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Tag: Super Eagles

Mikel: We are keen to finish what we started

Mikel John Obi- led Super Eagles arrived Yaounde on Sunday afternoon for Monday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday quoted Mikel as saying that the team was keen on consolidating on Friday’s 4-0 victory over Cameroon in Uyo.

Nigeria achieved its highest win ever over Cameroon with the thumping of the Lions on Friday, but Mikel said he was aware the wounded Lions would want to salvage some pride.

“We are just very keen to finish what we started. We started a job in Uyo and it is time to finish it.

“If we can pick the World Cup ticket by Monday, why wait any longer? We are all very confident because we know our ability and what we are ready to bring to the party.

“We are as hungry, perhaps, even more hungry than they are. It will be a tough affair but we will give our very best to take the three points.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria could become the first African team to earn a slot in Russia as early as Tuesday.

The Eagles will qualify if they defeat the Cameroonians on Monday in Yaounde and Zambia fails to beat Algeria at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Tuesday.

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has 23 fit players to select from, with goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Dele Ajiboye and Dele Alampasu.

Also are defenders Uche Agbo, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Ola Aina, Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem.

Midfielders Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Mikel Agu, are also in contention for the game.

The forwards include Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon, Anthony Nwakaeme and Kelechi Iheanacho.

At the Hilton Hotel on Sunday to receive the Nigerian team was Cameroon’s Minister of Sport, Bidoung Mpaktt, who chatted briefly with NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

FIFA has appointed respected Senegalese official Bakary Papa Gassama as the referee for Monday’s encounter.

Gassama is to be assisted by Jean Claude Birumushahu from Burundi (Assistant 1), Marwa Aden Range from Kenya (Assistant 2) and Maudo Jallow from Gambia (Reserve Referee).

Osama Hassan from Sudan will be match Commissioner at the game which will kick off 6 p.m.

September 3, 2017
‘Super Eagles victory a wonderful Sallah gift for Nigeria’

The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, has described the Super Eagles 4-0 mauling of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon as a wonderful Sallah gift to Nigerians. He charged the team to go all out for victory in Yaounde tomorrow when the teams meet again in their Group B African qualifying series for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

A statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Steve Alabi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday said Oni congratulated the Mikel Obi-led Super Eagles for rekindling the hope of Nigerians in their fatherland with the unity of purpose and oneness displayed in the emphatic 4-0 victory over the current African champions.

The APC chieftain commended President Muhamadu Buhari for his crucial fatherly support for the Super Eagles and other national teams which has seen Nigeria’s flag flying high in international sports in recent times.

Also congratulating the national female basketball team, DTigress, who were crowned African champions last week, Chief Oni said the APC-led federal government will continue to accord sports development the priority and attention it deserves in the onerous task of nation building.

Chief Oni acknowledged the strong influence sports exert on the strengthening of unity in the country and enjoined Nigerians to promote the nation’s unity in diversity so exemplified in the victories of the Eagles and DTigress in all spheres of national life.

“When we are united and work together as the Eagles and other national teams do without dwelling on our differences, there is nothing that we cannot achieve as a nation,” Oni said.

With the good and focused leadership provided by President Buhari under this APC government, Nigeria will soar higher, not only in sports but also in other aspects of human development, he added.

Urging the Super Eagles to maintain their clean slate against Cameroon in the return leg, Oni advised other national teams to emulate the determination, industry and dedication exhibited by the Eagles and DTigress so as to achieve successes for Nigeria in their own competitions.

The 2018 Ekiti State governorship hopeful, who will be 63 twenty-four hours after Monday’s crucial return leg, said the senior national team have already given him and other Nigerians celebrating their birthdays a most befitting birthday gift and looked forward to an icing on the cake with another victory and outright qualification for Russia 2018 on Monday.

September 3, 2017
Super Eagles on path to regain lost glory in Africa, says Agu-Ejidike

Donatus Agu-Ejidike, the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos expressed optimism that the Super Eagles has what it takes regain its lost glory in international football.

The Super Eagles had on Friday in Uyo proved bookmakers’ prediction wrong by walloping the current African champions, Indomitable Lions of Cameroun 4-0 in a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Agu-Ejidike told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that if the tempo exhibited by the Eagles is sustained, Nigeria would once again become Africa’s best team.

“I keenly watched the match and I am confident that if the tempo is sustained, the Super Eagles will regain their lost glory and become a national team every Nigerian will love to watch.

