The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr inspects Ahmadu Bello Stadium

    *to release list against Seychelles Friday

    Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Wednesday inspected the newly renovated Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna as preparations begin in earnest for the remaining matches of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

    Nigeria play away to Seychelles in Victoria on Matchday 2 of the series on Friday, 7th September and must then entertain Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Nigeria on Matchday 3 in the second week of October.

    The Franco-German tactician checked out the facilities at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in company with NFF’s 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor.

    Officials confirmed to thenff.com that former Germany defender Rohr will on Friday this week release his list of invited players for the away clash with Seychelles.

    After hosting Libya on 10th October, the three –time African champions will play away to the Knights three days later, before flying to South Africa for the return against the Bafana Bafana on 17th November. The last match of the series will see the Eagles hosting Seychelles on 22nd March 2019.

    In the opener to the series in June 2017, the Eagles lost 0-2 to the Bafana Bafana in Uyo.

    The finals of the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations finals are scheduled to be staged in Cameroon next year summer.

    Rohr who bagged a two year contract extension just before the World Cup in Russia Sportinglife.ng gathered is eager to impress in the Nations cup in Cameroon after what some Nigerians have dubbed below average performance in Russia.

    Nigeria is the fourth African country the former Nice of France Manager will be handling, having coached Gabon, Niger and Burkina faso in the past.

  • AFCON qualifiers: Rohr inspects Ahmadu Bello Stadium

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Wednesday inspected the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna as part of preparations for the team’s qualifiers for the 2019 AFCON, an official has said.

    Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said in a statement on Wednesday the inspection was an indication preparations have begun in earnest.

    The senior men’s national football team have five matches remaining in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying series.

    Nigeria play away to Seychelles in Victoria on Match Day 2 on Sept. 7 and then host Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Nigeria on Match Day 3 on Oct. 10.

    “The Technical Adviser checked out the facilities at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in company of NFF’s Second Vice President Shehu Dikko and Super Eagles’ Team Administrator Dayo Achor,’’ Olajire said in the statement.

    Read Also: Rohr to inspect Stephen Keshi Stadium

    He added that the former Germany defender Rohr would on Friday release his list of invited players for the away clash with Seychelles.

    After hosting Libya, the Super Eagles will visit the Knights three days later, before heading to South Africa for the return tie against the Bafana Bafana on Nov. 17.

    The last match of the series will see the three-time African champions hosting Seychelles on March 22.

    The Eagles had, in their opening game of the qualifying series in June 2017, lost 0-2 to the Bafana Bafana in Uyo.

    The finals of the 2019 AFCON, which is the 32nd edition, are scheduled to be staged in Cameroon in June.

  • Eagles drop in FIFA Ranking after dismal World Cup

    Super Eagles dropped from 48th to 49th in the first FIFA Ranking released after the 2018 FIFA World Cup which ended in July.

    The three times African Champion dropped by one place in the FIFA rankings released just before the start of the World Cup and continued in the same trend in the latest ranking released by the World football governing body on Thursday.

    The not too impressive performance of the senior men national team at the Russia Mundial could not be argued as the reason for Eagles nosedive on the ranking.

    The Super Eagles lost their first group game 2-0 to Croatia, and then won their second group game against Iceland 2-0 thanks to heroics from Ahmed Musa.

    In their last group game against Argentina the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-1 to a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina as they could not match their achievements of the 2014 FIFA World Cup where they progressed to the round of 16.

    The Super Eagles could not also win their two friendly matches in the month of July which ended in a 2-1 loss to England and 1-0 loss to the Czech Republic.

    The latest rankings released by FIFA show that the Super Eagles are now 49th in the World and are the seventh on the African continent.

    Gernot Rohrs’ team are behind Tunisia (24), Senegal (24), Congo DR (37),  Ghana (45), Morocco (46), Cameroon (47)

    New World Champions France are at the top of the rankings following their triumph in Russia. They are followed by third place play off winners France, quarter-finalists Brazil, finalist Croatia and Uruguay take the fifth spot.

    England, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and Denmark make up the top ten countries in the World.

