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.

Super Eagles stars see greatness in FC Ebedei players, commend Oliseh on quality leadership

Paul Onuachu and his Super Eagles teammates Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika have tipped players of FC Ebedei to boost their careers with top teams in Europe.

The Southampton striker scored the equalizing goal in the novelty game tagged FC Ebedei versus Onuachu, Onyeka, Onyedika and Friends hosted on Thursday at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu, Ogun State.

"FC Ebedei is where everything started for me and a few other Super Eagles stars. This visit is a regular one from me and this is what player that has made it to the top should do, going back to visit his boyhood club.

"The club has given us something big in life and it's best to pay homage and appreciate what Barrister Churchill Oliseh, has done to the youths and football in Nigeria.

"It's good to see the FC Ebedei Stadium facilities get more upgrades as its different from what I saw a year ago. My sincere appreciation to the club and FC Midtjylland who helped in my career growth.

"FC Ebedei has a lot of talents in stock, so it never amazes me when I see them. Having played against the team in a novelty match, I see many of them becoming an instant hits when they move to clubs in Europe."

For Brentford midfielder, Onyeka, "It's always good to be back to where it all started from. For me I am ever grateful to FC Ebedei as it was from here to FC Midtjylland and to the Premier League.

"It's nice talking to the players and from the few minutes I had with them, I see lots of prospects, especially the lads in the midfield. Nigerians should watch out for them as I see another Frank in the team.

For Club Brugge of Belgium Onyedika, who was visiting the club for the first time after his move to Denmark's FC Midtjylland.

"The facilities I have seen here is topnotch and what we find in Europe and in other top leagues of the world.

"With this, FC Ebedei has provided the platform for every talent to be successful in Europe, and with the quality I have seen in the team, many can walk into some teams without much stress. But they need to work, train harder and above keep focus."

After the game, Onyedika and Onuachu presented their signed club jerseys to FC Ebedei President, Barrister Churchill Oliseh

Super Eagles' trio lightens spirit around boyhood club with surprise visit

The trio of Nigeria international football stars, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika on Thursday paid a surprise visit to their boyhood club, FC Ebedei, Apele, Sagamu in Ogun State.

It was cheers and delight for players of the Nigeria National League (NNL), side who during their early morning training session, had the stars in their midst. 

Onuachu and Onyeka, who wear the colors of Premier League sides Southampton and Brentford respectively, and Onyedika who features for Belgium Jupiler Pro League side Club Brugge, are products of the professionally managed Nigerian football club.

It was the second time Onuachu and Onyeka are visiting the club while Onyedika was making his first since he left for Midtjylland of Denmark.

Also, FC Midtjylland reserved goalkeeper Mark Ugboh who became the second FC Ebedei shot-stopper to hit Europe, 21 years after Atlanta 1996 Olympics gold medalist and Super Eagles legend Dosu Joseph did, was on hand to cheer the team on. 

With some of the major European leagues in the off-season, the trio are in Nigeria for holidays and could hit the Super Eagles camp in Lagos to prepare for the match-day five AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone billed for the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in Liberia on June 18.

President of  FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh while showering encomiums on the Super Eagles trio, charged players of the club to learn from their success stories.

"It's an honor to have with us the Super Eagles trio of Onuachu, Onyeka, and Onyedika, they are great ambassadors of FC Ebedei, Nigeria, and indeed the continent of Africa. 

"They are shining examples of what FC Ebedei stands for and what you (the young players) can be in their near future. 

"However their success stories are no magic but all down to hard work, dedication, commitment, and prayers. So I urge all of you to see them as role models and give your best in everything you do on and off the pitch, as you all have a bright future ahead of you.

FC Ebedei did host Onuachu, Onyeka, Onyedika, and Friends in a novelty match that ended 1-1.

The Oliseh Boys took the lead before Southampton striker Onuachu equalized by scoring a penalty.

After the game, Onyedika and Onuachu presented their signed club jerseys to the President of FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh.