The Nation Newspaper

Tag: crush

  • A crush that crushed my heart

    THEY met at the movies. Slim, tall lady with eyeballs you just cannot resist. She was with her friends and he moved nearer to say ‘hello’. Her simple smile was infectious, and it was as if he had known her all his life. As soon as Dayo set his eyes on the babe, he reminded the good old song, ‘the girl is mine’. She also liked the dude. They sat together watching the movie, laughing and giggling. Luckily it was a story of love and it set the mood for the adventure that evening. Courtship lasted for about 18 months and everything he did literarily revolved around her.

    At a point, he realised that he wasn’t getting value for the emotions spent on the relationship. He was the cheerful giver, while the babe in question took him for granted for as long as it lasted. “I loved her so much but I later discovered that she was not committed. When I asked her what was wrong, she just told me that I shouldn’t expect her to be like me. We are two different individuals with different values about life.”

    Unfortunately, this Romeo is the romantic type. He must have read a lot of romantic novels which catapulted him far away from reality love zone. Could this mean that the myth about “true love” is just a dream? Not really, true love and committed soul mates are possible. All you need is finding a great heart, someone who truly cares and is willing to sacrifice all for love.

    Perhaps, there was another guy in her life. So he began to trail and snoop on her. His guess was right; he found the intruder online. “I found that she spends so much time online and each time she’s in the kitchen, toilet and asleep, I tried to see who she was chatting with and I found my rival. She was deeply in love with him. The sad part of it all was the fact that she was discussing me and our relationship with this guy.”

    End of the road! This Romeo didn’t need any evidence and he didn’t even bother to tell her why he was stepping out of this emotional box. It was over. All he needed now was some time to heal, it was really going to take time but it was very important to move on. The more he tried, the more elusive this angel became .At the end of the emotional game, this crush crushed his heart and now he is finding it so difficult to put back the emotional pieces together again. Well, that should not be the end of the love world.

    You try, try and try again. Sometimes, a disappointment could just mean that true love is just around the corner. When you find yourself boxed into an emotional corner, it’s better to go back to the emotional drawing board to see what went wrong, how you can improve on your love life as well as how to attract a heart that would last a lifetime.

    A good relationship is about navigating the numerous differences between you. It must come first on your scale of preference. It is actually those differences that make life more interesting, as our lover opens up a whole new way of seeing or understanding the world. It is also very important to enjoy and appreciate what others have to offer rather than trying to change them to fit your own template of how life and love should be.

    Having good communication helps to oil the emotional wheel. Of course, there are days when we disagree but it must be done in such a way that we do not end up; always hurting the people we claim to love. How would you feel when the love of your life talks down on you in front of his or her friends? How would you feel when issues you discuss privately with your sweetheart are taken to the public domain? The crux of the matter here is that ridiculing or humiliating each other is not a good idea, at all. You need some level of privacy to succeed in the relationship that you are building. Once you understand this perfectly and make sure you both talk honestly about what irritates or upsets you, then the love arena would continue to wax stronger, no matter the issues confronting you.

    If you have managed to surf the ups and downs of your relationship, you will become an inspiration to other people around you.

    Besides, you will always have a wealth of shared memories to laugh over and look forward to handling differences without stress. This is because you have accepted each other in your entirety.

    Experts also warn that expecting someone to be everything you need and everything you are not is a recipe for disaster. We all make mistakes, particularly in our love-lives, as relationships are never easy. But if you can exercise forgiveness in small ways at the start of a love affair, then you’re more likely to find ways to forgive the bigger hurts and transgressions, if and when they happen.

  • Rochas crush on Zuma

    SIR: Somewhere in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, a fancy statue of President Jacob Zuma poses in elegance, despite widespread condemnation of the romantic gesture by the Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, who appears to be quite star-struck by the South African President.

    Aside from the rumoured extravagant cost of erecting the monument—which comes at a time of extreme economic hardship, and likewise, the reported unpaid salaries of Imo State workers, the logic behind Governor Rochas’ immortalization of the embattled South African leader, eludes Nigerians.

    To many people, President Zuma, doesn’t exactly possess the ‘Perfect Role Model’ skill set, following his back and forth romance with indictments and corruption allegations. Also, with the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the safety of Nigerians hasn’t been particularly guaranteed. So, why Jacob Zuma?

