The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • Eagles on a table-turning mission at Wembley

     

    All roads will lead to the Wembley Stadium Saturday, June 2nd as Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Three Lions of England in a high profile friendly ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

    Although it has been dubbed a friendly, the tie indeed goes beyond being a friendly as there are so many things to look out for and in fact records to be made and broken.  Both teams are heading to the world cup with intent to overcome challenges posed by opponents and if possible lift the trophy.  While The Three Lions can beat their chest and say yes we have lifted the trophy before thanks to their 1966 triumph, the Eagles are yet to lift the trophy but have never ruled out the possibility of doing so either in Russia or in the near future. This is the second time the Eagles will be facing the Lions at the same venue.

    Twenty four years ago the Eagles faced the lions.  The first was on November 16, 1994. While the lions then was led by Terry Venables the

    Eagles was then led by late Shuaibu Amodu,with the Lions having the last laugh running away with a lone goal victory.

    Records available also show that no African country has beaten England which means that Saturday’s encounter for Eagles is not just about assessing the team’s readiness for the world cup but also an opportunity for the Gernot Rohr tutored side to turn the table against the Lions.

    Can the Eagles do that for themselves, for Nigeria and for Africa?

    Some say there is luck in football others say there is nothing like luck but just just technical knowhow that determines everything.  For this second school of thought Eagles and other African countries that have lost to the Three lions did so because they are not as technically sound as the Three lions. But can Lady Luck play a role Saturday and propel Eagles to carry the day.  Interestingly Eagles current jersey that has been dubbed the best among the 32 countries heading to Russia, and which has become a must have among fans, has striking resemblance with the jersey worn by the 1994 Eagles that put up a good show at the World cup in USA.

    Can the jersey garnish Eagles effort with good luck so that they can sing victory song in Wembley and then follow up with good outing in Russia?

    The present Eagles squad is considered young, agile and youthful; will this be an advantage at Wembley and also in Russia? Both John Obi Mikel who will wear the Captain’s band to lead Eagles and Harry Kane who will be leading the Lions are determined duo and are eager to leave a mark on the sand of history. Mikel at the moment though in China played in England just like Tottentham forward Harry Kane. They both know what is at stake.  It will however be different stroke for the two captains.  While Kane will be hoping to maintain the unbeaten record Mikel will be hoping to be the arrow head that will lead Eagles to break the jinx.

    The big question therefore will be who will sing the victory song at Wembley?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Wembley Friendly: Fans chase Eagles Jersey with N32,000

     

    Super Eagles friendly against Three Lions of England tomorrow at Wembley might as well be a peep into what the a typical outing for both teams would be in Russia.

    Both teams are seeking to shine at the World cup and the friendly is an opportunity for Coach Gernot Rohr and England coach Gareth Southgate to properly assess their teams’ readiness for the world Cup.

    Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel will square up against his England counterpart Harry Kane who was handed the responsibility of leading the three lions recently.

    Super Eagles fans both home and abroad are eager to watch the team take on England at Wembley as it is hoped that the performance at Wembley will reveal in clearer terms how well the team can play in Russia.

    The fairwell match against DR Congo which ended 1-1 in Port Harcourt is considered not too good as an assessment for the team considering complaints over the state of the pitch.

    London based fans of the team are already making frantic effort to acquire the team’s new jersey with intent to wear it to the friendly match billed for 6.15pm in Nigeria.

    The Dailymail in London this morning dished out long queue of fans of the Gernot Rohr tutored side waiting patiently to acquire the jersey.

    The jersey reportedly goes for £65 (about N32,000) even as some fans in Nigeria have revealed while contributing to sports programs on Radio that the selling price is N40,000.  While some say it is too high considering that the minimum wage in the country is N18,000 others say is at par with the price of most standard clubs especially in the English premiership

     

     

     

  • World Cup: Saraki splashes N18M on Eagles

    Ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Senate President Bukola Saraki (CON) has doled out the sum of N18m (50,0000USD) to the Super Eagles to help boost their morale for the Mundial.

    The Senate President has also pledged undisclosed monetary reward suspected to be in US dollars for every unreplied goal the team scored at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    This was revealed on Tuesday as Saraki bade the Eagles farewell for the 21st FIFA World Cup which commence June 14, at an organized forum in Abuja.

    The senator described Coach Gernot Rohr led Eagles as the best set ever and a team without faction.

    “I have been following the performances and general behaviour of this squad. I must confess that I am very impressed. We no longer have schisms and different camps in the same camp, and you sacrifice a lot for the country without demanding so much before you go to battle.

    “From the captain, Mikel Obi to the newest member of the squad, I assure you of the love of the entire country and the well –wishes of every Nigerian as you go to the FIFA World Cup and in fact, in all your endeavours,” he said.

