Coach Sunday Oliseh's 18 Foreign Pros that got People Talking

The likes of John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Odion Jude Ighalo have been exempted from the 18-man foreign professionals invited by Super Eagles’ Head Coach Sunday Oliseh for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

Skipper Vincent Enyeama tops the list that has defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Rabiu Ibrahim, Lukman Haruna and Joel Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Anthony Ujah.

There are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh’s earlier pledge to make current form and first –level football key indices for selection to the Super Eagles.

There are goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon.

All the 18 players, who will join up with the 23 home boys who arrived camp in Abuja on Monday, are expected in Abuja on Monday, 31st August, 2015 at the latest.

The Super Eagles take on Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey)

Midfielders: Joel Obi (Torina FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emem Eduok (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen, Germany); Sylvester Igboun (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium)

Katsina, Abeokuta come alive as Rangers tackle Lobi in Federation Cup Semi Final

Katsina and Abeokuta will come alive when Lobi Stars take on Enugu Rangers while Nassarawa United square out against Akwa United in the semi final of this year’s men’s Federation Cup on 19th August.

Rangers FC trashed El-kanemi 3-0, Lobi edged BJ Foundation 2-1, it was Nassarawa 1-0 over Ifeanyi Ubah FC as Akwa United qualified for the semi final at the expense of Tornadoes Feeders after penalty shoot-out.

In the women’s category Kogi Confluence Queens who sent packing Cup holders Rivers Angels in the quarter finals, will tackle Bayelsa Queens at the Oleh Township Stadium.

Nasarawa Amazons, who decisioned Osun Babes, will take the pitch against Sunshine Queens (victors over FC Robo) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

MEN’S FEDERATION CUP SEMI FINALS

Lobi Stars Vs Enugu Rangers (Karkanda Stadium, Katsina)

Nasarawa United Vs Akwa United (Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta)

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP SEMI FINALS

Confluence Queens Vs Bayelsa Queens (Oleh Township Stadium)

Nasarawa Amazons Vs Sunshine Queens (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu)

CAF competitions get new official names

The Confederation of African Football Executive Committee have renamed six of their continental competitions.

Some of the competition that were renamed are:  African Women’s Championship now (Africa Women Cup of Nations); (African U-23 Championship now (Africa U-23 Cup of Nations); African Youth Championship now (Africa U-20 Cup of Nations).

Others are Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (formerly African U-17 Championship); Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations (formerly African Beach Soccer Championship) and Africa Futsal Cup of Nations (formerly African Futsal Championship).

Meanwhile, the draw for the 4th African Nations Championship scheduled for Rwanda between 16 January and 7 February, 2016, will take place in Kigali on November 18.

Nigeria will face Burkina Faso over two legs in October for a place in the championship.

Ifeanyi Ubah FC names Amokachi as Head Coach

Photo Credit: Supportthenpfl.com

Nigeria Professional Football League side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi on Sunday unveiled Daniel Amokachi as their new Technical Adviser/Head Coach.

The event which took place at the Rogenny Sports Stadium Oba had in attendance President/CEO of the club, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Club Chairman, Chuma Ubah and many other club officials.

According to reports John Obuh will now be promoted as Technical Director and Director of Football,  Amokachi will be Technical Adviser while Ike Shorunmi joins the team as Goalkeeper Trainer.

The English Premier League Preview (Part Two)

Without much ado, we shall examine the chances of Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively, in the concluding part of this preview.

Arsenal

The feeling abounds that this may be Arsenal's season. Arsene Wenger's hoodoo-ending victory in the Community Shield is testament to the idea that it will not be the same old (disappointing) story for the Gunners in 2015/16.

With two consecutive FA Cup triumphs, it appears Wenger's blend of youngsters and a few galacticos is about to pay off with his first Premier League title as Arsenal boss since the 'invincibles' season.

Arsenal's newest galactico- Petr Cech - is a pair of safe hands (this, though, doesn't aim to detract from David Ospina's proficiency). Like David de Gea was to Manchester United last season, the former Chelsea goalie could be worth double points to the Gunners this term. The 33-year-old Czech international's stay at the Emirates could be as successful as Edwin van der Sar's period at Old Trafford after the Dutch joined from Fulham at age 35.

