Oliseh invites Mikel, Echiejile, 22 other for Congo and Cameroun friendlies

Ahead of the friendly matches against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroun, Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 24 players to to prosecute the games.

Source: thenff.com

Among the invitees are Captain Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona and a host of others.

Former junior international defender Abdullahi Shehu gets his first opportunity at senior level, and Moses Simon, who scored against Niger Republic, is also considered, alongside home boys Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Paul Onobi and Prince Aggrey. There is also room for Watford FC of England striker Odion Ighalo.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

The Eagles take on Congo on October 8 and Cameroun three days later.

Belgium to host Nigeria vs Cameroun friendly

Source: thenff.com

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has confirmed that the Super Eagles will play Cameroon and Congo in friendly affair.

A statement released on NFF's official Twitter handle informed that the Eagles will confront Congo then take on the Indomitable Lions three days later on October 11 in Brussels, Belgium.

Nigeria last faced the Cameroonians in February 2004, in the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Nigeria U-23 Pip Congo in 2-1 but....

Nigeria U-23 also known as Dream Team defeated Congo 2-1 in an African U-23 Championship final round, first leg qualifying match played in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Junior Ajayi grabbed a brace early in the second half – the first a tap-in after Goalkeeper Chrisopher could not get a good grip of the ball off a pull-out in the 48th minute, and the second in a marvelous team goal that Ajayi finished with a brilliant header from an inviting Daniel Etor cross six minutes later.

However, Samson Siasia’s wards allowed the Congolese get into the game by scoring a goal. 

Siasia’s boys won their two away matches in the qualifying race for the All-Africa Games – for which they have qualified. They pounded Gabon 4-1 in Libreville and defeated Zambia 2-0 in Lusaka, and on the evidence of strength-in-depth, should be understandably confident going to Pointe Noire on August 2.

Nigeria Flying Eagles beats Congo 4-1, seal World Cup ticket

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a semi final spot and also booked their place  in the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand with a 4-1 win over Congo in their second Group A match inside the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium.

Despite being reduced to 10-men, the Manu Garba side grabbed an emphatic victory over the Congolese with Musa Muhammed getting a brace, Ifeanyi Mathew and Taiwo Awoniyi' on the scorers sheet.

Nigeria remain top of their Group with 6 points from two games after beating host Senegalese in the opening game at the weekend.

The team have secured a semi final spot and are certain of a ticket to feature in the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.

AFCON 2015: Guinea to face Ghana in Quarter Final as Ivory Coast tackle Algeria

Th Syli Nationale of Guinea will now face Ghana in the quarter final stage of African Cup of Nations after they were picked ahead of Mali through casting of lots on Thursday in Malabo.

Host Country Equatorial Guinea will battle Tunisia, while the battle of Congolese sees Congo trade tackles with DR Congo on Saturday.

On Sunday, it will be Ivory Coast vs Algeria in an epic battle for a place in the semis.

Equatorial Guinea shocks Gabon, qualifies for AFCON knock-out stage

Wow! Incredible! Equatorial Guinea has qualified for the knocked out stage of the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Google: Jubilant Equatorial Guinea

Right inside the Bata Stadium, they defeated neighbours Gabon 2-0 to make the phenomenal progress in the tournament.

The second Group A game saw Congo edge last time runners-up Burkina Faso b 2-1 to go through as well.

Congo however tops the group with 7pts, Equatorial Guinea 5pts, Gabon 3pts and Burkina Faso finished with just a single point.

Bye Bye Gabon and Burkinabes.

My Take: Never right anyone off. Equatorial Guinea left the best for the last.

Lets go Group B....

Afcon 2015: Nigeria miss out, see countries that made it through

Title holders Nigeria will not be at Equatorial Guinea to defend the title they won last year, thanks to a 2-2 draw the west Africa played against South Africa in Uyo on Wednesday evening.

The African champions finished 3rd place in Group A with 8points, two points behind Congo who pip Sudan 1-0 to secure an automatic slot after Bafana Bafana maintained their lead as winner of the group with 12points.

Here are the teams that made it through:
Equatorial Guinea (hosts), Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia

Good luck to them all, name your favourites for the title.

Uche, Samuel score as Nigeria escapes Congolese onslaught

Ike Uche and Aaron Samuel scored to see Nigeria put two goals past Congo in Pointe Noire on Saturday.

Super Eagles needed to beat the host to keep their hope of qualifying for the Afcon 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.

