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.

FIBA: Nigeria U-16 lose to Mali in final

Nigeria's U-16 women’s basketball team were beaten 57-46 by three-time champions Mali in the 2015 FIBA Africa Women U-16 Championship in Madagascar.

The Nigerian went into the final after edging Mozambique 54-51 in the semi final on Saturday.

However, both Nigeria and Mali will represent Africa at the 2017 FIBA Under-17 World Championship.

In the classification games played on Sunday, Angola beat Mozambique 52-48 to claim third spot; hosts Madagascar beat Tunisia 64-57 to win fifth place; while Egypt beat Morocco 61-46 to finish seventh.

Keshi swings into action - Invites 26 Home-based Players for Afcon 2017Qualifier against Chad

As Nigeria prepares for the  2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad, Head Coach of the senior national team, Stephen Keshi has invited 26 home-based professionals to camp.

The list comprises of some familiar faces like Daniel Akpeyi, Solomon Kwambe, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Kunle Odunlami, Gbolahan Salami and Ezekiel Mba while the new lads includes Ibrahim Shaibu, Onoriode Odah and Igbinosa.

Record scorer in the Nigeria elite division, Mfon Udoh is accompanied by former junior international goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Nathaniel Joseph and Moses Ekpai Ubong.

Enyimba FC captain Chinedu Udoji, Giwa FC’s Henlong Charles, Joe Omale of Dekina Dragons and FC Taraba’s Samuel Olabisi are coming into camp for the first time.

All the invited players are expected to report at the Bolton Hotel Apartments, Wuse, Abuja on Tuesday, 19th May, 2015

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Chidiebere Eze (Gabros International)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC); Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Igbinosa Esosa (Nasarawa United); Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars); Henlong Charles (Giwa FC)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC); Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars); Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers); Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars)

Source: thenff.com

Breaking: CAF and Adidas present ''Marhaba'' as Eqautorial Guinea 2015 Afcon Match Ball

 Confederations of Africa Football CAF Adidas have presented the official tournament match ball, Marhaba, for the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea 2015.

Marhaba 

The official presentation will be done come December 3 during the draw of the final tournament at the Sipopo Convention Center in Malabo

Reports on the football body's website have it that the design is ''inspired by the history of the tournament and it's famously passionate fans. 

''The distinctive gold and blue colouring on the ball represents the contrasting landscape of the continent, from the Sahara desert to the bright azure sky of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.''

Homeboy Emem Eduok scores as Akwa Ibom Stadium gets commissioned

Dolphins striker Emem Eduok made history after scoring Nigeria's only goal against the meteors of Ghana to mark the Akwa Ibom Stadium commissioning ceremony on Friday evening.

The Akwa Ibom born striker headed home a Solomon Kwambe across to put the Home-based eagles ahead in the 35th minutes which gave Nigeria victory in the international friendly match.

The commissioning of the world-class edifice was however led by President Goodluck Jonathan, who was assisted by Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama and Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara.

Modelled after Johannesburg’s Soccercity and Bayern Munich’s Alianz Arena, the 30,000 seater edifice has a bullet-proof State Box, which has 70 seats.

Courtney Dike refuses Nigeria’s $7,000 world cup Bonus, so what?

By Amos Joseph
Facts have shown that players request or riot over unpaid allowances is more rampant among African nations as clearly exhibited during the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup. This show of shame tells the world how football is being administered in this part of the world when it comes to remuneration which could either be allowances or tournament reward.

Ghana, Cameroun and Nigeria were at the fore of this dismal show as players held their national teams to ransom while in competition mood, which however cannot be extricated from the performance of the team at that time.

 

Courtney Dike

How money can be a huge distraction.

When the news broke that a player who represented Nigeria at this year’s FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup turned down the monetary reward offered her by the Nigerian Football Federation, it quickly spread like a conflagration owing to its oddity.

Simply put, we are not used to this kind of news when it comes to sports in Nigeria. Courtney Dike was born and bred in the United States of America, plays for Oklahoma State Football Team, she preferred to represent fatherland for ‘’patriotism sake’’ since she refused the $7,000 World Cup bonus handed her which sent shock down our spines.

Courtney told the Nigerian officials who called her that playing for Nigeria was enough, and that she prides over monetary reward. What a mentality you may want to say. But please don’t forget where she is coming from.

