Falconets Coach Heads To Japan.

Chief Coach of the U-20 Women National Team, Edwin Okon has been confirmed to witness the draw of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup billed for Tokyo, Japan on Monday, June 4.

Consequently, the Falconets coach, is expected to fly out tonight aboard a Lufthansa Airline from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He will be accompanied on the the long distance journey by the team secretary, Faith Ben-Anuge with both officials landing the Asian country noted for its technological prowess on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the global challenge, Okon has predicted a tough draw but is prepared to face the battle irrespective of the level of opposition.

"We are not going to relent in our effort just as we are very determined to make Nigeria happy at the forthcoming World Cup in Japan. No matter our opponents, we must be ready," he said.

During the qualifiers which ended a fortnight ago, Nigeria scored a total of 13 goals without conceeding a goal which Okon has praised his defenders for.

Two years ago, Nigeria shocked the world by reaching the final of the championship after overcoming USA in a dramatic semi final encounter that ended in a penalty shoot-out but bowed out to champions Germany.

The draw will be presided over by Tatjana Haenni, FIFA head of Women’s Competitions, and Junji Ogura, President of the Japan Football Association (JFA) and chairman of the Local Organising Committee.

The draw will determine the fixtures drawn into four groups, which will be played in Hiroshima, Kobe, Miyagi, Saitama and Tokyo from 19 August to 8 September 2012.

Peter Rufai To Honour Gbagada Mock Nations Cup.

In readiness for the 10th edition of the Gbagada Mock Nations Cup, the organisers has scheduled next Tuesday for the tournament's draws and presentation of awards for stakeholders who have supported the Gbagada Grassroot Sports Association.

Secretary, Gbagada Grassroot Sports Association, Kemac Emina, confirmed that the draws which would be staged at the Agape Event Centre, Gbagada, would be conducted under the supervision of the members of Lagos State Football Association.

He said the registered Thirty two grassroot football teams would be drawn in eight groups of four teams as the best two teams from each group would qualify for the round of sixteen, adding that the Association would honour corporate bodies, sports journalists, individuals and football players who have rendered unflinching support to the Association especially at the time when they were being confronted with series of challenges.

Emina, explained that the tournament which was being supported by the Rotary Club of Gbagada had produced great football players such as Kabiru Akinsola, former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles, Ebok Edet, former Flying Eagles and Under 23 football player and Daniel Agbagu.

In- coming President of Rotary Club of Gbagada, Doctor Olubayo Windapo, said the club decided to partner with the association because the Rotary International has set aside the month of July, 2012 for its annual "Theme: Peace Through Serive" and he believed that it is time to preach about peace especially among the youths.

Windapo, who observed that Gbagada is relatively peaceful, said the club supported the football competition since football is one of the vital tools to preach Peace, adding that the club would be organising a day seminar for the participating teams to intimate the teams on Fairplay, Peace among  other issues.

Among the dignatries expected to honor the draws are Peter Rufai, Senator Mamora, Oba Olalekan Sejiro James, the Orolagbade the second of Kweme Kingdom, Bagadgry, Rotary Club District Governor, Kennedy Ejakpomewhe.

Siasia Wants Eagles To Score First.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia, has urged the handler of Nigeria's Eagles, Stephen Keshi, not to adopt similar tactical error he committed during the last African Nations Qualifier  against Guinea which would deprive or put the team on a tight rope in securing a ticket for the forthcoming African Nations Cup qualifier.

The former Eagles Chief Coach, said Nigeria was knocked out of the last edition of the African Nations Cup because the Guinean scored first at the National Stadium Abuja and the early goal went a long way to derail the team's technical crew from designing a positive tactical approach to win the encounter since they were thinking of scoring either a goal or two goals to scale through to the competition proper.

While commending Keshi for paving the way for the Nigerian premier league players in the Eagles, said the team's Head coach should endeavor to select the best football players he thinks would help him to win the match against the Namibia national team on Sunday because he does not have ample time to waste with the number of matches the squad have to play within a space of a month.

He advised the former Eagles captain to request for the video tape of the Namibia national side and he needs to understudy it wisely as it would enable him to design a better tactical approach to the match with a view of securing maximum points, adding that his tactics must be designed in a such a way that it must be suitable to the players.

Siaais, who also praised the coach for naming Vincent Enyeama as the team's captain, said Keshi would not be under undue pressure for playing Namibia despite losing two matches in a row, stressing that losing two friendlies would enable him to have corrected the mistakes observed during international friendlies.

Former Nigerian Internationals Hail Apapa Local Government As Council Boss Unveil New Bus.

Former Nigerian Internationals, Samson Siasia and Waheed Akanni, have commended the efforts of Ayodeji Joseph, the chairman of Apapa Local Government for providing a brand new Toyota Bus for the Apapa Golden Stars Football Club in a bid to further motivate the team to excel in both national and international competitions.

Former Super Eagles coach, who was elated over the gesture, said the support of the Apapa Local Government towards the development of football in Lagos State has shown that grassroot football is the survival and future of Nigerian football because the move would aid the young football players to be focused and concentrate on how to achieve success in their chosen profession.

While urging other local government chairmen in Nigeria to emulate Ayodeji Joseph in redeeming the image of grassroot football, Siasia, said it was a noble idea for the council to organise regular football competitions because the event would not only help to reduce the rate of criminal activities among the youth but also aid the discovery of young talented football players who might be invited to the national camp.

To Wahid Akanni, the move is a kind of motivation for the young football players whom he believes could be Nigeria's future stars with proper training programme that is fortified with modern techniques, adding that Nigeria is blessed with  talented football players but they are not exposed to modern techniques of soccer.

The Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Seyi Akinwunmi,said the Local Government was a partner in progress especially in the area of organising football competition and providing necessary tools for the growth of football in Lagos State.

NFF Stages Federation Cup Draw In Abuja

The Draw Ceremony for the national preliminaries of the 2012 Federation Cup will hold at the FIFA Technical Centre, National Stadium Complex, Abuja on Wednesday.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Tuesday that 60 clubs from across the States of the Federation have qualified for the national preliminaries and will enter the Draw, which starts
at 12pm, on Wednesday.

Among the 60 participants are Cup holders Heartland FC of Owerri and last year’s runners-up Enyimba FC of Aba, as well as CAF Champions League contenders Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Enugu Rangers, Warri
Wolves, Niger Tornadoes, Wikki Tourists, Gombe United FC, Kwara United FC, ABS FC, 3SC of Ibadan, Kano Pillars, Sharks FC, Akwa United FC, Lobi Stars, Dolphins FC, Rising Stars, Kaduna United FC and Ranch Bees FC – all Premier League clubs.

There are also 15 Nigeria National League Clubs, 14 Nigeria Nationwide League Clubs and 12 Non-League Clubs.

The 15 Nigeria National League clubs are: Abia Warriors, Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Rovers FC, Sportlite FC, Kogi United, First Bank, Nasarawa United, Gateway FC, Prime FC, Crown FC, Plateau
United, JUTH FC, FC Taraba and FC Abuja.

