My Jealousy: ''In the days of Stationery Stores''

By Amos Joseph

Okay! this is what you will find in the first paragraph on Wikipedia when you check for the words ''Stationery stores'' on google. The team Stationery Stores was founded in 1958 by Israel Adebajo, who ran the Nigeria office of the Stationery Stores Supply Company. They immediately established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the area and country, supplying the bulk of the first editions of the national team and winning a total 13 Lagos State Challenge Cups, the preliminary round for the Nigerian FA Cup.

I also learned that the team was in the top division of Nigerian football between 1973 and 1993. Within this period, the team won laurels and was loved by the Lagos fans for their entertaining style of play.

The famous Stationery stores was one of the teams that did great exploits back in the days with some rivalries to the delight of its ever-supportive and demanding fans. To mention, I heard Enugu Rangers was one of the teams’ fierce rivals.

Every time I hear the word ''in the days of Stores'', in my mind I try to imagine what exactly thrilled the entire country about this team that it still gets mentioned. From the records, the team has some members of its squad in the national team.

Personally, it was important for me to be at the stadium on Sunday 21st February, 2016 to watch Ikorodu United play host to Abia Warriors. Not because I had nothing to do on the day but because I love the game, I would report and most importantly, be a part of history.

The people of Lagos have not had a team in a while, and here come teams (including Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministry FC) who are have promised to meet up with the expectation of the ever-demanding Lagos fans as they play in the top-tier of the country’s football league. Those who have been around or say born in the early times before the 80s often use this cliché which I sometimes get jealous of, ''in the days of Stores''.

Honestly, the most used words on day one fixture at the Onikan Water-front was, ''laye Stores'' meaning ''in the days of Stores''. This did nothing but to rekindle my jealously, again! In fact, as soon as the visitors Akwa United took the lead, the stadium went silent. You could hear and perceive the hissing, sighing, and other body or say sign language from the disappointed home fans. Ha! ''Laye stores''.

The home team, ''Oga'' as they are fondly called, didn’t come to the party in the first half, as they were dominated by the Warriors from the East. Right there and then, the news came of the exploit of the Prayer Warriors (MFM FC) who were leading by two goals to nil on away soil in Katsina Ala, the temporary home of Nassarawa United. Something to cheer about you’d say!

Talking about Oga, prior to kick-off, the Oga at the top i.e Chairman of the club Babatunde Akindele spoke to Channels Sports on Sunday afternoon, promising that the club will play good football to the delight of the fans. Right there, I began to wonder if this is the good football. Although, the confidence and some individual skills exhibited by the players showed that the team has something to offer. Apparently, no joker would make it through to the topflight league in Nigeria but I hope the team would not be pressured by the fans.

The stadium was thrown into a jubilant mood when the home side, Ikorodu United grabbed the equalizer in the second half to put the match at per. How fans can change!

Back in the days, Lagos was not all about Stores. We had clubs like Leventis, Nepa, Julius Berger, ACB, and a few others even till NPA now Warri Wolves. Today, it is Ikorodu United and MFM FC, let us throw our weight behind the teams, come out in number and support Oga and the Prayer Warriors to the heights.

Who says this generation cannot offer something better than ''the good old days''? Lagos, this is not a sponsored or paid post to drum support for any club in particular, but I can categorically say that you would never be disappointed paying N200 to watch them display their finesse and panache.  Eko o'ni baje!

Warri Wolves will win Laurels this season - Tony Okowa boasts

Chairman Delta State Sports Commission Mr Tony Okowa has stated that the states' Premier League team Warri Wolves is aiming for all trophies this season.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent Busayo Olowookere, he said that the club is bound to excel this season having been highly motivated by the state.

"I would not have expected anything short of a win. Win and win well so that by the time we get to the second leg in Sao Tome, we would have been a bit comfortable," - he said after the proposed match between the Sea siders and Praia Cruz of Sao Tome and Principe which turned out to be a walkover as the visitors failed to show up for the first round of their CAF Champions League match.

He expressed confidence in the new crop of players who recently joined the team as he expects a perfect blend in due time.

The chairman further confirmed the target for the season. In his words, "my target is to win the CAF champions League and the NPFL, we will win it all.