“Nevertheless, the coach should make it clear to the players that the second leg in Cameroun is equally important in their journey to Russia,’’ said Agu-Ejidike.

The former President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) described the Eagles as unstoppable against the Cameroonians.

“The scintillating performance of the Eagles signified restoration of hope that Nigerian football will rise again,’’ he said.

Agu-Ejidike commended the technical crew for an effective formation which resulted in the outstanding performance of the team.

“The team’s line-up is the best thing that ever happened to the senior national team in the recent times.

“The combination of midfield maestro, Mikel Obi alongside Ndidi and Onazi who did the clearing and the running stabilised the midfield.

“Even as the overlapping Victor Moses gave Odion Igalo the leverage to rout the defense of the visiting Cameroonians.

“It was just a perfect team selection that gave us the match,’’ he said.

He urged the team to ensure they win the three points at stake in the return leg in Cameroun on Monday.

“Nigeria, with nine points should ensure they clinched the World Cup ticket by gaining more points in the subsequent qualifiers.

“The team should know that it is not yet over until is over, so it not yet done until we make it to Russia,’’ Agu-Ejidike said.

He, however, commended the Nigeria Football Federation and the Akwa Ibom State Government for the motivation and support to the Super Eagles.

September 2, 2017
Dalung lauds Super Eagles for Cameroon’s 4-0 defeat

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has applauded the Super Eagles for their Friday’s massive 4-0 triumph over visiting Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

The team will receive N20 million for the four goals scored following the Federal Government’s promise to reward every strike with N5 million during a pep talk before the game.

Dalung thanked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the team for not letting Nigerians down knowing the importance of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia next year.

“The NFF has been on its toes to ensure that the Super Eagles qualify for the next World Cup.

“You worked very hard for this victory and Nigerians are proud of you for always raising the flag when it matters most.

“We know the consequences of not being at the World Cup in Russia in 2018,’’ the minister said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Nneka Ikem-Anibeze.

“We determine the pulse of African sports and set the tune and agenda for Africa in global sports, so, it is very key and critical to us.

“Moreover, the absence of Nigeria at any international competition always denies the world of the pattern, style and tradition of the Nigerian variety of football.

“So, we will be going to Russia with another different pattern and style of football.’’

The minister called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to continue to support the players with their prayers and objective criticisms.

“The Federal Government will continue to support our players because they have been making so many sacrifices for the country.

“There is nothing we can do to compensate them for what they have done except to continue to appreciate and celebrate them in this critical journey to Russia,’’ the statement said.

Nigeria now top Group B with 9 points and will face Cameroon again on Monday at the Stade Omnispirts Ahmadu Ahidjo in Yaoundé at 6 p.m.

September 2, 2017
Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles over Friday’s impressive win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Read also: ‘Super Eagles victory a wonderful Sallah gift for Nigeria’

The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined millions of football-loving Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora in applauding the senior men’s football team for their disciplined, skilful and entertaining display against the defending African champions.

While noting the exhilarating victory, he said that Nigeria is on the verge of qualification for the World Cup in Russia 2018.

The President urged the players to sustain the momentum as they approach the crucial second leg of the tie in Yaounde, on Monday.

Buhari also enjoined Nigerians who always see football as a unifying platform, to continue to pray and support the team to guarantee victory next week and make qualification doubly sure.

He also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued support and provision of excellent hosting facilities

September 2, 2017
Nigerians in S/Africa hail Super Eagles’ defeat of Cameroon

Some Nigerians in South Africa have hailed the Super Eagles for their 4-0 win against Cameroon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the victory, Nigeria still leads its group with nine points having won all three matches played.

Adetola Olubajo, Secretary-General of Nigeria Union South Africa, said the Eagles had done Nigerians in South Africa proud.

“ With this victory, I can smell Russia. They still need to work harder to win out remaining matches.

“ The team should remain focused and I am optimistic that with hard work and dedication, the Eagles will qualify,” he said.

Ifeyinwa Obi-Emedo, Secretary of Nigerian Women Association, South Africa, said she was overwhelmed with joy with the win.

“Each time the Eagles play so well, its like another decade has been added to my life.

“ The Eagles should keep it up, forward ever, backward never,” she said.

Collins Mgbo, Secretary of the Union in Limpopo Province, said the win had rekindled the hope and aspiration of Nigerians in the team.

“We urge them to continue this way up to the finals in Russia in 2018. I am optimistic Nigeria will qualify,” he said.

