Keshi to begin talks with Equatorial guinea FA over managerial position

 Embattled super eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is rumoured to be going into contract negotiations with the football association of Equatorial Guinea over a possible job as head coach of the AFCON 2015 Hosts. 


Reacting to this new bit of information reaching All9jafootball, former Nigeria international  Chikelue Ilonyeosi told press men he would be Ok if Keshi did well if he gets the job

We’re hoping he’ll sign the contract with the Equatorial Guinea National team.We don’t want him back to coach the Eagles, we wish him well, hoping he’ll sign the contract this weekend, I’m sure that’ll please all football fans in the Country.”

” We hope he also wins the World Cup and all that’s at stake for the team to win,” the former International told reporters.

Martins Does It Again, wins MLS goal of the Year

Obafemi Martins has scooped the goal of the year award in the United States Major League Soccer, MLS, same day he was announcing his retirement from international football.

We talked about how he narrowly lost the MVP Award to robbie Keane see here.

The Nigerian forward, who scooped more than half the votes, got the award for his Week 11 chipped effort from close to the touchline that he managed to loft over San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper, Jon Busch, and into the far corner.

Martins, who currently plays club football in the United States with Seattle Sounders, has been overlooked for the past 18 months; a development that could have contributed to his decision to quit national team football.

Club sacks Apam

Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam will need to find a club for himself yet again having been listed among the eight players released by MLS giants Seattle Sounders for the end of the season.

The injury plagued defender who was hoping he could re-launch his ailing club career with Sounders will now have to look elsewhere yet again.

Aside Apam, other players on the exit list includes goalkeepers Josh Ford and Marcus Hahnemann, Defender, Djimi Traore, and forwards Tristan Bowen, Sean Okoli, Cam Weaver and Eriq Zavaleta (who is also a defender). It is also noted that defender Jalil Anibaba who is of Nigerian origin is also out of contract.

Sounders manger and co owner said it was a difficult decision which was necessary to axe Apam and the rest of the players sent packing.

"In our league it's a consistent challenge to keep successful teams together, and these types of decisions are always difficult," Sounders FC co-owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer said.

"Having said that, conversations are ongoing with several players about their respective futures with our club, and as we continue to shape the roster for 2015 we'll have additional announcements to share.

The next destination for Apam is for now not known even as Sounders stay glued to the other Nigerian on their employ, Obafemi Martins who has already craved a legendary status for himself at the Century Link field.

Oshuola talks tough on World cup draws

Tomorrow is the draws for  2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, super Falcons attacker,  Asisat Oshoala talked to press men on the readiness of the Falcons for the event.

” The team is ready for any opponent and I don’t think we’re scared of any opposition.” the U-20 World Cup revelation enthused.

Asisat who plays for Rivers Angels won gold in the AWC this year and was voted MVP in the tournament, as well as being voted MVP in the female under 20 world cup and also winning MVP in the federations cup.

” We’ll wait till the draws are done and then we’d commence preparation towards the World Cup,” she said.

Give us your thoughts on this.

Omeruo sacrificed career for Nigeria

 A close  source to Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has revealed that the Middlesbrough  FC of England on-loan star copped an injury that ought to have ruled him out of the Nigeria’s last two qualifying matches for the 2015 AFCON.

Omeruo missed some matches for his Championship side prior to the last international break but risked the injury to play for the Eagles in the qualifying games for the 2015 AFCON against Congo and South Africa last month.

The move later backfired as he suffered a knock on the same problematic spot in Pointe Noire against the Red Devils which Nigeria won 2-0 but he was again fielded against South Africa barely three days after the tie against Congo as the Eagles sought a home win over the Bafana Bafana.

Omeruo who has been a pillar of sort in the Eagles backline was a shadow of himself against the Southern Africans and he was technically responsible for the second goal the country conceded in Uyo. It was that second goal that ultimately resulted in Nigeria’s ouster from the 2015 AFCON  and the nation missing out on the list of qualifiers during draws conducted last Wednesday in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Speaking in an interview  the source noted that Omeruo’s patriotism almost landed him in trouble and that the player had been advised not to risk what he did again in the future for the sake of his career.

