The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Congo

  • Ike uche unveils new boots for Congo, Bafana cracker

    Ike uche unveils new boots for Congo, Bafana cracker

    Nigerians will see recalled Super Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche put on a new pair of adidas boots when the country takes on Republic of the Congo in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers at the Pointe Noire stadium on November 15.

    The Villarreal striker, who has been included in coach Stephen Keshi’s 25 man squad for the double header fixture against Sudan and South Africa, celebrated his return by unveiling a new set of boots and thanking his sponsor, Adidas on his official twitter handle.

    “@ikeuche9: My new shoes #PredatorInstinct, thanks @adidas_ES!”, he twitted.

    Nigeria have scored just five goals and conceded the same number in four matches in the ongoing qualifying rounds where they are now third on Group A log with four points behind leaders, South Africa (8points)and Congo (7points).

    However, the inclusion of the former Getafe striker who has scored 18 goals in 44 appearances for the national team, will heave a sigh of relief to fans that have been clamouring for his return.

    Uche, who was unarguably the best Nigerian striker in Europe last season, recently reached a 100 goal-mark in Spain.

     

  • CONGO DR ABSENCE: I’ve no regrets – Enyeama

    CONGO DR ABSENCE: I’ve no regrets – Enyeama

    Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama has insisted that he does not feel guilty staying away from the last two Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Congo and South Africa in which the Eagles struggled to get only one point, and losing at home after over two decades.

    According to the Lille of France goalkeeper, those matches now are in the history books “I am one of those that don’t talk about history because I don’t believe in them. I don’t feel guilty about the result God gave us in those matches, and I don’t feel guilty staying out of the matches. All that is now history, we should all focus on the task ahead, and look forward to getting good results in the two matches” he said.

    The former Enyimba of Aba goalkeeper, maintained that they are under any pressure , but could not imagine the Super Eagles not been part of AFCON in Morocco next January ” We are not under any pressure whatsoever, but as players, we would do our best to ensure that we win the two matches, and by the grace of God we would not disappoint Nigerians. I don’t want to imagine that we would not qualify for the competition next year, because I would not feel happy. I don’t want to think about that, because it is not in my calendar at all. I am very optimistic that we would be in Morocco to defend the trophy we won last year”.

    He dismissed any threat from the weather saying that as players, they are used to all the weather conditions “I don’t know what the weather is like, but I know very well that it would be very hot, but as footballers, we strive in all weather conditions, and that should not be an excuse. We have to play, even if it is not what we want, we don’t have a choice” he concluded

  • Putting out the fire of Ebola

    SIR: Since February, death toll from the recent Ebola epidemic has soared over 1, 000, making it the most deadly outbreak of Ebola in history since the discovery of the disease in 1976 with simultaneous cases in Sudan and the Congo.

    Common symptoms of Ebola are fever, headache, weakness, cramps, aching in the muscles and joints, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, sore throat. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may include rash, internal and external bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears and eyes, reduced liver and kidney function, trouble breathing, bruising.

    The working hypothesis for curtailing Ebola until the Liberian Patrick Sawyer came into the picture was that Ebola would more or less stay put, affecting only neighbouring countries.  The time from infection to severe illness is typically so fast that it is unlikely that a person would be able to get it together enough to go to airport– or else would be so obviously unwell as to draw attention to himself.

    Sawyer’s flight has changed all that. Until Sawyer’s death, all reported cases of Ebola had occurred in one of the three adjacent West Africa countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

    Public health approaches remain the viable solution to Ebola curtailment. These are to be driven by government institutions and machineries but must be supported by responsible citizenship. With 198 Ebola cases in a nation of 150 million people, there is no need to panic but time for responsible citizenship by all. Public responsibility is paramount in curtailing this outbreak since it takes a man to infect a community.

    The President, the health minister, federal and state governments have shown commendable leadership towards curtailment of the outbreak. Highest level political meetings were held to devise effective strategies to manage the outbreak, rigorous screening at entry points were embarked upon, special funds provided, and several treatment and information centres established.

    Of special mention are the commendable efforts by Lagos State government to stem the spread.

    Despite the seriousness and notoriously incurable nature of the disease, preventing it spreading is relatively simple since only those who are symptomatic are contagious. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important to wash one’s hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, or, if that is not available, a hand sanitizer.

    As advised by Stephen Monroe, deputy director of the Natural Centre for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, we should all be geared up for a ‘marathon than a sprint’ in curtailing the disease. Until we identify and interrupt every chain of transmission, we won’t be able to interrupt the outbreak. Until we get all the fires put out, there’s still a possibility that it will re-ignite.

    • Oluwaseun Oguntuase

    Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos

     

  • Adepoju: Congo Were Impressive In Calabar

    Adepoju: Congo Were Impressive In Calabar

    Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju in a chat with SL10 stated that the Red Devils were impressive against the Super Eagles in their 2-3 win in Calabar.

    The former Shooting Stars of Ibadan (3SC) team manager said the coach of Congo, Claude Le Roy had a game plan and it worked out well for his team against the African champions.

