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Tag: Mikel Obi

  • Technical transformation, sacrifice by Mikel helped in beating Iceland – Rohr

    Nigeria’s coach Gernot Rohr on Friday said his team’s 2-0 defeat of Iceland was all down to technical transformation and sacrifices by the duo of Mikel Obi and Victor Moses.

    Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 at the Volgograd Arena in a Group D match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the win pushing them into contention for qualification.

    Rohr who spoke at the post-match conference also praised his team and coaching staff for working hard to achieve the victory.

    “We changed our formation to 3-5-2 and it was good for us. It was a different style in defence.

    “Kenneth (Omeruo) is so strong in the air and we needed that to cut off the crosses by Iceland into the box and also the set-pieces.

    “The players, as well as all the staff, worked so hard in the past six days or so for us to be ready for Iceland and be able to achieve this.

    “Everybody was not happy after that loss to Croatia and we all realised that we must get going to be able to realise our dreams,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Mikel ready to play in any position — Rohr

    The coach added that the team also benefited from the sacrifice made by the duo of Obi and Moses who opted to play as needed and asked of them.

    “Mikel has in the last two years been playing as an offensive midfielder, especially now in China, while Victor has been playing as a forward. But we needed them to play in different roles today.

    “We needed to convince them to make the sacrifice for their country, and they accepted. They played so well in these roles and the team and their country benefited.

    “It is not easy having to do so, especially when you have to combine defensive duties with offensive duties. But the team is now the better for their sacrifice,’’ he said.

    Rohr also praised two-goal hero Ahmed Musa, saying his speed as well as his work rate helped a lot in pushing back Iceland in the second half especially.

    “We realised at half-time that we needed to do something to change the game, and that was why we brought in Tyronne Ebuehi to add more offensive force on the left flank.

    “Musa now added to it with his speed, and this changed the game for us. By the time we did more of counter-attacks, and with quick passes in the middle we had the game in control,’’ he said.

    The coach nonetheless praised Iceland for their game, saying “they gave us a good fight, they were fair and showed good attitude, even after the game’’.

    Nigeria will now face Argentina on Tuesday in St Petersburg needing at least a draw to qualify for the Round of 16.

     

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  • Mikel under pressure to fulfill promise to Buhari

    Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi has been put under intense pressure to lead the team to a resounding victory against Iceland on Friday, as well as fulfill his promise to President Muhammad Buhari that he (Mikel) is a man of his words.

    NationSport confirmed that President Buhari spoke with Captain of the three-time African Champions few hours before Nigeria tackled Croatia in their first World Cup fixture in Russia, where Mikel reassured the President that the team would not disappoint.

    Presidential delegation led by Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung as well as CBN Governor; Godwin Emefiele with the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Ugbah facilitated the phone conversation.

    “If you can see that after the defeat, Mikel was down and withdrew more than his teammates, to the extent that he could not explain the defeat in a post-match interview. He knew the weight of disappointment.

    “I can tell you for free that Mr President spoke with him(Mikel) on behalf of the team before the Croatia match.

    “President Buhari reassured him(Mikel) of the full support of the nation. You can remember that team visited the President at Aso-rock before their departure for the England friendly where he had gave his assurance,” source in the know who asked to remain anonymous told NationSport.

    Odediran Ogunsanya, a sport psychologist/analyst who shared views on the development said: “Super Eagles would have ordinarily won the match because the Croats were not at their best, but they could not because of the pressure they shouldered.

    “The president’s call few hours to the kick off of the Croatia match should have been done days earlier. The timing for the call apparently pull up weight on the team.

    “Was there any need for that? For me, I do not think so. The team psychologist should not have allowed these big shots from the Presidency to have access to the team. The team did not get the right inspiration from them. Their presence was a direct pressure which should not have happened.

    “See, this is psychology, I can tell you that Eagles would beat Iceland with less pressure from government and from the team officials. Nigeria fans should please let the boys enjoy the game and with ease they will score and secure the much needed victory against Iceland.”

    Mikel’s promise to President Buhari even though it fell flat in the face of the 0-2 loss inflicted by Croatia on Saturday, still hold hope as the Nigerian captain is now ready to make Nigerians smile in the next game against Iceland on Friday.

  • We need to work harder, says Mikel Obi

    Captain of the Nigeria National Team, Mikel Obi has stated that they have stepped up their preparations for their World Cup opener against Croatia on Saturday evening under the guidance of Gernot Rohr.

