Nigeria Premier league to resume in January

The new Nigeria league season is scheduled to kick off next month so as to get the country’s clubs on the continent could get ready for both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Speculations were rife that the new league season will only begin after the CHAN in Rwanda, which is between January 16 and February 7.

“The league will not wait for 23 players (who will make the final squad for the CHAN) to start. We need to get going so that our clubs in the Champions League and the Confederation Cup will get some matches under their belt before their preliminary matches in February,” a top official disclosed.

Today’s Nigeria Football Federation Annual General Assembly will ratify a proposed January kick-off date for the new season.

Osimhen didn't travel to England -Reps

Representatives of Victor Osimhen have moved quickly to dismiss reports emanating from the local media that the Nigeria Under 23 international has jetted off to England to seal a deal with an unnamed English Premier League club.

The Golden Eaglets star left the Dream Team’s camp in Dakar for Lagos a day before the delegation returned to Abuja, as the date on his return ticket was different from those issued to his teammates.

“Victor Osimhen is in Lagos, he came back to Nigeria before the team. There will be a violation of international laws if he travels unaccompanied to England because he is a minor, ” Osimhen’s rep told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“He has been in Lagos since Sunday. The excuse they gave us was that his ticket was booked a day ahead. ”

After the Flying Eagles crashed out of the Fifa Under 20 World Cup in June, Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Granada’s Isaac Success departed New Zealand a day before the rest of the squad, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Osimhen was booked on another flight.

The 16 - year - old Osimhen is attracting interest from clubs based in England, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Italy due to his recent displays for the national teams, most especially the Golden Eaglets.

Mikel wants to represent Nigeria in Rio Olympics

Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel has indicated his willingness to feature for the U-23 team at next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as one of three over-aged players, according to Mtnfootball.com.

However, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, told The Guardian yesterday that he was not aware of such move. “Sincerely speaking, I don’t know anything about such move by Mikel,” Pinnick said.

The 28-year-old Mikel has won almost every major trophy at stake, including the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League, but he has so far missed out on playing at the Olympics.

Incidentally, it was coach Samson Siasia who left him out from the Beijing 2008 Olympics after the midfielder had stayed away from the qualifiers for the competition.
“He has made it clear he wishes to play at the Rio Olympics,’ a top official of the NFF specially revealed to Mtnfootball.com.
“But it is left for the coach to pick who will be the overage players along to Brazil next year.”
For the 2008 Olympics, Siasia took along Ozase Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe as overage players.

Nigeria, back under Siasia, will lead Algeria and South Africa to the Rio 2016 Olympics in August after they clinched the U-23 AFCON in Senegal at the weekend.

Golden Eaglets hotshot off to England to complete transfer

Golden Eaglets’ star, Victor Osimhen, has jetted out to England, where he is expected to seal a deal with a top English Premier League side, officials said.

The youngster flew out to England from Dakar, Senegal, after he helped Nigeria win the U-23 African Nations Cup, africanFootball.com reports.

Osimhen, who netted a record-breaking 10 goals as Nigeria won a fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, has been linked with several top European clubs.

Ighalo breaks record with 10th league goal for Watford

Nigeria rave of the moment, Odion Ighalo, continued his superb goalscoring form in the Barclays Premier League with his 10th league of the season on Saturday. 

The 26-year-old scored the only goal as Watford beat struggling Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. 

After a positive start from the visitors, Ighalo gave the Hornets an early lead with just four minutes played, from a beautiful pass from Allan Nyom on the right. 

The Nigerian wasted no time and nudged the ball beyond Sunderland keeper, Costel Pantilimon.

The former Granda goal machine becomes the first Watford player to reach double figures for goals in a single Premier League season. 

And he also joins an elite list of African strikers to have managed 10 goals from their first 16 games – the others are Didier Drogba, Demba Ba and Riyad Mahrez.

In total, Ighalo has now scored 30 goals in 37 starts - his 26th of the calender year for Quique Sanchez Flores side.