  • Mixed reaction greets Victor Moses’ retirement

    Nigeria football community was thrown into confusion as Victor Moses on Wednesday, announced his retirement from the Super Eagles at the age of 27.

    Victor bagged 37 caps with 12 goals in 6 years with the Nigerian senior national team.

    He had his debut game against Ethiopia in 2012 scoring both goals.

    Moses was clear by the football ruling body, FIFA after switching nationality in 2011.

    He was an integral part of the 2013 squad that won the African Cup of Nations, the third for Nigeria, where he played very well in all the matches. He had previously featured for England’s U16, U17, U19 and U21.

    The Chelsea winger’s announcement was greeted with mixed reactions on social media as Nigerian fans received the news.

    @T17i_ tweeted
    Victor you gave your heart for the badge and will go down as the greatest African to ever exist.

    @LawrenceEgun wrote
    Wow!!! Well done Victor…Thanks for the memories. Wishing you the very best Naija baller.

    “@FrancisUgboko4: Dear Victor Moses its better u never played for Nigeria how can u come and break our hearts just like that is not fair.

    @afrocanmusicpro wrote: Best wishes @VictorMoses I am proud of you’ you made us proud… am not ok with you retiring but will let you go.. Good luck mate

    @Adefola16 said:
    We appreciate everything you’ve done but it’s bad for the Nation at this your young age. Anyway you’re entitled to your own wish. I wish you good luck sha!

    @ablegodkelvin simply wrote: WE DO NOT ACCEPT.

    Some had to beg him to reconsider. Like @victordivine1 said: At age 27 Victor Moses y na, no retire abeg @VictorMoses

    @SamieMiles just wrote Victor whyyyy???? Please come back @VictorMoses #Victormoses

    @temitopeomoniyi: .@VictorMoses We receive the news of your resignation from @NGSuperEagles with great shock.
    While we understand your position to create more time for your family & @ChelseaFC, we’d like to appeal to you to consider this decision.
    We love you!
    God Bless Nigeria!
    #Superfans

    Some were seriously angry and didn’t take it lightly.
    @yincabams wrote about his earlier prediction thus, I actually don’t see Nigeria qualify out of that group after yesterday match… And I can bet it, Moses will not heed Nigeria call up for any match after the world cup. This is what I twit during d world cup. I am been justified.

    A furious @alpheusseboane wrote It’s not like he’s 37 years he’s 27 years for godsake But as usual most of this african players are selfish, in fact screw him and he’s focusing on club level idea, I hope he gets benched until his bum gets burned on that bench.

    @naijafoo who claimed to be a Belgian born Nigerian said “I personally don’t care. My own is my club must win a trophy this season moses or no moses”

    @Gauzemiller1 said (edited), ***** this dude juxt choose to play for us because he couldn’t make the english squad. Not even sure he can sing the national anthem. saw him keeping his mouth muted. When others were reciting the national anthem against Croatia. Always thinking he is Messi. (I) use to love u bro.

    Victor Moses has featured in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup. He went on to give reasons for his retirement saying “However I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family as well as allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and flourish.“

  • Chelsea vs Man City: Moses eyes Community Shield title

     

    Super Eagles winger Victor Moses is on the verge of adding Community Shield title to his collections as Chelsea file out against Manchester City at the wembley Stadium on Sunday. Moses has premier league, FA Cup and Europa titles in the kitty and victory at the Wembley on Sunday will be another feather

    The former Wigan Athletic ace who converted a penalty for the Super Eagles at the World cup in Russia is being tipped to lift the Blues even as new coach Maurizio Sarri is hoping to win a title even before his first season at the Stamford Bridge.

    The Italian took over from compatriot Antonio Conte last month after nearly wrestling the Serie A title from Juventus with old club Napoli last season.

    He could become the first Premier League manager since David Moyes in 2013 in the same competition to win a trophy in his first game.

    Sarri said: “First of all I’m looking forward to playing at Wembley, because it’s my first time. The match will be very difficult for us.

    “I want to win, because it’s very important to have a trophy immediately.

    City manager Pep Guardiola is looking forward to starting a new rivalry with Sarri, and says his style will adapt quickly

    to the Premier League – having himself struggled with implementing his own style of play before City cruised to the title last season.

