Oliseh releases list of 19 home based eagles for ANC Qualifiers

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has released a list of 19 home–based professionals who will start a camp in Port Harcourt on Monday, ahead

of a 4th African Nations Championship final qualifying fixture against Burkina Faso next month.

Top joint-scorer in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League season, Tunde Adeniji, is joined by Warri Wolves’ ace Gbolahan Salami, Solomon

Kwambe, Idris Aloma, Usman Mohammed, Ezekiel Bassey and Bature Yaro.

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has released a list of 19 home–based professionals who will start a camp in Port Harcourt on Monday, ahead of a 

4th African Nations Championship final qualifying fixture against Burkina Faso next month.

Top joint-scorer in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League season, Tunde Adeniji, is joined by Warri Wolves’ ace Gbolahan Salami, Solomon

Kwambe, Idris Aloma, Usman Mohammed, Ezekiel Bassey and Bature Yaro.

See what a Nigerian who is the world's strongest footballer promised Diego Costa

Probably the most hated striker in the Premier League at the moment, Diego Costa is still receiving lashes over his shenanigan against Arsenal at the weekend.

Since the exit of Luis Suarez to Barcelona in 2014, Costa has somewhat taken over the thrown as EPL 'bad boy' and now a Nigerian has promised to "snooze" the Spain international if they ever clashed on the pitch.

AFC Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa says he is ready to suffocate Costa if the pair squared up in a game.

The powerful striker retained his title as the strongest player on EA sports game FIFA 16 this year, holding off competition from Chris Samba and Wilfried Bony.

And in the wake of Diego Costa's latest on-field antics against Arsenal's Gabriel Paulista, Akinfenwa has admitted he would win if they ever came to blows.

Speaking at the FIFA 16 launch, he said: "I’m gonna have to keep it real. If it came down to it I’d have to snooze Diego Costa.

"I like him as a player but there’s only one winner if he comes up against me."

However, Costa may have to form a queue, as the strong-man - nicknamed The Beast, has his eyes firmly set on whoever takes his FIFA crown.

He added: “One day it’ll happen, when I retire. Whoever beats me I’ll definitely be calling them out to go toe-to-toe.”

Ighalo make Premier League Team of the Week

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has been included in the Barclays Premier League Team of the Week for week six for the first time in his career.
 of the Week
Ighalo followed up his match winning strike against Swansea with a brace on Saturday as Watford defeated Newcastle 2-1 at St. James' Park.

His double at the weekend took his goal tally for the season to four in five games totaling an unbelievable 20 goals in 2015 alone.  

The team of the weekend as released by the  Premier League official website is dominated by Manchester United, with no single place for any member of the West Ham United side that ochestrated Manchester City's first defeat of the season.

The former Granada man is joined in attack by United's rave of the moment, Anthony Martial, flanked by Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Juan Mata.

In midfield league top scorer Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City partners Tottenham attacking sensation Heung-Min Son.

While Liverpool's Alberto Moreno at left-back, is the only defender to be included that failed to score at the weekend.

Newcastle's Daryl Janmaat, Chelsea's Kurt Zuoma and Martin Rusell of Norwich City all scored for their respective clubs just as a Red Devil, David De Gea gets the nod in goal.

Team of the Week for week six :

David de Gea (Manchester United), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle United), Russel Martin (Norwich City), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea), Alberto Moreno (Liverpool), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), Heung-Min Son (Tottenham), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Odion Ighalo (Watford) and Anthony Martial (Manchester United).​

Enyimba, Wolves slip as Sharks, Bayelsa swim deeper into relegation waters

The intrigues of the Nigeria Professional Football League returned on Sunday with tussle for the league crown becoming more stiffer just as the battle for survival intensifies.

Title hopefuls, Enyimba and Warri Wolves both lost grip with defeats on the road while Sharks, Bayelsa United and Taraba United further sunk into relegation waters with defeats at the weekend.

The Aba Elephants fell 2-1 to El Kanemi in Katsina after Benjamin Turba and Efe Yarhere struck before the first half-hour mark. A late consolation from Nzube Anaezemba was not enough for the visitors who still sit on the summit of the league with 55 points.

Henry Ochuba and Ifeanyi Onyeali canceled Joseph Osadiaye's effort to ensure second-placed Wolves suffered a shock 2-1 defeat away to Abia Warriors in Umuahia.

Wiki Tourist edged closer to second-placed Wolves after beating Bayelsa United 2-0 in Bauchi. Mubarak Umar and Nafiu Ibrahim scored in both halves to take the Bauchi side to 51 points on the log - same as Wolves who have a superior goal difference.

