Nigerians see new-look Mikel with Keshi

Pius Ayinor examines Mikel Obi’s change of attitude and the impact on the Super EaglesAfter the game against Malawi last Saturday, Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi heaped praises on Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi. Keshi said that the midfielder had been at his best under him.Mikel made distinct impression on the field against a boastful Malawi team and was deservedly voted the Most Valuable Player in the game. For the immediate reward, he got the TomTom $5,000 set aside for the MVP.But he was not just establishing himself as a midfielder to be relied on with the World Cup qualifying match in Calabar. He was in full control of Nigeria’s movements during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February. For his work rate, he and his teammates got rewarded with the African cup after a long wait since 1994. But perhaps the most enterprising outing so far in recent times for the Chelsea star remains the FIFA Confederations Cup which held in Brazil. It was a competition that brought to fore the attacking prowess of the young Nigerian.Nigerians first knew Mikel as an attacking midfielder with the national U-17 and U-20 teams but he soon became a midfielder who hardly had any business with the attack formation when he joined Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. But under Keshi, Mikel has played a more attacking position from the midfield than the defensive role he plays for Chelsea and he fully underlined it with his attacking posture during the FIFA event in Brazil. And remarkably, he scored the country’s goal in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay.The positive review Mikel is receiving now has come after so much waiting. His lack of presence with the national team had made him quite unpopular with Nigerians. He was derided, dubbed unpatriotic and called names in the years past. Even when Keshi first took charge of the Eagles in November 2011, the midfielder, continued with the lack of commitment for the national team. Mikel stayed away from the two friendlies against Botswana and Zambia – the games with which Keshi started. He was out due to injury but many Nigerians accepted the excuse with doubts. It was not until several months later that he finally played for the Super Eagles and the relationship with the team managers and Nigerians in general has moved from lukewarm to something hotter.His new disposition has made some fans of the Eagles to call for his elevation to position of the team captain with the continued absence of Joseph Yobo. But what could have created the new Mikel? Is it maturity or the dream for the captain’s band?A former midfielder and 1994 African cup winner, Mutiu Adepoju, believes it is a question of maturity rather than any other factor that has changed Mikel.He said, “For me, it has to do with maturity; I don’t see the captain’s angle to what we see of Mikel now. People mature with time and he is not different.“His club environment could have had positive impact on him largely. As you know, he plays alongside mainly national team players of other countries and the way they have responded to national team duties over the years must have made quite some remarkable impact on him. Mikel now has the understanding that it is a thing of pride to play for one’s country and he is exhibiting real maturity and leadership.“When a senior player like him behaves in such a positive manner, it has a way of touching the up and coming ones. The younger ones will simply watch the behaviour of the senior ones and emulate them. And so whichever direction the senior ones turn, they will likely follow.”Adepoju who played professionally in Spain added, “I understand he really showed leadership on and off the pitch during the Nations Cup in South Africa. He was the first to get to anywhere they were asked to go. Winning the African cup could not have come from nothing. The change is surely one of the best things happening to the Eagles right now.”Nigerians are surely waiting to see if the change will be permanent or could go with the wind.

Pius Ayinor examines Mikel Obi’s change of attitude and the impact on the Super Eagles

After the game against Malawi last Saturday, Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi heaped praises on Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi. Keshi said that the midfielder had been at his best under him.

Mikel made distinct impression on the field against a boastful Malawi team and was deservedly voted the Most Valuable Player in the game. For the immediate reward, he got the TomTom $5,000 set aside for the MVP.

But he was not just establishing himself as a midfielder to be relied on with the World Cup qualifying match in Calabar. He was in full control of Nigeria’s movements during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February. For his work rate, he and his teammates got rewarded with the African cup after a long wait since 1994. But perhaps the most enterprising outing so far in recent times for the Chelsea star remains the FIFA Confederations Cup which held in Brazil. It was a competition that brought to fore the attacking prowess of the young Nigerian.

Nigerians first knew Mikel as an attacking midfielder with the national U-17 and U-20 teams but he soon became a midfielder who hardly had any business with the attack formation when he joined Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. But under Keshi, Mikel has played a more attacking position from the midfield than the defensive role he plays for Chelsea and he fully underlined it with his attacking posture during the FIFA event in Brazil. And remarkably, he scored the country’s goal in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay.

The positive review Mikel is receiving now has come after so much waiting. His lack of presence with the national team had made him quite unpopular with Nigerians. He was derided, dubbed unpatriotic and called names in the years past. Even when Keshi first took charge of the Eagles in November 2011, the midfielder, continued with the lack of commitment for the national team. Mikel stayed away from the two friendlies against Botswana and Zambia – the games with which Keshi started. He was out due to injury but many Nigerians accepted the excuse with doubts. It was not until several months later that he finally played for the Super Eagles and the relationship with the team managers and Nigerians in general has moved from lukewarm to something hotter.

His new disposition has made some fans of the Eagles to call for his elevation to position of the team captain with the continued absence of Joseph Yobo. But what could have created the new Mikel? Is it maturity or the dream for the captain’s band?

