The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Osaze

  • Osaze, Lukaku commend coach

    Osaze, Lukaku commend coach

    Out-of-favour Super Eagle Peter Osaze Odemwingie and his West Brom team mate Romelu Lukaku have heaped praises on head coach Steve Clarke for his visionary efforts in building a strong team that can now challenge for continental competitions.

    WBA are playing as a side well-tuned to their style throughout with energetic forwards Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie offering mobility along the front line. Right from the outset Odemwingie said he was impressed with Clarke’s outlook, emboldened by the Scot’s drive to look upwards in the league rather than prioritise mere survival.

    “When I heard his ambitions for the season it was pleasing. He worked under big-name coaches so we knew he couldn’t be affected by those big-name coaches who want to win things. He said the goal was to build on our organisation and to almost double the number of passes that we make in every game. That was one of the targets. That helps you recover faster and create more chances,” Osaze stated.

    Romelu Lukaku, a 19-year-old loanee from Chelsea who has been a superb addition to the side providing a daunting and powerful focal point for their attack is also feeling the benefits of working under Clarke.

    “I have a head coach who wanted me from the beginning of the season and I have a great rapport with him. He’s not scared to put me on the bench even if I played well in the game before.

    “It’s really good to have a head coach that is challenging me mentally and I like that because great players can always respond to that and hopefully I can be a great player in the future,” Lukaku added.

  • Yobo slams Osaze’s Twitter rants

    Yobo slams Osaze’s Twitter rants

    Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, has slammed West Bromwich striker Osaze Odemwingie for being disrespectful, saying he must grow up.

    Odemwingie has on Twitter indirectly put down Yobo when he accused recent Eagles captains of looking out only for themselves.

    He added that the team lacks a “true leader. “

    Yobo will now have his say in the biggest drama in the Nigerian camp leading up to next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa

    “Osaze has been reckless, disrespectful to most people. He’s not a kid, he should grow up because we cannot continue to baby sit him,” MTNFootball.com quoted Yobo as saying on Brila FM Radio on Friday.

    “This is not the first time he has been disrespectful. He is fighting all the coaches and at the (2010) World Cup he also disrespected me. He could be saying the right thing but he is going about it the wrong way.

    “He is not the (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo of Nigeria.

    “He should look himself in the mirror,” he added.

    The Fenerbache star also gave credit to coach Stephen Keshi for the provisional squad he picked for the AFCON, while admitting that he was surprised Obafemi Martins, Osaze, Taye Taiwo and Kalu Uche were not considered.

    “I will give him credit for the squad. He will score 95 per cent even though one or two should have been there. I’m sure he would have had some sleepless nights in selecting his team. Kalu Uche, Martins, Taye and Osaze not being there was a surprise but the coach must have his reasons and he cannot call everybody,” he argued.

    Yobo also admitted that at 32 this is most likely his last AFCON.

    “I think I have to admit it that this may be my last Nations Cup. We have to allow younger players to get their chance,” said the central defender, who has featured in five Nations Cups.

     

  • NFF denies Osaze’s life ban

    NFF denies Osaze’s life ban

    • Maigari doesn’t think the Eagles star erred
    •Says, ‘We won’t stop Keshi from inviting him’

    president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied moves allegedly made by the body to impose a life ban on Super Eagles enfant terrible Osaze Odemwingie on his Twitter acount last Sunday.

    Disclosing this exclusively to SportingLife on telephone on Wednesday, Maigari revealed that Osaze was just expressing his fundermental human rights of expressing himself, adding that; “What he wrote was on his personal Twitter acount. He didn’t address it to the NFF or the Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi. As far as we are concerned it is just a media sensation. Until he addresses those rants to us (NFF and Keshi) would we consider it as an offence.

    “It shows that he is hurt. Who won’t be? Do you know what it means to wear the Nigerian jersey at the Africa Cup of Nations? Don’t you know that is the biggest platform for football in Africa? He will soon calm down and change for the better.