The 14 Nigeria Nationwide clubs are: Jimeta United, Makwada Stars, Akpabio Stars, Zabgai FC, Canaan United, Dynamite Force, Fountain FC, Flash Flamingoes, Hajaig FC, Dabo FC, FC Ebeide, Olorunda FC, Yobe Desert Stars and Police Machine (FCT).

The 12 Non-League clubs are: Samba FC, Police Machine (Ekiti), Mbaise Lions, Gamji United, Ajax FC, All-Stars Academy, Sakaba Links, Nehoda FC, Niger Tornadoes Feeders, Scorpions FC, Fame Academy and Mgbo Ambassadors.

The grand finale of this year’s Federation Cup competition will take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Sunday, July 29.

Last year, Heartland FC of Owerri piped Enyimba FC 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.

Namibian Delegation Arrives On Thursday

A 25-man delegation of the Namibian National Football Team, known as Brave Warriors, will arrive in Lagos on Thursday evening aboard a Lufthansa Airline flight from Frankfurt.

NFF officials confirmed on Tuesday that the delegation of 25 will be made up of players, technical crew and backroom staff. A separate delegation of three officials of the Namibia Football Association will
also arrive Lagos the same day aboard a South frican Airways flight from Johannesburg.

The Brave Warriors, who have been training in Germany and played a 0-0 draw with Mozambique in a friendly in Germany on Saturday, take on the Super Eagles in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, African
Series Day One at the U. J. Esuene Sports Stadium, Calabar from 4pm on Sunday.

Nigeria/Namibia: FIFA Approves New Kick-Off Time.

FIFA has approved a new kick-off time of 4pm for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Brave Warriors of Namibia, taking place in Calabar on Sunday.

A cautious Nigeria Football Federation had approached FIFA with request to bring the match kick-off time forward by one hour, from theearlier agreed time of 5pm. FIFA duly obliged.

This means Sunday’s Day One match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, African series will now start at 4pm at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in the Canaan City.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu confirmed this development in Abuja. “Yes, the match will now kick off at 4pm. We earlier proposed the time of 5pm but after deep consideration of all the
issues involved and especially with certain circumstances that have become manifest, we approached FIFA for a change of time and that has been granted.”

Also on Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the referees from Sudan will arrive in Nigeria on Friday aboard an Ethiopia Airlines flight from Addis Ababa. The Referees Assessor, Mr.
Sene Badara from Senegal will arrive Nigeria on Thursday while the Match Commissioner, Mr. Bojang Jammeh from The Gambia will be in Nigeria by Wednesday.

Khalid Abdel Rahman, 44, will be at the centre with his compatriots Waleed Ahmed Ali and Mohammed Idam Hamid as 1st and 2nd Assistant Referees respectively. Another Sudanese, Badr El Din Abdel Gadir will
be the Fourth Official.

Akpoborie, Howard, Etta Egbe Pump Up Eagles.

As preparations reach fever pitch for the Super Eagles versus Brave Warriors of Namibia World Cup qualifier, the camp of the national team at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, has been playing host to notable ex-internationals.

Three of them Jonathan Akpoborie, Franklin Howard and Etta Egbe stand out of the pack, as they not only monitor events at the team’s camp but also take time off to watch the team train and the trio were there on Monday and Tuesday mornings when the team trained and gave their thoughts about the team.

Akpoborie, who spoke first, said he was delighted at what he has seen in the national team, urging Nigerians to give the Stephen Keshi led technical crew room to excel. 

He said he sympathises with Nigerians’ desperation for victory in all international engagements but warned that it is a new dawn and the crew and players must be given time to blossom. 

His caveat however is that Keshi needs more Euro-based professionals in the team. “I have watched the team keenly and objectively and I think it’s very encouraging but I think we still need more foreign based professionals in the team because of their experience. 

I don’t have any person in mind but I trust that Keshi has the experience to call up those that will add value to the team.

On his part, Howard, who played alongside Keshi in the glory days of NNB of Benin City, said he was in the team’s camp to lend support to his old pal and the players and praised the vision of Keshi to give home based players a chance to fight for shirts in the national team.

The Unicem Rovers of Calabar Coach, said with what he has seen, Calabar will not only bring victory to the team but has the capacity to become the new home of the national team, because of the maturity and support base that football enjoys in Cross River.

 “If you bring Under 5 or Under 10 national team here, they will excel, because the people are simply crazy about soccer.

Famed former Calabar Rovers and NNB goalie, Etta Egbe, a son of the soil here in Cross River, says citizens of the state have been praying daily for the national team to excel on Sunday and he was sure that the team will not only win but win very well. 

“In churches, mosques and even traditional places, Cross Riverians have been praying for the Super Eagles and the much I have seen of Keshi’s team, gives me hope that the team will conquer on Sunday”, he said.

Enyeama Is UNICAL Favourite At Training.

The Super Eagles training at the University of Calabar soccer pitch inside the main campus of the ivory tower is fast turning to a funfair of some sort as fans numbering over five thousand troop in daily to cheer the team at training.

It was initially mild on Monday morning, but by  the evening of Monday, it has assumed a more exciting dimension, with students and other fans occupying nearly all available spaces within the football complex. It even got sweeter on Tuesday morning.

The fans exhibited very good knowledge of the players , and their clubsides, urging them to go and conquer against Namibia on Sunday, with cheers for every move of the players and officials. 

Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Ikechukwu Uche received applause specially. Not surprisingly, skipper of the side, Vincent Enyeama, an Alma Mater of the school, was the fans favourite, as they not only cheer every save he made but even advised him on what next move to make in his football career.

Some of the fans chanted, ‘Enyeama, leave Lille and go to England. Arsenal dey wait for you”. 

Another roared ‘ no let French people kill your talent, Wenger dey wait for you for London’. Many more too numerous were chanted during training. The Eagles first choice, simply smiled away and waved at the fans at the end of every training session.

Lawal Doubtful For Namibia Clash.

Atletico Belaeres midfielder, Raheem Lawal, might miss out of the Super Eagles versus Brave Warriors of Namibia World Cup qualifier on Sunday, following a battle for visa regularization in Spain. 

 Lawal, was exquisite in the midfield when the Super Eagles played Peru in a friendly last week and was thought to be in Stephen Keshi’s plan for Sunday’s duel.

Super Eagles Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor, said he has not relented in ensuring that the player’s papers are regularized. “We are still expecting him anytime from now and we will not relent until he arrives the country to join his colleagues in camp”, he said.

It’s however thought that even if Lawal arrives camp on Tuesday or Wednesday latest, Head Coach, Stephen Keshi may have no room to assess him properly for a game as crucial as a World Cup qualifier. 

He may have to wait for the away tie next week against Malawi to prove his mettle. Though, nothing has yet been ruled out.

