The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Zambia

  • This Eagles will make us proud in Russia – Amiesimaka

    This Eagles will make us proud in Russia – Amiesimaka

    The current crop of Super Eagles players would bring glory to Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a former Green Eagle winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka, has said.

    Amiesimaka, a former attacking midfielder said on Thursday in Lagos the players had shown commitment to the task ahead.

    He said: “I think we are privilege to have youthful, relatively youthful, skilful and committed players. I think we have a crop of players now that should be able to do us proud.

    “And most of them, apart from the goalkeeper who is also brilliant and the only homed-based player, I gathered all the others are playing in professional teams outside the country.

    “And from what I have seen so far, they can hold their own and it’s important, and I’m very impressed that they are all very youthful.

    ‘’Apart from the captain who is still very good and has a lot of experience to back him up; it will be a delight to watch the team play an exciting World Cup in 2018.’’

    The Super Eagles clinched the sole ticket for the 2018 Russia World Cup from CAF Group B after defeating Chipolopolo of Zambia 1-0 at Uyo last weekend

  • I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    A Franco-German tactician, Gernot Rohr, has expressed pleasure working with the Super Eagles, following the three-time African champions qualification for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

    Nigeria became the first African country to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after defeating Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo.

    The current Super Eagles re-enacted the feat of the Super Eagles’ class of 1997 that qualified for the France’98 World Cup with a match to spare.

    Rohr, in a statement by Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s spokesman on Tuesday, said that he was happy working with the team.

    Rohr said, “I am very excited to be working with this team, a blend of the experienced and the young and ambitious ones.

    “They are a delight to be with at all times, and I believe we are on to great things.

    “At the beginning of the qualifying series, many people said we were going to be chased out.

    “We sat down together and we promised ourselves that we would go all out and get the ticket.”

    The 64-year-old coach, who was employed 15 months ago, led the team to a 1- 0 defeat of Tanzania in Uyo in September 2016; 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola in October, 2016.

    Also, at the start of the 2018 World Cup race, the coach led the team to a 3-1 defeat of Algeria in Uyo in November 2016; a 3-0 defeat of Togo in a friendly match in Paris in June 2017.

    His victories also include a 4-0 bashing of Cameroon in Uyo in September 2017 and a 1- 0 defeat of Zambia in Uyo in October 2017, which guaranteed the World Cup ticket.

    The only loss was against the South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, at the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2017.

    Rohr said, “The match was a big wake-up call for us. Now that we have the World Cup ticket, we will go all out for the AFCON ticket and get it.

    “When you have a team that has so much self-belief, a lot of things are possible.

    “Age is, but a number. I feel young and able and willing to go on working with this group.’’

    NAN

  • Football remains the greatest unifier of Nigerians – APC

    Football remains the greatest unifier of Nigerians – APC

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has said that sports in Nigeria, particularly football, remained one of the greatest unifier of people across political affiliations, religion, gender, tribe and other divides.

    Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, APC National Publicity Secretary stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Abdullahi joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating and congratulating the Super Eagles for their qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    He also congratulated the Ministry of Sports, the Nigerian Football Federation, the technical crew, management, and backroom staff for securing Nigeria’s sixth appearance at the World Cup.

    The APC spokesman said it was indeed a delight watching the Super Eagles defeat the Chipolopolo of Zambia in front of excited home fans at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.

    He noted that the victory put Nigeria on an unassailable 13 points at the top of Group B and charged Nigerians to take advantage of the feat to further foster harmony amongst themselves.

    Bolaji, a former sports minister, however, called on the sports authorities not to rest on their oars but to begin early preparation ahead of 2018 to ensure that the Super Eagles perform well at the global tournament.

    NAN

  • Nigeria defeats Zambia 1-0 in Uyo (Qualifies for 2018 W/Cup)

    Nigeria defeats Zambia 1-0 in Uyo (Qualifies for 2018 W/Cup)

    It is now game over in Uyo. Nigeria won the much needed match against Zambia by 1-0 to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Russia.

    It was an explosive and tension soaked match till Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi scored for Nigeria at the 75th minutes.

    Nigerians at the capacity filed magnificent Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom were full of celebrtion as the centre referee blasted the final whistle after adding three minutes extra time.