    According to the former Chelsea star, he is satisfied with the training facilities at the Super Eagles base camp in Yessentuki.

    ”We need to continue to work hard, we need to continue to train and do exactly what we want and what the coach asks for us,” Mikel told reporters, including TASS.

    ”I think it’s (the base camp) good, the field is very good, the fans and the children who came to support us are amazing.

    ”It was nice that after the training we had the opportunity to give some autographs to the guys. We are in a very good place, I believe.”

    Rohr said that the players are ready physically and he will use the next three days to work on tactics and technique.

    Nigeria will also face Iceland (June 22, Volgograd) and Argentina (June 26, St. Petersburg) in Group D of the World Cup.

  • Mixed reactions trail Coach Rohr’s provisional 30-man World Cup list

    Mixed reactions on Monday trailed Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr’s 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

    It be recalled that Coach Rohr’s 30-man Provisional squad was released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.

    Rohr named Captain Mikel Obi, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional list.

    Others were midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, including forwards Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses.

    The list also includes Spain-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi and John Ogu as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.

    Chelsea wingback Moses was Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals, while Captain Mikel, Iwobi, Simon and Iheanacho weighed in with two goals each.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to our reporter noted that there was nothing really new about the list, while others expressed doubts about the goalkeeping and defence departments.

    Nduka Ugbade, an ex-international and former assistant coach of the Nigeria under-17 national football team said he was satisfied with Coach Rohr’s selection.

    Read Also: Rohr Releases 30-Man Provisional World Cup List

    “I think the list is made up of the usual suspects and these are the players that we should indeed be taking to the World Cup.

    “Looking at our options upfront, I think the likes of Ighalo, Moses and Iheanacho should be able to keep their jerseys barring any injury worries.

    “I am also so thrilled to see Lokosa’s name on that 30-man provisional list. He truly deserves it especially having scored 18 goals in 20 games for Kano Pillars in the NPFL so far this season.

    “I think he needs to be encouraged and let’s see how far he can go in competing for a shirt and it will be a major surprise if the young man makes it to the World Cup.

    “However, even if he does not make it to Russia, the experience in the Super Eagles camp and training will be very good for his growth and development,” he said.

    Emmanuel Babayaro, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist, also noted that the names were purely based on merit, adding that Junior Lokosa’s call up was the biggest surprise in the list.

    “I think the list is okay. Seriously looking forward to see if we can finally break that last 16 hurdle and get to the quarters for the very first time.

    “I think this is long overdue and hopefully Russia is where history will be made.

    “I am delighted that at least three home-based players namely; Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Ikechukwu Ezenwa made the provisional list and my guts tell me Lokosa will make the 23-man final list.

    “He is the surprise package for me.

    “The goalkeepers however need to train thrice harder and work more on their confidence. I tip Uzoho for first choice,” he said.

    Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, FCT Football Coaches Association said the inclusion of the country’s biggest goal contributors in the list was a welcome development.

    “There were really no major surprises in the list as the country’s biggest goal contributors namely; Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho are destined for Russia.

    “Also, the partnership of the China-based players namely; Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi will yield a lot of goals for the Super Eagles. I can’t wait for the tournament to start already.

    “My advice however to those whose names were missing is that they must dig their heels in, do better than their previous best and make it impossible for the Coach to overlook them for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019,” he said.

    Emmanuel Amakiri, the proprietor of Amakson Football Academy said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the list, adding that the goalkeeping and defence departments still looked weak.

    “For me, the list is not bad, but I feel our goalkeeping and defence department are weak and how Rohr sets up the midfield will be crucial.

    “I still don’t know what Ezenwa and Echiejile are doing in that squad? They better not make the final list.

    “Ezenwa isn’t the best goalkeeper in the NPFL so I am wondering what informed his selection.

    “So sad for the likes of Brown Ideye and Henry Onyekuru whose names were omitted from the list as they have both struggled in their efforts to get back to fitness ahead of the World Cup.

    “Some however discovered their form when it mattered most, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa who had to go back to Russia to begin to command attention once again,” he said.

    The Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals is scheduled to kickoff from June 14 to July 15.

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  • Super Eagles ready for England friendly – Mikel

    Midfielder Mikel Obi says the Super Eagles will be at their best for the prestige international friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium in London on June 2.

    “There will be no option for us other than to give our best with the FIFA World Cup fast approaching.

    “The match comes up only two weeks before our first match at the FIFA World Cup.

    “It will be a big occasion and a big match for both teams as we both look forward to our respective first matches in Russia.

