The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nsofor

  • BATTLE OF ADDIS ABABA: Nsofor warns Eagles mates

    BATTLE OF ADDIS ABABA: Nsofor warns Eagles mates

    Lokomotive Moscow of Russia ace, Obinna Nsofor has warned his Eagles team-mates that the Walyas Antelopes of Ethiopia are now emerging force in football ahead of the final round of the 2014 World Cup play-off on October 13.

    Nsofor was with Nigeria’s senior national team that last played against the Ethiopians then in a 2012 African Cup of Nations(AFCON) qualifier in Addis Ababa.

    Nsofor put the Eagles ahead in the match before Ethiopia netted two quick fire goals to lead 2-1 but a late leveller from captain, Joseph Yobo salvaged a point for Nigeria.

    In an interview from Russia, Nsofor advised all those that have something to do with putting all the logistics in place to ensure a hitch free game, to do so unlike some flaws noticed the last time in Addis Ababa.

    He pointed high altitude, bad pitch and other things as factors that could hinder Nigeria’s place at next year’s World Cup.

    “I was there when we played against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa and I can tell you authoritatively that we saw hell then. We need to be prepared for them and the weather will prove to be a hard nut to crack.

    “It was only by divine backing and our determination that saw us through before we could get a draw. All Nigerians that called Ethiopia a walkover should have a rethink,” Nsofor said.

  • Nsofor: Back and better for Eagles

    Nsofor: Back and better for Eagles

    Lokomotiv Moscow forward Victor Obinna Nsofor has promised to do more after his return to the Super Eagles.

    Nsofor, who has scored vital goals for Nigeria in the past, said he is excited coach Stephen Keshi recalled him to the national team and has now set his sights on helping Nigeria beat Ethiopia to get a Brazil 2014 World Cup ticket, among other things.

    The full interview:

    Congratulations on your return to the Super Eagles.

    Thank you very much.

     

    You have been away for a while, how has it being for you since you were overlooked by the Super Eagles?

    I wasn’t happy with it, but I was always in touch with the team. I am always with them in spirit and talk to those I know well in the team before and after the games. I still saw myself as a member of the team even when I was not called up.

     

    Did you really believe you would be recalled to the team?

    Yes, I strongly had that feeling that if I kept doing well for my club, I will get another look-in and I thank God it happened. At some point, I was injured and I believe that delayed my return to the Eagles.

     

    What should we expect of Nsofor now you are back in the team?

    I am still as potent as I used to be, in fact I am a better player now having gathered more experience over the year. I am back in Eagles for better performances and contributions.

     

    How do the current Eagles compare to the team of the past?

    Super Eagles now are an ongoing process and getting stronger day by day, match after match. Previously, we had a lot of experienced players but now we have a lot of young and good players who have brought a lot of power and zeal into the team. This team will be great.

     

    What do you think is responsible for the improvement in the Eagles as you have pointed out?

    Let me say unity and a zeal to excel. The players and the coaches are united and there is no discrimination, with this, the sky will be our starting point. I am happy to be part of this team.

     

    Eagles have been drawn with Ethiopia for the Brazil 2014 play off, what can you say?

    All the 10 teams at this point will be tough. We don’t have to underrate our opponents, all we need do is be focused and play them as if were playing the best team in the world in a cup final over two legs. We can’t afford to miss out on Brazil 2014.

     

    What targets have you set with the Eagles?

    I want to help my country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and go ahead to do well at the tournament proper.

     

    You were at some point linked to a return to the English Premier League?

    Yes, that is true, but nothing concrete happened. I am enjoying my time at Lokomotiv Moscow.

     

    What do you hope to achieve with The Railway Men this term?

    Just to keep doing well, score goals and help my club secure continental ticket at least. But I also want to win a trophy at least this season.

     

    What is the relationship among the Nigerians playing in Russia?

    It is cordial, we are one family.

     

    Thank for your time.

    It’s my pleasure

     

    Culled from: MTNFOOTBALL.com

  • Nsofor vows: We are in Calabar to win

    Nsofor vows: We are in Calabar to win

    Super Eagles forward Obinna Nsofor has said he and his teammates have been urged to beat Flames of Malawi in Saturday’s Brazil 2014 qualifying match at U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar. Nsofor, who is playing Eagles’ first game in Nigeria after long break from the national team, said Eagles will work hard to get victory on Sunday.

    Nsofor played his first game under Stephen keshi during Eagles’ friendly game against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the Mandela Challenge on August 14.

    ‘’I am happy and excited to be back with the team after a long time. It is fantastic to play for Eagles again. The atmosphere here in the camp is very friendly. I am back and ready to give my best to the team,’’ Nsofor told SportingLife.

    ‘‘We all know the importance of this game and we won’t take anything for chance. We are not concerned about what Malawians are saying concerning the match. We are focusing on our own game plan. We are here to win and not to talk about Malawi. They can say whatever they like to say, what is important to us is to win the game on Saturday which is key to us.’’

  • Nsofor happy with Eagles’ return

    Nsofor happy with Eagles’ return

    Lokomotiv Moscow of Russia striker, Victor Obinna Nsofor, has said he is thrilled to return to the Super Eagles after a two-year absence.

    The former Inter Milan forward has been recalled by Nigeria for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup clash against hosts South Africa on August 14 and he told MTNFootball.com he is delighted as he still has a lot to offer the national team.

    “Nigeria is my country and I always want to represent it, and even when I was not invited, I still saw myself as part of the team and always supported the team,” he said.

    “I am happy to be back and I will show the stuff I am made of again.”

    Nsofor has scored 11 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria.

    Injuries and a dip in form have combined to keep him out of the frame of the African champions for the past two years.

     

  • Osaze sets for Eagles return

    Osaze sets for Eagles return

    …  Nsofor, Kalu Uche too

    West Bromwich Albion striker, Osaze Odemwingie, is set for a sensational Super Eagles return only weeks after it seemed he will never play for Nigeria again.

    MTNFootbal.com gathered that Osaze, who has been at the wars with his English Premier League club, will be handed a lifeline by the Super Eagles handlers after a recent tirade by the player against Stephen Keshi and the team.

    “Osaze will return to the Eagles,” a top official specially disclosed to MTNFootball.com.

    “Besides the fact that he deserves to be in the team, it would also be a big boost for Osaze after his troubles with WBA.”

    The outspoken Osaze resorted to social network platform Twitter to vent his frustrations after he was sensationally axed from the Eagles squad to last month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

    The striker accused Keshi of not being professional in the manner he was dropped from the national team, while he also took a dig at skipper Joseph Yobo, saying the Super Eagles had lacked a true leader.

    He also suggested he was through with the national team.

    Keshi has since said Osaze was dropped because of “character problems” which would have disrupted team spirit at the AFCON.

    ‘Big Boss’ has already sent out words of encouragement to Osaze following his travails at the EPL side.

    The former Lille and Lokomotiv Moscow star last featured for Nigeria in a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier in Rwanda in February 2012.

    Other top stars lined up for a return to the team are Obinna Nsofor and Kalu Uche.

    Uche, for one, has been on fire in Turkey with his Istanbul outfit Kasimpasa, where he has so far netted 15 goals in the league.

    He last played for Nigeria in a November 2011 friendly against Zambia in Kaduna, where he scored the opening goal and his younger brother Ikechukwu was also on target in a 2-0 win in Keshi’s second game in charge of the team.