The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • Advantage Super Eagles

    Nigeria’s victory over Argentina at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia may be decided on a divine note.

    Former Green Eagles skipper, Segun Odegbami, may have been sensing the issues at stake when Kunle Solaja quoted him as saying, “Pray for them please so that the elements conspire with us and give us sweet victory.”

    However, psychology may win the match over artistry. Whichever way, only the toughest will survive.

    The pressure is on former world champions Argentina whose performance in this World Cup are woeful having only one point and a three goal deficit against a Nigeria who probably need just a draw after a three point advantage but a zero goals difference.

    If Croatia does not make “deal” with Iceland playing their first eleven as Mikel alleged, Nigeria may have a stroll in the park.

    Reports have said the Argentine camp have been in disarray and players may choose their team cutting off the coach.

    Reports say the players want their coach sacked after the Croatia match. Aguero may be benched for clashing with the coach after the embarrassing  defeat to Croatia.

    The team former star, Diego Maradona, had never been comfortable with Nigeria since Super Eagles ended his blissful career in 1994.

    Maradona tested positive to banned drugs and he was slammed with a two- year FIFA ban.

    Sanni Toro, the NFA scribe, then had wanted the match won through boardroom decision but FIFA gave a “capital No” verdict.

    Nigeria lost by the odd goal in four previous meetings between the two countries at the World Cup but defeated the Albiceleste  4-2 in a pre-World Cup friendly played in Krasnodar , Russia, in November last year.

    Messi had repeatedly expressed fears  about the threat posed by the physical, fast and youthful Nigerian side.

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, had admitted earlier in the tournament that Nigeria’s Achilles heel is set pieces and lack of concentration in closing moments. But it is more than that.

    The passes are not accurate and shot at goal is poor. Nigeria may benefit from bounce off from the goalkeeper if they are alert. There should be no deep defending which can dash them VAR sponsored penalties.

     

     

  • Ikeme: I’m winning the fight against cancer

    *thanks Nigerians for support

    Sidelined Super Eagles number one goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has added to the joy of Nigerians after revealing that he has overcome the worst stage of his ailment.

    Ikeme who has continued to enjoy the prayers of footballers across the world, said although it is not yet uhuru he can now move with some normality.

    The news is like a double delight coming just few hours after the Super Eagles revived the nation’s hope in the ongoing World cup in Russia. Defeat by Croatia in the first match did not only dampen the spirit of the nation but led to submissions that the team had an eye set on the exit doors in Russia.  However a resounding 2-0 victory over Iceland in the second game raised hope especially with the thrashing of perennial rivals Argentina by Croatia.

    Ikeme who has been keeping tab of developments in Russia added to the celebration when he announced that his days of severe pain are over, even as he thanked Nigerians and none Nigerians alike for their prayers and massive support.  Recall that Iceland team who lost 2-0 to Nigeria posted a team photo in which paid tribute to Ikeme few hours to the match that saw Ahmed Musa shine like a million stars.

    “After a year of intense chemotherapy I would like to share that I am in complete REMISSION. I still have hurdles to pass to be cured, but hopefully I can move on with some normality! I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past year. Thank you” he said

    Ikeme who contributed in no small measure to Super Eagles qualification for the World cup, was diagnosed of Leukemia just few matches left to the final qualification for the World cup and subsequently was ruled out of both club and national assignments to begin treatment. Officials of the Nigeria football Federation (NFF) paid him a visit just before heading to the World cup in Russia even as he was named and unregistered player in the final 23 man list released by Coach Gernot Rohr.

  • Trophy lager supports Super Eagles

    Trophy, a popular lager on the stable of International Breweries Plc, has launched a campaign, #RaiseATrophy# aimed at supporting Nigeria’s national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup holding in Russia.

    The campaign is undergirded by the belief that when confronted by challenges, Nigerians have always risen to the occasion and achieved the impossible as evidenced by its being the first African team to win the football Olympic gold medal, among other feats.

