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Tag: Maigari

  • Confidence, belief, faith won for Eagles —Maigari

    Confidence, belief, faith won for Eagles —Maigari

    • Pres Jonathan expects trophy
    • Green hails team spirit
    • Keshi promises more

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari, was at his oratorical best on Sunday afternoon when he addressed the Super Eagles at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa after their hard-won victory over the Atlas Lions of Morocco Saturday.

    Maigari, who spoke to the players at their Garden Court De Waal abode after lunch, described the team as the proverbial heart of the Nigerian nation and told them that he had the words of President Goodluck Jonathan, on due reward for the players even as he said order had been restored in Nigerian football.

    “The top news in Nigeria after your miraculous victory over Morocco, was the message of President Goodluck Jonathan urging you to go ahead and win the trophy, with a promise that he will do same if not much more for the team like he did for the AFCON 2013 Champions. The ball is now in your court to make the dreams of Mr President come true”, he said.

    Maigari further declared: “Confidence, belief and faith helped you to overcome the Moroccan opposition and that is the makeup of the average Nigerian; we expect more of such displays in your subsequent encounters because you have raised not only my hope and that of the NFF board but that of the over 160million Nigerians.”

    NFF Technical Committee boss, Chris Green, said he was delighted at the performance of the Nigerian team, even describing Coach Keshi as the best coach in the world at the moment. He alluded the victories of the team of recent to the peaceful atmosphere that has existed between the leadership of the NFF and the Eagles coaching crew.

    Green said: “Some people are gifted, others acquire talent but the head coach here is both gifted and blessed with acquisition. But I must tell him that we must not fail Mr. President in bringing home the trophy at the end of the championship.”

    Keshi in his remarks at the impromptu event said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of praises for him, but quickly added that his assistant coaches, Dan Amokachi, Houadonou Valere and Ike Shorunmu, as well as other staff of the team including medics, the psychologist, security, media, coordinator and Team Administrator have been the real forces of success for the team. “We are like children from the same mother,” Keshi said.

    He promised that the team will not let the nation down in the remaining two matches of the championship. “We will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in this team by Mr. President, the NFF and all Nigerians”, he declared.

  • Nigerian Football: Attah hails Maigari’s administration

    Nigerian Football: Attah hails Maigari’s administration

    The team coordinator of the Super Eagles, Emmanuel Attah, on Thursday hailed the Aminu Maigari led Nigeria Football Association (NFA) for the rising profile of the nation’s football.

    Attah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Cape Town that Nigerian football had never had it this good in recent times.

    “It all boils down on the leadership under Alhaji Aminu Maigari who has done immensely well,” he said.

    “And I think his background as a former footballer, and who also at a time sat on the board before becoming the president, has really helped in moving the national team forward.

    ”In spite of the hiccups in the past, he has been able to carry everybody along and in conjunction with the minister of sports.

    “We now have relative peace in football and I must commend them for this CHAN programme to qualify for the first time. `And now not only qualifying for the competition we are heading toward getting the trophy by the grace of God, so I really commend them and they supported this team.

    “We don’t have any problem, the whole team is well motivated and we are looking forward to Feb. 1.”

    The Eagles would play the quarterfinal match against the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

  • Maigari wants SA double dose

    Maigari wants SA double dose

    • Ladipo says support berekete

    NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari arrived Cape Town on Friday morning to join the Super Eagles party that is set to conquer North African foe, Morocco. But he is not thinking of the Eagles alone, the Super Falconets are also in town and on his mind.

    “We want double dose victory this weekend. Yes, the Falconets have won the first leg by 6-0, but we still want another victory over the South Africans and the girls have promised that they will give it,” Maigari declared through Technical Committee boss, Barr Chris Green, who was in the company of National Women Teams’ Coordinator Aisha Falode at the team’s Green Court, East Gate hotel in Johannesburg.

    Maigari told the players that he has been following them closely since the qualifiers for the Canada 2014 World Cup began and he was totally impressed at the output of the players and officials of the team so far.

    He promised a holistic approach to the preparations of the girls for the World Cup.

    ”This game is coming at a time our national team is also in action, you must ensure that you win and win well because the senior national team have already given indications that they will destroy the opposition,” he said.

    Later in the evening at the Green Point training ground of the Eagles, President General of the Nigerian and Other Sports Supporters Club, Dr Rauf Ladipo, along with some of his members kept a close eye on the Eagles build up to the game against Morocco and declared at the end of the training that he was impressed with what he saw. “I must commend the NFF, the technical crew and the players for the dedication that I have seen in training just now,” he declared.

