The Nation Newspaper

Tag: goal

  • Shehu Abdullahi dedicates goal to late father

    Shehu Abdullahi dedicates goal to late father

    Super Eagles’ defender, Abdullahi Shehu has dedicated his first Portuguese League goal to the memory of his father, Alhaji Dinawa Shehu who died last year after a brief illness.

    Shehu hit the bull’s eye in the 30th minute at the Centro Desportivo da Madeira on Saturday to lead his club, Uniao da Madeira to a 3-0 home win over neighbours, Nacional in the MatchDay 19 of the Portugal Primeria Liga.

    Shehu, in a chat from his base, revealed that the victory was for their supporters who have charged them to ensure that they beat Nacional in the local derby after their triumph over Boavista, another neighbour recently.

    He was more than delighted to break his goal duck for Uniao da Madeira and that with that win against Nacional they are looking forward to grabbing a surprise slot in Europe at the end of the season.

    “I want to dedicate this goal to my dad. He was of immense support to my career and after his death I have struggled to fill the vacuum created by him. No wonder I decided to dedicate my first goal in Uniao shirt to him.

    “We are still in the race for European football next season and even though we would be satisfied with staying in the top-flight we won’t mind the chance of represent Portugal in Europe in only our first season in the elite division,” Shehu told SportingLife.

    Uniao da Madeira are currently 11th on the log with 23 points from 19 matches and are six points adrift of Pacos de Ferreira who currently occupy the last slot for the Europa League qualification ticket.

  • Ighalo scores 12th goal of the season

    Ighalo scores 12th goal of the season

    Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo was in blistering form for Watford at the weekend as he guided the Hornets to a comprehensive 3-0 win against Liverpool.

    The 26-year-old scored twice in the encounter to take his tally for the 2015/16 season to 12 in 17 premier league appearances to hand Liverpool their heaviest league defeat against a promoted side since losing 3-0 to Newcastle United in November back in 1993.

    Watford got on the front foot early on as Nathan Ake capitalised on an error from Liverpool keeper, Adam Bogdan to poke home the opening goal of the game inside the first three minutes.

    Hornets Captain Troy Deeney continued his brilliant partnership with Odion Ighalo as he set up the Nigerian for Watford’s second goal before the Nigerian completed his brace with a well timed header five minutes from time and was substituted by Adlene Guedioura afterwards to a rapturous applaud by the home fans.

    ‘It was a very good team performance,’ Ighalo said after the game. ‘From the very first minute, you can see the way we got the first goal. It’s been good and we’ve been working hard together.

    ‘I can remember what Troy said before the game – we don’t have to fear them because we are playing at home. They are the ones who are going to be afraid of us because we went into the game at the back of three wins and they need the win. I am happy I got the goals but it was a team performance from the start to finish.’

    The Nigerian also talked about his partnership with Troy Deeney, especially after the captain’s assist for his first goal, he said: ‘When I saw him with the ball, I just ran behind the defender. It’s nothing we practiced in training, it is all about the connection we have between us.’

    Watford’s win at Vicarage Road was their first win over Liverpool since 1986 and takes them to seventh on the Premier League log with 28 points.

  • Goal Nigeria Player of the Year Nominee: Tunde Adeniji

    Goal Nigeria Player of the Year Nominee: Tunde Adeniji

    Legendary Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer has said ‘surprise is key in all art’. This maxim, without any speck of misgiving, refers to no one else but Tunde Adeniji.

    Like a tsunami, the Sunshine Stars’ forward went from a state of anonymity and shook the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to its foundations with breath-taking performances, as his presence sent unending shivers down the spines of opposing defenders in the country’s elite division.

    For this year’s Goal Nigeria Player of the Year, my colleagues will, over the coming days, try to make a case to vote for the likes of Ahmed Musa, Anthony Ujah, Odion Ighalo and Obafemi Martins.

    It’s a trap, don’t listen to them. The player who deserves your vote this year is Adeniji.

    While other players may have earned their nominations due to contributions to the Super Eagles’ year, the Rising Stars Academy product earned his due to his massive goalscoring input to cap a great season for Sunshine Stars.

    He was wonderful for the Owena Waves, and at times, Kennedy Boboye’s team relied on his individual brilliance for key games.

    Taking this into account, Adeniji remains the best individual in 2015. His 16 goals (with just one penalty), seven assists, plus several Man of the Match performances for the Akure Gunners is testament to his hard work, brilliance, and a strong indication that he surely deserves to cart home the 2015 Goal Nigeria Player of the Year award.

    Aside from his exploits with Sunshine Stars, he also helped the home-based Super Eagles to reach the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda, having featured in the qualifiers against Burkina Faso.

    Should he not win this award, I doubt if any local-based professional will ever win this prestigious prize! Adeniji is as good a bet as any.

