The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • Be wary of Nigeria’s counter attack, Leekens warns Algeria

    Be wary of Nigeria’s counter attack, Leekens warns Algeria

    Aware of the lethal attack of Super Eagles, Coach Georges Leekens has warned his Algerian lads to be wary of the fleet-footed Nigerian players when both sides clash in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers holding this weekend.
    After watching the video of Super Eagles, the Belgian tactician ackowledged the quality of the pacy Eagles stars.

    “You have to play as a whole. You have to stay well on the ground. Nigeria are going to rush to the attack at the start of the game, so we have to be careful. To achieve a good result in this game, we have to stay in the same position when we advance to midfield or in attack,” the coach told Lebuteur.com.

    Leekens however, insisted that the players need to score in Nigeria, to avoid defeat. “Nigeria’s defense has certain shortcomings that must be taken into account. It will have to be marked, it is imperative. To achieve a good result there must be one or more goals. They will rush to attack. It is necessary to be in place at the beginning of the meeting then to operate by counter-attacks. There, you’ll have to score,” he added.

    However, there was cheering news in the Algerian camp following the improvement of Faouzi Ghoulam. The wounded Napoli of Italy star has not trained since he joined the training camp in Sidi-Moussa over his injury. After being examined several times by the head doctor of the team, Dr. Ali Yekdah, with the player having an ultrasound and an MRI and the medical visit was positive as the doctor saw a clear improvement.

    With this development, it is possible for Ghoulam to feature against Nigeria on Saturday.

  • You have to beat Nigeria, Algeria FA boss charges players

    You have to beat Nigeria, Algeria FA boss charges players

    Aware of what victory means to his team against Nigeria this weekend, the President of Algeria Football Federation, Mohamed Raouraoua has charged his team to aim for total victory in Uyo.

    Raouraoua was with the players in their camp to motivate them ahead of the crucial encounter saying, “”You have a duty to come back with a positive result of this match against Nigeria. It is mandatory. We have to win there. All Algerians expect you to qualify,” he said.

    He reminded the players that Algerians are behind the team, adding that it is important for the team to reciprocate this support with victory. “All the Algerian people are behind you. It supports you and hopes for a good result in Nigeria. You must not disappoint them, that’s all I can tell you. The World Cup is an important event that should not be missed. You have to know that everyone is behind. You have a goal that is qualification in the World Cup, and you have to reach it. For that, we will have to redeem ourselves from the draw we conceded in the first match against Cameroon,” the FA boss said.

    He however cautioned the players, “Stop talking. I noticed that you have talked too much lately. You are footballers and you must let the field speak. It will have to prove itself on the ground. This is the best way to respond,” he added.

    “Sincerely, I trust you. I know what you’re capable of. I know you are able to go win there. I know this team has potential. I know you are all volunteers on the ground. We just have to concentrate and give ourselves thoroughly and inch’Allah, we will achieve a good result. I trust you,” Raouraoua said.

  • We’ll get result against ‘quality’ Eagles, says Algeria’s Mandi

    We’ll get result against ‘quality’ Eagles, says Algeria’s Mandi

    Ahead of this weekend’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Algeria’s Aissa Mandi acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles but boasted that they would surely get the needed result against the West African giant.
    The Real Betis of Spain star told Lebuteur.com that they would be coming to Nigeria to pick the three maximum points in Uyo.
    “Nigeria is a great team which has in its ranks, players of quality who play in the biggest teams of Europe. We know that this game will be difficult and that it will be played on details. We will go there with the ambition to get a good result,” Mandi said.
    The player is not giving up on Algeria’s chance of making it to Russia 2018 by saying, “As always, the atmosphere is perfect in the group. We are preparing in good condition for this match against Nigeria and I can assure you that we will do everything possible to get a positive result there. We will go to Nigeria with a positive spirit and we will spare no effort to get the three points of this game,” he boasted.
    “No, we are not back on the wall, for the simple reason that there are still five games to play in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. We must not be alarmed, because of this poor performance at home against Cameroon. We will go to Nigeria confident and with our weapons. I remain convinced that we have the means to look for a positive outcome there,” he added.
    On the shaky defence of the Algerian side, Mandi said: “No, we must stop criticizing the defence. Football is a collective sport. We win together and we lose together. I think it was the whole team that was missing out on Cameroon, not just the defence. The state of mind within the team is very positive and I can assure you that there was never any problem between the players. All is well within the selection and it is in the most total serenity that we prepare this match against Nigeria. The players are aware of the task ahead and we will do everything possible to get a positive result.”
  • Nigeria/ Algeria WCQ:  Mark urges Eagles to fly over Algiers

    Nigeria/ Algeria WCQ:  Mark urges Eagles to fly over Algiers

    Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, Wednesday tasked the Super Eagles not leave anything to chance in their World Cup Qualifying match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Saturday.

