The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Raheem Lawal

  • Chibuike thrilled to stop Raheem Lawal

    Chibuike thrilled to stop Raheem Lawal

    Nigerian midfielder John Chibuike was thrilled to score in Gaziantepspor’s 2-1 win over hosts Eskisehispor, who paraded compatriot Raheem Lawal.

    Gaziantepspor are ninth on the league table with 19 points from 15 games, while Eskisehispor are bottom on seven points.

    The former Rosenborg of Sweden player scored the opening goal of the game in the 14th minute for his second goal in the league this season.

    Chibuike said he is excited with his contribution to the victory in the game he described as tough.

    “I feel so good to score a goal in the game against Eskisehirspor, getting the three points was great because that’s the most important thing for us. It was not an easy game, we fought hard to get the three points,” he said.

    He lasted 86 minutes before he gave way to Abdulkadir Kayali, while Gbenga Arokoyo played the full game. Raheem Lawal played the full game for Eskisehirspor.

  • Galatasaray targets Raheem Lawal

    Galatasaray targets Raheem Lawal

    Galatasaray has joined Besiktas in plotting a move for Eskişehirspor midfielder, Raheem Lawal, in the winter transfer market, sl10.ng reports.

    But it appears Galatasaray is in pole position for the Nigeria international’s signature as things stand, having opened a line of communication with his agent.

    The 19-time Super Lig champions regard Lawal, who possesses both defensive and offensive qualities, as the ideal successor to Wesley Sneijder and Felipe Melo.

    Both players are being linked with an exit from the Türk Telekom Arena in the not too distant future despite having contractual obligations until the end of next season.

    There is a possibility that Lawal would join Galatasaray this month if one of the players is sold, a top official of the Istanbul – based club informed his representative.

    The 24-year-old has been consistent for Eskişehirspor in the Super Lig, featuring in 14 matches and scoring two goals.

     

  • Besiktas joins race for Raheem Lawal

    Besiktas joins race for Raheem Lawal

    Turkish League leaders, Besiktas has joined the chase for Super Eagles midfielder, Raheem Lawal, africanFootball.com reports.

    The former Adana Demirspor and Mersin Idmuyurdu player has already had an offer from Sivasspor rejected by Eskisehirspor.

    The former Athletico Beleares midfielder has been in superb form for Eskisehirspor and may soon be lured out of the club, who lost in the Turkish Cup final last year.

    However, a close confidant of Lawal has said the player  may leave his club this winter transfer window.

    “Raheem (Lawal) may not play for Eskisehirspor after this window. Besiktas may be his next destination as the club is interested in him. A top German team has shown interest in him as well,” he told africanFootball.com.

  • Raheem Lawal to ditch Eskisehirspor

    Raheem Lawal to ditch Eskisehirspor

    As his side continues to battle relegation in the Turkish top flight, Super Eagles midfielder Raheem Lawal says he wants a move away in the summer.

    The Eskisehirspor midfielder says he is not comfortable with the poor performances recorded by his club so far this term and may be looking to move if a suitable offer comes in the summer.

    “We are in the relegation zone and things are really bad for us right now but by the grace of God, I am looking for another club because I have been receiving some offers but only God can direct me now,” he told footballlive.ng.

    Eskisehirspor are 15th on the log table, just third from bottom with 12 points from 13 matches played so far this season and if things don’t change in the early stages of the second half of the season, the team could get relegated.

    Lawal has played club football in Spain and Turkey for Atlético Baleares, Adana Demirspor and Mersin Idmanyurdu. Lawal joined Eskisehirspor this year, signing a three-and-a-half year deal. He made his international debut for Nigeria in 2012 and has appeared in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

  • Raheem Lawal We must give everything in Congo

    Raheem Lawal We must give everything in Congo

    Raheem Lawal has told AfricanFootball.com Nigeria have to give everything they have on the artificial pitch in Pointe-Noire on Saturday to stay on course for a place at the 2015 AFCON.

    The Turkey-based midfielder said the match in Congo will go a long way in determining the Eagles quest to defend their title next year. He also spoke on his immediate plans.

    Raheem, you have settled down very well now in Turkey and so what are your personal targets with your club Eskisehirspor this season?

    That is to be a better player and make my team better and stronger than last season.That is if I finished the season with the team.

    That’s a big hint you could quit Eskisehirspor before the end of the season?

    There are interests from bigger teams in Turkey, Ukraine and Germany, but I can’t disclose the clubs now because nothing has been agreed or concluded yet. I may quit Eskisehirspor in January.

    You staged a comeback to the Super Eagles last month in a crucial AFCON 2015 qualifier against Sudan in Abuja and Nigeria won 3-1,how did it feel to be back in the team?

    I am so happy to have helped the team get back on track in our quest to qualify for the Nations Cup and defend our title.

    Eagles are in a must-win situation for the next two AFCON games, do you see the team winning both games to qualify for the Nations Cup?

    I am sure we will qualify for the Nations Cup if we played the remaining two games the way we played against Sudan.

    Many players would rather not play on an artificial pitch, but that is where the Eagles will play in Congo, are you prepared to play on such a pitch?