    Will Adeniji become the first NPFL star to clinch the Goal Nigeria Player of the Year award?

    His brace in the Akure Gunners’ 5-1 demolition of Enugu Rangers made him the highest scoring player (in a single season) in Sunshine Stars’ history.  This apart, he was the only local-based star to make the three-man shortlist of the 2015 Nigeria Sports Award’s Player of the Year.

    What else does one expect from this 20-year-old forward who once roamed the streets of Okitipupa?

    Still a tender age, don’t forget, some pundits believe he can go on to become the greatest strikers in the NPFL history. Others think he is there already, and while that is difficult to judge at this early stage, he is certainly among the most complete, boasting strong legs and enviable aerial ability.

    He may not be a regular in the Super Eagles under coach Sunday Oliseh…yet…but in the opinion of this writer, Adeniji has what it takes to become a world-class striker if his predatory instincts continue on their current trajectory. And who says he can’t break Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing record for Nigeria one day?

    As for readers of Goal Nigeria, it will definitely be an arduous decision to choose who deserves to be the nation’s Player of the Year, but should they want to reward goal-scoring, talent, consistency, and a player who stood up to be counted when all others floundered around, then it has to be the ‘Tiger of Akure’.

     

  • Ighalo dedicates goal to Kate Keshi

    Ighalo dedicates goal to Kate Keshi

    Watford striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has told SportingLife that after God that has kept him in top shape, he is dedicating his 10th goal in the EPL to the memory of Stephen Keshi’s late wife, Kate and the victorious Dream Team VI.

    Ighalo, the Super Eagles striker, plundered home his 10th goal of the season for Watford in the fourth minute of their 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in only 16 premier league matches in his first season in the EPL.

    The former Granada (Spain) and Udinese( Italy) forward told SportingLife from England yesterday that he was more than elated to score the only goal of the match which fetched Watford another victory in the league on Saturday.

    He said the tie at the Stadium of Light was a very tough one but that they were fortunate to record the solitary goal of the tie quite early in the match and had to do everything possible to defend the lead till the end of the game.

    A sober Ighalo told SportingLife that it was with heavy heart he got the news of the death of Keshi’s wife, Kate and that he has not recovered from the shock.

    He prayed for the repose of her life and has decided to dedicate the goal against Sunderland to her loving memory and he has also admonished the Big Boss to take heart and strive to keep the family strong at this time of trial.

    Ighalo told SportingLife: “I am happy with the goal I got against Sunderland. It was such a tough game but we were able to hold on to get the three points.

    “… I will say I’m still in a state of shock hearing about the death of former Eagles’ coach’s wife, Kate Keshi. The Big Boss gave me the breakthrough in the senior national team and the death of his dear wife has made me  grieve too.

    “I have decided to dedicate the goal and the win to her loving memory besides God that has made me to be in fine shape and injury free.”

    The former U-23 captain has also dedicated his 10th league goal from 16 games to the Dream Team VI under the tutelage of Samson Siasia after the team beat Algeria 2-1 in Senegal in the final of the just concluded CAF U-23 AFCON.

  • Simon delighted with goal

    Simon delighted with goal

    Super Eagles striker, Moses Simon has expressed delight after scoring one of the goals that ensured Nigeria beat Swaziland 2-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier decided at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Simon partnered Watford striker, Ighalo and CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa as coach Sunday Oliseh maintained the striking trio that started the first leg in Lobamba in his 4-3-3 formation.

    The Nigerian team, who were held to a goalless draw in Friday’s game, had to endure a similar story of first-half frustration in front of their own fans.

    The unexpectedly dogged defence of the Swazi team ranked 130th in the world by FIFA was eventually broken six minutes after half-time when Simon curled home a magnificent 35-yard free-kick. The Gent of Belgium striker was replaced in the 82nd minute by Ezekiel Bassey.

    However, Nigeria had to wait until the 87th minute to make certain of their progress as Celtic defender, Efe Ambrose converted another set-play from close range.

    Simon took to the social media to thank God for scoring his third goal in his sixth appearance for the national team.

    “Thanking God for the  victory  and also for me scoring my 3rd goal for my great country.. ???? #SuperEagles #GodIsGood”, Moses tweeted.

  • Onazi dedicates Europa League goal to Nigerians

    Onazi dedicates Europa League goal to Nigerians

    Eddy Onazi took to social media to celebrate his goal for Lazio in their 3 – 2 victory over Saint-étienne on match day two in the Europa League on Thursday night.

    In his 21st appearance in the competition, the combative midfielder was in action for 74 minutes before he was replaced after picking up a yellow card in the 25th minute.

    The Nigeria international has dedicated his third goal since he first appeared in the Europa League to his countrymen, who are celebrating their 55th Independence anniversary.

