House Committee on Sports congratulate Nigerians on Super Eagles' AFCON Semifinal berth

 

 ... As Speaker Tajudeen Abbas pledges handsome rewards to players

The chairman house committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Adams has congratulated the Super Eagles for booking a place in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles defeated Angola one nil at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan on Friday to reach the last four of the tournament.

A first half goal by Ademola Lookman was all the Eagles needed to secure the win.

Honourable Adams said the boys deserved all the praise with the way they have approached the tournament.

He said "I am particularly so happy for the boys and I think they deserve all the support and encouragement at this point to eventually come back home with the trophy."

"These boys have really done us well and their victory against Angola has further sent a message of strong unity despite the challenges the country is facing," he said.

"I want to also specially send the greetings of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to the boys because he is also very  proud of them and their resilient performance."

"The Speaker wants to assure the boys that they will be handsomely rewarded if they bring home the trophy".

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Supporters Club lands in Ivory Coast, ready to cheer Nigeria to victory

 

As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON commences today (Saturday), the Super Eagles Supporters' Club under the leadership of Barrister Johnson Dagana has arrived Abidjan, capital Cote D'Ivoire for the tournament. 

The delegation was led by Deputy National President, Alhaji Musiliu Alao Jimoh.

Alhaji Musiliu Alao was accompanied by Vice-president North Alhaji Mohammed Mohammed, National PRO Olutoye Orisabiyi,Ex-officio Mrs Blessing

Also in his entourage are representatives from Niger, Oyo, Lagos, FCT and Rivers Chapters

The Super Eagles Supporter club is known for its vociferous nature during National team matches.

While expressing optismism upon arrival in Cote D'Ivoire Alhaji Musiliu Alao Jimoh believes Super Eagles would win fourth AFCON Title in Abidjan.

"We have mobilized more 1000 members for Super Eagles"

" We are optimistic that Super Eagles would be crowned Africa Champions again in Cote D'Ivoire".

"Super Eagles Supporter club under the leadership of Barrister Johnson Dagana is here with its teeming members".

"We are winning our opener tomorrow against Equatorial Guinea"

AFCON 2023: Three products of FC Ebedei make Super Eagles' squad

 

FC Ebedei has once again proven why they are the pacesetter of football excellence in Nigeria having three graduates in the Super Eagles' squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON tournament in Cote D' Ivoire.

Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion who are one of the favourites to emerge winners of the content biggest football fiesta, are seeking a 4th title with Jose Peseiro in charge.

 

Three FC Ebedei products had made the provisional 45-man list ahead the December 15th, 2023 CAF deadline for the submission by all participating  AFCON teams, but at the end, the duo of Frank Onyeka (Brentford -England) and Rapheal Onyedika (Club Brugge- Belgium) made the final 25-man party to Cote D' Ivoire. 

As injury ravaged the Super Eagles squad during the pre-AFCON camping in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with the striking department the most affected, the need to fill the void came about.

First was Germany-based Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface who was replaced by Terem Moffi of French Lique side Nice, after he sustained a groin injury. With the squad not done with the unfortunate incident, then came the news of Sadiq Umar who was reported to have sustained an unfortunate injury.

Super Eagles Portuguese gaffer wasted no time in inviting Trabzonspor of Turkey striker Paul Ebere Onuachu, to bolster his strike options heading into the tournament.

With the invitation of inform Onuachu to replace injured Sadiq Umar less than 72hours to Super Eagles opening AFCON Group A game against Equatorial Guinea at the in Ivory Coast, is a testament that the Nationwide League One club is the best and professional administered football club in Nigeria.

No club in Nigeria even at the topflight level- Nigeria Professional Football League and Nigeria National League has same number of representatives.

In the many interviews the Nigerian sporting media have had with the President of FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, one of his quotes which is now a fact.

"In the last 20 years of Nigeria's football, the success recorded by Super Eagles or the age-grade teams in any international competition has a product of FC Ebedei."

It will be recalled that the trio visited their boyhood club (FC Ebedei) last year on Monday July 10, 2023 and played a novelty game tagged FC Ebedei vs Onuachu, Onyeka, Onyedika and friends which ended 1-1 with Onuachu scoring a late minute equaliser.

AFCON: Can Olisa Ndah gatecrash to Jose Peseiro's plans?

 

Not only has Olisa Ndah been solid at the back this season for Orlando Pirates, he has become untouchable since his return from injury. This one could not have come at a better time for the Nigeria international.