A former midfielder and 1994 African cup winner, Mutiu Adepoju, believes it is a question of maturity rather than any other factor that has changed Mikel.

He said, “For me, it has to do with maturity; I don’t see the captain’s angle to what we see of Mikel now. People mature with time and he is not different.

“His club environment could have had positive impact on him largely. As you know, he plays alongside mainly national team players of other countries and the way they have responded to national team duties over the years must have made quite some remarkable impact on him. Mikel now has the understanding that it is a thing of pride to play for one’s country and he is exhibiting real maturity and leadership.

“When a senior player like him behaves in such a positive manner, it has a way of touching the up and coming ones. The younger ones will simply watch the behaviour of the senior ones and emulate them. And so whichever direction the senior ones turn, they will likely follow.”

Adepoju who played professionally in Spain added, “I understand he really showed leadership on and off the pitch during the Nations Cup in South Africa. He was the first to get to anywhere they were asked to go. Winning the African cup could not have come from nothing. The change is surely one of the best things happening to the Eagles right now.”

Nigerians are surely waiting to see if the change will be permanent or could go with the wind.

- See more at: http://www.punchng.com/sports/nigerians-see-new-look-mikel-with-keshi/#sthash.GFtWiNmK.dpuf

Pius Ayinor examines Mikel Obi’s change of attitude and the impact on the Super Eagles

After the game against Malawi last Saturday, Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi heaped praises on Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi. Keshi said that the midfielder had been at his best under him.

Mikel made distinct impression on the field against a boastful Malawi team and was deservedly voted the Most Valuable Player in the game. For the immediate reward, he got the TomTom $5,000 set aside for the MVP.

But he was not just establishing himself as a midfielder to be relied on with the World Cup qualifying match in Calabar. He was in full control of Nigeria’s movements during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February. For his work rate, he and his teammates got rewarded with the African cup after a long wait since 1994. But perhaps the most enterprising outing so far in recent times for the Chelsea star remains the FIFA Confederations Cup which held in Brazil. It was a competition that brought to fore the attacking prowess of the young Nigerian.

Nigerians first knew Mikel as an attacking midfielder with the national U-17 and U-20 teams but he soon became a midfielder who hardly had any business with the attack formation when he joined Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. But under Keshi, Mikel has played a more attacking position from the midfield than the defensive role he plays for Chelsea and he fully underlined it with his attacking posture during the FIFA event in Brazil. And remarkably, he scored the country’s goal in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay.

The positive review Mikel is receiving now has come after so much waiting. His lack of presence with the national team had made him quite unpopular with Nigerians. He was derided, dubbed unpatriotic and called names in the years past. Even when Keshi first took charge of the Eagles in November 2011, the midfielder, continued with the lack of commitment for the national team. Mikel stayed away from the two friendlies against Botswana and Zambia – the games with which Keshi started. He was out due to injury but many Nigerians accepted the excuse with doubts. It was not until several months later that he finally played for the Super Eagles and the relationship with the team managers and Nigerians in general has moved from lukewarm to something hotter.

His new disposition has made some fans of the Eagles to call for his elevation to position of the team captain with the continued absence of Joseph Yobo. But what could have created the new Mikel? Is it maturity or the dream for the captain’s band?

A former midfielder and 1994 African cup winner, Mutiu Adepoju, believes it is a question of maturity rather than any other factor that has changed Mikel.

He said, “For me, it has to do with maturity; I don’t see the captain’s angle to what we see of Mikel now. People mature with time and he is not different.

“His club environment could have had positive impact on him largely. As you know, he plays alongside mainly national team players of other countries and the way they have responded to national team duties over the years must have made quite some remarkable impact on him. Mikel now has the understanding that it is a thing of pride to play for one’s country and he is exhibiting real maturity and leadership.

“When a senior player like him behaves in such a positive manner, it has a way of touching the up and coming ones. The younger ones will simply watch the behaviour of the senior ones and emulate them. And so whichever direction the senior ones turn, they will likely follow.”

Adepoju who played professionally in Spain added, “I understand he really showed leadership on and off the pitch during the Nations Cup in South Africa. He was the first to get to anywhere they were asked to go. Winning the African cup could not have come from nothing. The change is surely one of the best things happening to the Eagles right now.”

Nigerians are surely waiting to see if the change will be permanent or could go with the wind.

- See more at: http://www.punchng.com/sports/nigerians-see-new-look-mikel-with-keshi/#sthash.GFtWiNmK.dpuf

Pius Ayinor examines Mikel Obi’s change of attitude and the impact on the Super Eagles

After the game against Malawi last Saturday, Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi heaped praises on Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi. Keshi said that the midfielder had been at his best under him.

Mikel made distinct impression on the field against a boastful Malawi team and was deservedly voted the Most Valuable Player in the game. For the immediate reward, he got the TomTom $5,000 set aside for the MVP.

