The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fans

  • Nigeria fans miss me

    Nigeria fans miss me

    OUT-OF FAVOUR Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie is delighted by the confession of some Super Eagles fans that they miss his services for the national team.

    The West Brom ace has been the subject of debate among sports enthusiasts since Coach Stephen Keshi dropped him from Nigeria’s new-look male national team.

    Osaze via his Twitter handle, @OdemwingieP, made the following comments on yesterday: “Glad to read from naija fans that they missed me in the green-white-green colours. Thank you.”

    SportingLife recalls that the controversial striker with 55 caps for the Eagles recently told the BBC that he was ready to play again for Nigeria if he gets an invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

  • Confederations Cup: Fans anticipate good outing for Super Eagles

    Confederations Cup: Fans anticipate good outing for Super Eagles

    Football enthusiasts have expressed hope in the ability of the Super Eagles to put up a good showing at the FIFA Confederations Cup beginning in Brazil on Saturday.

    The fans, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said they expected the team to at least have a semi-finals berth.

    The Super Eagles will face Tahiti on June 17 in Group B and later take on Uruguay and world champions, Spain.

    Mustapha Mohammed, Director of Finance and Administration, National Sports Commission (NSC), told NAN that a semi-final berth for the Eagles was a realistic target.

    “We will do well in the Confederations Cup by the grace of God. Certainly, we are aiming at the semi-finals. As for me, if they can get to the semi-finals, they would have done well. However, if they can go beyond that, then it will be a plus; you know that in football, anything is possible,’’ he said.

    NSC’s Press Secretary, Tony Ohaeri, said the Super Eagles were psychologically prepared for the Confederations Cup.

    “The Super Eagles are mentally sound at the moment and have not lost any competitive match since winning the Africa Cup Nations (AFCON) title in South Africa early in the year,” he said.

    Ohaeri said he hoped that they could take the same spirit to the Confederations Cup. He added that it was good for our national image and the players’ psyche as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

    “I believe they are in the right frame of mind for the competition, though they will be competing with big football nations in Europe, South America, and so on. But I am confident that with the crop of boys we have in the squad, they can hold their own against any team in the world. I am not expecting them to lift the trophy, but I am sure they are going to give a good account of themselves; they will represent Africa very well.”

    However, Romanus Ugwu, a journalist with The Sun newspapers, called on Nigerians not to expect too much from the Super Eagles in the competition.

    “You are aware that we will be playing the world’s best. It is better Nigerians do not hope on anything and enjoy the Confederations Cup matches. My only prayer is that Africa’s representatives in the tournament are not disgraced,’’ Ugwu said.

  • Fans shun Warriors/Eagles tie

    Fans shun Warriors/Eagles tie

    Soccer loving Namibians failed to leave up to expectations of coach Ricardo Mannetti as the Sam Nujoma Stadium was half empty during Wednesday night’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers 1-1 draw between the Brave Warriors and Eagles.

    The interim Namibia coach, who 48hours ago pleaded for fans support, would be amazed that despite the gate fee put at 5 Namibian dollars (about N840) the stands at the popular side and at both goal posts were empty .

    SportingLife who monitored the game via live streaming on Sportslemon.tv gathered from the first half pictures that the stand at the back of Enyeama was empty with not a single fan.

    Meanwhile, the synthetic turf of the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek could be blamed for Eagles poor showing against the Brave Warriors.

    Despite dominating with better ball possession, Eagles on countless occasions, failed to score with Anthony Ujah wasting the better chance to put the team up in the opening half of the first.

    Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama before Nigeria conceded a goal was virtually on holidays.

    However, there could be Onazi injury scare for the Eagles participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup which kicks off on June 15 in Brazil as he twice had cause to seek medical attention from the sideline.

    The Lazio of Italy midfielder had a slight thigh injury after a Brave Warriors ace stamped on his right thigh as he evaded a challenge from Ahmed Musa in the 37th minute.

    Onazi, despite playing full 90minutes, was forced out again following a tackle in the 71th minute.

     

  • Mercy Johnson grateful to fans

    Mercy Johnson grateful to fans

    THIS month, star actress Mercy Johnson resumes work; she is back on location with director and producer, Elvis Chucks. This is MJ’s first job after giving birth in Deceamber.