The impeccable source further added he was happy that the former junior international has recovered from the injury and even featured for Middlesbrough last Saturday in their league 1-1 home draw with Blackburn Rovers where he lasted the entire 90 minutes.

The source further said that Omeruo showed remorse after his injury layoff and that he has promised not to repeat what led to the complication of his initial injury again.

“It was a mistake for Kenneth to have come for the Eagles last two matches in the AFCON qualifiers. He knew he was yet to recover fromthe injury he sustained, but because he wanted to help Nigeria qualify, he had to come but at the expense of his career,” the source said.

He continued: “We have talked to him and he has learned his lesson from what happened in both games and some mistakes he shouldn’t have made during the games if he had been fit for them. I am happy he is back to the pitch playing and he even played 90 minutes for Middleborough in their last game. It showed he has fully recovered.”

Omeruo signed a contract extension with Chelsea before the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the deal will keep him with the

Stamford Bridge landlords till 2018 but he is currently on loan with Middlesborough who are presently sixth on the Championship log with 31points from 19 games. He and the Riverside side will travel to Millwall this weekend for a Match day 20 tie.

SIASIA invites Iheanacho for Dream Team

Nigeria Under-23 national team coach Samson Siasia has handed out invitations to 47 foreign-based players to try out for a spot on his team, including former under-17 playmaker Kelechi Iheanacho.

Siasia, who has been in camp for the past ten days working with the home-based players, has named a handful of players that won the Fifa Under-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets in 2013.

Leading that cast is Iheanacho alongside his teammates from that cup-winning team that includes Isaac Success, now with Granada in La Liga, Taiwo Awoniyi of Kalmar FF in the Swedish Allveskan and Musa Yahaya.

Barcelona's B team defender Godswill Ekpolo is also in the list that includes Semi Ajayi of Arsenal in England, Michael Olaitan of Olympiakos in Greece and the AS Trencin duo of Moses 'Daddy' Ajala and Kingsley Madu.

All invited players are expected to arrive at the Fifa Goal Project camp this Saturday.

Full list of invited players:

Goalkeepers: John Felagha (Eupen FC, Belgium, Sebastian Osigwe (SC Kriens)

Central Defenders: Noah Olawale Ojuola (St George FC), Godswill Elohor Ekpolo (FC Barcelona, Spain), Semi Ajayi (Arsenal FC, England), Nosa Egharevba (New York FC, USA), William Troost Ekong (DFC Dordrecht, Holland), Kelvin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim Germany), Amstrong Chidi (Lefke Turk Kulub, Cyprus)

Right & Left-Back: Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin), Dominic Iorfa (Wolves FC, England), Chima Okoroji (Bayern Munich, Germany), Musa Muhammed (Besiktas, Turkey)

Midfielders: Moses Simon Ajala (AS Trencin), Moses Odubajo (Brentford FC), Musefiu Ashiru (FC Midtjylland), Kehinde Amoo Owoeye (KS Kastrioti Kruje), Gerald Chibueze Diyoke (HNK Rijeka FC, Croatia), Fred Onyedinma (Millwall FC), Chidi Osuchukwu (FC Braga), Lawal Abdulazeez Abidemi (Naftan Novopolofsk, Belarus), Anthony Bassey (Kas Eupen), Shehu Abdullahi (Al Qadsia Kuwait), Samuel Owolabi Olajide (HB Koge, Denmark), Kevin Effiong Bassey (SBV Wehen, Germany), Oladele Oshobe (Plovdiv Lokomotiv, Bulgaria), Anderson Esiti (Estoril Praia, Portugal), Samuel M. Ayinoko (Angelholms FC, Sweden), Sunday D. Abalo (Rio Ave, Portugal)

Forwards & Strikers: Michael Olaitan (Olympiakos, Greece), Paul Ebere Onuachu (FC Midtjylland), Imoh Fred Friday (Lillestrom), Lucky Omeruo (Birkirkara FC, Malta), Aminu Umar(Samsunspor FC, Turkey) Imoh Ezekiel (Alarabi SC, Qatar), Cedric Omoigui (Real Mallorca, Spain), Odion Goodness Ajayi (HNK Rijeka, Croatia), Isaac Succes (Granada, Spain), Atanda Sodiq Ololade (FK Apolonia FC), Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England), Fosayo Adarabioyo (Crystal Palace, England), Uche Ikpeazu (Watford FC, England), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England) Taiwo Awoniyi (Kalmar FF, Sweden), Musa Yahaya (Tottenham, England), Maxwell Onyewuchi Alozie (Beni Sakhnin FC, Israel).

