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Tag: Nwankwo Kanu

  • Nigeria will be ready for World Cup in 2022 – Odegbami

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    Former Nigerian international, Chief Segun Odegbami has advised Nigerians to be humble, and not expect much from the Super Eagles as they go into the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in Russia today.

    The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner gave this advice in Channel Televison’s Sunrise Daily”.

    Odegbami expressed joy in the fact that for the first time, the players have no problems as regards finance, which suggests a possibility of a good outing in Russia. But, he cautioned that it would be too much for Nigerians to expect the Super Eagles to win the World Cup in this edition.

    Odegbami analysed: “They had a good outing, defeating Argentina in a friendly match, and I think that is the best preparation we can have going to the World Cup, because the odds tip them as one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

    “But looking at their recent friendly results can stir up some worries. I think those results should be a wake-up call to the coaches, not to allow what happened against Argentina to dominate their thoughts. They should realise that they are going into the most difficult football competition and should be prepared for it.

    “As we go, I want Nigerians to be humble. We should enjoy the World Cup and show respect to our opponents. Those of us that will be watching on television should enjoy the tournament, and not hope that Nigeria will win the World Cup because we cannot win it. We don’t have the team that can win on July 15, but we can go a bit far at the tournament.”

    Odegbami believed that tagging the Super Eagles as underdogs, even against their first opponents Croatia is a good thing. For him, Nigeria could spring surprises during the tournament.

    “The Super Eagles can sometimes be like Arsenal, who play like potential world champions today and then play like secondary school students tomorrow. That is why I said they cannot win the World Cup because to be champions require consistency,” he said.

    Read Also: Odegbami sends Goodwill Message

    The former national team captain said that the current Super Eagles squad was a team for the future and not the current World Cup. He said the team should be ready to explode in the 2022 World Cup.

    Odegbami explained: “For the first time, we have a team that is playing like a team, but we don’t have any exceptional player in the mould of a Jay-Jay Okocha or Nwankwo Kanu or Muda Lawal, people who can on their own take up responsibility and do exceptional things for the team. The only person that comes close in our current team is Victor Moses.  So we are going to the World Cup with a future team. Thanks to Coach Gernot Rohr, there is much more understanding in this team than our previous Super Eagles.”

    Speaking on the issue of the goalkeepers, Odegbami observed that the Super Eagles do not have problem with the goalkeepers, but with the defence line. “We have a tall and good-statured Francis Uzoho, and we have an energetic Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who is like the Best Ogedengbe of those days, but they depend on the defence line, which is where I think we have problems.  I think we have good goalkeepers that will do well.”

    The FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in Moscow, and Nigeria kick off their campaign two days later against Croatia, in a match Odegbami thinks the Super Eagles will perform poorly “but will pick up against Iceland, and will be in the form of their lives against Argentina. I see Nigeria progressing to the second round.”

  • Top ten African players in FIFA World Cup history

    Even though no African country has exceeded the quarter finals of FIFA World Cup till date, their individual talents right from the inception of this tournament have become spectacular over the years.

    With the FIFA World Cup right beginning June 14th, every African player’s dream is to be named among the best and clinch victory in the long run.

    This dream can only become true if players will sacrifice their best for their country and play as team in the competition.

    More also, the feats of African players in World Cup history in recent times cannot be overemphasized as a result of  their remarkable achievements in the tournament.

    The Nation looking back the history of football, name the top 10 greatest African players in World Cup history.

    However, the selection is based on their individual records and contributions as far as the tournament is concerned.

     

    10. Rabah “Mustapha” Madjer (Algeria)

    Madjer (born 15 December 1958) played for the Algeria national team for 19 years, and was present at the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finals. He retired as the nation’s top goalscorer at 28, in 87 caps, having also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990 as the hosts incidentally beat Nigeria twice, in the opening match 5–1 and the final 1–0.

