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Tag: Osaze Odemwingie

  • Isaac Promise was indeed a gentleman-Osaze Odemwingie

     

    Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has described late Isaac Promise as a real gentleman and a committed player.

    He regretted that former Olympic Eagles captain passed on in his prime adding that it was a case of “another sportsman gone too soon”.

    The former Lille and Lokomotiv Moscow ace prayed fervently for the families of the former Trabzonspor who until his death was plying his trade with United Soccer League expansion side Austin Bold.

    Late Olympic Eagles captain Isaac Promise

    He nonetheless took consolation that Promise came, saw and made his nation proud while he was alive.

    “Another sportsman gone too soon. Really sad to hear about the passing of my former teammate Isaac Promise.. You were a gentleman my brother. My deepest condolences to your family. You made your country proud. RIP” Submitted Odemwingie.

    Recall that both late Isaac Promise and Osaze Odemwingie were part of Nigeria’s 23-man Olympic squad that claimed Silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Also included in that squad among others was current Super Eagles goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Victor Anichebe and former Celtic ace Efe Ambrose.

  • Odemwingie for Copa del Cure Leukaemia tournament

     

    Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie is one of the star players to feature in this year’s edition of Copa Del Cure Leukaemia, an annual six side championship billed for St Georges Park  on October 22.

    Organisers expressed a delight getting the Nigerian on board while looking forward to a fun filled event that will surpass the 2018 edition. Taking to the social media the organisers said “Not so long ago this guy would have been preparing for a new season with @WBA Delighted to say that @Odemwingie P is our latest star signing for the @CopaDelC at @St Georges Park in October. Let the games begin!”

    Activities of the event are not only aimed at giving teeming former  footballers an opportunity to play again but also to raise funds to help leukaemia victims. Former Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers number one goalkeeper Carl Ikeme who was diagnosed of the disease in the summer of 2017 is among former players that have benefited from the activities of the outfit.

    The inaugural Copa Del CL according to organisers proved a fantastic success as football fans and former players joined forces for a tournament at St George’s Park to raise money for Cure Leukaemia.

    The six-a-side tournament at the magnificent England training base proved hugely competitive, but also plenty of fun, as 16 teams battled it out for the coveted trophy.

    Odwmwigie who last played for Indonesian side Madura United and announced his retirement on 3rd April 2019 remains a die-hard follower and supporter of the Super Eagles, volunteering regular opinion during tournaments like the last world cup in Russia and the recently ended Nations cup in Egypt where the Eagles finished in the third place.

    The Nigeria Olympic team ace and former Stoke City forward made over 63 appearances for the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2014 scoring 10 goals.

     

     

    Read Also: Aftermath of shock defeat: Odemwingie demands improved Eagles

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy arrives Nigeria on Thursday

    The FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy is expected to arrive Nigeria on a tour on Thursday, Demola Olajire, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communication said on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Olajire said in a statement: “The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is already agog in anticipation of the arrival of the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy, which is expected on Nigerian soil on Thursday.

    “The Women’s World Cup trophy’s stop-over is coming 13 months after the FIFA World Cup trophy (for men) also made a stop-over in Nigeria ahead of last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.”

    He said the World football governing body, FIFA, had informed the NFF that former Nigeria international striker, Osaze Odemwingie, would arrive in the country on Wednesday.

    Odemwingie is one of the FIFA Legends for this year’s World Cup finals in France.

    “Three other FIFA officials are due in the country hours later.

    “Nicole Fisch (lead for women’s football project), Sarai Bareman (chief women’s football officer) and Vanessa Marques (lead for marketing project) are the FIFA officials expected on Wednesday,’’ Olajire said.

    Read Also: Qatar, FIFA to decide on 48-team world cup in March

    The NFF director of communication said that Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong, would receive the team on Thursday.

    He said the FIFA team alongside ministry and NFF officials would move to Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, for the display of the trophy.

    “At the Transcorp Hilton, there will be a video documentary on the evolution of women football in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    According to him, Acting President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi, the Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode, some other NFF and sports ministry officials are expected at the venue.

    “Some players of the Super Falcons, who returned from a two-match tour of Spain on Tuesday afternoon, will be there.

    “Pupils from two schools within the Abuja metropolis as well as media representatives and other stakeholders will also be part of the event,’’ Olajire added.

    The best 24 women national teams in the world will battle for the cup in nine cities in France between June 7 and July.

    NAN

  • Osaze Happy with 2018 World Cup role

     

    Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie says he truly enjoyed the just ended World cup in Russia despite Nigeria’s unimpressive outing. The former Stoke striker, whose 37th birthday coincided with the World cup final between Croatia and eventual winners France on July 15, had earlier described both teams as worthy finalists.

    Odemwingie who was among ex-internationals that had one opportunity or the other to run analysis on the world cup matches believes that the month long event that put Russia in the front burner  lived up to expectations.

    The Madura United of Indonesia forward ensured that there was no dull moment for his teeming fans as he updated them regularly on his activities on social media all through the world cup including his live analysis with local and international media.

