The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • Samuel Kalu relieved as mother regains freedom

     

    Super Eagles and Bordeaux of France Winger Samuel Kalu can now concentrate on national team assignment after his kidnapped mother Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu was released Tuesday according to Abia State Police command.  Madam Kalu according to the Police was released close to midnight of Monday.

    The Punch quoted Abia state Police spokesman Godfrey Ogbona, as confirming the release in a chat with AFP.

    “She was released around midnight (2300 GMT) of Monday and she has been reunited with her people,” he said.

    “Circumstances surrounding her release have not been disclosed to me for now.

    “But we are still investigating the incident in a bid towards ensuring that those who carried out the act are arrested and brought to book.”

    Samule Kalu who broke into the senior national team in October last year, shortly after joining French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux from Belgian outfit Gent made the 23-man list released by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr on Monday ahead of the

    AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and friendly match against Egypt respectively. The Kidnap of his mother reportedly shocked the coach who joined in prayers for her release.

    With the cheery news of her release the 21 year old can sing Hosanna in the Highest and concentrate on training ahead of Eagles double header.

    It will be recalled that Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel who is missing in the 23-man list dished out by Rohr, equally had the same experience during the World cup in Russia when his father Pa Michael Obi was kidnapped from his Jos home with the kidnappers asking for and zooming away with N10million before releasing him.

  • Rohr 23: No Seychelles challenge for Mikel, Iheanacho

     

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has decided there is no need to stress team captain John Obi Mikel over the forth coming AFCON qualifier against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt respectively.

    Rohr who is looking to parade a formidable team at the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt released a 23-man team for the two matches on Monday leaving out the Super Eagles captain who only recently joined Championship side Middlesbrough after quitting Chinese super league side Tiajin Teda. 

    The decision is not unconnected with the need to allow the former Chelsea star stablise in his new club where he has already made an instant impact.

    Also left out of the squad is embattled Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.  The former Manchester City ace has been struggling to maintain a regular place at the King Power Stadium, starting most of the times from the bench.  Teammate Wilfred Ndidi who has been enjoying regular playing slot at Leicester however made the squad.

    Ndidi it will be recalled missed the last qualifier against South Africa following a caution card.

    The tie against Seychelles is a mere shape up match with Eagles already qualified for the Nations Cup.  In the first leg played in September last year in Seychelles, Eagles recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory with Odion Ighalo, Chidozie Awaziem and Ahmed Musa on target.

    Samuel Kalu who made Rohr’s 23-man team will however need to ginger his spirit at a time when efforts are still being made to rescue his mother Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu from Kidnappers den.

    His case is like a replay of the experience Mikel had during the World cup in Russia when he had to endure the pain of his father’s kidnap to play

    Nigeria’s match while efforts eventually yielded fruits as security agents rescued his father.

    Here is a list of players invited for the Seychelles and Pharaohs ties billed for  22nd and 26th March respectively

    Goalkeepers:

    Ikechukwu Ezenwa

    Daniel Akpeyi

    Francis Uzoho

    Defenders:

    William Ekong

    Leon Balogun

    keneth Omeruo

    Olaoluwa Aina

    Chidozie Awaziem

    Abdullahi Shehu

    jamilu Collins

    Valentine Ozornwafor

    Midfielders:

    John Ogu

    Wilfred Ndidi

    Oghenekaro Etebo

    Semi Ajayi

    Forwards:

    Ahmed Musa

    Odion Ighalo

    Moses Simon

    Alex Iwobi

    Victo Osimhen

    Paul Onujachu

    Henry Onyekuru

    Samuel Kalu

  • Balogun still nursing injury

    With less than three weeks to the Super Eagles first competitive match of 2019, the availability of Brighton & Hove defender Leon Balogun for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier cannot be ascertained.

    Brighton & Hove manager Chris Hughton confirmed on Thursday that the Nigeria international will definitely miss the Premier League meeting against Huddersfield.

    Balogun has not been included in the Seagulls matchday 18 since February 6 due to a shoulder injury.

    Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the visit of The Terriers, Hughton said: ”Pascal Gross will miss the game this weekend. He felt his hamstring, the good news is it’s not as bad as we first thought, but the game comes too soon.

    “Leon Balogun will also still miss out.”

    Balogun, 30, has made only two appearances in all competitions from a possible eleven in 2019.

  • AFCON 2019: Eagles may play in a military zone

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria may use the Cairo International Stadium, a military prone venue on the outskirts of city, and the controversial Port Said Stadium for their group matches at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

    This indication emerges as the host country; Egypt has confirmed the two stadium among the six venues across five cities for this year’s Nations Cup.