    As part of the welcome package from the Imo State governor, a road was named in honour of President Zuma, as well as the President being conferred with a chieftaincy title.

    In the absence of any known logical reason why Jacob Zuma should enjoy such unusual exaltation, perhaps, it will be safe to assume that Governor Rochas Okorocha must have a deep crush on President Zuma!

     

    • Nimi Princewill,

    princewill.nimi@yahoo.com

  • How you can tell when someone has a crush on you (2)

    THEY don’t look at their phone. Not much says, “Hmm… I wonder what else I could be doing right now that would be better than what I’m already doing” quite like pulling out your phone during an interaction with another human. Sure, work emails and actual emergencies unfortunately happen, but considering most people’s mobile device addiction, most people will disconnect when they’re really interested in whomever they’re with. When you’re together, it’s all eyes and ears on you. There’s no way in Hell they would idly start scrolling Facebook unless you wondered off to grab a second round from the bar.

    They play with their hair

    That’s Decoding Body Language Basics 101. It could be related to nerves or subconsciously showing off their shiny coif for you; a kind of peacocking. Or maybe they really wish they remembered to pocket a bobby pin this morning. Still! They probably only give a damn because of your presence.

    They consider your needs in little ways

    Whether you’re with a group or not, they tend to suggest hanging out near your apartment or office. Did you mention in passing that your key chain was broken? Oh, look who just happened to pick one up “because it was near the checkout and they remembered that yours was broken and it’s kinda cute or whatever, no big deal.”

    They offer to drive or pay

    Your friends likely love you a whole lot (and why wouldn’t they? You rule), but unless you’re a frightening driver or recently got laid off, they’re probably not defaulting as your chauffeur or bill-flipper. If you have a friend who suddenly seems more willing than usual to treat when you hang out, it could be a subtle (if not somewhat antiquated) approach to showing deeper interest.

    They seem a little nervous or flustered

    Of course there are the lucky few who have the ability to remain cool, calm, and collected when conversing with a crush, but most of human nature necessitates a serious case of anxiety when entering a close range of someone they’re crushing on. Next time you’re talking to the person who maybe is into, take notice of whether or not they are more clumsy than usual or lose track of what they were saying mid-sentence. It’s kinda cute, and a fairly decent indicator of how nervous you are. And unless you guys happen to be tightrope walking whilst chatting, you gotta wonder where those nerves are coming from.

    You bust them social media stalking you

    Wait — did they just Like and then Unlike a photo you posted months ago? Yeah, they probably did. Because they were stalking you. And they accidentally clicked where they didn’t mean to, and swiftly tried to cover their tracks so you wouldn’t know they were looking through your archives because, duh, then you would know they were basically drunk with lust and wanted to marry you so hard. If they didn’t have a crush on you, they wouldn’t feel ashamed getting caught creeping. It’s those flustery nerves flaring up again. Not sure why they think you won’t notice.

    They’ll tell you

    While all the nerves we feel when we have a crush on someone remain unchanged from childhood until forever, adults have one thing going for them that kids don’t: We are (sometimes, maybe) mature enough to go after what we want.

    Which means it’s completely possible that, while you’re fretting over whether or not someone is interested in you, they’ll just tell you, plainly, and without mixed messages. It takes guts to put yourself out there, but as an adult person, it’s something we should start making a habit of.

    There’s a huge possibility the person with a crush on you might never explicitly say so. That’s fine. But that’s also an indication of cowardice — and who has time for that? Which, incidentally, means you might want to consider being straightforward with them about your feelings. You know what’s really sexy? Confidence. Find yourself some and don’t settle for someone else who won’t do the same.

     

    Source: www.bustle.com

  • How you can tell when someone has a crush on you

    HOW can you tell if someone has a crush on you? Beyond that, how do couples even form these days? Obviously, frequently two people come together completely on purpose via online dating, in which case there’s no doubt about the intentions of the people involved. But if you just meet someone in real life, or are already friends with them, how do you know if someone likes you? Even though, by the time we’re adults, we’ve been anxiously picking apart the subtle signals and trying to discern crushes for whole decades, it still kinda feels like most of us are at a loss when it comes to actually figuring out whether or not someone is interested in us in a non-platonic way.