    9.  Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (Cote d’lvoire)

    Touré (born 13 May 1983) has been a regular member of the Ivory Coast national team since his debut in 2004. In 2014, he was named captain of the team after the retirement of Didier Drogba. In February 2015, he won his 100th international cap in a 0–0 draw with Cameroon. Also, representing the nation at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

    8. Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) 

    Bwalya (born 16 August 1963) popularly known as the Great Kalu, is a Zambian former international footballer. He is Zambia’s eighth-most capped player and third on the list of all-time top goal scorers behind Godfrey Chitalu and Alex Chola. Bwalya was named African Footballer of the Year in 1988 by the magazine France Football and was nominated for the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year where he was voted the 12th-best player in the world, the first to be nominated after playing the entire year for a non-European club.

    7. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

    Kanu (born 1 August 1976) is popularly known by fans as “Papilo”. A member of the Nigerian national team from 1994 to 2010, making his debut in friendly against Sweden. At the start of his career, Kanu was instrumental in Nigeria’s overall success at the 1993 FIFA U-17 tournament in Japan and their subsequent 2–1 victory over Ghana in the final. With five goals, he was second joint-scorer in the tournament with Peter Anosike and Manuel Neira, behind compatriot and Captain Wilson Oruma. On 24 June 2010, Kanu ended his international career following Nigeria’s exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Nigeria lost their group matches against Argentina and Greece, before a 2–2 draw with South Korea ended their stay in the tournament.

    6. Abedi Pele (Ghana)

    Pele (born 5 November 1964) is a Ghanaian former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and who served as captain of the Ghana national team. He is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all-time. He was a captain and was one of the first African football players to earn a top placing in FIFA World Player of the Year voting in 1991 and 1992. He is arguably Africa’s most decorated and honoured football player ever.

    Read Also: World Cup: Super Eagles arrive in Russia

    5. Augustine Azuka Okocha (Nigeria)

    Okocha (born 14 August 1973) also known as “Jay-Jay” made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993.It was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite with the Nigerian supporters. With Nigeria trailing 1–0 against Algeria, in a match they needed to win, he scored from a direct free kick to equalise, before helping the team to a 4–1 win, eventually securing qualification to their first World Cup. In 1994, he was a member of both the victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations squad and the World Cup squad who made it to the second round before they lost in a dramatic match against eventual runners-up Italy. He is best known for his creativity and skillfulness on the field of play

    4. Albert Roger Mooh Miller (Cameroon)

    Milla (born 20 May 1952), commonly known as “Roger Milla” made his first appearance for Cameroon in 1973 versus Zaire in a World Cup qualifier. He was a member of Cameroon’s team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, having a goal disallowed against Peru in their first match. Cameroon went out with three draws from their three first-round games. He returned to the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the 2014 FIFA World Cup when Faryd Mondragón entered in the Colombia vs. Japan game being 43 years and 3 days old, setting a new record. Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against Russia, setting a record as the oldest goal scorer in a World Cup tournament, breaking the record he had set in 1990.

    3. Didier Yves Drogba (Cote d’lvoire)

    Drogba (born 11 March 1978), an Ivory Coast international between 2002 and 2014, captained the national team from 2006 until his retirement from the Ivory Coast team and became the nation’s all-time top goal scorer with 65 goals from 104 appearances. He led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and also scored their first goal. He contributed to the Ivory Coast to qualify for its first ever FIFA World Cup, held in Germany in 2006.

    2. George Tawlon Weah (Liberia)

    Weah (born 1 October 1966), became the first and only African player to be named FIFA World cup player and Ballon d’Or winner in 1995. As successful as he was at club level, Weah was not able to bring over that success to the Liberia national team. In total, Weah played 60 games for Liberia over 20 years, scoring 22 goals. As one of the smaller nations in world football and perennial underdogs, Weah did everything he could to support the national squad: aside from being the team’s star player, he also later coached the squad and even funded his national side to a large extent. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in helping Liberia qualify for a single FIFA World Cup, falling just a point short in qualifying for the 2002 tournament.

    1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    Eto’o (born 10 March 1981), became the first man to be named African Player of the Year for four consecutive times. He made his first World Cup in 1998, being the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the 2008 FIFA World Cup when Victor Manon, being 16 years 15 days, setting a new record. He scored his sole goal of the 2002 FIFA World Cup when he netted the game-winner against Saudi Arabia during the group stage on 6 June 2002, which was Cameroon’s only win of the competition.