Robbie Keane Edges Martins To MLS MVP Award

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane was voted Volkswagen MLS MVP on wednesday beating Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins who finished second and New England midfielder Lee Nguyen who came third.

The Ireland international netted 19 goals with 14 assists in 29 games for LA Galaxy this season as the club finished second to Obafemi's Seattle sounders in the Supporters' Shield before beating themin the western conference finals to reach its third MLS Cup in four years.

Martins on the hand notched 17 goals with 13 assists in 31 matches teaming up with Clint Dempsey to hand Sounders the community shield. 

The award was voted on by media, MLS players and MLS club management based on regular season performance.

This is the third time An LA Galaxy player is winning the award following Carlos Ruiz in 2002 and Landon Donovan in 2009.

Sone Aluko Scores First Goal Of The Season

Nigeria midfielder Sone Aluko scored his first goal of the 2014/2015 season on wednesday against Roberto Martinez's Everton. A solo effort saw him beat two Everton defenders and got a goal from a tight angle with his weaker right foot.

The player came in for Senegaleese midfielder Mohamed Diame in the 52nd minute of play and didnt take too long to level things for the Tiger's who were a goal down, no thanks to Romelu Lukaku.

His goal was Hull city's first attempt on goal on the night and ensured Steve Bruce men shared the spoils with Everton at Goddison park. The player has so far made eight appearances this season with most coming as substitute and was also impressive at the weekend after coming on against Manchester united.

It could be recalled that all9jafootball brought to you that the 25 year old insisted he had no plans of leaving the club despite interest from several clubs. He has repaid his managers faith with a goal and fine string of performances.

The result hands City their first point in more than a month and end a run of four consecutive loss which also takes them out of the relegation zone.

The super eagles star had this to say after the game;
"It was a fair result - we dug in after giving away a sloppy goal,  Aluko said.

 "It felt very good to score my first league goal of the season. We were on bit of a slump so it was key to stop that. This result was massive - it was a very important result for us."  The Nigerian concluded.

Brazil Rejects Nigeria, Picks France

Brazil will no longer play an international friendly game against the national team, the Super Eagles. Rather, they will be playing against France.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio during the commissioning of the newly built stadium, ‘Nest of Champions’ in Uyo, announced that the Super Eagles would play a friendly there against Brazil.

Although the NFF did not confirm that, Akpabio went on to say that he spoke with the football federation and that Brazil will be in Uyo, next year in March, as part of the events lined up to celebrate the completion of the ultra-modern edifice.
However, it has emerged that in the same period, Brazil will be playing an international friendly game with France in what could be a repeat of the finals between the two countries at the 1998 FIFA World Cup tournament.

The French Football Federation announced that the game will be played at the Stade de France(venue of their 1998 triumph) coming up on March, 26 2015.
It is not yet known if the NFF are keen on pursuing a friendly game with Brazil, if they are, then it would certainly come up at a latter date as Brazil have already been booked by France.

Mikel throws Olga a romantic birthaday party

Super eagles and chelsea of England defensive midfielder John Obi mikel recently threw his girlfriend Olga Diyachenko a birthday bash at their favourite restaurant in London .

We hear they've been dating since January this year and the couple seem really happy.

This is the first time mikel is doing anything public with Olga since they started dating. Olga whos parents are extremely wealthy has since moved in with the midfielder. Her dad is based in London and owns multi million dollar businesses

We also hear Mikel proposed to the Olga sometime in August this year and she said YES.

See more photos from the birthday party.

Obafemi Martins Named In 2014 MLS XI

Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins have been named to the 2014 MLS Best XI, the league has announced. 

