The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Russia

  • Doping: Russia has no case to answer says FIFA

     

    FIFA says there is ‘insufficient evidence’ to open anti-doping proceedings against any player in Russia’s World Cup squad after concluding an investigation launched following the exposure of systemic drug use in Russian sport.

    Football’s world governing body on Tuesday announced an end to the investigation which followed the McLaren reports, which found state-sponsored doping in Russian sport, including football.

    The world governing body said: ‘FIFA can today confirm that the investigations concerning all Russian players named for the provisional squad of the FIFA World Cup in Russia have been completed, with the result that insufficient evidence was found to assert an anti-doping rule violation.’

    Lawyer Richard McLaren’s findings were published in December 2016, after a preliminary announcement prior to the Rio Olympics in July 2016.

    The McLaren report concluded over 1,000 athletes across 30 sports benefited from state-sponsored doping between 2012 and 2015, with the deception’s height coming at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

    The implication of 33 unnamed footballers in the McLaren report prompted FIFA to act, prioritising ‘high-level players against whom a suspicion had been raised’, in particular those playing at this summer’s World Cup. FIFA said none of the players investigated can be named under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

    The tournament takes place in Russia next month, with the hosts playing Saudi Arabia in the opening game on June 14 in Moscow.

    Investigations involving ‘several players’ not involved in the World Cup are still ongoing, FIFA said.

    FIFA says it has informed WADA of its conclusions and ‘WADA in turn has agreed with FIFA’s decision to close the cases’.

    The investigation included analysis by scientific and legal experts, reanalysis of stored samples – the returned results were all negative – and testing for tampering of samples. There was no evidence of tampering, FIFA said.

    FIFA also corresponded with Dr Grigory Rodchenkov, the Russian scientist turned whistleblower who exposed the full scale of the scandal, and unannounced target tests were carried out. FIFA said the Russian squad ‘has been one of the most tested teams prior to the FIFA World Cup’.

     

     

  • Amokachi, Eagles and the road to Russia

    History has an uncanny way of vindicating the just. It only takes time. This writer is always unsparing whenever Nigerian coaches handle the Super Eagles, largely because they hardly come clean in the team’s affairs. When they are not picking players on other parameters than current form, they are bullying the younger ones to accept what they couldn’t stomach as players. They create a facade around themselves under the guise of instilling discipline whereas they do worse things, such as engineering players’ revolts when their demands are outstanding.

    It is still a misery how coaches who claimed to be instilling discipline in the players come short when it comes to persuading them to back off from such revolts during big competitions, such as the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. These coaches don’t care about the odium they pour on the country with such disgraceful acts for as long as they achieve their goals. The excuse that the federation’s bosses would misappropriate cash amounts to cheap blackmail. Thankfully, the law of retribution catches up with them – Nigeria has never won any competition smeared with such shows of shame.

    ‘’Conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it.’’ ( Uthman Dan Fodio) This quote rings so true about what transpired in the Super Eagles’ camp in 2014 in the explosive interview which former striker Daniel Amokachi granted AOIFootball.com on the Eagles’ way to the Brazil 2014 World Cup, where Nigeria was eliminated in the second round by France. Of course, the defeat came less than 10 hours after the team and their coaches spent the better part of the night before the match sharing $3.8 million which the Federal Government sent to avert a walkover. The squad threatened to boycott the France game during the revolt in Sao Paulo.

    Ordinarily, I would have ignored the report. But AOIFootball.com is the NFF’s official online platform where those who run the federation talk directly to the players and coaches. It was set up, following allegations by players and officials of being misquoted in the media. So, Amokachi couldn’t have been misquoted by the NFF online platform.

    Besides, KweseSports and Amokachi are like Siamese twins. They would have whispered into Da Bull’s ears about the gravity of his allegations since the other party to the discussion is dead. He would have authorised the publication. It should, therefore, be discussed, taking only the message not the messenger or the accused.

    Going to the World Cup in Brazil, there were tales that suggested a rift among the coaches, with many alleging that one of them forced the players to buy one of his wrist watches as a basis for qualifying to play in the team. It was dismissed as one of the tantrums of the media. But, it was clear that all wasn’t well with the technical crew, considering Amokachi’s pot-shots.