But he was not just establishing himself as a midfielder to be relied on with the World Cup qualifying match in Calabar. He was in full control of Nigeria’s movements during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February. For his work rate, he and his teammates got rewarded with the African cup after a long wait since 1994. But perhaps the most enterprising outing so far in recent times for the Chelsea star remains the FIFA Confederations Cup which held in Brazil. It was a competition that brought to fore the attacking prowess of the young Nigerian.

Nigerians first knew Mikel as an attacking midfielder with the national U-17 and U-20 teams but he soon became a midfielder who hardly had any business with the attack formation when he joined Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. But under Keshi, Mikel has played a more attacking position from the midfield than the defensive role he plays for Chelsea and he fully underlined it with his attacking posture during the FIFA event in Brazil. And remarkably, he scored the country’s goal in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay.

The positive review Mikel is receiving now has come after so much waiting. His lack of presence with the national team had made him quite unpopular with Nigerians. He was derided, dubbed unpatriotic and called names in the years past. Even when Keshi first took charge of the Eagles in November 2011, the midfielder, continued with the lack of commitment for the national team. Mikel stayed away from the two friendlies against Botswana and Zambia – the games with which Keshi started. He was out due to injury but many Nigerians accepted the excuse with doubts. It was not until several months later that he finally played for the Super Eagles and the relationship with the team managers and Nigerians in general has moved from lukewarm to something hotter.

His new disposition has made some fans of the Eagles to call for his elevation to position of the team captain with the continued absence of Joseph Yobo. But what could have created the new Mikel? Is it maturity or the dream for the captain’s band?

A former midfielder and 1994 African cup winner, Mutiu Adepoju, believes it is a question of maturity rather than any other factor that has changed Mikel.

He said, “For me, it has to do with maturity; I don’t see the captain’s angle to what we see of Mikel now. People mature with time and he is not different.

“His club environment could have had positive impact on him largely. As you know, he plays alongside mainly national team players of other countries and the way they have responded to national team duties over the years must have made quite some remarkable impact on him. Mikel now has the understanding that it is a thing of pride to play for one’s country and he is exhibiting real maturity and leadership.

“When a senior player like him behaves in such a positive manner, it has a way of touching the up and coming ones. The younger ones will simply watch the behaviour of the senior ones and emulate them. And so whichever direction the senior ones turn, they will likely follow.”

Adepoju who played professionally in Spain added, “I understand he really showed leadership on and off the pitch during the Nations Cup in South Africa. He was the first to get to anywhere they were asked to go. Winning the African cup could not have come from nothing. The change is surely one of the best things happening to the Eagles right now.”

Nigerians are surely waiting to see if the change will be permanent or could go with the wind.

- See more at: http://www.punchng.com/sports/nigerians-see-new-look-mikel-with-keshi/#sthash.GFtWiNmK.dpuf

Pius Ayinor examines Mikel Obi’s change of attitude and the impact on the Super Eagles

After the game against Malawi last Saturday, Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi heaped praises on Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi. Keshi said that the midfielder had been at his best under him.

Mikel made distinct impression on the field against a boastful Malawi team and was deservedly voted the Most Valuable Player in the game. For the immediate reward, he got the TomTom $5,000 set aside for the MVP.

But he was not just establishing himself as a midfielder to be relied on with the World Cup qualifying match in Calabar. He was in full control of Nigeria’s movements during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February. For his work rate, he and his teammates got rewarded with the African cup after a long wait since 1994. But perhaps the most enterprising outing so far in recent times for the Chelsea star remains the FIFA Confederations Cup which held in Brazil. It was a competition that brought to fore the attacking prowess of the young Nigerian.

Nigerians first knew Mikel as an attacking midfielder with the national U-17 and U-20 teams but he soon became a midfielder who hardly had any business with the attack formation when he joined Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. But under Keshi, Mikel has played a more attacking position from the midfield than the defensive role he plays for Chelsea and he fully underlined it with his attacking posture during the FIFA event in Brazil. And remarkably, he scored the country’s goal in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay.

The positive review Mikel is receiving now has come after so much waiting. His lack of presence with the national team had made him quite unpopular with Nigerians. He was derided, dubbed unpatriotic and called names in the years past. Even when Keshi first took charge of the Eagles in November 2011, the midfielder, continued with the lack of commitment for the national team. Mikel stayed away from the two friendlies against Botswana and Zambia – the games with which Keshi started. He was out due to injury but many Nigerians accepted the excuse with doubts. It was not until several months later that he finally played for the Super Eagles and the relationship with the team managers and Nigerians in general has moved from lukewarm to something hotter.

His new disposition has made some fans of the Eagles to call for his elevation to position of the team captain with the continued absence of Joseph Yobo. But what could have created the new Mikel? Is it maturity or the dream for the captain’s band?

A former midfielder and 1994 African cup winner, Mutiu Adepoju, believes it is a question of maturity rather than any other factor that has changed Mikel.

He said, “For me, it has to do with maturity; I don’t see the captain’s angle to what we see of Mikel now. People mature with time and he is not different.

“His club environment could have had positive impact on him largely. As you know, he plays alongside mainly national team players of other countries and the way they have responded to national team duties over the years must have made quite some remarkable impact on him. Mikel now has the understanding that it is a thing of pride to play for one’s country and he is exhibiting real maturity and leadership.