This marks the first for Martins who set a club record with 17 goals (fifth in MLS) and matched a club record with 13 assists (tied for fifth in MLS).

The Best XI recognizes the league’s top 11 players on the field – one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards.

His five multi-goal games were tied for second in MLS, and his four game-winning assists were tied for fourth. The 31 year old started 29 of his 31 appearances in 2014 and accumulated 2,600 minutes.

The Best XI members received the most votes from the media, MLS players and MLS coaches and general managers.

Below is a breakdown of the MLS Best XI by position and in alphabetical order:

2014 MLS BEST XI

GOALKEEPER (1): Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (3): Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders FC)

MIDFIELDERS (4): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Pedro Morales (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)

FORWARDS (3): Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders FC), Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls).

Keshi Gets His Money

Reports reaching all9jafootball is that Nigerian sports minister has paid coach Stephen Keshi for the past two months to further undermine the authority of the NFF over the coach.

It was understood that Keshi has been paid 14 million Naira (about $83,000) for October and November by sports minister Tammy Danagogo even though there is no contractual agreement between the coach and the NFF.

A top source said: “The minister has been paying Keshi directly from the NFF subvention without any input from the NFF.

“This cannot be good for the relationship between employer and employee.”

Keshi was in charge for the AFCON qualifiers double header against Sudan in October and then the qualifiers against Congo and South Africa last month.

WEDNESDAY COACH'S SPECIAL(1995-2000)

We continue with our series on previous foreign coach's to have handled the national team in time past. 

-Johannes Bonfrere (Holland) 1995-1996

The Dutchman came to the country to assist Westerhof but he got his chance to be in charge of a team when in 1991 he was appointed to coach the Super Falcons. His achievement with the women‘s team gave him the opportunity to be in charge of the Olympic football team in 1995 and the following year led the team to win gold at Atlanta‘96 Olympic Games. 

He left the country unceremoniously after he was hired to manage Qatar between 1996 and 1997. When Thijs Libregts was fired in 1999, Bonfere was hired to manage the Eagles again and he led them to a second place finish at the 2000 Nations Cup co-hosted by 
Nigeria and Ghana. 

Nigeria lost to Cameroun via penalty shootout. He left the team to coach the national team of the United Arab Emirate in 2001 while his assistant, Shaibu Amodu, took over the team. Rating: 7/10.

-Philippe Troussier (France) 1997

His success with African clubs earned him the nickname ‘White Witch Doctor‘. He was engaged by Nigeria in 1997 and guided the Super Eagles in qualifying for the 1998 World Cup. He left Nigeria the same year under controversial circumstances, leaving the NFA to begin a search for another foreign coach. He managed three other national teams between 1997 and 2002. Rating: 5/10.

- Bora Milutinovic (Serbia) 1998

The Serbian, popularly referred to as the Miracle Worker, had taken three teams to the World Cup before joining Nigeria in 1998. He later guided China to the Mundial in 2002. The coach was hired simply for his World Cup experience needed to guide the Eagles through France‘98. He hardly made any change to the squad he inherited from Troussier and it was not a surprise that the Eagles failed to go beyond the second round of the competition. Rating: 4/10.

- Thijs Libregts (Holland) 1998-1999

He had managed nine other teams – including the Dutch national team – before taking charge of the Eagles in August 1998. He was dismissed by Olympiakos in 1995 and was jobless until he was hired by Nigeria. 

Having been dismissed by Olympiakos, Libregts took charge of the Eagles in August 1998 after a disappointing World Cup campaign by Milutinovic. He was relieved of his job after winning just two games in five matches in the build-up to the 2000 Nations Cup. Rating: 3/10.

Keshi Set For 12 Months Contract Extension

Stephen Keshi will reportedly sign a new deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and will now be earning seven million Naira per month.

The deal is expected to be a 12-month contract that will elapse at the end of 2015.

Vanguard’s Newspaper reports that Keshi’s last contract with the NFF which ended after the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament was at N5million per month.

And one of the reasons why a deal failed to be brokered since then was the haggling over the price he wanted to be paid.

