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Tag: Mikel

  • Mikel, Ogu get special roles in Eagles’ defence

    Worried by the thought of his team struggling to defend properly in set piece situations, coach of the Nigerian team Gernot Rohr has handed special roles to two of the tallest players in his team in captain John Obi Mikel and John Ogu.

    The duo have been partially responsible for the two goals Nigeria conceded from a set piece in their last two friendly games, and the coach took out time to address their positioning during their closed-door session.

    Although zonal marking has been preferred by most coaches, Rohr is, however, not keen on going that way as he still favours the man to man marking style which many consider outdated following recent developments in football.

    Ogu who has been converted to a defender when Eagles played with a back three, has been mandated to pick the tallest man in the team of the opposition, while Mikel will defend the first pole.

    Mikel will be teams’ first defender on the line with Ogu behind him, while the central defence duo of William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun will concentrate on winning the second balls.

  • Chelsea celebrate Moses, Mikel for making World Cup

    English Premier League, Chelsea FC on Monday congratulated Victor Moses and Mikel Obi for making the Super Eagles World Cup Squad.

    The Blues also celebrated Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo who has been on loan to Kasimpasa of Turkey from Chelsea.

    Chelsea conveyed the wishes on Monday reckoning that the duo of Moses and Omeruo are on the list of players from the football club that will feature of their various national teams in Russia.

    Eagles Captain, Mikel was mentioned in the congratulatory message as Chelsea reckoned that the 31 year old spent more than a decade at Stamford Bridge before joining Tianjin TEDA in China.

    “Congratulations to @VictorMoses, @Omeruo22 and former Blue, @Mikel John_Obi who have all been selected to represent Nigeria in Russia!,” the club wrote on its web.

    Williams Borges Da Silva, Eden hazard, Courtois Thibaut, Batshuayi Mitchy, Geroud Olivia, and Kante  Ngolo are some of the Chelsea players that will feature for their national teams in Russia.

  • Mikel, Ndidi, Moses battle for King of the Pitch gong

    Organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have revealed nominees for its annual event with Super Eagles’ trio of Victor Moses, Wilfred Ndidi and John Mikel Obi earmarked for the coveted King of the Pitch gong for year 2017/2018.

    The unveiling of nominees was held in Lagos on Wednesday, with the presence of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of SIAO Partners; Ms Aisha Falode (Chairperson of Nigeria Women Football League); thespian Segun Arinze; award-winning teenage actress, Esther-Whyte Bassey and a host of other distinguished media personalities.

    Speaking at the event, President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips reiterated the commitment of the organisers to reward excellence, adding that it was incumbent on his team to present a credible and transparent reward system that anybody would be proud of.

    “As organisers, we have put in place a credible and transparent reward system for Nigerian footballers and stakeholders who have consistently displayed exceptional talents, skills, passion and commitment to improving the standard of our football,” noted Phillips.

    He said the Nigeria Pitch Awards has grown to become a significant part of Nigeria football, hence efforts would be geared to making the sixth edition to be held in Lagos in June, a memorable event.

    Meanwhile, Falode has described the Nigeria Pitch Awards as a unique platform in its own right, even as she praised the organisers for their consistency over the years: “We must commend the organisers for their efforts over the years because this is an award we have known for its credibility and perfect execution and it has continued to wax stronger despite lack of corporate sponsorship.”

    Falode also canvassed for additional categories for women’s football and her request was promptly endorsed by the organisers promising to increase the slots from two to four in the subsequent editions.

    Pastor Ighodalo whose firm SIAO Partners is in charge of the voting process, equally agreed that there should be an award category for the New Media for their massive presence on the internet.

    Gongs would be given out in 16 categories at the forthcoming event, and The Nation’s reporter Olalekan Okusan has been shortlisted for the Football Journalist of the Year (Print) category.

  • NWANKWO KANU TO COACH Mikel can solve Eagles’ creative problem

    Former Super Eagles’ captain, Nwankwo Kanu believes former Chelsea of England star and current captain of the Super Eagles, John Obi Mikel can be the solution to the team’s lack of creativity if properly given the freedom to play in the role.

    The former African Footballer of the Year, who said this to AOIFootball.com in an exclusive interview, further added that he is confident the Eagles’ attack will be potent at the World Cup in Russia.

    “I believe we don’t really need to go too far for a solution for a player who can provide creativity to the team. I think a player like Mikel Obi can perfectly play in that position because he had shown in the past that he can deliver when it matters most.

    “Look at our qualifiers, especially against Cameroun and Algeria, he brought his attacking prowess to play and ensured the team was able to gain maximum points. I know a bit about him from our time with the national team; if given the right support from the back, he will definitely deliver upfront,” Kanu said.

    The former Arsenal star further expressed confidence in the ability of the Eagles’ frontline to deliver at World Cup, urging Nigerians not to judge them on the last two friendly matches played against Poland and Serbia.

  • Mikel to return against England, Congo

    Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has sent a message of encouragement to Super Eagles’ players in the wake of their 2-0 loss to Serbia in a pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday inside the Hive Stadium in Barnet.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said that the Tianjin Teda player pulled out of the squad owing to his inability to renew his work permit in China.

    Mikel has promised to attend the remaining preparatory games against Democratic Republic of Congo, England and Czech Republic at the end of the European season.

    Writing on Instagram, the Super Eagles’ captain stated: ” You don’t lose, you learn???? Looking forward to being back on the pitch for our remaining preparation games????#SoarSuperEagles.”

    Gernot Rohr’s team have lost two matches without their inspirational captain, against South Africa and Serbia, since the German was appointed coach in 2016.

    Mikel made his debut for the senior national team thirteen years ago after starring for the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles.

  • Mikel frustrated at missing friendly matches

    Super Eagles’ captain John Mikel Obi has expressed sadness over missing the two international friendly games between Nigeria and Poland in Wroclaw last Friday and tonight’s game against Serbia inside the Hive Stadium.

    Mikel wrote on his Instagram page on Monday afternoon that: ”Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be on the field for our game against Serbia tomorrow (today).  I am sad, and frustrated, but giving my full support to the team for another WIN!???????? #SoarSuperEagles”.

    Obi Mikel has confirmed that he will not be available for selection in Friday night’s pre-World Cup friendly between Nigeria and Serbia at the Hive Stadium due to ‘circumstances beyond his control’.

    The official word from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is that Mikel is absent as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Manager Gernot Rohr confirmed post-match after the victory over Poland that he has invited Porto loanee Mikel Agu to join the team in London due to absence of the former Chelsea ace.

    The Tianjin Teda number ten last wore the Super Eagles’ jersey in their 4-2 win over Argentina in an international friendly in Krasnodar last November.

  • Rohr picks Mikel, Moses, Balogun, Troost-Ekong as Eagles stars

    GERNOT Rohr has named skipper Mikel Obi, Chelsea star Victor Moses as well as central defenders Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong as the Super Eagles top stars going into the World Cup in Russia.

    “We have a few very experienced players, such as our captain John Obi Mikel (Tianjin Teda, China). Our two central defenders William Troost-Ekong (Bursaspor, Turkey) and Leon Balogun (Mainz, Germany) are also very important to us,” the Eagles coach told Soccer Laduma in an interview.

    “We have players such as Victor Moses (Chelsea, England) and Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, England) – they are also very important for us. We have many young players, and everyone has a role to play in our team. But the most important leaders are our captain Mikel, the vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi, and Ahmed Musa also.

  • How Mikel, Rohr Voted in FIFA Best Football Award

    How Mikel, Rohr Voted in FIFA Best Football Award

    The two Nigerians who were eligible to vote in the 2017 FIFA Best Football Award were Super Eagles Coach, Gernor Rohr and the team captain John Mikel Obi.

    According to FIFA, National team coaches and their team captains could vote among other categories for the Best Men’s Coach and the Best Men’s Players.

    And doing justice with their votes for the categories Super Eagles Captain, Mikel and his national team coach tolled the-same line of thought as they voted Argentina forward and Barcelona ace, Lionel Messi for the Best Men’s Players award.

    Some of the Nigerian ex-international present at the London ceremont were Emmanuel Amunike(L) and Austine Okocha

    While Mikel nominated Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Buffon Gianluigi as the best to compete for the honour, Rohr named the trio of Messi Lionel, Griezmann Antoine and his German compatriot and goalkeeper; Neuer Manuel as the best three for the award.

    But, FIFA went with the majority as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar won the vote as the best three, before the Real Madrid ace, Ronaldo Outshined his rivals with the highest number of vote and was eventually crowned by FIFA as the Best Player in 2017.

    Both Captain and Coach also voted the different ways for the Best Men’s Coach 2017 Category.

    While the Super Eagles foreign manager cast his vote along the line of the majority that voted in the category, john Mikel Obi did not.

    Rohr voted Zinédine but Mikel voted the head coach of his former club in the English Premier League, Chelsea Antonio Conte.  Mikel had some playing time under the manager before moving to Chinese Super League.

    NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and Worlf Football Star, Lionel Messi at the FIFA Best Football Award ceremony in London on Monday.

