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Tag: world cup

  • Lokosa vows to replicate NPFL feat at World Cup if…

    One of the home-based players in Eagles’ camp for the World Cup, Junior Lokosa, said on Tuesday that he hopes to replicate his performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) if he makes the Russia World Cup squad.

    The Kano Pillars’ forward who made his Super Eagles’ debut in the 1-1 friendly game against DR Congo on Monday, has 18 goals under his belt as at Match Day 22 in the NPFL.

    The 2017/2018 (NPFL) hot shot, said he was excited to have earned his first cap for Nigeria’s senior male national team, hoping to be retained in Eagles squad for Russia 2018.

    His words “I am happy I just accomplished what I do best. It was a great feeling and I am thankful for the opportunity.

    “Just like everyone, I am hopeful to make the 23-man squad to Russia. If I make the list, it will be a good experience for me and I will replicate my performance in the NPFL.

    “But, if I don’t make the list, it is no problem. I will keep doing my best and be hopeful for more caps in future,’’

    Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr is expected to drop five players in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional World Cup list tomorrow (Wednesday) before the team takes on the Three Lions of England on June 2.

    Subsequently, the team list would be pruned to 23, with a friendly against the Czech Republic billed for June 6 in Austria.

  • Eagles Squad: Who makes the final 23 to Russia?

     

    It is 17 days to the World cup in Russia and 19 days to Super Eagles first match against Croatia at the 35,212 capacity Kaliningrad Stadium in Russia. The Gernot Rohr tutored side made history by being one of the first teams to qualify for the month long soccer fiesta that is sure as usual to arrest attention of the entire globe while it lasts.

    With avalanche of friendly matches including that against arch world cup rivals and group stage opponents Argentina, Poland, Serbia already behind us and forthcoming friendly against DR Congo later today in Port Harcourt, against England June 2nd at the Wembley and against Czech Republic June 6 in Austria, the team can be said to have done the needful in terms of qualification and on course in terms of last minute shape up for the much awaited kick off.

    It is no longer news that Rohr like most of other coaches heading for the world cup has announced his 30-man provisional squad which includes what some have termed the regulars or better put the usual suspects plus of course seven extra players who are sure to be dropped in line with the rules that demands that every country present final 23-man list for the Muindial.

    These seven players that must be dropped some analysts who choose to be sarcastic have dubbed “training materials” It like looking at a cup that is not filled up to the bream. While the optimist will say it is half full the pessimist will say it is half empty.

    For a player to have made the 30-man provisional world cup list is in itself an achievement which implies that as at the time of heading to the World cup you are among the best 30 players in nation that parades legions of players both locally and internationally is no mean achievement.

    So whether selected in the final 23 or not, such a player can be said to have come, seen and conquered!  Coach Rohr at a recent media parley hinted that he already has 20 players on board which implies that all that is needed is additional three and the doors will be closed!

    With all this said the question still remains, who makes the final 23 due to be announced any time after today’s friendly against Congo?

    Moses Simon has been ruled out due to thigh injury he sustained at the Super Eagles camp in Uyo preceding today’s friendly.

    Kano Pillars Junior Lokasa is the talk of town as the highest goal scorer in the Nigeria Professional football league.  While his inclusion into the 30-man squad has been hailed some have raised doubt over whether he can make the last 23 considering his limited experience on a bigger stage, but with Moses Simon out does it increase the chances of Lokosa stepping in? In goal keeping department Daniel Akpeyi may not be in the good books of some but will his experience exposure not count in his favour?

    Going by hint given by Coach Gernot Rohr and looking at who did what doing the qualifiers;

    Eagles final 23 man list is likely to be thus:

    Goalkeepers:  Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)

    Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull

    City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia); Chidozie Awaziem

    (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany)

    Midfeilders: : John Mikel Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester

    City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (UD Las Palmas, Spain); Belgium); Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC,

    Turkey)

    Forwards:Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Nwankwo Simeon (Crotone FC,

    Italy) Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England)

    Those likely to be dropped baring last minute change of tide:

    Goalkeeper:

    Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)

    Defenders

    Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

    Midfielders

    John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege,

    Forwards:

    Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars) Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium)

  • World Cup: Amuneke urges Super Eagles to remain focused

    Former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, has urged the team to remain focused in their preparation and at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    Nigeria is in group D alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in the competition which kicks off on June 14 and ends on July 15.

    Amuneke, Coach of the Nigerian U-17 team that won the World Cup in Chile in 2015, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Eagles were blessed with young players.

    “The team has done the country proud so far in their preparations. They should remain focused. The coaching crew should look at their weak points and strengths and improve on them.

    “ I wish them all the best. Nigerians are expecting a lot from them.

    “I pray that this young generation of players we have now should have the strength to do the country and continent proud,’’ he told NAN on telephone from Spain.

