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)

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.''

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.”

Keshi invites Enyeama, Musa and 13 others for AFCON Qualifier against Chad

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has invited skipper Vincent Enyeama and 14 other overseas–based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad in Kaduna.

Thelikes of defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Babatunde Michael and forward Ahmed Musa, who were all at last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil make their return to the team.

Darmstadt 98 of Germany right back Leon Balogun, Israel–based John Ogu, former Switzerland junior international Steven Ukoh, China –based Aaron Samuel and Odion Ighalo, whose 20 league goals helped Championship side Watford FC to the English Premiership, have also been called alongside former junior international Rabiu Ibrahim.

New faces William Troost-Ekong, a defender based in The Netherland

Here is a full List of the foreign pros who join the home-based pros in camp:

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France)

Defenders: Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Leon Balogun (Darmstadt 98, Germany); William Troost-Ekong (FC Dordrecht, The Netherlands); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Anderson Esiti (Estoril FC, Portugal); Steven Ukoh (Biel-Bienne FC, Switzerland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England)

Source: thenff.com

No room for bench warmer in the Super Eagles says Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has stated that players who feature regularly for their club sides would get his attention in his new dispensation.

The big boss who was recently reappointed as the head coach of the Nigerian senior national team said he would need need to begin working immediately toward the AFCON 2017 qualifications.

"We have ton get the players that are playing regularly for their teams and have at least three or four training sessions before a game, but it's always very difficult, he said.

"So what we have to do is to concentrate on a lot of tactical work most of the time because I think they are physically fit for their clubs.

"So we just need to try and get it done because we don't have a lot of time so most of our work will be tactical and positional play."

He signed a two years contract with the Nigerian Football Federation on Tuesday.

FIFA Ranking: Nigeria drops four place, Germany remains number one in the world

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped four places and are now ranked 45th in latest FIFA rankings.

It is the worst slide for the former African champions, after they failed to win their last two international friendlies in March.

The Eagles were beaten 1-0 on home soil by Uganda and drew 1-1 with South Africa in Nelspruit four days later.

Meanwhile, Algeria remains the highest-ranked side on the continent despite falling three places to 21st. Cote d’Ivoire (23rd), Ghana (26th), Tunisia (30th) and Senegal (36th) complete the top five.

World Champions Germany remains the number one team in the world. Argentina, Belgium, Colombia and Brazil make up the top five nations.

The next ranking will be released on May 7, 2015.

Nigeria Super Eagles need a European Coach, says Apkoborie

Former Eagles striker Jonathan Akpoborie, is one of many Nigerians who aired their views on the poor performance of the Super Eagles as the team lost 0-1 to the Cranes of Uganda in Uyo on Wednesday evening.

Simply put, the former Wolfsburg forward stated that indigenous coach cannot handle the Super Eagles but may have their way at the age grade level.

''The Ugandans were not as talented as out footballers but they were well organized; they knew well what they had to do and they had a game plan and that’s why they won the game'', - he told Brila FM.

''Nigeria played like street boys; we played without a plan. We need an European coach; I know many people have been clamoring for our indigenous coaches but we just don’t have it

''Maybe out coaches at the youth level can do very well but at the senior level right now, we can’t. It is very clear right now but if anybody says otherwise, then they don’t understand football.''

NFF appoints Channels Television Sportscaster Toyin Ibitoye as Super Eagles Media Officer

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday confirmed the appointments of Mr. Pascal Patrick (MON) and Mr. Toyin Ibitoye into the backroom crew of the Senior National Football Team, Super Eagles.

According to a release on the federation's website, the appointment takes effect immediately as Patrick, a former Nigeria international player, will resume as Team Coordinator, while Ibitoye, a front-line broadcast journalist, will become the team’s Media Officer.

Patrick, who is also vice chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association, replaces Emmanuel Attah, while Ibitoye, who has a postgraduate diploma in sports management from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, replaces Benjamin Alaiya, who has held the position since December 2011.

Godfirst Chike will also become the Equipment Manager, replacing Chidi Ngoka.

International Friendly: Nigeria to play Ghana in a London

Fan of Super Eagles in the diaspora would have an opportunity to watch their team as the Nigerian senior National team will play the Black Stars Ghana in an international friendly game fixed for March 29, 2015 in London.