  • Making a point with Kanu’s lost but found N4m

     

    It is no longer news that the $11,000 about (N4millon) stolen from former Arsenal and Super Eagles forward Nwankwo Kanu at the Sheremetyevo airport in Russia has been recovered by the police and given back to him.

    The former Portsmouth ace had hit Russia via London to participate in FIFA legends game which took place at the Kaliningrad where Nigeria incidentally will open her quest for glory with a clash against Croatia on June 16.

    The robbery which was reported by the Russia News Agency, TASS revealed Kanu on arrival at his hotel discovered that the money had disappeared from his baggage leading to the involvement of the police, and within a short time the police had taken two luggage handlers into custody confirming later that the money has been recovered and handed back to the two time African Footballer of the Year.  An elated Kanu confirmed that he has indeed received the cash back.

    The swiftness with which the Russian Police handled the issue ensuring that positive result is achieved in less than 48 hours is no doubt worthy of commendation and an indication that the Russian Authorities are indeed set for the World Cup.

    Theft and Robbery according to a recent report by Moscow Times Account for 42% of Crimes in Russia

    There is no denying the fact that light fingered persons abound everywhere and more so at venues when the entire world would be converging.

    The Kanu missing but found cash episode may have sent warning signs to those heading to the world cup to be very careful at the same time it has left no one in doubt that the Russian Authorities are prepared to battle such vices to a standstill if and when it occurs. With CCTV cameras reportedly mounted virtually everywhere it is certain that those who chose to be on the wrong side of the law during period of the World cup will not be having a tea party.

    The lesson to be learnt in this short episode is that a system that works can be trusted to deliver when it matters most.

    Few months ago it was reported that thieves broke into the home of former England captain John Terry while he was away on holiday with his wife.

    He had posted a picture where he was skiing with his wife Toni on holiday on Instagram. The thieves carted away jewelries and other materials worth over £400,000. It didn’t take long before the burglars were caught and jailed. With a system that works those who choose to run foul of the law will ultimately be boxed into a corner by the law!

  • GARETH SOUTHGATE: Why we’re playing Nigeria at Wembley

    England manager, Gareth Southgate, speaks on the forthcoming duel between the Three Lions and Super Eagles at Wembley and his fond love for Nigerian legends, Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Jay Jay Okocha in an interview with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    England manager, Gareth Southgate, has spoken exclusively to The Nation about the choice of the Super Eagles for the prestige pre-FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 friendly against the Three Lions, to be played at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, 2nd June 2018.

    The match will be only the third international match between both countries at senior level since Nigeria and England first clashed in a post -USA’94 World Cup game at the old Wembley Stadium on 16th November 1994. Former England captain David Platt scored the only goal of the game off a late first half header.

    Both teams met again at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan on 12th June 2002 in a keenly-contested goalless encounter that saw the Super Eagles being eliminated at the group stage of the Korea/ Japan 2002 World Cup.

    “We didn’t choose Nigeria (for the June 2 friendly match)  just because we had an African team in our group at the World Cup finals (England are drawn against Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in Group G at Russia 2018),” the 47-year old Southgate told The Nation. “But the truth is that we don’t often have the opportunity of playing teams outside Europe and we thought it was a great opportunity playing against Nigeria.”

    Such has been Southgate’s familiarity with Nigerian football and her footballers after watching some of the country’s best exports to the English Premier League (EPL) over the years.

    He offered: “I was in the squad when we played them (Nigeria) in 2002 and there have been a lot of Nigerian players that have been successful in the Premier League. Like (Nwankwo) Kanu and (Austin) Jay Jay Okocha; both of them really made a great impact in our league and they are my favourite Nigerian players.”

    Southgate is one of the few relatively young managers heading  to Russia 2018 World Cup  but he  reckons the wisdom of coaching  at the international level has nothing to do with ‘the age of Methuselah,’ insisting all that is required  for such a high profile job as England manager is resilience.

    “I’ve gone through the baptism that I could go through and you must be resilient to be involved in the game for 37 years as a player and manager,” said the England manager who starred for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in a career spanning almost two decades.