    Speaking on the thrust of the campaign, Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, Arne Rust noted that, “The #RaiseATrophy campaign is a demonstration of the fact that Trophy lager believes in Nigeria and the affirmation that the country can brave the odds to bring home the ‘Trophy.’ This campaign is also consistent with our brand’s position as primus inter pares, pride of the west and widely accepted as the Honourable beer that’s deeply rooted in the region’s socio-cultural values, and loved by consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality.”

    The brand has also launched other initiatives such as the Belief Anthem, a catchy and inspirational jam that encourages the national team to ‘Bring Back the Trophy’, composed and produced by the award-winning beat maker Cobhams Asuquo and performed by Adekunle Gold, Mayorkun, and Oduniyi Tope aka Tipo (a promising upcoming artist).The anthem, which has reignited belief in football fans, has generated a lot of buzz on social media and currently enjoying heavy rotation on radio stations across Nigeria.

     

  • Obaseki hails Super Eagles’ triumph over Iceland

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has praised the Super Eagles for their 2-0 victory over Iceland, on Friday evening in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.

    Obaseki, who lauded the brilliant performance of the attack led by Ahmed Musa, said the team restored the hope of Nigerians in the campaign for a place of pride in the soccer mundial.

    “The Super Eagles’ exceptional performance against Iceland shows the true Nigerian spirit, that when we are committed to a task, we would give it our all, to succeed,” the Governor said.

    Read Also:Ekweremadu hails Super Eagles on victory over Iceland

    He urged members of the team not to rest on their oars as they prepare for the last group game against Argentina on Tuesday, June 26, adding, “All that is required of the players is to keep their eyes on the trophy and approach the game with Argentina with a high sense of commitment to national duty.”

    Obaseki reiterated that Nigerians have the team in their prayers and hopeful that the team will do the country proud by qualifying for the next round of 16 and go even further to claim the highly prized trophy.

    “The current Super Eagles team is made up of young and talented players who have distinguished themselves in their various teams, home and abroad. With their performance against Iceland, they have shown determination to excel in Russia,” he added.

    The Super Eagles are tipped to qualify for the next round of 16 in the month-long soccer event, after their victory over Iceland which earned the team three points behind Croatia with six points. Argentina and Iceland are below on the table with one point each.

     

  • Football fan slips into coma while celebrating Eagle’s victory

    The victory of the Nigerian Super Eagles turned sour for residents of Enerhen suburb of Uvwie, Delta state on Friday as a 60 year-old football fan slumps and slipped into coma while celebrating the team’s second goal against the Iceland team.

    Emmanuel Emogware was watching the match along with other football fans at a barbing saloon at Omoru Street, Sedeco area of Enerhen when, during the euphoria of celebrating of Ahmed Musa’s second goal he slumped.

    He was rushed to several hospital, where doctors reportedly rejected him.

    Read Also:Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Iceland

    “At one of the hospitals the doctor there collected money for consultation, but later said they should take him somewhere else.”

    “They tried several hospitals but doctors either refused to take him or demanded for money first. Someone suggested Ufuoma hospital in Agbarho. But while rushing him there they were caught up in traffic around the DSC expressway.”

    At the time of this report on Saturday morning, friends and relatives of the man were said to be running around looking for money for his treatment.

    A source in the area told our reporter that the man, who is popularly known as Papo, was a football lover and did not miss any of the matches.

    “We are appealing for well-meaning Nigerians to help this peaceful man at this critical need.”

  • Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Iceland

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday congratulated the Super Eagles on the team victory over Iceland in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    Nigeria defeated Iceland 2-0 in both countries second group match played in Volgograd, Russia.

    The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina expressed delight at the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the young Nigerian players.

    He urged the players not to limit themselves but sustain the current winning momentum by going all out against Argentina in the final group match slated for next week.

    He said: “I am confident that if our players believe in themselves, they can qualify out of their difficult group and even go very far in the tournament. With determination, nothing is impossible.”

    The President urged Nigerians to continue to rally round the Nigerian ambassadors with their prayers and other forms of support.

