The Nation Newspaper

Tag: football

  • Maigari: No ‘state of emergency’ in Nigeria football

    Maigari: No ‘state of emergency’ in Nigeria football

    The Nigeria Football Federation has voided a ‘state of emergency’ purportedly declared by the League Management Company and the Club Owners on Nigeria football.

    The League Management Company, with the support of owners of Globacom Premier League clubs, had ‘declared’ a ‘state of emergency’ in the domestic game as the body face the final weeks of the Globacom Premier League season.

    Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, NFF President, Aminu Maigari decried the statement and said categorically that, “there is no situation in Nigeria football to warrant the declaration of a ‘state of emergency’.

    “It was a wrong move by the LMC and the Club Owners. If there is a state of emergency in Nigeria football, it is the duty and responsibility of the NFF to alert the public and the world at large. It is not within the purview of the LMC to declare a ‘state of emergency’, which is not, in the first place, backed by any incidences or situation. We did not inaugurate the LMC to serve as an alternate NFF.

    “There are better ways to deal with expected situations than being alarmist. Nigeria football is very much at peace and I can confirm that,” Maigari stated.

     

  • Fantastic football

    Fantastic football

    In spite of its lamentable fixation on the football leagues of other nations, Nigeria demonstrated its own capacity to stage a feast of football last weekend. The occasion was the finals of the 2013 Federation Cup competition held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, and contested by Enyimba Football Club of Aba and Warri Wolves.

    The match displayed all the ingredients of a true Cup finals. It was alive with atmosphere, replete with incident and brimming with the passion of a clash of titans. Both teams played with the verve expected of clubs with their pedigree, and displayed all the skill and flair of a top-quality sporting confrontation. The first 90 minutes ended in a 2-2 draw, and was an excellent reflection of the high standard of play. Goals came from set plays, well honed predation and free-kicks. The resulting penalty shoot-out was a master class of ice-cold nerves and precision shooting. Eventually, Eyimba FC won 5-4, to lift the cup for the third time.

    This marvellous outing owes its success to several sources. First is the Lagos State Government, whose selfless commitment to the development of football was once again revealed in its flawless hosting of the event. Working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the state government handled the intricate logistics of venue preparation, publicity, ticketing, security and crowd management with competent ease, thereby ensuring that the match was devoid of the ludicrous and unsavoury incidents which often conspire to disfigure such occasions. Globacom is also to be singled out for the praiseworthy generosity that it brought to bear upon its sponsorship of the Cup finals.

    Given the all-round success of the 2013 Federation Cup Final, it is surprising that Nigerian football fans persist in their preference for football played in leagues other than their own. While it must be conceded that these foreign leagues, particularly those in Western Europe, appear to offer a more glamorous product, nothing can alter the fact that they are not Nigerian. No matter how ferociously they declare their support, no local follower of such leagues can truly be said to be a supporter. They do not go to the stadia; much of the information they receive about the clubs is obtained second-hand; the clubs they profess to love so strenuously are probably unaware of their existence.

    Nigerian football clubs, by contrast, are wholly, totally and unapologetically Nigerian. They are located in towns familiar to their fans. The players are people they know, and can therefore relate to. Their matches can be experienced first-hand. Consequently, the joy of victory and the agony of defeat taste much more authentic than anything a European club can offer, no matter how pretty it is.

    The 2013 Federation Cup Finals signals the emergence of a viable strategy for weaning Nigerian football fans off their misplaced love for leagues thousands of kilometres from their shores. It is clear that if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) can guarantee that its competitions will feature good, purposeful football, fair officiating, and a modicum of comfort and safety, fans will return to the stadia and offer unstinting support. That is how it was years back when confrontation between established rivals like Shooting Starts and Enugu Rangers, for instance, often meant that fans had to arrive at the stadium hours before kick-off if they hoped to obtain seats.

    Proper organisation is the key to ensuring that league matches replicate the success of the 2013 Cup finals. Venues must be made ready for matches; proper arrangements should be put in place to ensure that fans can watch games in safety and comfort; all efforts must be made to ensure that matches are fair and free of violence, gamesmanship and cheating of any kind. Only then will the love and energy expended on undeserving foreign clubs return to those who can rightfully lay claim to it.

