The Nation Newspaper

Tag: draw

  • Swazis get 516 Euros for Eagles’ draw

    An anonymous individual donated 8,000 Swazi Lilangeni ( equivalent of 516.33 euros) to the Swaziland National Team as an incentive following their goalless draw with Nigeria in the World Cup second qualifying round, first leg tie on Friday night.

    According to Swazi Observer, the money will be handed to the players when they return to Swaziland on November 19.

    The newspaper added that the Minister of Sports has decided not to reveal the identity of the donor until the squad returns to the country.

    A farewell function was held at National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) Technical Centre on Saturday before the delegation jetted out to Lagos.

     

  • Lobi won’t take NPFL draw – Agbaji

    Lobi won’t take NPFL draw – Agbaji

    Lobi Stars captain and central defender, Anthony Agbaji has said his side will be unhappy with a draw at Nasarawa United.

    The Pride of Benue will be the guests of the Solid Miners in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL) match day 32 clash at the Lafia Township Stadium.

    Agbaji said his side’s uncomfortable position on the league log makes the clash a must win if they are to stay alive at the end of the season.

    “The Nasarawa United vs Lobi Stars clash is a local derby expected to be always tough. We are going for the whole three points at stake as a  draw will be unacceptable given our shaky and uncomfortable position on the league table.

    “We are not happy drawing the past two home matches, which we deserved to pocket the whole points. We are looking forward to claiming three points on the road and the clash at Nasarawa United happens to be the target.

    “Nasarawa United are in-form , so we are heading to Lafia to make a bold statement of our potency,” said Agbaji to supersport.com.

    The Makurdi outfit are 14th on the log on 37 points from  a possible 93 in the 31-week old top flight.

  • Uche hails teammates over draw

    Uche hails teammates over draw

    Super Eagles striker Ikechukwu Uche has hailed his Villareal teammates for getting a precious draw away to Champions League chasing Valencia.

    The former Getafe forward did not feature in the match as manager Marcelino Garcia preferred Luciano Dario Vietto and Jonathan dos Santos upfront. However, it was the home side that dominated proceedings as they had 51% of possession but were restricted to just three shots on target as the game ended 0-0.

    Uche tweeted after the game: ‘What an important point guys! Congratulation”!’

    The draw takes Villareal to 50 points on the La Liga log while Valencia occupies fourth spot with 61 points.

  • Nwosu shocked at Eaglets’ draw

    Nwosu shocked at Eaglets’ draw

    Former Golden Eaglets head coach  Henry Nwosu has expressed surprise at the side’s 1-1 draw against  Guinea  in the top of the log tie at the ongoing Africa Under-17 Championship in Niger Republic.

    Sam Diallo put the Guineans in front from the penalty spot in the 13th minute while Eaglets’ captain Kelechi Nwakali evened the score for his side in the dying minutes of the hotly contested encounter.

    Nigeria and Guinea both have four points but the Eaglets are atop of the log on superior goals.

    Nwosu said he knows that Guinea are a strong side in the cadet cadre but was still shocked that the Eaglets trailed the West African foes for such a long time before the equaliser.

    “I’m surprised at the 1-1 draw, especially the fact that Guinea scored first and the lengthy time it took the Eaglets to equalise.

    “Although, I know Guinea are strong football nation even in the age grade cadre and are certain to pose a hard nut to crack.

    “I believe a point is still far better than outright forfeiture of the whole three points, at least, the point keeps them on top of the log,” said the former Nigerian winger to supersport.com.

    Nwosu, however, advised the reigning world champions to learn from their mistakes when they clash against Zambia on Saturday.

    “They must learn from their mistakes against Guinea when they confront Zambia in the last group game on Saturday.

    “Of course, they must remember that no team is a pushover and must always have it at the back of their minds that a football game is not won or lost until the last whistle is blown,” said Nwosu.

    Eaglets must strive to earn at least a point against Zambia to be guaranteed a place in the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile.

    The semifinalists of the eight-team biennial football championship will automatically qualify to represent Africa at the global football fiesta.

