Embattled Nigerian Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso has turned to unknown Nigerian-born Manchester United Academy youngster Nicky Ajose to rescue his team as he made public a list of 46 players invited for the African Youth Championship billed for Rwanda next month.
Born in Bury, 17-year-old Ajose who had been capped by England at the U-16 level tops the list of 21 foreign-based players invited by the Flying Eagles handler in what he referred to as his first set of invitees, a list that left out his top foreign-based players who prosecuted the AYC qualifiers.
CAF Champions League top scorer Steven Worgu led the 25 home-based players listed in the list as some of the players who featured in the dismal WAFU Cup outing were also given a second chance.
Midfielder Ajose who was born on 7th October 1991 is expected to prove himself when Bosso releases his second list of established players including Lukman Haruna, Rabiu Ibrahim, Chrisantus Macauley, Ganiyu Oseni and Kabiru Akinsola.
The tournament takes place in Kigali from January 18 to February 1.The players are expected to report to the Brifina Hotel camp in Abuja from December 15 for the domestic players and December 28 for the foreign-based players.
The squad:Foreign-based playersChima Daniel (Charlton Athletic FC), Kayode Fagbola (Saint Patrick, Ireland), Innocent Nkasiobi Emeghara (FC Zurich), Azeez O. Balogun (Belenenses, Portugal), Frank Temile (Dynamo Kiev), Jason K. Oladele (Dublin, Ireland), Robert Collins (AC Pro Sesto Calico, Italy), Adeola Runsewe (FC Midtjylland, Denmark),Kingsley Umunegbu, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Harmony Ikande (AC Milan, Italy), Gabriel Baba (Lusitano, Switzerland), Daniel Adejo (Reggina, Italy), Nicky Ajose (Manchester United), Jamil Adams (Barnsley FC, England).
Home-based playersSteven Worgu, Okoro O. Moses, Salami F. Gbolahan, Uchebo M. Okechukwu, Kennedy Eriba, Okafor Uche, Dele Ajiboye, Theophilus A, Steven Joseph, Obum Ogbe, Joshua Daniel, Edet Ibok, Alex Nkume, Vincent Atabo, Ambrose Peter, Edile Origoya, Samuel Tswanya, Obiora Nwankwo, Abe Sunday, Egbeta U. Michael, Igiebo Emmanuel, Otekpa Eneji, Timothy Idogbe, Peter Abraham, Ayo Saka.
Showing posts with label FOOTBALL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FOOTBALL. Show all posts
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
MEXICO OFFER TO REPLACE NIGERIA
Mexico have offered to replace Nigeria as host of next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup if Nigeria is eventually stripped of the right.
This is the submission of Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer who represents the Concacaf region.
Blazer said Mexico is ready if FIFA decide to look beyond the African continent for the new host of the competition.
“They have offered themselves and we are very proud of the fact,” Blazer said. “They have a very good and ready infrastructure.”
Mexico is scheduled to host the 24-team tournament in 2011. FIFA had earlier confirmed that Nigeria wants to pull out of hosting the event.
The world body must now decide whether to help finance the Nigeria or look elsewhere. Blazer says their leader Sepp Blatter is committed to holding the youth World Cup in Africa.
“I think he (Blatter) is going to continue to work to see whether they can find an appropriate alternative there first,” Blazer said.
Fifa said in a statement that Nigeria “is no longer in a position to provide its support for the organization of the tournament.”
The Nigerian government and football officials were at the Fifa headquarters in Zurich this week to explain their situation.
Nigeria President Umaru Yar’Adua had already said that funding the $30 million budget was not a priority. Six cities are in line to stage matches but all need work to upgrade stadiums and infrastructure.
This is the submission of Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer who represents the Concacaf region.
Blazer said Mexico is ready if FIFA decide to look beyond the African continent for the new host of the competition.
“They have offered themselves and we are very proud of the fact,” Blazer said. “They have a very good and ready infrastructure.”