Pirates' defensive record has been massively improved thanks to Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Monyane and Nkosinathi Sibisi, however this season it's Ndah who has shone.

This season, with Ndah in the starting line-up, Pirates have conceded three goals in eight games, and have lost just one of these games, winning four. 

Ndah has not played for Nigeria in over a year, but most Pirates fans will agree his form this season is outstanding, and he has done what he can to prove himself to Super Eagles Manager Jose Peseiro. The latest being the win over TS Galaxy on Saturday night.

Nigeria has failed to replicate its past successes in recent years after reaching lofty heights at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Peseiro has looked to usher in a new era in Nigerian football since assuming the reins of the national team setup by keeping faith with Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, but Ndah emerging as the face of the rebuild could spice up Super Eagles' quest for glory at the next AFCON.

The 25-year-old defender has regularly proven that no stage is too big for him. A right-footed, ball-playing centerback by nature, Ndah has the skill set that is in high demand across the modern game. The Delta native has become an integral piece to Pirates' setup, making the most of his wide range of passing and vision in the buildup phases. 

Standing at 1.90m, Ndah is an imposing figure at the back and has what it takes to be recalled to the Super Eagles team. 

Back to memory lane, Kenneth Omeruo gatecrashed to the Super Eagles for AFCON 2013 and turned out to be one of the driving forces who helped Nigeria win the tournament. 

AFCON 2024 success is a possibility - and with Olisa Ndah at the heart of defense - Super Eagles can afford to dream.

Olisah Ndah: The solution to leaked Super Eagles back line

 

With the Super Eagles struggling defensively in recent games under Jose Peseiro, there are concerns on the team's backline ahead of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D'Ivoire. 

The team has leaked cheap goals in their last four games against Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe  

Central defence has been an issue for the Super Eagles under Peseiro, with only a couple of defenders being considered as top international quality.

However, in the last two months a number prospects have emerged which could turn the tide in this regard.

Former Remo Stars General Olisa Ndah has come to life under Jose Riveiro at new look Orlando Pirates. 

The 25-year-old has helped marshal three clean sheets in Pirates' last five games in the DSTV Premiership. And his stats prove why he should be given Super Eagles call-up.

A remarkable clearances and winning duels in those games mark him out as one of the most in-form defenders Nigeria have at the moment. 

Olisa Ndah has exhibited an impressive ability to read the game. His intelligent reading of the game is often displayed on the pitch through his defensive positioning, which helps him to effectively make plenty of interceptions. 

His ability to intercept the ball is one of his primary defensive attributes. At times, the Pirates defender appears to simply attract the ball to himself. His intelligent reading of the game and impressive defensive positioning helps him to occupy optimal positions off the ball, which ultimately gives him an advantage when attempting to win the ball back in the final third.

The ex Akwa United defender is certainly an option that Peseiro should consider as he aims to repair the backline of the Super Eagles.  

Ndah, who joined the Soweto giants back in 2021, has made a good impression and attracted interests from clubs overseas.

He was part of the Super Eagles team at the last Africa Cup of Nations and played one match.

Benedict Akwuegbu: Ex Nigerian football star talks up Super Eagles chances to win 2023 AFCON title

Former Nigeria striker Benedict Akwuegbu has hinted that, with the recent competitions and emerging talents in the senior national team, Super Eagles' trophy draught will soon be over.

Akwuegbu, who represented Nigeria at U-17, U-20, U-23 and Super Eagles gave the assertion on Sunday whip featuring as guest in a top football WhatsApp platform, Family United By Football FUBF.

The former striker noted that with exceptional players and right tactics, Nigeria is favourite looking forward to AFCON 2023.

"We have great players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen and the rest. Nigeria can get back to winning ways, with fantastic strikers and brilliant midfielders.

"We can do well and win the Nations Cup again, if the tactics is right," concluded Ben who had 30 caps for Super Eagles. 

Recall that Stephen Keshi tutored side delivered the last trophy celebrated by the senior national team in 2013 and agonizingly missed out consecutively in 2015 and 2017.

At the 2019 edition in Egypt, Nigerians were hopeful of better outings but Algeria broke the hearts of the three times champions with a late free kick by Riyad Mahrez during the semifinal face-off.

It's more of a disappointing finals last time out as Austin Eguavoen led Super Eagles could not go past round of 16 even with promising squad. 

Akwuegbu whose sojourn in the senior national side spanned across five years said the Nigeria can do well once again and bring the silverware back to Nigeria if we get the tactics right this time around.

