The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Udoji

  • UDOJI WARNS PILLARS, OTHERS: Enyimba targets 2013/14 Glo title

    UDOJI WARNS PILLARS, OTHERS: Enyimba targets 2013/14 Glo title

    Captain of Enyimba FC of Aba, Chinedu Udoji has expressed confidence that the 2013/14 Globacom Premier League season will not elude his side after conceding the 2012/13 title to Kano Pillars.

    Udoji, who spoke from Otta in Ogun State where players and officials of the Peoples Elephants are holding a pre-season camping ahead the new league season kick-off, said Enyimba will not disappoint but rather lift the GLO title.

    “We are working hard ahead of the new season because I want to win every available trophy with my team this season.”

    Udoji led Enyimba to the Federation Cup title last season after beating Warri Wolves on penalties at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

    Asked on his non inclusion in Stephen Keshi’s South Africa bound Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) squad despite his heroic stint with Enyimba last season, “I feel happy, anything that happens in life that is how God wants it. It will make me work harder for the new season. I wish them luck, mind you most of them are my friends.”

    He further stated that the spirit in the camp is very high.

    “Everybody is fine and ready to go, as we can’t wait to kick start our continental camp against Ange de Notse of Togo,” Udoji echoed.

  • Eagles call up Enyimba skipper Udoji

    Eagles call up Enyimba skipper Udoji

    Enyimba skipper Chinedu Udoji is set to earn a Super Eagles call-up after some sparkling displays for his title-chasing club this season.

    “Udoji has been pencilled down by the Eagles coaches after some great outings in the heart of the Enyimba defence this season,” a top source informed MTNFootball.com

    The central defender Udoji is seen by national selectors as a direct replacement in the country’s ‘B’ team for Godfrey Oboabona, who has moved to Turkish club Rizespor and so will not be eligible for next year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in South Africa.

    Kwara United and former Nigeria U20 star, Ganiu Ogungbe, who was on the fringes of the CHAN Eagles has also been ruled out as a replacement for Oboabona after he moved to Cyprus recently.

    Udoji has already got the endorsement of Enyimba coach Imama Amapakabo to be an instant hit at full international level.

    “Chinedu Udoji is a good player any day anytime and he is good enough to get Super Eagles call up,” Amapakabo told MTNFootball.com

    “Without mincing words, he is one of the best central defenders in the Nigeria league now and the major reason why our team have not conceded many goals in the league.

    “I have followed him very closely for two seasons now and he has been very consistent.”

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles ‘B team’ will know their first round opponents in the CHAN on Wednesday.

    Nigeria secured the ticket for the first time after two failed attempts.

    Nigeria will contend for the trophy with hosts South Africa, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

    The tournament will be played between January 11 and February 1, 2014, at the Cape Town Stadium, Athlone Stadium, Free State Stadium and Peter Mokaba Stadium.

     

  • Fed Cup: We are ready for Wolves, says Udoji

    Fed Cup: We are ready for Wolves, says Udoji

    Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji has declared that the team will be ready for their opponents Warri Wolves in the September 15 final of the Federation Cup.

    The Aba Elephants defeated Lobi Stars 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin through a 67th minute goal scored by Ifeanyi Edeh.

    After the game, Udoji noted that they have been trained to face any team that will come their way on September 15 at the final that will be played at the Teslim Balogun.

    “It was a good game. We did our best. Lobi Stars was a tough side and they played well. But I want to say we will be ready for any team in the final of the competition,” Udoji told Goal.

    “I don’t want to know which team we will be playing. All I want is for my colleagues to get ready because it will not also be an easy game like the one against Lobi Stars.

    “The final deserves utmost concentration. We have come this far because we are dedicated and that is what we want in the final.”

    The midfielder also stated that he is keen to help the Aba Millionaires end their bareen trophy run this season.

    “For a long time, Enyimba have not won any major trophy and this is the time to make our supporters happy once again. They have waited for a long time and this is an opportunity for them to be happy again.

    “All our supporters should come out and cheer on the final day at the Teslim Balogun Stadium,” Udoji said.

    Warri Wolves defeated Akwa United 2-1 to book a place in the final of the competition on Thursday after the game was delayed by bad weather.

  • Udoji in The Predictor’s XI for fifth time

    Enyimba captain and centre-back, Chinedu Udoji has played himself into my team for the fifth time in this season’s Glo Premier League.

    I believe Enyimba may have finally found not just a true captain but a fantastic defensive leader in Udoji, who joined the two-time African champions four seasons after his performance against Warri Wolves.

    Udoji was not just the perfect leader for Enyimba in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Wolves but his positioning, last-ditch clearance off the line and leadership qualities stood him out and proved to be exemplary to his teammates.

    No wonder, the centre-back has been named in four of my previous teams of the week on matchdays one, 10, 13 and 15 for his sterling qualities. The trio of Goodluck Onamado, Bright Esieme and Festus Austine join Udoji as my back four to provide cover for Wikki Tourists’ impressive custodian, Ayo Segun.

    In midfield, the three players I have picked were just too supreme on and off the ball. Making up my midfield triangle are Olabiyi Rasheed, Christian Pyagbara and Bernard Okorowanta.

    Up front, Bayelsa United duo of Gindo Abdoulaye and Jafar Buhari are in my team. Abdoulaye ran Akwa United’s defence ragged in his club’s 4-1 win while Buhari’s composure in the opponents’ goal area helped him net a brace of goals.

    I have also picked Akwa United’s Mfon Udoh to complete my three-man attack. He was a terror to Bayelsa United’s backline despite his team’s 1-4 loss, and ex-Nigeria under-17 captain, Fortune Chukwudi can testify to that.

    Sharks gaffer, Gbenga Ogunbote, is my coach of the week in the Glo Premier League after guiding his team to a 2-1 win over city rivals, Dolphins in an away game.

    It is the second time that Ogunbote will make my team this season since he joined the Blue Angels in April.

    The Predictor’s XI – Matchday 25

    Ayo Segun (Wikki Tourists) – Goodluck Onamado (Warri Wolves), Bright Esieme (Enyimba), Festus Austine (Dolphins), Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba) – Olabiyi Rasheed (Enyimba), Christian Pyagbara (Sharks), Bernard Okorowanta (Bayelsa United) – Gindo Abdoulaye (Bayelsa United), Jafar Buhari (Bayelsa United), Mfon Udoh (Akwa United)

    Coach: Gbenga Ogunbote (Sharks)