Mexico is scheduled to host the 24-team tournament in 2011. FIFA had earlier confirmed that Nigeria wants to pull out of hosting the event.
The world body must now decide whether to help finance the Nigeria or look elsewhere. Blazer says their leader Sepp Blatter is committed to holding the youth World Cup in Africa.
“I think he (Blatter) is going to continue to work to see whether they can find an appropriate alternative there first,” Blazer said.
Fifa said in a statement that Nigeria “is no longer in a position to provide its support for the organization of the tournament.”
The Nigerian government and football officials were at the Fifa headquarters in Zurich this week to explain their situation.
Nigeria President Umaru Yar’Adua had already said that funding the $30 million budget was not a priority. Six cities are in line to stage matches but all need work to upgrade stadiums and infrastructure.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
MORINHO WINS OFF-THE PITCH WAR IN ITALY
Catania sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco has been fined and suspended for comments made during his war of words with Inter boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho and Lo Monaco became embroiled in a spat after Inter squeezed past Catania 2-1 in Week 2.The Special One antagonised the Etnei by claiming the score could have been 5-0 and that he could have played in goal for Inter.
Lo Monaco hit back and stated that Mourinho “needed a smack in the mouth.”Although the Catania man apologised and stressed that he wasn’t trying to incite violence, the Italian Football Federation has taken action against him.
The Rossazzurri man will be banned from his role for 40 days and has received a fine of just under £12,000
Mourinho and Lo Monaco became embroiled in a spat after Inter squeezed past Catania 2-1 in Week 2.The Special One antagonised the Etnei by claiming the score could have been 5-0 and that he could have played in goal for Inter.
Lo Monaco hit back and stated that Mourinho “needed a smack in the mouth.”Although the Catania man apologised and stressed that he wasn’t trying to incite violence, the Italian Football Federation has taken action against him.
The Rossazzurri man will be banned from his role for 40 days and has received a fine of just under £12,000
Friday, October 3, 2008
USA BASED S/LEONE STAR WARNS EAGLES
Leone Stars and United State based Houston Dynamo striker , Kei Kamara has warned the Super Eagles of Nigeria defenders that they would face a goal thirsty striker on October 11 in Abuja .
The striker who scored twice for Dynamo in their Tuesday night CONCACAF Champions League clash against Pumas UNAM said he was confident of accomplishing a similar action against the Nigerians.
With Leone Stars preparing to face the group four leaders in Abuja for their final 2010 Nations Cup/World Cup qualifiers, Kamara said his goals scoring form could edge the Super Eagles.
He said: “I missed our 2:1 home victory against Equatorial Guinea due to suspension. I want my comeback to be felt and I believe the only way is to get my first goal for my country.”
“The match is important for us to qualify as one of the eight best loosers in the qualifying series. We must go all out to win the match.”
Despite the striker scored twice for his club, they were held to a 4: 4 draw as their CONCACAF Champions League campaign still continues.
Kamara’s teammate, Craig Waibel headed Dynamo’s opener in the fourth minutes from a corner kick and 4 minutes latter, Kamara got his first goal of the day from a 12 yards rocket striker in the six-yard box to give Dynamo’s a 2-0 lead.
Dante Lopez and Efrain Juarez gave Pumas the equalizer before Kamara converted a penalty as Dynamo regained a 3-2 lead. Waibel again scored for Dynamo before Pumas got their equalizer.
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The striker who scored twice for Dynamo in their Tuesday night CONCACAF Champions League clash against Pumas UNAM said he was confident of accomplishing a similar action against the Nigerians.
With Leone Stars preparing to face the group four leaders in Abuja for their final 2010 Nations Cup/World Cup qualifiers, Kamara said his goals scoring form could edge the Super Eagles.
He said: “I missed our 2:1 home victory against Equatorial Guinea due to suspension. I want my comeback to be felt and I believe the only way is to get my first goal for my country.”
