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Tag: Efe Ambrose

  • Efe Ambrose to Eagles: Focus on one match at a time!

     

    As Super Eagles gear up to the kickoff of their 2019 Nations cup in Egypt against Swallows of Burundi on Saturday, holidaying free Agent Efe Ambrose has urged the team to focus on one match at a time as no two matches are ever the same and no two opponents are the same even with same set of players.

    Super Eagles profile according to the former Celtic defender has risen to an all-time high and this should be an added advantage for the team.  “The national team has become a big brand and the popularity of the team keeps growing and I think this will be an added advantage. The Eagles should just focus on each game at a time and give every game its deserved attention not worrying over the entire group matches at the same time to avoid undue pressure,” he said

    Ambrose who was recently released by EFL Championship Club Derby County after a short term contract believes Eagles stand a good chance of winning the nations cup but must resist the temptation to underrate any team including the debutants.

    The 2013 Nations cup winner under late Coach Stephen Keshi, played five out of six games including the final which he started against Burkin Fasso at the 85,000 capacity FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

    Some analysts say Eagles were handed a soft draw with two debutants Burundi and Madagascar with Guinea as the only opponent in the group with Nations cup experience having featured in the continental fiesta  over 11 times finishing as runners up in 1976 and as quarterfinalists on four occasions.

    Despite wearing the toga of under dogs going into the opening match against Eagles on Saturday, Burundi Coach Oliver Niyungeko insists that the Swallows stand equal chance of success as every other team in the competition.

    He said it is wrong to opine that debutants have nothing to prove as they have to prove that their qualification for the event is not fluke.

    “My target is to ensure we do our best.  We have to compete and show that our qualification was no fluke. There are 24 teams and each has an equal chance and we are also part of that with an equal chance” he enthused

  • Efe Ambrose leaves Hibernian

    Nigeria international Efe Ambrose has left Scottish Premiership club Hibernian after trigging a clause in his contract, the club announced on Friday.

    The 30-year-old was offered an improved three-year deal to remain at Easter Road Stadium but rejected the offer to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.

    Ambrose initially joined Hibs on-loan from Celtic in 2017 before making the switch permanent. He would go onto forming an integral part of the team and played every minute across all competitions for Hibs this season.

    In total, Ambrose made 86 appearances for the club, scoring six goals.

    “A popular figure with players, staff and supporters alike, the club made every effort to keep Efe but respect his decision and thank him for his contribution,” part of the statement released by the club said.

    “He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Hibernian.”

    Ambrose has yet to divulge his future plans.

  • Dalung promises to deliver 2018 World Cup ticket

    Dalung promises to deliver 2018 World Cup ticket

    Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, says the Super Eagles will deliver the 2018 World Cup ticket to Nigerians.

    Dalung told newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that the team was well prepared for the world cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon coming up on Friday in Uyo.

    “We have prepared very well and the team is in high spirit, ready to do their best.

    “We want to assure Nigerians that we will definitely make good our promise of delivering the ticket for the 2018 World Cup in Russia,” said the minister.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will aim to achieve a 12 time triumph over the Lions of Cameroon when both teams meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

    Nigeria has won 11 of the 19 previous encounters with Cameroon and secured four draws, while Cameroon had beaten the Eagles only four times.

    The two teams last clashed at the Edmond Machtens Stadium in Brussels in October 2015 when the Eagles won by 3-0 through goals by Efe Ambrose, Moses Simon, and Odion Ighalo.

  • Hibernian declares Efe wanted

    Hibernian declares Efe wanted

    Out of favour Super Eagles defender, Efe Ambrose has been declared wanted by his Scottish League side Hibernian. Ambrose who incidentally contributed in no small measure to getting the side into the Premier League is yet to show face at training and the technical crew does not consider it a laughing matter.

    Hibernian manager Neil Lennon who is eager to begin very serious preparation for next season is furious with the Nigerian international insisting that his absence amounts to pulling back the hands of the clock while giving a hint that the 28-year-old will may face the hammer on return.

