Enyimba International continued their surge towards claiming the Nigeria Professional Football League title with a hard-nose 0-0 draw away to Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium. The Peoples Elephants maintained their lead at the summit of the log after holding the Solid Miners on the road in a Week 34 encounter played on Wednesday - to take their point tally to 62. Skipper Chinedu Udoji led from the back as he marshaled his team towards curtailing the rampant Nasarawa side who have found a way of drubbing the top dogs in the league this season. At the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Wikki Tourist ensured they won't give up the league crown without a fight by beating IfeanyiUbah 2-1. Two goals in each half from Victor Yakubu and Uche Martins put the game beyond the reach of the Nnewi Millionaires who tried to fight back through Odera Onyiri. The win takes Abdul Maikaba's men to second-place on the log with 57 points, five behind Enyimba. Giwa FC boosted their hopes of continental football with a shock 2-1 away victory over Elkanemi Warriors. Charles Okoro silenced fans at the Karkanda Stadium when he slotted home the opener in first half stoppage time to put the visitors in front. Dauda Eboh thought he had earned the Maiduguri-based side a point after he equalized few minutes into the second half but Ocheme Udoh had other plans - as he doubled the advantage of the visitors. Strikes from Enockela Akleche and Ndifreke Effiong gave Abia Warriors a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars in Umuahia, while Fortune Oniwari was the hero in Owerri when Heartland sunk Sharks 1-0. In the relegation battle, Kwara United and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in Ilorin as the game ended 1-1 - a result that deemed both sides hopes of survival. Warri Wolves will entertain Akwa United in the last week 34 fixture. The game was postponed to Thursday due to heavy downpour which made the Warri City Stadium pitch un-playable. Full Results Wikki Tourists 2 - 1 IfeanyiUbah Heartland 1 - 0 Sharks Kwara United 1 - 1 Bayelsa United 3SC 1 - 0 Taraba United El-kanemi 2 - 1 Giwa FC Abia Warriors 2 - 0 Lobi Stars Nasarawa United 0 - 0 Enyimba Dolphins 2 - 1 Kano Pillars
When Emmanuel Emenike decided to quit international football on Monday, his decision was greeted with mixed reactions from Nigerians - who are yet to recoup after former skipper Vincent Enyeama took a similar route. Emenike announced his international retirement on Monday via social media platform, Instagram, to the disbelief of his coach Sunday Oliseh who revealed he was "shocked" by the striker's action. While many football fans believe the 28-year-old who last scored for his country in October 2013 is way past his prime, others are of the opinion that he still has loads of football to offer the country. With the 2013 African Cup of Nations top scorer now out of the fray, we take a look at three strikers who could fill the void left by the player. 1. Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders)
Obafemi Martins require no introduction to Nigerian football as he has already carved a niche for himself in the game. His 18 goals in 39 appearances makes him the Super Eagles' third all-time highest goalscorer behind Rashidi Yekini and Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Martins, 30, was constantly ignored by former coach Stephen Keshi and it was reported that the player had called it quits with internationals in 2014. But since the coming of Oliseh, the player has swiftly moved to debunk that claim - thereby opening the doors to his national team return after two-years in the wilderness. " I never announced my retirement, as wrongly reported. I was a bit disappointed to be treated like a Nigeria outcast but it was not enough to push me into an early retirement," Martins told BBC Sports. "Things have changed at home and if the new coach [Sunday Oliseh] says he wants me to play for Nigeria again, I'd jump at the chance," Martins hinted. The striker forged ahead from his Player of The Season performance last year in the MLS with a much more spectacular showing this term - scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Seattle Sounders. Martins has had a nomardic career in Europe playing for Inter Milan, Newcastle, VFL Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan and Levante - but it is in the USA where he has gained more recognition finding the net 40-times with over 20 assists for Seattle. But if considered worthy by Oliseh, the player will definitely provide goals, pace, better link-up play, loads of experience and leadership missing in the national team. 2. Brown Ideye (Olympiakos)
Another old-timer, Brown Ideye could likely be the solution to the Eagles striking dilemma after the retirement of one-time strike partner, Emenike. Unlike Martins, Ideye has always been criticized by Nigerians for his poor goal scoring return - five goals in 25 games for his country - a woeful record for a top marksman . The player has also been shut-out by Oliseh but could likely be on the tactician's wish list after watching him single handedly tear Dynamo Zagreb apart in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday. Deemed surplus to requirement at West Bromwich Albion, Ideye joined the Greek giants in the summer and notched his third consecutive goal in the 1-0 win in Croatia. The 27-year-old is the only Nigerian striker playing in the UCL and could offer a different dimension to the Eagles approach. On his day, the former Dynamo Kiev man could form a dreadful partnership with the Eagles attackers as he is well suited to holding-up play so as to bring in other players into the game. Ideye also possess the experience, exposure and versatility to thrive in a number of positions in attack. 3. Isaac Success (Granada)
The youngest among the trio, Isaac Success is gradually developing into one of the most feared power strikers in Europe - as he remains the only Nigeria striker in the Spanish La Liga. Success was Nigeria's vice-captain to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup win in UAE - but was sidelined for the majority of the tournament after picking up an injury in the second game. Nigeria coach to the tourney, Manu Garba, said about the youngster after his injury: "If I confirm that Isaac Success will play, the Swedish team will start shivering, our team revolves around him," he joked. He also made the trip to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and scored twice in the competition. In August 2015, after some fine string of performance for Granda, Success was handed a contract extension till 2019 by the Nazaries. The 19-year-old who has developed into an integral part of the squad, scored his second league goal of the season and assisted two others in a 3-3 draw with Sporting Gijon on Monday. Success will certainly bring youthfulness, aggressiveness, hunger, bite and athleticism to the national team if considered.
