The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mikel Obi

  • Moses, Iwobi absent as Eagles hold first training

    Moses, Iwobi absent as Eagles hold first training

    Super Eagles’ forwards Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi were among players conspicuously absent as the team held their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

    The Super Eagles are preparing to face the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo in an all-important 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    According to the official twitter handle of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Eagles’ first training session saw a total of 19 players taking part.

    The two-hour training session began at about 4.30 p.m. and ended at 6.30 p.m.

    The players who took part in the training include Dele Ajiboye, Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Oghenekaro Etebo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa who arrived at the team’s camp on Monday afternoon.

    Also around were team captain Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ahmed Musa, Abdullahi Shehu, Wilfred Ndidi and birthday boy Kelechi Iheanacho who arrived late on Monday.

    Trabzonspor FC of Turkey midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, Olaoluwa Aina and Chidozie Awaziem who arrived on Tuesday also participated in the training.

    Two players on the team’s standby list, home-based Afeez Aremu and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, were also part of the training.

    Among those missing from the training session were Iwobi and Moses Simon who arrived at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

    Chelsea winger Moses was yet to arrive at the team’s camp at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort as at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

    The Eagles are expected to hold another open training session on Wednesday, including two more closed sessions on Thursday and Friday.

    A pre-match press parley is also scheduled to hold at Le Meridien on Thursday by 11.30 a.m. ahead of the match on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, Onazi was quoted on the NFF twitter handle as saying the team would give its all to ensure victory against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday

    “We will give it all it takes as far as football is concerned” -@OnaziOgenyi #NGAZAM #SoarSuperEagles.

    The NFF also took time to congratulate Iheanacho on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday.

    “Happy birthday @NGSuperEagles forward @67Kelechi. Keep shining!’’, the Federation wrote.

    NAN

  • Fans liken Eagles’ 2-0 loss to earthquake

    Fans liken Eagles’ 2-0 loss to earthquake

    Uyo fans have said the Super Eagles’ 2-0 loss to Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the 2019 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium struck them as an earthquake.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after watching the match on Saturday, the Secretary of Akwa Ibom  Football Association, Joseph Eberefe, said that the loss struck him “like earthquake”.

    “It is disappointing, we did not expect this, it is very frustrating.

    “The absence of regular players like Victor Moses, Mikel Obi and the others were felt on the pitch,

    “These ones have tried but they are not experienced as the usual Eagles players,” Eberefe said.

    In his reaction, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, said that he was short of words to describe the shock of the loss.

    “I cannot comment, it is simply no comment from me,” Luke said.

    Former Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Uwem Udoma, said that the Eagles’ performance disappointed the entire fans.

    “We should always use the best, we should not use our second eleven and expect to win.

    “This is a lesson for Nigeria to do enough to defend well and win its matches.

    “Our goalkeeper is inexperienced, he left the goalpost and caused the second goal,” Udoma said.

    He, however, said that football was a game and the fans enjoyed themselves during the match.

    Another fan, Tom Odiong, said that the South African team was technically better than the Eagles players.

    “We missed Victor Moses and Mikel Obi in the match, their experience matters,” Odiong said.

    NAN reports that Bafana Bafana team scored in the 56th minute and 83rd  minutes by  Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau respectively.

    The South African second goal sent cold shivers on football fans while some of them left the stadium abruptly in frustration with sighing on their lips.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Mikel, Ighalo’s absence won’t make difference -Fuludu

    AFCON Qualifiers: Mikel, Ighalo’s absence won’t make difference -Fuludu

    A former international, Edema Fuludu, says the absence of Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo will not make any difference in the Super Eagles formation when they play South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Sunday.

    The Eagles will host the South African national team at Uyo in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged by Cameroon.

    Fuludu, a member of the victorious 1994 AFCON squad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the coach, Genort Rohr, had reasons for not playing them.

    NAN reports that the captain of the team, Mikel, and striker Ighalo, will be missing in action in the qualifying match against Banana Banana of South Africa on June 11.

    “The truth is that whether they are present or not, the show must go on and it’s important that we don’t disrupt the current formation of the players.

    “They have won their matches back to back which has shown that they are making progress; the technical adviser has an approach to each match.

    “I’m sure there are still roles that they can play and also remembering that Mikel has an injury.

    “Contrary to speculations that the choice of the location of their clubs maybe a hindrance, everyone has a fair chance of playing in the team,’’ he said.

    Fuludu, a former central defender, said that one of the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) mandates to Rohtr Gohr is to ensure that the Super Eagles qualify for the Nations Cup.

    “How he chooses to go about the qualifiers is totally up to him to a large extent.