    “Brown, for me, was one player that I regret that we did not take to the World Cup in 2014,” Amokachi told KweséESPN, speaking for the first time on Brown Ideye’s shocking exclusion from the Eagles.

    “Hundred percent I didn’t know how he didn’t make that list. I never saw it coming that he didn’t make the list till when the list came out and we found out. I think I probably had a lot of fights with some people that I shouldn’t have, but it happened because I saw no reason why such a player should be left out. We ended up going to the World Cup with players that even me I don’t even know,” Amokachi revealed.

    “I think it is very tough if a coach is already an agent. It is very, very difficult, and that is why I always say you cannot be a coach and be an agent at the same time.

    “When the World Cup comes around, you always have a lot of new players showing up. Players who will decide that they are Nigerians and bring confusion to the team. When you find yourself in that situation, you try to advise, because you have agents that will be calling left, right and centre. If a coach is an agent, he will fall a victim too. Those are things that we really need to avoid. There is no room to be trying new players,” Amokachi concluded.

    He didn’t mention those responsible for the decision. But what stands out clearly is that the list was done with the coaches’ consent. And it says a lot on why Nigerian coaches cannot be trusted with such sensitive matters. Isn’t this the reason Nigerian coaches’ actions are vetted by chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who carry the can when Nigeria fails while the coaches take all the credits in victory?

    What makes Amokachi’s revelation more disturbing is that the coaches in the 2014 squad were former Nigeria internationals who also made their marks playing for European teams . They were expected to replicate here the settings they found in Europe. They were also seen to have made enough cash to be able to shun foreign scouts, lobbyists and influence peddlers from the corridors of power.

    The KweseESPN report said: ‘’It is a stunning admission by Amokachi, who went on to suggest that outside influences may have played a part in the striker getting cut in favour of players like Michael Uchebo and Uche Nwofor, both of whom had a combined total of six international appearances prior to the World Cup. Four of those combined caps (two each) were in the friendly games just before the squad was named.’’

    Sadly, Amokachi didn’t have the guts to name who picked the squad raising doubts about his intentions in granting such a controversial interview. Why did he not cry out when the list was released? Was he scared that he could be dropped from the team? I don’t think so, given Amokachi’s pedigree in the game and his popularity. Who knows, the team could have gone further than they did in Brazil, four years ago.

    The NFF should always get coaches to work in harmony. The federation should routinely hold talks with the coaches to gauge how they relate with each other. Except there is a synergy among the coaches, the team would totter during matches.

    Amokachi’s poked conscience has compelled him to speak the truth, which is the only way forward. He spoke late but the message wasn’t lost on Eagles manager Gernot Rohr, who rightly dropped Brown Ideye, who has not been a regular in the squad since he took charge.

    Rohr’s 30-man list is a departure from the past where at least four names would have been added to the authorised provisional 35-man list by FIFA, where each country would pick its final 23-man squad. Under Nigerian coaches, a horde of players with many unknown to lovers of the game would have been picked under the guise of giving everyone a chance to prove their mettle. This is where the sharp practices which Amokachi highlighted start.

    Indeed, I’m still pinching myself to find out if Samson Siasia criticised Rohr’s 30-man squad. If he did, he owes those of us who questioned his selections as Eagles chief coach an apology. Siasia scandalised this writer for daring to criticise his list. Siasia spared no word in deriding coaches and ex-internationals who queried his decisions, especially when the country stood behind Vincent Enyeama, asking Siasia to forgive him. He stood his grounds but paid dearly for it when Nigeria drew 2-2 against Guinea in Abuja. We didn’t qualify for that edition’s Africa Cup of Nations. Siasia got the boot.

    Glad to know that Siasia is canvassing the inclusion of Efe Ambrose, four years after his below par outing in Brazil. This is the problem with Nigerian coaches who are eternally committed to players they discovered. Siasia, Junior Ajayi had his time with the Eagles. He appears to be a club player. Besides, he is injury-prone. This is the difference with foreign coaches. they consider factors which our coaches cast an indulgent eye on.

    The fixation of Nigerian coaches has killed many enterprising players who rot away because those manning their positions in the Eagles were discovered by the coach. Products of our successful age-grade teams, especially the Golden Eaglets, have melted from our sights like ice-cream under the scorching sun – no thanks to our local coaches’ fixation.

