The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Uruguay

  • Uruguay must fall

    Uruguay must fall

    • Promise to make Nigerians proud
    • Thank President Jonathan
    • Match fixed for 11pm Nigerian time

     

    Super Eagles team have assured President Goodluck Jonathan and soccer loving Nigerians of not only an impressive performance against Uruguay tomorrow but to achieve a resounding victory over the highly rated Uruguay and stay a top of the group.

    The Eagles also cited jet lag for their uncoordinated play against Tahiti despite pounding the hapless team 6-1 in their encounter on Monday. The Eagles also thanked President Jonathan for his fatherly gesture towards the team every time.

    “We want to first of all thank Nigerians for their continuous support and prayers. The game against Tahiti has come and gone. Though some of you might not have been too pleased with the quality of play and missed chances, it is pertinent to state that stress, fatigue and jet lag affected our level of concentration.

    “Be rest assured that you will see a different Eagles, the Eagles that you will be proud of when we confront Uruguay on Thursday. We are topping the table in our group, so shall it remain by the Grace of God.

    “We have our set Target, which is to play at the Maracanna Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. We have resolved and determined to achieve the set target. We want to make Nigerians and indeed the whole of Africa whom we are representing happy.

    “To our Father and beloved President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, we appreciate you. Thank you for your Support. By the merciful grace of God we will not let you down”, the players had sent these soothing words to Nigerians yesterday.

  • URUGUAY PANIC: Eagles’tie very important

    URUGUAY PANIC: Eagles’tie very important

    Oscar Tabarez has stressed that Uruguay still has a chance of progressing to the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup if they can beat AFCON 2013 champions, Nigeria in their second Group B game at the 52,048-capacity Arena Fonte Nova – Salvador on Thursday.

    Uruguay lost 2-1 to World and European champions Spain on Sunday.

    The South Americans’ Coach admitted that things could have been a whole lot worse.

    “I am relieved it was 2-1 and not a much heavier scoreline,” Tabarez told reporters afterwards.

    “Taking into account the development of the game, it could have been a catastrophic result.

    “Our next match, against Nigeria, is the most important of all, if we win then I think we have a chance of being in the semi-finals.

    “Spain was highly superior in play at all times and deserved their victory. They imposed their conditions and we did not do what was necessary in terms of ball recovery.

    “If Spain thrashed Italy and Germany, why should they not beat Uruguay? They are a team that impose their conditions and are playing in a tournament that they have unfinished business with.”

  • ATLETICO DE PENAROL MOVE Uruguay will toughen me, says Kingsley Udoh

    ATLETICO DE PENAROL MOVE Uruguay will toughen me, says Kingsley Udoh

    FORMER Under-23 captain, Kingsley Udoh, has stated that his proposed move to Uruguay, a country in South America, is motivated by the encouraging pay and the opportunity to have himself toughened for a later career in Europe.

    Udoh, a member of the 2007 class of the Golden Eaglets, recently travelled to Uruguay where he is presently undergoing trials with the country’s league champions Atletico de Penarol.

    In a chat Udoh said that he would like to start his adventure outside Nigeria from the South American league from where he hopes to make a huge leap to Europe in the nearest future.

    The Akwa Ibom born Heartland defender stressed that he would be returning to Nigeria in time for the yuletide period but would go back to Uruguay before the end of January next year when the league season is expected to start in the country which has produced enterprising world beaters like Edison Cavani, Luis Suarez.

    “I am in Uruguay to get prepared and toughened for a later career in Europe. I am here for the money too because I learnt their pay is alright.

    “I am training with Atletico de Penarol and they are the Uruguayan’s champions. The league season ended last weekend which means I will come back to Nigeria briefly for the Christmas and New Year break and I will then go back before the start of the new season by January ending/ early February,” Udoh said.