    “If Keshi considers Osaze good enough for subsequent assignments, we will not stop Keshi from inviting him. We want to parade our best players at any given time for big competitions. Keshi has been given the free hand to pick his players. We won’t interfere with his selection process,” Maigari said.

  • Keshi: Osaze’s outburst doesn’t bother me

    Keshi: Osaze’s outburst doesn’t bother me

    I can still play for nigeria says baggy star

    NIGERIA coach Stephen Keshi says there is “nothing personal” about his decision to leave Peter Odemwingie out of his Africa Cup of Nations squad.

    The West Brom striker reacted angrily to being omitted from the provisional 32-man squad announced on Saturday.

    Odemwingie last played for the Super Eagles in February’s goalless draw with Rwanda in a Cup of Nations qualifier.

    In angry outburst on Twitter, the 31-year-old claimed he was dropped because he often speaks his mind.

    But Keshi told the BBC World Service on Monday that he is not bothered by Odemwingie’s reaction.

    “I don’t even have a Facebook or Twitter account so it doesn’t bother me at all,” said the former Nigeria international.

    “Nigeria is blessed with a lot of good players and we cannot invite every player”

    “There’s nothing personal about this stuff. Odemwingie is a very good player but right now I don’t need him.

    “He’s a professional and he should be able to accept that.

    “Nigeria is blessed with a lot of good players and we cannot invite every player.

    “We’re not in a war with anybody; we’re just trying to do our job.”

    Odemwingie, who played at the 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 Nations Cups, had accused Keshi of disrespect by not informing him personally of his decision.

    “Every manager has got his own plans and tactics – if I don’t figure in your plans, please be honest to tell me directly.

    “For 10 years I gave my all to the country as a player on the pitch, played for the nation and fans, not individuals.

    Odemwingie, who was born in Uzbekistan where his Nigerian father was based, said that he was a marked man in Keshi and the federation’s eyes because he was too blunt in what he said about the state of Nigerian football.

    “Because I speak out when things are not right, I guess some people are not just comfortable with that openness.”

    But he added that he will not completely shut the door on his international career.

    “If the chance to play for my country presents itself, then I will speak to my dad and those close to me – then we’ll see.”

    The Super Eagles begin their Cup of Nations campaign against Burkina Faso on 21 January and before facing Zambia and Ethiopia in Group C.

     

  • Adepoju backs Osaze, Martins snub

    Adepoju backs Osaze, Martins snub

     EX-NIGERIA international Mutiu Adepoju said he is in full support of Stephen Keshi’s list for the upcoming African Nations Cup in South Africa.

    Keshi on Friday released a list of 17 foreign-based professionals to add up to the 23 home-based colleagues ahead of the team’s second phase of camping billed to commence in Faro Portugal on December 27 and with a host of high-profile players like Peter Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Taye Taiwo not listed by the coach, the 1994 Nations Cup winning member said the coach’s list can’t be faulted.

    “He knows what he wants and he must have reasons for inviting those that are on the list and those that are not included. There will always be issue on the list but I know he means well for the team and Nigeria and he can’t be faulted for what he has done.”

    Adepoju said the list of players in the team are potential winners of the competition urging Nigerians to show support for the coach.

    “The list consists a mixture of experienced and ambitious players and with good preparations and support they will make Nigeria proud at the Nations Cup,” he said.

  • POOR ATTITUDE COST OSAZE, TAYE TAIWO EAGLES’ SHIRTS

    POOR ATTITUDE COST OSAZE, TAYE TAIWO EAGLES’ SHIRTS

    •Keshi insists on discipline

    POOR ATTITUDE cost top stars Osaze Odemwingie and Taye Taiwo a chance to fight for a place on the Eagles squad to the 2013 AFCON.

    MTNFootball.com specially learnt that Keshi defended his decision to drop Osaze and Taye Taiwo by citing the players’ attitude with particular reference to the Nations Cup qualifier in February in Rwanda.

