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Tag: coach

  • Falcons coach insists AWC draw not easy

    Falcons coach insists AWC draw not easy

    Nigeria women’s coach, Edwin Okon, has maintained that the 2014 African Women’s Championship (AWC) draw that pits his team against hosts Namibia and Zambia will not be as easy as it looks.

    According to the draws which took place in Windhoek on Saturday, Nigeria were drawn in Group A with Namibia, Zambia and Cote d’ Ivoire, while Group B has South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana and Algeria.

    Okon said the group on paper looks easy for the Falcons, but was also quick to warn that the Ivorians, who eliminated 2012 champions Equatorial Guinea and Namibia should not be treated lightly.

    “All the eight teams that qualified for the competition are good and determined to win the AWC title and that is why we won’t underrate any team. There are no push overs in women’s football any longer in Africa,” Okon said.

    “With Cote d’Ivoire sending defending champions Equatorial Guinea out and a Namibian side that will be well motivated by the home fans in our group, it will be foolhardy for the Super Falcons to be complacent.

    “They might look at Group B and say that it is the group of death, but the reality is that Group A that has the hosts and a team that beat the cup holders cannot be written off. It is not going to be easy but we won’t disappoint Nigerians.”

    He assured that the Falcons would do everything possible to qualify from the group and try to win back the trophy they lost in 2012 to Equatorial Guinea.

    Okon also revealed that he has requested for three international warm-ups for the Falcons ahead of the competition and plans for them to open training camp in August.

    The 2014 AWC will be staged from October 11 to 25 in Namibia.

    The winners,runners-up and third-place winners will represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada next year.

  • Warri Wolves’ coach Francis Temele dies

    Warri Wolves’ assistant coach Francis Temele is dead.

    SportingLife learnt yesterday that coach Temele died on Thursday after a brief illness. He is survived by a wife and two children.

    Temele until his death was member of the Warri Wolves technical crew. He was the head coach of the club’s junior team, a position he was appointed to this season.

    Fransis Temele was from a great Delta football family. His older brother Clement Temele played for the Green Eagles. Other members of the family include Frank Temele, who plays in Ukraine, and Omonigo Temele, a member of the national Under 17 team to Trinidad and Tobago in 2001.

  • Super Eagles: The coach we do not need

    SIR: Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, might have effectively made a tacit admission: his February, 2013 African Cup of Nations victory came only through sheer luck and providence. He came on board in November, 2011 promoting the usual Nigerian football musical chart-buster starring the weather-beaten title track, “Building a New Team.” As Nigerians eagerly expected the emergence of a formidable squad, his team remained “work in progress.” Almost three years on, the music has not changed. After crashing out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he described his collection as “a very young team.” Only sheer luck and providence could have, 16 months ago, given a title as big and competitive as AFCON to a team which even today still remains a young, new work-in-progress over other teams that were not only good and established but also solid, compact and ready.

    FIFA, the world’s football governing body, never expects a young team at the World Cup. That is why the Under-17 championship was put in place. The world does not expect a new team at the highly competitive global show. The Under-20 tournament has been institutionalized for such teams. The football family does not deploy so much time and resources just to watch works-in-progress in action. That is why nations have the option of not registering to participate in the competition. Administrators, organizers, analysts, commentators, enthusiasts, die-hards and fee-paying spectators converge at multi-billion dollars state-of-the-art stadia, sports studios, viewing centres and family lounges to watch a football world war being prosecuted by nations’ best generals and formidable armies.

    There is perhaps nothing shameful in being beaten at any stage at the World Cup. There are several strong and exceptional teams but only one would go home with the title at the end of the day. Defending champions Spain, with all their “world-class” stars, were humiliated and did not go beyond the group stage. Former champions, Italy and England, fared no better. But when it becomes easily discernible that a nation’s woes were consequent upon ego-inducing man-made factors, including going to a world war with the best generals shut out of reckoning, nothing could be more disheartening.