    When you meet someone online or in a bar and otherwise don’t know them at all, it’s easy to enter the situation with swagger. You can ask boring getting-to-know-you questions to pass time between first date margs and legit listen to answers in surprise. When you’re already friends with someone, you already know all about where they grew up, their hidden talent with dart boards, their knack for baking up the world’s most perfect brownies… there’s a lot less ground to cover while you lay your flirt game on. Not to mention, stakes are high since the two of you already have a relationship. If you lean in for a kiss and the romantic feelings aren’t reciprocated, that means not only catastrophic embarrassment — that ill-advised move could lead to the absolute, definitive dissolve of what was once a totally rad, carefree friendship.

    If you know for sure that you’re romantically interested in someone, what we need to figure out next is whether or not the other person also has a crush on you. Luckily, there are some scientific steps we can take in assessing this matter. Here are 12 incredibly reliable signs that someone is especially into you:

    They remember what you say

    People remember way more details about interactions with someone they have a crush on, partially because they’ve likely been obsessing about those details, looking for signs that you’re interested. Appearing interested in a conversation is even easier now our primary form of communication is texting. Remembering tiny, inconsequential details of that conversation, however, is meaningful. Remember last week when you were complaining about your new standing desk making your heels sore? You might not. But when someone else remembers, and sends along to a link for non-fatigue rugs and offers a discount through their office account? They’re into you.

    They look for excuses to talk with you

    They use subtle laser focus to find you across the room at a crowded party and compliment the (store-bought, totally unremarkable, non-praiseworthy) cookies you brought. It’s obvious they aren’t from scratch, a fact the two of you giggle over. But! They wanted an easy topic to spark conversation. And they found it in your audacious attempt to pass off Oreos as homemade. In fact, they probably find that detail adorable, because everything you do is adorable right now, because this person has a crush on you.

    They initiate conversation

    We all know that feeling when your throat tightens as you see your crush log on to Gchat and you ignore them, trying to play it cool, all while secretly hoping that they ping you first. If they always do, they’re probably into you (and braver than you, BTW). If someone routinely shoots over the first Message, or waves you down at parties, it’s likely because this person likes you. It’s not complicated, but it’s a reliable sign.

    They subtweet you, in a non-contemptuous way

    Social media is both an awesome and awful presence in our lives — and it complicates the hell out of dating. But if you and your crush are both active on social media, it can be quite telling of their true feelings. When you have a crush on someone, you almost can’t help but be very aware of their online presence — and yours will probably give that away at some point. Let’s say you go on an indulgent, “don’t caaaare” Spotify spree, jamming every single Gin Blossoms song you can find (we all know this is a thing that happens), and then a few minutes later, the Object Of Your Crushfection just happens to post a YouTube link to a scene from Empire Records featuring a Gin Blossoms song. Looks like someone is trying to subconsciously tap into your line of vision and interests.

    I’m aware that this sounds like you would have to be paying an insane amount of attention to each other’s social media activity, and you’re right. You would. Which you only do when you’re in deep crush mode.

    They ask you to hang out one-on-one more often than groups

    Obvious, but like, too obvious not to mention. If they are frequently foregoing the group hangs in favor of solo time with you, they’re probably down to clown, ifyouknowwhatImean. (Actually, if you guys are already hanging out alone all the time, you’re, uh, kind of already dating maybe. Look into that.)

     

    They don’t look at their phone

    Not much says, “Hmm… I wonder what else I could be doing right now that would be better than what I’m already doing” quite like pulling out your phone during an interaction with another human. Sure, work emails and actual emergencies unfortunately happen, but considering most people’s mobile device addiction, most people will disconnect when they’re really interested in whomever they’re with. When you’re together, it’s all eyes and ears on you. There’s no way in Hell they would idly start scrolling Facebook unless you wondered off to grab a second round from the bar.

    They play with their hair

    That’s Decoding Body Language Basics 101. It could be related to nerves or subconsciously showing off their shiny coif for you; a kind of peacocking. Or maybe they really wish they remembered to pocket a bobby pin this morning. Still! They probably only give a damn because of your presence.