  • Football will once again meet lifestyle

    Football will once again meet lifestyle

    • Reveal organisers of Kinetic Sports

    December 2013 will once again see the lifestyle event of the year as organisers of COPA Lagos Beach Soccer, Kinetic Sports Management (KSM); have officially announced the launch of this year’s edition. From the celebrity line up, artist performances to the top-notch fashion show, this year’s entertainment line up this year will surpass all expectations.

    According to Samson Adamu, the CEO of Kinetic Sports: “Our tagline was carefully chosen to ensure people understand that we are committed to bringing an annual lifestyle event –it’s much more than football it’s a lifestyle. It is a promise we have made and we intend to keep it.”

    As the plans for the 3rd edition kick off, extra attention is being paid to the entertainment angle of the event. The organisers are optimistic to bring the best beach Soccer teams to Lagos to compete with defending champions but that football will definitely compete with the huge side attractions. Improvements are being made to the line up of the previous years. And additional details are being added.

    The first two editions saw cheerleading squads from the UK and Spain – Scottish Rockets and Personal Plus, numerous top artists such as WizKid, Burna Boys, Dammy Krane, Ikechuwku, Neato C, Davido, Sauce Kid, Sound Sultan, Skales, Eva, Black Magic, Black Magic, Solid Star. The fashion show has exhibited world-renowned labels such as Eki Orleans, Grey, Clan, Republic of Foreigner, Tebalize, Kola Kudus and Sunny Rose. Not to forget the celebrities and dignitaries that graced the event; David Dein, Ladi Balogun, Aminu Maigari Ali Baba, Stephanie Okereke Linus.

    While still keeping most of the details under wraps, KSM has promised that there will be reoccurring artists and celebrities.

  • Match Fixing: Panel advocates anti-corruption law for football

    Match Fixing: Panel advocates anti-corruption law for football

    Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi has been advised to push for anti-corruption law for football issues.

    The committee set up to curb the menace of match fixing made the request in their reports submitted to the Minister.

    Abdullahi had set up a nine-man panel headed by a Board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Christopher Green on July 17 to look into the menace of match fixing in the country.

    Green, who read the committee’s report, itemised 10 recommendations which will address the problem of referees’ poor performance in Nigeria.

    Some of the recommendations include; reduction of number referees in the league to 40 and assistants to 80.

    It also asked the Inspector- General of Police to set up a Special Task Force for the remaining league games this season to include the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Commission.

    In addition, it proposed a 20 per cent increase in match indemnity while the NFF is to design a referee manual as required by FIFA as done in other countries.

  • I was flogged several times for playing football -Aghahowa

    I was flogged several times for playing football -Aghahowa

    Former Super Eagles and Shakhtar Donetsk striker, Julius Efosa Aghahowa, has stated that he was disciplined a great deal by his “concerned mother”, who never wanted him to play football.

    According to ‘Agha Wonder’, his mother would always give him six strokes of the cane when he was young for daring to play football. But he said that none of those punishments weakened his passion for the beautiful game, as he remained adamant and continued to sneak out at every opportunity to play the game that gave him joy and fulfilment.

    He, however, explained that his mother was not disciplining him for the sake of punishment, but as a caring parent, she never wanted him to sustain injuries, as she had no money to take him to the hospital if the unexpected had happened.

    Aghahowa said that it was difficult for lovers of football to play the game during his time, because most parents never wanted their children or wards to play football because they didn’t understand the benefits thereof. Instead, they considered playing football as a waste of time and believed that it was a game meant for loafers in the community. He however, expressed happiness that things had changed for the better, as parents now buy balls and boots for their children and encourage them to play football.

    Aghahowa therefore, advised youngsters, who want to make a career in football to first of all, ensure that they have passion for the game. He noted that people should not go into football simply because they want to make money, as it is only the passion that could sustain one in the game when things fail to work out the way one expects.

    He said playing football is a very good profession, adding that he does not think that any parent in this part of the world would prevent his or her children and wards from playing the game nowadays, having realised the place of football and the footballer in today’s world.