    Amuneke, also a former FC Barcelona of Spain winger, said that it was a plus for Nigeria to present young players in the World Cup.

    “The good thing is that we have young players, people with a lot of determination.

    “For some of our players, this will be their first experience in the World Cup, this will be the first time in their careers playing in the World Cup.

    “I see a lot of enthusiasm and hunger in them,’’ he said.

    According to him, in the world now, football has changed a lot.

    “ At the club level, people are going for young players that can fit into their plans.

    “I am happy with the Coach Gernot Rohr for the changes he made in the team. We have a continuity for the future.

    “ But, I must caution that the World Cup is not a child’s game,’’ he told NAN.

    Amunuke said that other teams in Nigeria’s group were good and capable of giving a good account of themselves.

    He said: “These teams are good with quality players. Argentina, Croatia and Iceland are good.  We must know how to manage the game.

    “We must know how to play when we have the ball and when we do not have the ball.’’

    Nigeria will be making its sixth appearance I n the Mundial having featured in the USA 1994, France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014. (NAN)

  • World Cup: Eagles kit in high demand

     

    *Nike confirm 3 million orders still counting

    Barely 20 days to the start of the world cup and 22 days to Nigeria’s first match against Croatia, Nigeria’s new jersey has become a must have with manufacturers Nike getting a record three million orders and still counting.

    The jersey unveiled in February ahead of the 2018 World Cup, and modelled by Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, Leicester City’s pair of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho is considered one of the liveliest of the jerseys that will be on parade in Russia.

    The home shirt’s dominant feature is the bright green-and-white zig-zag pattern running throughout, making for one of the liveliest football shirt designs in recent years.

    “When I first saw the new kit I was like, ‘Wow, this is sick! I need one now’,” Iwobi beamed after seeing the new kit.

    Iwobi was in agreement with over three million other people who have pre-ordered the kit before it’s released internationally next week.

    Nike met up with the Nigerian Football Federation earlier this month and were delighted that their designs have captured the hearts and minds of the public.

    The NFF’s vice-president Shehu Dikko told the federation’s official website: “The Company’s representatives at the meeting expressed delight with the performances of the various national teams since they came on board, and we both agreed that it was time for a much bigger contract. That will be actualised very soon.”

    Nigeria will be in Group D at the World Cup alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

    The MirrorUK ratings had declared the Nigerian jersey as the best going into the world cup. Many of those tickled by the jersey say the colour combination is very friendly while some who believe in the powers of colours have predicted that it will fetch the Eagles good fortune.

  • African fans tip Brazil, Germany to win Russia 2018

    *Give Nigeria , Egypt slim chance

    Some African fans in a recent poll believe none of the continent’s representatives to the 2018 FIFA World Cup is capable of winning the tournament but have rather predicted Brazil or Germany to lift the trophy.

    The finding is courtesy of a survey conducted by Geopoll to determine the level of awareness and interest in the upcoming World Cup, determine viewership habits among Africans, and examine which teams Africans are rooting for Russia

    GeoPoll is a leader in providing fast, high quality market research from areas that are difficult to access using traditional methods.

    In a survey of 2400 respondents across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania, GeoPoll found that respondents were fairly evenly split in believing that either Brazil or Germany is  most likely to win the cup, with 22 per cent predicting a win by Brazil and 20 per cent forecasting a Germany triumph.

    In poll took a new dimension in South Africa, where 26 per cent of men believe Brazil will come out glorious, and 26 percent believe Germany will carry the day, but 20 per cent of the women predict victory for Brazil while just 13 per cent think Germany will win.

    From Africa’s five qualifying teams of Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia, the South African public is expecting little, with the greatest hopes being the 1 per cent of men and 3 per cent of women predicting a Nigerian win.

    But in Nigeria and Senegal, football followers see it differently. While 43 per cent of the men of both nations, tip their teams to clinch title. In Nigeria, 44 per cent of the women are of the same view in predicting a Nigerian win.

    The greatest patriotism and optimism however comes from the v Senegalese women with 66 per cent of them tipping the Taranga Lions to win the Cup.

    Estimated 850million African viewers are expected to watch the World cup which kicks off June 14 in Russia

  • Onyekuru to decide future after World Cup

    Super Eagles’ striker, Henry Onyekuru has played down suggestions linking him to a move to German Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach, saying he just wants to focus on a good summer and return to Everton, AOIFootball.com reports.

    The attacker, who was overlooked by Super Eagles’ manager, Gernot Rohr in his 30-man provisional World Cup squad despite returning from injury, told AOIFootball.com exclusively that he will carefully look at his options before deciding on the club to join next season.

    “I saw the news that I was going to Germany; well, for now, those are just speculations because Everton had hoped that I would go to the World Cup so I can secure a work permit to play in the league next season. But as it stands now, I will look for another club to join on loan.