    A holder of the UEFA Pro Licence, Southgate has been in coaching since 2006 from Middlesbrough to the England U-21, to the Three Lions. He had a rough and tumble period at Middlesbrough where he was eased out in 2009. He was in-charge of the England Under-21 team and qualified the lads for the European Under-21 Championship in 2015 – where they were knocked out in the group stages after finishing last in their group. Southgate was put in temporary charge of the senior England team in 2016 when Sam Allardyce resigned after one game due to a ‘transfer bung’ scandal.

    After some impressive results including a 2–0 win against Malta, goalless draw with Slovenia; 3-0 thrashing of  Scotland 3–0 and a  2-2 draw against Spain; he was appointed substantive England manager on a four-year contract on 30 November 2016.

    “I have devoted over 30 years to the game; though I’m one of the young managers on the international scene, but all the same I don’t think being 47 years of age is a big thing. It’s not about your age but your experience and resilience,” he noted in the interview with The Nation.

    Meanwhile, Southgate has defended his 23-man England squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup following its announcement during the week.

    On the list were EPL players popular with Nigerian football fans like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, amongst others.

    “I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about,” Southgate said. “We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop.

    “It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.”

    He added: “The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.

    “The first call up for Trent Alexander-Arnold is well deserved. When we pick young players, it’s not just because they are young, it’s because their performances deserve it.”

    The quality of some of these players Southgate says would be well tested come June 2 at Wembley.

    “We know that they (Nigeria) have great fantastic support in England and that would be a  fantastic atmosphere; and a good test for us  ahead of the World Cup finals.”

     

    Your transition from being a footballer to a manager has been so smooth. What premonition did you have about your current job as England manager?

    I don’t think it has been very smooth (general laughter); it has been a very complicated change because you are learning a whole new set of different skills. In terms of being a manager, it has  been interesting by first taking on the  England U-21 team and it’s a great grounding before becoming the manager; because most of the problem you  face (as England manager) are similar to that of the U-21 team. Of course, the profile (of the England national team) is higher; taking up the junior team was a good preparation to be England manager.

    Exactly, 20 years ago you featured for England at France’98. What are your memories of the tournament?

    In general terms it was brilliant. It was a great experience to be involved as a kid because you want to play for your country in the World Cup and I still have the memory of running out for warm up for the first game. But then I got a bit of personal disappointment because I got injured after the first match; having started the first match. After that I didn’t get to start in the team and only came on a substitute against Argentina; but looking back that was an incredible game to be involved in as well. In the end, it was a bit disappointing that we couldn’t go as far as we probably thought we could. We lost to Romania in the group game and that meant it was going to be a difficult route to the final because we had to meet Argentina in the second round stage, which we could have avoided if we hadn’t lost in the group.

    You will be one of the young managers at Russia 2018. How psychologically prepared are you for your World Cup baptism?

    I’ve gone through a lot of baptism that I could go through and to be in the game for37 years as a player and manager, you must be resilient. I have devoted over 30 years to the game; though I’m one of the young managers on the international scene, but all the same I don’t think being 47 years of age is a big thing. It’s not about your age but your experience and resilience.

    Neutrals believe England is in a fairly decent group along with Belgium, Panama and Tunisia, and should easily progress to the second round. What are your thoughts about your Group G rivals?

    Well, in terms of FIFA World Ranking, we have three teams that are ranked third (Belgium); 13th (England) and 14th (Tunisia) and that means it’s actually one of the most difficult groups at this World Cup.  Our first opponent is Tunisia and we shouldn’t look further than that. I’ve been very impressed with their style based on the games I’ve watched them play, and that is a tough opening game for us. We know that Panama has achieved an incredible result by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time; and they have a lot of pride and passion. We also know the quality that Belgium possess after seeing some of their players in our league (English Premier League).  It is not a straight forward Group, but that is what it should be in a World Cup final tournament.

    England will host Nigeria at Wembley Stadium. Why the choice of Nigeria knowing you have a North African, and not a West African side, in your Russia 2018 World Cup Group?