For arising as a compatriot and heeding to Nigeria’s call, she and her family deserve all the plaudits they are getting right now, it is an uncommon act that will send a message around the world of how a Nigerian can damn the ‘’papers’’ all in the name of patriotism. (Nigeria’s national anthem capture the story of her action)

Courtney Dike

Bringing this home, how many of our players (Women, Men including foreign based) can show such bravery when it comes to matters such as this? Please try not to count because you may just find no one. The reason is not farfetched as our players receive peanuts as salaries which come in trickles, save for a few clubs.

How can bread winners of families have their ‘’bread’’ held by their employers an yet expect them to give their best? How can players who are being owed for several months afford to take care of their family, and then reject monetary rewards when they come to the national team? How can players Travel for most part of the year by road in a bid to represent their clubs in the league almost every week? The questions are endless….

Based on these numerous questions demanding answers, it could however be said that Courtney Dike’s perception has been greatly influenced by the values she has been inculcated with while growing up. The economic situations are not at par and this send a message to our leaders and administrators

It is crystal clear that the society where Courtney was brought up has left us behind and we are playing catch up, that’s if we can.

All pictures in this report are from Google.

Keshi Returns as Super Eagles Coach!

Reports have it that former coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, who was recently relieved of his post has been reinstated back as the Head coach of the nation's men senior national team.

Media Officer of the Team, Mr Toyin Ibitoye shared this news on his personal twitter account @ToyinIbitoye on Thursday which read ''Keshi Returns as @NGSuperEagles Coach.''

More as event unfolds.

Ivorian footballer Salomon Kalou and Yvonne Nelson look perfect in this pose

Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou shared a pic of himself and Popular Ghanaian Actress & Model, Yvonne Nelson.

He posted along with the image "Meet one of the most talented African movie star" on his Instagram.

They look like a couple you know. Or What Ya Say?

Kalou joined Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin from Lille of France during the summer transfer.

Ike Uche defends self over claims of turning down Nigeria, see his tweets

Ike Uche has aired his side of the recent story of getting called by an official of the super eagles,  as claimed by the coach Stephen Keshi.

Like some will say on this news piece, enough of this 'Keshi and Ike Uche' thing, but can Nigerians really shy away from this issue?

See Uche's tweet in the cut below and Keshi's comment on the player, on whom he asked never to be asked about any longer.
 

''I don’t want to talk about the issue of Ikechukwu Uche again and I don’t want anybody to ask me about him again,” Keshi said while responding to a journalist’s question the player according to GOAL.
 

''Before [last month’s] game against Congo, I did the list. I didn’t even want to do the list because I never knew I would come back to handle the team. I told them I am not the coach that [the NFF] should do the list but they said no, I should please do the list.

“I did the list and Ikechukwu Uche’s name was on the 25 man list I did. He (Ike Uche) didn’t even know about it because I did not tell him. Uche then called me four days later and said “Coach how are you? and I said boy it is good to hear your voice.” We just spoke like brothers and that was it.

It could get worse for the Super Eagles of Nigeria

Yes, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were woeful against the devils from Congo in the first match of the African Cup of Nations qualifying round in Calabar on Saturday.

 

The African Champions fell like a bag of carts, beaten in front of home fans, the continent and viewers from around the world by a team that made it to this round after Rwanda was axed by the Continent's football governing body.

 

From the blast of the whistle, it was obvious that the match would be a cracker, which of course got very interesting as the Home side took the lead in the 14th minutes of the match, much to the delight of the crowd in the stadium and Nigerians at large.

 

Thence, it seemed like it was going to be a stroll in the park for the reigning champions but the table turned around as the devils pulled their asses together and  pounced on the Eagles scoring three times before the Stephen Keshi side managed to reduce the lead later in the match as a result of their relentless effort.

 

However, from the stand point of an enthusiastic and passionate Nigerian, it was a disappointing outing.

 

Since returning from Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles have not been engaged, same would be said for other teams that represented the continent at the world stage as well. But crucifying or condemning anyone would be wrong at this point as the team have more matches ahead to ensure they make it to the competition in Morrocco next year.

 

Some say, the Eagles underestimated the Claude Le Roy tutored side, others say Nigeria is simply not an excellent side going into that match in terms of quality, in fact some say the crisis rocking the nation's football body affected the team's performance. More reason include the Keshi's new contract talks.

 

Frankly speaking, defeat is part of the results you sometimes get in football and the Congolese had the other side of the coin (Victory) in their favour. If only Nigerians will accept the fact that the team can lose and can also win games. Let's not pretend like the team has not got some unresolved issues. Let's not feel like we are African Champion therefore we should win every game. Let's also remember that Nigeria has never had it easy against Congo and against their coach during his stint with other teams on the continent.

