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Tag: Super Eagles

  • Things you need to know about Ukraine vs Nigeria friendly

    The Coaches:

    Both Gernot Rohr who will be leading the Super Eagles and Andriy Shevchenko who will be leading his country men were both former players.

    While Rohr was a former defender who played for four different clubs including Bayern Munich and French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, his counterpart Andriy Shevchenko was a former striker who equally played for four different clubs including AC Milan and Chelsea.

    Coaching Experience:

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr

    While Rohr’s resume indicate that he has managed seven different clubs and four national teams the current being the Super Eagles, Shevchenko started as National team assistant coach in 2016 and later confirmed as national team coach and has been on the saddle now for three years.

    FIFA Ranking:

    As at July 2019, Ukraine are 25th on the log with 1513 points while Nigeria occupy the 33rd Position with 1481 points.

    Highest world cup record:

    Ukraine best outing was in 2006 in Germany where the Yellow and Blue made it to the Quarterfinals before crashing out following 3-0 defeat by The Azures of Italy.

    Nigeria’s best outings were three time round of 16 finishes in USA 94, France 98 and Brazil 2014.

    Head to Head:

    Ukraine coach Shevchenko

    Tuesday’s tie will be the first meeting of both countries at the senior level. In their last six matches Ukraine won four and drew two against Portugal and Turkeywhile Nigeria won four against Tunisia, South Africa, Cameroon and Guinea all at the last Nations cup in Egypt but losing to Madagascar and Algeria respectively.

    What to expect:  Opportunity for new players in the Eagles’ fold to showcase their skills. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielders Joe Aribo, and Anderson Esiti and striker Josh Maja.

    Nigeria’s Squad:

    Goalkeeper: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye.

    Defenders: Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Brian Idowu, Jamiliu Collins.

    Midfielders: Joe Aribo, Anderson Esiti, Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi.

    Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Josh Maja, Paul Onuachu, Dennis Bonaventure, Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon.

  • Ekong, Etebo lead Eagles to Dnipro

    Italy –based defender William Ekong and England –based midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo are expected to lead Super Eagles to Dnipro, Ukraine today, ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly match with the host country’s senior team.

    It is the first outing for the three –time African champions since they finished third at the first – ever 24-team Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt, this year.

    Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa; defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins, as well as midfielders Alex Iwobi and Etebo and forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu were in Egypt.

    But there would be excitement about a rash of new faces alongside a couple of returnees. Defenders Bryan Idowu and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho are back after being overlooked for the Africa Cup.

     

    Read Also: Intl friendly: Super Eagles to depart for Kyiv September 6

    Germany-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Joseph Aribo of Scottish club Glasgow Rangers and forwards Joshua Maja (France) and Emmanuel Dennis (Belgium) are hitting the camp for the first time.

    Saudi Arabia-based Captain Ahmed Musa pulled out of the trip on Thursday night as a result of injury that has failed to heal as quickly as he expected, adding to the earlier forced withdrawals of defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Tyronne Ebuehi, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Henry Onyekuru.

    The Dnipro Arena is a 31,000 –capacity facility that was opened on September 2008.

    Ukraine is rated number 25 on the FIFA ranking while Nigeria is 33rd.

  • Ukraine friendly: Ekong, Etebo lead Super Eagles to Dnipro

    Italy–based defender William Ekong and England-based midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo are expected to lead the delegation of Super Eagles’ players into Dnipro for Saturday’s friendly against Ukraine.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles are expected to take on the host country’s senior team on Tuesday in an international friendly match.

    It is the first outing for the three-time African champions since they finished third at the first–ever 24-team Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt from June to July.

    Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins, as well as midfielders Alex Iwobi and Etebo were in Egypt.

    There were also forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu.

    But there would be excitement about a rash of new faces alongside a couple of returnees.

    Defenders Bryan Idowu and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho are back after being overlooked for the Africa Cup.