    We didn’t choose Nigeria just because we had an African team in our Group at the World Cup finals. The truth is that we don’t often have the opportunity of playing teams outside Europe. So, we thought it was a great opportunity playing against Nigeria and we know that they (Nigeria) have great fantastic support in England and that would be a fantastic atmosphere. It is a good test for us ahead of the World Cup finals.

    Which Nigerian players have impressed you over the years? What is your impression of the current team going to Russia 2018?

    I was in the squad when we played them in 2002 and there have been a lot of Nigerian players that have been successful in the Premier League.  Like (Nwankwo) Kanu and (Austin) Jay Jay Okocha; both of them really made a great impact in our league and they are my favourite Nigerian players.

    What will be a good tournament for England in Russia against the background that England are world champions at the U20 and U17 levels?

    Obviously, it has been a great 18 months for our junior teams. But that is a long progress for our junior teams because these players are not ready for the World Cup yet. It would be difficult for them to compete for places now because we have an exciting squad of young players in this current England national team. The victories of the junior national teams have given us a lot of enthusiasm but we shall see how far the senior team can go at the World Cup.

    What makes you happy as a person and manager?

    As a manager, winning makes me happy; really seeing the way   and style I want the team plays; being disciplined and seeing that everybody is involved. I enjoy working with all the players. As a person, taking time away from football to be with my family is very important.

    What’s your definition of fashion and what would be your lucky attire in Russia?

    I have no issue about what to put on in Russia. We have a team suit and track suits and I’m pretty comfortable with that, but by and large, everybody has their own style.

    Which player would be the star of Russia 2018? Which country would win the trophy?

    It is always difficult to say which player would be the star of the tournament because we have a lot of stars coming. Certainly, it’s a tournament that is difficult to predict the winner though we know that Brazil and Germany are the huge favourites because of their past record, coupled with the form of their current teams.  There are teams that could cause a lot of problems for everybody and we hope (England) would be one of them.

    What would be your parting message to your family before travelling to Russia 2918 World Cup?

    I want my family to enjoy the World Cup as well; we are going to do the work as best as we can. Everybody has to embrace the World Cup and the spectacle that it is; and I hope my family can embrace that as well.

  • Wenger Quit Notice: He is leaving a big shoe -Kanu

     

    Nigeria international Nwankwo  Kanu says Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger will be leaving a big shoe that will be difficult to fill.

    Kanu who played for the Gunners from 1999 to 2004 making 119 appearances with 37 goals to his credit, recalled with nostalgia that his emirates sojourn marked the best period of his career. He particularly recalled being a member of the invisibles which also included Frenchman Thierry Henry when Arsenal were a torn on the flesh of many clubs and were difficult to beat, with their free flowing pattern of play that won them a lot of fans across the globe.

    ‘Big shoes for anyone to fill, playing for Arsenal under Arsene was one of the best period of my career, 2 premiership, 2

    FA cups, The invincibles, playing with some of the best assembled players,influencing millions of fans in Africa to support this great club,” he said

    One thing which Kanu who was in 2008 voted 13th in the “Gunners Greatest 50 players will not forget in a hurry was how the club stood by him when in his period of challenge when diagnosis of heart defect threatened his career.  The Former Africa footballer of the year many say remains one of the reasons while Arsenal boasts of so many fans in Africa, many of who remained loyal even after kanu left for West Brom in 2004 and then to Portsmouth in 2006.

    Wenger a former midfielder started his coaching career with Nancy a second division French side in 1984, moved on to Monaco, then Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight before finally pitching tent with Arsenal that turned to be home away from home for the 68 year old.

  • 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.

  • Greensprings Kanu Football Camp is a milestone for LSFA – Akinwunmi

    The chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Seyi Akinwunmi believes the annual Greensprings Kanu Football Camp has been a milestone for the state as it has helped to mould many players.

    Akinwunmi, a passionate supporter of the camp applauded the management of Greensprings School in their efforts to complement the FA in development of sports at grassroots level.

    “The annual Greensprings Kanu Football Camp has been a milestone for us at LSFA and we are very grateful to the management of the school for keeping faith with the clinic. Some of our products have benefitted from the camp with two of them now graduates of the school and we are hoping that more will come through. We will continue to partner with the school by providing our technical support to the camp and also sponsor some students to be part of the camp again this year. We are also hopeful that the Lagos State Sports Commission will also assist some students to be part of the camp this year,” Akinwunmi said.