While the previous NFF board were said to have been insistent on retaining the N5million price-tag that he was paid, some reports claimed that Keshi wanted N10million, which stalled the deal.

Eagles set to Don Chineese Jerseys as Kit Companies Dump Nigeria

The Super Eagles failure to qualify for the AFCON 2015 tournament in Equatorial Guinea is beginning to take its toll on the country as kits manufacturing companies are no longer interested in doing business with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

TeamA9F gathered that the NFF is finding it difficult getting a new kits manufacturing company to take over from Adidas that has since signalled its desire to pull out of her present deal with the soccer federation.

An impeccable source at the Marketing department of the football federation disclosed yesterday that the Super Eagles failure to land in Equatorial Guinea has spoilt the marketing fun of NFF. Our source said the NFF may have no option than to look in the direction of China to get the national teams kitted if any of the reputable sports wear manufacturing outfits fail to play ball. He stressed that the NFF will face what he called “kitting crisis” if no deal is reached before the first quarter of next year.

He berated Super Eagles players and their handlers for not respecting the present deal with Adidas, a situation which he noted was the main reason Adidas opted not to renew the contract.  His words: “Adidas has been one of our best kit suppliers but the Super Eagles players and officials treated the contract with impunity during the World Cup.  The most annoying aspect of the issue is that the rival company which they used to spite Adidas eventually rejected us now that we have approached them for a new deal.”

“As we speak, the NFF is already in discussion with a Chinese kit company because the rate at which we are going, we may have no option than to go to China to get a life line.”

Enyeama Fails in BBC African Footballer Of The Year Quest

Yacine Brahimi has been voted the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2014.
The 24-year-old midfielder becomes the first Algerian to win the award, which is decided by football fans.

Porto winger Brahimi told BBC Sport: "It's a big honour for me to receive this wonderful trophy. I owe it to my country, Algeria, and to all the people who voted for me.
"It's also a trophy for the whole of Africa, because it rewards an African player. So I am really very happy."

After a record number of votes were submitted from fans in 207 Fifa-registered countries, Brahimi came out on top ahead of Nigerian Vincent Enyeama, Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ivorian pair Gervinho and Yaya Toure.
He is thrilled to have been acclaimed as the best player on the continent for the past year.

"This trophy is going to give me more strength, more desire to work, to get better, to learn so that I can keep having great performances," added Brahimi, who was congratulated in a Tweet by last year's winner Toure. (external)
During 2014, Brahimi has shone for club and country.

Brahimi has had an outstanding year and his efforts have been recognised by football fans
He starred for Algeria at the World Cup in Brazil, helping them reach the last 16 for the first time and scoring his first international goal in the 4-2 win over South Korea in the group stage.

Domestically, Brahimi started the year at Spanish club Granada, where his strong performances led to him being named best African player in the country last season - and earned him a move to Portuguese giants Porto.
He has scored six goals in 15 appearances for his new club and is revelling in the challenge of European Champions League football, where he hit a hat-trick in the club's first group match.

"First I won the award because of the people who voted for me. So once again I need to thank them.
"Then it's thanks for FC Porto - they allowed me to play in the Champions League, to play in big games and to have great performances. The club has allowed me to express myself and to perform well on the pitch."

Brahimi will also be part of Algeria's squad to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea from 17 January to 8 February.
"The Africa Cup of Nations is also coming. There are big opportunities for me," he said. "And I hope I'll be able to achieve big things this year both with my national team and my club.

"I'm sharing this trophy with my family, with all the African countries and with all the Algerians who have always supported me. Thanks again."

Eagles players are lacking motivation -Esin

Was listening to Former super eagles and Lierse SK midfield maestro Etim John Esin talk, he said the present crop of players in the eagles are seriously lacking in motivation to represent their fatherland, he also added that only young players who have the hunger and drive to represent the country should be invited to the super-eagles. 

” We need boys who want to prove something. The old chaps will probably play with little motivation because they’ve won the Nations Cup or play for good teams in Europe.”

” We need players with hunger to win games for us, this will also bring competition in the team and new talents can be discovered in the team" said the Ex Iwuanyanwu Nationale midfielder. 