    Ladipo also said he has a dual plan for supporters to be in Johannesburg and in Cape Town for the double dose victory that the teams expect. “Our people are already on ground in Johannesburg and we have another set here in Cape Town, there will be no let down in both games but I had thought the games will be shifted by a day, but we are ready for whatever is thrown at us. In short support for both Falconets and Super Eagles is berekete,” he said.

  • Ahead Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup: Ambassador Emozozo visits Glass House

    Ahead Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup: Ambassador Emozozo visits Glass House

    • Maigari foresees brilliant Eagles outing

    The newly-appointed Ambassador of Nigeria to Brazil, Adamu Emozozo, on Wednesday pledged that the Nigerian Embassy will give all needed diplomatic support to the Super Eagles to make a big impact at the 20th FIFA World Cup finals, taking place this summer.

    Emozozo, who has concurrent accreditation to Paraguay and Bolivia, replaces Ambassador Victor Okoedion, who was recently posted to another country.

    Speaking during a visit to NFF President, Aminu Maigari at the Glass House, Emozozo declared that while the Embassy would facilitate several things in the diplomatic sector, it would not interfere with technical and administrative issues that would be entirely left to the NFF.

    “I am coming into this position at a time Brazil is staging several major events, including the FIFA World Cup this year and the Olympic Games in 2016. While carrying out the transformation agenda, we are also committed to seeing that our football continues to rise.

    “It is a great thing that our football teams have been going from one success to the other. You are one of the most prominent persons I will be working with in the next few months. I believe our Super Eagles can perform well at the FIFA World Cup finals if we all work together.”

    The NFF President congratulated the new Ambassador and promised that the NFF would work in tandem with the Embassy to make things much easier for the Super Eagles and the Nigerian delegation to the World Cup finals.

    Also present at the meeting were NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, Director of Competitions, Mohammed Sanusi, Assistant Director (Communications), Ademola Olajire, former NFF Head of International, Charles Ojugbana and Raymond Okey Nebo, senior counsellor at Embassy of Nigeria in Brazil.

  • Maigari, Envoy Tell Eagles

    Maigari, Envoy Tell Eagles

    Before, and even after the Super Eagles stepped out for their first game at the ongoing Championship of African Nations (CHAN) 2013, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and indeed the government believes the team has the potential of lifting the championship trophy.

    NFF President, Aminu Maigari and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Sunday. S Yusuf stated their positions while addressing the players at their Garden Court De Waal hotel, which also houses the Mambas of Mozambique, the next opponents of the Nigerian side.

    Maigari, who has been variously praised as the best football manager ever in Nigeria, said he was certain that with the calibre of players and officials in the Super Eagles, the team will make Nigerians proud by winning the trophy on February 1, when the final is played. “We are a winning nation and the Eagles are a winning brand, come February 1, I will be here along with your coach Stephen Keshi to lift this trophy for Nigerians,”he said. He praised the commitment of the players and officials and asked them not to waver in the pursuit of the national cause.

    Ambassador Yusuf, in his remarks said the Eagles are bigger ambassadors than those who are officially posted by the government, as they bring joy to every home in Nigeria through their heroics. He assured that the embassy will do everything possible to make the Eagles’ stay in South Africa pleasant but enjoined the team to forget the past and concentrate on winning the trophy. “This is a fertile ground for us to win trophies and the ball is in your court to go and once again make Nigerians happy,” he said.

  • Imoke: I’m proud of NFF under Maigari

    Imoke: I’m proud of NFF under Maigari

    With almost one hundred per cent record in the outgoing year which culminated in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 World Cup Finals at the weekend, Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), the Executive Governor of Cross River State has heaped plaudits on the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under Aminu Maigari.

    Speaking during a reception for the victorious Golden Eaglets at the Council Chamber at his office at the weekend, Imoke said he was proud of the achievements of the NFF with a promise of steady support towards football development.

    ” Personally, I’m very, very proud of the NFF under Maigari and I was wondering why the Honourable Sports Minister forgot to mention that Maigari is also one of the calmest administrator we have,” he said.

    Under Maigari’s watch, Nigerian football has recorded huge successes including Super Eagles’ victory at the 2013 African Cup of Nations for the first time in 18 years and the Golden Eaglets’ conquest at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup-the first time since 2007.

