawa United

    Nasarawa United midfielder and the highest goals scorer in the Glo Premier League this season, Esosa Igbinoba has expressed his surprise at his omission from the camp of the home based Super Eagles’ players who are preparing for the first leg of the CHAN qualifier against the Stallions of Burkina Faso.

    Igbinoba, despite playing as an attacking midfielder, has carried the Solid Miners almost single-handedly in the league this season with eye poaching crucial goals both home and away.  In a chat with SportingLife, the former Lobi Stars’ player stated that he has asked series of questions on what remains to be done by him to be in the team on merit.

    The Nasarawa United midfielder however told SportingLife that he wishes the team well against Burkina Faso in both matches and that he would be delighted whenever the national team selectors extend a call up to him.

    He nonetheless argued that under current form and with the number of goals he has scored from the midfield he ought to have been picked to show his stuff in the camp adding that only few midfielders could score as many goals as he has netted for his club in the premier league this season.

    “I am surprised that I was not called up. It makes me to wonder whether I am a Nigerian or not. For someone to score 15 goals from the

    midfield and yet not be on the list of 25 best players in the Nigerian league, I am so surprised.

    “I don’t have any problem with that because I will continue to give my best to my club and also hope that one day I will be picked on merit,” Igbinoba told SportingLife.

    Igbinoba’s 15 goals for the Solid Miners has made him the current leading scorer in the league ahead of Sunshine Stars’ Tunde Adeniji(14

    goals), Chikatara Chisom (Abia Warriors), 13 goals , Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves), 13 goals and others in the race for the top marksman at the end of the season.

  • CHAN: Salami, 17 others for Eagles’ camp

    CHAN: Salami, 17 others for Eagles’ camp

    Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami, will lead 17 other home-based players to Super Eagles’ Port Harcourt training camp ahead of next month’s CHAN qualifier against Burkina Faso.

    Coach Sunday Oliseh, africanFootball.com gathered will stick with the players he worked with prior to the African Nations Cup qualifier in Tanzania earlier this month.

    “The home-based Eagles for the CHAN qualifier will be the same players who trained for the AFCON qualifier in Tanzania,” a top official informed africanFootball.com.

    “This means that the six players from the league who have been picked for the friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium will join up with the rest of the players in Port Harcourt after those matches.”

    Salami was last month dropped from the team because of problems with his international passport.

    Others invited to camp are – Ifeanyi Matthew (El Kanemi Warriors), Tunde Adetunji (Sunshine Stars), Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba), Godwin Obaje (Wikki) and Ezekiel Bassey, Kingsley Sokari, Idris Aloma (Enyimba)

    The team training camp will open on October 4.

    Nigeria hosts Burkina Faso in Port Harcourt on October 18, while the return leg in Ouagadougou comes up a week later.

    The overall winners will qualify for the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda.

  • CHAN EAGLES: KESHI DROPPED

    CHAN EAGLES: KESHI DROPPED

    Salisu Yusuf who will assist Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will also be in charge of Nigeria’s home-based team, AfricanFootball.com has exclusively gathered.

    Keshi is expected to finally be announced as the country’s coach on a new two-year contract this week and he will now work with former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach Yusuf.

    An official told AfricanFootball.com: “Besides assisting Keshi in the Super Eagles, Salisu will also be in charge of the home-based national team, who will soon begin preparations for the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda.

    The CHAN Eagles are drawn to take on Burkina Faso for a place in the final tournament in January.

    They will welcome the Burkinabes in October.

    Last year in South Africa, Nigeria finished third on their debut of the competition reserved for players who are plying their trade in the local leagues.

  • CHAN Eagles praise Jonathan for cash gifts

    CHAN Eagles praise Jonathan for cash gifts

    Nigeria players from the recent Championship of African Nations (CHAN) have praised President Goodluck Jonathan for rewarding them for placing third at the tournament.

    President Jonathan showered cash on the Eagles with coach Stephen Keshi receiving 1.5 million naira, his assistants got a million naira, same as the players. Other backroom staff got half a million naira each.

    The president told the team when he hosted them on Thursday in Abuja he was inspired by their sensational comeback against Morocco in the quarterfinal of the tournament, where they came from three goals down to win 4-3.

    Warri Wolves forward Joshua Obaje told MTNFootball.com the team appreciate the president’s cash gift.

    “I am so happy with the reception and the reward given to us by the president. I really appreciate what the president did to us to recognise our efforts at CHAN. And his words of encouragement were great,” Obaje told MTNFootball.com

    In same vein, reserve goalkeeper Dele Alampasu told MTNFootball.com he was excited to be part of the great occasion.

    “I am happy with the recognition from the president. It was a nice reception and I happy to be involved,” he said.

