9ja Football Newspaper Headlines Today

AAG 2015: Siasia seeks 'tougher friendly games - National Mirror

National Under-23 team Coach, Samson Siasia, has told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organise grade A tune-up matches for his team in Europe before the All Africa Games qualifier against Gabon next February. Siasia had earlier stated his intention to play African opposition before the qualifier but has now made a u-turn by asking...
Adi laments Eagles AFCON failure - Punch

American Major League scoring sensation Fanendo Adi says he is not happy the Super Eagles failed to qualify for next month's Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. The player, who arrived in Nigeria at the weekend, said the team would have qualified for the tournament if Nigerian football was not in crisis during the...
AFCON 2015 FALLOUT: NASS to probe Super Eagles failure - The Sun

The House of Representatives Committee on Sports and the Senate, have finalized arrangements to summon the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to explain the circumstances surrounding the failure of the Super Eagles to pick the ticket to the Equatorial Guinea 2015 Africa Nations Cup...
African players in Europe review - Vanguard 

African players in Europe review Wilfried Bony scored his eighth goal in 10 games for Swansea, while in France Fallou Diagne (Rennes) and Ismael Diomande (Saint Etienne) saw red in Ligue 1. ENGLAND WILFRIED BONY (Swansea City) Bony scored his eighth goal in 10 games as Swansea lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur...
Agu rates Enyeama as Eagles best goalie- Daily Independent

By Augustine Akhilomen /Correspondent, Lagos Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Alloy Agu, still rates Vincent Enyeama as the best goalkeeper for the Super Eagles for now. Enyeama won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa , ending a 19-year spell..
AYC: F'Eagles foes emerge Dec 21 - Daily Independent

Flying Eagles will know its group opponents on December 21 as the draw for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) will be conducted at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The team that has won the AYC a record six times, is one of...
Balogun: My hearts goes with Nigeria - Daily Independent
Barcelona Las Masia Academy Nigerian youngster, Boluwatife Balogun, has vowed to play for his homeland. Balogun is eligible to play for the Netherlands and France , but the 18-year-old star has chosen to play for Nigeria . 'I have been called up once for the U-17 but I didn't come due to injuries,' revealed Balogun...
English Premier League as bad as Nigeria's -Taribo - Daily Trust
A former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has slated the most watched football league in the world, the English Premier League saying the standard is as poor as Nigeria's...
F/Eagles 'll go to World Cup as champions ' Manu - Vanguard

NIGERIA U20 coach Manu Garba has said he wants his team to qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand as African champions
Foundation partners NFF to train Okocha, Kanu, 15 others - Daily Trust

Taleveras Foundation has hailed the Nigeria Football Federation for the opportunity to partner with it in the building of a Technical Performance Team around the National Teams, starting with the sponsorship of 17 qualified persons for a three-week match-reading technique and backroom analysis exercise in the United Kingdom next month...
Garba makes World Cup pledge - National Mirror

Flying Eagles Coach, Manu Garba, has said that his side will qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand as African champions. The junior national team has already won the African Youth Championship a record six times with the last triumph being in 2011. The draw for the 2015 African Youth Championship..
Iheanacho, Success, seven others invited for Flying Eagles - Guardian

THE Flying Eagles have invited for camping nine foreign-based players, including Kelechi Iheanacho
Masekela, Flavour, Lagbaja for Glo CAF Awards - Punch 

Global Jazz icon, Hugh Masekela, Nigeria's sensations Flavour and Lagbaja, have been listed among other leading artistes that will thrill guests at the 2014 Glo-CAF Awards scheduled for Lagos on January 8, 2015. The annual award event, sponsored by telecoms operator Globacom, is held to celebrate the continent's finest footballers and administrators and is attended...
New players will create healthy competition in Golden Eaglets, says Amuneke - Guardian

THE national U-17 camp in Abuja was a beehive of activities Monday, as Golden Eaglets handler...
...grab any of the highlighted newspaper for details  

Tuesday Special: Untapped Resources

CHIMA OKOROJI

Meet the unknown Nigerian youngster planning to dethrone David Alaba to become Bayern Munich first choice left back/Wing back.

Aged only 17, Chima Okoroji is on the verge of making his first team appearance for Bayern Munich with the chances of the teenager making his debut with the German Giants brighter than earlier anticipated.

Chima Okoroji 

The left full back has cemented his spot in the Munich’s Under-19 squad, where he has so far played in all of their games in the German Youth League and UEFA Youth league.

Speaking on Okoroji, Bayern Munich under-19 Coach, Heiko Vogel, says he has all it takes to succeed as a footballer.