Do you agree with him?

Obafemi Martins Misses Out On MLS CUP FINAL

Obafemi Martins' Seattle Sounders have lost the MLS Cup Western Conference to Los Angeles Galaxy despite his team winning the second leg 2-1 at home.

 LA Galaxy thus go through on the away goal’s rule with an aggregate result of 2-2 after winning the first leg 1-0.

 Seattle Sounders took a 2-0 lead at home with goals from Brad Evans in the 26th minute and Clint Dempsey in the 32nd minute.

But Juninho scored the decisive goal for LA Galaxy in the 64th minute.

 Sounders have therefore failed in their bid to become the first MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup, the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup in the same season.

 The MLS Cup final will now be between LA Galaxy and New England Revolution, who beat New York Red Bull on 4-3 aggregate after playing 2-2 at home with New York Red Bull to win the Southern Conference on Sunday.

Obafemi Martins will hope Seattle's MLS Cup failure wont affect his chances of winning the MLS MVP awards 2014 after being the only nominee not to make it to the final of the MLS Cup.

The other two nominees, Robbie Keane of LA Galaxy square up against New England Revolution which has Lee Nguyen also as a nominee.

Enyeama, Musa leads Nigerian Contigent in CAF Awards.

Super Eagles duo Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa are among four other African stars to battle Yaya Toure for the CAF African Footballer of the Year for 2014.

The other players in the five-man short list are Asamoah Gyan of Ghana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Gabon.

Both Enyeama and Ahmed Musa enjoyed a fine run at the World Cup in Brazil, but Manchester City star Yaya from Cote d’Ivoire has won the prestigious award for the past three years.

In the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, the five shortlisted players are the duo of  Akram Djahnit   and El Hedi Belamieri  of Algeria and ES Setif,  Firmin Mubel Ndombe  of    Congo and AS Vita, Fakhereddine Ben Youssef  of Tunisia and CS Sfaxien and late Senso Meyiwa of South Africa and Orlando Pirates.

For Most promising Talent Award, the shortlisted players are Clinton N’jie of Cameroon and Olympic Lyon, Mubele Ndombe of Congo DR and AS VIta, Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon and FC Porto and Yacini Brahimi of Algeria and also FC Porto

Florent Mbenge, Kherireddine Madoui of Algeria, Rigo Gervais of Cote D’Ivoire, Stephen Keshi of Nigeria and Vahid Halilhdzich of Bosnia and Algeria were nominated for Coach of the Year.

Other nominees are the trio of Nigeria, Algeria and Libya listed for National Team of the Year, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Nigeria U-20 for Women’s National Team of the Year and Club of the Year with Al-Ahly of Egypt, AS Vita of Congo, ES Setif of Algeria and Sewe Sports of  Cote d’Ivoire as nominees.

The winners will be decided by votes from the head coaches and technical directors of the national associations affiliated to CAF.

The Glo-CAF Awards Gala night will take place on Thursday January 8, 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Oparanozie, Oshoala Battle for CAF Awards.

Super Falcons strikers, Desire Oparanozie (@oparanozie9) and Asisat Oshoala (@asisat01), have been named among the five contending for the African Footballers of the Year in the women's category.

The two strikers are also joined in the shortlist of five by Annette Ngo Ndom of Cameroon, Portia Modise of South Africa and Zenatha Coleman of Namibia.

Oshoala has emerged from the ranks to prove herself as one of the top players on the continent. Earlier this year, she won the most valuable player and highest goalscorer awards at the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup in Canada, where the Falconets finished second.

The Rivers Angels striker followed up that performance in the African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia by winning the most valuable player award. She also added the Federation Cup and women's league in Nigeria to her growing list of honours.

France-based striker, Oparanozie, notably finished the AWC this year as leading scorer and helped Nigeria win the tournament.

Modise is now a legend in the women's game in her country after scoring a record 100 goals in her career. She was this week crowned the SA Sports Star of the Year after Banyana Banyana of South Africa finished as semifinalists in the AWC.