    The former Lokomotiv Moscow ace captured it all including meeting with former Chelsea great and Ivorian international Didier Drogba.

    Odemwingie who last played for the Super Eagles in 2014, made 63 appearances for the national team with 10 goals to his credit.

    He joined Indonesian side Madura United on 3rd April 2017 and has since made over 22 appearances for the Liga 1 side scoring 15 goals.

    Other former Nigeria internationals that got world cup analysis roles and made good show of it include former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha who was recently offered a coaching job by his former club Bolton Wanderers; and former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia

    Nigeria’s outing in Russia 2018 many say failed very much below par.

    The Coach Gernot Rohr tutored side had hit Russia capturing the headlines across the globe after showcasing what was dubbed the most impressive jersey of the tournament.

    Performance on the pitch however failed to measure up to the popularity level set by the jersey bug.  The team won only a match against Iceland losing both to Croatia and Argentina thus failing to make it to the round of 16 achieved in the 2014 edition in Brazil.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Odemwingie returns to West Brom for Richard Eades

     

    Former super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie will re-appear in West Brom jersey on Sunday as he partakes in a charity match in honour of late long time staff and Baggies mascot Richard Eades.

    Eades who died suddenly just before boxing day last year was much loved by management, staff and fans of  West Brom and his sudden demise at 42 shocked many. Odemwingie is among former players participating in the Charity match billed for Sunday The Grove, Halesowen in his honour.

    The Nigerian international who is apparently looking forward to the event urged friends from far and near to joining in honouring a jolly good fellow.

    “Join us this Sunday. Remember a good friend we lost and good times we had as we support the family off Eadesy. #24 WBA” he dished out on his twitter handle Friday.

    Odemwingie who currently plays for Indonesian club Madura United, has signed up for an Albion Legends XI for the which  April 29 tie.

    He had earlier revealed that he is looking forward to donning the Blue and white stripes of the Baggies once more.

    “I’m looking forward to putting on the blue and white stripes in the charity game in memory of Eadesy.“I hope I will see many of you there.”

    Andy Johnson, Kevin Donovan, Darren Moore, Sean Gregan and Geoff Horsfield are among the other former Baggies favourites set to feature in the match.

    Odemwingie scored 31 goals during a three-year stay with the Baggies between 2010 and 2013, though his time at the club turned sour when a proposed move to QPR spectacularly collapsed on transfer deadline day.

    The charity day kicks off with a nine-a-side tournament at 11am before mascots from all over the country descend for a special comedy match.

    The showpiece event sees Boing FC, the Albion supporters’ team which Eades was involved with for over 10 years; take on the Albion Legends XI at around 4.30pm with tickets put at £8 adults and £5 respectively

    Richard Eades put in 30 years’ service at the Club as a 14-year-old – working as a member of the ground staff and then coaching staff. But he will be most fondly remembered for his role as mascot ‘Albi’, donning the famous costume since 2007.He left behind two children Lily-Mae, 8, and Archie, 3.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Odemwingie condoles with Kemerovo fire victims

     

    Nigerian international and Madura United forward Osaze Odemwingie has condoled with families of the fire disaster in the Russian city of Kemerovo.

    The former Stoke and West Brom ace, took to the social media to express his heart felt pity for the victims of the inferno describing the incident as very sad and regrettable.

    Odemwingie who was born in Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union to a Nigerian father (Peter Odemwingie Sr.) and a Russian mother (Raisa), both of whom were medical students, grew up in Russia and is very fluent in the language dispatched  his message in Russian.

    “My deepest condolences to all those who suffered from the fire in Kemerovo, especially the parents of all the children who died. I have no words. Very sad, “he said

    The former Bendel Insurance ace, who made over 63 appearances for the Super Eagles joined the Indonesian club side in April 2017 and has so far made over 22 appearances for the side scoring 15 goals.

    Odemingie was however absent in the club’s last tie Monday against visiting Barto Pureta but compatriot Greg Nwokolo was on target as Madura United recorded a 3-1 victory.

    At least 64 people died in the Kemerovo blaze on Sunday, 41 of them children. Relatives say dozens of people are still missing. Wednesday was declared a day of national mourning, and vigil was held across Russia.

    Thousands of people protested in Kemerovo on Tuesday amid anger over alleged safety failings at the Winter Cherry mall, where the fire broke out.

    Investigators say the fire alarm was broken and exits blocked, and President Vladimir Putin who visited Kemerovo on blamed “criminal negligence” for the blaze.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Odemwingie tilting towards golf, congratulates Eagles

    Odemwingie tilting towards golf, congratulates Eagles

     

     

    Strong indications abound that former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie may ultimately settle for golf as retirement game of passion.

    The Madura United of Indonesia striker has in recent times been dishing out more tweets on his exploits on the golf course with strong feeling of satisfaction.

    Odemwingie who joined the Indonesian side in April this year has so far made about 18 appearances for the club with 18 goals to show for his effort.  Madura are currently at the 5th place on Indonesian Liga 1 log with 59 points in 30 matches and a billed to host table toppers Bhayangkara on Monday.