    Genuine title-chasing teams at the World Cup are not only complete, formidable and loaded up to the hilt, but also operating at full capacity. Unlike works-in-progress, they not only parade a strong field, but also maintain a quality bench. Unlike Nigeria’s Super Eagles, they substitute a Pele and bring on a Maradona; they take off a Messi and introduce a Ronaldo. Yet, Nigeria left behind the country’s hottest attacking and striking property in the close season, Ike Uche, with the coach giving certain excuses and reasons that were better told to the marines. With Coach Keshi’s comments after Osaze Odemwingie came on to change the complexion of the game against Iran, we now know what it means not to play to instructions under the “Big Boss.” Imagine Arjen Robben being left out of the Netherlands team on such questionable grounds!

    Whether he is retained or not, whoever emerges as the next Super Eagles coach (local or foreign) should focus on the real deal of preparing for Nigeria a squad that is, at any point in time, solid, compact and formidable. Denmark did not even qualify for Euro 1992. They were only invited to take the place of disqualified warring Yugoslavia only 11 (!) days to the commencement of the competition. But because they had a standing army, they went all the way to clinch the title.

    Some ex-internationals and commentators have counseled that we focus now on the 2018 World Cup. That is why we do not need a coach that will embark on building a “new team.” That notion is a fallacy, as a national team, like life itself, is a continuum. Or else, I feel cool to prophesy again, that by the time the next edition in Russia comes around, we will still be building a new team.

     

    • Dele Akinola,

    Ikorodu, Lagos.

  • Djokovic wins Wimbledon title

    Djokovic wins Wimbledon title

    Novak Djokovic won his second Wimbledon title and denied Roger Federer his record eighth by outlasting the Swiss player in five sets yesterday.

    Djokovic wasted a 5-2 lead, and a match point, in the fourth set but held on for a 6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-4 Centre Court victory that returned the Serbian player to the No. 1 ranking.

    It was Djokovic’s seventh Grand Slam title and broke a streak of three consecutive losses in major finals and in five of his past six.

    In the last set, Djokovic broke in the final game with the help of four mistakes by Federer to seal the win.

    After the players met at the net, Djokovic went to the middle of the court, knelt down and plucked out a piece of grass and ate it, similar to what he did in 2011 when he won his first title here.

    Trailing 5-4 in the fourth set,Federer double-faulted to make it 30-30. He then put a backhand into the net to set up a championship point for Djokovic.

    The 32-year-old Federer then hit a serve that was ruled out, but he challenged it and the Hawk-Eye replay showed that it hit the line for an ace — one of his 29 in the match. Federer went on to break in the next game before forcing a fifth set.

    “I was hoping that Roger was going to miss the first serve, but that didn’t happen,” Djokovic said. “It rarely happens. That’s why he has 17 Grand Slams and he’s been the most successful player ever, because in important moments, he comes up with his best shots and top game.”

    Djokovic said it was difficult to stay focused heading into a deciding set.

    “Of course, after dropping a fourth set, it wasn’t easy to regroup and compose myself and find that necessary energy to win the fifth,” Djokovic said. “I don’t know how I managed to do it.”

    Watching yesterday’s final from the Royal Box were Prince William and his wife Kate, David Beckham and actors Bradley Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Hemsworth.

    …Dedicates title to first coach

    An emotional Novak Djokovic held aloft the Wimbledon trophy then dedicated his triumph to his future wife, their unborn baby and his former coach Jelena Gencic, who died last year.

    Djokovic overcame Roger Federer in an epic five-set final that will live long in the memory, with the Serbian wasting a championship point in the fourth set and also seeing a 5-2 advantage squandered in that set before finally winning his second Wimbledon crown in three hours and 56 minutes.

    “I would like to dedicate this to my future wife, and our future baby,” said Djokovic, to cheers from the Centre Court crowd. Djokovic had announced his engagement to Jelena Ristic earlier this year and reports suggest they could marry this week.

    “I’m going to become a father soon, I’m still preparing for that, it’s a great joy in life.”

    After also making a dedication to his team – which includes coach Boris Becker, himself a three-time winner at Wimbledon – Djokovic concluded his speech by speaking about Gencic, his first ever coach.