Annette Ngo Ndom, the 29-year-old goalkeeper, was impressive at the AWC and her performance between the sticks took Cameroon's Lionnesses as far as the final of the tournament until Nigeria stopped them.

Ndom also plays in the Slovakian first division for FC Union Nove Zamky, and took part in this season's Uefa Champions League.

Brave Gladiators midfielder, Zenatha Coleman, also makes the final five shortlist for the women's award though Namibia failed to progress past the group stage of the AWC.

But Coleman has been impressive in the colours of her club, Brave Gladiators, this year.

For Oshoala, she could claim a double award as she is also shortlisted for the Youth Player of the Year award alongside her Nigerian compatriot, Uchechi Sunday.

Fabrice Ondoa of Cameroon and Kader Bidimbou of Congo are the shortlists in that category.

Nigeria's Under-20 women's national team, the Falconets, will also look to beat Cameroon andOparanozie, Oshoala Battle for CAF Awards

Super Falcons strikers, Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala, have been named among the five contending for the African Footballers of trhe Year in the women's category.

The two strikers are also joined in the shortlist of five by Annette Ngo Ndom of Cameroon, Portia Modise of South Africa and Zenatha Coleman of Namibia.

Oshoala has emerged from the ranks to prove herself as one of the top players on the continent. Earlier this year, she won the most valuable player and highest goalscorer awards at the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup in Canada, where the Falconets finished second.

The Rivers Angels striker followed up that performance in the African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia by winning the most valuable player award. She also added the Federation Cup and women's league in Nigeria to her growing list of honours.

France-based striker, Oparanozie, notably finished the AWC this year as leading scorer and helped Nigeria win the tournament.

Modise is now a legend in the women's game in her country after scoring a record 100 goals in her career. She was this week crowned the SA Sports Star of the Year after Banyana Banyana of South Africa finished as semifinalists in the AWC.

Annette Ngo Ndom, the 29-year-old  goalkeeper, was impressive at the AWC and her performance between the sticks took Cameroon's Lionnesses as far as the final of the tournament until Nigeria stopped them.

Ndom also plays in the Slovakian first division for FC Union Nove Zamky, and took part in this season's Uefa Champions League.

Brave Gladiators midfielder, Zenatha Coleman, also makes the final five shortlist for the women's award though Namibia failed to progress past the group stage of the AWC.

But Coleman has been impressive in the colours of her club, Brave Gladiators, this year.

For Oshoala, she could claim a double award as she is also shortlisted for the Youth Player of the Year award alongside her Nigerian compatriot, Uchechi Sunday.

Fabrice Ondoa of Cameroon and Kader Bidimbou of Congo are the shortlists in that category.

Nigeria's Under-20 women's national team, the Falconets, will also look to beat Cameroon and Ivory Coast for the National Team of  Year award for women. Ivory Coast for the National Team of the Year award for women.

Emem Uduak dropped from dream team due to age irregularity

Dolphins of portharcot and super eagles invitee striker Emem Uduak have been dropped from the dream team 6 due to irregularities discovered concerning his age, now for those of you who don't know what the dream team 6 is, well it's the Nigeria Under 23 side and they are being managed by Samson siasia. 

Now Emem Uduak is kinda a big deal considering his achievements this past season, he was pretty much a goal machine for dolphins, bridging the 20goal record in the Nigeria premier league, emerging top scorer and MVP of the confederations cup, so technically Uduak deserves to be the team.

The issue on ground is that coach Siasia who have so far screened over 1000 players doesn't want players who where born before 1st January 1993 in the team.

So the irregularity that led to the dropping of Uduak was from reports gotten from two player database websites, transfermarket.com and footballdatabase.eu, the former is saying that Emem was born on 31st January 1994 while the later profiles Uduak to be born on 31st August 1994.
This piece of info was made known to us by Timi Egbikagboro, the team's spokesman. 

Coach Siasia has kept his team in camp since 24th November 2014. Camping will end on 20th December 2014, for the xmas break before camp reopens on 4th January 2014. 

We gather coach Siasia is pretty strict with players as he builds a team that should 
represent Nigeria in Brazil.

What do you think of Siasia and the dream team VI? Let us know.