The victory is Watford's third successive away victory, a feat they have never achieved before in the Premier League, and lifted them within a point of fifth-placed Tottenham.

Iheanacho hit goal no 4 for City

Iheanacho sends Manchester City top of EPL

Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, was the hero again following another match-winning goal for Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday. 

The 19-year-old scored his fourth goal of the season - his second in the league as the Citizens defeated Swansea 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. 

Two minutes into second half stoppage-time, Iheanacho played hero again as his deflection from Yaya Toure‘s shot gave City all three points to regain top spot, at least untill Sunday's fixtures.

There were earlier confusion on who should be awarded the goal but the young Nigerian got the nod to the disbelief of his Ivorian counterpart. 

Yaya, however, claims the goal should be his as it was destined for the back of the net anyway. 

"When you see the action, the ball was going into the net," said Yaya.

"When you shoot on target I think it is your goal because the intention was to score so can we do? We'll see what the verdict it is but as far as I'm concerned, it's mine!"

Another Ivorian, Wilfried Bony gave the hosts the lead in the 26th minute, as Jesus Navas‘ corner kick found the player in the box for a free-header goal. 

Before Bafetimbi Gomis equalized in the 90th minute with a blistering shot that beat City keeper Joe Hart at his near-post. 

CHAMPIONS: Nigeria win U-23 AFCON

Nigeria national U-23 team have been crowned champions of the 2015 CAF U-23 Nations Cup in Dakar, Senegal. 

The Dream Team VI defeated Algeria 2-1 in the final of the tournament on Saturday evening to win the second edition of the quadrennial showpiece. 

Tournament top scorer, Oghenekaro Etebo, scored his fourth and fifth of the competition to hand Nigeria her first ever U-23 championship. 

Skipper Azubuike Okechukwu and FIFA U-17 World Cup record scorer, Victor Osimhen, were handed starts after the latter impressed as a substitute against Senegal in the Semi-final. 

Fresh from qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Dream Team began the stronger of the two sides and showed more determination towards goal. 

Etebo made a solo run from midfield towards the Algerian box in the 14th minute and was brought down for Nigeria's fourth penalty kick of the competition. 

The Warri wolves midfielder stepped up to convert from the spot to put Samson Siasia's team in front. 

Sixteen minutes later, the Desert Foxes drew level through a Segun Oduduwa own goal. 

Etebo restored the lead for Nigeria with a well taken strike five minutes before half time.

Oduduwa was the victim again in the 68th minute - this time he was adjourned to have fowled an opponent in the box with the referee pointing to the spot. 

Nigeria goalkeeper, Daniel Emmanuel, produced his second successive penalty save to deny the North Africans an equaliser. 

In the third-place play-off played earlier, South Africa defeated Senegal on penalties to claim the last available spot for the Olympic. 

The junior Bafana Bafana joins Nigeria and Algeria as Africa's representative at the biggest sports fiesta in the world. 

Shoker!!! Kanu Nwankwo assets frozen by Lagos state govt. see why

In a bid to recover a debt of N924,788,754.56, a Federal high court sitting in Lagos, has ordered that all accounts belonging to former captain of the Super Eagles, Nwankwo Kanu and his company, The Hardley Apartments anywhere and in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria should be frozen pending the hearing of a suit filed against him and his company.

Also affected by the other of the court is a Director of Hardley Apartment, Ayoola Gam-Ikon.

The order of the court was as a result of a debt recovery suit filed by Asset Management Corporation Of Nigeria (AMCON) against the defendants.

In an affidavit sworn to by a Credit officer in the Directorate of AMCON Mr Victor Igabor, filed and argued by Barrister Niyi Olopade, the deponent averred that sometime between May, 2008 and January 10,2011 Skye bank offered The Hardley Apartments engaged in business of Hospitality located at Plot 46 Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria island, Lagos a loan of N520,457,000.