Solomon Agbalaka: Developing into a decent, modern day full back

 

Saturday’s showing against Mozambique was another classy performance by the defender, and the full back has the potential to become one of the best of his generation. He was named man of the match for the second time in three days.

To the casual football fan, it may have come as little surprise that the Flying Eagles were able to overcome Mozambique in Saturday's final group game to seal their quarter-final place at the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Solomon Agbalaka popped up with the winner against Egypt and provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Mozambique.

Agbalaka ticks the fundamentals for a fullback in this era: good on the ball, can play under pressure and can affect the game higher up the field. The utility footballer has played in possession based sides in his career, which has shaped his understanding in the game. In teams like Broad City, MFM FC and 36 Lion, the fullbacks are constantly moving on the pitch: either keeping width near the touchline or drifting into central areas to create space.

He excels at these; he has very good feet and is a skilled dribbler; and is very good at retaining the ball and receiving passes. He’s a technically gifted player, the ball sticks to his feet anytime he receives it. 

Though the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is just one-week-old, it seems as though Agbalaka has improved greatly over the course of just three games.

The defender who has received quality football education from Broad City and 36 Lion still has time on his side to improve on this, and add to an already very promising set of skills.

With the World Cup ticket still on the radar of the Flying Eagles, they have shown that the future is indeed bright for Nigeria.

Coventry City star striker, John Awodi shines at Flying Eagles camp

 

By Wale Mustapha

The current Flying Eagles camp is filled with fantastic players jostling for final place in the team for the AFCON U20 tourney billed for Egypt next month. 

One of them is a young striker, John Awodi from the UK based Coventry City Football Academy.

The striker was recently on trial with Queens Park Rangers of England and scored hattrick for them in a friendly.

He was granted permission by Coventry City International Academy to attend the second phase of camping for the Flying Eagles. 

Awodi has impressed the Ladan Bosso led technical crew with impressive displays in the team's camp at FIFA Goal Project Pitch.

The goal poacher appears to have the perfect height for a striker. He is very comfortable player on the ball, as well as having intelligence off the ball; which is always a fantastic trait for a striker to have. 

The teenager predominately operates as a striker, but he can be deployed as a winger and even just behind the striker; this is evidence of the versatility he possesses; one of his most impressive characteristics. His dribbling is also a key part of his game, with him able to control the ball confidently and beat players using speed and skill.

Strengths and Playing Style

Not only is Awodi quick with his feet, he is equally quick and effective with his decision making.

Very intelligent with his runs on and off the ball, Awodi has shown a penchant for creating space for himself as well as his teammates.

However, it is his goal scoring record and calmness in front of the goal that has hogged the limelight, and rightly so.

He is a calm customer even in the tight of positions – a trait very few players of his age possess – has a tidy shot and is quick to get into space in the attacking third.

Given his skill sets and the extended playing time being afforded to him, it is no surprise that he has already bagged goals for Flying Eagles in training.

Awodi's abilities as an attacking menace documented, but it is time to look at another aspect of his game that has impressed many – his defensive contribution. He loves to tackle, haggling the opposition defenders and is constantly tracking back to help his teammates out of precarious situations.

Conclusion

With his pace, precarious situations are often turned into advantageous ones as he has demonstrated an eye for fine link up play and counter attacking football.

He offers a lot of counter-attacking threat and he never disappoints with his finishing ability. For a forward, he has relatively good vision and awareness and can pick out some wonderful passes. 

It's evident to see that Awodi has talent in abundance. Not only is he a potential Flying Eagles regular in the future. John Awodi could be destined for greatness.

Egypt 2023: Ohaka, Nwosu, Yusuf arrive Flying Eagles' camp

 

Dominion Ohaka, Aminu Yusuf and Nathaniel Nwosu are early birds in the Nigeria national team camp for the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lobi Stars defender Aminu Yusuf was one of the players who arrived in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday night.

Also expected to be with the team on Sunday night is Giant Brillars’ goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso.

Before arriving camp, Ohaka and goalkeeper Nwosu featured for Water FC in a 5-0 massacre of Kuje FC at Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.

Ohaka scored two goals and provided an assist in the rout. Kadiri Collins grabbed a double while John Edwin also netted in the game.

After the match, Ohaka and Nwosu breezed to the camp of the Flying Eagles.

Training sessions will commence on Monday as coach Ladan Bosso looks to pick his final squad for the tournament that also serves as the qualifying tournament for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Indonesia.