    “England is a special place for me, having spent so many years playing there, and it is one country I love to go to,’’ Mikel was quoted as saying on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) website on Tuesday.

    The former Chelsea FC player said Super Eagles were already talking to themselves and everyone of them was looking forward to the game.

    Reports have it that Nigeria take on Croatia in their first match at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16.

    In their other Group D matches, they will then face Iceland at Volgograd on June 22, and Argentina at Saint Petersburg on June 26.

    On the other hand, England will play their first match in Group G against Tunisia at Volgograd on June 18.

    Thereafter, they will face Panama at Nizhny Novgorod on June 24, and Belgium at Kaliningrad on June 28.

    Meanwhile, tickets for the England/Nigeria match are still selling, with the lowest ticket going for 35 pounds.

    NAN

  • Mikel, others nominated for Nigerian Awards for Sporting Excellence

    Mikel, others nominated for Nigerian Awards for Sporting Excellence

  • Rohr calls up 18-year-old Uzoho, Mikel, 22 others for Algeria, Argentina games

    Rohr calls up 18-year-old Uzoho, Mikel, 22 others for Algeria, Argentina games

    Team captain Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and Ogenyi Onazi headline the list of 24 players which Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has invited for the team’s upcoming two matches.

    The Nigerian senior men football team visit Algeria next week in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, and also take on Argentina in Russia four days later in a friendly.

    Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi made the cut, alongside defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Leon Balogun and William Ekong, as well as midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo.

     

    Forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo were also on the list, which also has three players placed on standby.

    However, there is a first call-up for impressive goalkeeper Francis Uzoho of Deportivo La Coruna of Spain and midfielder Chidiebere Nwakali, a former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner.

    Francis Uzoho
    Francis Uzoho

    Russia-based Brian Idowu has also been placed on standby, only for the friendly with Argentina.

    2013 AFCON winner Kenneth Omeruo is on standby for both matches, alongside former junior international Alhassan Ibrahim, who now plays in Austria.

    All invited players are expected to arrive in a camp in Morocco on Monday, Nov. 6, before the delegation flies to Constantine on Thursday, Nov. 9.

    Two days later, the Super Eagles will leave Constantine for Krasnodar, the Russian city which will host the international friendly against Argentina on Nov. 14.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands);

    Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

    Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal);

    John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidiebere Nwakali (Sogndal FC, Norway)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England);

    Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Henry Onyekuru (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    STANDBY: Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Alhassan Ibrahim (FK Austria Wien, Austria); Brian Idowu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia)(NAN)

  • Why Super Eagles must qualify for 2018 World Cup

    Why Super Eagles must qualify for 2018 World Cup

    When the Super Eagles class of 1997 qualified for France ’98 World Cup, they did so with a match to spare; and 20 years later history is about to repeat itself.

    But for the Super Eagles to qualify the way their illustrious predecessors did in 1997, under the tutelage of Phillipe Troussier, the famed “White Witch Doctor’’; the team must scale the Chipolopolo obstacle.

    With three points separating the two archrivals, with the Super Eagles topping Group B with 10 points and closely followed by the Chipolopolo with 7 points; the Zambians believe that they can close the gap.

    The back-to-back victory recorded by the Chipolopolo over hapless Desert Foxes of Algeria, and the 1-1 draw with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at Yaoundé; the Zambians are now hopeful of qualifying for the World Cup.

    Even though the Super Eagles have all, but qualified for the 2018 World Cup, they must affirm their qualification by beating the Chipolopolo in Uyo; before the final qualifying match against the Desert Foxes.

    This is where the tactical acumen of Coach Gernot Rohr must be brought to bear on the Super Eagles as they engage their very worthy opponents; who are hell-bent on knocking the Eagles off their perch.

    The likely defensive quartet of Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, Troost Ekong and Elderson Echiejile must play as a cohesive unit, and maintain their shape against the expected onslaught from the Zambians.

    As for the midfield, depending on the combination, Mikel Obi is expected to roam box-to-box, Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi or whoever, must provide a near impregnable cover for the defence line.

    Victor Moses and Odion Jude-Ighalo and others in the attack must be razor sharp in front of goal, and make hay when goal scoring opportunities come their way.

    The Super Eagles must be focused, must be professional in their approach, must be their “brother’s keeper’’; so to speak; by closing ranks when the team is under attack from the rampaging Zambians.

    The team must guard against conceding a goal before scoring their own, because where the Zambians should score before the Super Eagles; we stand the chance of conceding more goals from counter attacks.