    “There’s no sign of Efe – so he is in a bit of trouble with the manager now. I can’t get a hold of him at all,” Lennon told Edinburgh News.

    “He was given a wee bit of time off, but I think he is pushing the boundaries at the minute. The sooner he is back, for his sake, the better.

    “I expected him back a lot sooner than this and it will be getting discussed behind closed doors. He’s got that to look forward to when he gets back!”

    Ambrose who made 113 appearances for 48-time Scottish League champions Celtic scoring five goals before moving on loan to Championship side Hibernian.

    He scored his first goal for the side in a 2-1 win against Falkirk and won Scottish Championship player of the month award in March 2017.  He subsequently signed a two-year contract with Hibernian and fired the side to premier league promotion.

    The newly-promoted Scottish side were 2-0 victorious over Berwick Rangers in their build-up to Saturday’s League Cup encounter against Montrose.

  • EFE AMBROSE Eyes fresh start with Blackburn

    EFE AMBROSE Eyes fresh start with Blackburn

    Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose is unperturbed by the entanglement around his much-talked about loan move from Celtic to Blackburn Rovers, and insisted that a fresh start would be great for his career.
    The career of the Super Eagles marker has been on a standstill for some time, since his sidelined by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers following series of errors marked by incessant boos by fans.
    While in England for talks with Blackburn, Ambrose, in a recorded conversation said he was keen to get back to action and for an English team, like Blackburn-though he’s caught in the middle of a mess created by the English FA for a work permit.
    While Celtic are still looking for confirmation for Ambrose to join the English Championship side, the Owen Coyle’s side are still awaiting a decision over a work permit for the Nigeria international to travel south to the Lancashire-based side. A deal was agreed to take the 28-year-old to Blackburn on deadline day but the move is still very much in the cooler at least for now.
    Ambrose was in England to finalise deal, talk and watched the game against Leeds on February 1 from the stands, but a potential move remains very much hanging in the balance, with Rovers also now casting their eye over the free-agent market in a bid to strengthen their squad ahead of the crucial run-in.
    The 51 times capped Nigerian international, is optimistic that the move to East Lancashire would materialise in the nearest future, adding a move to the Premier League would suit him just fine.
    “It is another opportunity to start afresh for me, and to also prove a point that I am committed to the game and can still add my own quota to a big team like Blackburn,” explained Ambrose stated. “The situation that they (Rovers) are now is something I can help. They are at the bottom of the table, so I want to do my best to bring them out. Most importantly, it is a good move for me to start again.”
    He looked back at his sideline at Celtic with sadness. “Not playing for months in Celtic is difficult. It is a tricky moment for a player when you feel like you can still help and no one is looking at your side. “Football is like this, today you are up there playing well and tomorrow, you are down; I’m optimist that my difficult time has passed and a fresh start is just what I need to move on.”
    Yet, he is filled with nostalgia of the good times he has had at Celtic. “For me I can’t forget Celtic. Even, when I was not playing, I still enjoy the trainings and try to learn something from the new coach Rodgers. It’s been a great time for me at Celtic.”
    He went on to eulogise the former Liverpool manager, who has taken Celtic to a comfortable position on top of the Scottish elite league.
    “Rodgers has been great. I enjoy his training and coaching style. He has brought something into Celtic training that I enjoy and the other players have reacted to positively. I have gained something under him and it would help me in my career,” said Ambrose.
    Going forward, the 28-year-old former FC Ashdod star said he was impressed with what he has seen in Ewood Park. “The manager (Owen Coyle) knows me and believes I can add quality to his defence. I just want to start playing again.”
    “The waiting is not going to be any longer again. Coyle wants me and I want them too. Celtic is willing to allow me go and the FA issue would be solved, I’m certain. I’m just bidding my time,” an optimistic Ambrose stated matter-of-factly even as he spoke on other issues as captured by TAIWO ALIMI.
    Connection with Victor Wanyama
    I hit it off with Victor (Wanyama) when he got to Celtic. People think we look alike and that helped solidify our friendship. He is a nice guy on and off the pitch. He is a fine player too and I’m not surprised he is doing well in England. I know Wanyama well and he has the qualities to win matches. It will be nice to hook up with him again in England.
    My 2018 World Cup
    Target I have had contact with Marseille. It’s nothing concrete yet but we will know more in the coming days. For now I’m still at Celtic, where I am hoping to do my best to try and force my way back into the plans of the manager. I have been linked with a host of English Championship teams – and Wolves are one of them – but I am under contract with Celtic for the next six months. I can’t really say much about other teams that have made a move for me. The idea is to get back playing, whether it’s with Celtic or any other club. I just want to play football. I still have dreams of representing Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup and playing regularly will boost my chances.
    Tough time at Celtic
    The catcall was disturbing at first but after a while, I got use to it and just play my game because I realised that it comes mostly from the opposition fans. I try not to listen to the abuse and boos. The only thing you can do is shut them up and the place to do that is on the pitch. You have to make them realise it does not matter what they say. It just encourages me to be better on the pitch. I try just to concentrate on the game, but if anything, it makes me more determined. It is just a question of focus. The passion I have for the game makes me stronger and it will make me better even if people do this. I can point to the medals I have in the last four years. I have a lot. Fans try to get on someone’s back. They pick on someone. Unfortunately, recently they have tried to pick on me.”
    A proud Super Eagles
    Those colours mean a lot to me. It is Nigeria’s colours and that of Celtic too. I want to get back into the Super Eagles. I still have strong memories of Eagles success stories and getting back to club action would help me.
    I always give my best. Even if it’s for one minute or two minutes I’m on the pitch and no more I always try to help my team out. That’s really the most important thing. It’s not about me. Before I retire all that counts is getting better and playing regularly for my club and country. That is all I care.