The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) secured the friendly game to engage the Super Eagles and to ensure that the FIFA free window is utilized.

Vanguard reports that Initially the plan was to play Brazil on that same day, however, the Selecao will be playing Chile at the Emirates Stadium that same day.

The Super Eagles will first play a friendly game against Bolivia at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on March 26th.

After the game against the South Americans, the Nigerian contingent will depart for London.

OPINION: Why should NFF not retain Stephen Keshi as Coach of the Nigeria National Team

Nigerians home and abroad await the appointment of a new coach for the senior national team, the Super Eagles.

Recent reports have it that the NFF technial committee members are currently deliberating on filling the vacant position. chairman of the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Anynsi Agwu says his committee had passed its recommendations on the reappointment of Stephen Keshi to the executive committee of the federation.

''We deliberated on Keshi’s contract renewal and have made our recommendations to the NFF board,'' Felix Anyasi-Agwu, chairman of the NFF technical committee, said after their meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Did you just say Keshi again! Yes Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Soon and very soon this announcement will be made and Nigerians will know who will take the Eagles to the next level.

Although we also hear that his the new deal will contain clauses that will be make him answerable to the technical committee. Also, the former Mali and Togo boss will work with a backroom staff picked by the NFF.

Coach Keshi's contract lapsed after the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup and was asked to return to lead the team to the recently concluded African Cup of Nations won by Cote d'voire in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. You know the rest. We simply did not qualify to play in that tournament and the 'ifs' began to fill the papers. If only Nigeria had qualified, If only, if only.

From his football playing days to his present status as a coach, ''the big boss'' as coach keshi is fondly called, has experienced all the ironies of the round leather game applauds, adoration, successes, controversies and lately failure. 

Many are quick to accuse him of being money conscious, power drunk, arrogant, tactically incompetent and placing mediocrity over merits.

Here's the thing. What exactly is Keshi not getting right aside the fact that he failed to lead the team to Malabo? Or could it be said that Nigerians just want him out going by the usual hiring and firing? This same Coach won the nations cup in 2013, led the team to Confederation Cup in Brazil, qualified Nigeria to play in the world cup where he made the knock-out stages.

Let's just say the name Stephen Keshi means different things to different people in this football loving nation called Nigeria. What then do you think about his reported return?

Sudan makes a U-turn on Friendly, Nigeria Super Eagles to Play Yemen

The Sudanese National team will no longer play Super Eagles in a friendly match earlier scheduled for Saturday 17 January.

Vanguard reports that Sudan gave no reason for pulling out of the game but a make-shift arrangement has been made by the Nigeria Football Federation to see the Eagles keep their schedule intact as Nigeria will now play Yemen on Saturday at the Sevens Stadium in the beautiful city of Dubai.

Nigeria lost 0-1 to Cote d'voire on Sunday.

Ike Uche signs contract extension at Villareal

Twitter/@Ikeuche9

Nigerian striker Ike Uche has extended his stay at Villareal for another two years which will keep him at the Spanish club until 2017.

The former Real Zaragoza and Getafe player shared on his Twitter account on Thursday, ''Proud to defend this jersey until 2017! Thanks to @VillarrealCF club, fans, teammates and staff! God bless you all!''

Congrats Ike Uche.

AFCON 2015 QUALIFIER: South Africa starting XI against Nigeria

Coach of South Africa, Shakes Mashaba has named his starting line up for the game against Nigeria in their last round of AFCON qualifying match which will kick of 6pm in Uyo.

The Bafanna Bafana have qualified and sits atop the group while the Super Eagles need to win on the day, or draw if Congo fail to beat Sudan.

Bafana XI: Darren Keet, Sibusiso Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Eric Mathoho, Tefu Mashamaite, Dean Furman, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Mandla Masango, Bongani Ndulula, Tokelo Rantie.

Subs: Brilliant Khuzwayo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Themba Zwane, Kermit Erasmus, Andile Jali, Lehlohonolo Majoro

Source: Soccerladuma

Keshi calls Joseph Nathaniel as replacement for Akpan

Sharks Football Club midfielder Joseph Nathaniel has been invited into the Super Eagles by coach Stephen Keshi as replacement for injured Hope Akpan ahead of the last Afcon 2015 qualifying clash against South African.