Meanwhile, Italy based duo of Nnamdi Oduamadi and Obiorah Nwankwo, joined camp Tuesday afternoon, to swell the number of players in the national team to 26. 

They were part of the evening training and hustling for shirts ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Brave Warriors.

 

Senator John Shagaya To Lead Nigerian Contingent United Kingdom.

Former Internal Affairs Minister and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial district (2007-2011), Senator John Nanzip Shagaya is to lead a delegation of Nigerian young golfers to the United States Kids Golf Foundation European Championships which takes place in Gullane, Scotland from June 5-8, 2012.

The golfers aged between 5 and 18 years old emerged from the recently concluded Kids Golf International All African Junior Golf Championships which took place at the IBB Golf Course in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Kids Golf International in partnership with the Ladies section of the IBB Golf Club. Senator John Shagaya is also among the first group of inductees into the KGI Golf Hall of Fame for his visionary and lifetime contribution to golf.

As the leader of the delegation, Senator John Shagaya will also be presenting the Golf Hall of Fame award to the President and Founder of the U.S Kids Golf Foundation, Mr. Dan Van Horn for his world wide contribution to the development of golf among young children.

Commenting on his decision to come with the team, President and Founder of Kids Golf International Prince Kenny Thompson said he was very delighted to have him with the kids.

“His dedication to golf development in Nigeria is unrivalled and for me, it shows that we did not make any mistake in giving him the Golf of Hall Fame Award. 

The final Nigerian contingent are Georgia Oboh of Ikeja Golf Club, who will be the official captain of the team, Jordan Thompson (IBB), Samuel Machang (Rayfield, Jos), Judith Nyoon (IBB), Gampyal Shagaya (IBB), Edward Iloghallu (IBB), Abubakar Aminu (IBB), Mumemgadi Iloghallu (IBB), Aizoe Okaisabor (IBB), Aidevo Okasaibor (IBB), Atahomon Okaisabor (IBB), Tawa Ademola (IBB), Jasmine Ogboru (Ikoyi 1938),  Hauwa Abubakar Abdullahi(IBB), Zinkgak Wadak, and  Abba  Wadak (Rayfield, Jos).

The delegation will also include the current lady captain of IBB Golf Club, Mrs. Anne Addeh and the immediate past lady captain, Mrs Nana Wusalitu Abubakar who was very instrumental in organising the 1st KGI All African junior championships in partnership with the Kids Golf International.

Enyeama Steps Up As Eagles Skipper

The Super Eagles has commenced final dress rehearsal for their crunch World Cup qualifying duel against Namibia on Sunday in Calabar. Head Coach.

The team's Head Stephen Keshi, wasted no time in naming ‘home boy’ and arguably Africa’s best goalkeeper of the modern era, Vincent Enyeama, as the skipper for the duel against the Southern Africans.

Enyeama is expected to continue in that role until substantive skipper, Joseph Yobo recovers from his injuries.

At the morning training session which commenced at about 7:30 inside the University of Calabar mini stadium, Keshi, simply addressed Enyeama as captain and all and sundry concurred.

The training, which was conducted under the scorching early morning sun had 22 players in training, with only one of them, Papa Idris, not fully involved in action as he was still recovering from past knocks. He was however able to jog and run around gracefully under the supervision if Physiotherapist, Olawale Oladejo.

The foreign based professionals who trained yesterday are Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Ikechukwu Uche, Efe Ambrose, Fengor Ogude, Elderson Echejile, Gege Soriola, Ekigho Ehiosun, Ahmed Musa and Vincent Enyeama. They were joined by the 12 home-based stars unveiled at the weekend and led by Warri Wolves goalie, Chigozie Agbim.

Later in the afternoon, Montpellier of France league 1 championship hero, John Utaka and Israeli based goalie, Austin Ejide joined camp to help shore up the camp of the national team.

Keshi Seeks Aggressive Goalscorers

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi, has unveiled an ambitious programme aimed at ensuring that the national team, scores plenty goals not only against Namibia, but against any foe in the qualifiers for the Nations Cup 2012 and the World Cup 2014.

For Keshi, no matter how pretty a team plays, goalscoring abilities remain the ultimate decider of matches hence his advise to Eagles strikers not only to be aggressive in front of goal but to ensure that they are 70 per cent on target at all times. “In our time, matches against teams like Namibia are not discussed in terms of whether we will win but how many goals we will score and that is what I want us to return to in the new Super Eagles”, he told the players on Monday morning.

His training was also targeted at getting goals, as he said the Namibians, who have been training in Germany for the qualifier must not be underrated. “They say we are the super power and Namibians are minnows, those are only words, and until we show it on the pitch we will just be living in a fool’s paradise”.

The Super Eagles train twice daily at 7:30 am and 3:30 pm inside the UNICAl Sports Ground. That will continue until the team moves to the UJ Esuene Stadium on Thursday, to perfect strategies against Namibia.

 

 

Under 15 Hit Lokoja For Camping

The  National Team Under 15 has continued their preparations for the Eight-Nation Adidas Under 15 Football Tournament tagged Mexico 2012, as players resumed yesterday at their camp, in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.

Media officer of the team Bunmi Haruna, revealed that all 26 invited players are already on ground and the team will be in camp for at least two weeks before they leave for Mexico on June 13th.

Team coach, Danladi Nasidi said 20 players would be retained for tournament which commences on June 18th and end on June 24th in Mexico City. 

“You know I retained 26 players from the old camp out of which I will pick a final 20 players as approved by the NFF, the first week of our training will focus on fitness, after which I’ll reduce the number of players in camp to 20 to focus on tactics. Our camping in Kogi will help keep us away from distraction which is usually associated with camping in Abuja, also, the facility in Kogi is a new one and it’s of world standard.”

“Our target is to win the competition and produce good players for Nigeria that can graduate to the U-17, U-20, U-23 and the Super Eagles level in years to come.” Said coach Danladi.

Only players born on January 1st, 1997 or after are eligible to participate in the tournament. Teams are expected to take care of their air transportation to and from Mexico City. Once in Mexico City, the organizers will be responsible for the accommodation, local transportation and logistics of delegation of up to 25 persons, for the duration of the tournament.

The Eight-Nation Adidas U-15 Football Tournament  which aims at bringing eight high-quality Adidas teams, from all Confederations, will feature Nigeria, Spain, Argentina, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark and host Mexico.

David Dein Confirms For Soccerex Lagos.

Former Vice Chairman of Arsenal FC and the Football Association, David Dein, has joined the line up for the inaugural Soccerex Seminar Lagos, 27-28 September 2012.

David will call upon his vast local and international experience to deliver a masterclass on the hot topics in football today, with particular focus on the market in West Africa.

He has been a regular visitor to the region and a strong advocate of its business potential. Commenting on the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, David said:









David’s session will be part of an agenda designed to promote industry best practice and highlight the growth potential of the region.