    The ex-goal merchant noted for his back flip style of celebrating his goals, however, frowned at youngsters who abandon school for football. He stated that education is very vital in the career of every footballer, because no player would remain active in the game for life. He, therefore, advised aspiring players to embrace education, which he said could give them a soft landing when the chips are down.

    “The major problem in Nigeria is that we don’t have development programmes for our kids. You cannot advise kids to go for football because the platform is not really there on ground. There are no training facilities next door for them to develop their natural talents, and this is a big problem.

    “I can only advise youngsters, who have passion and love for the game to continue to work hard, using whatever they have around them, with the hope that one day their stars will rise. They should not go into football because they think that some people are making money out of it. It’s the passion that can sustain one when things are not going as expected.

    “In my early years in the game, my mother would always give me six strokes of the cane any time I came back from playing football. She did not do that because she hated me, but because she did not want me to break my legs while playing football. Of course, she had no money to take me to the hospital if such a thing had happened.

    “Despite the strokes of the cane that battered my buttocks in those days, I still went out the next day to play football because of my love for the game. In fact, I couldn’t have imagined myself not going to the field everyday to enjoy what I loved doing. Now, I usually crack jokes with my mother over her stand against my love for football and we laugh over it.

    “These days, parents take their children and wards in their cars to the field. They buy boots and balls and force them to play football. But during our days, they would flog us for daring to play football. So, the current situation and ours are different worlds apart, but I will advise any aspiring footballer to make sure that he or she has passion for the game before venturing into it. That is the only way to succeed as a footballer.

    “Above all, I wouldn’t advise anybody to abandon school for football, any one that does that will probably limit oneself to one occupation. And what if football fails to work out, what would the person do? That is why every aspiring footballer needs education. No player remains active in the game for life. A time comes when he would retire, but with his education, he could be engaged in other occupations.

    “Education can take you to places. With it, you can meet great personalities in the world. You cannot even place an educated footballer and an illiterate one on the same level. The educated fellow will always have an edge over the uneducated one. So, I advise every footballer, and in fact, every young fellow to take his or her education seriously, it is very important.”

     

  • 3SC place Gbolahan Salami on half salary

    The board and management of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan have placed striker Gbolahan Salami on half salary as a step to enforce discipline in the team.
    The club’s media officer, Jubril Arowolo who  confirmed this to SportingLife Tuesday night said the sanction is with effect from Salami’s July, 2013 salary.
    According to Arowolo, the management took the decision against the former Under 23 player  when he failed to turn up for the club’s training sessions in the last two days without official permission.
    “After today’s training sessions and with no clue about the striker’s whereabouts, the management decided to cut his monthly pay by half with effect from July, 2013,” Arowolo said.
    Asked if the club suspects Salami of going abroad for trials, Arowolo replied: “We don’t know anything like that and he didn’t tell anybody about his movement. If at all he has offers for trials he needs to seek permission from the club before he takes any step.
    “His team-mates too said they didn’t know his whereabouts. We are still expecting him but we have to take this step to tell others that the club is very serious about its dealings and no player is bigger than the club. The way we are now we shouldn’t toy with anything. We shouldn’t take anything for granted. We are in a precarious situation and we are still aiming for the top. For us to have taken this action against Salami, other players will know they have to sit up.”

  • ITALIAN BOMBER : Joel Obi’s back and better

    ITALIAN BOMBER : Joel Obi’s back and better

    Even in his short professional career, Joel Obi, the gifted Nigerian Inter Milan midfielder, has known the meaning of being in the mountain and valley of life.

    He made his debut for Inter in a UEFA Champions League group stage game against Werder Bremen on September 29, 2010 after coming on as a second half substitute in a 4-0 shutout. He would later make his Italian Serie A debut against Cagliari on October 17, 2010 when he replaced Philippe Coutinho in the 66th minute. Inter won the match 1-0, thanks to a goal from Samuel Eto’o.

    Ever since, the 22-year-old Lagos-born  chap has not looked back even during his brief spell at Parma  but  last season, he suffered from every footballer’s nightmare injury, which limited him to just three appearances and forced him to miss Nigeria’s Africa Nations Cup campaign.

