The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fans

  • Onazi apologises to fans

    Onazi apologises to fans

    SS Lazio and Eagles midfielder, Eddy Onazi has once again apologise to fans of the Super Eagles in the aftermath of the team’s failure to qualify for next year’s AFCON in Equatorial Guinea, while also thanking them for theirsupport.

    In a chat with www.footballlive.ng Onazi asked the fans to stay with the team as they prepare to retun stronger for future engagements including the World Cup qualifiers.

    ” We are really sorry for how things turned out but we appreciate their support and ask for the country to back the preparation for future competitions including the World Cup qualifiers and more AFCON nation cups to participate in,” Onazi offered.

  • Oshoala dedicates award to fans, family and teammates

    Oshoala dedicates award to fans, family and teammates

    For the first time since the 9th African Women Championship started in Windhoek, Asisat Oshoala emerged as the Most Valuable Player of yesterday’s semi final tie between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Bayana Bayana of South Africa.

    Before yesterday, skillful Delta Queens forward, Ngozi Okobi was the first Nigerian player to win the award while Rivers Angels left back, Ngozi Ebere won the prize in Falcons’ game against Zambia.

    It appears the lanky Oshoala chose the most auspicious moments to shine as her two goals in yesterday’s semi final game orchestrated the elimination of arch rivals, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    Apart from the goals she scored, Oshoala was a constant threat to the defence line of the South Africans with her pace and skill.The South Africans have their captain and defence strong woman, Janine Van Wyk to thank for checkmating Oshoala after she has done the damage.

    Speaking to SportingLife after the game, the Canada 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup star dedicated her award to her fans, family members and teammates for their unflinching support since she burst into global limelight last August.

    “I want to dedicate this award specially to my fans, family and my teammates who have shown tremendous support to me all these while even when I’m not playing well.

    “Their prayers and words of encouragement have kept me going in this tournament and I want to say a big thank you to them. I’ll continue to do my best in every match I have the opportunity to play”she added.

  • Truth Jonathan’s fans won’t tell him

    If there was any doubt about the circle of sycophancy that surrounds President Goodluck Jonathan, which may eventually strangulate him like a noose, the reported secret remarks by Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (popularly abbreviated as Alams), a former governor of Bayelsa State, present sufficient evidence that he lives in a gilded cage. The background is this: Alams, in an interview with New Telegraph,spoke about the discord between Jonathan and Rotimi Amaechi, the Rivers State governor, which culminated in Amaechi’s exit from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Alams, ostensibly playing the role of peacemaker, came up with his own solution to the problem, saying that Amaechi who is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should “retrace his steps, beg President Goodluck Jonathan and return to PDP.” Alamieyeseigha’s words: “I think there is no problem between Amaechi and Jonathan. I think Amaechi should be humble enough to go to the President and say ‘I am sorry’, because he has no place to go. A child that is not respectful will also not deserve respect from anyone. I have spoken to both of them.”

    He continued: “Jonathan has no issues. The President of Nigeria is very powerful. I even told Amaechi that the first entity you cannot fight is Almighty God and the second entity is the government (President Jonathan). No matter how you interpret it, nobody can fight the government (Jonathan) successfully…Rivers State will never be surrendered to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

    It is easy to see that his choice of words reflects nauseating obsequiousness, which he is perfectly entitled to; and this is understandable given that he owes Jonathan, who was his deputy in his gubernatorial years, a huge debt of gratitude for his rehabilitation. Hardball remembers that Alams was convicted of money laundering and corruption and got a two-year jail sentence, but was later pardoned by Jonathan who controversially used his presidential powers to apparently wash him clean. Against this backdrop, Alams may be pardoned for imagining that Jonathan is invincible; but that is exactly what it is – imagined invincibility. Furthermore, it was the height of childishness for Alams to liken Amaechi to a child. Now, listen to Amaechi’s reply through his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor: “It is true that Amaechi does not have any personal issue with the President. And yes, when Alamieyeseigha came to the governor to discuss this issue, he said there was not much problem between the president and the governor, but he was not bold enough to say in that interview what he told the governor the problem was.”

    So, what was the problem as Alams saw it? Iyofor’s statement said: “He told Amaechi that he cannot understand why Mr. President cannot rein in, control or manage his wife. For him to say something else is, indeed, most cowardly and timid.”

    It should be considered charitable that Alams was described as “cowardly and timid”. Perhaps it would be useful to do a word search for a less generous description for a man who exhibits such two-faced and double—tongued character. With creatures like Alams around Jonathan, who will speak truth to power?

  • Ebola screening for Calabar fans

    Ebola screening for Calabar fans

    All ticket holders will be tested for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) before being allowed into the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State, a top official has told NationSport.

    The disease which has no cure was imported into the country by the late Liberian/American diplomat, Patrick Sawyer, and the Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Patrick Ugbe, told NationSport that all would-be spectators for the Eagles versus Red Devils tie on Saturday must surrender themselves for EVD testing otherwise they would be denied entry to the stadium.