“The match is important for us to qualify as one of the eight best loosers in the qualifying series. We must go all out to win the match.”
Despite the striker scored twice for his club, they were held to a 4: 4 draw as their CONCACAF Champions League campaign still continues.
Kamara’s teammate, Craig Waibel headed Dynamo’s opener in the fourth minutes from a corner kick and 4 minutes latter, Kamara got his first goal of the day from a 12 yards rocket striker in the six-yard box to give Dynamo’s a 2-0 lead.
Dante Lopez and Efrain Juarez gave Pumas the equalizer before Kamara converted a penalty as Dynamo regained a 3-2 lead. Waibel again scored for Dynamo before Pumas got their equalizer.
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
KANU:WENGER CHANGED MY LIFE
Nigeria's Super Eagles captain,Nwankwo Kanu has hailed Arsene Wenger for offering him the chance to revive his career after his heart operation.
The Nigeria legend is grateful to Arsenal manager Wenger, who signed him from Inter in 1998 and helped him bounce back to form and continue his career at the highest level.
The 32-year-old Kanu feels the Frenchman is the reason why he is still a Premier League star.
“I owe him a lot because he believed in me,” Kanu told Canal+. “He gave me self confidence and faith. And I think I paid him back because I did very well with Arsenal.
“We were all together, like a family during this period, and I scored special goals, especially against Chelsea, three in 15 minutes.
“He gave me the chance to have fun playing football and permitted me to dream on.” Kanu added that his current club Portsmouth have a united group that can be compared to the one he was part of at Highbury.
“I feel great because I have found the same atmosphere than at Arsenal here,” he said. “This state of mind resembles Arsenal’s and helped us win things.”
The Nigeria legend is grateful to Arsenal manager Wenger, who signed him from Inter in 1998 and helped him bounce back to form and continue his career at the highest level.
The 32-year-old Kanu feels the Frenchman is the reason why he is still a Premier League star.
“I owe him a lot because he believed in me,” Kanu told Canal+. “He gave me self confidence and faith. And I think I paid him back because I did very well with Arsenal.
“We were all together, like a family during this period, and I scored special goals, especially against Chelsea, three in 15 minutes.
“He gave me the chance to have fun playing football and permitted me to dream on.” Kanu added that his current club Portsmouth have a united group that can be compared to the one he was part of at Highbury.
“I feel great because I have found the same atmosphere than at Arsenal here,” he said. “This state of mind resembles Arsenal’s and helped us win things.”
Monday, September 15, 2008
SCOLARI HAILS MIKEL OBI
Chelsea boss,Felipe Scolari has hailed come-backing Nigerian Super Eagles midfielder,John Mikel Obi courageous after the Nigerian stayed on for over 90 minutes in the Blues of London’s 3-1 win over the Blues of Manchester (Manchester City) last Saturday at the City of Manchester Stadium. Mikel made a 90 minutes return to action after staying on the sidelines for nearly a month following the injury he copped in the 4-0 rout of Portsmouth on the opening day of the on-going season last month. Scolari admitted he was not sure if the former Lyn Oslo youngster would last for that long and actually pencilled him down for a 60 to 70 minutes appearance. Mikel not only lasted the whole match,his impressive showing especially in the second half delighted his Brazilian boss . ‘My players want to play. They have confidence. They like each other. On Tuesday I will say to [Michael] Ballack you can play 45, 60, 70 minutes but we saw today with Mikel, I say before that he play 60 minutes and he played 93 minutes. All the players when they come in play very well.’said Scolari
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
CURBISHLEY QUITS WEST-HAM
Alan Curbishley has resigned as manager of West Ham because of a lack of control over transfer policy.
Curbishley tendered his resignation on Wednesday and it was accepted by owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
The final straw for the 50-year-old had been the enforced sales of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney.