    Rangers midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu added: “I feel so happy with the reception and the reward. It was a nice experience for me.”

  • CHAN Eagles’ largesse: Ebonyi fans hail Jonathan

    CHAN Eagles’ largesse: Ebonyi fans hail Jonathan

    Football fans in Ebonyi have hailed the historic presidential reward for the bronze medal-winning Super Eagles at the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday hosted the team in Abuja. He gave N1 million to each of the players and assistant coaches, while the Head Coach, Stephen Keshi got 1.5 million.

    Some of the fans commended the president for the gesture in separate interviews with NAN on Friday in Abakaliki and noted that it would help to reposition sports in the country.

    Macson Uche, a sports historian, said this was the first time in the annals of the nation’s football that a bronze medal-winning team would receive financial reward from the government.

    “The Super Eagles team who won bronze at AFCON in 1992, 2002 and 2006 did not receive cash rewards. The 2004 team received a ‘Presidential Handshake’ from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The above listed teams may have been rewarded by individuals and corporate organisations but this is the first time the team will receive as much as N1 million each,” he said.

    In the same vein, Obinna Ogba, a former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Vice-Chairman, described President Jonathan as the best ‘sporting president’ in the nation’s history.

    “This is the only president that rewards athletes whether they win medals or not. This motivates them to represent the country creditably in competitions. Football stakeholders in the country should reciprocate this gesture by maintaining the prevailing peace in sports administration for improved performances by our teams,” he said.

    Justin Mmegwa, a footballer, called on the country’s teams to always exhibit the “Never Say Die’’ attitude they are known for.

    “The President was particularly impressed by the CHAN Eagles’ come-back from a 0-3 deficit in the quarter-final against Morocco to eventually win 4-3. I am sure that the feat propelled him to reward the team as he uses it to preach on national resilience and integration during public speeches,” he said.

    Christopher Agbii, a businessman, called on the president to extend such gesture to athletes who participate in other sports and not only football.

    “Equal treatment to all athletes will correct the impression that football is the only recognised sport in the country and will serve as a source of motivation for the athletes,” he said.

    Jacinta Ukah, a youth activist, called on the president to personally intervene in the nagging issue of hiring a foreign assistant for Keshi as the team prepares for the World Cup.

    “The NFF leadership has debunked the issue but such at this critical period of World Cup preparations will constitute undue distraction for the coaches,” she said.

  • Jonathan splashes N31m on CHAN Eagles

    Jonathan splashes N31m on CHAN Eagles

    • Players receive N1 million each
    • Keshi – N1.5m, Asst Coaches – N1m each
    • Seven back room staff N.5m each

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday announced cash reward of N1 million for each of the 23 Super Eagles home-based players that recently won bronze medal at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

    The Head Coach, Stephen Keshi received N1.5 million while the three assistant coaches got N1 million each.

    Others included N500,000 each for Team Secretary, Team Doctor, Team Physiotherapist, Team curator, Media Officer,Technical, Team coordinator.

    The President, who announced the N31 million cash rewards during the Presidential Reception for the team at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, said that the supporters will be rewarded at a later date.

    He said: “As a sign of our appreciation, we have decided to give you very little token because ‘Thank You’ does not go to the market.

    “We feel like welcoming you in a golden way even though you got bronze because of your outstanding performance in the march against Morocco.

    “Although you did not get gold, you got the hearts of Nigerians.Your achievements speak volume. You may not have won the championship but you performed gallantly.”

    He added: “I think we are succeeding in sports because of the strong link between the executive and the parliament.

    “We are reaping the dividends of our investments in sports. Although there is still much more to be done. Let me encourage you to remain committed and disciplined.”

    The Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi applauded the decision of the President to host the Super Eagles home based inspite of winning bronze medal just like the teams that won gold in the past.

    “You are the best President sports has ever had in Nigeria,” he stated.

    Among those who graced the occasion included the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and some members of the cabinet.

  • Oboabona celebrates CHAN Eagles bronze

    Oboabona celebrates CHAN Eagles bronze

    • Alludes success to NFF, Keshi

    Super Eagles defence ace and Rizesport of Turkey Trojan in the middle of the pack, Godfrey Oboabona, has saluted the resolute display of the all-home based national team at the just concluded CHAN African Nations tourney.

    “I just left the country a few months ago and many of the players were calling me in the course of the tournament to get inspiration and support. Some of them were even saying I should have been there but I saw most of the games and my colleagues like Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kunle Odunlami, were simply fantastic”.

    While congratulating continental ruling body; CAF for initiating the tournament, Oboabona said the NFF and Coach Stephen Keshi should be thanked for discovering players like himself and members of the CHAN Eagles, adding that there are still more players in the country waiting to be discovered.

    “The NFF has been supporting our coach and his programmes and that has been the reason why we have so many players of international standard from Nigeria.

