The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • NFF announces names of coaches for five national teams

    NFF announces names of coaches for five national teams

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) on Monday in Abuja formally released the names of coaching crews of five national teams.

    The federation, in a statement by its Communications Department, however said the development did not relate to three other national teams.

    These three are the senior men’s team, the Super Eagles, the under-20 women’s team, the Falconets, and the under-17 women’s team, the Flamingoes, whose contracts are running.

    The statement quoted the Chairman of NFF’s Technical and Development Committee, Yusuf Ahmed, as saying the appointments were with immediate effect.

    “Our committee has done due diligence on all the names and approved the constitution of these technical crews,’’ it quoted him as saying.

    Ahmed, who is also Vice-Chairman of NFF’s Strategy Committee, said all the coaches would be unveiled at a later date, alongside the coaching crews of the Falconets and Flamingoes.

    The technical crews of the Falconets and Flamingoes were appointed earlier as a result of their World Cup qualifying campaigns.

    Following is the list of the coaches in the technical crews:

    Super Eagles B/Olympic Men’s Team: Salisu Yusuf (Head Coach); Imama Amapakabo; Kennedy Boboye; Fidelis Ilechukwu (Assistant Coaches); Alloy Agu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-20 Men (Flying Eagles): Paul Aigbogun (Head Coach); Abdullahi Maikaba; Abubakar Bala; Hassan Abdallah (Scouting); Suleiman Shuaibu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-17 Boys Team (Golden Eaglets): Manu Garba (Head Coach); Nduka Ugbade; Jolomi Ali; Bunmi Haruna (Scouting); Abideen Olatunji (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-15 Boys Team (Future Eagles): Danladi Nasidi (Head Coach); Haruna Usman; Ahmed Dankoli; Patrick Bassey (Scouting); Ernest Salolome (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-13 Boys Team: Jolomi Ali (Head Coach); Jude Agada; Abdullahi Tyabo; Adewale Laloko (Scouting); Adeoye Onigbinde (Goalkeepers’ Trainer).

    NAN

  • World Cup: Oliseh counts Nigeria’s blessings

    World Cup: Oliseh counts Nigeria’s blessings

     

    Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh is relishing Nigeria’s past outings in the World cup describing them as unforgettable memories. Oliseh who is current coach of Dutch second division side Fortuna Sittard poured out his feelings in a tweet just few hours after World Soccer ruling body FIFA announced camping sites for the 32 countries that will lock horns in Russia, attaching nostalgic picture of his celebration after scoring for the Super Eagles in one of his outings with then teammate Finidi George equally in jubilant mood.

    @FIFAWorldCup “From Daniel Amokachi to Emmanuel Amunike, Sunday Oliseh to Jay-Jay Okocha, @NGSuperEagles have given us some unforgettable #WorldCup memories! #TBT” he enthused

    Oliseh whose last assignment for Nigeria was leading the CHAN Eagles to first round ouster at the 2016 edition in Rwanda,  was only few weeks ago  rumoured to have been shown the door by the Dutch side, a report which the side quickly denied insisting that the Nigerian is doing a good job and has no cause to fear over his position in the club.

    Oliseh who was among the first batch of well wishers to have congratulate former World footballer of the year and newly elected President of Liberia George Weah  fillers in football circles indicate, is  likely to be among analyst that will feature in Russia when the battle of supremacy begins.

    Although Oliseh parted ways with his Super Eagles job before the team completely sealed qualification for Russia, he nonetheless contributed in no small measure to initial success recorded at the kick off of the qualifiers, leading to team to an impressive 14 Games victory with only two losses with 19 goals scored and 6 conceded.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Revealed! How NFF Plan to Spend N2.2Billion Breweries Deal

    Revealed! How NFF Plan to Spend N2.2Billion Breweries Deal

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday revealed the worth of the fresh sponsorship deal it secured from the Nigeria Breweries to fund National Leagues and the Super Eagles’ at 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    President of the federation, Amaju Pinnick who spoke with newsmen at the Public Declaration of the sponsorship deal in Lagos valued the deal which will last for 5 years at N2.2Billion.

    He explained that the deal which has a legal backing to protect all parties involved takes effect from January 1st, 2018 and elapse in 2022 as reflected in the signed agreement.

    In what areas will NFF channel the funds secured from the Nigeria Breweries in the bid to grow football in the country?

    Amaju Pinnick replied, “…we have the head of the strategy committee, I can assure you that the strategy committee will look at it critically and advise the executive committee hopefully on what we want to do with the funds.”

    But, he added, “Right now we have a lot of requirements, we have the foreign coaches we just employed, we have some other backroom staff we are also employing, we intend to make all our teams very professional, we might need some help there, but everything that we are doing will be thrown to the public without anything to hide.”