“He has made a tremendous leap from playing school games to becoming a regular in the Under-19,” he said.. 

“I know for sure he is a talented kid, willing to learn and he is on the path of becoming a star in the nearest future.”

He is talked about in some quarters at the Allianz Arena as the heir to first team left full back David Alaba another of Nigerian parentage who plays for the National team of Austria.

Born on 19th April, 1997 in London to Nigerian Parent, the teenager is also comfortable as a centre back, he's yet to be capped by either Nigeria or England.

He has been invited by Nigeria under 23 coach, Samson Siasia for the Olympic game/All African Games Qualifiers.

Mfon Udoh Gets LBA Top Prize

After a historic season where he scored 23 to smash the previous 20 goals per season record and also scored in the finals to help his club Enyimba Fc win the 2014 Federation cup, Mfon Udoh has been named League Bloggers Association (LBA) player of the year beating Emem Eduok of Dolphins Fc to the award.

The former Akwa United man made it a brace of awards as he also scooped the award for the most goals scored in the league(23 goals). The 21 year old went home with the star prize of a brown new car made possible by 1960bet.

Apart from the star man Mfon Udoh, his club Enyimba Fc of Aba also got double honours as they won the awards for best website and best media friendly club.

Below are the complete 2014 LBA Award Winners;

-Club Of The Year: Kano Pillars

-Coach Of The Year: Okey Emordi, Kano pillars

-Best National Team Player: Gbolahan Salami, Warri Wolves Fc

-Best Newly Promoted Side: Giwa Fc

-Best Foreign Player: Tamen Medrano, Sunshine Stars(Cameroon)

-Best Goalkeeper: Theophilus Afelokhai, Kano pillars

-Fair Play Award: Heartland Fc

-Best Rookie: Chisom Chikitara, Abia Warriors Fc

-Best Development Team: Lobi Junior Stars, Lobi Stars.

-Best Club Website: Enyimba Fc

-Best Designed Jersey: Dolphins Fc

-Best Use Of Social Media: Enyimba Fc

-Best New Goalkeeper: Emmanuel Iwu, Heartland

-Best player: Mfon Udoh

-Highest Goal Scorer: Mfon Udoh

Ike Uche Named In Match Fixing Scandal

Ike uche

Nigeria and Villarreal striker Ikechukwu Uche has been listed amongst the 42 players involved in the Zaragoza-Levante match-fixing case.

This is the first of its kind in Spain, that a public prosecutor has filed a criminal complaint which includes the 18 players from Levante and Real Zaragoza selected for the May 21, 2011 match, Real Zaragoza coach at the time Javier Aguirre, and Zaragoza's chairman, as well as the club itself.

According to the report, the Zaragoza management and captains of the two teams, "with the consent of the rest of the players", agreed to pay off Levante in return for the necessary win to stay in the Primera.


Funds were transferred into bank accounts of some of the Zaragoza players, who then withdrew the money in cash and handed it to Levante players "in agreement with the other Zaragoza players involved in the match".

It's now up to the investigating judges to review this criminal complaint and choose to indict all, some, or none of the defendants.

Some famous names on the list include - Javier Aguirre (now coaching Japan), Ander Herrera (Man Utd), Gabi (Atletico Madrid's captain, and captain of Zaragoza at the time) and Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Uche who played the first 55 minutes before being substituted.

Sins Of The Father: Akpoborie Vows Never To Allow Son Play For Nigeria

Ex-Nigerian football star Jonathan Akpoborie has vowed NEVER to allow his son to play for any of the national teams.

The former VfL Wolfsburg player is fuming with bitterness and rage over allegations of child slavery which ruined his career.

His rather exciting career was reduced to ruins when a boat, managed by his family, was stopped in Benin Republic after allegations that it was carrying children into slavery in Gabon in 2001.

The incident led to Akpoborie’s suspension from the VfL Wolfsburg team and eventually, after a brief sojourn at Saarbrücken, to his retirement.

The story of the ship, its passengers and owner has been covered by the documentary Das Schiff des Torjägers (The Goalgetter’s Ship) by Swiss director Heidi Specogna.

Akpoborie says he regrets playing for the Super Eagles and will NEVER allow his son to follow in his footsteps after being treated as an outcast by his own people.

“Yes, really. When you think about it and don’t want to say who is to blame. Having played in Germany and looking at my teammates after retiring from football, winning the trophy at the U-17 level was a wonderful experience and I would not take anything from that, but at the Super Eagles’ level and everything I am going through now and being treated as an outcast in my country is just not necessary,” he fumed

“Those things are childish and nobody can erase my name from the history of Nigerian football. So whatever anybody is doing now does not really bother me.

