The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ikechukwu Ezenwa

  • Rohr hopeful Ezenwa will be fit after knee injury

    Nigeria’s senior national team’s chief coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that Katsina United FC’ goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has sustained slight knee injury to his but is optimistic that he will make the final 23-man squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Egypt.

    Disclosing this to NationSport in an interview in Asaba Thursday, Rohr said: ”At the moment there are no injuries, Ezenwa got a knock on his knees on Thursday in training, I hope he is okay.

    This afternoon (Thursday) again we will train. Zimbabwe is one of the two friendlies before AFCON. So, we have to do two things, prepare the team to find harmony with the return of Mikel Obi. We have to bring him in and deal with the complexities.

    Read Also: Captain: Rohr insists on Mikel

    ” If you know one goalkeeper better than the ones we have in camp, please tell us. We are searching all over the world, we cannot find any. We have one in Dusseldorf, Germany. He is interesting, we are watching him. As at today, I do not know who is No 1, Uzoho was No 1 during the World Cup, I took a big risk, but he did well. After the Mundial, he has had difficulty at his club. He went on loan to Cyprus. Administrative issues prevented him from playing regularly, so I sent a goalkeeper trainer to drill him for two weeks as we had before the World Cup.

    ”Uzoho made a big mistake during the game against Seychelles and his confidence took a big hit, but his performance in the U-23 team has helped. Daniel is an experienced keeper, playing in a good league in South Africa and Ezenwa is doing very well in the local league. I think Ezenwa’s faithful attitude is helping the team. The solidarity among the various national teams is a major plus for the Super Eagles, there is no African country with this type of solidarity and this will come in handy during the AFCON.

  • I see a brighter career with Katsina United – Ezenwa

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, said on Thursday that he envisage a brighter career playing with Katsina United.

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that he was happy signing for the club, which he described as a good platform to achieve higher heights.

    Ezenwa, who pledged his commitment to better football career, noted that his choice of Katsina United was in tune with his big aspirations.

    “I am happy to play in Katsina United, though it is new team compared to Enyimba, where I am coming from.

    Read Also: Juliet Ezenwa Pearce: Goddess of Masks

    “But we are pushing forward to greater grounds, which is the dream of every player,” Ezenwa said.

    He was optimistic of the club springing surprises in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League.

    According to him, the club has what it takes to outclass any opponent.

    NAN reports that Ezenwa who was playing for Enyimba of Aba, recently joined Katsina United. (NAN)

  • World Cup squads: Ezenwa named among domestic players

    FIFA has categorised Nigeria on the list of countries with one domestic league player in their squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    The selection of Enyimba FC goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, in Coach Gernot Rohr’s final 23-man list puts Nigeria in the category which also has Belgium, Switzerland and Iceland.

    100 per cent of England’s players are based in their national league followed by Russia with 21 and 20 from Saudi Arabia.

    Senegal and Sweden, on the other hand, didn’t pick a single player from their domestic league.

    NationSport further checks revealed that Nigeria which has the youngest squad with an average age of 25 years is closely followed by France and England with an average age of 26 years.

    First choice Eagles Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is 19 which makes him the youngest member of the squad.  Other youngsters going to the World Cup are Kylian Mbappe of France, Trent Alexander-Arnold (England), Achraf Hakimi(Morocco), Jose Luis Rodriguez(Panama), Moussa Wague (Senegal) and Australia’s Daniel Arzani who will be the youngest player. 

    Veteran Egyptian goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary, at 45 will be the oldest to be between the sticks at the World Cup if fielded, while Mexico’s Rafael Marquez will be the oldest outfield player at 39.

    A further check on players’ stats revealed that 200 out of the 736 players from the 32 teams have been to the World Cup before.

    Of the 200 players, 186 were at Brazil 2014, 61 were at South Africa 2010, 21 were at Germany 2006 and Mexico’s Rafael Marquez was the only player in Korea/Japan, 16 years ago.

    Meanwhile, findings on club representation revealed that 16 players made Manchester City the best-represented team in Russia, closely followed by Real Madrid (15), Barcelona (14), Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur 12 each.

  • Ebonyi fans plead with Nigerians over Super Eagles loss to Serbia

    Ebonyi football fans have pleaded with football fans in the country over the Super Eagles 2-0 loss to Serbia in a friendly on Tuesday in London.