    “I was very impressed with Claude Le Roy’s game plan. He had a group of boys who played as a team,” said Adepoju.

    The ex-international, Adepoju who was part of the Flying Eagles class of 1989 that shocked the world at the 1989 FIFA U-20 World Cup tagged ‘Saudi 89’ where the young Nigerians came back from the dead to defeat the USSR, said the current crisis isn’t an excuse for the defeat.

    “The Super Eagles players are professionals, suggesting that the current crisis rocking Nigeria football affected their performance isn’t enough reason for the defeat. Being the current African champions other countries will prepare well and put in an improved effort when they face Nigeria,” Adepoju stated.

    “The Red Devils got more than they bargained for I suppose. It showed that Claude Le Roy has studied the Eagles very well,” Adepoju said.

    With another tough battle away to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday,  Adepoju insisted that the South Africans will be high on confidence after a massive 0-3 victory against Sudan on the road.

    “The Super Eagles had better leave the defeat in Calabar in the past and plan to face the immediate battle in South Africa. The Bafana Bafana will be high on confidence after their victory against Sudan,”Adepoju stated.

  • Congo will be great, says Claude Le Roy

    Congo will be great, says Claude Le Roy

    Congo are headed for the top if they remain humble, confident and mentally strong, according to coach Claude Le Roy.

    Visiting Red Devils of Congo recorded a huge upset when they stunned star-studded Nigeria 3-2 in Calabar on Saturday in an African Nations Cup qualifier.

    South Africa lead Group A after they won 3-0 in Sudan with Congo following closely behind courtesy of the famous win in Nigeria.

    It was their first win against the Super Eagles in 44 years.

    And Frenchman Le Roy, who has been working in Africa since 1985, has said his team is destined for greatness, if they could remain humble.

    “If we remain very humble and are confident, we can do many great things,” said the former Cameroon and Senegal coach.

    “The early goal against us could have killed us, but our mental level was very high.

    “I told my players not to be impressed by the record of Nigeria, who reached the last 16 of the recent World Cup and are the defending African champions.

    “Our tactics worked as we worked on all the Nigerian players – Ahmed Musa, Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose – and the players did what we asked them to do.”

    The vastly experienced coach said he has been bombarded by congratulatory messages from across the world, but has insisted the focus now is on Wednesday’s home game against Sudan.

    “It was a huge result for us, but we now have to focus on Sudan,” he maintained.

    Skipper Prince Oniangue, who drew his team level against Nigeria on 15 minutes, said determination and unity in the team won them the game in Calabar.

     

  • Pascal regrets Eagles’ loss to Congo

    Pascal regrets Eagles’ loss to Congo

    Former Nigeria international Patrick Pascal has described Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying loss to Congo Brazzaville on Saturday evening as unfortunate.

    The Super Eagles lost 3-2 in Calabar to Congo, despite going in front with an Efe Ambrose header in the first half.

    But the Congolese came back strong to score three goals in both halves even though Nigeria got a late consolation, and Pascal said the result isn’t good enough for the African champions.

    “It is quite unfortunate how we lost the game to the Congolese, despite scoring first.

    “I would say the result isn’t good enough more so considering the fact that we are African champions,” he said.

    Pascal also told SL10.ng that the messy situation in the leadership of Nigerian football has also contributed in the shambolic display on Saturday.

    “This may sound unfair but the truth is that the current situation we’ve found ourselves in as it regards the leadership hasn’t helped us one bit,” he continued.

    “The embarrassment handed to Chris Giwa says it all as he wasn’t allowed to perform the ceremonial handshake with the players.

    “Our next game is against South Africa and we can only play that game if he (Giwa) vacates office as ordered by FIFA.

    “Our football is suffering and we cannot keep suffering similar embarrassments like we did on Saturday,” Pascal said

  • Aluko targets first team start against Congo

    Aluko targets first team start against Congo

    •Ready to give 100% for Eagles

    Hull City striker Sone Aluko  in this exclusive interview with SportingLife’s Taofeek Babalola at the Super Eagles Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, expressed his aspiration to start for the Super Eagles tomorrow’s  2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Congo at the UJ Esuene stadium. He also said choosing to represent Nigeria ahead of England was an easy decision. Excerpts: 

     

     SportingLife: It is nice seeing you in the Super Eagles again.

    Aluko: Thank You

    This is you second invitation to the Super Eagles. What does it mean to you?

    I am very happy; very proud to be here. It is an honour for me to represent Nigeria.

    What should Nigerians expect from Aluko on Saturday against Congo?

    I am here because of the match and to represent the country. I want to tell Nigerians that I am ready to give my 100% for the game on Saturday. To play with passion and try and score goals that will help the team get the victory. That is why I am here.

    Why did you choose to play for Nigeria when you had an opportunity to represent England?

    I played for England at the youth level but I’m always proud of Nigeria. When I was growing up the players I look up to in the Super Eagles were Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and when Nigeria came for me I couldn’t say no.

    Would you have felt disappointed if you were not invited to the Super Eagles despite dumping England for Nigeria?