    The NFF has lately attracted a lot of corporate goodwill on the back of the Super Eagles’ qualification for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, but Pinnick explained that the governing house settled for the Nigeria breweries deal because of its “sincerity to sustain the sponsorship deal beyond the June 2018 World Cup.”

    According to the Managing Director, Nigeria Breweries, Jordi Borrut Bel who confirmed that Star Lager and Amstel Malta are the official beverages for the national teams including the Super Eagles, revealed that the initial contract which is for a period of five years has a renewal option and an agreed annual remuneration scheme.

    He added that, “We strongly hope the Super Eagles will fly high at the 2018 World Cup and go far to make the continent proud. I will like to add that whatever is the outcome of the Super Eagles in Russia, it will not affect this partnership, this deal has been sealed and we are responsible to fulfill our part for Nigeria.”

    Some of the ex-international who witnessed the ceremony at the corporate head office of the Nigeria Breweries include but not limited to; Daniel Amokachi, Peter Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia and Augustine Eguaveon,

    Some of the federation officials at the occasion were; NFF Assistant President, Shehu Dikko and Seyi Akinwunmi.

    The Nigeria senior national team turned super bride following their qualification for the world Mundial where they will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the group stage.

    Further details of the deal, sealed at the company’s premises at Iganmu to follow later.

  • Rufai urges Nigerians to give Super Eagles’ goalkeepers time

    Rufai urges Nigerians to give Super Eagles’ goalkeepers time

    The Super Eagles ex-Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, on Wednesday rose to the defence of the team’s goalkeepers, saying they need more playing time to gain experience.

    Rufai made the submission in an interview with the News men in Lagos while assessing the performance of the Nigerian goalkeepers in readiness for the World Cup.

    The veteran goalkeeper said goalkeeping unlike other department in football needed more playing time and could not be assessed or judged by a single match.

    “There is no problem as far as I am concerned with the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles, what they need right now is support and more exposure.

    “Goalkeepers get better with time and matches and if one is not performing well such can be replaced for a better option. We are blessed with abundance of good goalkeepers in Nigeria.

    “If someone is driving a four wheel vehicle and one wheel is not good enough, then you change the one that is bad and not discarding all the wheels that is the same situation with goalkeepers.

    “The goalkeepers we still have can serve us better, so, we need not panic about the goalkeepers. As I have said the goalkeepers need exposure, and playing time to get better,’’ he told the newsmen.

    Read Also: 2018 World Cup: Nigeria Breweries promise to sponsor  Super Eagles in Russia

    Rufai, a member of the USA 94 team, said that the technical crew should search for good goalkeepers among the existing ones and also give them time to express themselves.

    “The technical crew which I don’t belong to must get their onions right by searching for goalkeepers that can give them what they want.

    “It is a question of maybe having weakness or lapses in any of the goalkeepers, and finding a way of correcting it that is the reason we have the technical crew.

    “There are lots of goalkeepers but they must be given equal opportunity to play and express themselves. I will be wrong to suggest any goalkeeper to them.

    “Football is almost a science now, so we need to experiment on what we have at hand and get the best out of it. The goalkeepers need platform and experience,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • We’re sorry for losing CHAN trophy- Osas Okoro

    We’re sorry for losing CHAN trophy- Osas Okoro

    Nigeria home-based Super Eagles, Osas Okoro has apologized to fans who were expecting them to clinch their first-ever CHAN trophy yesterday against the host, Morocco.

    The former Heartland player revealed this on his Twitter page.

    Read Also: Yusuf: Super Eagles’ll go far in CHAN

    Osas who plays for Enugu Rangers in the Eastern part of the country admitted that the entire team was bad after their lacklustre display against their North African counterparts who were more than prepared.

    “We really wanted to win for every Nigerian out there but we are sorry about the end result.”

    “A lot to learn from this and we thank you for your endless support.”

    Morocco became the first country to host and win the CHAN tournament since it began in 2009.

  • CHAN 2018 Fallout: Improve on speed Onigbinde advises S/Eagles

    CHAN 2018 Fallout: Improve on speed Onigbinde advises S/Eagles

    Akinade Onigbinde, Coach of FRSC FC, Abuja, on Monday said that the home-based Super Eagles also known as CHAN Eagles had reasons to improve on speed in order to confront faster teams like Morocco in future matches.

    Onigbinde told our reporter in Abuja that the Moroccan side was more tactical with accuracy in passes than the Nigerian side.

    He said that the home-based Eagles allowed their Moroccan counterparts to dominate and dictate the pace of the match in all departments.