    The fans in an interview with the our reporter on Thursday in Abakaliki pleaded with Nigerians not to crucify the Super Eagles over the 0-2 loss to Serbia in the friendly.

    Commenting on the outcome of the match, the fans, however, noted that the NFF and the team’s technical crew had lots of work to do before the World Cup.

    Emmanuel Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. David Umahi, said the match provided the essence of friendly games which was to reveal the actual condition of teams.

    “The match is a wake-up call on the players and coaches that several issues need to be addressed before June, for the country to perform credibly at the world Cup.

    “All aspects of the team need to be reviewed and strengthened and the players need to be adequately motivated to perform optimally,’’ he said.

    Sule Abubakar, Head of Sports Development of the Hausa community in Ebonyi, urged the NFF to urgently address the issue of Captain John Mikel Obi’s unavailability for national call-ups.

    “The skipper is sorely missed in the two matches as the situation is reminiscence of the AFCON 2019 qualifier against South Africa when he and other top players were missing.

    “All issues concerning his work permit need to be sorted out before the next set of friendlies because serious contenders for the World Cup are presently playing with their best players,’’ he said.

    Chief Abel Nwankpuma, a hotelier, urged Coach Gernot Rohr to stop experimenting at this stage and stick to the starting team which ensured Nigeria’s World Cup qualification.

    “The coach used the friendlies to experiment and I believe that he has assessed the players and determined their capabilities to perform at the world stage.

    “He should now use the remaining three friendly opportunities to assess his starting team and experiment on formations instead of players,’’ he said.

    Billy Agbai, Goalkeeper Trainer of Bright Light FC of Abakaliki, urged Rohr to give opportunities to some experienced players in the remaining friendly matches.

    “Rohr should test Austin Ejide who is presently performing well in Israel if he has no confidence in Ikechukwu Ezenwa because Francis Uzoho is inexperienced for such a big stage.

    “Uzoho did not inspire confidence during both friendlies but Ezenwa has been consistent since the qualifiers, while Ejide can offer the needed experience having been to previous World Cups,’’ he said.

    Mrs Uzomma Chukwunweike, a Physical and Health Education Teacher, also called for the re-assessment of players such as Obafemi Martins and Efe Ambrose.

    “The Eagles attack spearheaded by Odion Ighalo has been blunt with the goals coming from schemers such as Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi.

    “Obafemi Martins with his experience can be tried in the next friendlies due to time constraints while a more experienced Efe Ambrose can supplement Leon Balogun instead of the rookie — Chidozie Awaziem,’’ she said.

    NAN

     

  • Salisu picks Ezenwa, Ali, Okpotu, 20 others for CHAN

    Salisu picks Ezenwa, Ali, Okpotu, 20 others for CHAN

     

    Head Coach Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday released his final squad of the Super Eagles B for the 5th African Nations Championship starting in Morocco next week, with goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, midfield Trojan Rabiu Ali and marksman Anthony Okpotu listed.

     

    Ezenwa is joined for the goalkeeping duties by Oladele Ajiboye and Theophilus Afelokhai, and defensive stalwarts Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze and Kalu Orji Okogbue also made the list, as midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ekundayo Ojo and forwards Sunday Faleye and Emeka Atuloma.

     

    The team of 23 players and their officials are expected to fly out of the country in a few days, to continue preparations in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s first match of the campaign against Rwanda in Tangier on Monday, 15th January.

     

    The 2014 bronze medallists will also play 2014 champions Libya at the same Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on Friday, 19th January, before travelling to Agadir to tackle Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, 23rd January.

     

    FULL LIST

     

    Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Oladele Ajiboye (Plateau United); Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC)

     

    Defenders: Osas Okoro (Rangers International); Daniel James (Plateau United); Kalu Orji Okogbue (Rangers International); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Abdullahi Musa (Wikki Tourists); Timothy Danladi (Katsina United); Ifeanyi Nweke (Kano Pillars); Stephen Eze (Kano Pillars)

     

    Midfielders: Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Augustine Oladapo (Enyimba FC); Ekundayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)

     

    Forwards: Emeka Atuloma (Rivers United); Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars); Eneji Moses (Plateau United); Ibrahim Mustapha (Enyimba FC); Emeka Ogbuh (Rivers United); Sunday Faleye (Akwa United); Nura Muhammed (El-Kanemi Warriors); Okechukwu Gabriel (Akwa United) 

  • Ezenwa dumps FC Ifeanyi Uba

    Ezenwa dumps FC Ifeanyi Uba

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa has dumped FC Ifeanyi Uba of Nnewi for another Nigerian club side.

