The Nation Newspaper

Tag: eagles

  • Jonathan hails Eagles for qualifying for Brazil 2014

    Jonathan hails Eagles for qualifying for Brazil 2014

    •Tasks team to be first African team to lift World Cup

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday congratulated the Super Eagles for beating Ethiopian team 2-0 to book a place at the 2014 World Cup finals billed for Brazil.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President applauded Super Eagles’ dogged and determined performance in the two-legged play-off against the Ethiopians.

    Noting that the Eagles will be playing at the World Cup Finals for the fifth time, he also commended the team’s performance in all the preceding qualifying matches and the consistent commitment and dedication of the players to building on their victory at this year’s African Nations Cup.

    The statement reads: “As the team and its handlers bask in the glory of being the first African country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, President Jonathan urges them to rededicate themselves to excelling on the global stage and reaching for heights never previously attained by the country at the World Cup finals.”

    He believed that with the enormous pool of footballing talent available to the country, the Super Eagles can, with more hardwork, dedication, resilience and further honing of their skills and tactics, fulfill the national dream of being the first African Nation to win the World Cup.

    Jonathan assured the NFF and the team of the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and all Nigerians in their quest to win even greater glory for Nigeria in Brazil.

  • Eagles will score four — Dike

    Eagles will score four — Dike

    • Says Ideye, Onazi are ‘his boys’

    Toronto FC of USA attacking midfielder, Bright Dike has predicted that Ethiopia will concede four goals in today’s World Cup play-off return leg against the Super Eagles.

    “By the time we score the first goal, Ethiopia would have collapsed. From there the goals would just start coming,” he said.

    Speaking to SportingLife after lunch at the team’s Transcorp Hotel, Dike is eager to play a part after failing to make the final cut for the Africa Nations Cup in January.

    If he gets to start, it will be Dike’s first competitive match.

    “Playing for your country is always an honour and the Ethiopia game would be one,” said the player who scored Nigeria’s equaliser against a Catalonia selected side in a friendly prior to the Nations Cup.

    On how he has blended into the team considerng the fact that he did not grow up in Nigeria, Dike said he had adjusted perfectly.

    “I have made friends, apart from Emmanuel Emenike who is my cousin. Onazi, ldeye and Elderson are my friends, in fact they are my boys,” he jokingly said.

    Endowed with natural energy, the 26-year-old has expressed delight to chief coach, Stephen Keshi for another invitation to the team.

  • Onazi: Eagles not yet in Brazil

    Onazi: Eagles not yet in Brazil

    Despite Nigeria’s 2-1 advantage, Ogenyi Onazi has insisted that the Super Eagles are not yet in Brazil until after today’s 2014 World Cup play-off win against Ethiopia.

    The S.S. Lazio midfielder said: “I don’t think we have qualified for Brazil (2014) as we need a victory against the Ethiopians today to be among the five African countries that will get the slot.”

    “We’re ready for the match. You can see from yesterday’s (Friday) morning session at the U.J. Esuene Stadium that every player wants a starting shirt against the Walya Antelopes.

    “So, by his grace, I see us going all out for a victory.”

    About the Ethiopians, Onazi stressed: “We are not taking them for granted as they too want to be in Brazil.

    “If really we want to be in the Mundial come 2014, we must all raise our games.”

     

    Likely Eagles’ squad against Ethiopia

    The players that Keshi drilled in his last training session on Friday morning.

    Vincent Enyeama

    Efe Ambrose

    Godfrey Oboabona

    Kenneth Omeruo

    Elderson Echiejile

    Ogenyi Onazi

    John Mikel Obi

    Victor Moses

    Ahmed Musa

    Brown Ideye

    Emmanuel Emenike

  • 2014 FIFA world cup: Mikel: Eagles won’t throw ticket away

    2014 FIFA world cup: Mikel: Eagles won’t throw ticket away

    Mikel Obi has told MTNFootball.com Nigeria will qualify for the 2014 World Cup this weekend as they hold their own destiny. The  Eagles have a leg in Brazil 2014 having defeated Ethiopia 2-1 in Addis Ababa last month, but Mikel has warned that the job is not done yet. Midfielder Mikel also spoke about Jose Mourinho and Chelsea this season.

    Millions of Nigerians believe the Eagles have already booked a place in Brazil 2014 after the 2-1 win in Ethiopia in the first leg of the playoff, do you share same with them?

    We are not yet there but almost. We still have a leg to play in Nigeria, so after that we can celebrate our ticket.

    Do you see Ethiopia posing a threat to the Eagles World Cup ambition despite the first leg win?

    They are a good side, there are no small teams in world football again, but we are the ones to make decisions. We are not looking for favours from anywhere. We have the ticket in our hands and we have our destiny in our hands, so we are not going to throw it away.

    What has been the driving force in the Eagles?

    We are united as one family, we are all dedicated to the cause of the team, that’s all.

    How is the approach to the return leg against Ethiopia going to be?

    We are taking it serious. It is crucial and as for me, it is a cup final that we need to win. I am sure that is the situation with every other member of the team.

    Chelsea under Jose Mourinho the second time, how has it been?

    Everyone knows the ability of Mourinho, he is one of the best in the world. It is good to be working with him again.It has been nice,he brought me here and gave me the breakthrough.He knows how to get the best out of the players.

    What are your targets with Chelsea?

    As usual,I want to win all the trophies at stake. My mentality has been to win in any competition I play. I think we are good enough to win all the trophies we are in, though it is too early to write off any team or think a trophy is won or lost.

    You have another Nigerian, Kenneth Omeruo, as your team mate after Victor Moses left for Liverpool on loan, how has it been?

    It is good to have a brother around. He is a nice guy and a good player. It is wonderful to have him around.

  • Eagles camp opens today

    Eagles camp opens today

    The Super Eagles camp in Calabar, Cross River State will open today in the Canaan City, with almost all the players expected between tonight and tomorrow, according to the Team’s Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor.

    Earlier Cross River State Sports Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe, revealed that all necessary logistics have been put in place for a fruitful camping and eventual victory for the national team on Saturday against the Wyalan Antelopes of Ethiopia.

    “On our part we are serious and ready for the national team as always because we are used to them and they are used to us.

    “We expect nothing but a handsome victory and we know the team is up to it, Ugbe said on return from UAE, where he had gone to cheer the Golden Eaglets to victory.

    The Super Eagles will hope to complete a two legged victory over the Ethiopians they defeated 2-1 at Addis Ababa in the first leg last month.

     

  • NUPENG boss congratulates Eaglets

    NUPENG boss congratulates Eaglets

    The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) Lagos State zone, Comrade Tokunbo Najeemdeen Adebola has joined other Nigerians in congratulating the victorious Golden Eaglets that made the country proud by winning the FIFA Under-17 World Cup hosted by United Arab Emirates. He also resolved to bankroll a national soccer tourney.

    He said the bid is to complement the efforts of government in the area of youth empowerment and addressing youth restiveness by actively engaging them with meaningful activity.

    The competition tagged ‘Korodo National Under-18 Unity Soccer Tourney’ would commence on November 24th and end on December 1st at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, according to the professional Sports International that would be organising tourney.

    The NUPENG boss, who wished to host some members of the Eaglets during the tourney, has however pledged mouthwatering incentives for winners and all participating teams that are expected to come from all states of the federation for the maiden tourney.

    While Adebola has also vowed to make the tourney an annual event as his own way of contributing to the development of the game of football at the grassroots and also giving back to the society that made him.

  • ‘Eagles are ready for Antelopes’

    ‘Eagles are ready for Antelopes’

    Nigeria Football Federation’s technical committee chairman, Chris Green says the Stephen Keshi tutored-side are battle ready for any ploy Ethiopia’s Wayla Antelopes will dish out as the 2nd leg 2014 World cup qualifier between both side at the U.J.Esuene Stadium draws nearer.

    Speaking on preparation ahead of the final 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Green said the Stephen Keshi tutored-side will be ready for the game and can curtail any game plan by the East Africans.

    “Ethiopia is not new to us but I know that Keshi will be up for it and be ready for the game,” Green said.

  • Kpakor warns Eagles: Don’t underrate Ethiopia

    Kpakor warns Eagles: Don’t underrate Ethiopia

    The much anticipated second leg clash between Nigeria and Ethiopia for a slot to be at the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil has generated so much reaction from different quarters.