Google Image

Joseph was at the heart of the midfield in a friendly match between the home-based Eagles and Ghana U-23 team which saw the Eagle launch the Akwa Ibom stadium with a 1-0 victory over the Meteors.

The midfielder confirmed to Sports Talk that he has been in camp since Sunday and looks forward to the date the men fro South.

The Eagles host Bafana Bafana 6pm on Wednesday in Uyo.

Oboabona Out, Omeruo in for South Africa clash

Super Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona will not taste action when Nigeria trade tackles with South Africa in the win or burst Africa cup of nations qualifying game on Wednesday evening.

The Rizespor of Turkey defender was handed a yellow card for handling the ball in the area in Saturday'sgame against the Red devils of Congo.

He join Reading midfielder on the sidelines while Kenneth Omeruo might make his return back into the squad after he had missed Congo clash due to injury.

Super Eagles Social Media accounts records massive "followership"

Wow! To his over 300,000 followers on Google plus and over 75,000 on Twitter is not child's play.

The Nigerian national team is a big brand, you should start following too and show your support for the team if you have not.

Hurrah! Nigeria beats Congo but this Super Eagles Must Improve

Peradventure you missed the game between the Red devils of Congo and our Super Eagles, i would say you misssed a great deal.

Some say in football you need some luck, i'll say that was what came to play on the day. Thanks to recalled Villareal striker Ike Uche who converted a penalty won by Emmanuel Emenike in the 58th minute before the man who plies his trade China Aaron Samuel, whom many have criticized coach Stephen Keshi for inviting, ''relatively unknown'' as he was then branded.

Both goals came in the second half, after a fruitless encounter in the first 45 minutes that would have seen the Eagles gone behind but for the wastefulness of the devils, glad they never scored anyway, it would have been worse. Being fully aware of the importance of the outcome of the game, the devils played purposefully with finesse and panache from the blast of the whistle, They looked like a team with a plan as they took our team to the cleaners, enjoying so much of the ball in the middle down to the wings but for some brilliance exhibied by the Eagles shot-stopper, Vincent Enyeama.

Soon after the Eagles the first goal, the devils were awarded a lifeline to put the game back on track for themselves and their already disturbed fans, but to their amazement, Vincent Enyeam stepped his game up, ha it saved and it was play continue.

Ike Uche made his presence known, not because he scored from the spot but for the way he kept the attack alive, holding on to balls when necessary, intelligently taking on defens and attempting to score when called up. His ball control was topnotched, you can tell where he plies his trade.

Lets just say getting the three points was very important and is all that matter right now, the Eagles didnt get better as a team until the introduction of Sone Aluko and Aaron Samuel who changed the game and the team began to string a couple of passes. The needful then was someone who could connect easily with the forward which we did not get to see earlier, thanks to the wasteful long balls from the back and the midfield held by John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and Hope Akpan who later got injured and was substituted for Aluko.

For me, the attack found it difficult to get balls at their feet as they had to struggle to come alive, until Mikel realised that going forward was best.

Frankly speaking, i really do not blam those who have been calling for the introduction of the likes of Kelechi iheanacho.Our Eagles need to play exciting football like we see other teams do, reference to the teams that have made it through to the competition already like Algeria, Senegal et al. Some individual intelligence, players who could make something happen with less struggles for the attackers.

Did I hear you say we miss Jay Jay, yes and Papilo? Yes! That was the song on everyone's lips where i watched the game. No one is saying play good football and lose would be better, but the confident play that got us that name ''giant of Africa''' is gone. No team would be afraid of this Eagles, that is why we struggle to qualify playing against the likes of Sudan and Congo. Wake up giants! You won Afcon just last year.

Credit must go to the team and Coach Stephen Keshi for securing the all important victory, but the truth must be told as we approach the final game on home soil. It will be against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on the turf of the new Akwa Ibom Statdium. Come Wednesday, the fate of the Eagles will be decided, in fact, the team under pressure is Nigeria because the men from the South have their feets already in Equatorial Guinea.

Have your say, this is Amos' opinion.

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.

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.