The loan was secured by a mortgage on the company’s three blocks of 40 accommodation units estimated in open market value of N395million as well as unconditional personal, joint and several guarantee of Ayoola Gam-Ikon and Nwankwo Kanu.

The defendants failed to repay the loan with the accrued interest despite repeated demands, consequent upon which Skye bank Plc assigned the defendants indebtedness in the sum of N558,313,905.37 as at 1st April, 2011 to the AMCON as a toxic bank asset in line with the establishment objective of the said AMCON.

Mr Igabor averred further that, this development was communicated to the defendants by Skye bank who admitted their indebtedness but praying that the assignment to AMCON be revoked.
The defendants’ indebtedness as at the 15th October 2015 stood at N924,788,754.56 representing principal and interest while interest is still running.

Consequently, Igabor contended that The Hardley Apartments is in imminent of being dissipated, therefore if the application is not granted, Ayoola Gam-Ikon and Nawankwo Kanu could dissipate the assets of the company therefore urged the court to issue interim order of possessing of all movable and immovable properties known as Plot 46 Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island.

An order attaching the debt due from Hardley Apartments as well as debts accurring from the defendants jointly and severally and freezing all accounts belonging to the defendants jointly and severally in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria.

The presiding judge, Okon Abang while acceding to the request of AMCON, ordered that, AMCON shall in the interim possess all the movable and immovable properties known as Plot 46 Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.

That in the interim the debt due or accruing from the Hardley Apartments as well as the debts accruing from the defendants jointly and severally and freezing all accounts belonging to the defendants jointly and severally anywhere and in any bank and any financial institution in Nigeria are hereby attached pending the hearing of this suit.

The matter has been adjourned for hearing.

I have not been paid by NFF, Oliseh cries out

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has debunked claims that he has been paid salary in advance by the Nigeria Football Federation.  

Yaya Toure clinch BBC African Footballer of the Year award

Cote d'ivoire captain, Yaya Toure, has been named BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2015. 

The annual award which recognises the performance of African players, is voted for by fans via SMS and online. 

Dream team VI set to be paid unpaid bonuses before Algeria clash

Nigeria ambassador to Senegal and Mauritania, Katyen Jackden, has promised players of the Dream Team VI coached by Samson Siasia that they will be paid the $126,000 bonus owed to them on or before Saturday,urging them to shun their strike knowing that the president and their families are counting on them.

The players had earlier threatened to boycott the final that will take place on Saturday,but reports coming out of the camp indicate the boys are willing to renege on their stance.

“Since yesterday, the President has been in touch with me, same as the Minister for Sports, that I should tell you to be rest assured that your complaints have reached their table, and hopefully before Saturday you will get what is due you, ” Jackden said to thenff.com “I want to therefore use this opportunity to appeal to you to call of your strike, go back to training and win the trophy for the nation, Mr. President and your family, so far I want to say you all have been great ambassadors of the nation, and am proud of you all.

The icon: Five Samson Siasia greatest moments

Samson Siasia is a household name in Nigerian football, having represented the country both as a player and coach.

The 48-year-old, who started his playing career in 1982 with local side, Julius Berger, had a successful 11-year stint with the Super Eagles with 16 goals to show.

NFF condoles Keshi over loss

The Nigeria Football Federation has released a statement consoling Stephen Keshi over the loss of his wife yesterday.

“This is devastating. To lose a spouse is the equivalent of a tragedy. I pray that Almighty God will give you and the children the fortitude to bear this huge loss. 

Keshi is a Nigerian hero and we mourn deeply with him at this time. This has come like a big blow, but we pray that he receives divine strength to cope with the situation, and we also pray that the Almighty God will grant the departed eternal rest.” NFF chairman Amaju Pinnick said

Kate Keshi died at 54 having been married to her husband Stephen for 32 years.

Ex super eagles coach loses wife!! sad

Former Super Eagles manager Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has tragically lost his wife.