    Arsenal youngster, Alex Iwobi, who was brought in for Moses Simon in one of the second half substitutions was the hero for Nigeria,

    He scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute of the encounter and that gave Eagles the flying ticket to Russia 2018 for the sixth appearance in FIFA World Cup tournaments.

    Recall that Nigeria participated in the 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 editions of the tournament.

    The result at the end of the match also gave Nigeria 13 points from five games in Group B, with Zambia, their nearest challengers, on seven points with one game to play.

    Shortly after the Iwobi’s goal, Coach Rohr effected its third substitution by bringing Ola Aina to replace Echiejile.

    Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa “Ola” Aina is a Nigerian-English professional footballer who plays as a right back for Championship club Hull City, on loan from Premier League club Chelsea.

    Though the first half of the match ended goalless and about 30 minutes into the second half both sides couldn’t find the back of the net in the crucial World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

     Odion Ighalo, Mikel and Moses Simon were guilty of missing chances in the few openings of the first half.

    Zambia had a goal ruled out for offside, but replays showed the match officials were somehow wrong with their judgement.

    The Super Eagles have now qualified for seven of eight World Cups, the only exception since their debut in 1994 being Germany 2006.

    Ghana, however, after all but eliminated after a 0-0 draw against Uganda which witnessed huge controversy as a last-gasp goal was wrongly ruled out for offside.

    Egypt will qualify from Group E if they beat Congo later on Saturday – they have not played at the World Cup since 1990.

    Nigeria vs Zambia Match Statistics (First Half)

    Shorts off Target; Nigeria 4 – 3 Zambia

    Shorts on Target: Nigeria 1- 1 Zambia

    Possession:             Nigeria 50 – 50 Zambia

    booking:                Nigeria 1 (Yell0w) – Mikel Agwu

    It is the end of the first 45 minute of the match. The scoreline still remain goalless.

    The possession has been Nigeria 50% and Zambia 50% at the 45th minutes.

    What a miss! the Zambia just missed a goal by whisker at the 36th minutes. it was a straight that hit the goal post from the center of the field.

    Mikel Agwu who was brought in for the injured Onazi has just been booked by the center referee.

    The first substitution of the match has been made. And it was Nigerian injured Onazi that has been substituted for Mikel Agu. The substitution was done in the 30th minutes

    In the 24th minutes Onazi was stretched but he returned.

    In the 23rd minutes the no 17 jersey of  the Zambian was ruled offside after grabbing a goal.

    In the 16th minute Odion Ighalo missed a begging chance to put Eagles ahead

    The Most Valuable Man for the match win be one million naira richer (N1M)

    It is still goalless in the first 10 minutes of the game. Both sides are sizing themselves up. While the Nigerian side have made two unsuccessful attempts at goal the Zambia has none.

    The Eagles got  their first corner kick. it was taken by Victor Moses but it was played straight to the safe hand of the Zambian’s goal keeper.

    Zambia got the first corner kick of the game in the 4th minute but a header send it away for the second kick but was cleared away to a goal kick by Nigerian defender

    Follow up for match and goal updates as the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualifier against Zambia match has kicked off .

    starting XI for Nigeria: Ezenwa, Shehu, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Echiejile,, Ndidi, Mikel, Moses, Simon, Ighalo.

    starting XI for Zambia: Mweene, Sunzu, Tembo, Kapumbu, Silwimba, Mtonga, Mwepu, Mulenga, Mbewe, Shonga, Daka.

    Kick-off is by 5pm West African time.

  • Why Super Eagles must qualify for 2018 World Cup

    Why Super Eagles must qualify for 2018 World Cup

    When the Super Eagles class of 1997 qualified for France ’98 World Cup, they did so with a match to spare; and 20 years later history is about to repeat itself.

    But for the Super Eagles to qualify the way their illustrious predecessors did in 1997, under the tutelage of Phillipe Troussier, the famed “White Witch Doctor’’; the team must scale the Chipolopolo obstacle.

    With three points separating the two archrivals, with the Super Eagles topping Group B with 10 points and closely followed by the Chipolopolo with 7 points; the Zambians believe that they can close the gap.

    The back-to-back victory recorded by the Chipolopolo over hapless Desert Foxes of Algeria, and the 1-1 draw with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at Yaoundé; the Zambians are now hopeful of qualifying for the World Cup.