    Ugbe explained that although there is no recorded case of the disease in Cross River, the state is taking no chances, especially with the high influx of visitors expected in the city of Calabar for the encounter. The measure would thus help to identify and quarantine visitors who could have the disease so as to prevent its further spread.

    “We are aware of the deadly effect of the Ebola virus and because of this, we have mapped out a strategy to ensure that all spectators that come to watch the Eagles are tested for Ebola before they are allowed into the stadium,” Ugbe told NationSport.

  • Onazi thanks fans, govt

    Onazi thanks fans, govt

    Nigeria international Eddy Ogenyi Onazi has thanked the Nigerian government and fans for the ‘support’ and ‘love’ shown him, especially after he sustained a leg injury at the World Cup in Brazil.

    The Lazio of Italy midfielder wrote on his twitter account: “hello friends, thank you all for your love and support before, during, and after the #WorldCup2014, especially after the injury I sustained,” he said on his twitter handle, @onaziogenyi.

    He said further, “right now, I’m rearing to go. Ready to do even better than I ever did.”

    The 21-year old, who has started some light work out after therapy also thanked the Nigerian government for taking care of him whilst injured, and prayed they continue in that stead.

    “I also have to thank the (Nigerian) government for their support during the injury. They took care of me and I even got treated in Nigeria. I really am grateful, and I hope they keep it up and continue with that, especially for players that will get injured in the future,” he told sl10.

    Onazi, who has been linked with several clubs within Europe in the last year, told sl10 that he’s only concentrating on SS Lazio for now.

    “I’m not in a hurry to leave. I still have a contract with Lazio and I will respect that. I’m not talking about a move as I’m wholly concentrated on Lazio,” he concluded.

  • West Brom fans to Ideye: You must not flop

    West Brom fans to Ideye: You must not flop

    New West Bromwich Albion striker, Brown Ideye has been warned that success in the Premier League is not automatic, as his record breaking fee may be a burden.

    The warning, which was passed on in a forum maintained by WBA fans, baggiesblog.co.uk, has these warnings for the Nigerian:

    “Last summer, Premier League clubs spent £173.15m on new strikers,excluding loan fees and wages. After 28 games and 740 goals,the 30 new forwards contributed to just 95 of these goals.

    “Teams in a similar position to West Brom spent millions on strikers. Norwich spent £8.5m on Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Cardiff spent £7.5m on Andreas Cornelius who failed to find the back of the net.

    “Both of these players came to England as unknown quantities and failed to deliver.

    “Six strikers were signed for over £10m, but only one of them managed to score 10 or more Premier League goals for their clubs.

    “West Ham signed Andy Carroll for £15m and after an injury plagued season,he scored two goals. Stevan Jovetic also struggled with injury during his first season with Man City, scoring three goals.

    “Team mate Alvaro Negredo also failed to reach double figures, scoring nine league goals after a £20m move.

    “Southampton forked out £15m for Pablo Daniel Osvaldo but he only managed three goals before being sent to Juventus on loan after a training ground bust up. Tottenham man Roberto Soldado scored six league goals after arriving for £26m.

    “Only Wilfried Bony, who signed for Swansea from Vitesse Arnhem, managed to reach double figures in the league for his side last term.He scored 16 goals and cost £12m.

    “West Brom’s new striker Ideye will have to be clinical in front of goal and take every chance he gets. He is a similar player to Bony,as they are both big and powerful.

    “It is important that Ideye does not let the big price tag effect his game. He needs to be confident and break the mould of expensive strikers who struggle in the Premier League”

    Another Nigerian, Osaze Odemwingie, holds the record for goals scored in a season, and another Nigerian, Nwankwo Kanu is still a legend in the Black Country side.

  • Gombe Utd fans, players receive Eguavoen

    Gombe Utd fans, players receive Eguavoen

    The arrival of Austin Egauvoen and Oladuni Oyekale as the Technical Adviser and Coach of Gombe United respectively has been received with mixed feelings by the modest club side, despite the respect they have for the former Super Eagles handler.
    Eguavoen was said to have arrived the previous Tuesday following a mutual agreement between the club and its last handler, Maurice Cooreman to part ways.
    Though fans are satisfied with the pedigree of the Super Eagles ex-Captain and are happy with his arrival, they are also in doubt whether the changes would save the club which presently occupies the rock bottom position of the Nigerian Premier League.
    “We are happy because Eguavoen will now be in charge of Gombe United. But what we don‘t know is whether he can save us from relegation because we are presently at the bottom of the league and so far, we don’t have a team,” said Babaji, a fan of the club.
    Ahmed Buhari said: “Maurice is not bad. The man has good results with all the clubs he has handled. It’s just that he is unlucky with Gombe United. I think there is more problem in the club than what they are trying to make us understand.”
    Another fan who identified himself as Danlami Hussaini shared Babaji’s views and hoped Oladuni Oyekale would replicate his exploits with Crown FC.
    Some players of the club who spoke in anonymity unanimously said above a shake up in the technical department, government should address the issue of finance squarely. They said part of the reason the team has posted poor performance thus far was that their morale had been dampened as a result of the neglect of players’ welfare.
    The Savannah Scorpions’ fans are however disenchanted and frustrated over the performance of their darling team which has never been relegated since the commencement of premiership in Nigeria.