“When a senior player like him behaves in such a positive manner, it has a way of touching the up and coming ones. The younger ones will simply watch the behaviour of the senior ones and emulate them. And so whichever direction the senior ones turn, they will likely follow.”

Adepoju who played professionally in Spain added, “I understand he really showed leadership on and off the pitch during the Nations Cup in South Africa. He was the first to get to anywhere they were asked to go. Winning the African cup could not have come from nothing. The change is surely one of the best things happening to the Eagles right now.”

Nigerians are surely waiting to see if the change will be permanent or could go with the wind.

- See more at: http://www.punchng.com/sports/nigerians-see-new-look-mikel-with-keshi/#sthash.GFtWiNmK.dpuf

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Ngr v B’Faso: Eagles in Kaduna without Mikel, Moses

Super Eagles arrived in Kaduna at sunset on Sunday, for Tuesday’s friendly match against Burkina Faso. The players led by Stephen Keshi hit the city without Chelsea’s Mikel Obi and Victor Moses of Liverpool.

They are the only players of the squad that played against Malawi on Saturday in a World Cup qualifying match who will not face the Burkinabes. No names were announced immediately as replacements for the two and it was not stated if the Eagles would go on without such replacements for the game billed for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

The Eagles Media Officer Ben Alaiya confirmed that both players were cleared to return to base by Keshi. Mikel, we learnt got a slight calf knock in the weekend game that requires attention while Moses who left for England immediately after the Saturday match in Calabar was excused to enable him tie up things at Liverpool. The attacker crossed from Chelsea to Liverpool just last week on a year-long loan.

Burkina Faso who were incidentally the team Nigeria defeated to win the African cup last February also qualified for the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers. Despite being docked points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign, the Etalons, as they are called, picked up efficiently, winning in Niger and Congo-Brazzaville before beating Gabon 1-0 in Ouagadougou on Saturday to finish top of their group.

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Musa Amadu, said on Sunday, “The Nigeria Football Federation has arranged the match against Burkina Faso to prepare the Super Eagles for the final elimination round, which comes up in October and November. We expect to play our first leg away and then play the return at home.

“We are truly delighted to be in the final round, and we believe the Eagles will do the nation proud by picking one of the five tickets to represent Africa at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.”

If there are no changes at the top of the African table in the FIFA rankings to be released on Thursday, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Algeria, Nigeria and Cape Verde (who shocked Tunisia in Rades) will be in the Pot A (seeded teams) for the 10-team final elimination round draw. The event will hold in Cairo on Monday next week. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Senegal and Ethiopia will be in Pot B.

The Cameroonians grabbed the last of the 10 slots on Sunday.

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VIDEO: Tottenham Forward Emmanuel Adebayor Dances Skelewu

The visible Togolese footballer and Tottenham Hotspur onward Emmanuel Adebayor is apparently a big admirer regarding Davido.

A amateur video have been introduced demonstrating the particular legend striker and his partners doing the edition regarding Skelewu dancing.

It can be doubtful these are executing it to get $3, 000 treasure through Davido, however they are generally demonstrating good techniques and definitely having a great time.

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Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa's family attacked by armed men

 

Eleven armed men stormed the family home of Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa, in Jos yesterday Wednesday September 4th. Fortunately he wasn't home as he is currently camped in Calabar with other team mates ahead of the Nigeria-Malawi encounter for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

According to what Ahmed told the press today, the armed men stormed his home around 8:30pm last night, and demanded for his wife and son. Fortunately his wife and son had traveled earlier to Kano. When the men didn't get Musa's wife and kid, they turned to his other family members, beating them mercilessly. Fortunately no one was killed but the men went away with valuables.

Musa's mum had to be treated in the hospital for injuries she sustained during the robbery incident. He said his family is doing well now.

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Nigeriav Mal: Eagles promise victory

Super Eagles have promised to pick up the full points against the Flames of Malawi when they meet on Saturday. The team stand-in captain, Vincent Enyeama, who spoke on behalf of his teammates on Wednesday, said that the stake was too high to be toyed with.

He said, “The camp is amazing and I thank God for that. The first training we had here was great with 12 players and I am optimistic that come Saturday we will win. Almost everybody is in camp now.”

And in a reference to the initial controversy raised by Malawi over the security situation in Calabar, the goalkeeper said that Nigerians should ignore such statements as everyone who truly knows the country could vouch for the city as one of the safest places to be in the world.

He added, “Calabar is one of the most secured places in Nigeria. I do not really know where they got the information that Calabar is not secure. Calabar is also quiet. But I want the Flames to come out and play their game, have fun and be happy.

“We are professionals we know what is at stake and what is expected of us. We are not under any pressure, we are going out there to wear the colours of Nigeria which we are also proud of,” he said.

On the competition for the goalkeeping spot, Enyeama said the zeal to be fielded has been quite positive as it has continued to help bring the best out of the three top goalkeepers. Austin Ejide ,who was on duty in the country’s last match against South Africa last month, and Chigozie Agbim are the other two goalkeepers in the team.