    “He has a target and in his projection, he must have been able to analyse the players that fit into his plans.

    “So, it’s totally up to him, their absence is not a snub whatsoever, we know they are experienced players, we can’t take that away from them,’’ he said.

    On his expectations, the former Manager of Warri Wolves FC, told NAN that the match won’t be a walk in the park.

    “The thing is that in as much as this match is crucial to us, we must tie all loose ends; there is no luxury for slips, we need to take our chances.

    “It’s key that they play as a team, also they should play according to instruction and they should use their discretion when necessary,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Group B of the competition consists of Nigeria, Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon.

  • Ndidi’s award excites Amiesimaka

    Ndidi’s award excites Amiesimaka

    Ex-Green Eagles Winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka, says recent young player award bestowed on Wilfred Ndidi by English Premiership Club, Leicester, is a big plus for Nigerian football.

    Ndidi, 20, a Super Eagles midfielder and former Nigerian youth international, joined the EPL side from Genk FC of Belgium.

    Amiesimaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the award by the former league champions showed that Ndidi was a top quality player.

    “For him to be given such an award by Leicester who won the Premier League only last season is obviously a plus.

    “It means he is a top quality player and its impact on us here is good, by virtue of the fact that he is a member of the national team,’’ he said.

    Amiesimaka, former Chairman, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, said the award was also an indication that Nigerian football had a quality player in one of the best organised leagues in the world.

    “Even more importantly is what we’ll do with that plus, how do we make the most of that in the national team and how will it benefit us?’’ he said.

    He said that the derivation of the award should be translated to his optimal use in the national team to achieve good results in major national and international matches.

    Amiesimaka said that the welfare of Ndidi and other members of the national team should be a priority to excel in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying matches.

    NAN reports that Ndidi started his career playing for the Lagos-based Nath Boys Academy in the Lagos Junior League (J-League) and won numerous accolades.

    He then played as a central defender for Nigeria’s youth team, the Golden Eaglets in 2013 for the African U-17 Championship.

    He later played for the Manu Garba U-20 youth team of Nigeria that played in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

    Ndidi was called up to the Senior Nigeria team, the Super Eagles, on Oct. 8, 2015, making his debut in the friendly game against DR Congo.

    He also played again a few days later in the 3-0 win against Cameroon, when he replaced Mikel Obi in the 63rd minutes.

    He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

     

  • Mikel Obi pays touching tribute to John Terry

    Mikel Obi pays touching tribute to John Terry

    Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has paid tribute to his former teammate and captain at Chelsea, John Terry who has announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the current Premier League season.

    John Terry has also released an emotional farewell letter ahead of his Chelsea departure at the end of the season and the Nigerian International who had close to 10 years working relationship with him took to his Instagram to pay a tribute.

    Chelsea and Terry announced earlier this week that the 36-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge will come to an end after 22 years when his contract expires in June.

    The iconic defender is keen to continue his playing career, but has acknowledged opportunities at Chelsea will be limited – he has made four Premier League starts this term – and has therefore opted to move on.

    Terry is the Blues’ most decorated player having won four Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, a Europa League and three League Cups.

    John Terry has made 713 appearances for Chelsea since the defender made his debut for the Blues in 1998.

    Mikel and Terry were part of Chelsea’s most successful era ever winning 11 trophies together including a Champions League title which they won in 2012.

  • Mikel Obi signs deal with Chinese club

    Mikel Obi signs deal with Chinese club

    Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is set to earn £140,000 a week playing in the Chinese Super League.
    The Tianjin TEDA Club confirmed on Friday that Obi has signed his contract.
    Mikel won the Champions League and two Premier Leagues with Chelsea before losing a place in the club’s first team.

  • Mikel moves closer to Tianjin TEDA switch

    Mikel moves closer to Tianjin TEDA switch

    Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is set to undergo a medical on Thursday as he moved closer to a switch to Chinese Super League side, Tianjin TEDA.

    The Dailymail  said Mikel, 29, has been offered a package worth around £140,000 per week to become the latest player to swap Europe for the riches of Asia’s emerging football market.

    The Nigeria international has held talks with Valencia, while Marseille and Inter Milan have also shown interest, but Tianjin are now at the front of the queue.

    Antonio Conte has not included the midfielder in his plans this season, with Mikel out of the first-team picture and behind N’Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Nathaniel Chalobah in the pecking order.

    He has continued to train with the rest of the squad but a return to action at Stamford Bridge, where he has spent 11 years, has long-looked unlikely.

    Tianjin, who count former Sporting Lisbon midfielder Fredy Montero and ex-CSKA Moscow forward Wagner among their stars, are now offering a way out.

    A three-year deal is understood to have been offered to Mikel.