    Even though the Super Eagles have all, but qualified for the 2018 World Cup, they must affirm their qualification by beating the Chipolopolo in Uyo; before the final qualifying match against the Desert Foxes.

    This is where the tactical acumen of Coach Gernot Rohr must be brought to bear on the Super Eagles as they engage their very worthy opponents; who are hell-bent on knocking the Eagles off their perch.

    The likely defensive quartet of Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, Troost Ekong and Elderson Echiejile must play as a cohesive unit, and maintain their shape against the expected onslaught from the Zambians.

    As for the midfield, depending on the combination, Mikel Obi is expected to roam box-to-box, Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi or whoever, must provide a near impregnable cover for the defence line.

    Victor Moses and Odion Jude-Ighalo and others in the attack must be razor sharp in front of goal, and make hay when goal scoring opportunities come their way.

    The Super Eagles must be focused, must be professional in their approach, must be their “brother’s keeper’’; so to speak; by closing ranks when the team is under attack from the rampaging Zambians.

    The team must guard against conceding a goal before scoring their own, because where the Zambians should score before the Super Eagles; we stand the chance of conceding more goals from counter attacks.

    Even if the Zambians should score against us, let it be after we might have scored a couple of goals that would likely swing the match our way; even a 1-0 scoreline and the vital three points would be enough to take us to Russia.

    The fans must not relent in their support for the Super Eagles, even if the team is not living up to their expectations, their ultimate aim is to cheer the team non-stop until victory is achieved against the Chipolopolo.

    Even a draw against the Chipolopolo; much less a defeat can reduce our chances of qualifying for the World Cup to the barest minimum; hence the need to go for an outright win against the Zambians.

    By beating the Chipolopolo, the Super Eagles will automatically qualify for the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia with a match to spare, thereby making the final qualifying match against the Desert Foxes a mere formality.

    NAN

  • Don’t invade pitch, Umar urges fans

    Don’t invade pitch, Umar urges fans

    CP Garba Umar, Senior Security Advisor to the Super Eagles, has urged football fans to be orderly as they throng Uyo to watch the team’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Saturday.

    Umar made the appeal when he spoke with a reporter on Friday in Awka on the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio  International Stadium, Uyo.

    He said that the team had been talking to fans on the need to be ruly as well as the consequences of field encroachment.

    The Police Commissioner in Anambra said that enough mobilisation of personnel had been done ahead of the game in the light of the high expectations and excitement that would surround the game.

    “We have been working towards a hitch-free game, talking to fans against pitch invasion or encroachment because FIFA is very strict about such behaviours.

    “Our men have been mobilised and are on ground, we understand the nature and tempo of the game, it is a crucial one.

    “And we hope that with the preparations on ground, it will be a very free security atmosphere,’’ he said.

    Contributing, Arthur Ebunam, the Chairman of ex-Rangers International players in Anambra, said that though pressure would be on the Eagles, they would come out triumphant.

    Ebunam, a former Green Eagles player, said they should approach the game with positive minds and attack their opponents and score as many goals as possible.

    He the Eagles were almost World Cup-bound but should play the Zambians as though their qualification depended on the game.

    “Our team is under pressure whether you like it or not; they have almost qualified, people are hoping they win the game; they are at home unlike their opponents who are here to spoil their fun.

    “Technically, they should attack, attack and attack, get many goals in the first half and consolidate in the second half, I am confident we will win,’’ he said.

    A win over Zambia in Uyo will be enough to see Nigeria return to the Mundial after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.

    NAN

  • Odegbami urges Nigerians to support Eagles against Zambia

    Odegbami urges Nigerians to support Eagles against Zambia

    An ex-international, Segun Odegbami, has appealed to Nigerians to support the Super Eagles in their match against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo.

    Odegbami on Friday in Ota, Ogun state said that this would qualify them for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Super Eagles, topping the Group B with 10 points, had earlier beat Chipolopolo of Zambia at home by 2-1 in the first leg.

    According to him, Nigerians should support Super Eagles through vocal and their prayers, because it is a game that Nigeria must win.

    ”We must do everything possible to win the match so that we can qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup,” he said.