He said, “All of us are good and I must say I am not in competition with any of them neither are they with me. Nigeria is blessed with great talents and it’s always good when you are called up to play.”

Coach Stephen Keshi said the team was not under any pressure to beat Malawi. He said that the team and the coaching crew believed in hard work to get the maximum points.

He said, “I have always believed in hard work. I do not believe in anything that is do-or-die. I am not under any pressure. We are only going to give our best on Saturday.”

The heavy rains of Wednesday in Calabar prevented the team from training. The Super Eagles need just a draw in the final Group F qualifier for Brazil 2014 World Cup.

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Bolt to retire after 2016 Olympics

Jamaican track star Usain Bolt is considering retiring after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he said Wednesday.

But any plans for going out to grass at the age of 30 would come after three more years of domination that might include a pop at the Commonwealth Games next year and another shot at bettering his own 200m world record.

Bolt has dominated the competitive world of sprinting since claiming three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games but hinted ahead of Friday’s season-ending Diamond League meet in Brussels that Rio would be his third and last.

“After the 2016 Olympics: that seems to be a good idea, retiring when I’m still on top of my career,” said the six-time Olympic gold medallist.

“But again, if I want to continue to dominate on the track I can’t afford an off season, that is a lesson that I have learned. This wasn’t a perfect season for me. I won but it was not in a ‘Usain Bolt fashion’.”

‘Usain Bolt fashion’ or not, the 27-year-old Jamaican still claimed a treble gold at last month’s world championships, taking his world gold medal haul to eight.

“Now that I’m getting a bit older, I know that I have to stay injury free, maintain focus and act responsible,” he said.

Bolt added that any plans for the 2014 season, a year with no global championships, would be taken in October after he had taken some time off.

“I will prepare for the next season very well. First, I encouraged my coach (Glen Mills) to turn it down a bit but he convinced me that that is a bad option,” he said.

“You need to continue working hard, reduce the risk to get injured and not having to pick it up from scratch.”

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BALE TAKES OVER CHRISTIANO RONALDO AS WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER

 
The recent signing of Bale from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid with a whooping sum of €100 million which makes him the worlds most expensive purchase make me wonder why on earth he would of all the extraordinarily talented footballers be purchased at such bank breaking sum.

I do believe there's more to his signing to Real Madrid than meets the eyes. This is obviously an attempt to draw an undeserved attention to him. No doubt, since the news broke, he has become a topic of discussion amongst analyst and professional footballers like him.

In an era where there are better players like Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Falcao, the young Brazilian wizard Neymar just to mention a few who deserve such huge amount for purchase to a club, Real Madrid chose to go for Bale who not too many soccer lovers know about and who does not in anyway make the least of top 10 brimming hot players in the world.

Only time will tell what Real Madrid hopes to achieve with his transfer to the club at the bank breaking sum.

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Mikel, Moses land in Eagles camp •I missed football – Osaze

The preparation for the Nigeria game against Malawi on Saturday is taking a full swing with the arrival of some key players of the Super Eagles in Calabar. Some of those who trained in Calabar on Tuesday were Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi; new Liverpool player Victor Moses, Efe Ambrose, Sunday Mba, Ahmed Musa and Obinna Nsofor and goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim.

In camp also are Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Nwofor, Godfrey Oboabona, James Okwuosa, who came in on Monday, Brown Ideye, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis and Azubuike Egwuekwue. In all, 12 of the players trained on Tuesday evening at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Coach Stephen Keshi said he was happy with the response of the players and expects a good game against Malawi on Saturday.

Just as Eagles troop in, Osaze Odemwingie has confessed that he missed football following a long layoff. The estranged Eagles attacker said he was eager to prove his worth to Cardiff after signing from West Bromwich Albion for £2.5m.

The 32-year-old Nigeria international became surplus to requirements at the Hawthorns after the striker’s infamous drive to London in a bid to engineer a move to Queens Park Rangers at the end of the January transfer window.

“I missed football and I am delighted to come to a fast-progressing team,” he told Cardiff City Player.

“They have a young manager with a lot of ambition. He has done really well in a short period and I hope to help the team become better and I am grateful for the confidence they have shown in me.

“I am very motivated and ready for action. The last six months, coming on as a substitute for 10-15 minutes, was not what made me happy and I am a better player when I am happy. I am very hungry and I will show the same attitude I had when I was scoring a lot of goals in games in the Premier League.”

Odemwingie will use the international break to get acquainted with his team-mates before their Premier League trip to face Hull City on Saturday week.

Odemwingie’s Eagles teammates will play Malawi as he continues his absence from the team. The attacker has not featured for Nigeria since last year. His layoff from the game was all round as he neither played for country nor club for the period. His statements from his Twitter handle separated him and the Nigeria coach Keshi just as uncomplimentary tweets knocked him off finally from his Hawthorns base.