    They consider your needs in little ways

    Whether you’re with a group or not, they tend to suggest hanging out near your apartment or office. Did you mention in passing that your key chain was broken? Oh, look who just happened to pick one up “because it was near the checkout and they remembered that yours was broken and it’s kinda cute or whatever, no big deal.”

    They offer to drive or pay

    Your friends likely love you a whole lot (and why wouldn’t they? You rule), but unless you’re a frightening driver or recently got laid off, they’re probably not defaulting as your chauffeur or bill-flipper. If you have a friend who suddenly seems more willing than usual to treat when you hang out, it could be a subtle (if not somewhat antiquated) approach to showing deeper interest.

    They seem a little nervous or flustered

    Of course there are the lucky few who have the ability to remain cool, calm, and collected when conversing with a crush, but most of human nature necessitates a serious case of anxiety when entering a close range of someone they’re crushing on. Next time you’re talking to the person who maybe is into, take notice of whether or not they are more clumsy than usual or lose track of what they were saying mid-sentence. It’s kinda cute, and a fairly decent indicator of how nervous you are. And unless you guys happen to be tightrope walking whilst chatting, you gotta wonder where those nerves are coming from.

    You bust them social media stalking you

    Wait — did they just Like and then Unlike a photo you posted months ago? Yeah, they probably did. Because they were stalking you. And they accidentally clicked where they didn’t mean to, and swiftly tried to cover their tracks so you wouldn’t know they were looking through your archives because, duh, then you would know they were basically drunk with lust and wanted to marry you so hard. If they didn’t have a crush on you, they wouldn’t feel ashamed getting caught creeping. It’s those flustery nerves flaring up again. Not sure why they think you won’t notice.

    They’ll tell you

    While all the nerves we feel when we have a crush on someone remain unchanged from childhood until forever, adults have one thing going for them that kids don’t: We are (sometimes, maybe) mature enough to go after what we want. Which means it’s completely possible that, while you’re fretting over whether or not someone is interested in you, they’ll just tell you, plainly, and without mixed messages. It takes guts to put yourself out there, but as an adult person, it’s something we should start making a habit of. There’s a huge possibility the person with a crush on you might never explicitly say so. That’s fine. But that’s also an indication of cowardice — and who has time for that? Which, incidentally, means you might want to consider being straightforward with them about your feelings. You know what’s really sexy? Confidence. Find yourself some and don’t settle for someone else who won’t do the same.

     

    Source: www.bustle.com

     

  • Dealing with crush

    DEAR Harriet, May God bless you for your good work. Please, I need your counsel on an important matter. The matter is that my wife is disturbing me because of her belief that I am having a crush on our neighbour. I have been telling her that I don’t have anything to do with this single woman, but she maintains her stand.

    Mr Joshua, Abuja.

     

    Thanks for sharing your story. I sincerely wish to hear from your wife because it will be nice to know more. Any way, since you are the victim here, hopefully my counsel will be helpful to you and your spouse. Joshua’s story was one of the messages published last week in my mail box section with his permission.

    Moving on, a crush can be regarded as a secret affair, and in most cases, the person that is being admired might not know that this person has affection for him or her. It takes a third person or people around to spot it out. Therefore, a crush on someone does not count as having a relationship.

    That your wife has observed certain awkward behaviour from the  neighbour towards  you  does not mean that the feeling is reciprocal. She needs to understand how you feel as well because when it comes to having a relationship, it takes two to tangle, a situation where someone is affectionate  without the knowledge of the other person is merely infatuation and should not start causing  an unnecessary problem between husband and wife, especially when the man has told the wife that he doesn’t  have any feelings whatsoever towards the person.

    Your question might be, how am I sure there is nothing? Well, as long as you do not notice the same attitude from him, it will be nice for you to trust and believe your husband because for a marriage to be successful, there must be trust. Allowing this to be an issue in your home is not worth it, and in case as a wife you are considering confronting the lady about her having a crush on your husband, it is not necessary because you might just be exposing your marriage to other problem.

    Couples should be careful on the way they approach certain issues because when issues are not clear and addressed properly, it can affect the relationship that they have.