    Chelsea are looking to win the Community Shield for the first time since 2009, when they beat Manchester United 4-1 on penalties. They’ve failed to win any of their last four appearances in the Community Shield.

    Manchester City on the other hand last lifted the Community Shield in 2012, interestingly defeating Chelsea 3-2 in a fixture that was played at Villa Park.

    This will be the third meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley, with City winning the most recent one in April 2013 (2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final).

    Chelsea have lost each of their last two games against Manchester City – they haven’t lost three in succession against them since September 2010.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Saudi Side Al-Nassr celebrates Ahmed Musa capture

     

    Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr FC. The 25 year old who was in superlative form at the World cup in Russia despite Eagles early exit from the championship became has been on the radar of the Saudi Club even before the World cup.

    His exploits at the Mundial further fired the desire to have him in the fold.  The club on Friday released a video welcoming the Nigerian international whose exploits with Russian side CSKA Moscow received a lot of the commendation from the club and its fans.

    Musa, who  was Leicester City’s  record signing when he moved to the King Power for £16.6million in 2016,  failed to hold down a place and was loaned back to his old club CSKA Moscow for part of last season.

    Interestingly former VVV Venlo and Kano Pillars ace found the net six times in 10 appearances at the Russian club, three times as many as he managed in his 21 Premier League appearances.

    Al-Nassr said he had signed a four-year contract but did not disclose the transfer fee. The announcement was also accompanied by a bizarre video that did not even feature their new signing — only highlights of his playing career to date.

    The clip consisted of a flight taking off from London directly to Al-Nassr, with an unidentified man making his way through security.

    On board, highlights of the striker playing for Leicester, Nigeria and CSKA Moscow could be seen out of the cabin

    windows, including on of his World Cup strikes, and his International Champions Cup goal for the Foxes against Barcelona.

    Rather than the video ending in the more traditional fashion, an image of the new signing in a shirt, or perhaps even just a scarf, the short feature ends with the plane flying perilously close to the main stand at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, the plane only just clearing it as the captain announced their arrival.

    Al-Nassr finished third in the Saudi-Arabian professional league last season, qualifying for the Asian Champions League play-offs in the process.

    A check conducted on the current squad of the club indicate that Musa has already been included an indication that the club is eager to have the Nigerian get into action in the new season. The way the Nigerian who only recently welcomed a baby boy is being celebrated and expected in the club, it is apparent that club management may be hoping to unleash him against Ohod on August 30 at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Stadium  in Medina

  • Ahmed glad to welcome Musa junior

    Super Eagles forward and two goals scorer in Nigeria’s outing to Russia 2018 World Cup Ahmed Musa, has been blessed with a new baby boy.

    The elated Leicester City returnee currently on pre-season tour with the King Power stadium landlords in Austria informed his teeming fans about the arrival of the baby describing it as divine blessing.

    Musa whose second goal against Iceland in the group stage of the world cup got nomination for tournament best goal of the tournament added that words are not just enough to express his joy following the arrival of the baby who is coming just hours after teammate William Troost-Ekong equally announced the arrival of his own son Oscar.

    “I would like to announce to you all that moments ago Allah blessed me with a beautiful baby boy! Words cannot describe this feeling! ? ? @ Velden, Kärnten, Austria” ,Musa dished out on social media, Thursday.

    The former CSKA Moscow ace who was very impressive in his loan return to the Russian side, is hoping to reclaim a regular playing time at Leicester in the new season.  The former VVV-Venlo striker who was practically sidelined with no playing time at a point at the King power stadium forcing Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to advise him to seek exit to another club.

    But his eventual return to CSKA Moscow on loan became the turning point as he did not only return to playing and scoring ways but hit impressive form just before the world cup where he equally shone like a million stars despite Super Eagles early exit from tournament.

    Leicester City begin their new premier league season with an away tie against Manchester United on August 19.The club which also parades the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi will be hoping to better their lot after finishing 9th on the log last season.

     

     

     

     

  • Ekong now a father, welcomes Baby Oscar

     

    Super Eagles’ defender, William Troost-Ekong has welcomed a baby boy into his family after his girlfriend put to bed on Tuesday

    The pair, who have been dating for about five years, made public the pregnancy prior to the FIFA World Cup in Russia as Ekong wished for a tournament baby.