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Obituary: Michael Essien Loses Dad

After some shocking pictures emerged online in 2010 showing the Real Madrid star, Michael Essien’s father – James Essien – is a deplorable situation, many had questioned the humanity of the footballer. Essien however came to say his own father had abandoned him a long time ago. His dad of course denied that allegation. Who was lying and who was speaking the truth is something we never got to find out. 
However, Essien returned to taking care of his dad. Well, bet we will never find out anyway because the old man is no more. His father died from a protracted illness. The sportsman flew down to Ghana on Sunday (September 1, 2013) to bid a final farewell to his papa. May his soul rest in peace.
See what he wrote on twitter:


Read more on the Essien/Father Battle here, http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2010/05/18/essien-vs-dad-shocking-pictures-pop-out-who-is-lying

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Ribery named European player of the season

Bayern Munich’s French winger Franck Ribery on Thursday won the award for European player of the 2012/13 season.

The France international becomes the third player to win the award, the two previous winners being Barcelona duo Lionel Messi (2011) and Andres Iniesta (2012).

Ribery won the award this time around ahead of Messi and Real Madrid’s Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 74-time capped Ribery was an essential cog in Bayern’s charge to last season’s historic treble of the Champions League crown, the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.

Messi scored 69 goals last season and won the Spanish title, while Ronaldo rattled in 59 goals but only won the Spanish Supercup.

Ribery, meanwhile, scored 10 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances as well as once on Bayern’s run to becoming European champions for the fifth time.

He also set up Arjen Robben’s decisive goal in the 2-1 final win against Borussia Dortmund.

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Mba moves to Bastia

After months of dispute over the ownership of Sunday Mba, the Nigerian attacker has finally begun his professional career in Europe. The player, who scored the goal that won the African Nations Cup for Nigeria in February in South Africa, left Warri Wolves for French team CA Bastia on Thursday.

The 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal, the Ligue 2 club told reporters including Reuters correspondent in Corsica.

 Mba, who was on target in the 40th minute of the 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Nations Cup final match in Johannesburg, cost CA Bastia a fee of €1.32m.

 The promoted French club are 15th in the 20-team table with two points from four games.

The move to France ends the severally speculated moves to Turkey and other rumoured countries since he hit the limelight with a superb strike against a Cote d’Ivoire team inspired by legendary Didier Drogba. Soon afterwards the player became a subject of controversy over ownership between Wolves and Enugu Rangers. The dispute became messy which forced the Nigeria Football Federation to set up a committee to handle the matter.

One of the implications of the Mba transfer to Europe means that Nigeria will no longer get his services when the African Nations Championships hold in South Africa in January. The competition which Nigeria qualified for the first time after eliminating Cote d’Ivoire is reserved specifically for players in their various countries domestic league. Mba played a major role in the qualifying race for the competition holding in the third edition.

And just as the Mba was jetting out on Thursday, Bayelsa United moved to the top of the Nigeria league after a remarkable goalless draw at Sunshine Stars in Akure. Bayelsa United are now on top of the standings with 46 points from 28 games.

  Six-time champions Enyimba have 45 points, same as third-placed Kano Pillars. Coach Ladan Bosso’s team frustrated their hosts to run away with a point on the road.

Leading the league is a familiar terrain for Bayelsa who won the Nigeria Premier league in 2009 only to be sensationally relegated the following season. They won promotion back to the top flight this season.

  The goalkeeper of the Yenegoa-based club Emmanuel Fabiyi told MTNFootball.com their target since the beginning of the league has been to win it and they are now on course.

He said, “We thank God for the draw against Sunshine Stars, it was not easy. Our target is to win the league and now that we are on top, we want to do our best to remain there. It won’t be easy though, but we are good enough to win the league.”

Action in the league will continue on Sunday with Week 29 matches across the country.

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Fresh challenge for Moses as Willian joins Chelsea

Chelsea announced on Sunday that they have reached an agreement to sign Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, subject to the granting of a work permit.

His arrival will further swell the number of attacking midfielders at manager Jose Mourinho’s disposal, with Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Oscar, Victor Moses, Kevin De Bruyne and Schuerrle already competing for just three starting places.

The arrival of the Brazilian has turned analysts’ focus on Moses as the most likely to be hit by the addition. Soon after Chelsea announced the deal on Sunday, British media highlighted Moses as the lowest in the pecking order of the supporting strikers who could go on loan when the mid-season transfer window opens in January. The predictions are coming despite Mourinho’s pre-season remark on the Super Eagles attacker. The Chelsea boss had said during the tour of the USA that Moses was doing very well with the team.

He said, “Moses has been very terrific.”

There was an initial loan bid from Everton for Moses which Chelsea turned down in June.

The acquisition of Willain by the Stamford Bridge team comes as a surprise. The 25-year-old had been set to join Tottenham Hotspur, having undergone a medical at the north London club earlier last week, only for Chelsea to hijack the deal.

British media reports claim Chelsea will pay a fee of around £30m to secure his services.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with both Willian and his club Anzhi Makhachkala for the transfer of the Brazilian player,” read a statement on the Chelsea website.