She passed on last night in the United States after a brief illness. Confirming the sad news Keshi said "I'm still in shock, she was my rock"

Our hearts are with the big boss at this trying time and we pray that God grants him and his the family the strength to bear the loss.

Olympic Qualification an act of God says NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended the Dream Team VI for picking one of the African tickets for the 2016 Olympics football event scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF General Secretary, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, that the team’s Olympics qualification was in line with the federation’s desire to take the country’s football to the next level.

Sanusi described the Dream Team’s 1-0 defeat of host Senegal in the semi-final encounter as an act of God.

“We give glory to God for this victory; we are also grateful to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Nigerians for their prayers and support for the team.

“The NFF is happy with the qualification and I know that members of the public are happy too.

“ We did not qualify the last time after we were eliminated by Equatorial Guinea; we thank this team because they have made us proud,’’ Sanusi said.

The NFF scribe said that plans would be intensified to ensure the team got the best preparation for the Olympics proper.

“When they come back, the coach is expected to submit his training programme which will be sent to the technical committee for the members to look at and of course we will start in earnest.

“This is because when you prepare well, you have prepared to win but if you are lagging behind in preparation, then you are preparing to lose.

“So, we are going to prepare very well for this Olympics,’’ he said.

Sanusi assured that the team would play top quality friendly matches as part of preparation for the Olympics.

He said: “ the team will move into camping and if there is any possibility of beefing up the team, the coach will do so.

“From local camping the team will embark on foreign camping where they will play quality friendly matches before the Olympics.

“We did it the last time and it paid off; we have lined up quality friendlies and by the time they come back, we will decide the way forward.

The NFF general secretary pointed out that the NSC was very much aware of its obligation to the team and would do everything possible to motivate the players ahead of the games.

Siasia in cloud-nine over Olympic ticket

The former Nigeria international is elated to pick an Olympic ticket despite several setbacks. 

Nigeria national U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, is in cloud nine following his wards qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Dream Team VI clinch Olympic ticket

The Dream Team VI edged Senegal 1-0 to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio ‎

Nigeria national U-23 team, the Dream Team VI, have qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics following a 1-0 victory over host Senegal on Wednesday.    

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The young Eagles defied all odds to become the first African side to be guaranteed a spot in Brazil with a spirited performance in the semi-final of the 2015 Africa U23 Championship at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, Dakar. 

Warri wolves midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo scored his third of the tournament from the spot to earn his country their first Olympic place in eight years. 

The game stated on an even note with both sides playing with caution - but it was the host that had the most chances as the game progressed. 

Their dominance paid dividends in the latter stages of the first half when Nigeria goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel brought down Cheickou Dieng for a penalty. 

The goalie made amends by providing a wonderful save from a poorly taken spot kick by Ibrahima Sory Keita. 

With both sides struggling to find the target, Nigeria coach Samson Siasia brought on the top scorer from the recent Under-17 World Cup, Victor Osimhen, to replace God's Power Tower.

The match changed in the 77th minute when Nigeria were awarded a penalty after Senegal's Ousseynou Thioune, who was sent off, handled the ball as he collided with his goalkeeper, Pape Ndiaye.

Etebo stepped up in the 77th minute to do what Keita was unable to do earlier and net an emphatic effort that Ndiaye had little chance of saving.

The 10 men of Senegal pushed for the equaliser that would have taken the game to penalties but even with five minutes of injury time, they were unable to breakdown the stubborn Nigerian defence.

Samson Siasia's side has now kept a second consecutive clean sheet after conceding four in their first two games. 

The tactician will be making his second appearance at the competition - his last was a second-place finish in 2008. 

Nigeria face the winner of South Africa and Algeria in the final on Saturday. 

Etuhu cleared of all wrongdoing

A District Court in Sweden has dismissed charges of threat and assault on a police officer leveled against ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Dickson Etuhu.

Etuhu and another man were arrested on November 1 after allegedly being involved in an altercation with security guards and police officers outside a night club, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The District Court in its ruling dismissed in its entirety the charges brought up against Etuhu and his friend, stating that  he was not involved in any act of violence against the officials and was only being protective.