Seven-time champions Nigeria will do battle with host nation, Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A of the 12-nation tournament taking place in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Ismailia, 19th February – 11th March.

All four semi-finalists at the championship will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.

Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo are in Group B, while The Gambia, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Zambia will slot it out in Group C.

2021 AFCON: NVBF congratulates Super Eagles for historic win

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria led by Augustin Eguavoen over their exceptional performance at the ongoing 2021 African Football Nations Cup (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Nigeria beat Guinea Bissau 2-0 in their third match to become the only team to win all three group stage matches at the 2021 AFCON on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by Engineer Musa Nimrod, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, he praised the players for playing with passion and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

Nimrod said, "The volleyball community are excited about the performance of Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. 

"Austin Eguavoen who is a lover of volleyball has shown once again that he has the capacity to lead the Super Eagles of Nigeria as an ex international and former coach. He performed such feat in 2006 and we are optimistic he'll surpass his record."

He urged the Super Eagles to take each matches in the next round seriously in order to avoid upsets.

The Sports Administrator said, "The hopes of Nigerians are high and it is our prayers they succeed. Austin Eguavoen and his team are now in the next round and we urge them to continue with the tempo they started with.

"If the Super Eagles of Nigeria succeeds at the 2021 AFCON, their success will rub on other sports in Nigeria and attract cooperative bodies to invest in them".

The Nigerian team have qualified for the Round of 16 of the 33rd African Cup of Nations, after claiming victories in all their Group D games, with a remarkable win over Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau scoring six goals, conceding just only one goal.

36 Lion sends best wishes to Olayinka after making Super Eagles' AFCON train

 

36 Lion Football Club have patted forward Peter Olayinka on the back for making Nigeria's final 28-man squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Slavia Praha's Olayinka will be hoping to start at the tournament in Cameroon after being named as one of the forwards in the star studded team.

Olayinka has already scored four goals and provided two assists in all competitions for Slavia Praha this season. This has now earned him a place in Austin Eguavoen's squad.

The 36 Lion product is now set to participate in his first major senior international tournament for Nigeria.

"We congratulate Peter Olayinka for making the Super Eagles final AFCON 2021. The 36 Lion family is proud of you," the club's Chairman Gafar Liameed told the Media on Friday.

"He (Peter) is one of our products making waves abroad and we hope he shines in flying colours. Go and make us proud Son."

The 33rd Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Cameroon from 9th January – 6th February 2022.

Ex international wants new coach to bring Westerhof playing style back to Super Eagles

 

 Former Super Eagles player, Akin Akinsheinde has call on any coach coming to handle the Super eagles to adopt the Clemens Westerhof's style.

Akinsheinde  said Whether foriegn or local such a coach should be given a free and not be manupipulated.

Akinsheinde added that Westerhof took his time to watch our league matches week in week out in Lagos and around the federation

 Akin Akinshiende the General Manager of seat of David football club an NLO side , who have also played for various clubs like Kaduna Rocks (Kaduna) Zamtex Guso (Zamfara) .. New Nigerian Bank (Benin).. NACB Fc (Kaduna) .. Kano Pillars (Kano).. El-Kanemi Warriors (Maiduguri) B.C.C Lions Fc (Gboko).. Zamalek Fc (Egypt).. First Vienna Fc (Austria).. Esma Vienna Fc (Austria).. Rapid Vienna (Austria).. Kwara Stars Fc Ilorin (Nigeria) Aha Al-Aly Fc (Lebanon) said a countries league is the bedrock of its football.

 Akin Akinsheinde who won Ecowas cup with super eagles and was part of the home based players westerhoof used in qualifying the Nigeria super eagles for the 1994 world cup said it is wrong for a coach to stay in a five star hotel in Abuja and be watching foriegn league matches and not move around the country to watch talented players in the league.

How many players do we have playing in top flight league in Europe,emphasis should be laid on the home base players ,young ones,whom when discover ,can possibly get big clubs in Europe.

Akinsheinde said westerhoof laid a good foundation for NIGERIA football.

"I get angry atimes when people praise Bonfere Joe because he reaped from Westerhof's labour, eighty percent of the players used by Bonfere Joe later where discovered by westerhoof.

'Special Eagles' seek' help ahead of Nations Cup in Tanzania

Less than a month to the Amputee Nations Cup in Tanzania, the Nigeria Amputee National Team also known as 'Special Eagles' has appealed to the Government and all well meaning Nigerians to support the team ahead of the continental showpiece.