Curbishley said decisions had been made "without involving me", amounting to "a breach of trust and confidence meaning I had no option but to leave."
The former West Ham player, who succeeded Alan Pardew as manager at Upton Park in December 2006, added: "The selection of players is critical to the job of manager and I had an agreement with the club that I alone would determine the composition of the squad.
"I started my West Ham career when I left school in 1974 and have remained a lifelong fan.
"I have been incredibly proud to manage such a great club and my decision to resign has been very tough.
"Nevertheless, I wish the club and the players every success in the future."
A West Ham statement said the club had accepted Curbishley's resignation "in the best interests of both parties".
Curbishley tendered his resignation on Wednesday and it was accepted by owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
The final straw for the 50-year-old had been the enforced sales of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney.
Curbishley said decisions had been made "without involving me", amounting to "a breach of trust and confidence meaning I had no option but to leave."
The former West Ham player, who succeeded Alan Pardew as manager at Upton Park in December 2006, added: "The selection of players is critical to the job of manager and I had an agreement with the club that I alone would determine the composition of the squad.
"I started my West Ham career when I left school in 1974 and have remained a lifelong fan.
"I have been incredibly proud to manage such a great club and my decision to resign has been very tough.
"Nevertheless, I wish the club and the players every success in the future."
A West Ham statement said the club had accepted Curbishley's resignation "in the best interests of both parties".
MAN-CITY MOVE DELIGHTS ROBINHO
Brazilian superstar Robinho has expressed his delight at joining Manchester City.
The 24-year-old had been expected to join Chelsea from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day.
However, following City’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group the club made an audacious attempt to hijack Chelsea’s attempts to land the Brazil international.
City agreed a whopping £32.5million for Robinho’s services and now the talented forward is looking forward to displaying his silky skills at Eastlands for years to come.
“I’m very happy to be here. I hope to show my best football and bring lots of joy to the fans,” Robinho told Sky Sports News.
“I would like to thank the support of the manager as well, which is very important and also to Mr Thaksin (Shinawatra) and the Abu Dhabi Group who made a lot of effort to bring me here.“I hope to bring a lot of joy to the supporters
The 24-year-old had been expected to join Chelsea from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day.
However, following City’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group the club made an audacious attempt to hijack Chelsea’s attempts to land the Brazil international.
City agreed a whopping £32.5million for Robinho’s services and now the talented forward is looking forward to displaying his silky skills at Eastlands for years to come.
“I’m very happy to be here. I hope to show my best football and bring lots of joy to the fans,” Robinho told Sky Sports News.
“I would like to thank the support of the manager as well, which is very important and also to Mr Thaksin (Shinawatra) and the Abu Dhabi Group who made a lot of effort to bring me here.“I hope to bring a lot of joy to the supporters
YAKUBU SENDS WARNING SIGNAL TO BAFANA-BAFANA
Power-playing Super Eagles forward,Yakubu Aiyegbeni landed in Johannesburg,South Africa’s economic capital Tuesday confident of another victory over their familiar foes,the Bafana Bafana in Saturday’s 2010 Africa Nation Cup/World Cup qualifier at the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
The Yak,as the Everton striker is fondly called in England told South Africa Press Agency (SAPA) on arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg that the Bafana Bafana stars and indeed South African football is not strange to him and the rest of the Eagles stars.
“I know most of the Bafana players, not just those in England or Europe but even those playing here,” said Yakubu who plays alongside Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar at the English Premiership club.
“I know Steven from our club and we get along fine, and I know a bit about South African players too. There are a few in England and in Europe so we do know them, they’re no strangers to us,” the Everton striker said.
The Yak,as the Everton striker is fondly called in England told South Africa Press Agency (SAPA) on arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg that the Bafana Bafana stars and indeed South African football is not strange to him and the rest of the Eagles stars.
“I know most of the Bafana players, not just those in England or Europe but even those playing here,” said Yakubu who plays alongside Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar at the English Premiership club.