In Owerri, Lobi Stars caged Heartland to a barren draw and coach, Justin Tenger is wholly happy with the outcome.

"The barren draw is worth celebrating as it did not come so cheap, it was a hard fought game for both sides," Tenger told SuperSports after the game.

Dolphins breathed some life into their relegation fight with a comfortable 3-1 mauling of fellow strugglers, Taraba United.

Charles Okoro scored as Giwa FC piped strugglers Sharks 1-0 in Jos, while FC IfeanyiUbah and champions, Kano pillars drew 1-1 in Nnewi.

At the Lafia Township Stadium, top scorer Esosa Igbinoba scored his 14th goal of the season as Nasarawa United were 1-0 victors over visiting Rangers.

In the last game of match-day 30, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) overpowered 2015 Federation Cup finalist, Akwa United 1-0 in Ibadan.

Taribo confirms using charms to play

Taribo admitted contacting marabouts and herbalists to help him play better than his colleagues and even win matches for the country and his various clubs.

Also notable of his football active days was his crazy hairstyle, which stood him out of the pack, but little did many know about his involvement in occultism.

Taribo in his words said “Of course yes (I was involved). I don’t know why people decline to talk about their involvement with charms; Football has to do with a lot of powers. When there are big events, you look at the stadium, you see people, fans invoking all kinds of things; magicians are there, voodooists are there.

In my playing days, when I was ignorant, I used to get some mallams and babalawos (traditional doctors) to make charms for us, which we took to (national) camp. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.

‘In some clubs, before every game, the president or leader of the club will give you a lucky charm to play with. They will tell you to put it in your boots or socks and play. It’s their superstitious belief; that it can help them win matches.

No football gold for Nigeria in AAG as dream team vi crashes out in semis

Recall we brought you a report about how team Nigeria can no longer win gold in the female football category of the ongoing All-Africa Games, well it won't be just Falcons who don't. 

The dream team six dreams of winning gold was also crushed by a determined Burkina Faso team who trumped our boys 3-1 to qualify for the final match

Siasia Apologizes

Coach of the dream team promptly apologized to fans and stakeholders after the loss, claiming responsibility of the defeat but promising to get his house in order before the U-23 AFCON. 
   “I am not a man of excuses. I take all the blame for this collapse and will certainly make amends before the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations,“ he said.

Siasia said that in his wildest imagination, he did not for once believe the team would lose to Burkina Faso, let alone by such a wide margin.

“I never imagined losing to Burkina Faso but then my midfielders played so well, my defenders and attackers let me down.

 “Can you imagine my attackers not being able to convert about eight chances that came their way?

“To make matters worse, the defenders were asleep on a day they should have been up and doing.

“Who told the central defenders to keep offside trap the way they did?

“I am totally disappointed; we can’t play like this in Senegal and expect to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.

“We were so bad that anytime the ball beat the defenders, even my goalkeeper could not stop any of the shots fired at him.

“Football is a team work where errors are bound to occur but it’s the ability of fellow team mates to cover for one another that makes a team great. That I didn’t see today.”

Siasia said that he had learnt his lessons in the AAG and would look for foreign players to reinforce the team for U-23 African Championship in Senegal. .

“ We will make corrections after the All-Africa Games. I plan to travel to talk to some players I have already pencilled down.

“The team should be assembling in the first week of October to prepare for the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

“Certainly, some of the players I brought to Congo Brazzaville will have to give way,” he said.
‎
Nigeria is grouped with Algeria, Egypt and Mali in Group B at the African U-23 Championship in Dakar and M’Bour, Senegal

The championship’s top three teams are expected to fly Africa’s flag at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 11th All-Africa Games which began on Sept. 4 is expected to end on Saturday.   

Falcons beaten by Lionesses!!

All hope of team Nigeria winning a gold medal in women football category at the on going All Africa games is now lost after our falcons got beaten 2-1 in the semi-final by the indomitable lionesses of cameroun yesterday.

Things has been hitherto rosy for our girls as they qualified for the semis without a scratch but alas their toughest test was yet to come, and when it did come...hmm they just couldn't pass it.

The pulsating encounter began with Cameroun scoring twice within three minutes, a situation that had our falcons chasing the game from the start.

Goals from Theresa Abena and Madeleine Ngo Mani in the 10th and 13th minute respectively gave Cameroun the insurance policy while a consolation in the 48th minute by Onome Ebi was all the falcons could muster.

The Super Falcons now face  Côte d'Ivoire in the quest for bronze.