    Odemwingie however has been spending spare time on the golf course sharping his skills, competing and generally catching his fun. In a post Saturday the former Nigerian international asked after a shot on the course; whose finish is better? Mine or the Indonesian guys?

    His engagement on the course and even on the pitch for Madura united did not however stop the former Stoke City forward from making time to congratulate Super Eagles over their recent qualification for the World Cup in Russia.

    An elated Odemwingie had this for the team “Congratulations ??! Well done Super Eagles ? for securing a place in the World Cup #Russia2018”

    Also in the mind of the 36 year old is heartfelt condolence for Indonesian goalkeeper Choirul Huda who died few days ago after on the pitch collision with a teammate. “Unbelievable. I am deeply saddened. My condolences to his family. Choirul Huda, RIP brother,” said Odemwingie

  • Indonesian League: Osaze Odemwingie scores in debut

    Indonesian League: Osaze Odemwingie scores in debut

    Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie scored in debut for his Indonesian club, Madura United as they beat Bali United Pusam 2-0 to open the new season on Sunday.

    Bayu Sanggiawan had given Madura the lead in the 32nd minute, before Odemwingie, who came in as a substitute, scored in the 74th minute to seal the win.

    Odemwingie joined the Indonesian side from England lower division club Rotherham United as a free agent on 3 April.

    During his time in the England, Odemwingie played for West Brom, Stoke, Cardiff and Bristol City (loan).

    He also played for Lille in French Ligue 1, La Louviere in the Belgian first division and in the Russian top flight with Lokomotiv Moscow.

    Odemwingie had a rough patch since suffering a serious injury two seasons ago while at English Premier League side Stoke City. He had a loan spell at Championship side Bristol City but failed to regain the form that made him a feared force in the English Premier League.

    He is now part of the big name players plying their trade in Indonesia with former Ghana, Chelsea and Real Madrid ace Mikel Essien.

    Madura temporarily stay atop the league table.

     

     

  • Osaze settles for Indonesian club Madura Utd

    Osaze settles for Indonesian club Madura Utd

     

     

     

    Super Eagles ace and Former Premier stoke City forward , Osaze Odemwingie, has reached agreement  with East Java’s Madura United to play in Indonesia’s top tier Liga 1, which will kick off in April.

    The 35-year-old Nigerian winger will be tested first in a few exhibition matches next week in Cilacap, Central Java and Yogyakarta.

    The preseason matches and a medical test on March 30 will determine whether Odemwingie is fit for the team.

    “The agreement with the player is 99 percent complete as we’ve agreed on the pre-contract conditions,” Madura United team manager, Haruna Soemitro, said via the club’s social media accounts.

    “Odemwingie’s quality conforms to the team’s current needs, yet we need to see his performance during the preseason matches in Cilacap and Yogyakarta next week,” Soemitro added.

    Odemwingie had his peak performance in 2010-13 when he played for West Bromwich Albion and he scored 31 goals in 90 appearances.

    The winger player, who according to transfermarkt.com is worth $537,675, was released by Rotherham United in January.

    Before joining Rotherham in October last year, he was loaned out by his former club, Stoke City, to Bristol City, where he scored just two goals in seven appearances.

    The possibility of Odemwingie joining Madura adds the heat to Indonesia’s football transfer market, especially after Persib Bandung made a surprise move by signing ex-Chelsea star, Michael Essien, this week.

    The Indonesian Football Association, or PSSI, recently announced that the 18 clubs of the Liga 1 have the right to sign only one foreign player, who must be a marquee one — who had played in the FIFA World Cup or for the European top flight leagues.

  • Odemwingie not ruling out China move

    Odemwingie not ruling out China move

     

     

     

    Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie is not ruling out the possibility of joining the league of Eagles in China.  The former Stoke City forward who turned down an option to renew short term contract with Championship side Rotherham United last month, revealed there had been offers from China in the past which he had ignored then because of the need to play top flight football in Europe and also stand a chance of playing in the National team.

    The Chinese Super League according to him is becoming strong as more experienced and even younger players are being signed on to beef it up , hinting that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to head towards that direction should a good offer come knocking at the doors.

    Odemingie whose superlative performance alongside former Super Eagles captain Jay Jay Okocha in the 4-0 demolition of Bafana Bafana in the Tunisia 2004 Nations Cup has not been lost on Nigerians, expressed optimism that he will get back to action on or before the next transfer window.

    “You don’t limit yourself, in the past I had offers from Qatar and China but had to ignore them because I needed to remain in top flight, but right now I have done virtually everything I need to do here and I have no problems traveling, interestingly I have a wife who also does not mind traveling and so we see how it goes in coming months and next transfer window,” said the former Lokomotiv Moscow ace who made 75 appearances for the Russian side scoring 21 goals in the bargain.

    Nigerian players who have joined the Chinese Super league in the last one year include Obafemi Martins who plays for Shanghai Shenhua, Anthony Ujah (Liaoning Whowin), John Obi Mikel  Tianjin Teda) and Odion Ighalo ( Changchun Yatai)