  • Road to MAMAs concert: nominees wow fans in Lagos

    Road to MAMAs concert: nominees wow fans in Lagos

    A number of nominees for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA)last Friday thrilled their fans, while also expressing their aspirations during the Road to MAMA party held at The Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    There were exciting performances from some of Nigeria’s reigning acts like Davido, Chidinma, Olamide, Phyno, Kcee, Dr Sid, Mafikizolo and the Mavin crew, including Tiwa Savage. It also featured a ‘surprise’ performance by D’banj, who played alongside Burna Boy.

    The Road to MAMA Nigeria has been crisscrossing the continent in the build-up to the forthcoming show.  In the previous editions, it had visited Durban, South Africa and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

    Hosted by MTV’s VJ, Ehiz, the event was attended by Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa; Phillip Sithole, CEO, Durban Tourism;  Akintayo Akinseloyin, Brand Manager, Absolut Nigeria and MAMA nominees and performers.

    MTV Base DJs, including DJ Humility, DJ Caise, DJ Spinall and DJ Obi put up their best so as to ensure a memorable event.

    Voting for the MAMAS, according to the organisers, would be opened at www.mtvbase.com until midnight of June 4. However, voting for the Song of the Year will last until the live show on June 7.

  • Gombe fans hurl stones at Pillars

    Gombe fans hurl stones at Pillars

    Players and officials of current Globacom Premier League defending champions, Kano Pillars were hurled with stones by fans of Gombe United.

    The game between both teams at the Pantanmi Stadium in Gombe had ended 2-3 in favour of the Coach Emordi side.

    According to Pillars spokesperson, Idris Malikawa: “What happened today (Wednesday) in Gombe State was not encouraging as it was as if we were at the battle ground.

    “Since we got to Gombe for the game, there had been several cases of harassment of our players and match officials by their fans as they stoned us with stones and water sachet, which is popularly called ‘Pure water’ in local parlance.

    “Then after the game, the wind screen and side mirrors of our team bus were shattered after suspected irate fans of the Savannah Scorpions rained them with stones and other objects too.

    “To make matters worse, the team was held hostage in the name of protection for over 50 minutes after the game had ended.

    “We were then later escorted out of the stadium by five policemen and an army patrol vehicle.”

    In the game that ended in a five goal thriller, Adamu Mohammed opened scoring in the 24th minute for the home team.

    The lead was cancelled 13 minutes later by CHAN Eagles midfielder, Rabiu Ali who equalized in the 37th minute. His mate, Abdul Haruna then put Pillars ahead with the third and fourth goal scoring a brace in the 40th and 43rd minute.

    As Gombe United push to cancels Pillars two goals lead, Haruna Babalo then put one back for the home team as the final score stood 2-3 at full time.

     

  • Kwara Utd fans attack ref, pummel team officials in Abuja

    Kwara Utd fans attack ref, pummel team officials in Abuja

    Caution was  thrown in the wind at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, venue of the crucial encounter between Supreme Court FC and Kwara United, when fans and some team officials jointly battered Supreme Court FC officials and confronted the centre referee.

    But for the timely intervention of policemen who were alert  the referee who was subsequently whisked away would have been attacked.

    Trouble began when some fans of the away team left the official spectators’ stand and attempted to force their way into the entrance of the pitch pointing accusing fingers at the referee.

    An attempt by the policemen to calm the situation was met by stiff resistance from the Kwara United fans who threatened to cause more havoc while the match was on with the away team holding the home side to 1-1 goal tally.

    At this point, the Kwara fans who were caught on tape shouted “if we don’t win this match, there won’t be peace. Whenever your team come for return leg in Ilorin, we will make sure you people will not return home alive.”

    Their continuous disruption, which almost halted the match continued till when the home team went ahead to score in stoppage time before Kwara United pounced on some journalists trying to cover the game and subsequently beat up Supreme’s Court’s driver when they were on their way.

    Their unruly behaviour  on Sunday triggered up similar occurrence in Jos when same Kwara United fans took to violence when their team lost to Plateau United a few weeks ago.

    Speaking after the Sunday game, Supreme Court FC’s coach  said that: “This kind of violence will not help our football to grow. The match officials even took some decisions which was against my players but I didn’t retaliate. All the same, my players were matured in the whole process. If not for the effort of the security men here, who knows the worst would have happened. Fans who follow their team should be educated on the need to avoid violence anywhere they are whether home or away.”

    While the game lasted, Issac Itodo put the Abuja-based Supreme Court FC ahead of the visitors in the 38th minute after converting Michael Peter’s well calculated cross before the opponents capitalised on the defensive error to equalise in the 85th minute.

    It, however, took an intense resilience of the Apex Boys to fight back to win the game 2-1 after striker Eric Eric hit the bar before stoppage time.