    As part of the train-the-trainers programme this year, coaches from LSFA will have a one-day session on April 7, with the foreign coaches to update their knowledge on latest hacks in the world of football.

    Coaches from England and Netherlands are expected to take charge of the camp and they will be assisted by their Nigerian counterparts during the five-day camping exercise holding at the Lekki campus of Greensprings School, Lagos.

    Former captain of Super Eagles, Nwankwo Kanu has also pledged his continued support to the camp.

    Kanu, who has been the ambassador of the camp since its inception in 2012 believes the clinic has helped to unearth talents for the country and would continue to discover and nurture educated footballers for the country.

    Two of the pioneer students of the camp, Musa Alli and Elvis Onyenze; who benefited from the Greensprings scholarship award,  have featured for the Nigerian national U-15 team and Kanu believes this kind of experience would help the youngsters in their career.

    Kanu has promised to be on ground to motivate participants during the camp which holds on April 8 to 13 at the Lekki campus of Greensprings School.

  • Battle of Uyo: Kanu calls for massive support

    Battle of Uyo: Kanu calls for massive support

    .Insists on three points

    Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has urged Nigerians to turn out in large numbers to support the Eagles as they file out against Algeria on Saturday.

    The former Arsenal and Portsmouth ace opined that the Gernot Rohr tutored side has prepared adequately for the Uyo showdown, adding that all that is needed now is for soccer loving Nigerians to play the role of the 12th player.

    The two time African footballer of the year did not bother to predict possible score line of the match which the Algerians have equally dubbed a must win, but declared that only three points will be good enough.

    “”Come on let us all support our dear Eagles against Algeria. 3 points is all we want and our boys are ready and all the need is our support, “he submitted Friday.

    Meanwhile business especially sales of souvenirs has picked up in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital ahead of the tie billed for 5pm on Saturday. A number of soccer fans who spoke to Sportinglife on telephone revealed that  dealers in T-shirts, flags and caps have been making brisk business even as others have taken to betting with predictions ranging from 1-0, 3-2, 3-1 to 3-0 all in favour of Eagles.

  • Federation Cup: Kanu boosts Papilo FC ahead clash against Rivers United

    Ahead of today’s round of 64 tie in this year’s Federation Cup, proprietor of Papilo FC of Owerri, Nwankwo Kanu has boosted the amateur side with special attention to their welfare.

    The giant killing side will have their hands full today when they battle for a place in the last 32 against Nigeria Premier League side, Rivers United in Umuahia, Kanu is placing priority on the welfare and general condition of the team with a N50m reception/launch ceremony.

    According to the organizer of the event, and Chief Executive Officer of All Seasons Hotel, Myke Ikoku the ceremony would be chaired by Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Capital Oil & Gas, on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the Nwankwo Kanu Sports Complex, behind Imo State University, Owerri.

    According to him, “Kanu’s aim of sponsoring this event is to ensure that other budding and talented footballers follow in his successful footsteps as a footballer. He sincerely wants to give back to the people all the glory, honour and rhapsodies that football has been giving him.”

    Ikoku added that the event was expected to attract big shots in the football, business and political fields including serving and former Ministers, National Assembly members, state governors, and the Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalong.

  • Lawyer sues ex- Eagles captain Kanu for N1bn

    Lawyer sues ex- Eagles captain Kanu for N1bn

    A Lagos lawyer, Ayoola Gam-Ikon, has asked a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, to order a former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, to pay him N1billion, over “malicious prosecution” by the police.

    Gam-Ikon, who is also a businessman, in his statement of claim said he was arraigned on March 5, 2013, a 19 -count charge of fraud by the police following a complaint filed by Kanu.

    He, however, claimed that the charges were struck out on July 30, 2015 by a magistrate court, after a legal advice by the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions, who absolved him on the alleged offences.

    Gam-Ikon averred that he was devastated by his arraignment and imprisonment at Ikoyi prison.

    The lawyer said he has been seeking treatment at several hospitals since he was discharged by the court.