    Senator Mark said the Eagles new squad looked very promising but reminded them that the new spirit should manifest in victory over their Algerian counterparts.

    A statement by the Media Assistant to Senator Mark, Paul Mumeh said that the former Senate President spoke when former African Queen of the Tracks, Mary Onyali led Nigeria Olympic Fund Management committee, visited him in Abuja.

    It said that Senator Mark urged the Super Eagles to prove that Nigeria is truly the giant of Africa in all ramifications.

    Mark said, “We have all the talents. All we need to do is to harness the talents to make them effective and positively productive. We just have no excuse not to qualify for the World Cup with the abundant human and material resources “.

    On the 2020 Russia Olympics, Senator Mark said the antidote to the nation’s poor outing in the past is early preparation, promising to do everything possible to make sports an integral part of our national life.

    He said Sports should as a matter of deliberate policy be a strategic cardinal part of the country’s life because besides sports nothing else unites Nigerians as a people.

    Senator Mark acknowledges that sports require huge investments beyond government funding.

    He therefore urged corporate organizations to help develop sports as part of their corporate-social responsibility.

    The Technical Director of Nigeria Olympic management fund Mary Onyali was quoted to have said the organization was borne out of the need to raise funds, facilities and train Nigerian Athletes to compete and win medals for the nation at international meets.

    The former African Queen of the tracks said she is passionate about the nation’s athletes winning laurels for the nation saying that sports have gone beyond mere entertainment to being a yardstick to measure a country’s global rating and respect.

    Onyali requested governments at all levels to provide enabling environment for sports development in Nigeria stressing that many of the youths involves in vices would be captured through sports.

    The Chief Executive officer of the Nigeria Olympic management Fund Mr.Olajide Fashikun explained that the organization would help promote sports as well as discover talents for international meets.

    He said that development will ultimately curb the syndrome of late preparations for local and international competitions.

  • Ighalo enjoys pool time with Ideye, Omeruo

    Ighalo enjoys pool time with Ideye, Omeruo

    Super Eagles trio of Odion Ighalo, Brown Ideye and Kenneth Omeruo enjoyed a great time as they relaxed in the pool at the Bolton White Hotels & Apartments, Zone 7 in Abuja on Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

    Nigeria will take on the Fennec Foxes in the match-day two of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday and the trio who are best of friends in the national team camp showed no sign on being under any pressure ahead the important encounter.

    Ighalo uploaded a picture of the trio in a relaxed mood on his Instagram page while joking that he is teaching his national team mates how to swim.

    “Teaching @omeruo and @ideyebrown how to swim????”, he said via @ighalojude

    Ideye, who also uploaded the same picture on his Twitter account, @OfficialIdeye simply wrote, “Recovery!! #supereagles #camp #Thankful #Believe”.

    The 28 year old scored his 7th goal in the Greek Super League for Olympiacos in a 3-0 victory over Panathinaikos in an Athens derby last Sunday, Ighalo featured for Watford in 6-1 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League, while Omeruo had a mixed emotion as he scored an own goal as his Turkish side Alanyaspor defeated Gaziantepspor 4-3 last Saturday.

    Ideye who is said to be nursing minor knocks engaged in light ball work, while Ighalo and Omeruo took part in Tuesday morning’s training with other players at the National Stadium, Abuja under the watchful eyes of Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and Coach Salisu Yusuf.

  • Osinbajo visits Eagles training camp

    Osinbajo visits Eagles training camp

    • Optimistic Eagles will qualify for 2018 World Cup

    The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday was optimistic that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    He spoke at the National Stadium, Abuja when he paid a surprise visit to the team and the Super Falcons during their training sessions.

    The Super Eagles is billed to play World Cup qualifying match against Algeria on Saturday.

    The Super Falcons also is preparing for the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon later in the month.

    Arriving the venue of the training session when the players were rounding up for the day, Osinbajo commended the Super Eagles for their patriotism and commitment to the cause of the nation.

    He hailed the team for winning their away match against Zambia.

    With the victory, he noted that the players had shown their determination to conquer their group and qualify for the World Cup.

    He said: “I want to assure you that the government and people of Nigeria are behind you in your quest to qualify for the World Cup.

    “I believe that you will certainly pick the ticket from your group to make it to the World Cup finals,” he added.

    The team’s captain, Mikel Obi, thanked Osinbajo for the visit on behalf of his teammates.

    During the session with the Super Falcons, Osinbajo also expressed optimism that the players, as defending champions, will retain the trophy in Cameroon.

    “I am happy that you girls are the reigning African champions, and I believe you will go to Cameroon and retain your trophy.