Etuhu , who was delighted with the verdict, described it as “ a great news.”

Nigeria male U23 look to get automatic Olympic ticket against senegal

The winner of the tie between Nigeria and Senegal will pick one of the three automatic tickets to Rio 2016 Olympic Games, while the loser will have to play in the third place game to determine if it will take the third ticket or go through a play off next year with an Asian country.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, said the players were in high spirit waiting to take on the Senegalese.

“I spoke with them a few minutes ago and they are fully ready for the match,” Pinnick said. “They have promised not to let Nigerians down in the game. I spoke with Coach Samson Siasia and he said they were aware of the huge task ahead of them because it takes a lot to defeat a host country in a competition of this magnitude. Senegal is a good team any day, but I believe our boys will cage them in front of their home fans. I wish them the very best of luck,” Pinnick said.

The U-23 Eagles missed out at London 2012 Olympic Games and the national female team, Super Falcons, had already been knocked out Rio 2016 Games, following their defeat by Equatorial Guinea earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars defensive midfielder, Godspower Anefiok, is most likely to start in place of suspended Nigerian skipper, Azubuike Okechukwu in today’s semi-final against Senegal.

Okechukwu will miss the semi-final after he was booked against Mali and Algeria.

Godspower got his first start in the final Group B match against Algeria on Wednesday, but he was played out of position as a winger.

Officials said the former Akwa United star will now stabilize the team’s rather shaky defence as he will focus more on doing his defensive shift as against Okechukwu, who preferred to join the attack.

Bayelsa United winger, Toingoli Tonbara, is also expected to get his first start in Senegal in place of the injured Stanley Dimgba.

He was a second half substitute against Algeria and his mazy dribbles troubled the defence of the North Africans.

Ighalo blames frustration for actions

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has revealed he was frustrated before he netted his last-gasp goal for Watford at home against Norwich City and that was why he celebrated by pulling off his shirt when he finally scored.

Watford won 2-0 on Saturday, but before then Ighalo missed several chances and even had a goal cancelled for offside even though television replays later showed that effort should have stood.

The 26-year-old Ighalo celebrated by pulling his shirt and earning a yellow card with the Nigeria striker saying he did so because he was frustrated before the goal.

“I was frustrated because I should have scored at least three goals before I did, including a good goal which was ruled out for offside,” he revealed.

Ighalo has now scored nine goals for Watford in the English Premier League. 

CHAN 2016: Oliseh invites Salami, Akas, 24 others

Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh, has invited 26 domestic Super Eagles players for the forthcoming African Nations Championship ‎in Rwanda between ‎16th January and 7th February, 2016. ‎

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The biennial event, formerly known as CHAN, is set-aside for players plying their trade in their nation's local leagues with Libya, the current champions. 

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Top scorer at the just concluded Nigeria Professional Football League, Gbolahan Salami leads the way of invited player and could make his second appearance at the tournament. ‎

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Other first team regulars invited include goalkeeper, ‎‎Ikechukwu Ezenwa; defenders Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo; midfielder Paul Onobi and striker, Prince Aggrey. ‎

‎The Super Eagles ‘B’ team are drawn in Group C alongside Niger Republic, Tunisia and Guinea, with matches to be played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Kigali.

Invited players have been directed to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, on Monday, 14th December.

Nigeria won bronze at the last edition held in South Africa in 2014.‎
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THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); David Obiazor (Heartland FC); Okemute Odah (Warri Wolves)

Defenders: Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers); Austin Oboroakpo (Warri Wolves); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Chris Madaki (Giwa FC)

Midfielders: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United); Osas Okoro (Enugu Rangers); Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Warri Wolves); Julius Ubido (Heartland FC); Ibrahim Salawa Attah (Shooting Stars); Christian Madu (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars) ‎‎

Joe Hart warns Iheanacho

‎Manchester City goalkeeper, Joe Hart, has sent a stern warning to Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho and other aspiring academy players to step up their game or step out. ‎

City has been criticised for their lack of emerging talents at the club since the takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment and Development Limited in 2008. 