The red devils defeated the Eagles 3-2 in calabar but were not clinical enough to cause upsets on their home soil.

South will visit Nigeria for the final group game, while Congo will play host to Sudan.

Congo vs Nigeria: They say it's ''do or die'' against the devils

By Amos Joseph
It is reported that Super Eagles of Nigeria will depart Nigeria for Congo Brazaville on Thursday to keep a date with the Red devils of Congo on Saturday in the AFCON 2015 qualifying match billed for Saturday 15 November.

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The spirit is high, the fitness of the boys is at satisfactory level and they are ready to battle for a place in the competition which is scheduled for next year with the host unknown at the time of publishing. That's what hear from the camp of the team in the nation's capital city, Abuja.

Of course the Super Eagles want to avoid the dire consequences of losing a point in the remaining two games - Congo and South Africa. Victory is non-negotiable, so to speak. That is the situation the Eagles find themselves, after losing to Congo in Calabar, Falcons of Sudan in Khartoum, and securing a draw with South Africa on away soil before coming home to beat Sudan 3-1 at home.

The Team still has a chance of qualifying especially after the spirited 3-1 win over Sudan which placed the Eagles in third spot on the group log. They fought hard, played hard, kicked hard and won the hard way. 

It could be recalled that the Coach of the Nigeria senior national team, Stephen Keshi was then relieved of his position but was later reinstated after ''interference from superior authority'' as the news made the rounds. And now that he's back along with his assistants ''to continue from where they stopped'', hard ball is what Nigerians expect, may be a replica of the last performance against Sudan. 

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Keshi expressed his confidence and positive attitude in the squad. ''The boys are focused and of course they know why they are here; it’s the business and so we have to go and do what we need to do.'' Said Keshi.

''We just have to be ready. This is African football.

 ''It is not European football and so I always tell my players that once they leave Europe they must switch from the European to African mentality''. 

Nigeria currently has four points, trailing South Africa who are on eight and Congo on seven, and that explains the reason why the Eagles must play hard ball. 

As the November 15 date approaches, without any pessimism, Nigerians should bear in mind that the head of the Congolese delegation Claude Leroy has always had his way with the Super Eagles, from his days as coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun. Just a note anyway, it doesn't make him Lord but the Eagles must prepare for counter his tactics.

''Ba ba gunyan ninu ewe ba sebe ninu epo epa eni mayo mayo'' - Yoruba Proverb

That proverb can simply be translated as ''dire situations can be advantageous'', however, one can only be patriotic and wish that the Eagles get the best of the challenge and come out satisfied with the result from Pointe-Noire.

John Mikel Obi doubtful for Congo tie, will the Super Eagles miss him?

I hear Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has not fully recovered hence may not be fit enough to feature in the make or mar encounter against Congo and South Africa.

The player recently picked up a knee injury in a League Cup clash against Shrewsbury Town on October 28 and has failed to feature for the English club ever since.

Mikel was an unused substitute for Chelsea in premier league 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Quoting from Dailypost, the Spokesperson for the team, Ben Alaiya said “We know Mikel is just returning from an injury and was listed for Chelsea’s win at the weekend. But just to be sure our medical team will still have a look at him when he arrives,” 

''But we have no fear what so ever over his fitness for the double header.''

Mikel Obi is an important player for the Eagles no doubt, but with the new crop of home-based player gradually making their way into the squad and foreign based, will Nigeria really miss him?

Have your say.

AFCON Qualifier: Home-based Eagles hit camp ahead of Congo tie

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to trade tackles with the Red devils of Congo Brazzaville in Pointe Noire, reports have it that invited home-based stars have made their way to camp after the win over Ghana U-23 Team on Friday in Akwa-Ibom.

Stephen Keshi and his assistants were joined in Abuja by Chigozie Agbim, Warri Wolves skipper, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, scorer of the lone goal in Uyo, Emem Eduok, Nasarawa United’s Tony Edjomari, Christian Osaguna Ighodalo, Gbolahan Salami and new comer Kingsley Sokari.

Foreign based players are expected to arrive on Monday.

Ike Uche excited by Super Eagles recall

Nigeria international Ike Uche is glad to have been recalled for national duties.

The Villareal striker shared his excitement on his Twitter account on Saturday @Ikeuche9 saying: "Happy to be among those selected to play Congo and SA. God bless Nigeria @NGSuperEagles #Qualifiers #AFCON2015.