    “The whole nation is behind you. You must start by beating Mali and then going all the way so as to bring the Cup back to Nigeria,” he said.

    The team’s captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku, thanked the Vice-President and promised that the Falcons are committed to retaining their continental title.

  • Owolabi to Eagles: Don’t settle for less

    Ahead of Saturday’s world cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo, former international Felix Owolabi has charged Super Eagles to focus solely on victory, insisting that settling for less is not an option

    The odds according to him favour the Eagles who must build on the advantage they have to avoid last minute calculations that has become the norm in recent times.

    While calling for maximum support for the team, Owoblow’ said after shooting into the lead in the group, Eagles must not drop the baton but maintain the tempo all the way.

    “This is a must win match. We won our first match and the Algerians drew theirs which is an advantage but we must not dwell on that advantage, rather we should aim at another resounding victory to further boost our chances to Russia 2018,”he said.

    Amidst report of growing injuries in the Algerian camp, the former veteran of the Nigerian premier league advised the Gernot Rohr-tutored side not to take anything for granted as the visitors are formidable and will not come cheap despite reported injuries.

    A win for the Eagles in Uyo will see the side garner six points in two matches. Algerians go into the match with only one point in the kitty same with indomitable Lions of Cameroon, while Zambia will be seeking their first point when they face Cameroon in their second match same day.

  • Mikel, Musa, 18 others participate in Eagles’ first training session

    Mikel, Musa, 18 others participate in Eagles’ first training session

    Captain Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and 18 others on Tuesday took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session at the National Stadium, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mikel and Musa were among the latest arrivals at the team’s camp on Monday night.

    The team was separated into three groups and began with a light walk-out and head-tennis training under the watchful eyes of Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and Coach Salisu Yusuf.

    Mikel, Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon and John Ogu made up the first group.

    The second group had Victor Moses, Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Kingsley Madu and Uche Agbo.

    Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Musa Mohammed and Wilfred Ndidi were in the third group, while goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi trained separately.

    NAN observed that Ezenwa was very sharp in goal and displayed good reflexes, while his counterpart, Akpeyi was a little jaded and lacked match fitness.

    Mikel showed some sign of class and precision in his touches and passes, while Victor, Iheanacho and Iwobi were in excellent form.

    The trio of Leon Balogun, Brown Ideye and Shehu Abdullahi who were nursing knee and ankle injuries were engaged in light ball work.

    NAN, however, reports that Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, Elderson Echiejile and Oghenekaro Etebo have yet to arrive at the camp.

    The Super Eagles are expected to hold another training session later on Tuesday.

    The Super Eagles will lock horns with Algeria in crucial Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.

  • Nigeria vs Algeria: IfeanyiUbah goes spiritual, prays for Ezenwa, Eagles

    Nigeria vs Algeria: IfeanyiUbah goes spiritual, prays for Ezenwa, Eagles

    Still basking in the euphoria of their Federation cup victory, premier league side IfeanyiUbah have intensified prayers for their goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and entire Super Eagles team as they prepare to face Algeria on Saturday.

    Apparently eager to extend the party mood the Anambra Warriors are praying for the odds to favour Eagles come Saturday to act as garnishing to Confederation Cup ticket already in their kitty.

    Good luck to @NGSuperEagles & our GK, Ezenwa Ikechukwu as they prepare for the FIFA WCQ against Algeria on Saturday.#SoarSuperEagles,”” the club dished out Monday.

    Although IfeanyiUbah clinched the Federation Cup after defeating Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalty, many however hailed the Lafia based side for putting up a good fight. Sunday’s final some say looks more like a repeat of the 2013 edition between Enyimba and Warri Wolves which equally ended 5-4 on penalties in favour of Enyimba after both sides had settled for a 2-2 score line at regulation time.

    Desert Warriors of Algeria are expected to hit Nigeria on Thursday ahead of the weekend showdown billed for Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

  • W/Cup qualifier: Ogu hit Eagles camp late Monday night

    W/Cup qualifier: Ogu hit Eagles camp late Monday night

    Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder John Ogu breezed into the country yesterday night and immediately headed for the Super Eagles camp in Abuja.

    The 27-year-old last featured for the senior national team against Chad in 2015 but following a fine season in Israel which saw him voted the best player in the league an invitation was extended to him by new Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr for the match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Saturday.

    Ogu expressed his readiness to help Nigeria make the World Cup in 2018 as he looks to cease the opportunity of his return to the national team fold.

    “Another victory last night. God is great. Ready for the biggest challenge for my Nation to qualify for the World Cup #IBELIEVE,” Ogu tweeted after Beer Sheva’s game against Hapoel Ashkelon at the weekend.

    Hapoel Be’er Sheva are currently top of the Israeli league with 22points after nine matches.