“That we, Nigerians, actually allow all those things to happen is what bothers me. That is why if today or tomorrow I have a son that plays football; he will not play for Nigeria.”

He won the FIFA World U-17 Cup with Nigeria in China in 1985.

Nigeria wins first church World cup

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos has emerged champions in the maiden Church World Cup in Goa, India. The country’s flag bearers thrashed Colombia 7-0 in the final of the unique tournament on Sunday.

Adekunle Adegboyega set the ball rolling with the first goal for MFM who dominated from start to finish in what was largely a one-sided contest. Midfielder Sheriff Alashe doubled MFM’s advantage before two more goals came off the boots of Nelson Kenedinum and Adegboyega to give the Nigeria National League side a comfortable 4-0 lead going into the break.

Adegboyega was not yet done with scoring as he added one more to complete his hat trick. Also in the second half, Sikiru Olatunbosun found the back of the net twice, while midfielder Nelson Kenedinum completed the rout.

MFM FC ended the competition without conceding a goal and scored 20 goals in five games.

Expectedly, it was a clean sweep for MFM FC in the individual awards as striker, Adegboyega, won the top scorer award with eight goals and diminutive midfielder, Onuwa Emmanuel, was voted the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

MFM FC’s road to making history at the Church World Cup in India started with a 3-0 win over Colombia, next to fall was Egypt who lost 2-0, while Uzbekistan were hammered 7-0 and the hosts India conceded a goal in the semi-final which catapulted the Olukoya Boys to the final of the competition. 

The participating teams were host India, Colombia, Egypt, Brazil, Nigeria, Ghana, Uzbekistan and Portugal.

The victorious team is expected back in the country on Tuesday with the MFM General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, already promising a befitting reception for the newly crowned champions.

Enyeama Bounces Back

It was double celebration on Sunday evening  for Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama who registered his first clean sheet in five outings and more importantly his first win in five games with his French club Lille.

Coach Rene Girard’s men did make their numerical advantage as they dispersed Toulouse 3-0 in one of Sunday’s Ligue 1 fixtures.

Enyeama was in between the sticks with very little to do as his teammates made sure all three points are secured this time around.

Lille missed an early penalty gifted them after a foul on Divorck Origi however, the hosts made swift amends in the seventh minute as they open the scoring through Djibril Sidibe.

The visitors put up stout defensive afterwards but the caved in five minutes into the second half when another well laid out pass from Gueye fell to Ryan Mendes who made no mistake to double Lille’s advantage.

Any hopes for a comeback for Toulouse was extinguished in the 77th minute when Nolan Roux collected an Origi pass before tucking the ball into the bottom corner from close range.  

With the home win, Lille are now in 12th spot with 21 points albeit with a game at hand.

PUBLIC ENEMY: Celtic Fans Attack Efe Ambrose

Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose

will need more than just hard work to get back in the good books of some Celtic fans as he was again heavily criticized despite helping his team out to a 4 -1 win over St Mirren in a League game on Sunday.

The Eagles defender was in action for all 90 minutes but rather than pick on his positive contributions, some Celtic fans took to social media network, twitter to blame the Nigeria international for the goal conceded.

“Celtic have a severe inability to hold a lead at the moment. I blame ambrose. Probably not at fault but the fact he is playing is enough Anthony McFadyen wrote via his handle @fujmcfuj.

Also Phil MacGiollaBhain via @Pmacgiollabhain wrote “Efe Ambrose using Zonal Marking for the St.Mirrren equaliser. Unfortunately his zone is the Twilight Zone...”

Stephen Molloy on his part was more critical of Ambrose as he accused the Eagles star as the root of all defensive problems at Celtic

“Efe ambrose is the root of our defensive issues, more times than not he causes our defensive errors, when denayer is in CB we are more solid”

While the criticisms continue for Ambrose, the Nigerian defender says he remains unfazed and would continue to do his best to help his team to achieve their season target.

EPL Teams Tussle For Onazi

Onazi in action for Lazio

English Premiership teams, Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham are all in the race to sign Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, his agent Jonathan Barnett.

But Barnett, was quick to also add that his client is happy with the Biancocelesti despite the link to the EPL.

"It is true, there are a few clubs interested, but it he is a player of Lazio and he is happy there but his future at the club is not so firm but he won't leave in January," he revealed.

Onazi who signed a contract extention at the club in the summer till 2018 has missed his sides's last fives Serie A games fuelling speculation about his future at the Rome based outfit.

The form of Lucas Biglia, Senad Lulic and Marco Parolo in Lazio's midfield has made it difficult for the Nigerian international to get back into the starting line up.

