The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • World Cup: Argentina tackles Haiti for Eagles

     

    Super Eagles perennial World cup rivals and group D opponents Argentina have concluded plans to take on Haiti in an international friendly before jetting off to Russia.

    Argentina FA confirmed the development on Wednesday revealing that the match will take place on May 29 at the Boca Juniors Stadium.  The game will be the Albicelete’s last pre-World Cup friendly in Argentina before they will depart to face Israel in another tune up game on June 9.

    Some have described the tie as a mere warm up for Argentina with Haiti ranked 108th in the world, 103 places behind

    Argentina who lost 1-0 to Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.In their last international friendly in March, Argentina were thrashed 6-1 by Spain at the Wanda Metropolitan, home ground of Atletico Madrid. A friendly tie between Nigeria and Argentina November 14 last year at the Krasnodar Stadium

    in Russia ended 4-2 in favour Gernot Rohr tutored Super Eagles with Kelechi Iheanocho, Alex Iwobi and Brain Idowu on targetArgentina are in Group D with Nigeria, Croatia and debutant Iceland.

    The two-time FIFA World Cup winners will open their campaign in Russia against Iceland on June 16 while Nigeria and Croatia clash same day. Haiti  have appeared in the finals of the world cup on one occassion in 1974 crashing out in the group stage. The North American side were pitched against against Poland, Argentina and Italy in Group D of the 1974 world cup.

    They Haitians conceded 14 goals scoring only two in that outing.  They lost to 3-1 to Italy.7-0 to Poland and 4-1 to Argentina.

    Nigeria and Argentina will lock horns in their last group match of the world cup in Russia on June 26 at the Krestovsky Stadium

  • Iwobi happy with parting victory for Wenger

     

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has expressed satisfaction with the quality of send off handed legendary former coach of Arsenal Arsene Wenger on Sunday.

    The Nigeria international who has never hidden his love for the Frenchman and  the opportunity he provides for young players to showcase their skills, noted that the tie against Burnley which ended 5-0 in favour of the Gunners more than just a match and indeed lived up to expectation.

    “This Was More Than A Match! Really Pleased We Gave You The Send Off You Deserve. Thank You Boss ❤️#MerciArsene,” he enthused. Interestingly a delighted Iwobi did not just make the number but scored the fourth goal in the 5-0 demolition of 7th placed Burnley.

    Iwobi who was spectacular in the Super Eagles exploits en-route to the world cup in Russia had earlier eulogized the qualities of the Frenchman admitting that their relationship helped him a great deal in becoming the quality player he has become.  Recall that when the new broke that Wenger was leaving the Emirates after 22 years sojourn, tributes came from far and wide and Iwobi was not caught napping as he had this to say about the former Monaco sweat merchant.

    “For Everything You’ve Done for Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much!”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ndidi returns to light training as Medics keep close tab

     

    * To miss remaining friendly matches

    * Sure to make squad to Russia

    Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, has flagged off light training after picking up a hamstring injury at Crystal Palace in April.

    The Super Eagles midfielder was forced off after 51 minutes of play as the King Power Stadium outfit were outmuscled by Roy Hodson side, giving Coach Gernot Rohr something to worry about ahead of the FIFA World Cup which kicks off June 14 in Russia.

    But, the 21 year old took to the social media Monday to announce his return to training.

    ’’A sunny day to recuperate’’, the former Genk star dished out via  his twitter handle @Ndidi25 with accompanying picture of his light training, an indication that he is eager to return to the pitch.

    Despite his personal conviction about his gradual return to fitness, National team medics continue to maintain close monitoring of the Nigeria international.

    .Super Eagles Media Officer Toyin Ibitoye in an exclusive chat with sportinglife.ng Monday, said the Medical team want the former Genk midfielder to have enough rest and recover fully for the Mundial where Nigeria will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the Group stage. He confirmed that Ndidi is likely to miss all the remaining friendly matches leading to the world cup he will nonetheless be part of the squad to Russia.

    ” Ndidi is recovering and the medical team are keeping a close watch on him.  They want him to have enough rest while recuperating so as to be in the best of shape for the world cup. Although he will be missing the remaining friendly matches including the tie against England and Czech Republic, but he is definitely in the world cup plan,” he said

    Initial report after the injury had indicated that the Nigeria international will be out of action for at least six weeks.

    World cup bound Super Eagles who have so far played quality friendly matches against Argentina, Poland and Serbia are set to engage Congo Dr in yet another friendly on the May 28 in Port Harcourt.  Other friendly matches just before the Gernot Rohr tutored side hit Russia will be against England at the wembley on June 2nd and Czech Republic on June 6.

  • Russia 2018: ‘Octopus’ CIES tips Spain to win title

     

    *zero chance for Nigeria

    Super Eagles of Nigeria have zero chance of winning the world cup in Russia and should the team do so, it might be considered the eighth wonder of the world

    Indication to this effect emerged Tuesday as the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) submitted its research, tipping 2014 world cup winners Spain to reclaim the title in Russia.