 

Going forward, South Africa is the next opponent the Eagles will confront before playing Sudan. It could be recalled that South Africa picked up an emphatic three points on away soil which means they go into this ties with every confidence that can be imagined.

 

It could be worse for the Eagles! For the Madiba nation, this is the best time to beat the Eagles, but it must be noted that it will not be an easy task based on historical facts.

 

Redeeming the situation is what should be in the mind of the players and coach of the Eagles at this point in time. The team must give their best to gain the backing of the fans for the remaining matches of the qualifying rounds to be glamorous

 

For the good of the nation, supporting the team in this trying time will go a long way to boost their confidence as they prepare for further games in the quest to be among the 15 teams that will make it through to Morrocco 2015, else, it would get worse.

AFCON Qualifier: Congo shock Nigeria in Calabar

Reigning African Champions, were beaten at home by the Red devils of Congo in their opening qualifying group game on Saturday.

Efe Ambrose headed the Eagles ahead in the 14th minute but the devils replied with goals from Thierry Bifouma who scored twice while  Prince Oniangue scored the third goal.

Gbolahan Salami scored Nigeria's second later in the match as the Eagles battle to rally back proved abortive.

The Eagles will face South Africa and Sudan in other group games with hopes of seeing Morroco next year.

Keshi, Uche controversy; a disrespect to patriotism

Come to think of it, Ike Uche was last seen playing for the Super Eagles in the AFCON 2013, he has since missed a host of competitions like the Confederations Cup, Brazil 2014 FIFA world Cup, and now the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations 2015 is passing him bye.

 

 

It could be recalled that Coach Stephen Keshi in an interview with Supersport, last year, published 13 November to be precise, mentioned that the player's attitude is quite wrong even if he feels he should be in the starting line up.

 

 

According to Keshi, ''I understand when a player is frustrated at not starting matches but it is not right for the player to sit on the bench and making remarks about how the coaching and tactics are not right''.
 

Without any bias or being myopic on the matter, the most recent of all coach-players I can recall is Ryan Giggs, who played and sat on the bench as a coach for Manchester at the same time during David Moyes' reign.

 

 

In fact, the job of a player is to follow the instruction dished out by the coach to prosecute a particular game. This doesn't imply that the player is a sheep who has no say or opinion which could be shared with the team, but that has to be in private with the coach.

 

 

Nigeria was at the FIFA Mundial in Brazil, despite parading the likes of Emmanuel Emenike, Shola Ameobi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Uche Nwofor the team was only able to record a total of three (3) goals in four games. It was goalless against Iran, 1-0 Bosnia, lost 2-3 Argentina and fell 0-2 to France in the second round, the highest height the country has ever attained.

 

 

Back at home, fans complained bitterly, raising arguments that the presence of Ike Uche at that World Cup would have been felt due to his form at that time scoring 12 goals in the 2013/2014 season. This is not to say that the team would have done better or won the World Cup but the player would have been a very good addition going forward.

 

 

What exactly is wrong is wrong with Keshi you may ask? Nothing! But come to think of it, why does he want to embark on the road to Morocco without a prolific and business-like striker such as the player?

 

 

Recent reports concerning the two say that, the coach has put a call across to the  Villareal of Spain Striker to have him in his squad, but the player is requesting an apology before he will return to the national team.

 

 

"He was supposed to be part of the team that is presently in camp but he said we must beg him first to play for Nigeria because he was left out of some competitions but I can’t beg anyone to play for Nigeria, impossible. That’s why he is not here,” said Keshi in a press release by Super Eagles media officer Ben Alaiya.

 

 

Reacting to the accusation, Uche refuted the claim on his Twitter account.

 

 

It is quite obvious that the coach and player relationship between these two has been dented as they have both been taking to the media to make accusations and counter-accusation which is just not the right way to go in resolving this matter.

 

 

With due respect to these two, they have not shown maturity at all. When it comes to representing the national team and being professional, they should know better, especially Stephen Keshi.

Come to think of it, What step has the Football federation taken to resolve the fallout between the coach and player? The answer is not far fetch, as it is believed that the federation is doing everything possible to extricate itself from making selection or deciding choice of players for the coach.

 

 

It is however clear that the federation can do little to influence Keshi to see that the matter is resolved. In fact, the federation is dealing with more important issues in-house with an imminent FIFA ban if they fail to put the Glasshouse in order.