    Germany–based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Joseph Aribo of Scottish club Glasgow Rangers and forwards Joshua Maja (France) and Emmanuel Dennis (Belgium) are hitting the camp for the first time.

    Saudi Arabia–based team captain Ahmed Musa however pulled out of the trip on Thursday night as a result of injury which has failed to heal as quickly as he expected.

    Read Also: Ronaldo fantastic, Messi better — Etebo

    This has added to the earlier forced withdrawals of defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Tyronne Ebuehi, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Henry Onyekuru.

    The Dnipro Arena, which is home ground to top club FC Dnipro, is a 31,000 capacity facility that was opened in September 2008

    It is situated in the city of Dnipro, the third largest city in Ukraine after the capital city Kyiv and Kharkiv.

    Ukraine is rated number 25 on the FIFA ranking while Nigeria is 33rd.

    FULL LIST OF 22 EAGLES FOR UKRAINE FRIENDLY

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton and Hove Albion, England)

    Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

    Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Anderson Esiti (PAOK Salonica, Greece); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Joseph Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

    Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Joshua Maja (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); and Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge, Belgium).

    NAN

     

  • Why my life ban should be upturned, by Siasia

    FORMER Super Eagles’ Chief Coach Samson Siasia has appealed the life ban slammed on him by world football governing body FIFA.

    Siasia disclosed at a press briefing held at the Media Center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium yesterday that his lawyers filed the appeal to FIFA on August 27, 2019, while the other appeal was sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sports on the 29th of August, 2019.

    Siasia, however, denied involvement in the illegal activities that are contrary to the ethics of football.

    “I wish to state that I have never been and would never be a party to any form of unethical conduct or perversion in the discharge of my duties in any capacity. I built my career in the football industry on the foundation of hard work, integrity, consistency and God.

    “In all my career, I have done nothing but serve my country clubs to the best of my personal and professional ability, with all my strength and might, with discipline, pride and passion and an awareness that it is a privilege to be an ambassador of our great nation. It is my greatest hope and belief that my Country also stands by and with me at a time like this.

    “The entire proceedings and decision were only brought to my notice on the 16th of August, 2019 when the news broke in the public domain and friends and family started to call. I was unaware of the proceedings until I heard about FIFA’s decision.

    Read Also: FIFA bans Samson Siasia, fines ex-Eagles Coach N18.5million

    “While I may not be able to publicly divulge the details and specifics, I think it fit to inform you that I have appealed against FIFA’s Decision and you all will probably hear the results as you hear about the ban. I am currently taking legal advice. My lawyer Mr Austin Otah has been liaising with the NFF and their counsel.

    “I thank everyone who has supported me in one way or the other. I must state that this is the most trying period of my life. I am still dealing with the pain and challenges of my mother being kidnapped again and fighting to secure her release. I urge the nation to support me with prayers, goodwill and support of all kinds. The demands are very heavy”, Siasia disclosed.

    His lawyer Mr Austin Otah also reacted on the appeal. “We have assisted Mr Samson Siasia to file his appeal and we are awaiting FIFA to acknowledge the receipt of the appeal. We are awaiting feedback from FIFA and CAS.

  • Intl friendly: Super Eagles to depart for Kyiv September 6

    Ahead of their September 10 international friendly against Ukraine, the Super Eagles will on September 6th depart Nigeria for the Ukrainian Capital Kyiv.

    Sportinglife.ng however gathered that as at the time of filing this report the international passports of the boys were still with the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.

    The tie between the Eagles and the Yellow and Blue is part of the shape up matches for the Gernot Rohr tutored side towards the next World Cup qualifiers on one hand and the 2021 Nations cup qualifiers on the other.

    Qualifiers for the 2021 Nations cup in Cameroon begin in November.

    The two countries are yet to meet at senior international level and soccer fans of both countries are already talking about and looking forward to the match.

    Only recently Coach Rohr released a 23-man list for the friendly with only a few of the regular missing.