The conference line up for the event will address key regional and international issues such as Football in West Africa, Youth Development, The Business of Football, Doing Business in West Africa and Social responsibility.

 David’s session will be part of an agenda designed to promote industry best practice and highlight the growth potential of the region.

The conference line up for the event will address key regional and international issues such as Football in West Africa, Youth Development, The Business of Football, Doing Business in West Africa and Social responsibility

Lagos State Will Now Focus On Discovered Athletes, Oshodi

The Lagos state commissioner for Youth ,Sports and Social Development, Barrister Wahid Enitan  Oshodi has said that the number of young and hidden talents that featured in the games is a reward of the efforts which the state put into the staging of the 2012 Lagos State Sports Festival , tagged Ibile games.

Oshodi said focus would now be on the athletes discovered and they would be seriously engaged by the sports associations with help of the 106 honorary coaches employed by the Lagos State Government.

The commissioner explained that  the Ibile games which serve as a test run to the 'Eko 2012 '18th National sports Festival which Lagos will host in November has fitted into the plans of the local organising committee as the shortcoming notice will help a successful National Sports Festival.

Oshodi lauded the support received from corporate organisations who despite short notice throw their weight behind the Ibile games hoping that the National Sports Festival will be a successful event and strengthen the county's unity through sports.

The commissioner concluded that the sports association will commence their quarterly champions  and open camps for athletes  that will be selected to represent the state at the National sports Festival.

Adijat Promises Gold Medal At EKO 2012 Games.

A National Sports Festival Bronze medalist Atanda Adijat ,has assured Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola that she will win a Gold medal at Eko 2012 Games in November having won Bronze medals at two previous editions of the Games.

The kick boxer won Bronze medals at Kada Games 2010 and Garden City Games, 2011.

Adijat , 20, feather weight kick-boxer, who represented Yaba Local Council Develoment Area, won a gold medal at the just concluded 2012 IBILE games after beating Fatimo AbdulYusuf.

The kick boxer who believed she was robbed in the semi-final clash against Edo state kick boxer at the Garden City Games in 2011, said wining a Gold medal at the just concluded IBILE Games was a testimony that she is mentally and physically prepared to win a Gold medal.

According to her, she has step up her training programme to sit her desire for a Gold medal as she believe that the gesture would earn her an invitation to the national camp where she would be able to demonstrate her skills.

She said her aspirations was not only to become a national champion but and African Queen of the sport, adding that the Lagos State should endeavor to pay the athletes allowances to motivate them to excel at the EKO 2012 Games.

Season 5, MTN Lagos Street Soccer To Begin In July.

The coast of the MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship,Season 5, is getting clearer as the competition's stakeholders are expected to converge at the indoor sports hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium,Surulere, next Wednesday to unveil the tournament which has become a household name in Lagos State.

Secretary, MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship, Deji Aladegbemi,informed Sportsweight.blogspot.com that this year's edition would kick start next Thursday with a road show sensitizing the people of Lagos of the Season 5,Five - A - Side Football competition as he mentioned that over five hundred streets in the male, female and corporate categories had obtained registration forms.

According to Aladegbemi, the stakeholders forum scheduled for for next Wednesday would serve as an opportunity to reveal numerous benefits for the registered football players such as qualifying incentives, foreign tour for the best three teams, prize money to winners and unveiling of the competition's official football balls.

He said the organisers had designed a Player Mentoring Programme where the selected football players would be groomed and also have opportunity to feature in the MTN Football Scholar, adding that the selected football players would form the nucleus of MTN Lagos Street Soccer team that would be participating in any organised football tournaments such as the State's F. A Cup, State's Football League among others.

Fashola Hails Athletes, Teams As Yaba Lifts Trophy At Ibile Games.

Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the athletes as well as the participating teams, saying that they exhibited sportsmanship spirit throughout the competition.

The Governor urged the teams to put up good fights in subsequent tournaments as he commended the local councils and LCDA chairmen for supporting their various teams to be part of the competition.

Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) showed that they are capable to rule at the Lagos State Sports Festival tagged Ibile Games and to ascertain their intention, the team amassed 158 gold, 104 silver and 99 bronze medals to be crowned the champion at the weekend.

Even when it was obvious that Bariga LCDA and Lagos Island were closing up on Yaba, the team put up a good fight in the final days of the competition to emerge the overall champions.

The efforts of Lagos Island in the athletics event was not even enough to earn them a second place as Bariga finished second behind Yaba with 153 gold, 120 silver and 115 bronze medals.

Despite dominating the track and field event, Lagos Island settled for the third spot with 86 gold, 72 silver and 72 bronze medals, while defending champion, Ibeju-Lekki wriggled its way into the fourth place with 17 gold, 48 silver and 45 bronze medals.

Quadri remains Portugal’s Table Tennis Best Despite League Title Loss.

Nigeria’s ace table tennis player, Aruna Quadri, has been rated as the number one player in the European country despite the defeat of his Portuguese club, GDSR Os Toledo’s to Sporting Club in the Portuguese table tennis League final.

Quadri, who plies his trade with GDSR Os Toledos, was instrumental to the team’s resurgence this season as he became the star player for the team in most of the league matches.

But at the weekend, Quadri and his teammates were on the losing end as they lost the second leg of the league final to Sporting 4-0.

Quadri said it was a bad weekend for his team having  lost the second leg of the playoff final 4-1 to Sporting, adding that his teammate, Diogo Silva started the match against Andre Silva and he lost in five tough sets.

Despite giving his best but Silva escaped narrowly with the encounter ending 3-2 in favour of Silva while Sas Lasan also lost to Sporting Chinese player by three games to One.

 “It was a bad weekend at home for us as we lost the second leg of the playoff final 4-1 to Sporting. Although my teammate, Diogo Silva started the match against Andre Silva and he lost in five tough sets.

Despite giving his best but Silva escaped narrowly with the encounter ending 3-2 in favour of Silva. My Slovenian teammate, Sas Lasan continued with Sporting Chinese player but he also lost 3-1.

  He continued: “I came in as the key man and I won to reduce the match to 2-1. But we lost the doubles 3-2 despite leading 2-0.

Unfortunately for us, Silva the fifth match to Zheng Shun 3-0 to concede the title to Sporting being the defending champion. For me it was painful having come close twice in a row. But I am still hopeful that I can still win the league.”



Quadri’s performance in his second season in the European league was also rewarded as the London Olympics-bound player was adjudged the best player in the nine-month league.

In the ranking released last week by the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, Quadri garnered 225 points to win ahead of Mirandela’s Joao Geraldo, who amassed 224 points.

Aside Quadri, the only African and Nigeria in the top 15 is Nigeria’s Bode Abiodun, who plays for C.S. JUNCAL.

Abiodun, who opened the doors for most African players in Portugal, has 114 points to be ranked 12 in the league.

Abiodun, a former player with Sporting was also instrumental to the acceptance of Nigerian players in the league.
  