    Nigeria defied all odds to beat the Walya Antelopes 2-1 in Addis Ababa in the first leg which made the second leg scheduled for the 16th of November at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar look like a mere formality.

    Former international Moses Kpakor is one of those expecting a much more tougher game than many anticipate and feels it might be tricky if the Walya Antelopes are taken for granted.

    The former BCC Lions of Gboko captain does not buy the idea that it’s done and dusted for the Super Eagles as he feels there should not be any complacency towards the second leg.

    Kpakor, who spoke to supersport.com in Makurdi, is of the opinion that the Super Eagles should approach the game like a cup final.

    “There is still a lot to be done as regards qualification, and we shouldn’t use the first leg result as a yardstick going into the crucial second leg,” he said.

    “Football is a very unpredictable game. If we relax, Ethiopia might hurt us. We all saw the way they played in the first half in Addis Ababa.

    “We can’t be complacent. It’s a battle that must be won,” Kpakor, who was a member of the silver winning team at Algiers ’90, added.

    Emmanuel Emenike’s brace in the first leg put Nigeria in a good stead going into the second leg and Kpakor agrees it was a decent result albeit not an excuse to relax.

    “We can’t afford to relax. I’m sure Stephen Keshi would have told his boys this already and I’m sure they are motivated and primed for the game.”

    Nigeria go into the second leg of the Africa zone of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia needing to avoid defeat by two clear goals, to earn a ticket to the global football fiesta.

    “An early goal will surely kill the game and if Ethiopia decide to chase the game, they will be exposed for us to run them ragged.

    “I have no doubt the boys will do us proud and fly our flag in Brazil come 2014. I’m very sure of that,” Kpakor said.

  • Omeruo, 24 others return for Ethiopia, Italy

    Omeruo, 24 others return for Ethiopia, Italy

    • Keshi lists 25 for big games

    Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited 25 players to execute the two big games against Ethiopia and Italy that the African champions will play in Calabar and London respectively within 48 hours mid-November.

    First comes the 2014 FIFA World Cup final qualifying match against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia, at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday, 16th November, a fixture the Eagles lead 2-1 from the first leg in Addis Ababa on 13th October.

    Two days later, the African champions take on four-time World champions Italy at the Craven Cottage ground of English Premiership club, Fulham FC in a high-profile friendly in London.

    Coach Keshi has recalled brilliant young defender Kenneth Omeruo, a key component of his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, as well as the rugged and attack-minded midfielder Reuben Gabriel.

    Both men were out injured for months. Omeruo disclocated a troubled shoulder at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in the summer while Gabriel would be happy to be fully fit after sitting on the bench all through the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

    Stand-in skipper Vincent Enyeama is called alongside goalkeepers Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim, while South Africa-based defender James Okwuosa and strikers Obinna Nsofor and Uche Nwofor also keep their places. The list also includes Africa Cup of Nations top scorer and two-goal hero in Addis Ababa, Emmanuel Emenike.

    All the players are expected to report at the Metropolitan Transcorp Hotel, Calabar on Monday, 11th November, 2013.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers:

    Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

    Defenders:

    Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa); Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England)

    Midfielders:

    John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Victor Moses

    (Liverpool FC, England); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra,

    Portugal); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (Brescia Calcio 1911, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Reuben Gabriel (Kilmarnock FC, Scotland)

    Forwards:

    Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands) at options for the tie, including stadiums outside Scotland.

  • Jordan re-jig squad for Eagles

    Jordan re-jig squad for Eagles

    Jordan national team coach Hossam Hassan has re-jigged his squad for today’s friendly match against the Super Eagles.

    The duo of Ahmad Hail and Udai Al Saifi who were previously part of the 25 players invited for the high profile friendly have since pulled out and have now been replaced with Udai Khader and Rakan Al Khaldi who have since reported to camp to join in last-minute preparations for the test match.

    Coach Hassan told the Jordanian Football Federation website that he is not surprised with the last-minute pull outs as he reckons that these kinds of situations are bound to happen for friendly matches outside the FIFA calendar.

    He added that the team is going through hard times because many players are missing through injury and suspension but they are still hopeful to compete for the ticket to reach the World Cup finals.

    The Jordanians rounded off training at the Petra Stadium yesterday.