    The birth of the Ekong’s baby boy adds to the growing list of future Super Eagles’ stars following the birth of Elderson Echiejile’s son earlier in the year.

    An apparently overjoyed Ekong was seen in pix he dished out on twitter cuddling the new born who has already been named Oscar as he sleeps peacefully with the caption “our beautiful boy Oscar Ekong”

    Ekong who put in a good fight in the three matches played by the Super Eagles may have been slightly disappointed following Nigeria’s early exit from the Mundial but Oscar’s arrival is sure to push all post world cup feelings to the back seat.

    Prior to the birth of the baby, the former Netherlands U20 ace had revealed that he is very committed to his partner adding that she is has been a pillar of support for him.

    After playing football at youth level in England for Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, Troost-Ekong began his senior career in the Netherlands with FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht.

    After being linked abroad with transfers to Celtic among others, he signed for Belgian club KAA Gent in July 2015, immediately joining Norwegian club FK Haugesund on loan.

    In July 2017, he signed for Turkish club Bursaspor of the Süper Lig, and has made over 31 appearances for the side with two goals to his credit

     

     

     

  • Balogun eager to kickoff new EPL campaign with Brighton

    Super Eagles and Brighton & Hove Albion new defender, Leon Balogun, on Thursday said he was looking forward to the start of the English Premier League (EPL) with his new club.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2018/2019 EPL season is expected to kickoff on Aug. 10.

    Balogun said he was beaming with enthusiasm after joining his new teammates for the pre-season programme, adding that he was looking forward to play a big role to bolster the strength of the team.

    Balogun, who joined the Seagulls on a free from German Bundesliga side, FSV 05 Mainz, represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia where the Super Eagles failed to reach the Round of 16.

    The 30-year-old played in all three group D games against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

    “The EPL league starts very soon and between now and then, it’s about getting up to speed with everyone else as soon as possible,” Balogun was quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

    “Then, I want to take it from there, but I’ll give everything I can to improve what this group already has and play the biggest role that I can for the team.

    “I was really warmly received on my first day at the club and it’s a nice group.

    “My first impressions were very positive, and I feel very comfortable within the group — they all made me feel welcome,” he said.

    Brighton face Watford away in their opening game of the new Premier League campaign and Balogun is eager to step up his level of preparedness for the upcoming weeks.

  • TYRONNE EBUHEI: Dad,my biggest fan and coach

    HE was undoubtedly one of the revelations for the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and Tyronne Ebuehi has told the stirring story of how his dad pushed him to his dreams of being a professional footballer.

    The 22-year-old was reportedly born in Holland and precisely in Haarlem and he played for Dutch youth teams of several amateur clubs before joining professional team ADO Den Haag from amateur side HFC EDO in 2013.

    He later made his Eredivisie debut in 2014 in a 1–0 home defeat to Feyenoord and three seasons later, he signed a five-year contract with Portuguese club S.L. Benfica on the eve of Russia 2018.

    “I was born in Holland and I think everybody knew about that,” stated Ebuehi days after his solid performance in the 2-0 defeat of Iceland at the Volgograd Arena.

    “I actually played football on the streets with my friends though I had the dream of becoming a professional footballer. I’m glad it has happened. I went to school but I had to make the decision to either continue with school or become a professional footballer. But I made the decision to become a professional footballer and I’m happy that it worked out for me.

    “It was my dream to be a professional footballer and it was not as if someone really fuelled my interest in football. My parents supported me and my dad really took interest in my decision. My father often reminded me that I had to be serious and disciplined if I wanted to be a professional footballer.

    “Till today, my father is my biggest fan and my coach. And personally, I’m happy that I made the decision to play football,” he explained.

    Ebuehi’s neat ball style and offensive approach from the backline is always a delight to watch and this has equally earned him the confidence of Coach Gernot Rohr who reckons the lad is one for the future with the Super Eagles.