Ale Olorunfemi Joseph, a Nigerian resident in Pretoria, expressed joy with the Eagles victory over the defending African champions, Cameroon.

“ I also commend the President of Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF), Amaju Pinnick for working hard to ensure the victory of the team and eventual qualification for the World Cup.

Michael Evah, who lives in Johannesburg, praised the Eagles for giving Nigerians joy and hope with the victory.

“The Super Eagles have shown zeal and purpose with this victory. I urge them to continue and qualify for the World Cup. I wish the team good luck in their subsequent engagements in the qualifiers.

Ikele Odefa, a Johannesburg based businessman, said the Eagles had rekindled hope and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, especially those living in South Africa.

“I believe that we have the team to qualify for the World Cup. The team should remain focused and continue with same determination,” he said.

September 1, 2017
Nigeria Beat Cameroon 4- 0 in Uyo

Nigeria got step closer towards qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, with a 4-0 win over Cameroon on Friday, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Odion Ighalo had scored the first goal,in the 29th minute with Mikel Obi netting the second goal in the 41st minute as he converted the goal from a corner kick played by Victor Moses.

Victor Moses scored again the third goal for the Super Eagles,scoring in the 55th minute.

Kelechi Iheanacho completed the whitewash, by scoring the fourth goal in the 76th minute.

Nigeria remains top of Group B with 9 points, seven more than the Indomitable Lions, who they travel to Yaounde to face in the reverse leg on Monday.

September 1, 2017
Cameroonian coach : Lions are more experienced than Super Eagles

The Cameroonian coach, Mr. Hugo Broos, say the Indomitable Lions, having played at the Confederation Cup in Russia, is more experienced than the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Broos said this on Thursday in Uyo at a pre-match news conference ahead of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Friday.

The coach said that the Indomitable Lions, apart from being African champions, had played against difficult national teams of Chile, Germany, and Australia in the Confederation cup.

“We are four points behind Nigeria and we know that if we lose, we are finished. We will play a very good game even in depression.

“Everybody knows that tomorrow’s result and that of Monday are very important, I’m not afraid,” Broos said.

He said that he was alright with the weather in Uyo and would play to win the match.

The Ccameroonian team captain, Benjamin Moukandjo, said that the team was focused and had prepared hard for the match.

Moukandjo corroborated his coach’s perception that Friday’s match with Nigeria would be tough.

“I know tomorrow’s game is important. If we win tomorrow’s game, we shall keep the hope for Russia alive,” the captain said.

He said that his team was ready for the Super Eagles.

September 1, 2017
Enyeama ready for Eagles return – Rohr

Former Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, is ready to return to the national team, Coach Gernot Rohr said on Wednesday.

Rohr stated this at a pre-match news conference ahead of Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

The match will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Rohr said he had spoken with Enyeama and the goalkeeper was ready to come back to the Super Eagles.

“The past is the past but now he is injured. He has to win the fight against injury,” Rohr said.

Enyeama quit the national team in 2015 following a disagreement with the former national team coach, Sunday Oliseh.

Rohr said he has a good team to face the Cameroonians but his challenge was with the goalkeeper’s position.

The Franco-German coach said Ikechukwu Ezenwa would be in goal on Friday due to injury sustained by two other goalkeepers in the team.

He added: “The list of players makes the difference, not so young, more of experienced players. We already have six points. All the players are in high spirit.

“We know that we have a good team, we are ready to make the difference. We have all the confidence to beat the Indomitable Lions here in Uyo.”

NAN

August 30, 2017
Dalung promises to deliver 2018 World Cup ticket

Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, says the Super Eagles will deliver the 2018 World Cup ticket to Nigerians.

Dalung told newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that the team was well prepared for the world cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon coming up on Friday in Uyo.

“We have prepared very well and the team is in high spirit, ready to do their best.

“We want to assure Nigerians that we will definitely make good our promise of delivering the ticket for the 2018 World Cup in Russia,” said the minister.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will aim to achieve a 12 time triumph over the Lions of Cameroon when both teams meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Nigeria has won 11 of the 19 previous encounters with Cameroon and secured four draws, while Cameroon had beaten the Eagles only four times.

The two teams last clashed at the Edmond Machtens Stadium in Brussels in October 2015 when the Eagles won by 3-0 through goals by Efe Ambrose, Moses Simon, and Odion Ighalo.

August 30, 2017