    The Cairo Military Academy Stadium is located has a total capacity of 28,500. It was one of six stadiums used in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, held in Egypt.

    Seven miles up the road from Cairo International Stadium, heading for Cairo International Airport, there is the Academy Stadium at the far end of Orouba Street in the north-eastern Heliopolis district of Cairo.

    It was built in 1989 for the use of military teams and students at the military academy. The ground accommodated home games of Al Ahly and Zamalek during the refurbishing of the Cairo International Stadium and occasionally still serves to stage matches of the old foes.

    The stadium has a small roof extension serving as a cover for the main stand. On demand, during matches rent-a-crowd military cadets serve as ground-fillers in addition to the sparse paying spectators for football matches.

    Read Also: CAF names Egypt host of 2019 AFCON

    The venues for the new-look 24-team tournament were decided by the Egypt Football Association (EFA), who have also named Alexandria, Ismailia and Suez.

    “We had initially proposed eight sites for the tournament but after an inspection by a Caf [Confederation of African Football] delegation, we chose only six,” EFA spokesman Ahmed Megahed said.

    The Cairo International Stadium has remained largely unused since the Arab Spring and the subsequent restriction on attendance at football in Egypt.

    But the iconic Cairo venue, which can hold up to 75 000 spectators and generate an intimidating atmosphere, is due to make a return, having been the site of three previous Nations Cup finals in 1974, 1986 and 2006 and numerous African Champions League deciders.

    The Port Said Stadium achieved infamy in 2012 when more than 70 people died in Egypt’s worst sporting disaster after rioting at a league game between hosts Al Masry and Al Ahly.

    The stadium was renovated after the disaster and Al Masry were only allowed to return there last year.

    The Air Force Stadium in Cairo replaces Al Salam Stadium, which had been originally proposed but is being used to host matches of two Cairo clubs – Ahly and El Entag Al Harby.

    With the local league only due to finish in the weeks before the Nations Cup kicks off on 21 June, there will be no time to spruce up that stadium for the tournament, Megahed explained.

    “It was decided then to replace it with the Air Force Stadium, which is also called the June 30 Stadium,” he said.

    The Alexandria Stadium and Ismailia Stadium both return as venues after also serving in 2006. The Suez Sports Stadium has a capacity of 27 000.

    The organisers are yet to give details about which venue will host the semi-finals and final. Those are expected to be finalised before the 12 April draw in Cairo.

    The Confederation of African Football chose Egypt in early January to take over as host of the 2019 finals from Cameroon.

    2019 Africa Cup of Nations Stadiums:

    Cairo International Stadium

    Air Force Stadium

    Port Said Stadium

    Ismailia Stadium

    Suez Sport Stadium

    Alexandria Stadium

  • John Ogu cautions: Beware of social media braggers!

     

    Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has advised whoever cares to listen and indeed the youths in particular to take information on social media with a pinch of salt as all that glitters is not gold.

    The Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel midfielder noted that many people claim to be what they are not adding that wisdom comes to play if anyone is to avoid going astray.

    Apparently irked by social media braggers, the former Académica ace, who was recently handed partial custody of his daughter Ivanna in an ongoing divorce suit with his wife Veronica, simply concluded by urging everyone to be wise.

    “Only on Social media everyone forms, I DONT CARE .Many are actually not what you see them form or brag about on Social Media. BE WISE!!!,” he cautioned

    He also appeared to be addressing the avalanche of advice that comes rolling in like tornadoes whenever there is a crack in relationships. “Many will form Motivational advisers on Social Media but in reality they are worse” he noted

    Ogu who joined Hapoel Be’er Sheva in 2014 has so far made over 140 appearances for the side scoring 13 goals. The 30 year old that was part of the Super Eagles squad to the last World cup in Russia, will be hoping to be part of action when Eagles reconvene ahead of the last AFCON qualifier against Seychelles in March.

    Hapoel Be’er Sheva are 7th on the 14-team Isreali league with 29 points in 22 matches.

  • Shola Ameobi proffers solution to Arsenal’s poor run 

     

    Former Super Eagles forward Shola Ameobi is not likely to turn down any coaching opportunity if it comes his way.

    Indicators to this effect emerged Wednesday when the former Newcastle legend identified what he believes is responsible for the dwindling fortune of Arsenal, submitting that playing Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Centre-forward will help the Gunners halt their recent poor form.

    Ameobi who last played for league two side Notts County, stopped short of telling current Arsenal coach Unai Emery how to go about his job, opined that operating from the wings is not the best for Aubameyang.