    He however offered opportunity for new invitees like German-born goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who plays for Fortuna Düsseldorf II and midfielder Joe Aribo an opportunity showcase their skills. Kelechi Iheanacho and Semi Ajayi who missed the last Nations cup in Egypt were also handed invitations

    Already former Chelsea striker and now Ukraine national coach Andriy Shevchenko has equally named his 24-man team for the match with Schalke O4 of Germany midfielder, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Junior Moraes leading the pack.

    Full List of 23-man squad for Ukraine friendly;

    They Yellow and Blue of Ukraine set for Eagles

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Benfica, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal);

    William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Brom, England)

    Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Joe Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain);

    Henry Onyekuru (AS Monaco, France); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)

     

     

     

  • Osimhen on rampage scores brace in Lille’s 3-0 victory

    Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was on rampage Wednesday as he netted twice in the Lille’s 3-0 defeat of Saint-Etienne in the France Ligue 1.

    It is the second brace for Wolfsburg ace that joined the ligue 1 side in July this year.

    He had earlier netted a brace in his debut for the club against Nantes in a tie that ended 2-1.

    Osimhen who has been invited by Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr ahead of September’s friendly encounter against Ukraine, first opened scoring for Lille in the 37th minute after enjoying a timely assist from Croatia import Domagoj Bradarić.

    Home boy Jonathan Bamban converted a penalty in the 69th minute before Osimhen increased the tally to three in the 74th minute thanks to Zeki Çelik assist.

    Osimhen fires Lille to victory Wednesday

    Interestingly osimhen did not start the match but came in as early replacement for Loïc Rémy in the 19th minute.

    The Saint-Etienne are 7th on the 20-team log while Lille occupy the 14th position with only three matches played in the new season.

    Osimhen who was part of the Super Eagles squad to the last Nations cup in Egypt it will be recalled replace injured Odion Ighalo in the third place match which Nigeria won by a lone goal.

    Ighalo had shot the team into the lead before pulling out with injury and the team held on to the lead till the end.

  • Ndidi enrolls in University dreams big for young players

     

    Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is looking forward to seeing more Nigerian young players effectively combine football with academics.

    Ndidi who recently enrolled with De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester City to study Business Management said the study will put him in better position to help young Nigerians who are ready to joggle football career with academics.

    The former Genk ace expressed delight at finally getting the opportunity to pursue a management course without affecting his playing career.

    Wilfred Ndidi front roll happy to learn new things

    “I was really happy when DMU staff said I could study here,” he said. “I wanted to do this course because growing up in Nigeria we didn’t really have the opportunity to actually go to school

    “It’s a personal thing for me that I want to do, to expand myself and learn new things,” he said in an interview with the school. The school enrollment according to the 22 year old who has become a must play at the King Power Stadium expressed satisfaction with the cooperation he is getting from the teaching staff of the institution, while noting that his enrollment has given room for  more fruitful use of his spare time.

    “Instead of sitting at home after training I come to DMU for my classes. The teachers have been amazing; they really try and help me understand.

    Ndidi: No stopping the fun on the pitch

    Rather than just reading books they take time to explain things to me and they very well understand my training Schedule,” he enthused

    Leicester City, face Sheffield United away on Saturday. Ndidi who scored a 67th minute goal in the Foxes’ recent 1-1 draw away to Stamford Bridge will be hoping to re-enact the feat when they face Sheffield United at the Bramall Lane.

  • Siasia denies wrongdoing, vows to fight FIFA ban

    Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has expressed shock over his ban by FIFA and accused the world soccer ruling body of dishing out punishment without contacting him.

    The former U-23 coach, in a swift reaction on social media following news of his ban, vowed to fight to clear his name.

    He wondered how a person can be charged and found guilty of an allegation without being heard from.

    He also dismissed claims by FIFA that a letter to that effect has been dispatched to him while re-echoing that he has not done anything wrong.