    Read Also: Morocco Win CHAN 2018, Down Eagles 4 – 0

    The coach explained that it was imperative for Nigeria to begin to improve on their deficiencies through early preparations.

    “What we need now is to start preparations as early as possible so that we can correct our mistakes.

    “There is need for speed to be developed or the ability to confidently calm pressures from teams with high velocity like Morocco in future,’’ Onigbinde said.

    He, however, commended the Nigerian team for keeping clean slate all through the group stages, saying they were good.

    The coach noted that victory and defeat was unavoidable, adding that the Salisu Yusuf-tutored boys had done Nigeria proud with Nigeria’s first ever Championship of the African Champions (CHAN) finals.\

    NAN

     

  • Victor Moses rewards loyal followers

    Victor Moses rewards loyal followers

     

    Super Eagles and Chelsea wing back Victor Moses is to put a smile on the face of at least one of his loyal followers on social media with a signed boot and shirt.

    The Nigerian international hit the one million mark followers on Saturday and in appreciation posed a question to his followers with the lucky winner expected to emerge on Sunday through a random selection.

    Moses who is likely to be a sure pick for the 2018 world cup in Russia all things being equal, thanked his fans for their support reminding them that he is a man of his word.

    “As promised wanted to thank you all for your support getting to 1 million followers! For chance to win my signed shirt&boots just reply to this tweet&answer: Which team did I score my first ever Premier League goal for Chelsea against? I’ll pick a winner at random tomorrow. Good luck!” he submitted Saturday.

    Moses who has been very effective for the Blues since his return from back to back loan sojourn at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United respectively, has so far made about 74 appearances for Chelsea with five goals to his credit

    The former Wigan Athletic ace who was impressive in Nigeria’s qualification for the world cup was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat Wednesday by visiting Bournemouth but will be hoping to be part of the party when the team visit Watford on Monday.

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari hails Super Eagles for defeating Sudan

    Buhari hails Super Eagles for defeating Sudan

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria on their victory over Sudan in the semi-final of the 2018 Championship of African Nations ( CHAN ) in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina,  joined millions of football loving Nigerians in celebrating the spectacular performance of the team which qualified them for the final on Sunday with Morocco.

    Having keenly followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament with delight, the President commended their hardwork, dedication, discipline and indomitable spirit, which are truly worthy of emulation.

    President Buhari urged the players and the coaching crew to remain focused and determined as they go for Gold in the final match on Sunday.

    Hr assured them of the unflinching support, goodwill and prayers of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they soar to victory.

  • Buhari congratulates Super Eagles over victory against Angola

    Buhari congratulates Super Eagles over victory against Angola

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday  congratulated the Super Eagles on the spectacular 2-1 win over Angola in the CHAN quarter-final match in Morocco.
    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the President watched the match in his hotel room in Addis Ababa after a long day of meetings.
    The President, he said, wished the team the very best in the upcoming matches.
  • Birthday boy Echiejile grateful despite challenges

    Birthday boy Echiejile grateful despite challenges

     

    Super Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile who clocked 30 Saturday, says he is grateful to God despite challenges he has had to face off and on the pitch in the course of his 30 year sojourn on earth.

    The Sivasspor of Turkey back man who pitched tent with the side last year after back to back loan deals from former parent club Monaco, described his challenges as ups and downs of life but remained grateful that he continues to forge ahead in good health.

    “So grateful to God Almighty for all despite the ups and downs, I still remain grateful as today I become a year older” he dished out on his twiter and Instalgram handles. The Nigeria football Federation was among those who paid tribute to the former Rennes and Bendel Insurance ace.

    Aside from wishing him greater heights in his career, the Glass House thanked him for making the country proud.

    “Happy birthday ? to you.   Wishing you greater Heights in your career.  Thank you for making us proud. Love you plenty” it submitted

    Echiejile who is hoping that Super Eagles fly high in Russia, had earlier expressed excitement at the draw which pitched Nigeria against Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.  He however noted that achieving set goal will not be without challenges which can be overcome with hardwork and adequate preparation.

    “Excited about our group. The Journey wouldn’t be without challenges but with hardwork, preparation and focus we will do our thing #WorldcupDraw #WorldCup2018 #SoarSuperEagles #ProudlyNigerian’ he had said shortly after the draw in Russia.

    Adequate preparation as envisage by Elderson some say may be considered underway with planned friendly matches between Nigeria and Poland, England, Serbia , Democractic Republic of Congo, Czech Republic and a yet to be named South American country before heading for the World Cup.

    The former Under 20 ace, who made his senior debut in 2009, has since made over 60 appearances for the Super Eagles with three goals to his credit.