  • Ambrose to replace injured Omeruo in Eagles’ squad

    Ambrose to replace injured Omeruo in Eagles’ squad

    Glasgow Celtic defender, Efe Ambrose, will replace injured Kenneth Omeruo in the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon.

    Omeruo suffered a hamstring injury in a league match for his Turkish club Kasimpasa last weekend and the severity of this injury has yet to be ascertained, africanFootball.com reports.

    The Nigeria Football Federation said on its Twitter handle that Ambrose will take Omeruo’s place in the Eagles squad for the test games in Belgium.

    Versatile Ambrose has played at right fullback for the Eagles, but fell out of favour in the latter stages of Stephen Keshi reign as coach.

    He is now likely to fight for a place in his more familiar central defence role.

     

  • Coach Deila banks on Efe Ambrose

     

    Ahead of their Europa clash against visiting Inter Milan  today,coach  Ronny Deila has told Nigerian international Efe Ambrose and his Celtic teammates to play their normal game insisting that there is absolutely no reason to fear Inter.

    Deila ,who recently went on a spying mission of  the San Siro stadium ahead of the round of 32 clash, said though the Seria A side are formidable, they are nonetheless  beatable.

    “They (Inter) are a good team, a big club, with many good players, “he said, adding but we are good as well.

    “We can beat Inter Milan. We have a chance. We are in good shape. We have a very good squad and we look forward to the game.

    “Mancini has not been that long in the club, it takes time to adapt and get together. You can see that they are not getting 100 per cent out of the players they have at this time.

    “The results in the league haven’t been what they expected. The fans weren’t against them but it was quiet, it was not the same atmosphere as in the big matches we have had. But still they are a good team. However, we have done it before and we can do it again,” he said.

    Ambrose and his teammates will be filing out for today’s Europa tie with a lot of confidence, especially after Saturday’s 2-1 away victory over St. Johnstone in the Scottish premier league.  Although the Super Eagles ace played for only 8 minutes after coming in as late substitute replacing G. Mackay-Steven in the 82nd minute, there are strong indications however that coach Deila who is bent on picking victory at home will hand him a starting shirt to checkmate Inter strikers.