    President, Nigeria football Federation Amaju Pinnick lauded Saraki for his proven love for, support and encouragement of the three –time African champions during the FIFA World Cup qualifying race and even before.

    “The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.

    “I must note that we are lucky to have a manager like Rohr who himself is calm, focused and very dedicated to his job, as well as a captain like Mikel who is very humble and God-fearing. The sky will be the limit for this team.

     “The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.”

    Senators Ahmed Misau and Baba Kaka Garbai joined the senate President at the forum.  Also  in attendance were NFF 2nd Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Executive Committee member, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo among other dignitaries.

  • Super Eagles get Saraki’s $50,000 gift

    The ‘rainy season’ is here for the Super Eagles as they begin final preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. From Nigeria’s number three citizen, Senate President – Bukola Saraki has come a cash gift of $50,000.

    This was announced to the players as they met with Dr Saraki. The team will get special package for every goal not replied at the tournament.

    The essence, Sports Village Square gathered, is to foster team spirit as the strikers are encouraged to score goals, while the defence is motivated to prevent conceding any goal.

    At a brief but glamorous event inside the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria’s number three man and leading football enthusiast and financier, also described the Mikel John Obi –led group as compelling role models, doing their job quietly on the pitch and accepting the rewards as and when such come without holding the nation to ransom.

    “I have been following the performances and general behaviour of this squad. I must confess that I am very impressed. We no longer have schisms and different camps in the same camp, and you sacrifice a lot for the country without demanding so much before you go to battle.

    “From the captain, Mikel Obi to the newest member of the squad, I assure you of the love of the entire country and the well –wishes of every Nigerian as you go to the FIFA World Cup and in fact, in all your endeavours.” He also praised Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr for the way he has adroitly managed the team and instilled discipline and sense of dedication.

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick lauded Saraki for his proven love for, and support and encouragement of the three –time African champions during the FIFA World Cup qualifying race and even before.

    “The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.

    “I must note that we are lucky to have a manager like Rohr who himself is calm, focused and very dedicated to his job, as well as a captain like Mikel who is very humble and God-fearing. The sky will be the limit for this team.”

    Mikel Obi responded on behalf of the team, thanking the Senate President and pledging that the Eagles are going to the World Cup in Russia to do Nigeria proud.

  • Lokosa targets AFCON 2019 after World Cup miss

    Kano Pillars forward, Junior Lokosa has set his sights on the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which resumes in September after failing to make the Super Eagles World Cup team to Russia.

    The player who was one of the five players dropped by head coach Gernot Rohr has promised to continue to work harder to increase his chances of being considered in the future.

    “I want to continue working hard so I can get more opportunities with the National team. I know the Africa Cup of Nation is around the corner, so I will have to keep scoring to remain in spotlight.

    He was particularly grateful to Rohr for the opportunity to feature for the Eagles against Congo DR in Monday’s international friendly which ended 1-1 in Portharcourt.

    “The Eagles manager has tried and I am grateful for the opportunity he gave me and my other colleagues. I know that the World Cup is a big stage and to get a national shirt is very competitive. But I am grateful for the opportunity,” he said.

    He described the Eagles manager with a golden heart for the home-based players. Standard Liege midfielder Uche Agbo, Plateau United goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye and Lokomotiv Plovdiv defender Stephen Eze who were also dropped from the 30-man provisional list will also target a place in the team for AFCON.

    Cameroon will host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in June after it was shifted from January by the Confederation of Africa Football this year.

  • Rohr drops 4 retains 25 for England friendly

     

    Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has dropped four players while suspending action on three more players that will be dropped after the friendly match against England on June 2nd.

    The four players dropped include Junior Lokosa who has arrested the headlines in recent times following his exploits in the local league where he is the highest goal scorer.

    The Kano Pillars ace was equally impressive in the friendly against DR Congo in Port Harcourt. Others are Moses Simon who picked up injury and has earlier been ruled out of action for at least three weeks, goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye and Stephen Eze.

    Rohr had before making the announcement thanked all the players for giving good account of themselves while reminding them that there will be other platforms to shine after the world cup.

    Rohr who recently signed a new contract with the NFF will be taking the Super Eagles to the next African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon in 2019.

    The 25 players that will be heading to London later today for the tie against London at the Wembley are;

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)

    Defenders: William Troost-Ekong and Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, Netherlands);

    Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Bryan Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia);

    Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa, Turkey)

    Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City,

    England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Joel Obi (Torino, Italy), Mikel Agu (Bursaspor, Turkey)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Victor Moses (Chelsea, England);

    Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, England); Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone, Italy)

    Meanwhile President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the team to bring the world cup home while avoiding rough play.

    The President who met the team just before the start of the usual FEC meeting at the Aso Rock villa noted that the team is young but quiet capable of rising to the occasion in Russia.