    He has yet to disclose the new club.

    Ezenwa made this known in Abuja on Monday that he took the decision “after making some consultations and putting considerations in place.’’

    He said that his new club would be made known soon in grand style.

    “The new club will be unveiled very soon in an occasion that I will sign a new jersey.

    “Although my contract with FC Ifeanyi Uba is over but I have considered leaving them after contract expiration,’’ Ezenwa said.

    The Super Eagles goalkeeper said he was expecting to do better with the new club.

    “I am always focused and determined to excel at goal posts which is the secret of my success.

    Ezenwa has been with FC Ifeanyi Uba as number one goalkeeper.

    NAN

    Read Also: Enyeama ’s needless controversies

  • WAFU: Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0, progress to semi-finals

    WAFU: Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0, progress to semi-finals

    Nigeria home-based Super Eagles on Monday defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 2-0 in their last group game to progress to the semi-finals of the West Africa Football Union ( WAFU ) Cup of Nations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles B team bounced back to winning ways after two successive draws against Mali and Guinea, beating bitter rivals and host Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium.

    Super Eagles Chief coach Salisu Yusuf made six changes to the line-up.

    Ikechukwu Ezenwa returned in goal and led the team as captain, Kingsley Eduwo was rested for Tony Okpotu, while Stephen Eze, Rabiu Ali, Peter Eneji and Ubong Friday all started.

    Nigeria needed a win against the  already qualified Black Stars and the Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) stars put up a brilliant performance.

    The first half ended goalless with the Super Eagles home-based team dominating the half.

    Ghana goalkeeper Addo Joseph was the star man in the first half has he denied Okpotu, Friday and Eneji on several occasions.

    However, the goals started pouring nine minutes into the second half for Nigeria. NPFL top scorer Okpotu finally broke Nigeria’s goal drought in the tournament with a brilliant finish in the 54th minute.

    Three minutes later, Plateau United’s Eneji doubled the lead after the Ghanaian defence switched off and were caught napping.

    Eneji was voted the Man of the Match at the blast of the referee’s full-time whistle.

    Victory for Nigeria meant Ghana and Nigeria advanced to the semi-final of the tournament from Group A.

    Ghana finished as group leaders with six points while Nigeria finished second with five points.

    Both teams will wait for the results from Group B on Tuesday to determine their semi final opponents.

    In the other game in Group A played simultaneously on Monday, Guinea and Mali cancelled out each other in a 1-1 draw at the Nduom Sports Complex to finish on two points each.

  • Football enthusiasts hail Eagles’ good start

    Football enthusiasts hail Eagles’ good start

    Football enthusiasts on Tuesday hailed the Super Eagles for the team’s good start to their campaign in the ongoing West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations in Ghana.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles B team got their WAFU Cup campaign underway on a positive note with a 2-0 victory over their Sierra Leoneans counterparts on Monday night.

    Late goals from Osas Okoro and Peter Eneji were the tonic needed by the Salisu Yusuf tutored lads to break the resistance of the impressive Lone Stars at the Cape Coast Stadium.

    With the win, Nigeria progressed to the Group A, which also comprises hosts Ghana, Mali and Guinea.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN noted that it was a hard fight won by the Ikechukwu Ezenwa side, adding that the team must sustain the momentum and team spirit.

    Garba Lawal, an ex-international said teamwork was germane to the Eagles’ victory against a resilient Sierra Leonian side.

    “It was a well-coordinated effort by the team from the goalkeeping, defence, midfield to the attacking departments.

    “I must particular commend Ezenwa for putting up a ‘man-of-the-match’ performance.

    “He was mountainous in goal and proved why he is ready for bigger tasks for the Super Eagles in future.

    “I hope the boys can continue playing like this and if they do, they will definitely be a handful for any other team in the tournament,” he said.

    Bala Mohammed, Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes FC said Rabiu Ali’s performance, among others, impressed him the most.

    “Ali is a sure stopper when he gets his bearing in games.