    I won’t regret my decision to play for Nigerian even if I was not invited. It was a decision I took in good faith and I don’t think I have any reasons to regret it. It is my decision and it is my wish to represent Nigeria.

    Do you think Nigeria have the team to defend the Africa Cup of Nation trophy?

    Definitely we have the team. The coach Stephen Keshi has the experience of winning the AFCON trophy; some of the players have the experience of winning the AFCON trophy as well. I think we can achieve it with the caliber of players we have in the team.

    Nigeria is playing two games in five days; Congo and South Africa . Do you think you guys can cope?

    Yes we can, that is why we have a large squad here. We will play Congo on Saturday and travel to South Africa for the next game. It will be tough but we will cope that is why we are professionals. We have talented players in the squad,the only thing is to remain focused and win the game.

    Some players like captain Vincent Enyeama will not be playing the match. Are you guys going to miss them?

    We will always miss a top goalkeeper like him. He has been number one goalkeeper in the national team for a while. But I think the replacements we have will be okay and I know they will do the job well.

    The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is rampant in West Africa and Nigeria has recorded cases of persons who died because of the dreaded virus. Did you at anytime have fear coming to Nigeria because of Ebola issues.

    Not at all, as long that you are careful and you have all the information and you are not relating with anybody that is affected with Ebola. I think one is safe if you can keep to the health rules.

    What is the relationship among the players like?

    The relationship has been great. I have been used to some players since our youth days.The relationship among us has been good. We are all working for the same goal and we are doing it together to achieve result. We are moving towards the same direction.

    Do you have any idea about your opponents, Congo?

    The coach has done a lot about them. He has watched them played before. He knows how they play. As you know that the national team always change players and coaches so you cannot say you know everything about them. But I believe their style of play won’t be difficult for us and I believe at the end of the day we will be victorious.

    Are you eager to be in the first team on Saturday?

    It is the wish of every player to play in the first team. And every player will wish is to put on Nigeria shirt. I will like to start on Saturday against Congo if I am giving the opportunity.

    Best of Luck

    Thank you

  • Operation crush Congo: CAF confirms Calabar for Eagles

    Operation crush Congo: CAF confirms Calabar for Eagles

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ignored the request of Nigeria’s opponent in the AFCON 2015 qualifiers, Congo, to have their fixture moved from Calabar.

    The coach of the Congolese Red Devils, had requested that the game be moved because of Ebola scare.

    But in a statement released on the official website of CAF on Thursday, the body declared:

    “CAF has not changed or made amendments to the announced schedule of fixtures for match days one and two of the final group phase of qualifying for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2015.

    “Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia remain the only countries required to relocate their fixtures to neutral territories as a result of the situation of the Ebola virus as stated in our circular to member countries on 12th August, 2014.

    “Fixtures for CAF U-20 and U-17 Championships qualifiers as well as inter-club competitions fixtures in the Orange CAF Champions League and Orange Confederations Cup all remain as scheduled and unchanged.

    “As earlier announced, CAF will reassess the situation in mid-September 2014 in order to allow or not these affected countries to receive teams and organise CAF matches and competitions.”

    The body however warns every nation to follow the precautions recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) in balding travelers and travelling arrangements:

  • I’m ready to bang Congo – Omeruo

    I’m ready to bang Congo – Omeruo

    Nigeria defender Keneth Omeruo has said he has regained full fitness going into next weekend’s 2015 AFCON qualifier involving the African champions.

    The Super Eagles take on Congo in Calabar on September 6 in what will be the Eagles first game since the World Cup in Brazil.

    They will also be in Cape Town, South Africa, four days later in continuation of the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Nations Cup in Morocco.

    Omeruo,who has played in every championship game for Middlesbrough this season, told Africanfootball.com: “I am in a very good shape now. I am fit and ready to go for the game against Congo.

    “We know the importance of the game and understand the need to start the qualifier on a good footing.”

    South Africa and Sudan are the other teams in this qualifying series, which will produce the top two teams to advance to Morocco 2015.

  • Omeruo roars!: Bring on Congo

    Omeruo roars!: Bring on Congo

    Super Eagles’ defender, Keneth Omeruo has declared his readiness to storm the national team camp for a shirt ahead of next month’s Nations Cup qualifier against Congo and South Africa.

    The Middlesbrough strongman who was one of the standout performers for Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 World Cup   assured that he would be available for those games.

    The defender also stressed that he and his teammates have taken positives from the experiences they gathered in Brazil where the Eagles crashed out in the second round to France.

    Omeruo who is a Chelsea player but loaned to Middlesbrough where he spent the second half of last season to enhance his Brazil 2014 World Cup chances with the Super Eagles also commented on Boro’s loss in an English Championship game last weekend.

    The  defender told SportingLife that they won’t allow a repeat of what caused their loss of concentration when they engage other teams in the remaining Championship matches this season.

    Omeruo told SportingLife: “It is one of those things. We will improve in our next game and others to come. It was a very tough game for us and we just switched off when it mattered most in the game.”