     Odegbami, however, implored Nigerians to turn out massively at the Godwin Akpabio Stadium in Uyo to lift up the Super Eagles’ spirits.

    The ex-international also urged Nigerians to leave the technical aspect to the coaching crews to decide.

    NAN

  • No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

    No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

     Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi said on Wednesday that the Nigerian national team players have no need to say too much before Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

    The second leg game of Group B between Nigeria and Zambia for the 2018 World Cup qualifier is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    The outcome of the match would determine the chances of both teams towards qualification for the world cup in Russia.

    Obi, said in Uyo at a reception held for the team by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, that the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best.

    “We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give our very best.

    “There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year.

    “The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of under rating the Zambians,’’ he said.

    Obi said that the team’s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians.

    “We believe the same indices are in place for Saturday against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match.

    “We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,’’ he said.

    Nigeria top Group B with 10 points from three wins and one draw.

    Table-toppers Nigeria will qualify for a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with the minimum victory on Saturday.

    The match kicks off at 5pm.

    Meanwhile, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF Communication Director, President of the federation, President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent.

    “The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match.

    “I have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious.

    “We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way.

    “That should be the approach for Saturday.”

    Zambia last victory against Nigeria in a competitive football match at senior level was 32 years ago.

    The two teams have played 18 matches in all, with the Eagles winning seven and Zambia winning five, with six draws.

    This is only the second FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the two teams.

    The first leg of the 2018 world cup qualifiers was won by the Eagles 2-1 in Ndola last year.

    NAN

  • Yusuf says Super Eagles in victory mood

    Yusuf says Super Eagles in victory mood

    Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf, on Thursday said the players were in good mood and ready to conquer Zambia on Saturday in their World Cup qualifier.

    Yusuf said this in an interview that the Super Eagles were mentally and physically fit to overcome the Chipopolo of Zambia in Uyo.

    The coach said that he had absolute confidence in not just his players but their management because they were on top of the cracker between the two countries.

    “The Super Eagles are in very positive mood for the game against Zambia on Saturday,’’ Yusuf said.

    He appealed for the support of Nigerians, saying it was necessary for the team to be victorious in the match to be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    The Super Eagles are ahead of other teams in Group B with 10 points and are followed by Zambia with seven points.

    Nigeria started the World Cup qualification campaign in what many soccer pundits predicted to be the group of death in a blistering form with a defeat 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola to pick their first away win.

    Nigeria is on the brink of qualifying for the 2018 Mundial in Russia with an emphatic 4-0 win over the African champions, Cameroon in Uyo and the reverse fixture in Yaoundé which ended1-1.

    A home victory over Zambia – a side they beat away at the start of the group phase – will be enough to see Nigeria return to the finals after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.

    Other countries that could all book their spots at next year’s World Cup in the penultimate round of African qualifiers at the weekend are Egypt and Tunisia.

    That will leave the other two slots to be decided next month.

    NAN

  • ‘We can’t take our match against Zambia for granted’

    ‘We can’t take our match against Zambia for granted’

    An ex-international, Edema Fuludu, has urged the Super Eagles to be focused in their Oct.7 World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia, and capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities.

    Fuludu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that approaching the match as a must-win would enable the team to overcome the highly confident Zambians.

    The former attacking midfielder added that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should give the players all the needed logistic support to enable them to excel in the must-win match.

    “This match cannot be taken for granted, the NFF I’m sure is putting everything in place to successfully glide through this hurdle.

    “The Zambians are very courageous, their victory against Algeria home and away should send a message to us that they are not a trainee-team.

    “This people have nothing to lose, so it’s all on us, we just need to win, our boys must not take this for granted,’’ Fuludu said.

    Fuludu, who was a former Manager of Warri Wolves, also warned the Super Eagles to be positive and pay less attention to the “psychological warfare’ ’ being used by the Zambians.

    “The Zambians are the team to watch, but regardless, we should remain positive, our greatest undoing will be over confidence, our victory at the first leg would toughen them.

    “They are coming here to prove a point to us, Russia 2018 is a must,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Nigeria currently tops Group B of the Africa qualifying series for the Russia 2018 World Cup with 10 points followed by Zambia with seven points.

    An outright win over the Chipolopolo will on Saturday qualify the Super Eagles for the World Cup with a match to spare.