    Here are ways to tackle crushes. Effective communication is very important, so talking with your spouse about your position on the issue must be stated clearly. Talking has a way of clarifying assumptions.

    From the reaction of your wife, it is certain that you may not be able to handle the situation on your own. So I will recommend you discuss the matter with a trained counsellor or talk to someone you can trust and feel entirely comfortable with. The person must be someone your wife respects and will listen to because the earlier you address this, the better before other problems will start springing up.

    In case you decide to see a counsellor, it will  be nice to know that a counsellor will treat your issue in confidence, ask all the necessary personal questions, listen to both parties without being judgmental, explain the side effects of certain reactions and then offer solutions.

    Henceforth, try as much as possible to distance yourself from the lady now that it has been brought to your knowledge that she has a crush on you, avoid every contact with her so that your  genuine gesture or hospitality will not be mistaken for you leading her on.  Problem shared is a problem half solved, so take care of yourself and each other.

     

    Harriet Ogbobine is a counsellor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or txt message only 08054682598. You can also follow her on twitter: @bineharrietj

  • ‘She was my long lost crush’

    ‘She was my long lost crush’

    A pharmacist, Mr Paul Ndukwe, from Awka in Anambra State has given out his daughter, Vivinne Nkechi, in marriage to  Oluyomi Daniel, son of Chief Josiah Odofin, who hails from Ilesa, Osun State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    •Fate brought us together

    Oluyemi was beside himself with joy when he related to this reporter how he met his heartthrob, Nkechi, whom he had a crush on  the first time they met 15 years ago. They met in same neighbourhood and struck each other as acquaintances. But Oluyemi wanted something more than being an acquaintance.

    Fortunately, in 2004, they both worshipped at the same fellowship centre, Believers’ World Fellowship, of the same campus of Onabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where they both studied. Oluyemi was studying Geography and Town Planning and Nkechi was studying Law.

    “She sat in front of my friend and I and when she looked back, our eyes met and she was convinced she has met me somewhere. Before the final grace, we talked and she tried explaining who she was to me to no avail. I just could not remember.

    “The next day, while having my bath, I remembered her. She was my long lost crush. I ran out of the bath in excitement to tell my friend I had found my wife. On same day, as we drove into the campus, there she was at the gate. We stopped the car and that was it. Since then till now, we spend every weekend together and I’m glad we began as friends because since 2004 till date, we are still together because it is a mutual thing.

    “I believe it was fate that brought us together because she was meant to have studied in the University of Lagos, but was declined an admission into Law. That was when she opted for her second choice so that she could meet me. Can’t you see it was divine intervention?”

    The Classique Events Centre on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, played hosts to the family of the lovebirds from Anambra and Osun State at the traditional wedding ceremony, Igba Nkwu of Nkechi and Oluyemi.

    It was a day both families had longed  for to and they  left no stone unturned in ensuring that it was not only memorable, but exciting.

    Passersby wondered if there was a dance troupe rehearsal going on as various traditional dancers tried to show their skills.

    Those, who made it into the tastefully decorated hall, venue of the event, after being thoroughly checked by security officials, wowed at the massive parking space at the venue. They were greeted by an Igbo traditional troupe dancers, who entertained with flutes. On each table was a candle stand with lighted candle stick. There were big television screens placed strategically on the walls around the hall to give guests a better view of what was happening.

    The tables were exotically decorated in gold and shiny overlays.  An Indian lantern was equally placed in the centre of each table.

    The Ndukwes were already seated, awaiting the arrival of their in-laws and guests.

    Along came a group of people, announcing the arrival of the long expected guests from Osun State. They  refused to take their seat untill they achieved their mission. They told the gathering why they came to pluck a beautiful flower they described as shiny and respectful.

    Oluyemi, who was decked in an Igbo attire, looked more like a traditional Igbo chief. He held a title-less hand fan, which he waved around with a sense of pride.

    He made straight for the high table, himself and his friends, prostrated before his family members and in-laws, showing how Yoruba men greet their elders.

    The bride’s mother, Grace, had  kolanut trays to present to her guests. As they moved forward into the hall, praise songs in honour of women rented the air. The cultural dancers added colour to the event with their dance steps.