Iheanacho, 19, is the first and only youngster to successfully make the transition from City's Elite Development Squad - yet, Hart feels any aspiring academy player must prove they can improve the squad. 

City which has one of the best squads in Europe - boosting the likes of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and most recently, Kevin De Bryune on their payroll. ‎

And Hart - current England no 1 - who is the last academy product in the present squad, believes youngsters "‎have got to be better than what we've got" before they can be considered for the first team. ‎

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"People have to appreciate we have come to a point and to a level where we are trying to win everything. So, the fairy tale of bringing someone who lives next door to the training ground through - we all want to see it - but you have to be realistic," Hart told Sky Sports on Monday. ‎

"The main thing is that the first-team does well, but we have a great set up now. It will only be a matter of time that players will start flowing from our academy, but they have got to be better than what we've got. 

"If you're not better than what we've got, you cannot expect to come through. They are the standards being set and that is what they have got to aspire to."‎

Nigerian Footballer slumps and dies on pitch in Kano

Kano Pillars have announced the passing away of their former midfielder, Abdul Haruna who slumped and died on Sunday evening after he fell during a friendly match in Kano.

Pillars media officer Idris Malikawa said that the death of Haruna remains a mystery to the club because the friendly match that claimed his life was between his colleagues and some overseas-based professionals held in a very small pitch in Kano.

He said Haruna fell down unchallenged and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital before he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Haruna would be buried on Monday morning according to Islamic rites. He left behind Surayya, his wife whom he married in 2012. The union is blessed with a baby boy.

Siasia shells out cash to his players for qualifying for the semi-final

Coach Samson Siasia surprised his players on Saturday night when he rewarded each of them with $100 for qualifying for the semifinal of the U-23 African Nations Cup, reports africanfootball.com. And because of the gesture, according to the report, the players have vowed they will play to beat hosts, Senegal, on Wednesday to reach the championship final.

Siasia redeemed a pledge to pay his players cash for reaching the last four of the U23 championship, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics, after they held Algeria to a scoreless draw on Saturday in Dakar.

He then fixed his sights on reaching the U23 AFCON final at the expense of home team Senegal by 4.00 pm Nigerian time on Wednesday.
“I would have preferred Senegal in the final, but I have to do at the semis,” said Siasia.
“It will be a great match because they will have the public behind them and we have to play and win.”

He said he hopes to inspire his team to progress to the final after he scored against Senegal in the 1992 AFCON in Dakar.
“At the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992, I scored here (Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium), and this is why most Nigerians remember me, I will be around my players to repeat it on Wednesday,” he said.

The hosts have been in sterling form thus far winning all three of their games in the group stages of the competition.
Nigeria will, however, not be fazed by the frenzied atmosphere expected at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar.
“I did not plan for us to meet Senegal in the semifinals. It just happened.
“We would have loved to play in the final with Senegal because the atmosphere would have been wonderful.
“That scenario would have meant we are through to the Olympics in Brazil but as it is, we have to play against Senegal in the semifinals.

We are not going to run away. They (Senegal) are a very good side and they are playing in front of their crowd.
“It is going to be a very difficult match but the Senegalese fans will not play on the day. “It will be down to the 11 players on the pitch on the day,” Siasia said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s biggest attacking threat at the competition, Stanley Dimgba, has been ruled out of the championship by a long-term ankle injury.

The flying Warri Wolves winger has provided three assists in Nigeria’s group games against Mali and Egypt, before he suffered the injury which team officials now say will sideline him for some weeks.

Coach Samson Siasia’s team will already be without skipper Azubuike Okechukwu for Wednesday’s clash with Senegal because he is suspended after he bagged a second booking against Algeria.