“The transfer is subject to a work permit hearing on Wednesday.”

Willian will be the fourth player to join Chelsea during the current transfer window, following Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel and Germany international Andre Schuerrle.

Willian only joined Anzhi from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January, but he is being moved on after the Russian side’s billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov decided to restructure the club and drastically shrink their budget.

Mourinho said he felt no sympathy for Spurs despite swiping the player from beneath their noses.

“That’s the danger of medicals before contracts. But you have to do the medical before,” he said.

“The best thing to do is the medical in secret. If the player is fine, you can sign him. If he’s not, you don’t have to destroy his career. Sometimes there are sources who find out everything.

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Why I don’t wear suits –Stephen Keshi

He is the Super Eagles coach and he is called Stephen Keshi.  Here, the football maestro personae decides to shun any sports talk and let loose his lighter side.

Maybe what some know about Keshi is the fact that he was first, the captain of the Super Eagles team and the first person to have won the African Cup of Nations both as a player and as a coach. But there is more to the dandy man than this information.

He did have a childhood.

“I grew up like every other child and my parents were very concerned about how we grew up in our family,” he begins.

Born in Azare, Bauchi State 51 years ago, he played for several football teams as a defender, both in Nigeria and abroad since the late 70s. His recent victory was at the 2013 African Cup of Nations.  The low point of the year must have been the 0-3 loss to Spain at the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Enumerating on his life as a coach, Keshi, who says he loves playing table tennis and jogging, believes every job comes with its challenges.

“As a coach, one is bound to face attacks and criticisms. Most people blame coaches after every game, they point out what is good and what is not good. Even if you are winning, there are still some people around that would tell you that there are things the coach did not do right.” Does he get angry at such comments?  With a wave of his hand he says, “I respond by   focusing on the business at hand and doing what I have to do.”

Whichever way, he would not wish away the tension of a game like football. Hear him: “There is no way to relieve tension because tension will always be there long after the game is over. It does not matter the outcome of the game, you just put it behind you and tell yourself that it is in the past. You have to think ahead.  In a game, you have three possibilities- you are winning, losing or drawing. Whichever one comes in, manage it and go ahead.”

The football aficionado is quick to note that though members of his family, especially his wife, love the game, none is addicted to it.

“Addiction is extreme. Let’s just say my wife loves the game but our passion level may not be the same because football is in my blood.”

Revealing that he has been with his wife for 31 years, he reminisces on their first meeting: “I met her in Benin City when I was playing for New Nigerian Bank.   When I met her, I knew right away that she was the person for me. I married at a very young age. If I did not marry then, it would have been difficult for me to settle down. It was my decision at that moment and I took to my parents’ advice too.”

Didn’t an early marriage affect him career wise?

He responds, “It was not easy because members of our team were all young. Then, very few of us were married and as football players, we would hang out. Some people say that once a man is married, he is in prison and his wife does not allow him to go out and be as free as he used to be. That did not happen in my case because my wife did not tie me down or question my movements. Till date, I still hang out with my friends.”

But there would have been temptations from other women as a young player then? He laughs and says, “I wasn’t tempted by other ladies either.  It is not every woman that you see that you want to sleep with.   Self discipline is very important to your success in whatever you do and the fact that women flock around you should not make you lose focus.”

Asked if it was true that some Ivoirians tried to seduce him with a woman to tie him down while he was playing in Cote D’ Voire. He laughs heartily and says, “No. They can’t tie me down with a woman. I only played in Cote D’ Voire for seven months and after the competition, I left for Belgium.”

In Belgium, Keshi says, he reached out to African footballers, who lived and worked there.  “I did what I could with the ones who aspired to go to Europe and play. Also, I took the advantage to reach out to their families and I encouraged them to become what they wanted to become. I also served the national team. Then, we were trying to grow a very strong national team that would qualify for the World Cup which Nigeria was yet to qualify for. As a captain, it was my dream to help Nigeria qualify for the World Cup. I thank God we did it in 1994.”

As far as style is concerned, Keshi says he is a stickler for sportswear, especially track suits. Indeed, it is very rare to find the national coach in any other attire! His reason is quite interesting:

 “I have had people who have approached me several times, offering to style me in either suits or other attire. But Africa is very hot and I cannot be wearing suits around the place! Secondly, my job makes me sweat at all hours. I am always on my feet, screaming, yelling and jumping about. You should not expect me to put a tie around my neck and remain uncomfortable throughout the day.

“Again, I want to be in the same attire as the footballers. There is nothing wrong with me wearing a green/white tracksuit; it is the colour of the Nigerian flag, the colour of the team and I am proud to wear that instead of suits. I don’t even like suits! I used to wear suit when I was playing in Europe, now I am tired of wearing them. Though I may come back to them later, I am not wearing anything other than African attire.” So, what will he not be caught dead in? He promptly replies: “White trousers, I don’t fancy them at all.”

Despite all, he still loves to look good. On his most treasured fashion accessory, he says he goes for quality items but, “I am not interested in fashion items that one can buy for $5000 or $10000.”