Throw Back Pick Monday

BATHOLOMEW OGBECHE

The infamous Pastel green kit was synonymous with only one major tournament for the eagles , the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan. Bathlomew Ogbeche aged 18, was part of the suprise inclusion to the squad for the mundial by then coach, Festus Onigbinde. 

He was famous for his over head kick and goal celebration. He later went on to make two appearances at the world cup and made 11 appearances with 3 goals for Nigeria between 2002 and 2004.

Nigerians To Watch As Uefa Draw Takes Center Stage

The Uefa champions league used to be the haven of Nigerian players in years past, but the reverse is the case in recent times as few Nigerians feature in Europe elite club competition. 

As the draw for the Uefa champions league and Europa league takes place today, we look at the Nigerian stars to watch out for in this years competition.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

John Obi Mikel- Chelsea Fc (England)

Currently Nigeria's most decorated player, the midfielder has paid his dues when it comes to European football having won both the Uefa champions league and Europa league with Chelsea.

The Nigerian will be inspired after scoring his first ever champions league goal in Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in their last group game against in stamford bridge. 

Chelsea are amongst the seeded teams for the draw after qualifying as group winners.

Mikel featured only twice for Chelsea in the group stage, with both appearances coming against Sporting Lisbon, home and away. 

Elderson Echiejele 

-Elderson Echiejele- AS Monaco (France)

His debut season in France was marred by injury and being subjected to bench role with French youngster, Layvin Kurzawa favoured by former coach, Claudio Ranieri.

This season, his appearances has also been limited, but an injury to the French u21 star has seen him come into prominence at the Municipal club. 

The Nigerian only champions league showing came in Monaco's 1-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen on 26 november, 2014. 

Monaco qualified as group leaders ahead of Leverkusen and are seeded for the draw later today. 

-Chinedu Obasi- Schalke 04

It seemed like Obasi was having a new lease of life since ex chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo took over the helm of affairs at the German club. He even scored a goal in the Italian first Chamions league game at home to Sporting Lisbon and featured in the reverse fixture in Portugal. 

But the Nigerian has now found game time had to come by in recent time due to the Coach's tactics, loss of form and the emergence of Cameroon striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who joined at the summer from Mainz.

His last appearance for the club was on november 8, in Schalke's 0-2 loss to Freiburg. 

The German side qualified as group runners-up to Chelsea..
Schalke are unseeded for the latter stages,  meaning they will most likely play the top dogs in the competition. 

Meanwhile in the europa league, Nigerians to watch out for includes:

Ikechukwu Uche-Villarreal(Spain) Unseeded

Efe Ambrose- Celtic(Scotland) Unseeded

Haruna Lukman- Dynamo Kyiv(Ukraine) Seeded

Joel Obi- Internazionale( Italy) Seeded

Micheal Olaitan- Olympiacos(Greece) Seeded

The draw takes place today in Nyon, Switzerland with the games scheduled for february next year.

Nigeria Nightmare Rantie To Miss Afcon 2015?

from left Rantie, Omeruo

This is a name Nigerians won't forget in hurry, the South Africa scored twice in front of a fully parked new Akwa Ibom international Stadium, Uyo to deny the defending champions the opportunity to defend their title.

The player was instrumental in South Africa's unbeaten streak leading to their qualification for the showpiece.

Tokelo Rantie dislocated his shoulder while in action for club Bournemouth when they held Ipswich Town to a 2 all draw. The attacker now faces a race to be fit for the African Cup Of Nations in Equitorial Guinea, which kicks off on the 17th January 2014.

Bournemouth assistant manager Jason Tindall is optimistic of Ranties chances of making it to the 2015 AFCON. He told the clubs official website, “I said to him the other day, we are probably getting him fit now for the African Cup of Nations.

Rantie while injured for club

“As soon as he gets fit he will probably have to go away, but we are hoping to have him back just after Christmas. If we can get him back and get him some game time then that would be great because he was looking really sharp before he unfortunately injured his shoulder.”

Many Nigerians will be hoping the South Africa hitman isnt be fit enough for the tournament as a payback for depriving their darling super eagles the opportunity of flying Nigerias flag at the event.

Sand Eagles Drowned by Beach Elephants

For the first time in four years and 11 games, Nigeria Super Sand Eagles were beaten 4-3 at the Copa Lagos beach soccer on saturday.

The Beach Eagles who have won the three previous editions of the Copa Lagos trailed the Ivorians at the end of the first period by two goals.

Isiaka Olawale and Musa Najare failed to convert from free kicks before Eric Bile Kablan put the Sand Elephants in the lead from a free kick.