Victor Moses Is First Eagle In Camp

Wigan Athletic’s Victor Moses, has become the first foreign based player to hit the Super Eagles camp ahead of the a busy schedule of qualifiers for the Nations Cup and World Cup 2014.

Moses breezed into the team’s temporary abode at Excel Oriental in Lagos, on time for the team’s departure for Calabar, where it will prosecute its home games against Namibia and Rwanda.

When asked about his next point of call in club football, as a result of the rash of interst on him by various Premier League clubs, Moses, merely smiled away the question and concentrated on his breakfast.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Camp Commandant of the national team, Lt Col Rabiu Yandoto, has promised Nigerians that he would carry out his duties to the best of his abilities by ensuring excellent discipline in the team’s camp.

Yandoto, whose first official assignment was the trip to Peru, said he has made observations about the workings of the team and has been able to study the philosophy of Head Coach Stephen Keshi, and is certain that discipline under him will not be compromised.

Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya quotes Yandoto as saying “At all times, I will liaise with the Head Coach and all other necessary functionaries of the national team, to ensure that we up the level of discipline in the national camp so as to be able to achieve the result we want to in the team”, he said.

Peru Coach Salutes Gritty Eagles

Peru national team Head Coach, Sergio Markarin, has described the Nigerian national team as one of the strongest he has ever met in terms of phyisical strength and players technical abilities.

Speaking in a chat with Nigerian Head Coach Stephen Keshi, during Super Eagles last training session at the impressive Peru Football Federation (FPF), headquarters in Lima, Markarin, said he was shocked when he was told that more players will join the Nigerian squad for the World and Nations Cups qualifiers. To him, the players he saw are good enough for international duties at any level.

Hear the Uruguayan: “this team combines African ruggedness with South American flair, very strong and quick to the ball. I must commend them, because they played against a side that is very experienced like us and they kept the scoreline very low. That is a very disciplined team.”

Coach, let’s continue like this and I am sure we will meet in Brazil 2014”, he told Keshi.

A bemused Keshi, nodded in agreement while also paying tribute to the Peruvian captain Claudio Pizarro, goalscorer Guerero and Schlak 04 hitman, Farfan, for giving his side a good fight last Wednesday. “Sure Coach, that is the dream, that we will all be in Brazil 2014, see you there by God’s grace”, he said, as both coaches hugged and back-slapped.

The Nigerian side had after Wednesday’s trained at the Cristal playing pitch, one of the sponsors of the FPF on Thursday, while it moved to the amazing headquarters of football in Peru on Friday morning before departing the country. The FPF headquarters boasts of an eye popping Glass House, three beatiful, natural training pitches, where the national team usually trains and an artificial turf that is just being set up.

Keshi Drops Five, Pick 12 More Eagles.

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi, kick-started preparations for the Brazil 2014 qualifier against Namibia in Calabar on Saturday, when he announced that five football players will not be part of the camp in the Cross River State capital.

Keshi made the announcement during dinner at the Excel Oriental Hotel in Lagos, said the affected football players could be recalled in the future.

Twelve home based stars will be joined by Ekigho Ehiosun to compliment the 14players earlier announced to bring the number of players that will be in the Calabar camp of the team to 27.

The football players who were dropped are, Ugonna Uzochukwu of Rangers International, Enyimba’s Gbolahan Salami, Ossai Uche of Warri Wolves, Heartland’s first choice in goal, Daniel Akpeyi and his counterpart from Sharks FC, Okemuteh Odah.

Keshi said in a pensive mood that he had to drop the players because all of them cannot be in camp, stressing that the team's technical crew have reached a crucial bend and only the best of the best will be needed for the crucial match.

The 12 home-based professionals who made the list are Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba, Ejike Uzoenyi, Juwon Oshaniwa, Izu Azuka, Godfrey Oboabona, Henry Uche, Kalu Uche, Papa Idris, Gabriel Reuben, Obinna Nwachukwu and Turkey based Ekigho Ehiosun.

Keshi, yesterday also urged Nigerians and those in authority, with special reference to the media to help support the team with prayers and positive words rather than cause unnecessary distractions in the team. “Nigeria is blessed with thousands of players all over the world and not all of them can be invited at the same time, so we must be careful, when we start insisting that A or B, must be invited and the media has a crucial role to play here, otherwise we will divide the team and that is not good for us at this time”.

Imoke Joins 1 Game

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke believes the beauty of sports will be exposed when much emphasis is laid on fairplay, unity and non-violence.

 

The Governor’s views were echoed at the closing ceremony of the 3^rd Cross River State Athletics/Swimming Championship held at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Saturday where he seized a platform to add his voice to the 1 GAME: Football without Violence campaign.

 

Meeting formally with 1 GAME founder and Executive Director, Philip Obaji, Imoke expressed his appreciation and satisfaction with the progress of the campaign while pledging government’s continued support for sports and non-violence in the state.

 

“I’m proud of you and grateful for your efforts,” he said to Obaji after receiving a welcome T-shirt from the 1 GAME founder. “I’m glad that we have a team that is so passionate about sports. All what we’ve achieved in Cross River State has been driven by passion. We have a new team that is so passionate about sports,” he later added, apparently referring to the entire team that has made sports development in the state a success.

 

With this development, Imoke has become the first serving Governor in the country to publicly embrace the 1 GAME campaign and joins a growing list of local and international icons from the sporting and political world whose involvement in the non-violence initiative has helped promote its call for an end to violence and fanaticism in sports particularly football. His commitment to achieving zero tolerance to violence in sports has left Obaji handsomely impressed.

 

“I’m totally impressed with the attitude and commitment of the Governor towards achieving fairplay, unity and non-violence in sports,” he told sports writers at the end of the event. “Apart from the media, nobody or organ has supported this campaign as much as he has. He’s never hidden his desire for youth and sports development. We are grateful to him for the much we have achieved,” he added.

 

Funfair In Calabar As Eagles Arrive

It was a carnival like atmosphere on Sunday evening, when the national team; Super Eagles landed at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, for next Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Namibia, which will hold at the UJ Esuene Stadium in the Canaan City.

The traditional troupe, churned out music akin to that of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, complete with their green white green colors and escorted the team and its officials all the way to the hotel.

Speaking on the ground breaking reception, Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, said its been long that he saw such amazing welcome for the national team, especially at a time that the team is at rebuilding stage, adding that he thanked Governor Liyel Imoke, the Nigeria Federation Federation and the good people of Cross River State as he assured them that the Eagles would make them proud hosts of the national team.

Diminutive winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, said the welcome team had given the team enough motivation for victory while South African based defence ace, Gege Soriola, said he felt a sense of duty to repay Cross River state and Nigerians with a decent outing  on Sunday,3rd of June, 2012.

At the head of the Cross River State Welcome Party, was the Commissioner for Sports, Hon Patrick Ugbe, State Security Adviser, Rekpene Bassey, NFF Technical Director, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme was also among other top dignitaries who were detailed by Governor Liyel Imoke to give the Eagles a rousing welcome reception from the airport all the way to their camp site at the Metropolitan Hotel in the heart of the city.