" I don't just talk, watch out for us," - he concluded.

Reports have it that Praia Cruz of Sao Tome and Principe has pulled out of the tournament. The seasiders will play Sudanese side Al Merreikh in the next phase of the competition.

Ondo House of Assembly Summons ODSFA management over Sunshine banishment

By Isaac Afolabi

The Ondo House of Assembly has summoned the management of the state's football body ODSFA and Sunshine Star FC head coach to explain the reason behind the violence which erupted during League fixture between the club and Lobi Stars.

Speaker of the House Mrs Jumoke Akindele affirmed at a plenary in the floor of the house that they are expected to report on Tuesday 24th November, 2015.

Moving the motion, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Mr Olumide George said there is need for explanation as the state is not known for such ugly display.

Following the incidence, Sunshine Stars were banished to Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos for the remainder of their league matches and were also fined the sum of five million naira.

However, the head coach Kennedy Boboye quit the club after leading the team to a sixth place finish.

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.

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)

Eagles won't take Djibouti and Swaziland for grant, says Oliseh

Google Image: Sunday Oliseh

Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh has expressed satisfaction with  2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw held in St.Petersburg, Russia on Saturday.

Drawn bye from the first round of the African qualifiers, Nigeria begins her campaign for a place at the 2018 finals in Russia in November 2015, away to the winner of the Djibouti vs Swaziland first round playoff.

Speaking with the the federations website (thenff.com), Oliseh gave a number of reasons why he is happy with the draw 

"Of course,I am happy with the draw,"Oliseh stated.

"We are not playing the first round, which is a preliminary round and which we knew before the draw. We will also be playing the first leg of the second round away which means we have an advantage of playing the more crucial return leg at home, in front of our fans".

The coach also warned against complacency, revealing that there are a lot of dangerous teams around that could hurt if taken for granted.

"Djibouti and Swaziland need to be given the respect that they deserve and either of them that we face in the second round will not be underrated. We respect every team and we will battle anyone that emerges with our full strength.

"With the draw now concluded,we can safely say that the race to Russia has officially started. I am optimistic we will run this race very well. We will give it our very best and pray it will be good enough to get us one of the five slots available for Africa," Oliseh concluded.

Ifeanyi Ubah, Rangers, others in Federation Cup battle

After the "big boys" have been ousted, the round of 16 matches of this year’s men’s Federation Cup competition will take place across the country on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd July 2015.

On Wednesday, FC IfeanyiUbah will tackle fellow Premier league side up FC Taraba at the Area 3 Playground in Abuja while same venue will host Kwara United and Enugu Rangers in what may be a crunchy tie.

The other all –top division clash, between Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors, is scheduled for the Oshogbo Township Stadium on Wednesday.

Nigeria National League side Remo Stars of Ogun State, who eliminated champions Enyimba FC will be up against Glo NPFL side, Lobi Stars.

In Makurdi, Heartland FC will battle BJ Foundation from Edo State, which eliminated Sportlight FC of Kaduna in the Round of 32.

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.

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.

New Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh's message to Nigerians and intending players at large

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh has sent out a clear message to Nigerians upon assumption of office as head coach of the nation's senior team.

During his unveiling in Abuja, Oliseh mentioned that he has come with an intention of service and not to wage war against his employers or anyone.

"I have come to serve, and the NFF has promised to give me all the support I need to succeed, he said at the media presentation.

"They are the employers and I am the employee. That distinction has to be appreciated at all times.

''I have had meetings with members of the Technical and Development Committee, led by Chief Anyansi-Agwu, very knowledgeable people all. I have met members of the Executive Committeeand the General Secretary. I believe we will all work together excellently. It is a huge honour to be Head Coach of Nigeria.''

Regarding the issue of selecting players who will represent the country, the new man who replaced Stephen Keshi warned that players who ply their trades in lower leagues around the world have no place in his squad with exception to underaged players.

"If you are not playing  in first division in anywhere in the world and in Nigeria, you cannot play for the Super Eagles henceforth.''

''However players coming from the under-aged teams are the only exception to this rule."

Speaking further,  ''It’s a great honour to be a coach of this nation, - he said.

''First of all, I am not coming as a Messiah. I am not coming as a man who can single handedly turn Nigeria to Germany.