    But in an electronic conversation with The Nation Sport & Style, Obi hearkened  to the saying that ‘challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful,’ saying the injury , though a setback, gave him the opportunity to reflect on the vicissitudes of life and that he is better for it.

    “I am very happy to be back and it is nice that many people are excited with my return,” began Obi who learned his craft at NEPA FC of Lagos. “It was a tough one for me but I am happy to be back with a chance to play again.

    “Having any kind of injury is tough since you are not going to play the game for that particular period of time but it is unfortunate that there is no way a footballer can do away with it.

    “It’s part of the game and the only way out is just to pray for quick recovery. Injury can contribute to someone dropping form which can also make you lose confidence on your return. But it all depends on how one deals with it,” he explained, as he gave further insight on how he was able to cope.

    “My mind was always on the pitch thinking when would I have the opportunity to play again? I make sure I obeyed all the dos and don’ts from the medical team while I was injured and it really helped me.  “Having an injury can be very frustrating especially when you see your teammates on the pitch but it was also an opportunity for me to pay attention to what others were doing on the pitch. I’m happy and it’s a great to be back,” he added, as he responded to other sundry details. Excerpts…

    How did you cope generally during the time when you were injured?

    I am a footballer and the best way I could help myself was to cope with the challenges. I watched videos, especially the ones involving matches that I played. I look at them to know where I needed to adjust and also what I needed to become a better player. Many people expect a lot from me on my return and for me to get my shirt back that means I will need to convince the coach that I am ready. So I took my time to watch my games, the injury was just a learning period too but I missed the ball, the crowd and the game itself. I must confess that injury is a bad thing really.

    Now that you’re back to training, how do you hope to play yourself back to reckoning for both club and country?

    Once I ‘m able to find my way back into the teams, I will surely hit my best form. I don’t want to rush myself, but to get good playing time and justify why the team has missed me. My confidence is ok and I’m in good spirit. Everybody may have missed me probably because of my playing style; all I want now is to justify the confidence they have in me by playing well.

    Inter Milan struggled all through last season due to injuries to series of players; it seems this affected the performance of the team

    It was tough and it was really a painful one for me and the entire team. When a team lost about four to five key players due to injuries, it will definitely affect the team. Psychologically, it will affect the players as well because there will be some urgent changes which may not work as expected. I think the injury crisis we had last season affected the performance of Inter Milan. The good thing is that the fans were understandable and we are hoping to make up for what we lost last season.

    Jose Mourinho gave your debut in the Champions League against Werder Bremen, was that the genesis of your breakthrough at Inter?

    Mourinho is an intelligent man, a coach with great passion for the game. I think he gave me a lot of encouragement before the match. He’s a coach that knows exactly what you need to do to step up your game. Back then, he gave me some hard training. So I think my Champions League debut against Bremen was the genesis of my breakthrough at Inter. Two weeks after, I made my Italian Serie a debut against AC Milan and that was the game that really prepared me for other challenges that followed.

    Will you agree that the departure of Jose Mourinho affected Inter Milan?

    I think it is a wrong opinion because after Mourinho, we had Rafael Benitez who also did his best; Inter is a club that is bigger than anybody. Sometimes, people forget that football can be very funny and that is the same thing about life.  Mourinho’s departure had nothing to do with the team because the club always goes for the best coaches and I believe so much that we are going to prove it right this season.

     

    Since your move to Inter Milan’s youth team, you have played under several coaches but it seems you enjoyed more playing time under Benitez…

    I have been enjoying every aspect of my career with all the coaches that I have played under. Though there have been differences under different coaches,  it’s been great being here at Inter. Coaches have different approaches to games, Benitez’s tactics are different from that of Mourinho and also different from what Materrazi will use, and that is where players’ impact comes in. So I enjoyed virtually everybody in the team because in one way or the other I got my chance and I utilised it well.

    The best way to convince your coach whenever you are given the chance is to give your best and let the coach still believe you are still ready to do more.

    Inter Milan ranks among the best clubs in the world, how are you getting along with the senior players in the team?

    I’m getting used to everybody. Of course in a team like this, you must keep your head, but playing here is a great opportunity to learn from my senior colleagues. They love me since I’m loyal to them. This is a club like a family and you have the opportunity to create your own world. I love being in the club because I see everybody here as a member of a big family. I have stayed long in the club and

    I’m enjoying the relationship with everyone.