Biafra saga continues, flag wavers kicked out of Senegal stadium

Some Nigerian football fans were on Saturday expelled from a football stadium in Senegal for displaying Biafran flags. 

The fans were expelled minutes after they displayed Biafran flags alongside Nigerian flags at a football match between Nigeria and Algeria at the U-23 African Cup of Nations holding in Dakar, the Senegalese capital. 

There have been protests in South-East Nigeria by Igbos who demand for a separate Biafran country.

 Biafra was also the name adopted by the Eastern Nigeria during the civil war between 1967 and 1970, after which a ‘no victor, no vanquish’ was declared by the federal government after Biafra was defeated. 

On Saturday, the Senegalese football association officials considered the display of the Biafran flags at the Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium “a militant act”. As a result, the Vice President of the Senegalese Football Federation, FSF, Amadou Kane, who was in charge of the organisation, ordered security officials to respond by tearing down the Biafran flags and posters and expelling the supporters involved.

 Senegalese FA officials said the group took advantage of the presence of the media at the stadium to raise the Biafran flag. Dressed in T-shirts with the Biafra logo, eye witnesses said the group “invaded” the left wing of the covered pavilion to flaunt the Biafran flag alongside that of Nigeria. 

 They later displayed a large flag calling for Biafran autonomy. The match eventually ended 0-0 with Nigeria coming second in Group B with five points, behind Algeria. Nigeria will face Senegal in the semi-final next week while Algeria will battle South Africa. 


Culled From PremiumTimes

Gabros Int'l is back!!

Chief Gabriel Chukwumah, the former first vice-president of Nigeria Football Federa­tion (NFF) and erstwhile President of Gabros International, Nnewi, has sensationally taken back his club, His club was purported to have been bought/taken over by Chief. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and renamed FC IfeanyiUbah, which participated in re­cently concluded 2014/2015 Nigeria Football season.

In a strong worded let­ters sent to both (NFF) and League Management Com­pany (LMC) and copied to Anambra State Football As­sociation as well as the Cor­porate Affairs Commission, Chief Chukwumah revealed that the celebrated sale/take­over of Gabros International had collapsed due to the in­ability of Chief Ubah to keep to the terms of agreement.

Chukwumah said: “I want to use this medium to apolo­gise to the teeming fans of Gabros International around the world to forgive me regarding the shady man­ner with which the issue of sale/take over of the club was handled. I had wanted something better for the club, players and fans but unfortunately I was disap­pointed because the ar­rangement couldn’t work the way I expected.

“However, I am assur­ing the fans that with my experience, I will reorga­nise the club to regain its lost glory now that I have taken back my club and the management. We shall start competing again as Gabros International,” Chief Chuk­wuma said.

The Nnewi high chief also released the club pro­gramme as preparation for 2015/2016 football season hots up.

We scooped that apart from entering into a lu­crative joint partnership/ sponsorship deal with two top European clubs which will see the clubs providing eighty percent (80%) of the cost of running the team. Negotiation has also been opened with a top Argentine coach, Marios Rodriguez to tinker the team for the com­ing season while former Ekiti United coach Innocent Agbana had been contacted to work as assistant to the South American coach.

Chief Chukwumah also said he would be recalling all his players that played for FC Ifeanyiubah last sea­son, as they remain proper­ties of Gabros International.

“I formed this club and have laboured over the years spending billions of my hard earned money to keep the club afloat, from playing in the old professional divi­sion one to when we were relegated to the lower divi­sion down to amateur league and then to gaining succes­sive promotions back to the Premier League. I will never sit back and watch the club slipped into oblivion.”

Chief Chukwumah went further to invite all talented super players between the ages of 17-22 who has what it takes to compete in tough Nigeria Premier League to report for open screening which has been exclusive­ly fixed to commence on Thursday 10th December 2015 under the watchful eyes of coach Agbana. The venue remains Gabros Inter­national Stadium, Beverly Hills, Nnewi in Anambra State.