What does he dislike about people? A fan of African movies, which he watches during leisure, he says, “I don’t like people who treat others in a demeaning manner; those who try to make others look small and insignificant. We are all equal and every human being is unique. I hate this and I believe you should be able to flow with other people.”

So, who is the personality called Stephen Keshi?

Describing himself, he opines, “I am a reserved person; I like to be on my own as well as with my brothers; I don’t like putting unnecessary pressure on people and I don’t like people putting pressure on me.  Also, I would want to be remembered as a guy that is pleasant to be with.”

He would not conclude without chipping in a word for the youth.

“Believe in yourself and believe in what you want to do. When we were younger, we didn’t really know what we wanted to do and thus, we got involved in so many things. But the moment you pick something and you think you can do it, you have to find out if you can do it and if you are convinced, go ahead as long it gives you joy. Moreover, ensure you have passion for it. Of course, on the way, you have people who are going to tell you that you cannot do it and that you are not so smart and that it is too difficult. You will meet a lot of difficulties on the way but be disciplined and continue to fight your way through. Whatever you do, take it to God first and let him show you the way.  Talent is not enough, you need hard work,” he concludes.

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Wristwatch Leads to Dilemma Between the Tremendous Eagles.

The correspondent learnt that the coach would buy the wristwatches at cheap prices in Europe, only to sell them at ridiculous rates for the players.

According to the players, they became enemies of the said coach if they refused to buy the wristwatches from him.

“The coach buys the wristwatches between $500 and $1000 in Europe and forces us to buy them for $10000. If you don’t buy, you are regarded as an enemy,” one of the senior players of the national team, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent.

“The most painful thing is that these wristwatches are sold at very cheap prices in Europe; they go for between $500 and $1000 but he brings them here to sell for us at such outrageous prices. I have to buy  or I would be seen as encouraging the other players not to buy.”

Another player, who plays in Eastern Europe, also complained of the same problem. The player, who also pleaded anonymity, said he almost lost his place in one of the junior national teams because of the wristwatches.

“Before I moved to my present club, I was on an apprentice contract, which means I wasn’t collecting much money but the coach forced me to buy the watch.

“The same thing happened to me, when I was invited to the senior team. It is not good for the team because a lot of players are grumbling, though they can’t come out and say it.”

An official of the team confirmed the story saying, “I have heard about the story before.”

But the Eagles media officer, Ben Alaiya, denied any knowledge of the illegal transactions.

He said, “I am not aware of any such story. The Super Eagles is not a market place; if at all anything like that is happening, I think it’s a private transaction between those involved. But I am not aware of anything like that.”
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/44941.html

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Racism: Malawi coach to report Stephen Keshi to FIFA

Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet is to report coach Stephen Keshi to FIFA after the Nigeria coach reportedly called him “a white dude who should go back to Belgium.”

Both coaches have been arguing since Malawi asked FIFA to move next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier from Calabar for safety reasons.

Saintfiet told BBC Sport, “It is unacceptable that any person says these words – it is clear racism. “It is 100% sure that my lawyers will lodge a complaint with FIFA.”

 The row erupted earlier this month when the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) wrote to FIFA, seeking a new venue for their 7 September, 2013 Group F qualifier away to the Super Eagles – a match which Malawi, who trail Nigeria by two points, must win to progress to the play-offs.

Belgian Saintfiet told local media at the time that he was concerned about security because he claims “the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office says it is a no-travel area.”

Keshi hit back shortly afterwards, saying “this is where we play our games and other countries are fine with that.”

And the Nigerian Football Federation complied with FIFA’s request for a written guarantee that the game would go ahead safely.

Keshi has now followed that up with comments on UK-based African TV show, Vox Africa’s Sports360, saying: “I think the coach of Malawi is crazy.

“If he wants to talk to FIFA, he should go back to Belgium. He is not an African person, he is a white dude, he should go back to Belgium.”

“I have never used any words like these to any coach. He has no right, who is he?

“All other countries play in Calabar. Calabar is one of the safest places in Nigeria… He is mad. I wish I could say it to his face.”

Saintfiet, who married a Zimbabwean earlier this year, told BBC Sport he is “shocked” by Keshi’s comments and he believes the former Nigeria captain’s words could also lead to trouble at the qualifier.

“These words create hate and aggression, and creates a risk ahead of the match in Calabar,” Saintfiet added.

“These comments are unacceptable and I am very sad about them. I will not say any bad words about Mr Keshi, nor Nigeria – I only spoke about moving the game.

“If FIFA takes racism seriously, then you have to take it seriously in both directions. If a European said something of this nature about an African, you would have a huge problem. “I am against racism in all directions.”

Saintfiet believes Keshi “is angry because of the request to change the venue,” but the Belgian stands by his feeling that Calabar is unsafe.

“If FIFA says it’s ok (for the match to be played in Calabar) because Nigeria will provide anti-bomb squads, then surely this is a problem at the beginning. If you need anti-bomb squads, you cannot consider the area safe. It is designated a non-travel area, high-risk area. We are not insulting anyone.”

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