    “Last but not least I want to dedicate this title to my first coach, who taught me the basics of tennis shots and behaviour and everything I know about tennis, Jelena Gencic. She passed away last year.This is for her.” He then held the trophy to the sky and kissed it.

    Djokovic moves clear of a group of players including John McEnroe and Mats Wilander on seven career grand slam titles, and joins a new group on eight – Fred Perry, Ken Rosewall, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl and Andre Agassi. Beaten finalist Federer remains the all-time leader with 17.

  • Coach urges NIS to upgrade technical officials’ skills

    Coach Edet Akan of Cross River State Karate Association, on Thursday urged the Nigeria Institute for Sports (NIS) to organise series of workshop for technical officials ahead of the 19th National Sports Festival.

    The festival, tagged “Paradise Games”, will hold from Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 in Calabar, Cross River.

    Akan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the workshops would upgrade the knowledge and skills of the officials in their various sports’ modern techniques. He added that the upgrading would also prevent the officials from committing scoring point mistakes during the festival.

    According to him, the state is ready for a successful hosting of the festival and the government has also ensured the provision of enabling environment for participants. He added the state government had also promised adequate support for the state’s athletes in preparation for the fiesta.

    “The state government has promised to provide to support the athletes’ preparations. Our goal is to be at the top of the medals table and I believe that with hard work and God on our side, we will make the state proud,” Akan said.

    The coach said the state sports council had organised series of local competitions to select athletes that would represent the state in karate at the festival and other national competitions.

    “We have some local athletes on ground and more would be discovered at the Games in different categories before selection for international competitions. We have very good athletes in karate and of course a lot of them can be trained to become world class karatakers,” the coach said.

    He advised the government and corporate organisations to lay more emphases on other sports than football to diversify the athletes career opportunities.

  • My players disappointed me — Moroccan coach

    My players disappointed me — Moroccan coach

    The Atlas Lions of Morocco Coach, Hassan Benabicha, said his players disappointed him during the quarter-final match with the Super Eagles in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The Lions lost 3-4 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria after taking a 3-0 lead in the first half of the dramatic match played on Saturday.

    Benabicha, who spoke through an interpreter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday that his players failed to hold on to their early lead. He said his players could have consolidated on the lead and finish off the game in the second half.

    “I am not disappointed with the result of the match. I am disappointed with my players because they were leading 3-0 only to later lose the game. This kind of opportunity rarely comes in a tournament like this. My team could have consolidated on their lead,’’ he said.

    Benabicha said the Eagles’ ability to recover from the three goals deficit and win the match showed they were a good team.

    “Let me congratulate the Nigerian team for such a good showing, having obtained such a wonderful result. At the interval in the dressing room, I told my players that the match was far from over as there was still a lot of work to be done.

    “This is because the Nigerian team we are facing is one of the best teams in the continent. I made a few changes after we conceded two goals in the second half but it will now appear from the result that it was a bit too late,’’ Benabicha said.

    The coach said the team would go back to begin preparations for the African Cup of Nations, which Morocco would host in January 2015.

     

  • NSF 2014: Coach tasks Rivers on early release of funds

    Reginald Briggs of the Rivers Weightlifting Association has pleaded with the state government for early release of funds, to ensure adequate preparation for the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF).

    Briggs, Head Coach of the Association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that adequate provision for coaches’ training and camping of athletes would ensure a good outing at the fiesta.

    Tagged the “Paradise Games’’, the sports festival would hold in Calabar from Nov. 23 to Dec. 3.

    “We will stand a better chance to excel at the festival if the state government will look at the sports’ direction, and make resources available to trigger early preparations.

    “The principal thing is to make sure that the technical officials of all sports go through thorough refresher courses, to put them in a better shape to train the athletes.’’

    Briggs also urged athletes and technical officials of the various associations not to relent on their individual training, adding that such training would assist them in camp.

    “There is no doubt that technical officials and athletes are warming up for the festival, which is highly commendable, because they are gradually laying the foundation for the fiesta,’’ Briggs said.