 

 

On the part of the coach, failure is definitely not the plan as he has his own integrity to protect and above all the nation at heart, he would there prosecute a game or competition with his choice of player whom he feels are willing and ready to help execute his tactics.

 

 

On the part of the player, it is only understandable that no one likes to play second fiddle, but the coach can also claim to have a plan for the player to come in as a substitute if he so please.

 

 

Above all, where is patriotism among these two adults who should have some respects for one another? It would be wise and honourable if they both iron out their differences and get the business going for the sake of Nigeria and it's esteemed football lovers.

Final Warning: FIFA issues Nigeria September 8 deadline

FIFA has given the Nigerian Football Federation up until Monday 8 September to put its house in order else the dangling hammer will fall.

 

According to a statement on the world governing football body's website issued on Wednesday handing Chris Giwa more grace to stand down as the head of the NFF along side his executives.

 

''The NFF will be suspended with immediate effect should there still be persons claiming to have been elected to NFF positions on 26 August 2014 and occupying their offices on Monday, 8 September 2014 at 08.00 (Central European Time),'' the statement read.

 

From the above position, it could therefore be said that the recognised leader of the NFF is Aminu Maigari.

 

 The statement further reads:

 ''Should the new deadline not be respected, the NFF will be automatically suspended until the board claiming to be elected vacates the premises of the NFF and the NFF General Secretary is able to perform his work without interference.

''The NFF Executive Committee as it was composed on 25 August 2014, meaning under the presidency of Aminu Maigari, should then convene as soon as possible a first extraordinary general assembly to elect the members of the electoral committee and a second extraordinary general assembly in the shortest time possible allowed by law in order to proceed with the elections of new NFF office-bearers.''

Keshi losing patience with NFF over contract talk, says he can't wait anymore

Stephen Keshi is obviously frustrated with the way the Nigerian Football Federation is handling his new contract talks.

 

Recent reports have it that the Big Boss has been in talks with the NFF for weeks now, over an extension to his deal which expired after the 2014 World Cup and says he's losing patience.

 

''Talks over a new contract shouldn’t drag on,” Keshi told BBC Sport. ''I can’t wait any more – the NFF is not serious.''

 

 

Keshi, who led the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations trophy last year and the knock-out stages of this year’s World Cup, claimed he still had offers from other countries.

 

''I’ve had about seven countries approach me in the last two months but I kept them all away,'' he said.

 

The 53-year-old also insisted that the current issues the NFF is dealing with, should not be allowed to interfere with the national team’s preparations.

 

He said: ''I understand the ongoing crisis facing the federation but the national team should not suffer from such at this crucial stage. Sadly, I also think attention is focused more on the upcoming NFF elections and the national team is simply not a priority.

 

 

 

''I love my country and I am aware of the dream our fans had of me taking this team to the next level.

 

''I have moved on. I can only wish the country well for the future.''

2015 AYC: Nigeria list 23 players for Lesotho tie

Flying Eagles Coach, Manu Garba has released a list 23 player to face Lesotho on August 16 in Kaduna for a place in the final of the 2015 AYC in Senegal in March next year.

The list consist of two foriegn based players who were part of the Golden U-17 boys in persons of  Skipper Musa Muhammed (Besiktas/Turkey) and Taiwo Awoniyi (Kalmar FF/Sweden). The remaining members of the squard are:

Four goalkeepers were also named in the squad. They include: Joshua Enaholo, Adamu Abubakar, Olorunleke Ojo, Etua Ossai Kingdom.

Defenders are: Musa Muhammed, Ifeanyi Nweke, Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharadden Bello, Prince Izu Omego, Adebayor Ademuluwa, Wilfred Ndidi and Sirajo Mazadu.

Coach Garba listed seven midfielders for the exercise. They are: Bernard Bulbwa, Ifeanyi Matthew, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Chizom Eze, Akinjide Idowu, Clement Ogbobe, Abdullahi Alfa and Obinna Nwobodo while the Strikers include Taiwo Awoniyi, Sulaiman Abdullahi, Alhassan Ibrahim, Abubakar Lawal, Wasiu Jimoh.

Nigeria, Algeria to fly Africa's flag in Round of 16

Nigeria and Algeria will be Africa's flag bearers in the second round of the on going FIFA World Cup in Brazil after they both made it past the group stage.

Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon are other African compatriots that failed to make it past the Group stage.

Nigeria, runner-up from Group F having Argentina, Bosnia Herzegovina and Iran while Algeria made it through from Group H consisting Belgium, Russia and South Korea.

It also marks the first time two African team will qualify to play in the round of 16 of the tournament.