    “There are a lot of offers for me in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and LaLiga but I want to wait till after the World Cup before deciding. I will not return to Anderlecht again,” Onyekuru added.

    The former Eupen striker further added that he will be throwing all his weight behind the Super Eagles as he prays the team will surprise the world in Russia.

    Onyekuru scored 10 goals for Anderlecht before his injury in December. Despite returning to full fitness over five weeks ago, the former league champions failed to feature the player owing to recently strained relationship.

  • Presidency not aware of Eagles’ visit- Adesina

     

    Baring last minute change of plans, World Cup bound Super Eagles may not have the much publicised ceremonial meeting with President Muhammadu  Buhari  before departure to Russia.

    Special Adviser to the President on Media and publicity Femi Adesina in an exclusive chat with Sportinglife.ng confirmed that there is no such visit in the program of events lined up for the President adding however that the possibility of such visit will only  become clearer a week before the team’s departure to Wembley for the friendly against England.

    “The Presidency is not aware of such visit. It is not in the schedule of events lined up for the President but if it will come up at all, it can only be confirmed within the last week before their departure,” he said

    The president had earlier challenged the team to go all out to shine in Russia while equally urging other African ambassadors to the World Cup viz Senegal, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia not to settle for less but aspire to leave footsteps on the sand of history at the global showpiece billed for kick off on June 14 in 11 Russian cities.

    While Super Eagles battle Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the group stage in their quest for improved performance at the World cup, Egypt who are likely to be the cynosure of eyes following the exploits of their talisman Mohammed Salah will have to overcome challenges from host country Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group A.

    The Pharaohs last appeared at the World cup at the 1990 edition in Italy where they crashed out in the group stage.

    Interestingly the two occasions that Egypt participated 1934 and 1990 the world cup was hosted by Italy.

     

     

     

  • Mixed reactions trail Coach Rohr’s provisional 30-man World Cup list

    Mixed reactions on Monday trailed Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr’s 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

    It be recalled that Coach Rohr’s 30-man Provisional squad was released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.

    Rohr named Captain Mikel Obi, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional list.

    Others were midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, including forwards Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses.

    The list also includes Spain-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi and John Ogu as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.

    Chelsea wingback Moses was Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals, while Captain Mikel, Iwobi, Simon and Iheanacho weighed in with two goals each.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to our reporter noted that there was nothing really new about the list, while others expressed doubts about the goalkeeping and defence departments.

    Nduka Ugbade, an ex-international and former assistant coach of the Nigeria under-17 national football team said he was satisfied with Coach Rohr’s selection.

    Read Also: Rohr Releases 30-Man Provisional World Cup List

    “I think the list is made up of the usual suspects and these are the players that we should indeed be taking to the World Cup.

    “Looking at our options upfront, I think the likes of Ighalo, Moses and Iheanacho should be able to keep their jerseys barring any injury worries.

    “I am also so thrilled to see Lokosa’s name on that 30-man provisional list. He truly deserves it especially having scored 18 goals in 20 games for Kano Pillars in the NPFL so far this season.

    “I think he needs to be encouraged and let’s see how far he can go in competing for a shirt and it will be a major surprise if the young man makes it to the World Cup.

    “However, even if he does not make it to Russia, the experience in the Super Eagles camp and training will be very good for his growth and development,” he said.

    Emmanuel Babayaro, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist, also noted that the names were purely based on merit, adding that Junior Lokosa’s call up was the biggest surprise in the list.

    “I think the list is okay. Seriously looking forward to see if we can finally break that last 16 hurdle and get to the quarters for the very first time.

    “I think this is long overdue and hopefully Russia is where history will be made.

    “I am delighted that at least three home-based players namely; Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Ikechukwu Ezenwa made the provisional list and my guts tell me Lokosa will make the 23-man final list.

    “He is the surprise package for me.

    “The goalkeepers however need to train thrice harder and work more on their confidence. I tip Uzoho for first choice,” he said.

    Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, FCT Football Coaches Association said the inclusion of the country’s biggest goal contributors in the list was a welcome development.

    “There were really no major surprises in the list as the country’s biggest goal contributors namely; Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho are destined for Russia.

    “Also, the partnership of the China-based players namely; Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi will yield a lot of goals for the Super Eagles. I can’t wait for the tournament to start already.

    “My advice however to those whose names were missing is that they must dig their heels in, do better than their previous best and make it impossible for the Coach to overlook them for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019,” he said.

    Emmanuel Amakiri, the proprietor of Amakson Football Academy said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the list, adding that the goalkeeping and defence departments still looked weak.

    “For me, the list is not bad, but I feel our goalkeeping and defence department are weak and how Rohr sets up the midfield will be crucial.

    “I still don’t know what Ezenwa and Echiejile are doing in that squad? They better not make the final list.