    I am more than ready to play on any kind of pitch in Congo. We need that match more than anything now and we must be ready to give our best on any kind of pitch to win. Any player given the chance to represent Nigeria on that day must give everything to win the game no matter the conditions.

    Who inspired you most on your return to the Super Eagles?

    God almighty.

    Coach Keshi was removed as Eagles coach, but he has since returned,what do you have to say about that?

    Coach Stephen Keshi is like a father to me, he gave me the chance to represent my country. I am happy to play for my country. This is all I have to say. Nigerians should support the coach and the team.

    You have played against top stars like Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneidjer in Turkey, what did both tell you after the games against them?

    They were both impressed with my performance and told me I should put in more effort to be a bigger star because I have the talent.

    How is your relationship with other Nigerian players in Turkey?

    It is cordial and good.

  • AFCON: Enyeama, Lawal assure on Eagles’ victory

    AFCON: Enyeama, Lawal assure on Eagles’ victory

    Super Eagles stars Vincent Enyeama and Raheem Lawal have restated that the team will defeat Sudan in Saturday’s African Nations Cup qualifier in Khartoum.

    The Sudan and Nigeria tie will kick off at 8pm Sudanese time, which is 6pm Nigerian time, africanFootball.com reports.

    Enyeama, who missed last month’s qualifiers, said the team will cope with the local conditions in Sudan.

    “We are professionals and we should be able to cope with any situation we see in Sudan,” said the Lille shot stopper.

    “We know it would be very hot, but there is nothing we can do about it. We know what is ahead of us and what is expected of us, so we would go there and do our best.”

    Similarly, Turkey-based Lawal has boasted that Sudan cannot stop Nigeria in this crucial AFCON qualifier.

    Lawal, who is making a return to the Eagles, noted: “If South Africa and Congo could beat Sudan, then Nigeria would also beat Sudan.

    “I am very confident that we would pocket six points from these two games. Sudan cannot stop us.”

    The reverse fixture is billed for Wednesday in Abuja with the final rounds of matches fixed for next month.

  • Lawal’s Real Betis move crashes

    Lawal’s Real Betis move crashes

    • May return to Turkey

    Nigeria international Raheem Lawal may return to Turkey to join a Super League team after his move to Real Betis fell through.

    Lawal had on Tuesday told MTNFootball.com he had agreed a-two-and-a-half years deal with the La Liga side Real Betis, but the deal has since fallen through.

    Media reports in Turkey have now said Super league side Eskisehirspor are keen to land the Nigeria international as direct replacement for Senegalese midfielder Afred N’Diaye, who joined Real Betis.

    Lawal, an attacking midfielder who plays with both feet, netted five goals in 15 games in Turkey division 2 for Mersin Idmuryurdu. He quit the club over unpaid wages.

  • Raheem Lawal joins Real Betis

    Raheem Lawal joins Real Betis

    Raheem Lawal has joined Spanish La Liga side Real Betis after he terminated his contract in Turkey.
    The former Adana Demirspor player told MTNFootball.com he has signed a deal with the Spanish team and he is delighted with it.
    “I am in Spain now, I have signed a deal with Real Betis. It is a two-and-a- half year deal that I signed. I am delighted with this and looking forward to playing for my new team in La Liga, Lawal told MTNFootball.com
    He terminated his contract with Mersin Idmuyurdu following unpaid wages.
    Incidentally, Lawal is heading back to Spain after he started out with lowly Spanish Atletico Beleares.
    The midfielder was linked with a move to Konyaspor and Genclirbirligi during this winter transfer.
    .

  • Fans threaten mayhem over Raheem Lawal

    Fans of Mersin Idmuyurdu have threatened to burn down the house of the president of the Turkish club should Raheem Lawal be sold.

    Nigeria international midfielder Lawal is seen as key to the club’s instant return to the Turkish top flight and MTNFootball.com has gathered that fans have threatened drastic action if the midfielder is allowed to go.

    “The transfer talk around Raheem Lawal is like a war now, it is not easy as the fans want him to remain at the team. They threatened to burn the house and properties of the club president if he sanctions the sale of Lawal. In fact, Lawal’s house has been besieged by fans who have trooped in to persuade him to stay with Mersin,” a top source informed MTNFootball.com.

    Kasimpasa and Antalyaspor have tabled bid of 1 million Euros each for the former Adan Demirspor player, while his club value him at around 1.5 million Euros.

    He has two years left on his contract with Mersin Idmuyurdu. Lawal himself has never hidden his intention to play in Super League. The transfer window in Turkey closes today.

  • Freed Raheem Lawal debuts Sunday

    Freed Raheem Lawal debuts Sunday

    Eagles star Raheem Lawal will make his Turkish second division debut for new club Adana Demirspor on Sunday.

    Raheem Lawal told MTNFootball.com that he is excited he will finally get his career back on track with Adana Demirspor after a temporary delay.

    “I am happy that I’m free to play football again. On Sunday, I will play my first game for my new club Adana Demirspor away at Denilspor,” he disclosed.

    “I will do my best to see that we come out victorious at the end of the game.”

    The central midfielder signed a lucrative two-year deal with Adana Demirspor, but his Spanish team Atletico Beleares refused to release him only for him to get a respite from world football governing body FIFA.