Speaking during an interview with Silverbird TV on Thursday, and monitored by our correspondent, the Captain of the team, Sarafadeen Olalekan says the team is yet to open camp and have a definite preparation ahead of the competition billed to for November 26th to December 5th in Tanzania.

Olalekan who led the team to their hisoric silver medal win in 2018 Angola Nations Cup thanked Nigerians for their support for the team, while urging them to rally round the team in yet another trying times.

"Presently at the National team , things are not going the way it supposed to be as our preparation towards the next Nations Cup has not been encouraging. Up till this moment, we have not opened the camp and also all the logistics have not been put in place"

Stressing how difficult it is to play Amputee football, he noted that the team couldn't also invite some of its foreign based players.  

He emphasized the importance of going to Tanzania and getting a podium finish which will enable the team feature in the next year Amputee world cup coming up in Turkey- a novel approach different from the last appearance which was based on invitation.

"There's no funding. Even now, we have not gotten flight ticket and we will be travelling with 18 man team. We need support for logistics, feeding and kicking" he quipped

He added that the team is yet to also get recognition and compensation from the government since its exploits in the last Nations Cup.

The 7th Amputee Nations Cup will be featuring 18 countries-

more than the last edition which had 10 teams on the card.

Olalekan, who lamented that the team also lack the best of facilities for training believes that the they are repleted with Technical crew and players that are capable to make the country proud.

'It will be difficult for a Nigerian to coach Super Eagles for now' - Christian Obi

 

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Christian Obi has stated that present procedures adopted in the recruitment of the Super Eagles Head Coach, has made it difficult for any Nigerian to be selected to handle the senior national team. 

The Moscow Olympics bronze medalist who spoke at the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association Interactive Program at the weekend, said Nigerians have the qualities to handle the Super Eagles but, the recruitment procedures have made it extremely difficult for any Nigerian coach to be considered for the position. 

Quoting his words, the former Julius Berger and Iwuanyanwu Nationale safe hand said "it's always the aspirations of any coach to coach at the highest level like the Super Eagles. We have good coaches who have what it takes to coach the Senior national team. Nigeria is blessed with the Coaches, but the forces that have taken over the recruitment of the coaches can not allow a Nigerian to be there for now. The administrators, the agents and the scouts have taken over the job of the coaches, leaving their own jobs undone. If proper professionalism is applied in the game, where everyone concentrates on doing his job, Coaching the Super Eagles will be easy for a Nigerian coach " he said. 

On the downward trend in Nigeria Football, the Algiers 1990 silver medalist attributed  the inability of the  football ruling bodies in the country to provide a level playing ground for all the teams as the major factor affecting the game in the country. 

He said the issue has made it extremely difficult for the country to have the best representation at the continental levels " we have the potential to emerge tops at every football event in Africa and the world, but the inability  of  our football bodies to provide a level playing ground for all the teams has made it very difficult for us to be where we are supposed to be. It has led to the downward turn in our Nigerian football especially the league . It's so bad to the extent that the winners of league can not stand at par with those of other countries in Africa. Each Football season we decide winners before the commencement of the League season and this has affected our football tremendously. This no doubt, has had negative effects on our representations in continental championships. But, if a level playing ground is provided for all the teams, and the best is allowed to emerge, Nigeria will win all the trophies in the continent " he emphasized. 

 Obi who is the Chief Coach of Heartland FC further advocated  for the elimination of those vices for the country's football to  witness the jam-packed stadia whenever rival teams are playing in the domestic League.

Pinnick: Why we offered Rohr fresh two –year contract

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has explained that the resolve of the Federation’s leadership to ensure there are no distractions of any size or complexion around Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup preparation and participation informed the offer of a fresh, two –year contract to Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr. 

Eagles begin training in Uyo, committed to victory over Bafana

Nigeria has never lost a competitive match to South Africa at senior level, and the Super Eagles are confident that record will not only be sustained, but a convincing win by Nigeria awaits in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

AFCON 2017: Ayew tips Ghana as title favorites

Ghana forward Andre Ayew gave his thoughts regarding The Black Stars’ chances in the upcoming African Cup of Nations, starting January 15th.

2016 AFCON Beach Soccer: Ejor names Nigeria squad

Ahead of the 2016 AFCON Beach Soccer slated for Lagos, Nigeria between Dec 13th-18th, Nigeria Beach soccer team coach Audu Adamu Ejor has picked 12 players that will represent the country at the epic event.