    I trust that at the next tournament Nigeria will win it, even as most people rightly agreed that we were the best team at the CHAN tournament.”

    On his club career, Oboabona, said it has been fair so far on him, its tough but we are surviving it and I hope to put up a good display this weekend to celebrate the CHAN Super Eagles”, he declared.

  • CHAN Eagles sneak into Lagos at night

    CHAN Eagles sneak into Lagos at night

    • Team sorry for trophy miss
    • Envoy preaches humility

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles returned home Sunday night after a hectic three weeks of participation at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The first timers emerged with a bronze medal at the tourney, with skipper of the side, Chigozie Agbim, pleading with Nigerians for coming short.

    “We came here with the intention to win the championship, but we could not make it, but we remain thankful to God that we came away with the bronze medal, the fair play trophy and we produced the Player of the Tournament.

    The Nigerians departed Cape Town, venue of the final on Sunday morning, for Johannesburg and from there connected a flight to Lagos, from where they left for their final destination in Abuja on Tuesday morning, after sleeping over in Lagos.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Sunday S. Yusuf, has counseled the CHAN 2014 Super Eagles to make humility their watchword as they aspire for higher football challenges, with big money moves for some of the players already looming.

    The envoy, who visited the team at dinner time at the Garden Court Hotel, said he was totally convinced of the prowess of the team and would stop at nothing to keep advertising the team to the highest level of governance in Nigeria. “President Goodluck Jonathan, whom I represent here, is proud of you and all Nigerians are proud of this team also, but we must not allow the little success we have here to get into our heads,” he said.

  • KESHI TO CHAN EAGLES: Finish in style

    KESHI TO CHAN EAGLES: Finish in style

    • Aims at third place diadem

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria are not giving up hope of taking third place at the 2014 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) as they face Zimbabwe in the play-off today at the Cape Town Stadium.

    After falling to fellow West Africans Ghana in the semi-final, Coach Stephen Keshi has told his boys to finish the tournament in style in the play-off.

    “Losing in penalties in the semis was not good enough because we even failed to score in normal play. But we want to go all out and play good football against Zimbabwe,” he added.

    While it’s the first time Nigeria play in the CHAN tournament and are happy to get as far as this stage on their debut attempt, this is also Zimbabwe’s best show after failing to get out of the Group stages in the last two editions.

    Besides chasing third place and the cash prize at stake, Nigerian players Rabiu Ali and Chrisantus Ali (3 goals) and Ifeanyi Benjamin Ede (2 goals) will be out to try and take the top scorers’ prize. South Africa’s Bernard Parker still leads the scoring chart with four goals.

    But the Warriors of Zimbabwe with their tight defense will not be a team to underestimate either as they have showed lots of composure and good team play in all the five ties they have played in the championship.

    “I have told my players to play with lots of caution because we are facing a good Nigerian side,” said Zimbabwe Coach Ian Gorowa.

    Although there have been reports of demotivation in the Zimbabwe camp because the government failed to facilitate the team with allowances, the players have continued to play their hearts out and could have a surprise for the Super Eagles.

    Kudakwashe Mahahi who is much sought after by PSL teams will lead Zimbabwe together with Simba Sithole who have all netted one goal in the tournament.

  • Tornadoes plot to crush Chan Eagles

    Tornadoes plot to crush Chan Eagles

    Niger Tornadoes coach, Hamza Azeez has promised Super Eagles Team B the toughest game of their lives.

    The African Nations Championship (CHAN) bound side will engage the Nigeria National League (NNL) Division A side in a build-up match on Wednesday at the Mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium.

    Azeez said his wards’ winning aura at the just concluded 17-team pre-season tournament in Kaduna is the same mentality they will unleash on the Super Eagles.

    “We’re preparing strongly to give the Super Eagles the toughest game so far in their preparations for the African Nations Championship.

    “Our target is to make something out of the rare opportunity the encounter offers us at least to further project our players to national limelight.

    “We’re preparing for an outright victory in the encounter, a draw will be unacceptable to us with the approach we will bring into the game.

    “We just came back from the pre-season tournament in Kaduna which we emerged the overall winners, I think the tournament has adequately prepared us for the game against the Eagles,”Azeez said to supersport.com.

    The Minna-based side that finished the out gone season in 12th position on 36 points will be using the encounter to further strengthen their squad for the start of the new season on January 25 while the Super Eagles are building up for the CHAN holding in South Africa from January 11 to February 1.

    The Eagles, who had at the weekend beaten NNL promoted side, Prisons FC 4-1 as part of their test match heading to the biennial football event, will compete in Group A at the CHAN event together with the hosts, South Africa, Mali and Mozambique. Their first game will be against West African foes, Mali.