    The CIES Football Observatory has a global reputation for devising statistical indicators which are perfectly comparable from both a spatial and temporal perspective. The centre submits that the top five countries likely to emerge champions in Russia are Spain in the number one position, followed by Brazil, France, Germany and England in that order.

    Their study looked at the number of matches players were involved in at domestic league level since July 2017 and the profile of clubs that they featured for, with 2010 winners Spain topping the list ahead of Brazil and France.

    The 23 players La Roja used most often in the qualification stage played on average 81.1 per cent of domestic league games, the highest figure of all 32 nations who will compete at Russia 2018.

    Their study looked at the number of matches players were involved in at domestic league level since July 2017 and the profile of clubs that they featured for, with 2010 winners Spain topping the list ahead of Brazil and France.

    The 23 players La Roja used most often in the qualification stage played on average 81.1 per cent of domestic league games, the highest figure of all 32 nations who will compete at Russia 2018.

    Furthermore, their ‘average sporting level of the clubs’ is the greatest given their squad comprises players from teams like back-to-back Champions League winners Real Madrid, La Liga champions Barcelona and recently-crowned Premier League title winners Manchester City.

    Reigning champions Germany were fourth in the table while CIES found England were more likely to lift the trophy than their Group G rivals Belgium, 2014 runners-up Argentina or Euro 2016 champions Portugal.

    The Three Lions players used most frequently during qualifying appeared in 74 per cent of domestic league matches – a figure only bettered by Spain, Brazil, Denmark and Japan.

    Panama, who England face in their second group game in Russia, should be considered the rank outsiders, according to the study.

    Los Canaleros’ squad was also the oldest in qualifying with an average age of 29.4 whereas England’s average was 25.9, the third-youngest behind only Germany and Nigeria.

    All of the players Southgate used during qualifying represented clubs in England, with Saudi Arabia the only other country that selected players exclusively from its domestic league.

    From the teams that have advanced to Russia, 164 players involved in qualifying ply their trade in England, 15.3 per cent of the total and the most ahead of Spain (94 players) and Germany (90 players).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Super Eagles will defeat DR Congo, says Assistant Coach

    Super Eagles Assistant Coach Salisu Yusuf said on Monday that the Super Eagles would defeat DR Congo in their May 28 friendly, slated for Abuja.

    Yusuf, who made the statement in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja that the Eagles would use the match to send signal of hope to Nigerians.

    He described friendly matches as fundamental in shaping the fitness of teams, adding that friendly matches were not just meant to record victory but to strengthen teams.

    “We are sure of winning Congo DR in order to keep our hope in the World Cup alive and tell Nigerians that we are very ready for the task ahead.”

    The coach pleaded with Nigerians to continue to support the team, assuring that the Eagles would not disappoint.

    He said that the Eagles were one of the best teams in Africa, noting that the team had demonstrated its ability at different times.

    Yusuf noted that Nigeria had done well in both qualifications and preparations for the World Cup.

    He said that the Eagles were determined to make not just Nigeria but Africa proud in Russia.

    The Nigeria Football Federation recently announced a change in the venue of the Nigeria-DR Congo friendly from Uyo to Abuja.

    NAN

  • Super Eagles ready for England friendly – Mikel

    Midfielder Mikel Obi says the Super Eagles will be at their best for the prestige international friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium in London on June 2.

    “There will be no option for us other than to give our best with the FIFA World Cup fast approaching.

    “The match comes up only two weeks before our first match at the FIFA World Cup.

    “It will be a big occasion and a big match for both teams as we both look forward to our respective first matches in Russia.

    “England is a special place for me, having spent so many years playing there, and it is one country I love to go to,’’ Mikel was quoted as saying on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) website on Tuesday.

    The former Chelsea FC player said Super Eagles were already talking to themselves and everyone of them was looking forward to the game.

    Reports have it that Nigeria take on Croatia in their first match at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16.

    In their other Group D matches, they will then face Iceland at Volgograd on June 22, and Argentina at Saint Petersburg on June 26.

    On the other hand, England will play their first match in Group G against Tunisia at Volgograd on June 18.

    Thereafter, they will face Panama at Nizhny Novgorod on June 24, and Belgium at Kaliningrad on June 28.

    Meanwhile, tickets for the England/Nigeria match are still selling, with the lowest ticket going for 35 pounds.

    NAN

  • Super Eagles to play Atletico Madrid May 21

    Super Eagles’ technical adviser Genort Rohr has stated that the Super Eagles will face Atletico Madrid in a friendly game on May 21 at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo.

    The German tactician revealed on Supersport Monday night football that the CHAN Eagles or selected home-based players would be used to prosecute the match, as he ruled out the possibility of using Eagles big stars for the game.

    He also said the team will use the game to thank the state government under Governor Udom Emmanuel, as well as the good people of Uyo, for their support to the Super Eagles during their World Cup campaign.