Another comforting boost is that Arsenal have a settled squad and Wenger's quest for cohesion in his team couldn't be closer than it presently is to fruition. If Karim Benzema eventually joins, that would be a jackpot. More so, apart from (injury prone) Jack Wilshere, there are no lenghty injury concerns.

Furthermore, if pre-season matches are anything to go by, then the general fitness level and form of Arsenal's squad suggests they can begin the season as they ended the last- losing only once in their 14 concluding league games.

The concern, though, will be if collectively, Wenger's men have fully developed the winning mentality and character, both of which are requisite in order to avoid wilting off later in the season.

However, expectations are still high and optimism among the Arsenal faithful is ubiquitous.

But isn't there a theory that the Gunners usually disappoint when there is wide-spread confidence they will deliver?

Manchester United

Louis van Gaal's first season in charge of Man. United was fraught with drama. His second season, in which he's confident of silverware, may be more dramatic.

The 64-year-old bemoaned United's lack of creativity in their 1-0 defeat by Chelsea last April. Unsurprisingly, United have been very active in the transfer window so far.

Following United's robust transfer activities, van Gaal's squad seems to be stuffed with players having speed and creativity.

Google Image: Man Utd

I'll be looking forward to the Memphis-Rooney partnership. But more intriguing is the patty-and-condiments-in-a-hamburger-bun midfield that van Gaal's got.

On the one hand, one could immediately wonder if such overcrowded option of players in the middle helps his course towards alleviating the squad imbalance he suffered last season.

However, with United's imminent berth in the group stages of the Champions League- barring a defeat in the hands of Club Brugge - such abundance of versatile talent in midfield may ultimately foster the freshness of the squad for majority of the season.

In addition, avoiding the poor start experienced in the previous campaign will be one of Louis van Gaal's priorities. Anything short of a win in today's lunch time kick-off may lead to some head-scratching and definitely nothing to celebrate on Louis van Gaal's 64th birthday.

In all, Man. United have a title-winning squad, at least, on paper. But has Louis van Gaal discovered his most effective Man. United XI yet?

The Wait is Over!

Yes, the wait is over- the season is all ready here. Ironically, though, it implies we only just started waiting- for who will emerge as champion in May 2016.

While we have our fingers crossed, it's certain we'll be thrilled by the nail-biting moments, blunders, sensational strikes, saves, flicks & tricks, as well as upsets.

On the Spot.

I have a feeling the Premier League trophy is heading for Manchester. Blue or Red? It may be hard to tell.

The caveat, though, is that football is a funny old game. Even the best of pundits can be reduced to amateurs by the bravado of football's unpredictability.

So, do not deride me if by May ending of 2016, the top four places in the Premier League table have no vestige of resemblance to my conjecture below.

1. Manchester City

2. Arsenal

3. Chelsea

4. Manchester United

The English Premier League Preview (Part One)

By Ewomazino Orowor

The 24th season of the Premier League gets underway tomorrow- 76 days after the conclusion of the previous campaign.

From the new official Premier League ball, to heavy transfer activities in some clubs (with astonishing vignetted transfer-related activities in some others), to new kit sponsorship deals, to if "Harry Kane" can match last season's goal scoring form; to which teams will constitute the relegation dog fight; who the Europa League contenders- or would-be avoiders -are and much more, the 2015/2016 season has been replete with talking points long before Man United and Tottenham kick-off.

However, let's  focus on the title-winning chances of the four main contenders for the money-spinning 2015/2016 season in England's topflight division.

Four of the Best
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United, who occupied the top four places, respectively, in the table at the end of last season, are the front-runners this term. I expect an almost-there threat from Southampton, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Let's preview the two blue-jersey teams first, leaving the red ones for part two.

Chelsea

The Blues- with ruthless efficiency where necessary -were dominant last season. For all but the second week, Mourinho's men blossomed at the summit of the EPL table. Such was their near-impeccable campaign that many still consider them as the safest bet for the title. But are they really the safest bet?