Oshodi Inspects Agege Stadium

Mr.  The Commissioner for Youth, and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Agege Stadium which is nearing completion.

 

Oshodi during the inspection advised the contractor to ensure that the completion deadline for the stadium is not extended. 

 

This is because the stadium has been earmarked to host football preliminaries while the multipurpose hall is to host volleyball competitions of the 18^th National Sports Festival tagged “EKO 2012” that would be hosted by Lagos State.

 

He emphasized that no stone would be left unturned in the hosting of the National Sports Festival that would match International standards devoid of rancor and controversy. Oshodi then implored the contractor to execute a perfect job and deliver at the appointed time.

 

Meanwhile the stadium has played host to football matches of the on-going IBILE Games 2012. This is to test run the extent of readiness of the stadium for the 18^th NSF “EKO 2012”. 

 

Lagos has been adjudged to be 85% ready to host the 18^th NSF, the Honourable Commissioner said Lagos will continue to m,ake progress towards the preparation to hosting a spectacular National Sports Festival, he concluded.

 

NFF Hails President Jonathan On Bolaji Abdullahi

The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded Wednesday’s decision by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) to deploy Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi to take full charge of the National Sports Commission.

In Budapest, Hungary for this year’s FIFA Congress that commences on Thursday, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said President Jonathan’s move was the best thing that had happened to Nigeria sports in a very long while.

“Mr. President has taken a wonderful step. It shows clearly that His Excellency has been following events in the sports sector, and theexcellent role that Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has been playing in ensuring peace and then, progress. Without peace, there can be no progress or growth.

“The NFF is very happy with Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi being fully committed to the National Sports Commission. In such a short time as Supervising Minister, and even with the distractions/challenges of
having another full Ministry to take charge of, he has done so much to put things right,” said Maigari.

Maigari commended Mallam Abdullahi’s dispassionate handling of matters and personal commitment to bringing to an end, needless crises andc onflicts that had hampered the development of the Nigeria game for
almost two years.

He added: “I am delighted. The NFF has been working very well with Mallam Abdullahi and we will continue to work wonderfully well with him to lift Nigeria football to higher heights.”

Eagles Failed To Take Chances-Raheem

Atletico Belares’ of Spain midfielder, Raheem Lawal, was one of the few players in the Nigerian squad that spoke perfect Spanish, which is the lingua franca here in Peru, and he spoke plenty of it after the slim 1-0 loss to Peru by the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.

Lawal, who was appreciated by all including Peruvians who beaded him after the encounter for a solid second half display, said in his opinion that the encounter was a very balanced one, the difference being that while the host took one of the many chances that came their way, Nigeria wasted all their chances.

The Ilorin born midfielder, with a quiet mien, said he was however happy with the team’s display and for Stephen Keshi who gave him the chance to shine in Nigerian colours. “I will continue to offer myself for service to Nigeria and surely we will get bettter and better”, he said.

On his part, towering defence ace, Azubuike Egwueke, said he was disappointed by the loss to Peru but noted that it was now in the past. “The coach always tells us to forget the past and duel in the future, that is why I want to forget this match and promise that we will punish our next opponents, for playing so well and losing in this encounter”, he said. The Super Eagles are expected back in Lagos enrout Calabar on Saturday evening.

Ike Hails Agbim, Okpala Hits Ref

Super Eagles Assiatant coahces, Ike Shorunmi and Sylvanus Okpala agreed on one thing while reviewing the international friendly against Peru on Wednesday night and that is the fact that the team that the coaching crew headed by Stephem Keshi is building is gradually coming of age.

“The standard of the Copa America bronze medallists is very high, I must admit and that is why I am happy at the reaction of the players to pressure. No team in the world could hardly play at a higher level than what we saw and we reacted well. 

It’s a slightly higher level than what we saw against Egypt, now we have to go and use the experience we garnered here to pick the points in our African qualifiers”, quipped Okpala.

Ike on his part, felt the same way but has words of encouragement for goalie, Chigozie Agbim, who made several excellent saves on the night. 

“Agbim proved why he’s the captain of the team and I’m proud to have been associated with such a talented goalkeeper” the former FC Zurich and Super Eagles first choice goalie declared.

Okpala picked up the gauntlet again, ripping apart the suspect officiating of the Peruvian referee for the encounter. He accused the referee of awarding suspicious free kicks to the host and allowing them get away with all manner of kicks against the Nigerian players. 

“But each time we reacted and tried to play hard against the host the referee was penalising our players and that was why I was so angry and challenged him”. Recall that Okpala at a point got toe to toe with the referee and had to be reprimanded by Keshi during the encounter.

“Its a big lesson for our players and I know that with the type of players here this team will go places, all we want is fair officiating in all our games”.

 

Angry Keshi Resumes Training In Lima

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi, who after every game usually gives his players a day off training has broken that rule by dragging the player back to the Estadio Nacional in Lima, for a trainning session Thursday 10:00 am, Peruvian time as the team awaits its departure on Friday morning after its 1-0 loss to the hosts in an international friendly on Wednesday night.

Keshi told the players that he was breaking the rule because they failed to rise up to the occassion on the night despite the torrid condition under which the team arrived Lima for the encounter. Only Gege Soriola, Obiorah Nwankwo and Raheem Lawal, who are travelling early on Wednesday to rejoin their clubsides in South Africa, Spain and Italy were exempted from the training.

Keshi said he expected a better performance from his wards in the first half of the encounter but they went to sleep. “We can talk about jet-lag and all that but there is always a reason for failure and I hate failures. In my entire career as a player and a coach, I have never lost two matches consecutively, that is why we must regard this as the very last loss of this new order and return to training on Wednesday morning with an eye on victory at all times”, he yelled.

Keshi announced later that the foreign based quartet of Nnamdi Oduamadi, who led his Torino side to the Italian serie A promotion recently, Gege Soriola of Free State Warriors in South Africa, Atletico Belares’ Raheem Lawal and Obiorah Nwankwo of Parma of Italy, who is on loan at AS Gubbio, are to report to camp in Calabar latest Sunday evening. Only Lawal, who has a game on Sunday was permitted to report on Monday morning.

The coach is also expected to on arrival from Lima, announce the make up of the home-based squad for the tight three-way qualifiers against Namibia, Malawi and Rwanda. “We have no time now and we must pick a team quickly and concentrate on them, that is what we would do when we get to Nigeria for the qualifiers”, he said in Lima.

 

Oduamadi’s Attitude Impresses Keshi

Torino striker, Nnamdi Oduamadi, was the surprise guest of the national team; Super Eagles in Madrid Airport, when he stopped to connect a flight to Lima, Peru for Wednesday’s international friendly. 

 

Oduamadi scored one of the goals as his side got promoted to Serie A at the weekend and without waiting to celebrate took the next flight to Madrid en route Peru.