He has been exempted from the squad for over a year by the Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi who told journalists he doesn't want to talk about the player anymore, and now, he bows to pressure.

Congo defeat: Enyeama charges Super Eagles to stay focused

Although he excused himself from the Super Eagles squad due to family reason, Captain Vincent Enyeama has sent a word of encouragement to the team after the African champions lost to 2-3 to Congo in Calabar on Saturday.

 

The Lille of France No. 1 shot-stopper posted the message on his instagram account with tags to several of the team member.

 

His post reads: ''Losing doesn't make us failure. We are well able to arise, conquer and have dominion.

 

''We have done it before and we will do it again. Let us believe and work hard towards greatness, let's join our hands, let's become a stronger force.

 

''It's not time to blame and criticize, it's time to push towards greatness''

 

Meanwhile the Super Eagles face South Africa  in their second match of the qualifying round on Wednesday

 

 

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.

Chelsea Star Mikel storm Eagles camp with Ebola gloves

Reports from the camp of the Super Eagles is that Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has joined the fight against Ebola Virus.

According Vanguard, Mikel arrived Calabar this afternoon wearing protective hand gloves. When asked by coach Stephen Keshi why he was wearing gloves, Mikel reportedly replied
 

"Coach I have up to four hand gloves and if you don’t mind, I can give you one. I'm not joking with this virus oh” Mikel jokingly told Keshi and everyone present laughed.

Meanwhile, the team's Media Officer Ben Alaiya speaking live on phone to Sports Tonight a programme on Channels TV on Tuesday night confirmed that 19 players are already in camp and the rest expected to fly in on Wednesday.

The Eagles face Congo in their first AFCON qualifiers game on Saturday in Calabar without team captain Vincent Enyeama who was  excused to settle family matters while Osaze is out after he was ruled out by injury.

AFCON 2015: Nigeria to play Congo as CAF disqualifies Rwanda

Group A Africa Cup of Nations qualifier challenge will no longer feature Rwanda after they were disqualified by the Confederation of African Football for fielding an ineligible player during their qualifying match against Congo in July.

According to a statement on the African football ruling body's website, Congo will now replace Rwanda with immediate effect after their protest was .

Rwanada was to play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on 6th September, 2014.

Cafonline reports that the decision followed a protest made by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) during the first leg match of the second round of qualifying played against Rwanda on 20 July 2014 in Pointe-Noire.

The statement reads: 

''The protest by Congo contested the eligibility of the player Birori Dady aligned with Rwanda, and plays for the AS Vita Club of Kinshasa with Congolese (DRC) passport as Etekiama Agiti Tady, and a different age.

''Following investigations by CAF and on the basis of documents provided by the federations of Rwanda, Congo and DR Congo, and hearing the player's testimony on 11 August 2014 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, CAF established that the two identities only referred to a single person.

''While the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) maintained that to their knowledge the player Dady Birori had one identity, investigations revealed that he was summoned as Etekiama Agiti Tady by FERWAFA to join the national team of Rwanda,'' it said.

''Based on these and other findings, the Organising Committee of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in accordance with Article 41 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, and Articles 82 and 83.1 of CAF Disciplinary Code, decided as follows:

''Immediately suspend the player Etekiama Agiti Tady / Birori Dady until further notice and ban him from playing for club and the national team

''Rwanda declared losers of No.37 against Congo, and consequently being eliminated from the competition

''Consign Congo to the group phase of the qualifiers of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco in 2015 in Group A, as replacement for Rwanda

''Reserved the right to confirm the exact length of the player's suspension and to impose additional sanctions if necessary at the next meeting of the Organising Committee scheduled for 17 September 2014

''Urged players and stakeholders to regulate the situation of dual identity

''The decision of the Committee takes effect immediately and with option for appeal in accordance with the regulatory provisions in force in CAF Disciplinary Code.''

A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the decision followed a protest lodged by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), after their match against Rwanda on July 20. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/afcon-2015-caf-disqualifies-rwanda-fielding-ineligible-player/#sthash.hIBsvN8H.dpuf

A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the decision followed a protest lodged by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), after their match against Rwanda on July 20. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/afcon-2015-caf-disqualifies-rwanda-fielding-ineligible-player/#sthash.hIBsvN8H.dpuf

A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the decision followed a protest lodged by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), after their match against Rwanda on July 20. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/afcon-2015-caf-disqualifies-rwanda-fielding-ineligible-player/#sthash.hIBsvN8H.dpuf