The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mba

  • 2014/2015 Transfer:Mba dreams Gunners

    2014/2015 Transfer:Mba dreams Gunners

    Super Eagles striker, Sunday Mba, has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal FC in the English Premier League.

    Speaking exclusively to Sportinglife after helping the home-based Super Eagles pick a ticket for the CHAN 2014 Championship, the Rangers of Enugu play maker said: “It has been my childhood dream to play for Arsenal and I hope one day the dream would materialised. Though, I am now a Rangers player, but I am confident that in the next summer transfer, I would get an offer outside the shores of country”.

    He was not forthcoming on the possible offers coming his way, but maintained that his agents are working towards that. “I thank God that we have qualified for the CHAN championship slated for South Africa next year, I am also optimistic that we would do well in the championship”.

    He also refused to talk on his availability for the championship saying that only God would decide his next move. Sunday Mba’s goals were instrumental to the Super Eagles winning the AFCON trophy in South Africa early this year. He scored the decider against the Elephant of Cote d’ivore at the quarter finals.

    He also scored against Bourkina Faso in the final match. The former Enyimba of Aba player also scored two goals against Cote d’Ivoire’s home-based Ivoirian team in the first leg played in Kaduna three weeks ago.

  • Mba consoles injured Gambo Mohammed

    Mba consoles injured Gambo Mohammed

    Warri Wolves and Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Mba, has sent a ‘get well soon’ message to his national team mate, Gambo Mohammed.

    The Kano Pillars attacker was absent from the national team as the Eagles qualified for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Abidjan. And Mba is hopeful that Gambo will be back for the Finals

    “We all felt sorry for him when the injury occurred. Fortunately, we have other strikers, but you cannot deny the quality of Gambo. Hopefully, he will be back for the main event.

    “We hope to have the full complement of players ready for the Finals, but we expect that some other players will be invited. All we want to do is win again, but football is like that,” Mba told futaa.com.

    Mba gained world wide fame with his displays in the heart of the Nigerian midfield as they triumphed in South Africa in January.

  • Mba named to face Heartland

    Mba named to face Heartland

    SUPER Eagles striker Ezekiel Mba has been named in the Akwa United squad to tackle Cup holders, Heartland, in the Federation Cup quarterfinals clash on Wednesday at the Kaduna Township Stadium.

    Mba arrived in Lagos on Sunday evening from Abidjan where the Super Eagles fought gallantly to edge the Elephants of Ivory Coast for a place in the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

    Akwa United coach Justin Tenger said the striker immediately contacted him upon arrival in Lagos on Sunday and declared his readiness to be part of the squad to challenge Heartland for a spot in the last four of the annual football fiesta.

    “Of course, Ezekiel Mba will be featured against Heartland on Wednesday. We’ve been on constant communication since his arrival on Sunday and he is excited to contribute his quota to the side’s battle for glory in the Federation Cup.

    “Oh yes, his presence is a big plus and great relief for some of my attacking headaches. The entire team is happy having him in their midst for the crucial knockout game against Heartland.

    “The camp is alive once again, the mood and spirit among the players very high. It’s a joy for one to have his best tool on special assignment.

    “The game against Heartland will be tough and a test of endurance. I think we’re battle-ready to confront Heartland.

    “Right now any team that wants to beat my side must work extra-hard, my players are in a killer mood and will surely overrun Heartland on Wednesday,” said the former Niger Tornadoes coach to supersport.com.

    Akwa United are already settled in Kaduna for the grudge game to determine who progresses to the semifinals.

    The Uyo-based side defeated Enugu Rangers 2-1 in the round of 16 matches decided at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, while the Cup holders were made to sweat by Sharks before winning 4-3 on penalties in Calabar.

     

  • Only Wolves can negotiate on my behalf— Mba

    Only Wolves can negotiate on my behalf— Mba

    SUPER Eagles ace Sunday Mba says it is only Warri Wolves that can enter contract talks with any club, whether local or foreign, seeking to sign him.

    The Nigeria international, who is on a one-year loan to Rangers of Enugu, told NationSport he was relieved that the transfer dispute surrounding his movement from Wolves to the Naze Millionaires was finally over.

    He said that while the drawn-out claims of both Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) teams over who owned his contract rights lasted, his football career was in the balance. But everything was later settled, he said.

    “The most difficult time of my playing career was after the 2013 Africa Nations Cup when I had so many clubs all over Europe coming for me, but I couldn’t make any move because of the transfer saga hanging on me.

    “Nobody wanted to have any dealings with me. These clubs were scared of doing business with a player that had a transfer problem.