"Hello! Is Chelsea there?" If the transfer window were to be anthropomorphised, that's probably what we'd be hearing. That's because Chelsea's had a quiet transfer window. Although, they boast a strong first XI, they are light on the bench- they're losing depth. 

In the event of an injury crisis or loss of form (not forgetting their apparent fitness challenges), they haven't got capable replacements for the mitochondria of their squad. Players like brickwall Nemanja Matic, most fouled Premier League player last season and player with the most assist last term- Eden Hazard and Cesc Febregas respectively -do not have their quasi equivalents on the bench.

Upfront, Chelsea have another conundrum! If Diego Costa continues to struggle with his hamstring, how will they get goals? Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have not proven to be  adequate understudies. While the former may have specious reasons to be a prospect, the latter is- or has become -a risible figure. Falcao has continued where he left off at Old Trafford, thrilling us with his comedic perormances- the Pastor Maldonado of the Premier League. 

The Columbian is also further justifying the superstition behind the Chelsea No. 9 jersey. In the more recent memories, except for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Hernan Crespo, the likes of Mateja Kezman, Khalid Boulharouz, Steve Sidwell, Franco Di Santo, and Fernando Torres never excelled as Chelsea number 9s. Falcao is a real worry and may be on his way into that uncelebrated list. 

However, there is still some time for Mourinho to do some business in the market for some execllent outfield additions. 

But the real business begins tomorrow with a tricky opponent- Swansea City -at that. Chelsea's result tomorrow- and in the remaining opening round of fixtures -will really matter. Replicating their pre-season form may put the champions under pressure- if they are not under pressure already to dispel the opinions of their pre-season critics.

By and Large, Chelsea have a lot on their hands this term and the food for thought will be that the Premier League title has not been retained by holders  for six years now.

Will the Blues break boundaries or will Champions League priority be an excuse?

Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini will be eager to expiate last season's mediocre display especially after extending his contract at the Etihad till 2017. Although, they finished as runners-up,  Man City's dispirited second half campaign took them out of contention in the race for the title (a period in which we also witnessed their embarrasing exit from the Champions League). 

Poignant reminders indeed of their disappointing trophyless season. 

This was inevitably due to the half-heartedness of majority of their senior players- except for Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero and a few others. 

This may sound like cheap criticism but a large chunk of Man City's squad apparently lacked the hunger to match the achievements of the preceding title-winning campaign. That has to change this term because a repeat should lead to drastic changes at the Etihad. Pellegrini has to justify the trust he's received to avoid being the most likely starting point of any such drastic changes.

If the squad has the right drive, motivation and consistency, Man City may pose more threat to Chelsea's title defence than any of Arsenal or Man. United. With the arrivals of Raheem Sterling and (especially) Fabian Delph, Man City have further added depth to their squad. 

What's more, here's a stunning Man City EPL sequence:
2011/12 - Champions
2012/13 - Runners-up
2013/14 - Champions
2014/15 - Runners-up
2015/16 - ____?____
Fill in the gap! It's simple arithmetic progression!

Writer: Ewomazino Orowor

NPFL: Pillars back on track as Enyimba maintains top spot

Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Kano Pillars, seem to have bounced to winning ways after recording their second consecutive match since the return of coach Baba Ganaru.

Pillars came from a goal down to beat Heartland 2-1 in Kano on Wednesday in a week 21 encounter.

An own goal from Babangida Hassan in the 22nd minute gifted Heartland the lead before goals from Azeez Shobowale in the 41st minute and Rabiu Ali from the spot in the 80th minute gave the champions the three points.

Table-toppers Enyimba on maintained their lead with a 2-2 draw against Akwa United in Uyo.

The Peoples Elephants had to come back twice to level in a match which was a battle of former players of the home side.

Shooting Stars came from behind to beat Wikki Tourists 2-1 from a Tope Orelope brace. Lobi Stars beat Bayelsa United 3-0, Kwara United beat Dolphins 2-1 and Rangers beat FC Taraba 1-0.

However Sunshine Stars will host Sharks FC in Akure in a tricky affair which may see the Akure Gunners justle for top spot.

You think footballers earn too much $£€¥ ?

Yes. That thing dripping isn't water, it is called sweat.