    The 37 year old believes the best can only come from the former Borussia Dortmund if he is drafted as centre-forward.

    “It’s gonna be very hard for Aubameyang because he’s a number nine,” Ameobi said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast

    “He wants to be on the end like Aguero and when he’s pushed to the side, pushed to the wing, I don’t think he’s as comfortable out there as maybe [Alexandre] Lacazette.

    “So it’s very hard for Arsenal to maintain any type of pressure when you’re playing a certain number nine out on the wing.”

    The Gunners have lost three of their last five games, including Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium which saw them drop off the top-five spot.

    The Gabon international has failed to make significant impact from the wings this season under manager Unai Emery, scoring three of his 18 goals from the position.

    Both Aubameyang and Nigerian international Alex Iwobi who was scored low in the loss to Manchester city, will hope to get their side back to winning ways when they travel to the John Smith’s Stadium to take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

    Ameobi who made Super Eagles 23-man squad to the 2014 World cup in Brazil a total of 10 appearances for the national team, scoring twice in friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Italy respectively

  • Peterside Idah begs youths over Rivers state elections

    Barely 12 days to what has been dubbed mother of all elections in Nigeria, former Super Eagles goalkeeper turned pastor, Peterside Idah has taken the case of Rivers state in particular to God, reminding youths in the state that no political party is worth their blood.

    An apparently worried Idah took to his twitter handle on Monday to pour out his mind on one hand and express his fears on the other ahead of the elections billed for February 16 and March 2nd respectively.

    “Oh God help our state rivers state. the elections are back on and the gates of blood has just be opened again. I beg and ask the youth no political party deserves your blood. I beg you “he pleaded.

    Idah who is pastor of South African based Christ Ambassadors Church, retired from active football in 2002 and has since been engaged by Supersports as part of its team of analysts. Idah who recently welcomed a baby after 10 years of marriage it will be recalled came very hard on Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr after the team posted unimpressive run a the World Cup in Russia. 

    He particularly condemned Rohr’s emphasis on his team being the youngest insisting that teams and coaches go to the world cup to prove themselves and be counted and not give excuses.

    Rohr has since overcome the disappointment of the world cup and has earned a ticket to the 2019 AFCON in Egypt with a game to spare against Seychelles in March.

    Some say the German tactician who recently ruled out retirement in his plans for now, will need to make a statement at the Nations cup especially after Nigeria missed two editions in a roll.

  • Season of harvest for Super Eagles and company!

     

    After a 2018 that went pass producing what some described as below par performance and manageable result for Super Eagles and their female compatriots Super Falcons, things appear to be looking up this year with just one month gone.

    While the Eagles recorded a potpourri posting a poor run at the World cup in Russia but clinching ticket for AFCON 2019 in style, the Falcons clinched their 9th AWCON title in Ghana and a world cup ticket in France as icing on the cake. 

    In spite of that the consensus remains that the quality of the Thomas Dennerby tutored team needs improvement.

    Both Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr and his Super Falcons counterpart Dennerby hope and expect that their players wherever they are should be busy playing regularly in readiness for the challenges ahead.

    Some players shortly after the world cup were bench warmers in their clubs and the coaches were hoping for a change of fortune.  Luckily things are looking up with players sealing new deals, an indication that the much needed playing time is perhaps guaranteed. 

    Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel after parting ways with Chinese Super league side Tianjin Teda successfully joined English Championship side Middlesbrough.  Victor Moses who was sidelined at the Stamford Bridge recently moved over to Turkish side Fenerbahce and even became an instant hit netting his first goal for the side after playing for just 26 minutes, an indication that he is probably set

    to explode for the side, after describing the club as “huge one with incredible fans and amazing history”

    Prior to that Ahmed Musa who was impressive in Russia despite Eagles poor run had a near rough ride before the World cup at Leicester City initially headed back to former club CSKA Moscow on a short stay and subsequently joined Saudi Arabian league side August 4th 2018 on a reported £14.5 million deal.  He has since grabbed five goals in nine appearances for the club.

    In the ladies department free style ace Rashindat Ajibade sealed a two year deal with Norwegian side Avaldsnes Idrettslag, just before the Falcons clinched the title in Ghana and only few days back three time African Women footballer of the year Assisat Oshoala whose performance at AWCON 2018 was considered below her best on a good day sealed a loan move from her Chinese Super league side Dalian Quanjian F.C to Spain where she pitched tent with Barcelona ladies.

    This for female football lovers is considered a good move that will further improve her game considering that Barcelona at all levels have proved to be a super force in the round leather game and playing for any of their teams is considered a big plus.