“I know Steven from our club and we get along fine, and I know a bit about South African players too. There are a few in England and in Europe so we do know them, they’re no strangers to us,” the Everton striker said.
Monday, August 11, 2008
ALMUNIA TOUGHENS WALCOTT
TEO WALCOTT must get nastier if he is to fulfil his huge promise.So says Manuel Almunia, who showed his own mean streak last season to oust Jens Lehmann as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Walcott, 19, has shown only flashes of his potential since joining the Gunners from Southampton as a 16-year-old two-and-a-half years ago.
His England career has been on hold since he was called up for the 2006 World Cup finals well ahead of schedule.
But towards the end of last season Walcott offered some encouraging cameos.
With Alexander Hleb sold to Barcelona, he is likely to be offered more starts.
He needs to have a big season to hold down a regular place for the Gunners and catch the eye of England coach Fabio Capello.
Almunia said: “Theo is ready to take on more responsibility. He has the support from the fans, the club and his team-mates.
“He is one of the best players in the squad. The only thing he has to improve is an aspect of character.“He’s a very lovely guy — maybe too lovely on the pitch.
“I keep saying to him he has to become more nasty. After this he will be one of the best players in the Premier League.”
Over the past two seasons Walcott has made 41 League appearances, many from the bench, and scored just four goals. But Almunia believes he can help guide him.
He added: “In many ways I believe I’m a good example.
“I came from a small club in Spain and when you are young at a club like Arsenal it can be difficult.“But if you use all the facilities on offer and have the determination you would be stupid not to improve.
“Theo knows it’s going to be his season and is ready to give 100 per cent.”
Summer signings Aaron Ramsey, 17, and Samir Nasri, 21, along with Carlos Vela, 19, Denilson, 20, and even 16-year-old Jack Wilshire are all on Arsenal’s senior roster.
And Almunia said: “We have some very young talent. Ramsey is going to be a great player.
“But the league is so hard that we have to give the young players time.”
Walcott, 19, has shown only flashes of his potential since joining the Gunners from Southampton as a 16-year-old two-and-a-half years ago.
His England career has been on hold since he was called up for the 2006 World Cup finals well ahead of schedule.
But towards the end of last season Walcott offered some encouraging cameos.
With Alexander Hleb sold to Barcelona, he is likely to be offered more starts.
He needs to have a big season to hold down a regular place for the Gunners and catch the eye of England coach Fabio Capello.
Almunia said: “Theo is ready to take on more responsibility. He has the support from the fans, the club and his team-mates.
“He is one of the best players in the squad. The only thing he has to improve is an aspect of character.“He’s a very lovely guy — maybe too lovely on the pitch.
“I keep saying to him he has to become more nasty. After this he will be one of the best players in the Premier League.”
Over the past two seasons Walcott has made 41 League appearances, many from the bench, and scored just four goals. But Almunia believes he can help guide him.
He added: “In many ways I believe I’m a good example.
“I came from a small club in Spain and when you are young at a club like Arsenal it can be difficult.“But if you use all the facilities on offer and have the determination you would be stupid not to improve.
“Theo knows it’s going to be his season and is ready to give 100 per cent.”
Summer signings Aaron Ramsey, 17, and Samir Nasri, 21, along with Carlos Vela, 19, Denilson, 20, and even 16-year-old Jack Wilshire are all on Arsenal’s senior roster.
And Almunia said: “We have some very young talent. Ramsey is going to be a great player.
“But the league is so hard that we have to give the young players time.”
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
JAPAN SENDS WARNING SIGNAL TO GROUP B RIVALS
Japan have warned its group B rivals at next month’s Olympics in Beijing that they are not coming for a tea party when hostilities begin for the soccer gold of the quadrennial Games.