And within a minute Kablan doubled the lead for the Ivorians with a left-footed finish.

Victor Tale had a chance to halve the lead of the Ivorians but blazed his free kick wide.

The Sand Eagles won a penalty at the start of the second half and Warri Wolves striker, Abu Azeez, converted to make the score 2-1 as the Nigerian attempted to battle back into the game.

Within minutes, Kablan's free kick struck the Nigeria post, and Daniel curled in from close range to give Ivory Coast a 3-1 lead.

Babatunde Badmus and Najare got into scoring chances but failed to make them count for Nigeria.

It was Daniel's goal that wrapped up the second period as Ivory Coast opened a three-goal lead.

The third period was full of activities as Azeez headed Nigeria back into the contest to make the scoreline 2-4. But Daniel restored Ivory Coast's three goal lead inside a minute.

Two late goals from Olawale and Najare proved too little, too late as Ivory Coast held on for a 5-4 win.

he Super Sand Eagles will face Senegal on Sunday while Senegal need to beat Ghana to become champions of the 2014 edition of the Copa Lagos.

Also on day two of the Copa Lagos, Senegal saw off Ghana 5-2 while in the club friendly Barcelona defeated Stationery Stores 6-4.

Saturday Eagle's Round Up

Anthony Ujah

England

Chelsea 2-0 Hull city

Nigeria duo, John Obi Mikel and Sone Aluko were both in action as the former welcomed the latter to the Stamford bridge. Chelsea were 2 nil victors as both players lasted for 82 and 64 minutes respectively. The Nigerians were involved in the build up to chelsea's first goal as Mikel dispossessed Aluko leading to Eden Hazard's first goal.

Westbrom 1-0 Aston villa

At the hawthorn, Brown Ideye got a rare start in the Midland derby as Westbrom hosted Aston Villa. Craig Gardener's 72nd minute strike seperated the two rivals with the Nigerian featuring for the entire duration of the game.

Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle United

Newcastle United were unable to continue from where they stopped last weekend when they inflicted a first defeat in 23 games on Jose Mourinho's side. Sammy Amoebi saw 56 minutes of action but could do nothing to stop a 4-1 onslaught by Arsenal at the Emirates.

Middlesbrough 2-0 Derby

In the English championship, Kenneth Omeruo watched on from the sidelines as his team Middlesbrough beat league leaders Derby 2-0 at the Riverside.

ITALY

Lazio 3-0 Atalanta

Ogenyi Onazi was an unused substitute in the game.

 GERMANY

Schalke04 1-2 Fc Cologne

Anthony Ujah followed up his goal at the weekend with another for Fc Cologne as they pulled off a surprise 1-2 win over Schalke04 with Chinedu Obasi not featuring for the host. The 24 year old Ujah's goal last week was nominated amongst the top 5 goals at the weekend. He has now scored six goals in 14 appearances for the modest German side.

 HOLLAND

Go Ahead Eagles 1-2 Cambuur

The goals seem to be drying up for Bathlomew Ogbeche as he failed to score yet again for his club, Cambuur. They ran with a fantastic 1-2 away victory in the dutch eredivisie over Go Ahead Eagles.

PORTUGAL

Gil Vicente 1-1 Academica

Obiora Nwankwo continued his impressive switch to Portuguise football as he marshaled the midfield helping his side, Academica to a 1 all draw away to Gil Vicente.

FANS REACT TO IDEYE'S PERFORMANCE vs ASTON VILLA

Events leading to the Midland derby victory over Aston Villa were marred by Behraino dip in form, Anichebe's injury and the only positive,

Brown Ideye getting set for the big stage.

After scoring a brace in a training game with the reserves, Albion manager was optimistic the Nigerian will make an impact sooner rather than later.

Alan Irvine words, " He is much closer now, than he has been previously and looking as if He's ready to come and play a part."

Were you impressed by the 25 year old? Here are some notable reactions from the Baggies fans.. 

@Viva_Fisher: Now more than ever Albion fans, we need to show support for one of our own & give £10m waster Brown Ideye our support http://pic.twitter.com/cwLohuoXXb

@benmunroe: Brown ideye has 0 body strength. If we'd had a Samaras or anicebe to hold ball up second half we'd have scored more. #wba

@ArabStrapBoy: Not sure on Brown Ideye, the lad tried but he doesn't look prem standard to me #wba

@Marcdb012: Don't forget #wba have been playing with 10 men against Villa,...Brown Ideye has been Villa's best defender ;-)

@ArabStrapBoy: Haha love that Ideye's biggest contribution today was blocking Sessegnon's goalbound shot in the build up to Gardner's goal #wba

Brown Ideye