    Terms are yet to be finalised but the move is far enough along for a medical check to be undertaken ahead of the potential transfer.

    Mikel is primed to leave Chelsea having won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in his time in West London.

  • I’m not scared of Mikel playing in China – Rohr

    I’m not scared of Mikel playing in China – Rohr

     

     

    Super Eagles Coach,Gernot Rohr has insisted that he is not deterred if Mikel Obi decides to pick a Chinese club ahead of other European  football clubs.

    The German born Coach noted that being an experienced player, Mikel knows what is best for him.

    In an interview,  Rohr stated: “If he decides to choose the money of China, then we must respect that.

    “If he goes to China and is playing well, he will be invited to the Super Eagles.

    “I prefer Mikel stays in Europe and play in an European team.

    “When I was in London two weeks ago, we spoke about that. But Mikel is an experienced and intelligent player and he knows what to do,”Rohr said.

    Meanwhile TMW says Tianjin Teda have tabled a three-year deal worth up to €9 million-a-year – which has been accepted by the Nigerian.

    Valencia chief Suso Garcia Pitarch has confirmed talks with Mikel, but with no agreement struck.

    The midfielder will be allowed to leave Chelsea on a free transfer this month.

    The 29 year-old may now wait to see if Valencia up their proposal before making a final decision.

  • Mikel to join Valencia

    Mikel to join Valencia

    … Agrees four-year deal

    Super Eagles captain, Obi Mikel, has agreed a four- year deal with Spanish side, Valencia.

    Valencia beat several teams including big spending Chinese side Shanghai SIPG, French side Olympique Marseille and Serie A duo of AC Milan and Inter Milan to the midfielder’s signature, Owngoalnigeria.com reports.

    Talks were held in England between representatives of the La-Liga side and Mikel and a deal was reached for him to be the club first signing in the winter transfer window.

     

     

     

  • PLANE CRASH: Okocha, Enyeama, Mikel others condole with Chapecoense

    PLANE CRASH: Okocha, Enyeama, Mikel others condole with Chapecoense

    Ex-internationals, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, Super Eagles players including Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Odion Ighalo, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi, Kelechi Iheanacho and the Nigeria Football Federation joined the rest of the world to express their condolences to the families of players and officials of Brazilian club Chapecoense, who were killed in the tragic Colombian plane crash on Monday night.

    At least 75 people died after a plane carrying members of the first team and coaching staff, as well as a number of journalists, came down in Cerro Gordo in Colombia.

    The plane – a British Aerospace 146 short-haul aircraft – was carrying a total of 72 passengers and nine crew members, including a total of 22 Chapecoense players, according to reports in Colombia.

    the-wreckage-of-the-plane-carrying-the-brazilian-first-division-team
    Pictures from the scene show the crumpled remains of the aircraft after it crashed down in Colombia.

    While leading other national team mates in delivering a heartfelt tribute to the players, Captain of the Super Eagles, Mikel Obi said, “Thoughts are with @ChapecoenseReal right now … Stay strong, the football family is with you ??.”

    Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa said via @ahmedmusa718, “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the players’ families and everyone associated with @chapecoenseReal football club???????.”

    Ogu who plies his trade in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, posted a logo of the club on his Twitter account with a message, “A very sad day for me ??. RIP to everyone involved.

    Watford striker, Ighalo said via @Ighalojude, “Sad News. Thoughts are with @chapecoensereal and their family?.”

    “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the players families and everyone associated with @ChapecoenseReal football club??,” Olympiacos forward, Ideye posted via @Ideyebrown.

    Alanyaspor defender, Kenneth Omeruo posted on Instagram, “This is a sad day for football.. ???. Let’s all please pray for the families of the deceased.”

    Standard Liege left-back, Echiejile said via his Twitter account @EldersonEch, “I mourn with the #Chapecoense football team, families and friends of those involved in the crash #Sad #EUE3.”

    Trabzonspor midfield marshal, Onazi simply posted on his Instagram page @onaziogenyi, “Lord have mercy. RIP.”

    Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho also posted on his Instagram page @kelechi72, “This is a sad news for football nations and the families involved, pray that they all RIP.”

    Okocha, a former national team captain posted on his Instagram page, official_jj10, “#Horrible news# my condolences to the families, fans and club members, sad day.” While Vincent Enyeama said via @vinpee, “RIP to the dead. Healing to the wounded and broken. Fortitude to bear the lost to the families, fans friends and loved ones.”

    The Nigeria Football Federation commented on social media: “Our thoughts are with @CBF_Futebol and Mgt. of Brazilian club @ChapecoenseReal following their loss in a plane crash #ForcaChape.”