''I am coming in to do my best and give if possible 150% all the time.

''The state we are now in Nigeria I think we are all not happy with. Gone are the days we have individual players who can single handedly win a match for you. But we have the potentials and that is our belief and the players must know that it’s an honour to be invited to the national team.''

INTERVIEW: Foreign Pros disrupted our World Cup Dreams - Ifeanyi Ifeanyi

Ifeanyi Ifeanyi was one of the key players in the Manu Garba led Flying Eagles team that represented the country at the African Youth Championship and the recently concluded FIFA World Youth Championship in New Zealand. The defensive midfielder in this interview with Amos Joseph shares his ''memorable experience'' and painful exit at the world stage.

Question: You were at the African Youth Championship and also made the team that went to the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand, how will you describe the experience?

It was an awesome experience I must say. Being at the African Championship alone was a great thing for me and my career, I thought it was the ultimate until i got to the world cup and realized that it's a different ball game. From the environment, pitches, weather and the teams that were involved it was just a different level.

Question: You guys lost the first match against Brazil, what was the felling like after the game considering the team's preparation towards the tournament. 

It wasn't easy at all. It was hell! Because we knew we could do better than that, we knew we were better than Brazil and we could hold our own against any opposition. We got to camp that night and could not eat, everybody was grumbling, just because we knew we could have won the match. But in football you never can tell until 90 minutes. 

Question: What motivated the victory against Korea DPR and Hungary in the last two group matches? 

Before every match, we always have pre-match meeting with the coaches. They made us believe we could do better than what we did against Brazil. They made us believe in ourselves old us they believes in us as well, we also knew we could do better and gave our best in the match against North Korea and Hungary to come out victorious.

Question: Can you tell us what you think went wrong against Germany, which saw the end to your quest?

So many things went wrong on that day. Firstly, we have never played under that very weather before. We've been playing at New Plymouth which was not in the night. The second round games were to be played in Christ Church, which was colder than our previous venue (New Plymouth). The time for the match was 7.30 in the evening, we never trained at that time. The weather was very cold so it affected us a lot. Secondly, our minds were not together. Some of the foreign-based professionals were feeling too big. Unlike the African Championship where we were all working together.

Question: In essence, are you saying that the inclusion of some of the foreign-based the professionals affected the team?

Somehow the inclusion of these players i'll say affected the team and also helped on the other hand. You could see the likes of Success, Musa Yahaya and Wilfred Ndidi against Brazil giving their best to prove their mettle as professionals. But the fitness level could not be compared to those of us who have been training together for a couple of months.

Question: In all, what was your best moment in the tournament? 

Well, my best moment in that tournament was against Hungary because we knew if we had not won that game, it would have been something else. We would have been counting our fingers waiting to be part of the best losers. But we came out strong, did our best and got the three points, we won 2-0. After the game we were all very happy. 

Question: The world cup is over, what is your vision from here or What would it mean for you to play in Europe? 

My vision is to play in Europe. That has always been my dream, to play in the Champions League someday. But I know with God all thing are possible. 

Question: Can you mention some players you look up to? 

I look up to players like Andre Pirlo, Yaha Toure and John Obi Mikel. They are players i adore in the game.

Question: What is your advise to other young ones out there who also aspire to play for the national team some day? 

For me first, is self-believe. Because you may go somewhere and the coach does not believe in you but you need to prove the coach wrong. Also hard work is very important. I train very hard, I don't joke with my training. Work like there's no tomorrow, and above all is prayer because that is the key. 

Siasia confident despite tough All Africa Games Draw

Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has assured Nigerians that his team will perform well despite the oppositions they have been pitched against in the All Africa Games.

Following Thursday's draw held at the CAF headquarters in Egypt which saw the Dream Team drawn in Group B with Ghana, Senegal and Egypt, Siasia, is confident ahead o the ties.

The U-23 boys are currently in Port Harcourt preparing for next weekend's African U-23 Championship final round, first leg qualifier against Congo, expressed surprise that the strongest teams in the tournament, pedigree -wise, ended up in the same pool.

"I can tell you for free that this group B is a tough one, for all the countries in this group can qualify for the semi finals. All I can say for now is that we are not afraid of any of them, and will know what to do when we get to that bridge."

