The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Middleborough.

  • Poor Run of Form: Boro have been unlucky, says Mikel

    Super Eagles’ and Middleborough of England midfielder, Mikel John Obi has blamed ill-luck for his side’s recent drop in form after they went down 0-1 to Bristol City at home on Tuesday night, AOIFootball.com reports.

    The Eagles captain, who has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Riverside, told the club’s website after the loss to Bristol that it was unexplainable the way they fall to defeat but believes the squad can still rally round and turn results in their favour.

    “For the last three games, I don’t understand how some of the chances go in. It’s unbelievable. Sometimes football is very cruel like that. We come out to try and put in a good performance and make sure we don’t disappoint the fans. We keep getting these chances.

    “The lads are doing everything possible so that we take the lead when we’re on top, get one or two and then we can settle, but it’s just not coming. But we have to keep on going,” Mikel concluded.

  • Nigeria vs Algeria: Iheanacho, Onazi, Ndidi storm Eagles camp on Monday

    Nigeria vs Algeria: Iheanacho, Onazi, Ndidi storm Eagles camp on Monday

    Ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo, the trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ogeyi Onazi are set to storm the Super Eagles camp in Abuja on Monday, SportingLife gathered.

    The trio who are part of the 24-man squad invited by manager Gernot Rohr will touch down in Lagos on Sunday before heading out to the Federal Capital Territory.

    Ndidi has been in spectacular form for Belgium side Genk and was on the scoresheet on Thursday night in the Europa League when they lost 5-3 to Athletic Bilbao away from home.

    On his part, Iheanacho has scored three goals in the premier league so far with three assists for Manchester City and although he was on the bench against Middlesbrough at the weekend, he is tipped for a big future under Spanish manager Pep Guardiola.

    Trabzonspor midfielder Onazi had already confirmed his arrival as he tweeted that he will be at the venue of the Federation Cup match between Ifeanyi Ubah and Nasarawa United which will be played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium by 3:00pm in Lagos.

    The former Lazio midfielder may likely be in the company of Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohor who is scheduled to also be at the stadium to witness the encounter before leaving for camp on Monday.

  • Manchester City 1-1 Middleborough: Iheanacho in late cameo

    Manchester City 1-1 Middleborough: Iheanacho in late cameo

    Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho was a late substitute as Manchester City drew 1-1 against Middleborough at the Etihad this evening.

    The Nigerian was named among the substitutes by manager Pep Guardiola for the third consecutive match in all competitions – he was benched in the premier league games against West Bromwich Albion, Middleborough and the UEFA Champions League tie against Barcelona.

    Fortunately for the Citizens they’ve not lost any of those games in the absence of the Nigerian who last started a game in the 1-1 home draw against Everton on October 15.

    Manchester City found life very difficult against Aitor Karanka’s men as they mustered the home side’s pressure and goalkeeper Victor Valdez who coincidentally was Pep Guardiola’s first choice during their time together at Barcelona pulled out some decent stops to prevent City from running riots.

    Eventually, they had a breakthrough just before half-time as Belgian Kevin de Bruyne produced an exquisite cross from the right to find teammate Sergio Aguero and the Argentine made no mistake from six yards out.

    However, Manchester City were denied a win as De Roon headed in a perfect cross from left-back George Friend. Iheanacho was introduced as a late substitute but it was a little too late as the game finished 1-1 to the delight of the away fans.

  • Mourinho ‘suggested’ Boro for Omeruo

    Mourinho ‘suggested’ Boro for Omeruo

    Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, is settling into life at Teesside after completing a loan switch to Championship side, Middleborough.

    Omeruo, who joined the Smoggies from English Premier League club, Chelsea, completed his first training session for Boro on Wednesday and spoke to the club’s official television station afterwards on his impressions about life at the Riverside Stadium.

    The 20-year-old revealed amongst others, that he was advised to positively embrace his latest expedition by the Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho.

    “Jose (Mourinho) is my boss and it will be good for me to come here and he gets to watch me. I have also met the (Boro) trainer, (Aitor Karanka). He’s a really nice guy and a good person to work with.

    “Mourinho has a very good relationship with Karanka and he advised me to come here (to Boro). He said it was going to be a very good move for me,” supersport.com quoted Omeruo as saying on the club television.

    Karanka watched Omeruo’s first training session on Wednesday and shared his thoughts afterwards with the club’s official website, mfc.co.uk.

    “Kenneth is a strong defender and I think we need to improve in this area. I know him. Jose Mourinho has told me about him and I think he’s going to be very good for us to add to the squad,” Karanka said.

    Omeruo’s loan deal with Boro runs till the end of the 2013/14 season.