    According to him, early preparation in previous festivals contributed to the state athletes’ impressive performances, which must be encouraged ahead of the Calabar Games.

    The coach also called for a better welfare package for the athletes, to enable them to give their best at the event.

    “Athletes are prone to sustain injuries during training; so, there must be good medical facilities to care for them, including good training facilities.’’

  • Onazi gets new coach

    Onazi gets new coach

    Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi now has a new coach at Lazio,after the Italian side, confirmed Edy Reja as the manager of the club.

    The Serie A side were forced to dismiss Petkovic after he refused to agree to a mutual termination.

    The club had been trying to get rid of their tactician before Christmas,when Petkovic announced he had already signed with the Swiss Federation to take over the national team in July 2014.

    The matter has now degenerated into a legal battle with both sides making claims and counter claims.

    However, it will likely end in one side paying compensation to the other,but that may not affect the appointment of Reja.

  • Pillars fans demand for new

    Pillars fans demand for new

    • Commend Kwankwaso

    Kano Pillars fans have expressed worry over the club’s inability to appoint a new Technical Adviser for the team ahead of the coming season.

    Pillars’ Technical Adviser position remains vacant following the exit of the former handler, Mohammed Baba Ganaru who joined Nasarawa United.

    Already, the club’s management have interviewed two coaches to fill the vacant position.

    In a Communique issued at the end of their meeting holding at its Secretariat in Kano Pillars Stadium, S/Gari Kano, through the public relations officer, Aminu Prince, the fans believe the delay in naming the new coach could affect the team’s preparations for the 2014 campaign.

    The communiqué read in part: “Tested and reliable coaches were interviewed to fill the vacant position of the Technical Adviser of the club about two weeks ago, but the result of the interview is yet to be released. Some premier clubs who are only to participate in the premier league competition have concluded recruitment of coaches and players and are already engaging in the friendly matches, but ours is different. In view of the above, we are appealing to the authories to appoint the Technical Adviser of the team before Wednesday 25/12/2013 in order to prepare our team on time.”

    The Fan also Commanded His Excellency Engr. Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for the support and financial backing to the team: “We appeal to the Governor to release more funds to the club in order to have good preparations for the CAF champions League and Nigerian Premier League competition respectively.”

    The fans also urged the club management to implement the report of the technical crew submitted to it “The Technical crew of the team submitted the list of the tested players to be invited to fortify the team and the list of 12 players to be placed on transfer market. The fans also commended on the Technical Crew for the good work and advise the club authorities to implement the report in totalityso as to be fair to all concerned.

    “The management and entire fans of the club are always ready to cooperate with all stockholders in the state for the successful commencement of both CAF championship and Nigerian Premier League competitions.”

  • Yusuf resumes with El-Kanemi Monday

    Yusuf resumes with El-Kanemi Monday

    • Denies N1m monthly salary

    • N13m signing-on fee too

    Former Enyimba of Aba coach, Salisu Yusuf is expected to officially resume as El-Kanemi Warriors’ technical adviser on Monday.

    Yusuf told SportingLife that he will be in Maiduguri on Monday to finalise the details of his contract.

    “I was in Maiduguri last week where I spent four days to look at the offers the club have for me. We had good discussions and what I met on ground was encouraging, I must say I am back home. The unveiling may be done that day too but it depends on the management’s programme,” Yusuf said.

    The former Super Eagles assistant coach also disclosed that he did not agree to a contract worth 13 milion naira as signing-on fee and a one million naira monthly salary with El Kanemi. He however admitted that the El Kanemi contract is better than the one he signed at Enyimba.

    “I want to set the record straight. The contract I signed with El-Kanemi is far better than what I was getting in Enyimba but it was not what was reported in the press,” the former Kano Pillars coach said.

    “It is not ideal to be talking about your contractual agreement on the pages of newspapers but I have a better deal with El-Kanemi. I am happy to be back to the club that I once played for. So, people should not be saying what they don’t know. I cannot say this is what I signed, but I’m happy with my contract.”

    Yusuf won two FA Cup trophies as a player with El-Kanemi in 1991 and 1992.