Mancity Stars, manager hail Nigerian youngster as he scores winner

MANCHESTER City Manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has joined his top stars in highlighting the promise in Nigeria’s youth star, Kelechi Iheanacho, who Sterling referred to on Saturday as ‘Uncle’ Kelechi.

Iheanacho scored his first goal for the club to earn Manchester City a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. The former Nigerian youth international made history by becoming the third youngest player to score a Barclays Premier League goal for Manchester City after Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge. “Uncle Kelechi,” Sterling who was left out of the squad due to injury wrote on twitter.

Spanish playmaker, David Silva, also added: “First of many @69kelechi,” Silva wrote. Iheanacho who has made two substitute appearances for the Citizens poked home his side’s winner in stoppage time to maintain City’s impeccable record to the start of the EPL.

He came on for Wilfried Bony with a couple of minutes remaining on Saturday and just 54 seconds later was alert enough to tap home a close-range rebound after Alex McCarthy spilled Samir Nasri’s shot.

Some Manchester City followers say the ‘Uncle’ sobriquet from Sterling could stem from Iheanacho’s way of addressing the senior players in the City team, especially Yaya Toure, whom he refers to as Uncle Yaya.

Meanwhile, Pellegrini has revealed that Iheanacho is one of the reasons he didn’t sign another striker when Edin Dzeko joined AS Roma in the summer.

And the player understands it will be a tough task to displace City’s big stars in subsequent games despite his feat on Saturday. “It’s not easy. We have great players here but I have to keep working hard. “We are much stronger this season with quality players.

We are going to go all the way.” Pellegrini reckons the Nigerian teenager will be an important member of his squad this term. “Kelechi scored the goal and he had another chance,” the Chilean said after the match. “Kelechi is a very young player – he’s just 18 years old.

He worked with the rest of the team all week. In front of him are Kun and Bony who are very good players, but he is an important striker who still has a lot to improve.”

Dream Team VI handed tough draw in CAF U-23 AFCON

Nigeria national Under-23 team, the Dream Team VI, has a daunting task on their hands to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, after they were drawn against African power-houses, Egypt, Mali and Algeria.  

At the draw conducted on Monday, 14th September, at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, the Nigerian team  will do battle in Group B.  

The tournament which consist of eight nations will see host Senegal, trade tackles with South Africa, Zambia and Tunisia in Group A. 

The draw was conducted by CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani and assisted by CAF Executive Committee member Amadou Diakite.

The final tournament will take place from 28 November to 12 December 2015 in the Senegalese cities of Dakar and M’Bour with top three teams qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The Samson Siasia tutored side, currently in Congo Brazzaville for the 11th All Africa Games, will face fellow West-African side, Burkina Faso in the semi-finals. 

 

See how FIFA rates top 20 Nigerian footballers in the FIFA 16 game

For game lovers like myself *wink* who would like to be a bit patriotic and play with some of our Nigeria football stars when they lay their hands on FIFA 16 soccer game, here's how our top 20 stars are rated;

17. JOEL OBI==72

He’s sought pastures new after finally leaving Internazionale for good, and Torino fans ought to be delighted with their acquisition. Another pacey operator (83), Obi’s stats reflect his all-round qualities, even if he’s not exceptional in any one department.

17.  Sylvester Igboun==72

The former Midtjylland moved to FC Ufa earlier this year and represents his new club as a left-midfielder on the game. He may let you down with his shooting and his passing, but a pace rating of 92 will ensure that opposing defenders are left terrified!

17. Godfrey Oboabona== 72

He may have been dropped by Sunday Oliseh, but the versatile Oboabona still retains some kudos with the FIFA 16 creators, getting a decent rating of 72, with physicality and pace his key attributes.

17. Odion Ighalo ==72

After making such a major impact last season—and an encouraging start to life in the EPL—Ighalo receives a modest 72. It should still be high enough to convince Sunday Oliseh to take a look!

 14.Jerry Mbakogu ==73

After his glistening impact at newly-promoted Carpi, the new Serie A frontman is the highest-rated uncapped Nigerian on the game, getting a score of 73. 89 pace and 78 physicality make him something of a hidden gem on the game.

14. Raheem Lawal ==73

After summer interest from AS Roma and Besiktas, it’s clear that Lawal’s stock is rising. This has been reflected in the FIFA 16 stats, with the Eskisehirspor midfielder getting a boost from 63 to 73 for the new edition.

14. Victor Anichebe ==73

 He may have struggled in the EPL last term with relegated Hull City, but Aluko remains a versatile frontman who can offer pace and invention.

12. Sone Aluko ==74

He may have struggled in the EPL last term with relegated Hull City, but Aluko remains a versatile frontman who can offer pace and invention.