Nigeria Golden Eaglets continued their impressive start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup title defense by completing a comprehensive 5-1 victory over hosts Chile and progressing to the knockout stages in the process. A goal within 30 seconds by star man Samuel Chukwueze set the tone for a straightforward win, with the diminutive Number 8 grabbing a second in the second half after he had earlier been fouled for Kelechi Nwakali's to score from the spot, and before he was felled for Victor Osimhen's successful spot kick conversion. Chile grabbed a consolation, before Funsho Bamgboye saw his marching orders, with Osimhen's late header adding some gloss to the win, despite Nwakali missing his second penalty of the match after Chukwueze had been fouled in the penalty area for a third time. The African side were remarkably quick out of the blocks, opening the scoring after 22 seconds. Osimhen, fresh from his goal in the opening game against USA, sprinted down the Nigerian left and slid the ball across the Chilean penalty area. The onrushing midfielder slammed home with ease. He then played a big part in the second Nigeria goal, sprinting onto a long upfield clearance and tapping the ball past the sliding Juan Jose Soriano in the penalty area. The Chilean defender’s challenge brought down the Nigeria winger and Nwakali doubled his side's lead. Chukwueze then grabbed his second of the game thanks to sheer determination on the hour mark. He worked his way into the Chilean penalty area, performed a couple of stepovers and, after seeing an initial shot blocked, slammed a left-footed strike past Lopez. Chile's defense will be glad to see the back of the Nigerian Number 8, as he burst into the Chilean penalty area once more moments later and was felled again, this time by substitute Brian Leiva. For the second spot kick, it was Osimhen who stepped up, and he matched Nwakali's first effort by firing home. Substitute Funsho Bamgboye later hit the post before Chile's consolation came courtesy of Marcelo Allende, who slammed past Akpan Udoh from Luciano Diaz's cross. Despite Bamgboye's late dismissal, for a rash challenge, Nigeria rallied and Osimhen grabbed his third of the tournament in two games. Nwakali then missed his chance to double his own tally for the game from the penalty spot, after Chukwueze had been fouled for a third time. It did not matter though, as Nigeria join Korea Republic in the last 16, with Chile set to face USA in a pivotal final clash back at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke hailed the performance of his wards after his side saw-off the host with a beautiful counter attacking football. "My players understood the transition game, that is when to attack, when to defend. We also prepared them mentally," the Nigeria coach said.
Nigeria football community woke up on Tuesday morning to the news that Al Ain of UAE striker, Emmanuel Emenike has quit international football. The decision according to the former Spartak Moscow goal machine was solely for "national interest" amid speculation that he might be axed by coach Sunday Oliseh for subsequent games. "Sometimes it's better to remove yourself from an environment that doesn't suit you mentally and physically, this is what I have done," Emenike told BBC Sports. Just like many Nigerians, Oliseh has taken the news with shock and is yet to come to terms that the 28-year-old has quit his team. "It was a big shocker for us and a big shocker for me personally," the gaffer told Brilla Fm. "And personally, I still don't accept that he (Emenike) has retired because, officially, I have not heard anything from him, and I don't think the federation have heard anything from him, only what we've seen is what is pasted on social media," Oliseh added. The tactician however debunked claims in the media that he and his coaching crew had planned to drop the striker for his below-par performances for the Super Eagles. "He has been part of our building process, and in fact, he has had more playing time than any other striker that we've had. So I am very surprised that he has retired," Oliseh narrated "I have called him twice. Immediately I heard it, the first thing was that I needed to get a confirmation which I called him yesterday (Tuesday) and I am still expecting a return call. So when I hear from him, that is when I will accept that he really has retired." Joining Oliseh is NFF President Amaju Pinnick who declared that he was "utterly flabbergasted' by the resignation of the powerful forward . "We (NFF) have not been contacted officially but I'm shocked because Emenike has been a major factor of success for the team. Players have the right to quit but I think that they should do it in a civil manner," the administrator said. Veteran coach Joe Erico added his voice to the whole Emenike saga stressing that it did not come to him as a surprise. "It's not strange," he reacted. "He has done well within a short spell with the national team." While former international, Fatai Amoo, believes Emenike's retirement from international football is ill-timed and a "bit hasty". And Finally Enyimba coach, Kadiri Ikhana suggested that the decision of the Al Ain striker to quit the Super Eagles could lead to disorder in the national team. "Two players retiring from the national team can bring disorder into the team because both were leading stars, respected by their teammates. It is not too good for us, especially, the sudden nature of Emenike's decision."