    You have been linked to clubs in the English Premier League, will the English football suit your style of play?

    I am flattered with the rumours linking me to England because most footballers believe playing in England is a good thing. It’s great to get attentions from England but I’m very happy as an Inter Milan player. There is no official discussion from my club. Inter has the final say, and for now I am yet to be aware of such move. To the other question, I am a versatile player and adapting to any league in the world should not be a problem.

    What is your experience playing with lots of world class players in Inter Milan?

    I count myself lucky playing for a club like Inter. I love Inter Milan and I count myself lucky to be playing with talented and world stars. I appreciate playing with respected players like Dejan Stankovic. The club has given me lots of chances to prove myself and I think am yet to produce my best.

    How did you manage to impress all the coaches that have been coming to the club?

    It’s all down to commitment. I said it before that, my attitude to each game is very high; I don’t take things for granted because I know my commitment today will give me another chance tomorrow.

    That tomorrow maybe with another coach and that is why a player must be committed always.

    Let’s talk about the national team, don’t you feel pained that you missed a chance of winning the AFCON with the Super Eagles?

    I know if not for my injury, I could have challenged for a place in the team.  It was painful missing out on such a big occasion for my country but it was great that others did their best to win the trophy for Nigeria. AFCON glory is the first major target of many national team players and I must tell you that it was a great honour for the players. Despite being on injury treatment, my mind was still with the team because I am associated with most of the players and I wanted them to be proud of national team glory. Well, I was not part of the 2013 AFCON glory but by the grace of the living God, I will be part of the squad that will retain the trophy in two years time. But now, the World Cup is the priority for the team.

    What do you think about the Super Eagles World Cup qualifier against Malawi in September?

    I think nothing else than victory! There is no way Malawi will come and just walk away with the three points. I know it is possible but not in this present atmosphere where players are angry over their ouster from the Confederation Cup. I know Nigeria still has big matches to play if we beat Malawi but it is one game after another. Malawi will fall first then others can follow.

    Are you saying Nigeria will get the World Cup ticket cheaply?

    What do you mean by cheap? Is there any cheap victory again in football? Well, it can come even cheaper if we work harder but we should not be dreaming about any easy games. I am very sure that the Malawians are coming to die here but if we work harder and ready to play like true champions of Africa, every knee must bow. Hard work goes for victory while laziness, pride, ego are means of failure. So I am not underrating any team for Eagles. I am only pleading for hard work whether I will be there or not.

    Should Eagles eventually qualify to the last round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers , are you not scared of the chances of teams like Cote d’Ivoire?

    Cote d’Ivoire, for instance, are already  wounded elephants since we  denied them a chance to lift the AFCON  in South Africa and that will make it tougher for us because it could take more years before they can lift the AFCON again. So we would be ready for any team knowing well we can beat anybody with hard work and determination.

    How do you relax off the pitch?

    I like watching my past video clips and also play PS video games. And sometimes I hang around with my friends at the beach or to travel around the city of Milan. But I like meeting my friends and spending time with them. But I love catching fun on the beach. I still play table tennis because it is a flexible game… I do listen to music, both Nigerian and European.

    How good is your mastery of the Italian language now?

    I am very fluent in speaking the Italian language now. I can write and speak Italian and it helps me in my communication with my teammates. My coming to Italy at a young age makes it sweet for me to enjoy the beautiful life of the country. Life is normal everywhere and I am coping very well.

    What is your fashion style like?

    I am a simple dresser. I think my hairstyle makes a lot of difference in my style but I make use of simple colours and marching order. Looking good is part of most footballers and I’m not an exemption.

    PROFILE

    Full name: Joel Chukwuma Obi

    Date of birth: May 22, 1991

    Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria

    Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)

    Playing position: Midfielder

    Current club: Internazionale

    Number: 20

    Youth career: Internazionale (2005–2010)

  • Berlusconi jailed seven years

    Berlusconi jailed seven years

    AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of charges of corruption and soliciting an underage prostitute, according to goal.com.