 

Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi could not hide his delight when the dreadlocked player came to where the Nigerian side was passing time till Monday to say he was already on his way to Lima and would even get there before the Nigerian side.

 

 “First of all I want to say congratulations over your club’s promotion and I must say apart from that I’m impressed that why other members of your club sides are celebrating in Torino, you chose to come and don the green which green colours of your fatherland, God will reward you and I urge you to keep it up”, he said Monday afternoon. 

 

Oduamadi thereafter spent time with his team mates and left when his flight was called for Lima. He is one of the five foreign based players that Keshi hopes to use in Wednesday’s friendly against Peru. Indications are also that Nwankwo Obiorah was already on his way to Lima, while Ekigho Ehiosun is with the team in Madrid that leaves for Lima on Monday.

 

The Nigerian Head Coach also took time off to comment on Saturday Champions League triumph by John Mikel Obi’s Chelsea, declaring that he was happy that a Nigerian was part of the epoch-making occassion. “Congratulations to Mikel and the entire Chelsea and I wish them the best next season”.

 

He also praised Montpellier striker, John Utaka’s brace that earned the team the French Championat at the weekend. “It’s instructive that he scored two goals days after we invited him to the national team, that will serve as a moral and psychological boost to the national team in the busy month of June. We sure need his experience to take the national team to the next level.

Eagles Miss Flight, Sleep In Madrid Airport As NFF Sends Encouraging Words

Following Sunday’s drug incident at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, which forced the cancellation of the Iberia Airliner that the Super Eagles were boarding to Madrid enroute Lima for Wednesday international friendly against Peru, it was double pain for the team as it missed it connecting flight from Madrid to Lima.

 

The team departed Lagos at about 10:30 am Nigerian time and got into Madrid at 4:30 Nigerian time, only to be told by officials of Iberia Airways that they have missed their flight to Lima, which had left earlier in the day, thus forcing the  team  to put up at the Madrid Airport, since they had only airport transit visas and could not be checked into any hotel in the city that parades European giants; Real Madrid. 

 

Provision was however made for the team’s meal in the airport by officials of Iberia and later in the night players and officials moved to an arranged lounge were they put up and had light refreshments before going to bed.

 

On hearing of the development, NFF President Aminu Maigari put a phone call through the team psychologist Dr Robinson Okosun to Head  Coach Stephen Keshi, to charge the players not to be deterred by events that almost truncated the international friendly.

 

Keshi relayed same to his players who vowed that they are now more determined than before to put up a show in Lima, when they confront Peru on Wednesday. 

“My only worry is that the players would not have had enough rest when we get to Lima, which is over 11 hours from Madrid, but I trust my players to give it the best shot on match day”, Keshi said.

Dodan Warriors,Kano Pillars Top DSTV/NBBF League

Dodan Warriors Basketball Club is topping the Atlantic Conference with a total of twenty four points after outdunking Chariots Basketball Club 79 points to 45 in the Week 12 clash in the DSTV/NBBF Basketball League.

Royal Hoopers is occupying the second position with twenty two points as Islanders Basketball secured the third position after beating Chariots by 64 points to 59.

Comets Basketball Club dumped Union Bank Basketball Club to the seventh position after defeating the club by 75 to 73 points while Customs Basketball Club is resting on the fifth position despite lossing to Police Baton by 66 to 72 points.

In the Savannah Conference, Kano Pillars Basketball Club is waxing stronger in the league as the team deeated Kada Stars 81 to 66 points.

Yelwa Hawks placed second on the league table was able achieved the feat after beating Tapgun Rockets Basketball League in a tough game that ended 91 to 88 points.

Niger Potters subdued Immigration Basketball Club 80 to 67 points to claim the third position as Defender Basketball Club is comfortably placed on the rung of the league table with thirteen despite beating Bauchi Nets, 66 to 63.

1 GAME ‘Goal Against Violence’ Education Kicks Off .

 

Barely six months after the 1 GAME: Goal against Violence project was launched, pupil awareness on the initiative will officially begin on Tuesday, May 22 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

 

Coordinator of the project and former Super Eagles Striker Jonathan Akpoborie while making the announcement said awareness on the project will form part of the 3^rd edition of the Cross River State Primary/Secondary Schools Athletics Championship which begins same day and ends on Saturday, May 26.

 

“We’ve decided to kick off with the Schools Athletics Championship which starts on Tuesday,” he told sports writers. “The championship will offer an opportunity for young athletes to be educated on the objectives of the ‘Goal against Violence’ project.”

 

Asked why awareness on the project will kick off in an event based on athletics despite having an objective to promote the essence of fair play and unity in football at school level, Akpoborie replied: “This is not the field work. What we are doing is creating awareness and sensitizing these young pupils. They need to know what this project is about and get set for it. This action is part of the project’s work plan.”

 

“I do admit football is the focal point but it’s important to also educate those involved in other sports. Unity and fair play is essential to not just football. More so, at this level, lots of pupils get involved in more than one sport, some aspiring footballers will be involved in the championship, so it’s necessary for us to act in multiple areas.”

 

With hundreds of primary and secondary school pupils across the eighteen Local Government Areas of Cross River State expected to take part in 12 different events during the championship, Akpoborie believes a generation of young aspiring athletes will begin to think positively about fair play in sports.

 

“The Objective of this project is to ensure that young school pupils understand the true essence of fair play and unity while involved in sports particularly football. I believe a generation will begin to think positively after this.”

 

 

 

Futsal Eagles To play Egypt for World Cup Slot

The Futsal National Team, otherwise known as Futsal Eagles, will aim to become the third Nigerian National Team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup this year when it takes on Egypt in the last round of African qualifiers for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup finals.

The Futsal Eagles secured their passage into the final round following the withdrawal of Gabon in the penultimate round, while Egypt, perennial African champions victimised Tunisia 9-3 on aggregate to set up a date with the Nigerian team.

Egypt won 4-1 away in Tunis two weeks ago and on Friday, completed the rout of their north African neighbours with a 5-2 pounding in Cairo.

The first leg of the fixture between Nigeria and Egypt will take place in Cairo on Friday, June 8 with the return leg set for the Gymnasium of the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Lagos on Sunday, June 24.

Head Coach of Futsal Eagles, former international defender Oladunni Oyekale says his boys will regroup in Lagos on Wednesday, May 23 in order for the team to have two-week intensive training programme before the flight to Cairo.

“We are coming back to camp on Wednesday. I want to assure Nigerians that we will face the task at hand with full concentration, commitment and confidence. The Egyptians are good but they are not unbeatable,” said Oyekale.

Falconets Land In Japan

In grand style, the U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, on Saturday in Kinshasa secured a berth at this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals, hammering their host, DR Congo, 3-0 to make it 7-0 on
aggregate against the Congolese in their final African qualifying fixture.