    Nkechi also danced with maidens and friends, bearing a tray filled with garden eggs. She was sprinkled with red rose petals every step she took.  She then took the tray to where her in-laws sat and served them. Her dress and her charming smile caught everyone’s attention.

    When it was confirmed that her in-laws have met all the requirements expected of them, Nkechi went in and changed into a beautiful skirt and blouse made from a shiny sequence. She collected a glass of palmwine from her father and began to search for her beau in the crowd. She found him, knelt and presented him with the drink, which he hurriedly gulped down his throat.

    She then led him to her father and they both knelt before him. The old man then prayed that the young couple would have a prosperous marital life.

  • Israel vows to crush Gaza tunnels, snubs UN

    Israel vows to crush Gaza tunnels, snubs UN

    •U.S continues to arm Israel
    •Palestinians mulls dragging Israel to ICJ

    Speaking at a special cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not accept any ceasefire that did not allow troops to continue destroying tunnels used by militants to attack Israel.

    “Until now, we have destroyed dozens of terror tunnels and we are determined to finish this mission — with or without a ceasefire,” he said at the start of the meeting.

    “So I will not accept any (truce) proposal that does not allow the IDF (army) to complete this work for the security of Israel’s citizens.”

    Washington also said it had agreed to restock Israel’s dwindling ammunition supplies, despite increasing international concern over the death toll in Gaza, where 1,395 people have been killed in 24 days of violence

    Following the shelling of a UN school in northern Gaza on Wednesday which killed 16, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay slammed Israel for attacking homes, schools and hospitals, accusing it of “deliberate defiance” of international law.

    “There appears to be deliberate defiance of obligations that international law imposes on Israel.”

    The shelling of the school also drew sharp condemnation from UN chief Ban Ki-moon, who described it as “reprehensible”, as well as from Washington.

    Despite a heavy death toll in Gaza on Wednesday when 111 Palestinians were killed, including 17 who died in a strike on a crowded market place and another 16 at the UN school, Washington said it had restocked the army’s ammunition.  The Pentagon confirmed it had granted a request for ammunition, including some from a stockpile stored by the US military inside Israel for emergency use by the Jewish state.

    Rights group Amnesty International had previously urged Washington to halt arms supplies to Israel.

    There was no letup yesterday in the bloodshed with at least 13 Palestinians killed, another 13 dying from injuries suffered in earlier attacks and a growing number of bodies pulled from under rubble in areas near Khan Yunis, medics said.

    Earlier, the top U.N. human rights official accused both sides of committing war crimes.

    The U.N.’s top human rights official accused both Israel and Hamas militants of committing war crimes in the latest Gaza war, but reserved her harshest words for the Israeli government, which she said yesterday was deliberately defying international law.

    U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that by placing and firing rockets within heavily populated areas both sides are committing “a violation of international humanitarian law, therefore a war crime.”

    “None of this appears to me to be accidental,” Pillay said of Israel at a news conference in Geneva to mark the end of her six-year term. “They appear to be defying – deliberate defiance of – obligations that international law imposes on Israel.”

    Pillay also took aim at the U.S., Israel’s main ally, for providing financial support for Israel’s Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system.

    She accused both Israel and Hamas militants of committing war crimes in the latest Gaza war, but reserved her harshest words for the Israeli government, which she said Thursday was deliberately defying international law.U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that by placing and firing rockets within heavily populated areas both sides are committing “a violation of international humanitarian law, therefore a war crime.”

    None of this appears to me to be accidental,” Pillay said of Israel at a news conference in Geneva to mark the end of her six-year term. “They appear to be defying – deliberate defiance of – obligations that international law imposes on Israel.””What I’m seeing now is a recurrence of the very acts that the Gaza fact-finding mission indicated as constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity,” she said.Pillay also took aim at the U.S., Israel’s main ally, for providing financial support for Israel’s Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system.”

    No such protection has been provided to Gazans against the shelling,” she said

    Meanwhile, Palestinian officials say President Mahmoud Abbas is seeking broad political support, including from rival Hamas, before making any attempt to press possible war crimes charges against Israel.