    The 76-year-old was accused of paying for sex with Moroccan girl Karima El Mahroug in 2010, when she was 17, as well as abusing his position in public office for attempting to force her release from police custody over a charge of petty theft.

    Although prosecutors sought a six-year custodial sentence for the former Italian Premier, a court in Milan issued a seven-year punishment following the guilty verdict in addition to a lifetime ban from politics, pending any appeal from Berlusconi’s solicitors.

    However, it could be months or even years before he serves any punishment, with Berlusconi entitled to appeal the verdict twice before it becomes final.

    Berlusconi is already embroiled in several legal battles in the Italian courts. In October 2012, he was issued a four-year prison sentence for tax fraud, which has been upheld following a first appeal.

  • SHOLA AMEOBI: Lessons my parents taught me

    SHOLA AMEOBI: Lessons my parents taught me

    NEWCASTLE Nigerian attacker, Shola Ameobi, is generally a shy fellow. And he likes to keep his family, intimate life and privacy really private.

    So cloistered is the 31-year-old player that he seldom joins his teammates in local pubs to celebrate after victories.

    For example, until last April, when Shola missed a Premiership match against Manchester City to be with his wife, Jennifer, who put to bed their first child, not even his coach Alan Pardew knew he was married.

    Pardew confirmed this fact when he said about Shola: “In these days of intense media speculation and of course social media, I find it quite revealing that a player like Shola can still have a private life if he chooses, I didn’t even know he was married yet alone due to introduce another Ameobi into the football world.”

    Ameobi’s austere lifestyle may not be unconnected with his parentage, which is of a humble and devoted Christian home.

    So, if there is one thing the gangling 32-year-old forward would not tire talking about, it is his parents’ inspirational role and model to mould him to inspire his siblings and new generations of Ameobis in character and aspirations.

    The second child in a family of eight, (three sisters and two brothers) Shola religiously focuses on whatever he sets his minds on, stirs his brothers Sammy and Tomi as well as younger sister, Titi, to thrive to excel in their athletic callings.

    Sammy has followed in his brother’s footstep at Newcastle where he has established himself fully. Tomi, 24, who scored on his debut for Icelandic club Bolungarvik in May 2011 is not doing badly either, while Titi, 28, has also made name for herself as a talented runner.

    Shola says he became focused to be a successful footballer at a tender age of 8, because of his parents’ unrelenting quest and dedication to making them somebody in life.

    He recalls: “l remember when we just arrived from Nigeria and there was just me and my three sisters then. My mum was the only one allowed to work, because my dad’s visa didn’t let him. She had a part-time job and we all had to live on what she earned, which was only £15 a week. But we never felt we were lacking anything. Yeah. It was around the winter and my dad bought us each a duffel coat and we even used to sleep in them. That first winter we never took them off.”

    So focused was Shola that right from primary school, he set himself brainpower to becoming a successful footballer. “I used to tell my mother that l was going to be a footballer. Right from primary school, l said, ‘I’m going to be a footballer.’”

    Today, John Ameobi (Shola’s father) is pastor of Newcastle Apostolic Church in the Spital Tongues area of the city, and his mum, Margaret, 62, is a nurse who works at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospitals.

    A devoted Christian teacher, John’s faith has also rubbed off on his oldest son: “That has kept me going,” says Shola. “I’m doing what I love: playing football, but it’s second to my faith. When I had a career-threatening hip injury seven years ago, it was touch and go for a while. It was a terrible time, but I felt God was going to see me through, and He did. It also helped when the club got relegated. That was a terrible time for the city, but in the end it’s done us a world of good, bringing us all together. And now that all those big names have moved on, that’s really bonded us, too, as a team. We work for each other and that epitomises the city, a city of people who work hard and want to see a team who do the same.”

    Shola notes that he will be eternally grateful to respected manager, late Bobby Robson, who set him on the path of glory. “I owe everything to Sir Bobby Robson. He really was another father figure, and I was in contact with him even just before he died. He taught me things on and off the pitch, like not getting carried away with all the trappings. And his enthusiasm rubbed off on me. Every day he was the first through the door and the last out, at his age. He had all the money he could ever want, but his hunger for the game shone through. I took all that on board.”

