St Pauli midfielder Afeez Aremu anticipates Eguavoen's call to Super Eagles

The hard tackling player is one of the highly-rated defensive midfielders in the German Bundesliga 2 and according to him, it will be a dream come true if he is invited into the team.

"You know that every player wants to play for his country and for me, I have been playing active football in Europe for the past four seasons moving Norway to Germany. I am waiting for a call-up to serve my nation so if the opportunity comes why not, I will gladly welcome it," Aremu said.

"I am a very disciplined player so if I get the needed call up, I will be able to mastermind the midfield for years to come. It will be a dream come true.

Aremu expressed optimism on the Super Eagles' hopes of qualifying for the World Cup at the expense of Ghana.

"We have a quality squad capable of beating Ghana at the playoffs," he mused.

"The coaches also have what it takes to help the Super Eagles overcome the hurdle."

The former Akwa United enforcer has now played 13 times for St Pauli this season and is a regular for his side.

He has impressed greatly for Hamburg based side in their bid to gain promotion to the German top flight.

Afeez Aremu who has missed his team's last seven games due to hamstring injury is expected to play against Hannover 96 on February 20th.

St. Pauli are first on the Bundesliga 2 ladder with 41 points from 22 games.

NFF endorses Flying Officers Cup as prestigious preseason tournament

 

Nigeria's Football Governing Body, The NFF has officially endorsed the third edition of the prestigious Flying Officers Cup billed to hold next month in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. 

The Federation gave her  backing to the biggest Women Football Pre-season Tournament in Africa, through a letter signed by NFF Technical Director Austin Eguaveon on behalf of the General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. 

In the letter of endorsement, Sanusi wrote: "We express the warm compliment of the President, Executive Board Members, Management and Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 

"We hereby give you approval and thereby endorse the laudable competition by your Organization, Ratels Sports Development Foundation. 

He further commended the Flying Officers Cup Organisers for their efforts and commitment to the development of  women football in Nigeria. 

"We are aware of your efforts in always helping the Girl-child and your deep commitment to develop the women's game in the country. 

"We however have to reiterate that at every stage of the Competition, the Technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation must be carried along. 

In her reaction to the competition's endorsement, the General Coordinator of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo Esq  thanked the President, NFF General Secretary, the entire board and staff of the Federation for their unalloyed support for the competition and for Ratel Sports Development Foundation in general. 

"Getting the NFF's support for the Flying Officers Cup is very key and fundamental. This shows the work that the planning committee has put in place and continues to put in place to make the Competition a huge success. 

"So far, sixteen teams have already expressed and committed to participate in the competition and we are looking forward to hosting them in this epic and expected  perfect Tournament.

Also speaking, the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, the major sponsors of the Pre-season Championship noted that the official endorsement from the Nigeria Football Federation, which is the body in charge of football competitions and activities in Nigeria, further shows that the competition will be bigger and better this year. 

The Sports Philanthropist further charged everyone involved with the planning of the Pre-season Championship to keep all hands in deck to ensure a very successful outing.

"We are proud of what we have been able to achieve so far and with supports from the NFF, NWFL and all Clubsides involved, we are sure and optimistic that the Competition will be a very good one. In the coming days, we shall be rolling out more plans about the Flying Officers Cup. I want to appreciate the NFF and the NWFL for their moral and technical supports." He Concluded. 

The Flying Officers Cup is the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa with Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens emerging winners in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Amokachi reveals: 'Coaches take bribe to invite players to national team'

Former Nigeria captain Daniel Amokachi has said the practice of local coaches being bribed to invite players onto the country’s national teams is endemic.