     

     

  • Iceland in trouble, Super Eagles on fire: Odegbami

    The Vikings of Iceland that held Argentina to a draw in the first game of Group D in the FIFA World Cup in Russia, will have it tougher with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the crunch match starting at 4pm today.

    Chief Segun Odegbami, former Nigeria international, who held a pep talk with the Nigerian team in Volgograd on Thursday said made the prediction in a post on Facebook.

    Super Eagles will fight, said Odegbami about his impressions of the team that lost to Croatia 2-0.

    “I saw their spirit. They will fight like they have never fought before. When we parted to go and watch the Argentinian match on TV, both my Head and my Heart were in sync about expectations tomorrow – Iceland are in trouble”, wrote Odegbami.

    Read his full post:

    `’I am in Volgograd. I have just finished watching the final chapter of an unfolding drama in Group D of the World Cup. It is curtains for Argentina, because I do not see how they will survive their last match against Nigeria.

    “It was a rare privilege earlier this evening when, at the instance of Amaju Pinnick, I was given the rare privilege to address members of the Super Eagles at their dinner table, the only person to do so on the eve of their greatest challenge when they confront the Vikings of Iceland with all the pent up ‘anger’, energy, determination and motivation from the Croatian match.

    “It was a spirit lifting meeting that we had. I simply reminded them of their responsibility to ensure that they displayed the full version of the Nigerian do-or-die spirit. I reminded them also about their responsibility to the ordinary Nigerian on the street that is with them unconditionally foŕ as long as they give their best. I reminded them of their assured place in history if they could rise above the disappointment of their first match, win tomorrow and convert this moment of their greatest challenge into the moment of their greatest triumph.

    “I gave them the good wishes of all Nigerians and prayed with them for favour from the elements. It was a small contribution to their already bulging enthusiasm and confidence.

    “I saw their spirit. They will fight like they have never fought before. When we parted to go and watch the Argentinian match on TV, both my Head and my Heart were in sync about expectations tomorrow – Iceland are in trouble”.

  • ‎Super Eagles need all Nigerians’ support now – Onigbinde

    Former Super Eagles’ chief coach Adegboye Onigbinde on Thursday at St Petersburg in Russia urged for more support for the senior national football team.
    Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that football is not mathematics and what the Super Eagles need right now is the support of every Nigerian.
    “I am a patriotic Nigeria, but football is not ‎ mathematics. So, I wish the team well.
    ”I have no contact with the team, so I can not talk about what they need to do against Iceland in their next game on Friday
    ”I’m here courtesy of the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who when I was marking my 80th birthday promised to take me to Russia as my birthday gift. So, I’m here on holiday,” he said.
    Onigbinde however said that the outcome of the match would depend on the tactics adopted by the team.
    “It will all depend on what the coach and his assistants have in mind in terms of tactics. That is very important.
    “But what is also crucial is the kind of support we all give to the team at this crucial moment,” he added.
    NAN reports that Nigeria will face Iceland on Friday in Volgograd in a must-win Group D match, having lost theur first match 0-2 against Croatia on Saturday in Kaliningrad.
    Iceland had on their part drawn 1-1 with Argentina in their opening match, with the Eagles dropping to the bottom of the table.
    Now the Super Eagles position has now been strengthened by Argentina which lost 0-3 to Croatia on Thursday night.
    The result means a win over Iceland on Friday will return Nigeria to contention.
    They will then need at least a draw against Argentina on June 26 to place second in the group if Iceland fail to beat Croatia.(NAN)

  • W/Cup: Ondo viewing centre ready for Nigeria, Iceland cracker

    Some relaxation and viewing centres in Okitipupa, Ondo State, say they are ready to host fans for the Super Eagles and Iceland match on Friday in the ongoing World Cup in Russia.

    A check by our reporter on Thursday in Okitipupa revealed that relaxation centres have stocked beers, pepper soup, serviced their electricity generators, wall screen TV’s and properly arranged their centres.

    The operators who spoke with the News men said they made good sales during the Nigeria versus Croatia match which informed their decision to prepare well for the Eagles and Iceland match.

    They urged football fans across the country to rally support and pray for the Eagles to triumph to the next round.