  • Dedevbo disappointed with draw

    Dedevbo disappointed with draw

    Nigeria coach Peter Dedevo has said he was disappointed not to start the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada with a win after his team forced Mexico to a 1-1 draw early on Thursday.

    “There are some matches that, although you expect to win, you can’t manage to do so, and I’m a little bit disappointed today,” said the Falconets coach. “But it was a good fight between the two teams.

    “I have to say that Mexico’s goalkeeper, Cecilia Santiago, was impressive and produced a good performance.”

    He further said he wants his team to improve in front of goal ahead of their next game at the weekend against Korea Republic.

    “Looking ahead to the next match I want to work on every position on the field – goalkeeper, defence, midfield, but the most important thing we need to improve on is our finishing,” remarked the former Nigeria U17 female coach..

    The other Group C game between England and Korea Republic also finished in a 1-1 draw.

    Two years ago,Nigeria eliminated Mexico in the quarterfinal of the same competition when they won 1-0.

    Fabiola Ibarra put Mexico ahead in the 23rd minute when she slotted home from 20 metres after a poor clearance by the Nigeria goalkeeper.

    Osarenoma Igbinovia drew the Falconets level three minutes from half time when she capitalized on a defensive blunder by Mexico.

    Nigeria had several chances mainly from Asisat Oshoala after the resumption to edge this encounter but they were either denied by the impressive goalkeeper Cecelia Santiago or failed to finish well.

  • Ex- commissioner vows to draw closer to God

    The former Rivers Commissioner for Budget and Economic Affair during the Peter Odili-led administration, Sir Ejims Ewukwe, has pledged to improve his relationship with God.

    He made the declaration at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, shortly after his installation as the Knight of Saint Christopher at the Diocese of Evo Anglican Communion Woji Community.

    Ejims noted that the investiture of the knighthood is “for selected members of the church who have been singled out for their outstanding performances in the vineyard of God.”

    The honour, he said, has humbled him to put the best of him in serving humanity and God.

    “Today, the church has honoured me and my wife and others who they think have made enough contribution to the development of the church.

    “I give God all the glory; this means I will intensify my relationship with God as a soldier of Christ,” Ejims stated.

    The Bishop, Rt. Rev Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, said the knighthood should not be regarded only as a reward for job done but also as a new call for greater responsibility in the church.

  • Olawale savours draw against Heartland

    Olawale savours draw against Heartland

    Isiaka Olawale of Dolphins FC has attributed his side’s 1-1 draw with Heartland FC of Owerri on Match Day One is a sign of good things to come for the club as the season began.

    The super sand Eagles captain told SportingLife that he was happy to see his side take a point out of Owerri.

    “Taking a draw against a team like Heartland in Owerri in the opening game of the season is a good start for us and we are happy.

    “We won’t allow this result get into our heads but to keep working hard and getting good results because the season has just started.

    “The confidence level among the players is very high, we want to keep giving our best week -in-week out because our focus is to get to the continent,” he said.

    Dolphins finished 9th on the league table with 53 points from a total of 38 games last season.

    “Eyes are on us to perform well this season which insha Allah we will deliver. We won’t disappoint our fans because they deserve the best from us,” Olawale said.

  • Eagles’ stars celebrate fair draw

    Eagles’ stars celebrate fair draw

    Nigeria have described as fair a first round World Cup group that pits them against Argentina, Bosnia and Iran.

    It will be the fourth time that Nigeria will draw Argentina at the World Cup finals and the African champions will open their campaign against Iran.

    Brescia midfielder Nnamdi Oduamadi rated Argentina as the only serious threat to the ambitions of Nigeria.

    “I am happy with this group and we are in the second round already as far as I am concerned. Argentina look the toughest, but we are good enough to beat them,” Oduamadi told MTNFootball.com.

    Celtic defender Efe Ambrose equally said the draw was favourable, but all the same they cannot afford to take any game or team lightly.

    “This is a fair group. It won’t be an easy ride for us because every team in the group have a chance to qualify, we will take all games with all seriousness needed,” Ambrose disclosed.