12. Ideye Brown== 74

The new Olympiakos frontman’s difficult year at West Bromwich Albion has led to a drop in his ratings, although he still chalks up a respectable 74.

8. Peter Odemwingie ==75

After an injury-hit campaign last term, it’s intriguing that Odemwingie’s stats have been given a boost. At 75, and with 77 dribbling skills, he remains a fine contributor on the flank or through the middle.

8. Imoh Ezekiel ==75:

The one-cap wonder, it may surprise you, finds himself in some fairly exalted company with a rating of 75. That pace rating of 93 should encourage one or two gamers to take a punt in Ultimate Team mode.

8. Elderson Echiejile ==75

With Layvin Kurzawa having moved on from AS Monaco, Elderson should get more chance to demonstrate his class at the Club of the Principality this term. He is a capable full-back even if his passing rating (63) leaves a little to be desired.

8. Ogenyi Onazi  ==75

 The tenacious box-to-box midfielder has a respectable score of 75, with a broad, balanced spread of statistics reflecting the dynamism and all-round contribution he brings to the heart of the park for Lazio.

5. Anthony Ujah 76

Ujah has received a boost in the rankings following his fine season with Mainz, and a score of 76 sets him favourably alongside Nigeria’s other attacking options. He is a good all-round frontmen whose physicality will make him a handful for FIFA defences.

5. Ahmed Musa 76

Nigeria’s new captain has a score of 76, with a pace score of 89 and dribbling ability of 81 making him a menacing weapon out wide or through the middle.

5. Victor Moses 76

 He may not have done enough to convince Jose Mourinho of his merit this season, but Moses’s score of 76 makes the Nigerian a valuable Premier League forward and a useful asset in Ultimate Team.

4. John Obi Mikel 77

Mikel’s rating has been reduced for FIFA 16, and he’s dropped down to 77 from last year’s 78 (back in FIFA 11, he enjoyed a rating of 82).

3. Ike Uche 78

The former Villarreal frontman has been given a rating of 78, with a lethal combination of pace 86 and dribbling 80 setting him apart as a frontman to be wary of. Another highly-rated player who has been overlooked for the national team for many of his peak years.

2. Obafemi Martins 79

Intriguingly, for a player who hasn’t been part of the national side for some time, Obafemi Martins is one of Nigeria’s top-rated players, receiving an overall score of 79. With a score of 91 for pace, he remains one of the fastest forwards on the game.

1. Vincent Enyeama ==81

The LOSC Lille stopper—and arguably Nigeria’s one truly world-class player—is the only Super Eagle to receive a score over 80. With reflexes of 90, he is a ‘must-have’ between the sticks.

source: goal.

Dream team pass Ghana test unscathed, Heads into AAG semis

The Nigerian U-23 team at the ongoing All-Africa Games on Wednesday defeated the Ghanaian team 2-0 in their first game of the tournament in Congo Brazzaville.

Junior Ajayi scored on 55 minutes at Stade de l’Unite in the Congolese capital and Kingsley Sokari added a second goal three minutes from time.

The future of the Super-Eagles lies in the hands of the local league -LMC

Salihu Abubakar, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the League Management Company (LMC), has commended the Super Eagles, particularly the home-based players,

for their 2-0 defeat of their Nigerien counterparts.

Abubakar, who was reacting to the team’s victory, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the future of the national teams depended on the Nigerian leagues.

NAN reports that the Nigerian side, made up mostly of players from the domestic league beat the Mena of Niger Republic on Tuesday in an international friendly in Portharcourt.

Musa not bothered by Egypt's big win

Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa is not concerned with Egypt’s top performance in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The CSKA Moscow star said earlier in a press conference that his Nigerian side must stay focused to earn their way up to the finals in Gabon.

Oliseh ready to welcome back Mikel, Moses and Others as Eagles ease pass Niger in portharcourt

Super Eagles players celebrate on of their goals against Niger

Super Eagles’ Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has assured Nigerians that Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo and some other players, who have not featured for the country in the current Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup qualifying series, would be integrated into the team before the next set of matches in May, 2016.

Oparanozie on fire as Falcons begin All Africa games with a bang!!

Nigeria women’s national team spanked hosts Congo 5-1 in the 11th All African Games women’s football opening game played at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, Brazzaville.

Four goals from Super Falcon’s Desire Oparanozie were all the reigning African queens needed to cage the home team in the six-goal thriller.

It took Oparanozie just five minutes into the game to fire her side ahead before adding the second two minutes later. The France based forward made it three in the 15th minute as the hosts failed to threaten the solid Falcons who dominated every department of the game.