    “Everything that has been achieved by the NFF is not by accident rather it’s borne out of good leadership and we are encouraged to continue to support the NFF,” said the governor who promised to interface with the federation on how Cross River State can provide sustainable development for Nigerian football.

    He added: “Apart from the Golden Eaglets, the NFF deserves a pat on the back and we would meet to fashion out how best we can support them further.”

    Meanwhile, Maigari said he was humbled with the praises from Governor Imoke which can only serve as a fillip for the NFF to continue to do more.

    “We can’t thank Governor Imoke enough for all the good things he has done for the NFF and Nigerian football in general,” he said.

  • Maigari assures Eagles ‘ll pick World Cup ticket

    Maigari assures Eagles ‘ll pick World Cup ticket

    The President of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Aminu Maigari on Sunday gave the assurance that the Super Eagles would secure the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket.

    The president was speaking against the backdrop of the next major soccer assignment to follow after the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

    A statement released by NFA Assistant Director, Media, Ademola Olajire, in Abuja, quoted the president as saying that he was certain the Eagles would win the ticket.

    He relied on a 2-1 advantage over the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia from the first leg, adding that the optimism was not being over-confident.

    “It has been a great year for Nigerian football, because we started the year with a trophy – the Africa Cup of Nations — in January and ending the year with another trophy – the U-17 World Cup.

    “On November 16, we will pick up the ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

    “The Super Eagles have done the hard job in Ethiopia, but we cannot afford to be overconfident and drop our guards.

    “So, the team will play the second leg game as if it is the World Cup final,” the statement added.

    It added that Maigari was appreciative of the support of Nigerians during the campaign for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

    “We really appreciate the prayers, support and encouragement of all Nigerians, starting with President Goodluck Jonathan.’’

    The statement, also noted that with hard work, perseverance, team work, purposefulness, dedication and doggedness, success was possible.

    According to the statement, “while we celebrate the Eaglets’ triumph, we now have to focus on the 2014 World Cup qualifying match in Calabar.

    “It is most important for our team to be at that biggest soccer showpiece in a year that our nation will be celebrating its Centenary,” it added.

  • Maigari leads Eaglets to Sharjah

    Maigari leads Eaglets to Sharjah

    The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari on Wednesday led the Golden Eaglets from Al Ain to the historic city of Sharjah – about 25 minutes’ drive off the commercial city of Dubai – ahead of their quarter-final match of the FIFA U17 World Cup against Uruguay on Saturday.

    The journey which took about two-and-half hours by bus was seamless and the Golden Eaglets landed safely in the city that houses ‘eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel’ in time to keep a date with Uruguay for their quarter-final match on Saturday.

    The Golden Eaglets are housed at the impressive Radisson Blue Resort complete with an idyllic serene environment and a beach.

    “This is a beautiful place, assistant coach Nduka Ugbade said.

    “We will do everything in our capacity to make it a memorable time by winning our next game here.”

    The Eaglets have since settled in in their new abode and resumed training on Wednesday with the coaching crew mapping out strategies for the game against the South Americans.

  • Maigari, others inspired Eaglets’ comeback

    Maigari, others inspired Eaglets’ comeback

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari and Cross River Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Patrick Ugbe arrived in Al Ain yesterday to boost the level of support for the Golden Eaglets at the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup in UAE.
    Maigari got to the Danat Resort Hotel of the Eaglets yesterday afternoon and his arrival along with other top officials of the football house aided the team’s fightback against a determined Sweden U17 team.
    The Eaglets will change base to Dubai ahead of their third match against the weeping team of the group, Iraq, at the Rashid Stadium on Friday.

  • Maigari: Eagles better than 33rd place

    Maigari: Eagles better than 33rd place

    NIGERIA Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari is happy at Nigeria’s improvement in the latest Fifa Rankings, but says the Super Eagles deserve to be higher.

    Nigeria moved three places up in the world and one place in Africa, and the president says it is the reward of hard work.

    “I am very happy that we have moved up, it shows that the hard work of the team is beginning to show,” Maigari told KickOffNigeria.com.

    “But we should be higher. We are African champions, we have been winning games and we deserve to be better placed.”

    Maigari however said the team would continue to work hard to get results on the pitch.

    “At the end of the day, it is down to our performances, and as long as we keep winning our games and not only qualify for the World Cup, but do well there, the rankings will take care of itself.”