Coach Siasia added that for now, all his concentration is on the African U-23 Championship qualifying fixture home and away to Congo, as that is of immediate importance.

Meanwhile, the Dream Team will on Friday play a friendly game against Nigeria Nation-Wide League club, Go Round FC in Port Harcourt. The encounter kicks off at 4pm.

Source: Thenff.com

Bonfrere Jo believes Keshi has nothing more to offer Nigeria

Former Super Eagles Handler Johannes Bonfrere, has applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for sacking coach Stephen keshi stating that he does not have what it takes to lead the team to new height.

The federation terminated Keshi's contract having found out that the former Togo handler applied Ivory Coast job.

Jo, led Nigeria’s U-23 team to gold at the 1996 Olympics, said only a foreign manager can elevate the Eagles.

"I think the NFF need to hire a foreign coach to take charge of the Super Eagles,” he told Completesportsnigeria.com.

"The Super Eagles have failed to make much impact since they won the African Cup of Nations in 2013 and it has to do with the inability of the coaches to take the team to new heights.

"Personally, I don’t think Stephen Keshi has what it takes to take the team beyond where they are now.

"So the decision made by the NFF to sack him was the right one.

"The next task before them now is to carefully look for a capable foreign coach that can help improve the performance of the team."

Lars Lagerback is the last foreign coach to lead Nigeria. He was in charge of the Eagles at the 2010 World Cup.

Bring Super Eagles matches to Lagos, Oliseh advises NFF

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh has advised that the nations senior national team will perform better playing inside the National Stadium Lagos.

Oliseh in an interview with Brila FM noted that the pressure from Lagos fans would suffice to spur the Eagles to giving their best in any match.

He further stated that it was more difficult during his days to represent the country that present time.

“It’s a lot easier now to play for Nigeria and I guess that is one of the reasons we are not doing so well now. In those days, you go to the National Stadium, Lagos in front 100, 000 fans. After 20 minutes, you have not scored, the fans go crazy and your family lives in Lagos; that is pressure. When you go to the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup and you know that second
is not enough; that is pressure. When you have to play and the future of your family is at stake; that is pressure.

“I’m overtly telling them that if we want to go back to the top; we need to bring the Super Eagles back to Lagos.

"If England have an important match to play, they play you at Wembley because that is where they have the greatest number of fans and that is where it becomes emotional for the players. The National Stadium is our own Wembley. I played for Nigeria for 10 years and we never lost at the National Stadium. That shows you how mythical it was to play there. The players need that kind of atmosphere to perform.”

Enyeama ignores NFF Disciplinary Committee

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama failed to honour the invitation of the Nigeria Football Federation Organizing and Disciplinary Committee.

The Lille of France number-one was invited  by the committee after his "provocative comments" on the venue of the AFCON qualifying game against Chad.

Although he is yet to give a reason why he didn't honour the invitation, Coach of the senior national team Stephen Keshi who was also invited to explain his link with the Ivory Coast job said he has no information on the matter.

“No I am not aware. I only know about my own invitation. You can ask the
NFF officials they should be able to tell you,” he said.

Source: Vanguard

Poor finishing cost us against Rangers - Emeka Inyama

Chairman of Abia Warrior and board member of the Nigerian Football Federation has attributed his side's loss to Rangers in Wednesdays Premier League match to poor finishing.

Google Image: Chief  Emeka Inyama

Speaking with our correspondent Busayo Olowookere after the game, he said that it was a good match but Abia Warriors players failed to take chances.

''This is one of the matches where you don't see the better side win'', he said.

''It was a good game, our Abia Warriors gave a good account of themselves but poor finishing and all that, but Rangers got the three points and that is football.''

He further gave kudos to the home side for doing the necessary to clear maximum points ''Congratulations to Rangers''.

Chief Inyama who also commented on the exit of he country's representatives at the FIFA Womens World Cup and the U-20 World Cup advised the NFF to consider the quality of coaches they bring on board. 

''We need to rethink on the quality and caliber of Nigerian coaches, with all due respect. That is why the federation is going ''

''The federation is going ahead to employ foreign coach for the female team and the youth teams that will take youth development and produce a template to impact the right attitude on the players.