    “I want to say thank you to the fans, friends, colleagues and producers who were there for me. Many of them proved to be friends on and off work. Many adjusted their schedules for me and sent in their greetings during the child dedication. I resumed work this week with grateful heart and understanding that I am here because God through the help of people made it possible.

    Or how could I explain the overwhelming votes I got at AMVCA despite been away and inactivity on social media? How could I explain the numbers of producers and scripts waiting for my return? How could I explain the overwhelming love and gifts while I was away? I am very grateful and here to say a big thank you to everyone who played a role and those who as much as had good wishes in their hearts. Thank you and God bless you”.

    In the past months of Mercy’s ‘absence’ she gave birth to her first child, Purity, moved into a new mansion with her husband, Prince and won the Best Actress in comedy at the maiden edition of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).

    Work-wise, she has continued to generate interest as many producers and a couple of corporate organization are in discussion with her for movies and other business. She’s returning on the heels of the record set by Dumebi, the dirty girl, the enviable record of being the highest selling.

    She started acting in 2003 with The Maid. She’s been touted to be one of the few method actors around by respected movie director, Lancelot Odua Imasuen.

  • Fans celebrate slashed match tickets

    Soccer fans in the Houston TX metropolitan area are rejoicing since two top notch international soccer teams, Mexico and Nigeria, will be participating in a friendly match at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Friday, May 31, 2013.

    Cheap Concert Tickets has been able to obtain a substantial inventory of tickets for this event and has slashed pricing across the board on all tickets for this historic match. United States Soccer and/or futbol fans have been treated to a plethora of friendly soccer matches during the last few years.

    Many premier soccer teams from around the World have held Friendly Matches at large stadiums in the U.S. such as Reliant Stadium, Busch Stadium, Yankee Stadium, M & T Bank Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Metlife Stadium.

    The Mexico national football team play their games at the Estadio Azteca and their coach is Jose Manuel de la Torre . Currently the Mexico team is ranked at the 16th slot in the FIFA World Rankings and the 13th slot in the World Football Elo Ratings.

    This powerful team has qualified over the years for 14 World Cups. The best years for Mexico were 1970 and 1986 when they reached the Quarterfinals in the World Cups. Interestingly, these were both played on Mexican soil. Mexico also is known to be the best team in the CONCACAF region due to the fact that they are the solo team to take home an authentic FIFA recognised title.

    The Nigeria national football team is also known as the Super Eagles and in earlier years the Green Eagles. This team is overseen by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In 1994 this team were at the 5th slot in the FIFA World Rankings which is the highest ranking achieved by a team from Africa. Currently the Nigerian national football team holds the African Cup of Nations title which they have won 3 times.

    Additionally, this powerhouse has earned a place at the FIFA World Cup round of 16 two times. At the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, GA they won a gold medal. This was the first time a team from Africa would win gold at the Olympics – quite an accomplishment for the Nigerian national football team.

    Cheap Concert Tickets delivers tickets to sports events, sold out concerts and theatre events worldwide when no one else can, and they do so at discounted prices. As a member of TicketNetworkDirect, they can guarantee the delivery of tickets on time for sporting events such as the friendly soccer match between Mexico and Nigeria at Reliant Stadium. With CheapConcertTickets.me customer service is a priority, for more information email support(at)cheapconcerttickets(dot)me.

  • ‘How to lure fans to match venues’

    ‘How to lure fans to match venues’

    Samuel Ikpea, the Secretary, Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club (NFSSC), on Tuesday suggested the distribution of company souvenirs at match venues, to attract spectators and fans to support the league.

    Ikpea, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, against the poor turn-out of spectators at league match venues, charged corporate bodies to support and improve the nation’s professional football league.

    “The only thing that the corporate bodies need to do is to liaise with the Board of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), to ensure the successful distribution of their souvenirs at match venues.

    “A survey by the supporters club had showed that corporate bodies had a lot to contribute to the growth of our league. Let the corporate bodies with their souvenirs, no matter how small, be at league match venues across the federation.