    Today, Nigeria is heading for the Mundial with its youngest crop of players. This means that we are building for the future, using the World Cup. If we qualify for the second round, we would have equalled our feats in the last five editions in which we participated.

    Nigeria is not alone with her armada of young boys for the Russia 2018 World Cup. England’s 23-man squad isn’t anything different from ours. This means that the two countries will have players ready for the big stage by Qatar 2022. That is the way forward, except that England will see theirs through while Nigeria’s may be destroyed by the diabolical machinations of those fighting to be members of the next NFF board.

  • Russia Names Preliminary Squad for 2018 World Cup

     

     

    Hosts Russia named their preliminary 28-man squad for next month’s World Cup, with head coach Stanislav Cherchesov counting on young players to fill the gaps left by injured footballers.

    Russia are hoping to make it to the knockout stage for the first time in the post-Soviet era. The country hosts the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi.

    There are only three players on the squad who play outside Russia, Brugge goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov, Fenerbahce defender Roman Neustadter and Villarreal forward Denis Cheryshev — and six returning players from Russia’s 2014 World Cup squad.

    Rubin Kazan defender Ruslan Kambolov, investigated by FIFA over alleged doping violations, also made the squad. His lawyers said last month that FIFA had closed the case against him.

    Zenit St Petersburg forward Alexander Kokorin, one of Russia’s top strikers, was not included because he is still recovering from a right knee injury.

    Defenders Viktor Vasin and Georgy Dzhikiya were also ruled out with the same injury.

    Strikers Artem Dzyuba, who had been left out of recent international matches, and uncapped 20-year-old Fyodor Chalov of CSKA Moscow were included. They will join two-time Russian Premier League top scorer Fyodor Smolov of FC Krasnodar and 22-year-old Alexei Miranchuk of Lokomotiv Moscow, the club that clinched its first title in 14 years last week.

    Russia will play friendlies against Austria on May 30 and Turkey on June 5. At the World Cup, they will face Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Egypt in Group A.Preliminary squad and reserve list:

    Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Brugge), Soslan Dzhanaev (Rubin Kazan), Andrei Lunev (Zenit St. Petersburg)

    Defenders: Vladimir Granat, Ruslan Kambolov, Fedor Kudryashov (all Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Neustadter (Fenerbahce), Konstantin Rausch (Dynamo Moscow), Andrei Semenov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow)

    Midfielders: Yuri Gazinsky (Krasnodar), Alexander Golovin, Alan Dzagoev (both CSKA Moscow), Alexander Erokhin, Yuri Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyaev (all Zenit St. Petersburg), Roman Zobnin, Alexander Samedov (both Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk

    (Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Tashaev (Dynamo Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villareal)

    Strikers: Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Alexei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fyodor Smolov (Krasnodar), Fyodor Chalov (CSKA Moscow)

  • Trump’s gambit Iran: World awaits decision on nuclear deal

    “Insane,” “ridiculous,” “worst deal ever” are some of the descriptions used by US President Donald Trump for the Iran nuclear agreement, which he has bitterly opposed since early in his campaign for the White House.

    The world will soon find out whether Trump’s rants about the 2015 deal will produce a concrete shift in US diplomacy, regarding one of the most important foreign policy issues of his presidency.

    Trump officially has until Saturday to decide whether to reintroduce US sanctions on Iran, which among other things could spell an end to the accord.

    But he has said he will announce his decision at 2.00 p.m. ( 1800 GMT ) on Tuesday.

    In January, Trump renewed waivers for US sanctions on Iran but warned that it was the last time he would do so unless several “disastrous flaws” in the agreement were addressed.

    His ultimatum triggered a 120-day period that ends this weekend.

    There is a growing consensus in the United States that his decision will effectively pull the US out of the deal, and that prospect has been accompanied by a range of speculation over what comes next.

    French President, Emmanuel Macron, said he didn’t know what Trump would decide.

    But after several meetings with the president over a three-day state visit recently he said: “My view is that he will get rid of this deal on his own for domestic reasons’’.

    “The president campaigned on getting out of the deal and I think that he’s going to do so,’’ Lieut.-Gen. William G Boykin said on Thursday on Fox News.