    “We always know what he is capable of doing. He (Ebuehi) has been with us for some time now, we won’t keep him if we have no faith in his abilities,” volunteered Rohr after the lad posted a fine performance in the 4-2 win over Argentina in a pre-World Cup friendly last November. “I’m not surprised because I know his qualities and what he can do.”

    No wonder he was included in the 23-man squad for Russia 2018 and made his World Cup bow in that thrilling 2-0 win over Iceland at the Volgograd Arena when he came on as a substitute for Brian Idowu at the start of the second half. His fine performance despite conceding a cheeky penalty (which was blown over the bar by Gylfi Sigurdsson) elicited so much interest so much so his omission in the 2-1 defeat to Argentina put Coach Rohr under media scrutiny.

    “Of course, Tyronne is a very good player and very offensive in his approach,” Rohr explained at the Presser after Argentina took out the Super Eagles from the World Cup. “But we needed Idowu because he’s strong defensively and we need his experience to be able to stop Messi; Ebuehi is still an important player for us.”

    Not the type to brood over any set back, Ebuehi said he was happy to be part of the Super Eagles to Russia 2018, adding that he would have fond memory of his appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

    He said: “I’m very happy to be part of the Super Eagles to the World Cup and it’s like a blessing really because it had always been a dream for me to play for my country.

    “I’m thankful that it has happened now. So far, so good, and it has been a lot of hard work right through the qualifiers and finally getting to the World Cup in Russia.

    “It’s a great feeling to be part of the 23 players of the Super Eagles to the World Cup; the feeling is great. The World Cup is a big stage and it is the dream of every footballer to be part of the World Cup. Everything is about experience in terms of training and the matches. I enjoyed the experience.” The lad would further say it was not a difficult decision to play for Nigeria despite his Dutch ties from his maternal side. “It was quite easy for me to decide to play for Nigeria. Of course, the offer to play for Nigeria came first and, interestingly, Williams (Ekong-Troost) had told me lots of good things about Nigeria and it was quite easy for me to decide to play for the Super Eagles.

    “To be honest, it was quite an easy decision for me to make and this has afforded me the opportunity to play with lots of great players as well as playing at the biggest stage.  I think this is the best decision I have made so far in my career.”

    Incidentally, his dotting father, Marvin, had earlier enthused about the joy of his son playing for Nigeria and what a proud parent he was as his protégé had the chance to strut his stuff against the rest of the world. “I must confess to you that I am glad that he has finally committed to Nigeria. I am very proud as a father. Tyronne has always been crazy about football from an early age. I put him in an academy at the age of six and I’m not surprised that he’s on the way to living his dream.

    “I am praying that Tyronne fulfils his ambition of playing for a big club in Europe, and also becomes an important player for the Super Eagles of Nigeria,” enthused the proud dad.

    Ebuehi speaks about his dad: “My dad is a young man. My mum was born in Holland and my dad was born in Nigeria. He’s actually from Benin in Edo State. So I’m half Dutch and half Nigerian, but as I said earlier, I’m happy that I made the decision to play for Nigeria and not Holland.

    “Everything has been great and I’m very happy to play for the Super Eagles. I have visited Benin twice but it has been a long time ago; I hope it would happen again. I can’t wait. I like Nigerian food and my best meal is pounded yam with either okro or egusi soup.”

    Yet, Ebuehi was full of praise for Coach Rohr, saying the future of the Super Eagles is bright under the watch of the Franco-German handler. “He (Rohr) is a very good coach and very experienced too; we are a young team and he’s like a father to many of us.

    “He’s very supportive and I’m very happy to have him as a coach. With him, hopefully more success will come for the Super Eagles,” he declared.

     

    PROFILE

    FULL NAME:

    Tyronne Efe Ebuehi

     

    DATE OF BIRTH:

    December 16, 1995

     

    PLACE OF BIRTH:

    Haarlem, Holland

     

    HEIGHT:

    1.87 m

     

    PLAYING POSITION:

    Right-back

     

    CURRENT TEAM:

    Benfica

     

    YOUTH CAREER:

    SV Hoofddorp; VV Young Boys (2013) HFC EDO (2013–2014) ADO Den Haag

     

    SENIOR CAREER:

    ADO Den Haag (2014–2018)