    “But I am happy now because I have just settled my transfer issue with Warri Wolves.

    “Warri Wolves have now allowed me to play for Rangers International on (a year’s) loan deal.

    “It is not that I am going back to Warri Wolves after the loan, no. I have already signed for Rangers.

    “The loan does not attract any fee and would expire at the end of the Globacom Nigeria Professional Football League season.

  • Mba set to leave Warri Wolves

    Mba set to leave Warri Wolves

    Sunday Mba’s agent claims the Nigeria international is set to end his contract at Warri Wolves in a bid to secure a move to Europe in 2014.

    The Super Eagles playmaker has been strongly tipped with a move abroad following some stand-out performances for both club and country, including his starring role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning campaign.

    The midfielder’s representative, Friday Nwankwo Kujah, has since revealed that a number of Turkish top-flight clubs are interested in the 24-year-old’s services, but that they will have to wait until January when the player becomes a free agent.

    “There are a number of offers for Sunday Mba at the moment. Clubs from Turkey are interested in him but nothing is done yet. He is considering leaving in January when he will be a free agent so as to avoid any form of issues over his transfer,” Kujah told SuperSport.

  • I don’t only score on Sundays – Mba

    I don’t only score on Sundays – Mba

    SUPER EAGLES midfielder, Sunday Mba has laughed off insinuations that he only scores goals when Nigeria’s national team play on Sundays.

    Mba attained legendary football status in Nigeria after his winning goals against the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    The Enugu Rangers man netted both goals, in the quarter-finals and final of the competition, on Sundays.

    The 25-year-old scored twice as Nigeria thrashed the Ivory Coast 4-1 in a 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against the Ivory Coast at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Saturday.

    “People say I always score on Sundays and can’t score if we play games on other days. It is funny because the two goals I scored at the 2013 Afcon were great goals that coincidentally came on Sundays,” he told supersport.com.

    He then took the time to appraise Saturday’s performance against Les Elephants who were reduced to nine men late on.

    “I don’t think we played badly (against the Ivoirians). It is usually more complicated to play against teams that are reduced in numbers.

    “We must continue in this path and improve on our mistakes as we look to qualify for the competition,” he said.

    Nigeria will qualify for the 2014 Chan to be hosted in South Africa if they avoid a 0-3 defeat to the Ivorians in the return leg in Abidjan.

     

  • Keshi names Agbim, Oboabona, Mba, 21 others for CIV

    Keshi names Agbim, Oboabona, Mba, 21 others for CIV

    Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has swiftly turned his attention to the 2014 African Nations Championship qualifying match against Cote d’Ivoire, by calling up 24 home boys for the game billed for the end of next week.

    Even as the African champions were rueing several missed chances in the 3-0 defeat to World and European champions Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil, Keshi pencilled down goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Azubuike Egwuekwe, Godfrey

    Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe and Benjamin Francis, midfielders Emeka Eze and Sunday Mba and forward Muhammad Gambo from the squad that were with him in Brazil, and added 14 more from Nigeria’s top flight and two from the lower division.

    Returning are goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, defender Kunle Odunlami and striker Obinna Nwachukwu and Gomo Onduku who were part of the team’s training camp in Germany ahead of the international friendly with Mexico in Texas, USA.

    Defender Chibuzor Okonkwo, who is no stranger to the senior team camp, is joined by familiar faces Umar Zango and Ezekiel Bassey, Ayo Saka and Anthony Okputu.

    Nigeria Professional Football League top scorer Dele Olorundare of Sunshine Stars is joined by former junior international midfielder Olufemi Oladapo.

    New faces are Mohammed Ajia of Bayelsa United, Enyimba FC’s Ifeanyi Edeh, Pius Samson of Ranch Bees, Festus Ajah of Union Bank FC and Warri Wolves’ Etebo Oghene.

    The players are expected to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, 30th June, 2013.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced that the match will be played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Saturday, 6th July.

    “We are happy for the favourable response from the Kaduna State Government, and we have also approached the National Sports Commission for permission to use the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for the encounter.

    “The grass is excellent and the entire facility is well maintained. The Super Eagles will find the place comfortable,” Barrister Musa Amadu, NFF General Secretary who was in Kaduna on Monday, said.

  • Oboabona, Mba vow to break Namibia

    Oboabona, Mba vow to break Namibia

    SUPER Eagles’ duo of defender Godfrey Oboabona and AFCON 2013 hero, Sunday Mba, have vowed to break the resolve of Brave Warriors of Namibia in Wednesday’s crunch 2014 World Cup qualifier slated for the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.