    “The date for the match is May 21. If they (Atletico Madrid) are coming to Nigeria for the match, it will be a good one for us. But I don’t know yet which team would play against Atletico Madrid. It maybe CHAN Eagles or selected local-based players but the main Eagles players will not be part of it. I love the game to be played so that we will use the opportunity to say thank you to the government, governor and people of Uyo for their support to the Super Eagles during our stay there,” Rohr said.

  • Appreciative Iwobi sings Wenger’s praise

     

    Super Eagles and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi has added to his voice to the out pouring affection that has hit the globe with a bang following Alex Wenger’ notice that he will step down at the end of the season.

    The Nigerian international who has left no one in doubt that he is enjoying his job at the Emirates Stadium under Wenger, joined the bandwagon he hailing the Frenchman for all he has done in his life and his career.

    Iwobi did not only dish the expected thank you but took time to itemise all that he has enjoyed under Wenger.

    “For Everything You’ve Done For Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much!” he enthused in his tweet Friday.

    Iwobi who is one of the players Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is expecting to shine in Russia has been a regular for

    Gunners and has no doubt impressed out going Wenger who never hesitates to hand him playing time.  Iwobi was impressive in Super Eagles quest for World cup ticket even as some soccer pundits have predicted that he will rank among young players that will shine like a million stars in Russia.

    Iwobi joined Arsenal while still at primary school and was first involved in a first-team match as an unused substitute in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion on 25 September 2013. He signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in October 2015.

    On 27 October 2015, Iwobi made his first-team debut for the club, starting in a 3–0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Round of 16 of the League Cup.

    He made his Premier League debut four days later in a 3–0 win against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, as a stoppage time substitute for Mesut Özil.

  • W/Cup:  Chukwu, Taribo predict good run for Eagles

     

    Former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu and former international Taribo West have expressed optimism that the Eagles will rise to the occasion in Russia.

    The two ex-internationals who were separately x-raying the chances of the Gernot Rohr led team ahead of Mundial where they have been pitched against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina respectably, believe Eagles can emerge from the group and push ahead.

    Chukwu dubbed the ‘Chairman’ during his playing days in the national team noted that the team is a mix of experienced and relatively young players, adding that such a blend if combined with determination and discipline will yield good result.

    The former Harambee stars of Kenya coach however declined to set a target for the team, insisting that it is better to concentrate on one match at a time.

    “I am very sure we will do well in Russia because the boys are hungry and eager to excel, we have a blend of experienced players and younger ones which is an advantage,” he enthused

    Pastor West on his part while agreeing with observations made by the chairman regarding blend in the Eagles, took the bull by the horns to set a semi final target for the team.

    “I am optimistic the grace of God will be behind us, and I expect the team to play in the semi final.  The different between us and this current crop of players is that then you could identify very dangerous players but these ones are all capable of springing surprises,” he said

    As part of the shape up for the showdown in Russia, Eagles have played two friendly matches against Poland and Serbia.

    Other shape up encounters lined up for the Eagles baring last minute change of plans includes DR Congo May 25, England on June 2nd at the Wimbley and June 6 against Czech Republic in Austria.

    Eagles will flag off their campaign in Russia on June 16 against Croatia at the Kaliningrad stadium.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Excited Troost-Ekong, partner reveal baby bump

     

    Super Eagles and Bursaspor defender William Troost-Ekong is thrilled as he and partner awaits the arrival of their baby.

    The former FC Groningen defender who revealed the development has been enjoying a fun filled relationship with partner for over four years though not much is known about the beautiful blonde who from all indications and appearances with the Nigerian international is equally excited

    The 24-year-old is very public with his relationship and regularly shares photos of him and his girl on his Instagram.

    Announcing the pregnancy the Bursaspor defender took to his Instagram to share a photo of his partner with the caption;

    “We can’t wait to meet you!”Her baby bump is obvious in the Instagram photo.

    Close friends and teammates who have been keeping an eye on the love birds believe they are a good pair set to enjoy flourishing romance and possibly blissful marriage.

    Troost-Ekong’s dedication to the relationship some have equally noted is very glaring as he never misses an opportunity to give his partner a treat whenever time permits.

    The former junior international who has so far made over 18 appearances for the senior national team is among super Eagles players being tipped to showcase their skill at the World cup in Russia.

    Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father, and Dutch mother. He represented the Netherlands at under-19 and under-20 youth levels.

    He made his senior international debut for Nigeria on 13 June 2015, playing 90 minutes in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.

    He enjoyed  3 starts for the senior team in 2016 before being selected by Nigeria’s under-23 team in their 35-man provisional squad for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

    Troost-Ekong who has never hidden his love for the Green white Green jersey since joining the national team fold, said in a recent interview that playing for the national team has indeed change his life even as he described Nigeria’s qualification for the World cup in Russia as a huge achievement worthy of celebration.

    “It is a big achievement for Nigeria and for me to qualify for the World Cup,” Troost-Ekong told NFF website.