    Shola recalls his life-changing encounter with Robson when he was 18. “I was 18 years old, preparing for a youth-team match at Durham. The first team were training at Chester-le-Street, and one of the security guys came down and spoke to the coach, who called me over. I thought I was in trouble, but he told me I was needed at Chester-le-Street. It turned out Sir Bobby Robson had been watching me play. He said to me, ‘You’re going to train with us this morning.’ Then he said, ‘I’m going to put you on the bench tomorrow.’ I thought I was going to explode. I just didn’t know what to say to him. I was in shock. At St James’ Park the following day, I came on against Chelsea with 20 minutes to go. That blew my mind.”

    Ameobi also stressed how much his fatherland, Nigeria, means to him: “I want to do the best that I can for Nigeria. I don’t just want to be a local hero; I want to be an international one. That’s what has driven my decision to play for the country of my birth. Nigeria is where I’m from, that’s my heritage and I’ve never forgotten my roots. The majority of my family are from Nigeria and they’re really excited about this. My parents are really, really happy but they would have supported me either way. It’s a case of better late than never. It’s a great honour to play for Nigeria and I don’t take it lightly. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do and I’m really, really happy that I’ve got the opportunity to do it now.”

    No wonder Stephen Keshi calls him a leading light in Super Eagles and how much he missed him at the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

     

    Short and sharp with Shola Ameobi

    Cars

    I drive a BMW but I like walking. Not just to keep fit  I enjoy it.

    Music

    R&B and hip-hop. Destiny’s Child. I like all the hip-hop bands, y’know, and rap stuff. R&B seems to be the in-thing for footballers at the moment.

    Nickname: People just call me Shola  I’m happy about that.

    Club supported:

    Obviously, Newcastle. I’ve also always supported Liverpool as well. Ever since I was young I’ve liked the way Liverpool play.

    Position:

    I haven’t always been a striker. I used to be a midfielder as well in the youth team. I was used as a midfielder in my first year and a striker in my second, so I like playing both positions. I played in midfield for my school as well. I don’t really prefer either one, just as long as I’m playing.

    Strengths:

    Firstly, none of this would have come about if it wasn’t for God, you know? I’m a Christian. The other thing is hard work  I always try my best. My ball skills, I think, are my main strengths, and I’ve got quite a bit of pace.

    Weaknesses:

    My heading. I’m working on that a lot at the moment, so hopefully that will improve.

    Heroes:

    Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, John Barnes, Peter Beardsley  a lot of Liverpool players. I guess l watched a lot of them while growing up and promised myself l want to grow up to play like them or even better.

  • PETER UTAKA : Loving life on the slow lane

    PETER UTAKA : Loving life on the slow lane

    A fortnight ago, his elder brother, John Chukwudi Utaka, was in the news after tying the nuptial knot with his French gal, but Dalian Aerbin’s Nigerian free-scoring striker, Peter Utaka, has told The Nation Sport & Style that he loves life on the slow lane.

    Peter has had an exciting career since he moved to Croatia as a 16-year-old to play in Dinamo Zagreb, but despite his goal scoring heroics over the years, he remains as cool as cucumber.

    “I live a simple life,” said Peter, whose wife had a bouncing baby girl almost a year ago in Belgium. “Of course, I love good clothes, good designer wears but I am not a flashy dresser.”

    But on the pitch, Peter’s goal scoring feat is not a flash in the pan as he has repeatedly proved his mettle time after time.

    In 2003, he moved to Belgium from Dinamo and signed for K. Patro Eisden Maasmechelen of the third division. KVC Westerlo moved to sign him the following season which was his first season in the top flight.

    He joined Royal Antwerp FC in January 2007 where he became a first team regular, and he helped Antwerp qualify for the playoffs, finishing second.

    Utaka joined Danish side OB Odense in 2008. In his first season, he finished joint fourth place on the scorers list, while he led all scorers in his second season. He finished with 18 goals in 33 matches, the first time in five years an OB player was top scorer in the league (last was Steffen Højer in 200405 with 20 goals).

    “My goal-scoring secret is simply God’s gift to me and it is as simple as that,” he stated unequivocally. “There is no other formula, but I work hard day-in day-out in trainings and during matches to get my job done.”