    “Let the corporate bodies, through the NPFL, announce that the first one or two hundred people to enter the venues will receive a T-shirt or other company’s souvenirs, you will marvel at the turn-out,“ he said.

    According to him, Nigerians are fond of running after free gifts, so the corporate bodies and the NPFL could use such gimmicks as inducements to lure fans to match venues.

    Ikpea said that the gimmicks would be an advertisement channel for corporate bodies already registered with the NPFL to support the league.

  • Tips on buying fans

    Fans are simple interior appliances used to create a cooling effect in the summer. In Nigeria, fans are used more during the dry season or when the weather is hot.

    Are you the type who has been worried over the choice of fan? You need not worry again.

    Fans are of three types. There are some meant for the ceiling, and there are the standing ones. The third is the wall fan.

    Brands like O.R.L has various products with different prices. Its Giant 60 costs N4000; Deluxe, N3,500; Max, around N3000; Executive and Zurge go for N3,500; Mega, N4,800; Golden, N3,800. They come in white and brown colours.

    STC also has different products. Its Super goes for N3000; Super Power, N2, 800; and President (N3, 800). SMC has model KL which costs N5, 800; and model KN which stands at N8000. This pair happens to be the oldest. They are from Asia.

    Usher ceiling fan has white and brown colours. The former goes for N6, 800; and the latter, N7000. The Binatone brand has brown, white, cream, and chocolate colours. Each has three or four blades depending on the taste of a potential buyer. The three-blade type costs N3, 500, four blade, N4, 800.

    The standing fan comes in 16 and 18 inches. Standing fans of 16” come in plastic blade, the 18” iron blade. This rule doesn’t apply to certain brands like Fanafrik which produces both inches in iron blades. Fanafrik also has a model for recognition of the inches such as S.O. 6 which is its highest model. It is an 18 inch fan valued at N5, 500. Model S.O.7 16 inch costs N4000. Century produces both inches but makes the former with iron blades put at N4, 800, while the 16 inch made in plastic blade costs N3,300. STC has only 18 inches at N4000. , ditto for Jumyrich but with an additional N500 raise. Astros is also in the same bracket with its price put at N3, 300.

    Like the standing fan, wall fans equally come in 16 and 18 inches, but the latter seems to enjoy more patronage than the former. Century has 16 inches fans which cost N3,600 and N4,500 respectively. Others like TMT, have only the 16 inch valued at TMT N5, 800. Evernal, Occenic, and Super Master have 16 inch each which goes for N3, 500, N3, 000, and N3, 500 respectively.

    For prospective buyers, the aforementioned fans can be obtained from makeshift stalls in areas such as Adebayo Onipanu Bus/stop, Elpina Creek Road, Apapa; Yaya Abatan street, Ijaye Road, Ogba; and Alaba International Market, Ojo;. Other places are: 38, Adedeji Street, Itire, along Ijesha Road; 126/130, Lawanson Road, Itire, Surulere; and 126, Isolo Road, Mushin, among many others.

    Perhaps individual tastes might differ; buyers must take into cognizance certain factors.

    Your ceiling height: Knowing the ceiling height where your new ceiling fan will be installed will determine whether you choose a hugger ceiling fan or the variety with a down rod. National Electric Code (NEC) requires that fan blades should not hang lower than seven feet from the floor. For ceiling heights less than 7’63 , a hugger or a regular ceiling fan with a low ceiling adapter, might be preferable.

    Sloped or angled ceiling: A hugger ceiling fan is not ideal for a slope ceiling. Ceiling fan blades should always be in the horizontal position where gravity finds them, else, the fan motor will incur too much strain and eventually burnt out. A sloped ceiling adapter will enable the ceiling fan to hang from 29 degrees to 52 degrees.

    Determine blade span based on room size: Ceiling fans come in different blade span sizes. Knowing the estimated blade span size will greatly narrow your search when it is time you want the right ceiling fan. Below should give you a good idea of what ceiling fan blade span you will need based on the square footage of your room.

    Square Footage and Room Length x Room Width: 16 – 40 sq. feet = 243 to 323 blade span40 – 75 sq. feet = 343 to 403 blade span; 75 – 100 sq. feet = 403 to 423 blade span; 100 – 140 sq. feet = 423 to 483 blade span, 140 – 200 sq. feet = 483 to 523 blade span.