    There is no doubt that Rohr and Dennerby are happy with the gradually turn of events for some of their players especially as they face two major tournaments this year in which they are expected to do well. Rohr even if he has not been given a must win mandate for Egypt 2019, is expected to do very well as Nigeria is seen to be a big player at the Nations Cup and cannot afford to be at the fringes after missing out in two editions. 

    Dennerby on his part is lucky to have clinched the usual AWCON title for which some say has become the birth right of Super Falcons, but he is expected to make a mark at the world cup in France and the only way he can achieve that is by taking the team beyond the quarterfinals, achieved 20 years ago in the United States.

    France 2019 will be the team’s 8th appearance at the world stage and six of those appearances had ended at the group stage.

    So when players move whether on permanent deal of temporary as we have witnessed recently, but have the opportunity of playing regularly, the coaches might regard it as a good omen or better still Season of harvest!

  • Rohr leaves Eagles’ door open for Moses’ return, but

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr on Wednesday said that the door of the team was still open for the team’s ace winger, Victor Moses, but he must show commitment and fight for shirt.

    Rohr made the comment on the sidelines of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 4 between MFM FC and Rangers International FC of Enugu.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles gaffer was on the stands to watch out of outstanding players among the NPFL players.

    On Moses comeback to the team after announcing his premature retirement after the World Cup in Russia, Rohr said he appreciated Moses quality as a winger.

    “Victor Moses is a player with lots of quality but stopped playing for the National team after the World Cup. We have to respect his decision not to play again.

    “if he wants to come back to the team, it is okay but he must show a lots of motivation, he must show that he is fit to play for the team because we have other players playing well in his position now.

    “Moses has to be strong to come back to the team because we have more options on the wings now like Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa. All these players are on his wings.

    “Victor Moses comeback is a good news for us,” he said.

    Rohr said that he would present the fittest team in the last match of the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt.

    “We will invite the fittest players for the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt. The best of them will play the Match.

    “With the level at which some of the players are now in their different clubs, I believe they should turn that form to the national team.

    “For the local based players the ones that are good among them will surely be invited to the team. I regret that the league had a long break after the last season which affected the fitness of the players.

    “But now that the league is on, myself and my assistants are here to watch out for the outstanding ones that can make the team,” he said.

  • REVEALED! Sodje brothers jailed for siphoning charity money

     

    Former Super Eagles defender Efetobore Sodje and his brothers Stephen and Bright, have been jailed for siphoning tens of thousands of pounds from a charity set up to help poor African children.

    Efe, 46, fellow footballer Stephen Sodje, 43, and ex-rugby player Bright Sodje, 52, were condemned by a judge for bringing “shame on their family” as they were convicted of milking their own fundraising campaign, the Sodje Sports Foundation (SSF).

    The brothers’ convictions in 2017 can only now be reported at the conclusion of a separate money laundering case involving the former Nigeria and Reading defender Sam Sodje, 39, who was cleared.

    Efe – a journeyman defender with Crewe, Huddersfield and Bury – and his two brothers set up the charity in 2009 to help provide sporting facilities to youngsters in Nigeria, but the brothers are believed to have milked much of the cash raised at black tie dinners, auctions, charity football matches and a clay pigeon shoot.

    Ashley Carson, a businessman and director of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, and one of the city’s MPs, Clive Betts, were recruited to give the charity respectability, but when they asked for bank statements and financial reports, they were fobbed off.

    Once the pair resigned as trustees and directors in 2013, “the amount of money being transferred to the Sodje family increased dramatically”, prosecutor Julian Christopher QC told the Old Bailey.

    The SSF held a charity football match at Sheffield Wednesday’s grounds in 2009, and arranged a fundraising dinner at Charlton Football Club in September 2010.

    In 2011, there was a gala dinner at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester for the SSF and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital – a charity supported by England women’s football coach Phil Neville. Efe handed out Easter eggs – provided by the hospital – to child cancer patients, while five Sodje brothers attended a £150-a-head black tie dinner. The event raised almost £11,500, but Mr Christopher said: “Not a penny went to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.”

    Judge Michael Topolski QC told the defendants: “You have brought shame upon yourselves and your family.”

    Stephen, of Bexley, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. The judge said he lied repeatedly to the jury and was a “self-regarding and arrogant man with a strong sense of self-entitlement”. Father-of-one, Efe, who was “the face” of the charity, was given 18 months in jail, having received around £7,500 plus an unknown amount of cash from the clay pigeon shoot. Bright, of Sale, Greater Manchester, was jailed for 21 months for his part in “milking the charity”.