  • Leicester City, OPR target Ambrose

    Leicester City, OPR target Ambrose

    Leicester City and  Queens Park Rangers are  reportedly interested in signing Efe Ambrose from Celtic.

    The Nigerian defender has made 24 appearances for the Scottish side in all competitions so far this season.

    Leicester and QPR are both said to be looking for new additions to their squads as they look to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.

    It appears that Celtic would be willing to allow Ambrose to leave the club in January.

    According to The Sun, the 26-year-old would consider a loan move.

    Ambrose moved to Celtic Park from Israeli side FC Ashdod in 2012.

  • FIFA gives Ashdod 30 days to pay Efe Ambrose’s fee

    FIFA gives Ashdod 30 days to pay Efe Ambrose’s fee

    Israeli side MS Ashdod have been given 30 days by FIFA to pay Kaduna United the agreed transfer fee of $70,000 for Celtic and Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose.

    In a judgment reached by the World soccer governing body dispute resolution committee Ashdod were also fined 15,000 Swiss francs  in violation of art 64 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

    Efe Ambrose played for Kaduna United for four years before joining MS Ashdod in the winter of 2010.

    After two and a half years he was sold by the club for £1.5m but the club refused to pay Kaduna United an agreed 20 % sell on clause aside their refusal to pay up the transfer fee.

    Former Kaduna United chairman, Sabo Babayaro said Ashdod renegaded on their promise to pay up the agreed fee and sold Efe Ambrose to Celtic totally ignoring a 20% sell on clause included in the deal.

    Babayaro revealed he resorted to report the case to FIFA when it became clear Ashdod were trying to play smart by ignoring all reminders and mails sent to them to redeem the fee.

    “I kept quiet for four years because any move I make might lead to the banning of my son, Efe Ambrose, untill the club pay up the fee,”he told NationSport.

    “Unfortunately Ashdod took it for granted and some people are presently using it to stain my hard earned reputation with spurious claims”

    “Some claim it was $500,000 that I’am currently under investigation over it,how can it be when we all have a copy of the judgment reached by FIFA?”

    A copy of the judgment made available to NationSport and signed by the FIFA disciplinary committee deputy secretary Bernado Palmeiro  also directed the Israeli side to pay the cost of 2,000 Swiss Franc for the cost of proceedings.

    It further directed Kaduna United and Ashdod to inform the committee when the payments are made.

  • Ambrose aiming to help Nigeria’s cup ambitions

    Ambrose aiming to help Nigeria’s cup ambitions

    AFTER Sunday’s game against Hamilton Accies, Efe Ambrose was one of a numberof Celts who headed off to join up with their respective international

    squads. Ambrose and his Nigerian team-maters have a vital Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Sudan.

    Having only garnered one point from their opening two group matches, Nigeria must win their four remaining fixtures to guarantee qualification to the

    finals in January.

    As holders of the competition, it would be deeply disappointing should they should fall at the first hurdle in their trophy defence.

    And coach Stephen Keshi and his players will be eager to get their campaign back on track by harvesting maximum reward against the Sudanese.

    But Ambrose isn’t underestimating the magnitude of their task, particularly with a fired-up opposition to contend with.

    “For me, it’s going to be the most difficult test for us as we had poor results in the games we played last month so we need to win these two games

    to be in the race to qualify for the Nations Cup,” the Celtic defender toldthe Celtic View.

    “As the defending champions, we have to qualify, so these are games which will be intense. Sudan aren’t pushovers, and in Africa, every country wants

    to beat Nigeria which that makes it harder.

    “We know what we need to do and the coach and the technical staff will have mapped out our strategy for us. So it’s up to us to go out there, execute it and keep ourselves in good shape in the qualifying.”

    Six points from those two fixtures would be an ideal early birthday present for Ambrose, who will celebrate turning 26 on his return from national service.

    He hasn’t made plans how to mark the occasion as yet, but it will involve spending time with his young family.

    “I should be back after being away with Nigeria so we will see what happens, but I will celebrate it with my baby and family at home,” added the player.