    Mikel listed Allegri Massimiliano as his best second coach and named Zidane Zinédine for the third position.

    After picking Zidane, Rohr picked head coach of the Germany national team, Löw Joachim as the second best coach in the category and named Conte Antonio as the third.

    But, Zidane won the honour as the FIFA Best Men’s Coach for the year 2017.

    Some of the Nigerians who graced the Best FIFA Football Awards 2017 (Formerly Called Ballon d’Or 2017) included, former Nigerian international Austine Jay Jay Okocha and Emmanuel Amunike. NFF President and Amaju Pinnick were also in London for the prestigious ceremony.

  • Rohr calls up Mikel, Moses, Ighalo, 20 others for Zambia

    Rohr calls up Mikel, Moses, Ighalo, 20 others for Zambia

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has called up 23 players for the all-important 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Uyo on Oct. 7.

    A statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja listed team skipper Mikel Obi among the call-ups.

    China-based forward Odion Ighalo and England-based Victor Moses, who were prominent in the team against Cameroon earlier this month, retained their places.

    South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi are however returning to the team after injury knocked them out of the sessions against the African champions earlier this month.

    Defenders Leon Balogun, Abdullahi Shehu, William Ekong and Elderson Echiejile also made the list, while midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi and Oghenekaro Etebo were also included.

    Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Anthony Nwakaeme also earned call-ups.

    Portugal-based goalkeeper Dele Alampasu dropped to the standby sector, alongside wing back Tyronne Ebuehi, with two home-based professionals, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Afeez Aremu, joining them.

    Both Ifeanyi and Aremu were part of the Super Eagles B team which finished as runners-up at the just-ended WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.

    All invited players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday.

    NAN reports that Nigeria host Zambia on Oct. 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with a minimum win needed to guarantee them a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.

    Qualification will mean the Eagles are landing in Russia for next summer’s event ahead of the final qualifying match away to Algeria in November.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ayodele Ajiboye (Plateau United FC)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

    Midfielders: Mikel John 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)

    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); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    STANDBY: Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Afeez Aremu (Akwa United); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United). (NAN)

  • Enyeama, Ndidi, Iheanacho nominated for Nigeria Pitch Awards

    Enyeama, Ndidi, Iheanacho nominated for Nigeria Pitch Awards

    Vincent Enyeama, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi have been named  for the 4th Nigeria Pitch Awards slated to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, at the weekend.

    The award is jointly organised by Matchmakers Consult International and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Ademola Olajire, NFF media director, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

    He said the nomination for the award was handled by an auditing firm and the real voting was done by Nigeria sports editors/managers.

    According to the statement, there are 18 award categories and three nominees for each category.

    See the full List below

     

    GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

    Vincent Enyeama

    Carl Ikeme

    Ikechukwu Ezenwa

    DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

    Leon Balogun

    Kenneth Omeruo

    William Troost-Ekong

    MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR

    John Mikel Obi

    Etebo Oghenekaro

    Wilfred Ndidi

    STRIKER OF THE YEAR

    Chisom Egbuchulam

    Godwin Obaje

    Kelechi Iheanacho

    MVP (MEN) IN THE NPFL
    Godwin Obaje

    Stephen Odey

    Chisom Eguchulam

    MVP (WOMEN) IN THE NWPL

    Osinachi Ohale

    Rafiat Sule

    Chioma Wogu

    QUEEN OF THE PITCH

    Desire Oparanozie

    Onome Ebi

    Asisat Oshoala

    KING OF THE PITCH

    Victor Moses

    John Obi Mikel

    Kelechi Iheanacho

    SAM OKWARAJI AWARD

    Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah

    Samson Siasia

    John Mikel Obi

    CLUB/TEAM OF THE YEAR

    Super Falcons

    Dream Team

    Enugu Rangers

    COACH OF THE YEAR

    Florence Omagbemi

    Gernot Rohr

    Imama Amapakapabo

    REFEREE OF THE YEAR

    Adebimpe Quadri

    Jelili Ogunmuyiwa

    Ferdinard Udoh

    STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

    Delta

    Lagos

    Akwa Ibom

    FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

    Nyesom Wike – Rivers State

    Udom Emmanuel- Akwa Ibom State

    Akinwunmi Ambode – Lagos State
    FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO

    Bimbo Adeola

    Olawale Adigun

    Arafat Aliu

    FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT

    Tobi Emmanuel

    Tana Aiyejina

    Ade Ojeikere

    FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV

    Mozez Praiz

    Austin Okon-Apkan

    Toyin Ibitioye