He further noted that indigenous coaches needs to improve their technical depth by going back to study some more.

Nigeria U-20 Striker Taiwo Awoniyi disowns fake Twitter account

This is interesting! Nigeria U-20 and U-23 Striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has denied ownership of the twitter account @_awoniyi that has been posing as his official account.

He revealed this via hhis facebook and his Instagram account stating that the account was opened by fraudsters who pretend to be him.

''Morning pales,,NOTICE...please there is someone using this Twitter account @_awoniyi for years posting a lot n making people believing is me just want to inform everyone that I have no Twitter account,,is just a fraud pls be aware pals n kindly help in sharing this plsssss'' - Awoniyi on his facebook page.

The image below reveals his post on Instagram.

The said twitter account currently has a total of 1,032 followers at the time of reporting.

Tributes pour in for Nigerian footballer who collapsed and died in Malaysia

This is sad! I understand the fact that David Faramola Oniya is not the first player to have collapsed while playing (hunting for his daily bread) and eventually pass on. To mention a few similar incidence, Marc-Vivien Foe of Cameroun during a Confederations Cup game in 2003, and recently Belgium lost two players in similar fashion this year.

The death of this Nigerian footballer who plies his trade for T-Team, a club in Malaysia during a friendly game against Kelantan on Saturday 13th June 2015 came as a rude shock to many including his friends and Nigerians at large especially those who understand the ''hustle'' and the search for greener pasture.

I visited his Facebook page and realized that many who were sending in their condolences do not know David from Adam. Nigerians, colleagues and many others he had had contact with during his days on earth could not hold back but drop a line.

According to reports, he had barely had contact with the ball, in fact he had not played five minutes before he slumped and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The essence of this write-up is not to join in the blame game, however, we won't delve into the blame game by his club Chief Executive CEO Syahrizan Mohd Zain who felt the player would have survived if only he had received adequate and prompt attention.

All that would not wake the dead! We can only send our prayers and that is what many of David's ''friends'' at large are doing now.

The Nigerian Football Federation via twitter ''RIP David Faramola Oniya''

Posted by @Thenff via twitter

''Our thoughts are with the family of Late David Faramola Oniya a Nigerian footballer who was with Malaysia Premier League club T-Team F.C.'' - @Thenff

Manchester United Malaysian Twitter Fan page Condolences to the family of T-Team kapten, Farmula David Aniya who died during a friendly match vs Kelantan in KB. - @MUFC_Malaysia

Nigerian defender David Oniya has died after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match between his Malaysian club T-Team and Kelantan.  ‏@NigeriaNewsdesk via Twitter

On the deceased facebook account , here are some of the heartfelt messages:

 Faith Eagle Oniya on Facebook - ''Just lost my brother, the captain of the German team, David Faramola Oniyain Germany some few minutes ago. I have not recovered from the shock.

Had a dream this morning I didn't understand... But GOD does!

THE BIBLE TELLS ME TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING...but two requests Lord,...

Give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss....

Lord, may this STOP from now on.

Thank you

Father    

''Its very sad to see him passed away like this.. A very discipline and committed player on and off the pitch.. As a person who greet him the first day he's in training and until his last breath.. You'll be missed my brother and my captain'' -  Mohd Hazwan Zikri said on David's Facebook account.

''RIP bro, still find it difficult to belief, we love you but God love you more.'' - Akintola Olayinka via facebook.

''You were like a brother to me....Our days in Azerbaijan was filled with inspiring memories..We love you,but God loves you more....Still can't believe you are gone Brother!!! - Bello Abayomi

And from me, I say ''death! Thou hath cruel. Rest in Peace Brother.

The center back had played football for more than 10 years as a professional. He played in played in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan before moving to Malaysian this season.

U-20 World Cup: Germany edge Nigeria as Brazil progresses

Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been bundled out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup by Germany.

The Germans secured a lone goal through Levin Oztunali’s in the first half which was enough to see them through the quarter final of the competition ahead of the Africans.

Germany will now face Mali in the last eight.

Meanwhile, Brazil played out a goalless draw against Uruguay but progressed 5-4 after penalty shootout.