    “Ezenwa isn’t the best goalkeeper in the NPFL so I am wondering what informed his selection.

    “So sad for the likes of Brown Ideye and Henry Onyekuru whose names were omitted from the list as they have both struggled in their efforts to get back to fitness ahead of the World Cup.

    “Some however discovered their form when it mattered most, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa who had to go back to Russia to begin to command attention once again,” he said.

    The Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals is scheduled to kickoff from June 14 to July 15.

    NAN

     

  • Russia Names Preliminary Squad for 2018 World Cup

     

     

    Hosts Russia named their preliminary 28-man squad for next month’s World Cup, with head coach Stanislav Cherchesov counting on young players to fill the gaps left by injured footballers.

    Russia are hoping to make it to the knockout stage for the first time in the post-Soviet era. The country hosts the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi.

    There are only three players on the squad who play outside Russia, Brugge goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov, Fenerbahce defender Roman Neustadter and Villarreal forward Denis Cheryshev — and six returning players from Russia’s 2014 World Cup squad.

    Rubin Kazan defender Ruslan Kambolov, investigated by FIFA over alleged doping violations, also made the squad. His lawyers said last month that FIFA had closed the case against him.

    Zenit St Petersburg forward Alexander Kokorin, one of Russia’s top strikers, was not included because he is still recovering from a right knee injury.

    Defenders Viktor Vasin and Georgy Dzhikiya were also ruled out with the same injury.

    Strikers Artem Dzyuba, who had been left out of recent international matches, and uncapped 20-year-old Fyodor Chalov of CSKA Moscow were included. They will join two-time Russian Premier League top scorer Fyodor Smolov of FC Krasnodar and 22-year-old Alexei Miranchuk of Lokomotiv Moscow, the club that clinched its first title in 14 years last week.

    Russia will play friendlies against Austria on May 30 and Turkey on June 5. At the World Cup, they will face Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Egypt in Group A.Preliminary squad and reserve list:

    Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Brugge), Soslan Dzhanaev (Rubin Kazan), Andrei Lunev (Zenit St. Petersburg)

    Defenders: Vladimir Granat, Ruslan Kambolov, Fedor Kudryashov (all Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Neustadter (Fenerbahce), Konstantin Rausch (Dynamo Moscow), Andrei Semenov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow)

    Midfielders: Yuri Gazinsky (Krasnodar), Alexander Golovin, Alan Dzagoev (both CSKA Moscow), Alexander Erokhin, Yuri Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyaev (all Zenit St. Petersburg), Roman Zobnin, Alexander Samedov (both Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk

    (Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Tashaev (Dynamo Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villareal)

    Strikers: Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Alexei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fyodor Smolov (Krasnodar), Fyodor Chalov (CSKA Moscow)

  • World Cup: Russian thugs fire warning shot

     

    With just 43 days to the World cup, strong indications have emerged that checkmating the activities of football thugs in the host country Russia will not be a tea party.

    Despite all manner of security being put in place for the event which kicks off June 14 in 11 cities of the country, viral video of a free for all fight Sunday in St Petersburg confirmed that security agents will have their hands full when the one month soccer fiesta begins.

    The shocking footage revealed over 50 Russian Ultras in a free for all fight in a clear warning to fans travelling to the tournament.

    The savage battle took place ahead of a 0-0 draw between local club Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow.

    The violent scenes came despite President Vladimir Putin ordering a crackdown on perpetrators of football violence – and especially hooligan leaders – to prevent trouble at the showcase tournament.

    The recent fight close to the St Petersburg Stadium which will host a semi-final will no doubt worry the authorities as they seek a peaceful World Cup without repeats of the bloodshed in Marseilles involving Russian and English supporters during Euro-2016.

    There are claims that Russian gangs are training children as hooligans to bolster their numbers ahead of the World Cup.

    Schoolboys have been put through their paces by Capos – or leaders – with youngsters from rival firms forced to stage fights. The most fierce among them will then be unleashed during the tournament.

    Groups of boys are even given names including ‘Kinder Team CSKA’ – in a reference to CSKA Moscow – and Young Zenit after Zenit St Petersburg.

    The Sun quotes one Ultra as saying: ‘Some of these young ultras are ready to kill. They’ll be tough enough to fight any English supporter.

    ‘They are ready to bring hell to the World Cup. The young boys are trained by the capos from the main gangs and the best ones will be chosen to join the adult ultras. Some are only 13.’

    During 2016’s European Championships, Russian thugs caused choas in Marseille as a highly-organised gang ran around the Mediterranean port city targeting England supporters.

    Many believe that military-style Russian hooligans will renew their grudge with England fans during this summer’s contest.

    One comment about the St Petersburg violence on an ultra website read: ‘The SWAT team didn’t arrive on time. The guys got away, looks like no-one was caught. Another wrote: ‘In the city, a fight of 50 – and no SWAT! Beautiful!’