    Even if the Zambians should score against us, let it be after we might have scored a couple of goals that would likely swing the match our way; even a 1-0 scoreline and the vital three points would be enough to take us to Russia.

    The fans must not relent in their support for the Super Eagles, even if the team is not living up to their expectations, their ultimate aim is to cheer the team non-stop until victory is achieved against the Chipolopolo.

    Even a draw against the Chipolopolo; much less a defeat can reduce our chances of qualifying for the World Cup to the barest minimum; hence the need to go for an outright win against the Zambians.

    By beating the Chipolopolo, the Super Eagles will automatically qualify for the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia with a match to spare, thereby making the final qualifying match against the Desert Foxes a mere formality.

    NAN

  • No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

    No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

     Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi said on Wednesday that the Nigerian national team players have no need to say too much before Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

    The second leg game of Group B between Nigeria and Zambia for the 2018 World Cup qualifier is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    The outcome of the match would determine the chances of both teams towards qualification for the world cup in Russia.

    Obi, said in Uyo at a reception held for the team by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, that the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best.

    “We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give our very best.

    “There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year.

    “The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of under rating the Zambians,’’ he said.

    Obi said that the team’s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians.

    “We believe the same indices are in place for Saturday against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match.

    “We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,’’ he said.

    Nigeria top Group B with 10 points from three wins and one draw.

    Table-toppers Nigeria will qualify for a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with the minimum victory on Saturday.

    The match kicks off at 5pm.

    Meanwhile, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF Communication Director, President of the federation, President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent.

    “The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match.

    “I have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious.

    “We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way.

    “That should be the approach for Saturday.”

    Zambia last victory against Nigeria in a competitive football match at senior level was 32 years ago.

    The two teams have played 18 matches in all, with the Eagles winning seven and Zambia winning five, with six draws.

    This is only the second FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the two teams.

    The first leg of the 2018 world cup qualifiers was won by the Eagles 2-1 in Ndola last year.

    NAN

  • ‘Super Eagles going for outright win against Zambia’

    ‘Super Eagles going for outright win against Zambia’

     The Super Eagles spokesman, Toyin Ibitoye, on Wednesday debunked the news that the team would be satisfied with a draw against Zambia, saying instead that the team would be going for an outright win.

    Ibitoye said this in Lagos that the team would be aiming at defeating the Chipolopolo of Zambia in the crucial encounter in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    Nigeria is on the brink qualifying for the 2018 Mundial in Russia with an emphatic win over the African champions 4-0 and the reverse fixture in Yaoundé which ended1-1.

    Nigeria will play Zambia on Saturday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    Nigeria got the first goal in Yaoundé after 30 minutes play through Moses Simon while Cameroun got their equaliser 15 minutes to go through a Vincent Aboubakar penalty.

    The super eagles had started the campaign in what many soccer pundits predicted to be the group of death in a blistering form with a defeat 2-1of Zambia in Ndola to pick their first ever away win.

    Goals from the premier league hotshots, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho in the 33rd and 43rd minutes, ensured the much needed bright start, while Zambia’s Mbesuma scored in the 70th minute.

    Nigeria maintained the record when they defeated the highest ranked team in Africa, the Desert Warriors of Algeria in Uyo 3-1, courtesy of a brace from Victor Moses and a goal from Mikel Obi.

    However, the Gernot Rohr’s men can take a watertight lead on the summit of the Group B if they defeat Zambia on Sunday.

    A win means they will be on 13 points as against Zambia who will be rooted with seven points.

    On the importance of the match against the Wedson Nyirenda-tutored team from the Southern part of Africa, Ibitoye said the team’s management was leaving no stone unturned.

    He said that the Super Eagles Camp at the Le Meriden Hotel, was complete save the absence of Victor Moses who is been expected on Wednesday morning.

    “The camp is bubbling with the influx of the players, they all arrived early enough and they are training well. We are expecting the last person, Moses, who will arrive this ( Wednesday ) morning.

    “It is not true that we are contented with a draw according to some stories circulating around and which was attributed to the coach. All we want is an outright win.

    “At present, there is no injury concern in the team, Iwobi trained with others and he is 100 per cent fit as well as other players. The fitness level is perfect.

    “What we are saying is that the match against Zambia may not necessarily be a whitewash as we did against Cameroun.’’

    “The scoreline may or may not be the same but the points are what we need. Three full points will make us qualify in style,’’ he said.

    NAN