Nigeria striker, Brown Ideye scored a late winner to earn Olympiakos a 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday. The former West Brom man seem to be rediscovering his best form after netting for the third successive game for the Thrylos. Ideye made the most of a cross from Dimitris Siovas, racing down the left with no support before surging past two defenders and goalkeeper Eduardo to score in the 79th minute. It secured a second consecutive away win for the Greek champions in Group F after beating Arsenal last time. The 27-year-old Brown also atoned for squandering an earlier chance, missing an open goal after sliding to meet a cross from Felipe Pardo. Ideye is yet to be considered by Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, in his first four games in charge - but could be in line for a recall after his one-time strike partner Emmanuel Emenike retired.
Nigeria striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has announced his retirement from international football on Monday after five years of service. The Fenerbahce striker on loan at UAE side Al Ain joins former skipper, Vincent Enyeama, on the retiree list - after making his decision not to play for the Super Eagles public via social media platform Instagram. Emenike's decision to quit the Eagles will come as a surprise to many with coach Sunday Oliseh placing his faith on the player despite his lengthy goal drought at national level. The 28-year-old striker who was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, revealed that his reason for retiring abruptly was for "national peace". “No more Eagles career! After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace,” the striker wrote on Instagram. “It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good and bad times. “I am very proud of my performance, I am proud of my team mates and I am very proud of the nation called ‘Nigeria’. My AFCON gold medal is a sign of great achievement, my AFCON topscorer award speaks a lot about my commitment and dedication to the team," he added. Emenike's sudden action might not be unconnected to the recent spat between Oliseh and Enyeama, with the latter being stripped of his captaincy. The gaffer's decision to install Ahmed Musa as captain in place of the Lille goalkeeper didn't go down well among the senior players - with John Obi Mikel earlier turning down the opportunity to deputize for Musa. "Super Eagles is a camp not a family house, and it shouldn’t be a threat zone for any individual,” he lamented. Emenike made his debut for Nigeria against Sierra Leone and went on to make 36 other appearances scoring nine times in the process. The Super Eagles will take on Egypt in a 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, on March 23, 2016.
Nigeria winger Victor Moses was the subject of criticism from Swansea fans, players and coaches after he was adjudged to have won a dubious penalty for Stoke City at Britannia last season. The 25-year-old has however moved on from the incident as he now represents East London side, West Ham but the event is still fresh in the heart of Spanish defender Angel Rangel. Rangel was the man adjudged to have felled Moses in the feisty affair, the then Potters loan star theatrically tumbling and earning both a penalty and the wrath of Garry Monk. The Swans boss’ use of the word “cheat” and declaration the player should be ashamed of his actions sparked a real war of words that – although it didn’t resurface in last year’s Liberty win for Monk’s men. Both sides clash at the Liberty Stadium on Monday and Rangel insist the penalty decision against him was rather soft but admits he has learnt his lessons. “That decision was a bit harsh," a furious Rangel said. "But it did make me realise that in the box you just cannot touch a player. It’s a difficult one for the referees because things look 50-50. In that one he got it wrong but I’ve moved on. “Sometimes, it could be an unfair penalty that gets us a point or three – so, you have to balance it. We have been robbed sometimes, but we have benefitted at other times. It’s part of the game,” he admitted.
Nigeria Golden Eaglets have begun their title defence on the right foot after taking down USA 2-0 in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015. A scoreless opening 45 minutes saw plenty of chances go begging for both sides. USA’s Haji Wright came the closest to opening the scoring 13 minutes in after getting on the end of Christian Pulisic’s cross but the No7 could not keep his effort from going over the crossbar. Pulisic in particular tormented the Nigerian backline with his pace and skill attacking down the left, but the Super Eaglets held on and five minutes after the break took the lead. The Americans were unable to clear during a scramble in their area and Chukwudi Agor capitalised on the Stars and Stripes’ mistake and smashed the ball into the net, leaving William Pulisic no chance. The opening goal did not diminish the Americans’ attacking spirit, but Richie Williams’ side could not create any clear-cut chances to find an equaliser. And with half an hour remaining, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead after cleverly beating two defenders and calmly finishing past Pulisic. To make matters worse for USA, Auston Trusty was shown a straight red card three minutes from time, which will require coach Williams to make some changes in his backline ahead of the Americans’ next match against Croatia on Tuesday. In the other group game, Croatia held host Chile to a 1-1 draw - meaning the reigning champions are top of Group A with three points.