Although the Japanese have bucked the prevailing trend by not including a single over-age player in their squad , coach Yasuharu Sorimachi is in confident mood. This despite being denied the services of striker Yoshito Okubo and playmaker Yasuhito Endo, both in contention for the squad’s three available over-age berths, after the gifted duo were called up for senior national team duty.
Yet Sorimachi remains hopeful that his side will have a realistic chance of coming back from their trip across the Sea of Japan with a medal. And the Blue Samurai will have been buoyed by a 2-1 friendly win against Australia in Kobe on Thursday, which also served to dispel lingering doubts over the team’s alleged lack of firepower.
“I’ve chosen the strongest players available, with the aim of winning at the Olympics. It was hard to make this selection as the squad can only contain 18 players,” said Sorimachi, who has an enviable array of talent from which to choose his starting eleven.
One to watch out for on Chinese soil is first-choice keeper Shusaku Nishikawa. Dubbed the “Japanese Chilavert”, after the flamboyant Paraguayan shotstopper, Nishikawa is known for stepping up to fire in free-kicks awarded around the opposition’s box.
Another player likely to impress is Atsuto Uchida, the golden boy of J-League outfit Kashima Antlers, who has already turned out for the senior side. He is likely to be joined in the team by forward Takayuki Morimoto of Italian outfit Catania, whose classy finishing skills have already drawn comparisons with Brazil legend Ronaldo and Juventus’ David Trezeguet. Sorimachi can also call on Keisuke Honda who turns out for Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo, and has the potential to be one of the outstanding midfielders on show in Beijing. Honda’s deadly left-footed free kicks are reminiscent of dead-ball ace Nakamura, while his passing, vision and tactical nous have also been widely praised. I don’t just want to pass the ball, I want to set up goals
Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda sets out his ambitions for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament “I hope we’ll score from moves that flow right through the team. I don’t just want to pass the ball, I want to set up goals,” said Honda, one of a number of players who gained great confidence from the Australia match. “I’m looking forward to the future, and I think the team will gel.”
Although the Japanese have bucked the prevailing trend by not including a single over-age player in their squad , coach Yasuharu Sorimachi is in confident mood. This despite being denied the services of striker Yoshito Okubo and playmaker Yasuhito Endo, both in contention for the squad’s three available over-age berths, after the gifted duo were called up for senior national team duty.
Yet Sorimachi remains hopeful that his side will have a realistic chance of coming back from their trip across the Sea of Japan with a medal. And the Blue Samurai will have been buoyed by a 2-1 friendly win against Australia in Kobe on Thursday, which also served to dispel lingering doubts over the team’s alleged lack of firepower.
“I’ve chosen the strongest players available, with the aim of winning at the Olympics. It was hard to make this selection as the squad can only contain 18 players,” said Sorimachi, who has an enviable array of talent from which to choose his starting eleven.
One to watch out for on Chinese soil is first-choice keeper Shusaku Nishikawa. Dubbed the “Japanese Chilavert”, after the flamboyant Paraguayan shotstopper, Nishikawa is known for stepping up to fire in free-kicks awarded around the opposition’s box.
Another player likely to impress is Atsuto Uchida, the golden boy of J-League outfit Kashima Antlers, who has already turned out for the senior side. He is likely to be joined in the team by forward Takayuki Morimoto of Italian outfit Catania, whose classy finishing skills have already drawn comparisons with Brazil legend Ronaldo and Juventus’ David Trezeguet. Sorimachi can also call on Keisuke Honda who turns out for Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo, and has the potential to be one of the outstanding midfielders on show in Beijing. Honda’s deadly left-footed free kicks are reminiscent of dead-ball ace Nakamura, while his passing, vision and tactical nous have also been widely praised. I don’t just want to pass the ball, I want to set up goals
Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda sets out his ambitions for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament “I hope we’ll score from moves that flow right through the team. I don’t just want to pass the ball, I want to set up goals,” said Honda, one of a number of players who gained great confidence from the Australia match. “I’m looking forward to the future, and I think the team will gel.”
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