    Ahmed Musa told MTNFootball.com that Nigeria could not have asked for an easier group.

    “This is a very nice group for us, we can’t ask for anything better. Though we are not afraid of facing any team in the world, we will prepare well for them,” said Musa.

    Eagles’ goalkeeper trainer Ike Shorunmu insisted there are no easy teams in the world, but all the same Group F is a good one for Nigeria.

    “It is a good group. Every team at the World Cup is capable of doing well, so we are not looking down on any team in our group. We will just go ahead and prepare adequately for the tournament,” said Shorunmu, who incidentally was in goal when Argentina pipped Nigeria 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup.

  • Kanu pleased with ‘good’ draw

    Kanu pleased with ‘good’ draw

    Former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu is pleased at what he says is a ‘good’ draw for Nigeria.

    The Super Eagles have been pooled with old foes Argentina, along with newcomers Bosnia-Herzegovina and Asian side Iran.

    “I prayed for a good draw and we got it so we are going to qualify and come out in style by God’s grace,” he told KickOffNigeria.com.

    “This is the best we can ask for.”

    Nigeria begin their campaign against Iran in Curitiba on June 16, before facing the Bosnians on June 21 in Cuiaba.

    Their final game is on June 25 against Argentina in Porto Alegre.

  • Final Legend Real Deal Promo Draw Holds Friday

    The third and final raffle draw for this year?s Legend Real Deal  National Consumer Promotion is scheduled to hold on Friday, June  21,2013, at Eldorado Hills, Amuwo ? Odofin, Lagos.
    Eight lucky consumers of Legend Extra Stout will emerge as winners of  the grand prize for this year?s edition of the promotion. The grand  prize is an all-expense paid trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for  25 lucky consumers. While in Dubai, the lucky consumers will get the  opportunity to shop for gift items worth N1 million within 60 seconds,  in one of the city?s largest shopping malls.
    Seventeen winners have emerged so far in the promotion, which kicked  off on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. The first raffle draw held at De Dems  Bar, Egbeda, Lagos, produced seven winners. They were: Uchechukwu  Dennis Chukwu from Ebonyi State, Nwabuoke Ikechukwu Ambrose from Delta  State, Oluwabusuyi Kelvin Olubusuyi from Ekiti State, Solomon Okoro  Ike from Owerri, Imo state, John Akoji from Abuja, the Federal Capital  City, as well as Temitope Ogunyemi and Austin Nwakaife, both from  Lagos State.
    The second batch of winners that emerged via the raffle draw held at  the Lesukaa Events Centre were: James Nweke from Kano State, Aghedo  Cyril Sadiq Ehinoria and Ishalaye Ayodele Aghedo, both from Lagos,  Ozioko Bethran Ikechukwu from Kogi, Okotie Oritsuwa Abayomi from  Warri, Tom Madaki from Kaduna, Omoleye Folasade Grace from Ekiti,  Sunny Odomoke from Ebonyi, and Emuejevoke Oputu and Wilson Prince  Osah, both from Port Harcourt.
    Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Legend Extra Stout, Nigerian  Breweries Plc., urged consumers of the fastest growing stout brand, to  purchase 33cl and 60 cl bottles of the stout brand for the golden  opportunity to shop for N1 million gift items in Dubai.
    He said: ?There are still eight slots for lucky consumers to go to  Dubai, all-expense paid, on the bill of Legend Extra Stout. While  seven winners from across the country will be picked via the  electronic raffle draw, the eighth lucky winner will emerge that  evening, at the Eldorado Hills, Amuwo Odofin. To win, consumers simply  buy bottles of Legend Extra Stout and they will be given raffle  tickets. The more bottles they buy, the better their chances of  winning this highly cherished single slot to shop in Dubai.?
    He however added that consumers that do not win the Dubai trip can  still win instant gift prizes such as 32 inch TV sets, 130 litre  refrigerators, BlackBerry Bold 6 phones, among other fabulous gift  items.
    The Legend Real Deal National Consumer Promo will end on Sunday, June  30, 2013.