  • Flying Eagles crush Jay 1 Academy 11-0

    Flying Eagles crush Jay 1 Academy 11-0

    Nigeria U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, beat Jay 1 Academy of Abuja 11-0 in a test game played at the Abuja National Stadium, Abuja on Friday.

    Bernard Bulbwa and Abubakar Lawal each grabbed a brace with skipper Musa Muhammed, Ifeanyi Matthew, Ahmed Umar and Sulaiman Abubakar also getting on the scoreboard in a one-sided match.

    The Flying Eagles are preparing for next month’s final African Youth Championship qualifier against Lesotho.

    The first leg will be played on August 16 in Nigeria, while the return match will be in Maseru a fortnight later.

    The overall winners will advance to the AYC to be hosted by Senegal in March next year.

  • operation crush kenya Emenike still in my plans – Keshi

    operation crush kenya Emenike still in my plans – Keshi

    Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, says he has not given up on the possibility of his top striker, Emmanuel Emenike featuring in the March 23, World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar.

    Reacting to news making the rounds that the striker will be out for eight weeks, following an injury copped in the Afcon 4-1 semi-final win over Mali, Keshi said from Abuja, that he feels that the reports may have been exaggerated and will be waiting for final words from medics from both the national team and the Spartak Moscow of Russia.

    “Emenike is a very important component of our national team set up and we have to be concerned if he is in form, injured or otherwise and that is why we are a bit concerned about reports that he will not be available for the game against Kenya. “We can never give up about such an important player and we wish him the quickest of recoveries no matter what the medical team anywhere is saying”, Keshi declared.

    The Super Eagles supremo praised the consistency of the top striker, declaring that even when he has several other options for Emenike, he’s also hoping that the player makes it on time to the set up ahead of the Kenya World Cup qualifier duel, as he’s trying to build a team that has started to gradually take shape.

    Meanwhile former NFA Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, says he was delighted that the nation won the Nations Cup in South Africa and gradually the autonomy for football management, which he fought in his time as the leader of the football federation is gradually seeing the light of day.

    “Yes, Stephen Keshi, who is like a son to me has been very busy and may not have called, same for the leadership of the NFF, but I’m so happy and delighted that we won the Nations Cup and some other things for which we were castigated for are gradually becoming the norms in Nigerian football.

    “If we remain focused and avoid unnecessary controversy, we will go very far in not only winning trophies but remaining a force in world football”, Galadima declared.

    He urged the NFF leadership to savour their hard earned victory at SA 2013, instead of allowing forces of disunity to put create rancour in the rank and file of the team and the NFF, at a time when celebration should be the hallmark of the nation.

  • Super Eagles crush Elephants’ dreams

    Super Eagles crush Elephants’ dreams

    Nigeria on Sunday rallied to beat Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal showdown in Rustenburg to reach 2013 AFCON semifinals and end the Elephants’ dreams.

    Nigeria ended a two-match AFCON winless run against their arch-foes in Rustenburg but it did little to settle the feud as to who is West Africa and ultimately the continent’s best.

    The Ivorians started off stronger in a first half that was littered with free kicks that saw Didier Drogba send one wide in the 6th minute.

    His former Chelsea team mate and Nigeria striker Victor Moses also took one two minutes later but Brown Ideye’s header went wide.

    On 23 minutes, Ivorian winger Cheik Tiote cracked a long range effort but that didn’t bother Vincent Enyeama.

    Three minutes later, Emmanuel Emenike missed a glorious chance from close range from Uwa Echiejile pass.

    Emenike made no mistake in the 41st minute with the opener after whipping in a cheeky indirect free kick off Mikel Obi to see them take a 1-0 halftime lead.

    However, Cote d’Ivoire came back fighting and levelled six minutes after the break through Tiote.

    Tiote nodded in an unstoppable free kick taken by Drogba to put the contest back on track.

    Nigeria were then frustrated with offside calls on Moses and Emenike.

    Nigeria sealed their semifinal place in vintage Eagles fashion through Sunday Mba in the 76th minute.

    Mba rolled back the days of Daniel Amoukachi when he raced the entire length of the Ivorians own half, beating three defenders to unleash a powerful right footed drive that sealed Nigeria’s passage to the semifinals.

    Nigeria play the semi finals February 6 in Durban.