     

  • Fans boo Osaze at WBA awards

    Fans boo Osaze at WBA awards

    Osaze Odemwingie was booed by fans during West Bromwich Albion’s annual awards night at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre on Sunday, despite the fact that he was absent at the awards.

    The fans, who showed their displeasure at every opportunity, seemed to have not forgiven him for the many rants he posted on social network site, Twitter.

    The images of the Nigerian star playing were jeered, as the host for the night, TV presenter Adrian Giles aimed some choice derogatory words in his direction.

    Odemwingie had agreed to stay away to avoid potential clashes with disgruntled fans in the audience, who might be looking to have a go at him..

     

  • 1,000 fans get free tickets to watch 3SC

    1,000 fans get free tickets to watch 3SC

    Fans of Ibadan darling team 3SC are relishing the 1,000 match tickets freely given out at the entry point of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex at every home match via the good gesture of Ibadan South/West Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Taoreed Adeleke.

    The fans that enjoyed the promotion in the week 3 fixtures of the Nigerian Premier League where the Oluyole Warriors hosted Lobi Stars of Markurdi, were full of gratitude to the council boss and called on other well-meaning 3SC fans to emulate the gesture.

    The fully packed Lekan Salami Stadium was ecstatic when 3SC recorded an emphatic 3-1 victory over their visitors on Sunday with goals coming from Gbolahan Salami, 42nd minute, Tony Edjomerigwe, 75th and Moses Ogaga, 79th while Chimaobi Nwoguo scored the only goal for Lobi Stars in the 43rd minute.

    Speaking after the match, the council boss said he always felt bad coming to the stadium and seeing empty stands, compared to the past when people had to arrive at the stadium three hours before the match to secure sitting space to watch Shooting Stars.

    “The idea is paying off as you can see the stadium is fully packed now. I consider this as my own contribution towards the effort of this administration in returning the club back to its glorious status”, Adeleke noted.

     

  • Stakeholders urge fans to behave well at match venues

    Stakeholders urge fans to behave well at match venues

    Some notable football stakeholders on Thursday urged the Nigeria Professional Football League’s (NPFL) Interim Management Committee to sensitise fans on the need to comport themselves well during matches.

    The stakeholders who made their views known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, in separate interviews, complained that violent acts by restive fans could disrupt proceedings during league matches. They said that fans must be made to imbibe the virtues of fair play during matches, especially when their teams are not performing well.

    Paul Hamilton, a former Super Eagles Head Coach, noted that referees would have a pivotal role to play to curb restiveness among fans. He added that the way and manner they handle matches; would determine the response of fans, and that they should guard against avoidable errors.

    “ When the referee is fair in his officiating to both teams, there would definitely be no hassles,’’ Hamilton said.

    Folorunsho Okenla, a former Green Eagles winger, said that the various clubs and their supporters should be educated on the need to accept the outcome of matches. Okenla stressed that the Interim Management Committee should enlighten supporters on how to conduct themselves at match venues.

    “Clubs and their supporters should be sanctioned now for any misbehaviour they exhibit at match venues. There should be stipulated punishment for fans’ restiveness at match venues, and I strongly believe that this will curb or eradicate such misdemeanours,’’ Okenla said.

    In his reaction, Festus Allen, a former coach of 3SC FC of Ibadan, said that the responsibility of curbing restiveness at match venues rests with the regulatory body. “The body should educate themselves too because you cannot give what you don’t have,’’Allen said.

    Allen added that there should be laid down rules to govern the operations and that violators should be docked. “The game is not a do-or-die affair. Fans should be made to understand that defeat is part of the game,’’ he added.

    Tayo Balogun, a sport analyst, said that the problem is that the supporters fail to realise that it was impossible for the referee to recall all the happenings in a match.

    “The supporters feel they are not getting the right calls in most cases but fail to understand that the referee cannot see everything. Violence should not be part of the game, because we are human beings and as such we are bound to make mistakes,’’ Balogun added.

    The analyst urged fans to work on their emotions, and accept the fact that football is more of leisure and not an outlet for violence.