    “3 points in the bag with one goal for my beloved #NigeriaAt55. Thanks to our fans! #ForzaLazio #ASuperEagle” the Lazio number 23 tweeted.

    Onazi will be hoping to feature in Lazio’s next game, against Frosinone on Sunday, before embarking on the 718 – mile journey to Belgium to link up with his international teammates for the friendlies against DRC and Cameroon.

     

  • Mustapha Abdullahi dedicates goal to teammates

    Mustapha Abdullahi dedicates goal to teammates

    Nigeria Under 23 international Mustapha Abdullahi has dedicated his first – ever goal in the colours of the national team to his teammates, and has stressed that he would not have scored if his colleagues had not assisted him.

    Ibrahima Keita gave the Senegalese the lead seven minutes from time, barely three minutes after Mustapha Abdullahi replaced Enyimba star Kingsley Sokari, before the left back equalised for Nigeria in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

    “First of all thanks to the exalted mighty Allah for me to score a wonderful goal today against Senegal, I am very happy today, ” Mustapha Abdullahi told allnigeriasoccer.com.

    “I dedicate this goal to my teammates who also worked with me to get the goal because one man can’t play against eleven men.”

    The Spotlight FC defender has admitted that coach Samson Siasia got him fired up before he stepped out onto the Stade Municipal de Kintélé, Brazzaville turf in the second half.

    “The coach is such a great man who always wants his players to play according to instructions, which is very good for the team.

    “So he told me to be calm and play nicely and if I get an opportunity I should use it, ” Mustapha Abdullahi said.

    Abdullahi joined the Dream Team from Portugal,where he went to discuss with an unnamed club, and he is expected to return to Europe to finalise talks with the team after the All Africa Games (AAG).

     

  • Adeniji hits goal no 13

    Adeniji hits goal no 13

    Sunshine Stars forward, Tunde Adeniji remained on top of the Nigeria league goals scorers’ chart after he hit goal number 13 in his team’s 5-0 spanking of El Kanemi on Sunday.

    He is now 10 goals short of the all-time record set by Mfon Udoh of Enyimba last season with nine rounds of matches till the end of the campaign.

    Heartland striker Bright Ejike is still on 11 goals.

    Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves) and Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors) have kept up the pressure as they scored a goal each on match day 25 to reach 10 goals each.

    Lobi Stars Tony Okpotu and Giwa’s Ocheme Edoh also netted a goal each to take their haul to nine goals each.

    Shuaibu Ibrahim (Giwa), Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors), Eaosa Igbinoba (Nasarawa United) and Ibrahim Mustapha (El Kanemi) have eight goals each.

    Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars), Mubarak Umar (Wikki) and Godwin Obaje (Wikki) have seven goals each.

  • Ajani Ibrahim targets another goal in Port Harcourt

    Ajani Ibrahim targets another goal in Port Harcourt

    • Delighted with brace against Giwa

    3SC’s Ajani Ibrahim has disclosed that scoring another goal against Dolphins at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt today will be his next target after his brace helped to beat Giwa FC last Sunday.

    Ibrahim netted two first half goals before Nojeem Olukokun complemented his effort with the third goal in a 3-0 whitewash of the Jos Elephant in Ibadan but the former Sharks’ striker told SportingLife that his next target is to score again against

    Dolphins today.

    “I am always happy to score and the two goals I got against Giwa FC will motivate me to get more against Dolphins on Wednesday. I have scored three goals in six matches and I will be willing to get more by God’s grace,” Ibrahim, who had featured for Sunshine Stars and Enyimba in the past, told SportingLife.

    Ibrahim’s goals coupled with additional effort from other strikers has taken 3SC away from the relegation zone as they are now 11th on the log with 23 points from 17 matches.

  • Nasarawa Utd midfielder dedicates debut goal to family

    Nasarawa Utd midfielder dedicates debut goal to family

    Nasarawa United midfielder Aminu Abdulkadir has scored his first goal of the season for the Glo Premier League club, and he’s dedicating the goal to his family.

    The attacking midfielder who joined the Solid Miners from Kogi United before the on-going campaign commenced was on target for his team as they won 2-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League match against FC Taraba on Wednesday.

    The youngster told News24 that it was his first league goal of the season and revealed what this ‘special goal’ meant to him.

    “I am very, very happy, extremely happy. But what’s more important is that we won the game and the goal was the opener,” he said in an exclusive interview with News24.

    “It was my first goal of the NPFL season, it’s for my family. It’s a special goal for me, first goal in a long time. But what’s more important is that we won the game.”

    “The goal wasn’t meant to be a statement and I know one goal doesn’t automatically give me game time. Whatever happens from today onwards, I will always try to give my best for the team and I’ll just take it one game at a time.”

    Aminu grabbed a total of ten goals for Kogi United in the 2013/14 Nigeria National League season before he was snapped up by Nasarawa United.