Despite a 4-0 cushion from the first leg in Abeokuta two weeks ago, the Falconets approached the second leg game with gusto, overpowering the DR Congo ladies in all departments of the game.

Honours were even for only seven minutes at the Stade d’Martyrs, before deputy skipper Ngozi Okobi scored for Nigeria in the 8th minute. Five minutes later, Desire Oparanozie made it two for the Falconets, before Francisca Ordega scored her fourth goal for the team in the qualifiers with a sizzler in the 23rd minute.

At this stage, Coach Edwin Okon’s girls decided to take things easy and enjoy themselves, as the Congolese girls could see no way back into the fixture.

The Falconets thereby emulated the U-17 Team, Flamingoes, which qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 two months ago.

The Nigeria delegation will depart Kinshasa on Monday aboard an Ethiopia Airline flight to Addis Ababa, and onwards to Abuja.

Drug Courier, NDLEA Halt Eagles Lima Trip

It was like a soap opera on Saturday night when the national team; Super Eagles’ much publicised trip to Lima, Peru, for an interrnational friendly was halted by the arrest of a drug suspect by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), abored an Iberia Airliner in Lagos.

 

The Eagles led by Head Coach Stephen Keshi had flown into the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos on Saturday afternoon from Abuja with 18 players and officials for an 8pm flight to Madrid enroute Lima, Peru for the firendly international that will hold on Wednesday. 

 

After passing through check in formalities with the Iberia airlines and other boarding routines with the all security agencies at the airport, the team was asked to proceed for boarding along with other passengers in the airline.

 

 After about one hour the team and other passengers boarded the plane at about 8:30pm, and just as Iberians officials were asking all to sit down for the plane’s takeoff there was a sudden bedlam, as an official of the airline announced that NDLEA officials had asked that all paasengers of the airline which was Madrid bound must disembark for fresh security checks following the discovery of a drug courrier in the aircraft.

 

By now it was getting to about 9:30, and by the time the fresh checking was complete on all paasengers, it was exactly 10:20pm. NDLEA officials then came into the aircraft with their sniffer dogs and spent another 30minutes checking the plane. By now, a suspect whom they refused to give his name has been arrested and another suspect who left his international passport in the aircraft seat 4A, was on the run. Effort to apprehend him proved abortive.

 

The airline then announced that the pilot of the plane has said that he could not fly again, due to international regulations, thus aborting the national team’s trip to Peru on Saturday night. The   players, officials and other passengers of the airline were then shephered into buses and taken to hotels around Ikeja area of Lagos, the nation’s commercial nerve centre and the flight rescheduled for 9:30 am on Sunday.

 

Head Coach Stephen Keshi said the team has lost valuable time to prepare in Lima, with early arrival there for the friendly but urged the players and officials to see their ordeal as one of the sacrifices to make for the nation as internationnal players.

 

Earlier, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who was at the airport to see the team off, had promised the team continous activities in the bid to rebuild a strong national team for the country. He charged the players and officials to go out for an outright victory in Lima, even as he said he was proud of the home-based professionals and their steady rise to international stardom. 

 

“You are lucky to have ex-stars like Keshi, Amokachi and Ike Shorunmi, as your coaches and I have no doubt in my mind that sooner than later new Keshis, Amokachis and Okochas will be discovered from this squad. The team has since departed for Lima on Sunday morning.

Eaglets Take On Niger Republic.

 Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, continues to bubble as the 40-man playing personnel continues to show
great promise, with wide-margin wins in friendlies.

 The team will play against a Nanka Team in Anambra State on May 27, in a match that will open a new, multi-million naira Stadium in that town.

The Eaglets will take on Niger Republic in the first round of their 2013 African Junior Championship qualifying series in September.

The Under 15 National Boys’ Team is also perfecting strategies and general preparation for the Eight-Nation Adidas Under 15 Tournament taking place in Mexico in June. The team will have its final training camp in Lokoja beginning this week.

Ikhana To Name Team On Tuesday

Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Kadiri Ikhana will on Tuesday unveil his team for the African Women Championship qualifying fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare.

It is the only fixture the Falcons, who are also reigning champions of Africa, have to go through before qualification for this year’s African Women Championship in Equatorial Guinea.

The Falcons fly out of Nigeria on Wednesday for the first leg coming up in Harare on May 26.

On Wednesday in Lagos, the camp of the Futsal National Team will open for intensive preparation ahead of the final African qualifying fixture for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup finals, in which the Futsal Eagles face perennial African champions Egypt.

The Futsal Eagles play the first leg away in Cairo on June 8.

NFF Hails Falconets, Urges Patience For Re-building Process.

The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the Falconets, for leaving no one in doubt as to its potency when earning a FIFA World Cup berth in Kinshasa on Saturday.

On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, said on Sunday that the feat of the Falconets gives credence to the re-building process of the NFF.

“The performance of the Falconets over the two legs was excellent. They had earlier dismissed Zimbabwe in similar fashion, scoring six goals and conceeding none in their fixture. Against DR Congo, they scored seven goals and conceeded none.

“We are very happy with the Falconets, just as we are with the Flamingoes, which earlier qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Azerbaijan. This is what the NFF has been saying: In an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, our football will go places.

“The NFF urges patience on the part of Nigerians, while it continues to work hard to take our football to the next level,” said Inyama.


The Falconets on Saturday at the Stade d’Martrys in Kinshasa dismissed their DR Congo counterparts 3-0 in front of the latter’s fans, with first half goals by deputy skipper Ngozi Okobi, Desire Oparanozie and
Francesca Ordega.

In the first leg played in Abeokuta, the Falconets won 4-0 courtesy of goals by Ordega and Ebere Orji with a brace from Captain Gloria Ofoegbu.

In its own qualification race, the Flamingoes hammered Kenya and Zambia home and away to qualify for the 2012 FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for Azerbaijan in September/October.

The 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Japan August/September.

NFF Congratulates Mikel Obi On Uefa Champions League triumph

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated Nigeria international midfielder John Mikel Obi for winning the Uefa Champions League title with English Premiership club Chelsea in Munich on Saturday night.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said on Sunday that Mikel Obi is a pride to the Nigerian nation, and deserves plaudits from all and sundry not only for his club’s victory, but for his personal commitment and high performance in the campaign.

Maigari said: “We are all very proud of Mikel Obi, and we congratulate him for this sweet victory. More gladdening is the fact that he was not a docile member of the team, or a bench-warmer. He was very active
and played his part brilliantly in ensuring a magnificent triumph for Chelsea.

“The whole nation should praise the young man. He fought hard and showed dedication all through the campaign and in the process, lifted our country’s name high in international football,” said Maigari.

Mikel Obi played the entire 120 minutes of regulation and extra time culminating in Chelsea’s 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night to claim the prestigeous Uefa
Champions League title for the first time.

“We must look at this win in its true context: Chelsea won the title right at the home ground of Bayern Munich, in front of their own fans.

It is an amazing story, and our own Mikel Obi was part of it,” added Maigari.