    “I am shocked with FIFA ban, I was never questioned by FIFA.

    “I don’t know anything about this. I did nothing wrong and I have not received any letter from FIFA,” he said.

    Will samson siasia be heading to CAS over his FIFA ban?

    Siasia, who led Nigeria’s Olympic team to Silver Medal finish in 2016, insisted he was hearing about the allegation and the said decision for the first time.

    There are strong indications that the former Super Eagles star who scored 16 goals in 51 appearances for the national team will appeal the decision.

    Some say the 52 -year- old former Lokeren of Belgium striker may drag FIFA to Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

    The court has recently been inundated by cases involving fIFA and other stakeholders including Presidents of Football federations.

     

     

     

     

  • FIFA bans Samson Siasia, fines ex-Eagles Coach N18.5million

     

    World football ruling body FIFA has banned former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia for life after the ethics committee found him guilty of bribery allegation.

    A release Friday by FIFA confirmed that the former international has also been  asked to pay a fine of CHF 50,000 ($51,000) about N18.5million.

    The former U-23 coach is said to have accepted bribe in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

    The hammer is coming in the midst of emotional torture which the former Nantes striker is undergoing following the kidnap of his mother Madam Ogere Siasia.

    Siasia’s 93 year old Father only recently raised alarm to security authorities even as he made passionate appeal to the kidnappers to release his wife who has been in their custody close to a month now.

    Samson Siasia heading for the bench after dishing out instructions

    The latest development means that Siasia who turned 52 on Wednesday will not only worry about the travails of his mother in the hands of kidnappers but also about the way forward for his football/coaching career.

    The FIFA release Friday read thus;

    “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found   Mr Samson Siasia, a former official of the Nigeria Football Federation, guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

    The formal ethics proceedings against Mr Siasia were initiated on 11 February 2019 and stem from an extensive

    investigation into matches that Mr Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes. This large-scale investigation was conducted by FIFA via its competent departments and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities.

    In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Siasia had breached        art. 11 (Bribery) of the 2009 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics and banned him for life from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level. In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 50,000 has been imposed on Mr Siasia.  The decision was notified to Mr Siasia today, the date on which the ban comes into force”

  • Henry Onyekuru seals €15m  5-year deal with  AS Monaco

     

    Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru finally bid goodbye to dreams of playing for Everton at least for now after he sealed a permanent deal with French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco on Monday.

    Onyekuru signed for English Premier League side Everton in 2017 but never played a match for the Toffees, rather he was immediately sent on loan to Anderlecht and from Anderlecht to Galatasaray on another loan adventure.

    The loan ritual however ended on Monday after Monaco announced it has reached and sealed a permanent deal with the 22 year old Nigerian who recently returned from the Nations cup in Egypt where Nigeria had a third place finish.

    The deal which is put at about €15m (about N6.1billion) will see the former Eupen of Belgium star showcase his skills at the Stade Louis II for the next five years.

    Onyekuru who scored 28 goals in 57 appearances for Eupen between 2015 and 2017, equally scored combined 23 goals for the two clubs he served on loan viz; nine goals for Anderlecht and 14 goals for Galatasaray.

    The new move is providing a new opportunity for Onyekuru who has been tipped to be among the would be finishers for Super Eagles following the departure of Odion Ighalo from the Gernot Rohr tutored team.

    An apparently elated Onyekuru took to the social media to describe the move as new challenge, adding “New league new challenge”

    Onyekuru will be hoping to follow the footsteps of  former international Victor Ikpeba who performed so well for Monaco while he was there that he was nicknamed “Prince of Monaco’.

    Ikpeba made 170 appearances for Monaco scoring 55 goals before moving over to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

    Ironically Onyekuru’s move to Monaco is coming at a time when the club has announced it has parted ways with its Director of Sports and former Nigerian international Michael Emenalo.

    The club confirmed that Emenalo’s departure was by mutual consent.