  • Buhari to Super Eagles: Make Nigeria proud in Russia

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday charged the Super Eagles to make the country proud at the 2018 FIFA World Cup starting on June 14 in Russia.

    Buhari spoke while receiving the team at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

    He said: “We look up to you to make us proud.”

    Noting that Super Eagles is one of the least experienced teams in the tournament, the President urged the players to take advantage of Nigerians’ support.

    Buhari reminded the players they carry the emotions of 180 million Nigerians each time they go out to the pitch to play.

    According to him, nothing unites Nigeria more than football.

    The Captain of the team, Mikel Obi, said: “All we have to do now is to go out there and make the country proud and come back with the trophy. ”

     

  • Buhari to receive Eagles before FEC meeting – NFF

    President Muhammadu Buhari is set to receive Russia 2018 World Cup –bound Super Eagles contingent Wednesday morning before the Federal Executive Council meeting, this NationSport can report.

    The contingent was earlier slated for Tuesday evening but it has now been scheduled for 10:am on Wednesday as reliably informed.

    Nigeria Football Federation on its website (thenff.com) said that the Wednesday’s session will take place at the Federal Executive Council chambers at 10am, just before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

    Youth and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung is expected to present the team to the President Buhari, afterwards  they are due to fly to London aboard a chartered aircraft for another pre-World Cup friendly with the Three Lions of England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

    From London, the delegation will fly into Bad Tatzmannsdorf, a city in Austria where they will spend eight days at the world –renowned Avita Resort before flying to Russia.

    In-between the final camping in Austria, the team will play a final pre-World Cup friendly against the Czech Republic at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium (just outside Vienna) on Wednesday next week.

    In five previous outings at the FIFA World Cup, the Eagles have reached the Round of 16 on three occasions (1994, 1998 and 2014), but exited at the group stage at the 2002 and 2010 finals.

  • Rohr advises Eagles to invest wisely

    Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has advised Super Eagles players to take serious the lessons from the Tuesday wealth investment seminar the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) organized for them.

    The 64 year old Eagles Technical coach gave the advice explaining that he had no opportunities for wealth investment lessons during his active days as a footballer.

    The seminar on wealth creation and portfolio management was organised for the players and officials of the Super Eagles in Abuja.

    He said, “In life, things do change and sometimes, the changes are not what we planned or prepared for.

    “I pray for all these players to have long, injury –free careers but even then, you can only play for an average of 17 years.

    “I played for 17 years. I wish I got this kind of guidance and advice when I was still playing.”

    Captain Mikel Obi who attended the lecture said, “Since I started playing for Nigeria, this is the first time I am witnessing this kind of seminar. I appeal to all my colleagues to take serious the lessons from this programme.

    “We must plan for the days that our bodies will no longer be able to withstand the kind of rigours they go through now. I have learnt a lot from here that I will personally apply it to my life.”

    According to NFF President Amaju Pinnick, only wise financial decisions and sensible investment moves could create sustainable wealth that would spare them of any regret in the future.

    “We put together this seminar knowing that it would be of immense benefit to all members of this team.

    “Our care for you should not end on the field of play. We are family and must have one another’s back always.

    “Please take away good lessons from here so that tomorrow, you would not become liability to anyone or the society.

    “You players have all definitely been making some good money in your various Clubs, and will also be making money during this World Cup.

    “It is not the money that you have that is the wealth; it is how you invest the monies and manage your portfolio to continue to create wealth for you.

    “I know a number of sportsmen (in Nigeria and globally) who made more than yourselves during their career and then fell on bad times after retirement.

  • Lokosa vows to replicate NPFL feat at World Cup if…

    One of the home-based players in Eagles’ camp for the World Cup, Junior Lokosa, said on Tuesday that he hopes to replicate his performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) if he makes the Russia World Cup squad.

    The Kano Pillars’ forward who made his Super Eagles’ debut in the 1-1 friendly game against DR Congo on Monday, has 18 goals under his belt as at Match Day 22 in the NPFL.

    The 2017/2018 (NPFL) hot shot, said he was excited to have earned his first cap for Nigeria’s senior male national team, hoping to be retained in Eagles squad for Russia 2018.

    His words “I am happy I just accomplished what I do best. It was a great feeling and I am thankful for the opportunity.

    “Just like everyone, I am hopeful to make the 23-man squad to Russia. If I make the list, it will be a good experience for me and I will replicate my performance in the NPFL.

    “But, if I don’t make the list, it is no problem. I will keep doing my best and be hopeful for more caps in future,’’

    Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr is expected to drop five players in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional World Cup list tomorrow (Wednesday) before the team takes on the Three Lions of England on June 2.

    Subsequently, the team list would be pruned to 23, with a friendly against the Czech Republic billed for June 6 in Austria.