    Iranian leaders already have pledged to abandon the deal if the US withdraws.

    But it could remain in the deal with Britain, France and Germany, along with China and Russia, which have expressed their continued support.

    Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has warned that if Trump withdraws, it could risk war.

    Since Trump issued the ultimatum in January, U.S. and European negotiators have met a number of times to address US concerns within and beyond the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ), as the deal is formally known.

    The U.S. side has raised four main issues: Iran’s ballistic missile programme, its involvement in regional conflicts, inspection of Iranian nuclear sites and so-called sunset clauses.

    The sunset clauses, which let some restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme expire, have proved the most difficult of these.

    The U.S. claims that the clauses provide Iran with a pathway to building nuclear weapons over time.

    Trump has pushed the European partners to search for possible compromises.

    Determined to stay in the deal, the bloc has argued that abandoning it would not help address the ballistic weapons issue or Iran’s role in the region.

    “The JCPOA is a non-proliferation agreement.

    “Other issues of concern are addressed separately,’’ a senior EU official said on condition of anonymity.

    “If the deal falls apart, you would not be in any better position to tackle these issues.’’

    Furthermore, the deal is doing what it is supposed to do, by curbing Iran’s nuclear activities, the official noted.

    If the agreement falls apart and there’s no substitute, he said, it would “probably trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.’’

    The dramatic developments on the Korean Peninsula may also influence Trump’s thinking on the nuclear deal.

    Pulling out of the JCPOA could erode the trust he’s tried to build in the effort to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, ahead of a planned meeting with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un; or it could send a strong message to Pyongyang that Trump is prepared to deliver on his threats.

    Domestic politics could likewise have a role to play, as Trump could be thinking about fulfilling a campaign promise ahead of the November mid-term elections to boost his Republican Party’s chances of maintaining its majority in Congress.

    In recent weeks, Trump has manoeuvred aggressively.

    Read Also: U.S. Ambassador to UN disapproves of Trump’s “communication style”

    He has changed his secretary of state, switching the moderate Rex Tillerson for the more hawkish Mike Pompeo, a fierce critic of the Iran deal.

    He has also brought in John Bolton, a foreign policy hawk, as his national security adviser.

    Pompeo met Israeli President, Benjamin Netanyahu, on his first foreign trip after taking office, stressing that if the Iran nuclear deal cannot be fixed, Trump will withdraw.

    The “full array of threats,’’ including Iran’s missile systems and support for militant groups in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen must be addressed as part of a revised agreement, he said.

    Pompeo also said documents that Netanyahu revealed April 30 show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme for years and lied about it.

    “What this means is the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency,’’ Pompeo said.

    NAN

  • I am prepared for Russia – Iwobi

    Super Eagles striker, Alex Iwobi has declared that he is fully prepared for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He strongly believes that he will do well in the mundial.

    Iwobi, whose goal sealed Nigeria’s place in the World Cup, in the 1-0 victory over Zambia on 7th October 2017, told FIFA.Com that he knows what to expect in his first appearance at the biggest football tournament on earth, going by the regular trainings he has received with world-class players.

    “The fact that I have been training with world-class players every day has given me a bit of experience, so I know what to expect in Russia,” Iwobi said. “The intensity I train at with Arsenal is very high, so I’m preparing in a good way.

    Read Also: How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    “It was always my dream as a kid, so I can’t wait to be involved. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and wearing the colours of Nigeria. I feel like I can do well.”

    Speaking on his reactions to the goal that qualified the Super Eagles to the World Cup, Iwobi said he would never have guessed doing something like that early in his career.

    “It is difficult to describe, as the feeling was crazy. I remember looking at the crowd and seeing my parents jumping. I almost cried, it was emotional. I would never have guessed that I would do something like that so early in my career. I had dreams about it, but the fact that my dreams came true – I can’t put into words how I felt.

    “After the game I went to the hotel and my mum and dad were both there. Just seeing them, I almost burst into tears again.”

    Nigeria begins their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia on 16th June, then they book a date against Iceland on 22nd June, four days before their final group match against familiar foes, Argentina whom the Eagles have lost to by a one-goal margin in four previous meetings at the World Cup.

