The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Uchebo

  • I’m not done with Super Eagles-Uchebo

    I’m not done with Super Eagles-Uchebo

    Boavista attacker Michael Uchebo believes he has unfinished business with the national team, and wants to force his way back to the squad after spending close to a year in the international wilderness.

    The 24 – year – old is eager to add to his five international caps, the last coming against Argentina at last summer’s World Cup.

    ”I would love to return to the Super Eagles, I am waiting for my time,” said Michael Uchebo to SL10.ng.

    ”I have to work hard to show what I can do. Many people have not watched me play; they need to know the kind of player I am.”

    Boavista pays the wages of two Nigerian players in the shape of Michael Uchebo and Reuben Gabriel, and the striker is confident that The Panthers will be safe at the end of the 2014 – 2015 season.

    ”I’ve not had any problem since I joined Boavista, they are very nice people. Everything is working well.

    ”I am combining well with Reuben Gabriel. He’s a very good guy, and I am happy he is in the team with me.

    ”Yesterday’s game was a good game, we worked hard. I believe we are going to make it, we will survive relegation by the grace of God.

    ”The fans should keep supporting us, I am very happy with them,” Uchebo added.

    Including his 69th minute goal against Vitória Guimarães on Sunday, Uchebo has five goals to his name in all competitions this season.

  • Uchebo urges Nigerians’ patience

    Uchebo urges Nigerians’ patience

    Super Eagles’ striker,  Michael Okechukwu Uchebo, has urged Nigerians to be patient with the senior national team despite the players’ inability to play up to the required standards against Scotland in a friendly match on Wednesday.

    Uchebo got the country’s first equaliser before Uche Nwofor late minute leveller rescued a point for the second strings side assembled by Eagles’ head coach Stephen Keshi.
    But the Circle Brugge of Belgium pole striker revealed that the Eagles need concerted support of all to achieve their target of storming the world in Brazil when the World Cup kicks off June 12th.
    Uchebo added that so many things were at stake against the Scottish national team and that the pressure to perform to the minimum requirement of the coaches was the sole reason most of the players were not at optimum level against the Tartan Army.
    The former Enugu Rangers’ striker however pointed out that with time the Eagles will fly and that at the World Cup finals they will be more than handful for their first round opponents-Argentina, Bosnia and Iran.
    “It was a tough match and many things were at stake against Scotland. No player wants to make any mistake that will rule him out of the World Cup. We are also striving to impress the coaches too. Nigerians should be patient with us with time a formidable team will be raised and the Eagles will be among the teams to beat in Brazil,” Uchebo said in an interview.
    Uchebo’s 41st minute deflected strike against the Scottish national team was his first international goal for the Eagles.
    He debuted for Nigeria on March 5, 2014 in the goalless draw against Mexico in the United States.

  • Azeez, Uchebo dream Brazil 2014

    Azeez, Uchebo dream Brazil 2014

    Almeria of Spain midfielder, Ramon Azeez has thanked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Coach Stephen Keshi for inviting him to the national team as preparation begins for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. He vows that he will not let the opportunity slip off his fingers.

    Similarly, Cercle Brugges of Belgium midfielder, Michael Uchebo, is convinced that he has a part to play in Nigeria’s quest for glory during the Mundial in Brazil. “The coach has told us that we have equal opportunity to make the team. If I am invited for the final phase of preparations, I will not disappoint my fans,” the Nwankwo Kanu look-alike said in Atlanta.

    Ex-junior international, Azeez said it had always been his ambition to play at the senior level and since he had been given the opportunity he would do his all to remain in the team. “I thank God for this invitation and I promise to do even better when next I am called up,” he declared.

    Head Coach Stephen Keshi while assessing the performance of his wards against Mexico, said it was fair but he was not too happy at the manner the players were easily losing the ball to their opponents. “I guess it’s because we have not played together for quite a while, but that will be addressed when camp opens for the World Cup. I know the quality of players we have in this team, they will surely go places.”

     

  • Uchebo shines in Brugge derby

    Uchebo shines in Brugge derby

    Ex-Nigeria U-20 star Michael Uchebo put up an eye-catching performance for Cercle Brugge to beat Club Brugge 2-0 in a local derby Thursday.

    Former Enugu Rangers star Uchebo, who was on from the beginning to the end of the Belgian league match, provided the assist as Stephen Buyl scored in the 22nd minute.

    DR Congo’s Kabananga Kalonji scored the second goal in the 79th minute.

    Cercle Brugge are now 11th on the league table with 14 points.

    Fellow Nigeria striker Kehinde Fatai was not listed for Club Brugge.

    Uchebo has scored two goals in the Belgian league so far.