@Forza_sports shared the image on Instagram.

For me it's #Hardwork #Sweat #EarnBig #Talent and #Grace

'I will never relegate my calling at NFF for Arsenal' - Amaju Pinnick defends self

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick has explained why he was in England on Sunday after he was spotted at the Wembley Stadium where Arsenal defeated Chelsea to clinch the 2015 Community Shield.

Pinnick who is known to be an Arsenal fan was criticized by some section of Nigerian football lovers for going abroad to follow a foreign league game at the expense of National Team duties.

Nigeria U23 Dream Team and the Super Falcons were on duty in Congo and Banta respectively on Sunday for a spot in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

''Hello all, no doubt I am an Arsenal fan but I will never relegate my calling at NFF for Arsenal, he said in a statement.

''When Arsenal was playing against Manchester some months ago, I was on the road to Ibadan to watch 3SC against Rangers. My vision about my mission in NFF is clear and by God's grace we shall get there.

''I came to London for meetings with a consortium of would be sponsors, some requested to see the head coach.

Aside that, there are lots of global politics going on and if Nigeria must be accorded her pride of place in global football politics, then we must participate at the highest level.

''I appeal for your understanding and prayers, nothing good comes easy, I love you all AMP.''

Meanwhile, Nigeria Dream Team qualified at the expense of Congo while the Super Falcons failed to make it to the Olympics

NPFL: Enyimba go top despite 1-1 draw against Rangers

Enyimba FC of Aba moved into the summit of the Glo Premier League (Nigeria Professional Football League) for the first time this season after forcing southeast neighbours, Rangers, to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Pre-match analysis favoured Enyimba to complete the double on Rangers due to their impressive run in the top division this season so far, and the fact that they had made stellar additions to their intimidating squad.

Enyimba coach, Kadiri Ikhana, gave mid-season signing, Musa Najere, his debut in the blue colours of the club while record league goalscorer, Mfon Udoh, returned to the match day squad for the first time since May.

Coach of Rangers, Imama Amapakabo, also surprisingly gave out-of-favour Super Eagles goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim the nod ahead of Itodo Akor in the startlist.

Rangers made the first impression as Onoriode Odah should have given them the lead but Enyimba keeper Femi Thomas went down well to make a one-handed save from a one-on-one situation.

But Odah made amends for his earlier miss by scooping a header over Thomas for the opening goal just nine minutes after kick-off. It was 1-0 to Rangers with Enyimba faithful stunned into silence.

It took the Peoples Elephant 28 minutes to restore parity. A well-planned move by Enyimba around the box freed Markson Ojobo on the right, who squared into the near post for Najere to convert unmarked past Agbim to put the score at 1-1.

That was the much the game produced in terms of goals as the two teams shared the points. Enyimba have now opened a point lead at the top of the league table having earned 37 points while Rangers stay rooted in 10th place with 28 points.

Leaders before match day 20, Sunshine Stars, dropped to second place after suffering a shock one-nil defeat at FC Taraba. Stephen Adah scored from a rebound just before half time after Ibrahim Sanusi's penalty kick struck the woodwork and bounced into play for the striker to tap home.

Another team in the top-four, Wikki, also failed to win by playing out a goalless draw with Heartland. Wikki are now third while Heartland remain in fifth place.

Giwa FC eased past Kwara United by a lone goal in Jos through Charles Henlong's second half goal. The win takes the Jos-based club to fourth position with 34 points.

League defending champions, Kano Pillars, edged Lobi Stars 2-1 to give their new coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru a welcome win. Rabiu Ali and Shehu Shagari scored for Pillars in the opening 35 minutes before Tony Okpotu netted Lobi's goal three minutes into the second half. Pillars have climbed into seventh place but Lobi have now dropped into the bottom-four.

Shooting Stars held out well at El-Kanemi for 65 minutes before succumbing to Abraham Audu's goal that proved to be the winner for the Maiduguri club.

Two other matches ended in score draws of 1-1. FC Ifeanyiubah held Abia Warriors in a derby while Akwa United had to wait until added time to see Aniekpeno Udoh's goal cancel Bayelsa United's lead.

Source: npfl.ng