  • World Cup: Russia begins raid of stray animals

     

    Ahead of the world cup set to kick off in 52 days, Russian Authorities have flagged off a raid on stray animals in all the 11 host cities.

    The move is not unconnected with a desire to ensure that the cities are safe for the estimated 3.5 million visitors that will be in Russia for the month long event.

    Stray animals in the past were killed and most times littered. The littering of such dead animals however has often pitched authorities against body against cruelty to animals.

    Russia’s culling of stray animals gained international infamy when photos of their carcasses went viral ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Now, as the country prepares to welcome large numbers of visitors for the FIFA World Cup this summer, activists say the practice is being activated once again.

    A petition addressed to President Vladimir Putin in January urged Russia to “stop the awful practice our country has of killing homeless animals in the run-up to international sporting events.” It has since garnered more than 1.8 million signatures from all over the world.

    In a statement to The Moscow Times, FIFA and Russia’s Local Organizing Committee said they “in no way condone cruel treatment of wild and stray animals.” They added that they were in contact with host cities and expected them to ensure animal welfare.

    Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov who cited the need to “minimize ecological risks” for visitors to the World Cup” however assured that the removal of strays would be carried out “humanely”

    The sports minister and Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko after a recent meeting ordered host cities to set up shelters to house strays while assuring that the killings will stop. Animal right defenders however insist that it will be difficult to stop the killings without legal backing.

  • 2018 FIFA: South Korea to announce squad May 14

    South Korea will unveil their roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on May 14, the country’s football governing body said on Monday in Seoul.

    The Korea Football Association (KFA) said South Korea men’s national football team head coach Shin Tae-yong would announce his roster for the 2018 World Cup at Seoul City Hall.

    For the 2014 FIFA World Cup, South Korea announced their 23-man squad at the National Football Centre in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

    Shin is currently in the final stages of piecing together his squad.

    Last weekend, he was at two K League matches to watch national team players.

    On Saturday, Shin attended the K League 1 match between FC Seoul and Daegu FC.

    He went on to see the K League 2 match between Asan Mugunghwa FC and Seoul E-Land the following day.

    A KFA official said Shin would look closely at the performances of defenders who are with South Korean and Japanese clubs.

    The official added that the 49-year-old coach was scheduled to fly to Japan this weekend to watch the J1 League match between Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka.

    South Korean defender Jeong Seung-hyeon, who has been considered a back-up centre-back for the national team, plays with Sagan Tosu.

    South Korea are scheduled to play two friendly matches at home with the squad to be unveiled on May 14.

    The Taeguk Warriors will face Honduras in Daegu on May 28 and take on Bosnia and Herzegovina three days later in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.

    They will then fly to Austria to play against Bolivia on June 7 and Senegal on June 11 to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup.

    Shin’s side will move to St. Petersburg in Russia, where its World Cup base camp is located, on June 12.

    South Korea are in Group F at the 2018 World Cup with Germany, Sweden and Mexico.

    NAN

  • Neymar vows to work harder to be ready for World Cup

    Injured Brazil striker Neymar has targeted May 17 for a return to training, vowing to work harder than ever to be ready for this year’s World Cup in Russia.

    The Paris St Germain player, who joined the club from Barcelona in August, had an operation on his foot after being injured in a French league game against Olympique de Marseille on Feb. 25.

    He has been receiving treatment in Brazil and said he expects to be training exactly a month before the five-time champions play their World Cup opener against Switzerland on June 17.

    “I get my final exam, if I’m not mistaken on May 17 and then I’ll be free to play,” he told reporters at a news conference in Sao Paulo.

    “I had an exam last week, it is all perfect, evolving well, so I hope that continues so I can get back as soon as possible…

    “I am having treatment every day and from the moment I start training I am going to work harder than I ever worked because this is a dream that’s coming up, it’s a World Cup.

    “I’ve waited four years for this chance, its close and I hope to get there in great shape.”

    Neymar played for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, but missed the catastrophic 7-1 semi-final defeat by Germany through injury.

    Brazil struggled in the two years immediately after their home World Cup, but have since rebounded and go to Russia as joint favourites with bookmakers along with Germany.