    Mr Ayo Sehindemi, a relaxation centre operator, told our reporter that football fans were left with no option than to patronise them since Okitipupa and its environs had been in total blackout for the past four years.

    Read Also: World Cup: Don’t give up on Super Eagles, Ekweremadu urges Nigerians

    He told the News men that his sales had increased since the beginning of the World Cup, especially during the Nigeria/Croatia match.

    “You know this town does not have electricity for the past four years, so we are expecting more football fans here and that is why we are preparing to welcome more customers,’’ Sehindemi said.

    Another operator, Mr Ade Famorisin, who also said he recorded high sales during the last Nigeria/Croatia match, said he was putting finishing touches to his preparations.

    “Many of the football lovers preferred relaxation centres to watch football for them to exchange views; the more they come, the better for us,’’ Famorisin said.

    Mrs Ann Ahmed, who regretted her out-of-stock problem on Nigeria’s match, said she was fully prepared for the Nigeria/Iceland match.

    “I pray that Nigeria would excel in tomorrow’s match because we will have more customers when they win,’’ she said.

    Mr Peter Babajide, a viewing centre operator, said his sales increased since the beginning of the World Cup and urged Nigerians to pray for the Eagles to win their match against Iceland.

    Another viewing centre operator, Emeka Ifeanyi, also said that he had serviced his electricity generator and ensured that everything was in order, noting that he was optimistic the Eagles would win against Iceland.

    “The Eagles technical crew should do their best, I support Eagles because if they did not win this crucial match, then it’s the end of the road for us to record high sales,’’ Ifeanyi said.

    The News men reports that Eagles have zero point because they lost 2-0 to Croatia in their first Group D encounter.

    Their match against Iceland on Friday will determine their fate at the ongoing World Cup.

  • Nigerians in Russia task Eagles to beat Iceland

    Nigerians in St. Petersburg have urged the Super Eagles to go all out for outright victory against Iceland in their second group D encounter on Friday at Volgograd.

    The Super Eagles had earlier suffered a 2 – 0 painful defeat in the hands of Vatreni of Croatia in their first match in Group D on Saturday at Kaliningrad stadium.

    The Nigerians told the News Agency of Nigeria, on Thursday, that the only way to redeem the team’s pre-tournament rating was for the Coach Garnet Rohr tutored side to come out strong against their opponents.

    Celestine Okonkwo, a Nigerian who is in Russia to witness the Mundial said that for Nigeria to remain in contention, the Eagles must up their game and beat Iceland outrightly.

    “Before the competition, a lot of people rated the team to do well, but since they fail to beat Croatia in the first game the only option now is to go all out for victory against Iceland.

    “It will not be too good for the Eagles to crash out of the competition in the first round of the tournament. It is better for the players and the coaching crew to work out a winning formula against their next opponents,’’ he said.

    Read Also: World Cup: Argentina tackles Haiti for Eagles

    Mohammed Abdullaih, another Nigerian, told NAN that the match against Iceland must be won by Super Eagles to redeem not only Nigeria’s image but also that of Africa.

    “After the exit of Egypt and Morocco from the competition, Nigeria must join Senegal to redeem the continent’s image by winning the match against Iceland tomorrow,’’ he said.

    According to him, the team needs to be more aggressive in their opponent’s goal area unlike what happened against Croatia in their first game to achieve their mission.

    Festus Ennahirre, another Nigerian who spoke to NAN, said that the only saving grace for the Eagles would be for the team to win the game against Iceland.

    “It will not only keep them in the competition but also enhance the team’s image and rating.

    “Prior to the competition, a lot of Nigerians at home and abroad expected much from the team, but after the scandalous 0-2 loss to Croatia they appeared disappointed.

    “So the only thing left now is for them to win,’’ the soccer fan said.

    He stressed that anything short of total victory against Iceland would not be acceptable to Nigerians and the followers of the team.

    NAN investigation in the team’s camp revealed that the technical crew led by Coach Rohr have been working hard to ensure that the Eagles come out victorious on Friday.