    West Brom star striker Odemwingie was pulled off because he was below par, while Taiwo also posted a stinker as the Eagles posted a lacklustre goalless draw in Kigali.

    Both players took exception to being hauled off the pitch and Odemwingie, for one, admitted this in a recent radio interview.

    “Osaze confronted Keshi and told him that it was an insult for him to be so substituted as a senior player,” an official informed MTNFootball.com

    “We all know that Osaze is a big mouth and his attitude under various other national team coaches has not been exemplary. Osaze has stood up to Eagles coaches, from Eguavoen to Lagerback and Siasia.

    “Taiwo also threw caution to the wind after a very poor game in Kigali with a tirade aimed at the coaches and the entire team.”

    Keshi, it was learnt, has forgiven both players after they showed remorse leading up to the AFCON, but he has insisted he would prefer to be in South Africa without them.

    ‘The Big Boss’ wants to be in full charge of his dressing room at all times. Ukraine-based Taiwo begged for a second chance in his phone conversion with Keshi and lately he tried to put more pressure on the coach by taking his case to the people’s court via the media.

  • Osaze dares NFF

    Osaze dares NFF

    •May delay arrival date

    West Bromwich Albion striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie is poised to dare cheiftians of the Nigeria Football federation (NFF) by delaying his arrival in Nigeria’s pre-AFCON camp in Faro, Portugal. This development is bound to incur NFF’s wrath.

    According to Saturday’s edition of Express & Star, the wife of the Super Eagles’ forward, Sarah is expected to give birth to their first child in a fortnight. And Odemwingie, 31, has hinted that the arrival of their first child could force changes to his travel plans to team up with the Nigerian squad ahead of the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    He also informed that he might hold talks with the Nigerian selectors over the latest development.

    “I hope it won’t affect my involvement. You can’t predict what will happen but I hope for a scenario where it will be easy. The due date is about 10 days before the African Cup of Nations. Babies can be late, or early, but in this case I pray it’s earlier so everything will go smoothly. The preparation period (for the tournament) is usually about 10-14 days. Sometimes the home-based players start earlier. That will be discussed soon,” said the former Lokomotiv Moscow man.

    Odemwingie further revealed that he is always ready to work with current Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi. He is also looking forward to playing a key role at next year’s AFCON though he feels “bad” he will miss a handful of West Brom’s matches.

    “I will be playing (at the AFCON). There is no problem with the coach. I couldn’t make the last game for personal reasons. I am in his plans, we have spoken well and, as far as I’m concerned, I will be called up,” said the former Bendel Insurance striker.

    “It’s bad I will miss games for Albion because I am full of desire, we’ve had a good start and I want that to continue. But I’ve had to leave before when I played in France and Belgium. Steve Clarke has given me his blessing.

    “When we were due to play in Miami for a mid-week game (against Venezuela) and I came to the training ground he said ‘what are you doing here?’ He likes to encourage us to play (for our national teams). He thinks it makes us better. I have his blessing, which is a good thing. I’m confident Albion have a good squad to cope with this. We have options when myself and Youssouf (Mulumbu) are gone.”

    Odemwingie made his AFCON debut in 2004 and has gone on to appear more than 50 times for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

  • CHILD BIRTH OSAZE MAY DELAY AFCON TRIP

    CHILD BIRTH OSAZE MAY DELAY AFCON TRIP

    WEST BROMWICH Albion striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie could put on hold his arrival to Nigeria’s pre-African Cup of Nations (AFCON) camp in Faro, Portugal.

    According to Saturday’s edition of Express & Star, the wife of the Super Eagles’ forward, Sarah is expected to give birth to their first child in a fortnight.

    And Osaze, 31, has hinted that the arrival of their first child could force changes in his traveling plans to team up with the Nigerian squad ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    “I hope it won’t affect my involvement. You can’t predict what will happen but I hope for a scenario where it will be easy.