    Peter has indeed carried on scoring goals since his arrival at Chinese Super League club Dalian Aerbin in January 2012. He was at his best when his then two-and-half month old daughter and wife watched him for the first time against Beijing Guoan in the 27th round of matches in the Chinese Super League.

    ”I know my wife and daughter came to watch me,” he reportedly said, “and it was my daughter’s first time watching a football game.

    “I felt motivated, would also like to thank my teammates, we have scored a victory, this is the most important,“ he added.

    Meanwhile, Peter took time off to share some important moments in his career with The Nation Sport & Style. Excerpts…

    Charming China

    Chinese league is not what people thinks it is. I am telling you that you can enjoy yourself in China like in Europe. Like myself, I love creating my own world. I don’t live such extravagant life but a simple and respected life. It’s for me here in China; I am really enjoying myself to the best of my ability.

    I disagree with people that argue that players moved to China simply because of money. It is absolutely a wrong impression. Of course, money is important in everything as it is written also in the Bible but it cannot buy you happiness except the grace of God. This is a league that needs a lot of stars just for its development; and I’m very happy to be part of this Chinese project. And I also want you to know that there are some players in the league that can easily get better contracts in Europe but they are here because of this ambitious project by the Chinese. I needed a new challenge after spending lots of years in Europe and besides, China is a special country and well known. Personally, this is a new culture and adventure; I came here to make history with the country in developing the league. My objective remains the same like in every other club I had played for: to leave a mark behind by the time I’m through.

    Danish delight

    I was born to score goals and I think I have been proving that at every club I played. Scoring goals is a natural gift from God. At every club I played, there is eagerness on my part to make an impact. At times, I felt bad if I have goal drought even in a month, but that is football and it is very funny at times. But to be candid, I work very hard to get to this level I am today. It was heavily down to being focussed with plenty of hard work. I really enjoyed my time in Denmark because the fans always made me happy. Even If I don’t score, I would still get my usual chants from the fans. That is why I would forever be grateful for the exposure I got in Denmark. While I was at OB Odense, many thought Denmark was too small because of my goal scoring magic but the truth is that I was happy with my life there and it is very difficult to leave where you see happiness every time; and when it was God’s time for me to move, I did it perfectly.

    Best of Belgium

    As I said before, I always like to create my own world wherever I find myself. Belgium was another great outing for me. I made my mark and everybody loved to see Peter Utaka on the pitch scoring goals. I left there with good goal scoring record and it was a great outing in my career.

    Scoring secret

    My goal-scoring secret is simply God’s gift to me and it is as simple as that. No other formula, but I work hard day-in day-out in trainings and during matches to get my job done. Goal scoring comes to me naturally and it is my job to score goals.

    Footballing brothers

    I have a lot of respect for John, apart from being my brother, he’s a good motivator and it is something great for me to see my elder brother progressing in his football career and that has really spurred me more to where I am today. I always try to protect our name both in public and private because it is an image of our family, not just me and John. John has been a successful footballer; so far so good and I am very proud of his success, meaning that it has been great seeing John and I at the top. It was the perfect handwork of God that we are both footballers. He did it purposely for us and I thank God we have been able to live a good life with the name. We just need to keep thanking our parents for bringing us to this life and supporting us to be what we are today.

    Super Eagles’ shirt

    Well, it is great day as expected even though the consistency was not there, it was a privilege playing for my country at least. I appreciate every moment I have spent in my career and I have no regret about anything. So it was a dream come true for me on my debut for Nigeria.

    Nigerian Chinese community

    It is not only Nigerians that are in the Chinese League, there are many Europeans here and many other African players, but we Nigerians are really making a lot of big impact at our various clubs. Yakubu Aiyegbeni is doing well like when he was in England, also myself and every other player. And that shows that we are making impact.

    Socialising on social media

    I log in to my Facebook account once in a while and probably if I have an important thing to do. I am not addicted to internet since I’m too busy with my career.

    Simple lifestyle

    I live a simple life. Of course, I love good clothes, good designer wears but I am not a flashy dresser. I always go on combination with unique and cool colours.