    “He was at the heart of the Eagles’ positive moves and linked up well with his wicked passes, just the way he does for Kano Pillars.

    “Also, Osas Okoro and Chima Akas were always venturing forward and looking to provide support to the attackers.

    “They provided width to the tactical system of the Super Eagles and weren’t found wanting.

    “Okoro’s free kick was a typical “Television Goal” and he started the move that resulted in the second goal of the game.

    “With this kind of performance, I think the boys will go very far in the tournament,” he said.

    Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC praised Coach Salisu Yusuf for his tactical and technical prowess which saw the game turn on its head.

    He explained that the positive substitutions made by the coach was unprecedented, noting that a difficult game was always won from the bench.

    “The trio of Peter Eneji, Ubong Friday and Gabriel Okechukwu read a script dished out by Yusuf Salisu and acted it perfectly.

    “The three attackers were menacing when they were thrown into the fray and that was the antidote needed to deal with such games.

    “Kudos to the team for a hard-fought victory,” he said.

    Dele Johnson, Coach of Henfield FC, Abuja said he was impressed by team’s style of play, adding that they made football look beautiful to watch.

    “The team played a fluid and interesting game and the goal by Peter Eneji was a sweeping team move. Tic tac, sexy football, one touch game and whoops it landed at the back of the net.

    “It was a one time finish from Eneji, who curled a low shot beyond the stranded keeper.

    “The Plateau United man reminded fans of the predatory abilities of the late Rashidi Yekini with his goal poacher’s effort.

    “Keep it up guys and keep flying the country’s flag high,” he advised.

  • Super Eagles Int’l friendly crucial says Disu

    Tajudeen Disu, a member of the 1983 Mexico FIFA World Youth Championship, says Super Eagles friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Senegal will be crucial in testing the fitness of the players.

    Disu, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, advised the players to take the matches seriously.

    He added that the players’ fitness and current form should be well assessed.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles will be up against Senegal’s Teranga Lions on March 23 before taking on the Etalons of Burkina Faso four days later.

    Both matches will be played at The Hive, home ground of Barnet Football Club.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had said that the friendly was scheduled in preparation for the World Cup qualifier against the current AFCON champion, Cameroon in August.

    Disu said: “We have so much to gain in these friendly matches, it’s not particularly about winning, but to be assured that we have a capable team come August’’.

    When asked if the friendly was not too far from when the qualifiers would kick off in August, he said that the timeliness of the friendly matches was fair enough.

    “I believe the timing is okay as long as they can schedule another friendly match by June,’’ he said.

    Similarly, ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, advised handlers of the team to use the international friendly matches to test more players.

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr had listed goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and forwards Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho for the friendly matches.

    Also included are home-based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Leon Balogun and William Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

    Experienced left back Elderson Echiejile, Portugal-based Chidozie Awaziem, Israel-based John Ogu and Watford FC of England forward Isaac Success are also called.

    Germany-based forward Noah Joel Bazee and Holland-based defender Tyronne Ebuehi will join up with the squad for the first time, while youngster Victor Osimhen, record top scorer at the FIFA U17 World Cup, returns.

    Shorunmu, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the players should be assessed based on their performance during the friendly matches.

    The Super Eagles are ranked 41st in the world, 10 places below Senegal’s Teranga Lions and three places below the Stallions of Burkina Faso.

  • Ezenwa ready for Rivers Utd clash

    Ezenwa ready for Rivers Utd clash

     

     

     

     

     

    FC IfeanyiUbah captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa says the Nnnewi based side remain focused going into Wednesday’s clash against Rivers United.

    Defeat by ABS at the weekend according to him has been pushed to the back seat, insisting that the players have resolved to take one game at a time as the league progresses.

    The former Sunshine stars safe hand said the team’s desire to do well both in the league and in the continent demands that every match be given maximum attention. “We try not to dwell on past matches but focus on coming ones. When you lose a match you could look back at it with a view to identifying the shortcomings but you don’t allow it affect subsequent matches and that is what we are doing,” he enthused

    Wednesday’s tie promises to be full of fireworks as both teams are not only desperate to replicate their performance last season, but are hoping to maintain a super form to aid their continental campaign.

    Hosts IfeanyiUbah are flying the nation’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup while visiting Rivers United are campaigning in the CAF Champions league.