    “The due date is about 10 days before the African Cup of Nations. Babies can be late, or early, but in this case I pray it’s earlier so everything will go smoothly.

    “The preparation period (for the tournament) is usually about 10-14 days. Sometimes the home-based players start earlier. That will be discussed soon,” said the former Lokomotiv Moscow man.

    Osaze further revealed that he is always ready to work with current Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi.

    He is also looking forward to playing a key role at next year’s AFCON though feels “bad” he will miss a handful of West Brom’s matches.

    “I will be playing (at the Afcon). There is no problem with the coach. I couldn’t make the last game for personal reasons. I am in his plans, we have spoken well and, as far as I’m concerned, I will be called up,” said the former Bendel Insurance striker.

    “It’s bad I will miss games for Albion because I am full of desire, we’ve had a good start and I want that to continue. But I’ve had to leave before when I played in France and Belgium. Steve Clarke has given me his blessing. When we were due to play in Miami for a midweek game (against Venezuela) and I came to the training ground he said ‘what are you doing here?’

    “He likes to encourage us to play (for our national teams). He thinks it makes us better. I have his blessing, which is a good thing. I’m confident Albion have a good squad to cope with this. We have options when myself and Youssouf (Mulumbu) are gone.”

    Osaze made his AFCON debut in 2004 and has gone on to appear more than 50 times for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

  • KESHI CONFIRMS I’ll invite Osaze

    KESHI CONFIRMS I’ll invite Osaze

    • Says Eagles star plays well for Baggies

    Super Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi has confirmed that Osaze Odewingie would be invited for the build up to the 2013 Africa Nations Cup holding in South Africa.

    The Big Boss, who spoke from the United States of America where he is holidaying with his family, said that time for experimentation had gone, and his emphasis is now on how to build the team to excel in South Africa. “I have seen enough players for now, I think my major concern now is to start working on the players that I have now, to ensure that they jell very well before the Nations Cup. I will invite Osaze, he has been part of the familly and he is doing well in his club, so we would invite him to be part of it. But, remember, we have said it times without number, that every player would have to justify his inclusion in the team”.

    He further confirmed that he would arrive in the country on Saturday 8th December.

  • ‘OSAZE, MARTINS, AMEOBI TOO OLD FOR EAGLES’

    ‘OSAZE, MARTINS, AMEOBI TOO OLD FOR EAGLES’

    FORMER Super Eagles forward, Jonathan Akpoborie believes the trio of Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi have no business in the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) bound squad.

    The 44 years-old ex-Wolfsburg striker took to the social network on Monday condemning the Stephen Keshi-led technical crew overextending invitation of the trio citing age grounds.

    “I don’t understand why they have to bring back Osaze or Martins even Ameobi. The World Cup is 2014 and these people are over 30 years, I mean while we have younger players for all these positions. Hmmm I don’t understand o.”

    Osaze last played for Nigeria in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda on February 29 in Kigali, Rwanda while Martins returned to the national team in last month’s international friendly against Venezuela, with Ameobi also handed his debut, however Akpoborie has cautioned against the crave for some foreign-based players at the expense of the home-based counterpart.

    “I really want to trust people when they talk. When Keshi came, he said he wanted to rebuild a home based dependent Eagles, yes or no? Then I said that would not be possible, because of the quality and development of players at home.

    “All of a sudden, we are looking at players abroad, and trying to bring in our old stars. Have no problem with that. But, I believe, it will be better to give the young ones the exposure they crave to serve us in the long haul… Please everybody should read and understand what I am talking before responding. The inexperience we are all talking about could be a thing of the past if we expose them now with this opportunity,” Akpoborie posted on his facebook wall.

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles will battle Burkina Faso, Zambia’s Chipolopolo and Ethiopia in the group stage of the 2013 AFCON from January 20, 2013.