    Read Also: Neymar dreams return to Nou Camp

    Neymar, who joined PSG for a fee of 222 million Euros ( $275 million ), said he was apprehensive about kicking a football again after almost three months out.

    “I expect to go ( to the World Cup ) in a better state than before,” he said.

    “Of course, doubts exist and I feel them too sometimes, but that’s normal for a guy who has had the first surgery of his career. It’s very difficult for me not playing and not training.”

    “I have to work even harder, but I am going to have enough time to arrive in form for the World Cup, to prepare.

    “It was horrible getting injured, but I am more rested, that’s the upside. We have to see the positive side of things.”

    After opening their Group E World Cup campaign against Switzerland, Brazil face Costa Rica on June 22 and then Serbia five days later.

    NAN

  • UEFA president ‘worried’ over use of VAR at World Cup

    UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin has expressed concern over the decision to employ the video replay system ( VAR ) at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    He also said the technology still needed more testing before it can be considered for use in the Champions League.

    World football governing body, FIFA voted in March to deploy VAR at the June-July tournament in Russia.

    It was only two weeks after its use was approved by IFAB, the organisation responsible for rule changes in the sport.

    “I have some fear for the World Cup, where we will have referees who have never officiated with the VAR,” Ceferin told Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

    “I hope there are no scandals or problems,”

    Ceferin has already said that VAR would not be used in the Champions League next season.

    “The Champions League is like a Ferrari or a Porsche: you cannot drive it right away, you need training, offline testing. And everyone has to understand how it works,” he said.

    “It’s too early for VAR. That doesn’t mean we will never have it as the process is inevitable… We’ll have it one day in the Champions League but there’s no rush.”

    VAR is already being used in Serie A, the Bundesliga and Portugal’s Primeira Liga this season, among others.

    Read Also: Klopp predicts fiery UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City

    IFAB insists it has reduced refereeing mistakes but critics say there has been confusion in a number of matches.

    Goals have been annulled several minutes after being scored — with the teams waiting to restart — and penalties revoked with the ball on the spot.

    Another criticism is that the spectators are not kept informed of what is happening when a decision is reviewed.

    Ceferin said that VAR would not have made any difference in last week’s Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Juventus, where a soft stoppage-time penalty led to the Spanish side advancing 4-3 on aggregate.

    “What would have changed with VAR? Nothing. There are those who have watched it 20 times, I’ve watched it 50, but for half the people it’s a penalty and for the other half, it isn’t.”

    NAN

  • Musa promises more goals after opening account in Russia

    Super Eagles’ and CSKA Moscow forward, Ahmed Musa has promised to bang in more goals after scoring his first goal in the Russian Premier League since his return to CSKA Moscow, AOIFootball.com reports.

    Musa, who is on loan from former English Premier League champions, Leicester City, secured a point for his club against Sylvester Igbonu’s UFA FC after lashing on a loose ball in the 78th minute, his first for CSKA this season.

    The former VVV Venlo speed demon has however promised to get more goals before the end of the season.

    “It is a good feeling to have scored for my club. I always want to score but you know, if the goals don’t come, you have to keep trying and that is what I will continue to do,” Musa said.

    Since joining on loan in January, Musa has scored twice for CSKA, with the other goal coming against Lyon in the round of 16 of the Europa League.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr has refused to criticize Ahmed Musa, following his conflict with the CSKA Moscow coach Viktor Goncharenko in the 25th round of matches in the Russian Premier League.

    It would be recalled that the Leicester City loanee was not pleased that he was substituted in the 58th minute against Dynamo Moscow and refused to shake hands with the Belarusian manager when he left the pitch.

    Though Rohr has publicly defended Musa, the German should be aware of his disciplinary problems, with the striker threatening to quit the Super Eagles camp after the captain’s armband was handed to Eddy Onazi before the friendly against Senegal in March 2017.

    ”We do not know what happened between Musa and Goncharenko, so we cannot comment on the incident with the handshake,” Rohr told Championat.com’s Daniil Borozdin.

    ”I will only note that Ahmed is a very disciplined player and an important member of the Nigerian national team.

    ”This is one of our most experienced players, the team leader. Never before has he been seen in the negative impact on our team.”

    Musa has scored two goals in eleven starts for CSKA Moscow since his return to the capital outfit in the January transfer window.