    Namibia ‘s coach, Roger Palmgren, has said his wards can upset the Super Eagles come June 12, though the Super Eagles are very much confident of victory in the Battle of Windhoek.

    “We are already looking forward to the game,” said Oboabona. “We have strived hard to get to this stage and it will be very painful to lose focus in a game like this.

    “Our focus is still very much intact, and our belief is to win in Namibia irrespective of their challenges. We won’t leave anything behind to ensure victory at all cost,” Oboabona assured.

    Similarly, Mba has declared that the Super Eagles are not going to handle the Brave Warriors of Namibia with kids’ gloves, stressing that victory on Wednesday will make it a special day in Nigeria. “I know we are facing another tough side because Namibia plays good football. We just need to keep our head straight.

    “They mean business too but the best way to prove superiority is on the pitch. We will all do our best to get all the maximum points,” he added.

  • Behold Ebube Mba 

    Behold Ebube Mba 

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, is a man of many parts. He is, among others, a politician, community leader, social mobiliser and a Knight of Saint Christopher of the Anglican Church.

    However, one aspect of him that has received little public attention is his respect and love for culture as well as the concomitant recognition he has received from custodians of the heritage.  This was the part of him the deputy speaker bared open in lavish proportions to the world last Tueday when he appeared at the National Assembly in a colourful traditional chieftaincy regalia.

    Ihedioha was the cynosure of all eyes as he alighted gracefully from his official flag car and sauntered majestically into main lobby of the white house building of the National Assembly. The trade mark green cap for which the deputy speaker is easily identified was missing. In its place was a high-end red cap, which identified him as a confirmed red cap chief. As he walked towards the Speaker’s office adjacent to the green chambers looking imposing in the flowing velvet black-shade flowery robe, he adorned, other-lawmakers joined him in several poises to the flashes and clicks of the ever-present paparazzi. The Ebube Mba 1 of Aba, Abia State, had arrived for work. A brisk show had just begun: the camera clicks, video filming, ‘royal’ back-slapping, loud shouts of ‘Igwe’ and broad laughter from honourable members continued well inside the chambers. It took several minutes before the House could settle down into the business of the day.

    The deputy speaker was on the previous day conferred with his latest title, the Ebube Mba 1 of Aba which translates to mean the courage and confidence of the people, by the council of Traditional Rulers in Aba, Abia State. Surely, the task of a presiding officer of the National Assembly with all the mammoth responsibilities that come with it requires immense courage and confidence. The monarchs, who bestowed the title definitely, were on point.

    Ihedioha, a lover of culture has been bestowed, with several chieftaincy titles in Imo State and beyond. These include Ezeugo of Nri, Anambra State; Ezienyi Uvuru Mbaise; Odoziobo Ngor Okpala; Udiukonamba Obinugwu; Omenkeahuruanya 1 of Mbaise and Aha Eji Aga Mba of Mbutu, all of Imo State.

    And now from Abia comes the conferment of Ebube Mba 1 of Aba. The feathers keep coming to deputy speaker’s cap indeed!

  • MBA, AGBIM SAGA Rangers agree they owe

    MBA, AGBIM SAGA Rangers agree they owe

    Enugu Rangers have declared that they are yet to pay Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rivals, Warri Wolves for the transfer of Chigozie Agbim.

    Rangers had been handed a deadline of May 15 to cough up N8 million (around $51,000) for the Super Eagles goalkeeper but failed to meet the terms.

    On Tuesday, Wolves issued a statement that they will give the Flying Antelopes another two weeks to pay up the transfer fee or pull the plug on the agreement over the goalkeeper.

    Enugu Rangers general manager, Ozor Chibuzor, has admitted that they are yet to meet the terms of the agreement financially. He said the Flying Antelopes are expecting fund from their financier, the Enugu State government, before they can settle the financial part of the transfer.

    “No we have not paid up and not because we don’t want to pay for the player. We are waiting for fund from the government and when we get that we will settle the matter,” said Chibuzor.

    Warri Wolves through their secretary, Lawrence Omowho, have written to Rangers to pay for Agbim’s transfer. However, Wolves also stated that no transfer fee has been agreed upon with any club on Nigeria attacking midfielder, Sunday Mba.

    “We want to clarify the issue of Sunday Mba and make it clear that we have not agreed on any fee with any club. Albeit to say that we are waiting for the right offer and as soon as anything concrete comes, we will inform the public accordingly,” a statement from the Warri club read.