Mikel Absent destabilised us -Swaziland Coach

Swaziland coach Bulunga has admitted that playing Sunshine Stars midfielder Paul Onobi instead of Mikel, gave Nigeria a edge.

          

“We saw weaknesses in the Nigeria team in the first leg unfortunately, the coach made changes and there was nothing we could do about it,” said Bulunga.

“(Oliseh) was smart enough to make some chances (and this affected what) we hoped to capitalise.

“For example, the midfield was very slow in the first leg so we wanted to capitalise on that but he changed (his tactics) and put in (Paul Onobi instead of Mikel Obi in that position) and it affected our whole set up.

“(Onobi) was aggressive, he was quick…also the left and right backs were new players that we didn’t expect to play.”

Nigeria won the match by 2:0 after they played goalless draw in Swaziland, Sunday Oliseh and his boys celebrated their first win under the new gaffer after drawing their first two qualifying matches.

Super Eagles have now qualified into the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup which is stated to take place in Russia.   

Osimhen set record as Eaglet retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup

The Nigerian Golden Eaglets became only the second side to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in Vina Del Mar. Nigeria won in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, and now in 2015 in Chile and has set a record of the first country to win the competition for the five times.

       

The Nigerian team won the maiden edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985 in China, the fifth edition of the tournament in 1993 in Japan, the twelfth edition of the tournament in 2007 in South Korea,the fifteenth held in the United Arab Emirates 2013 and again the sixteenth in Chile 2015.

Victor Osimhen stole the show once again thanks to his record-breaking tenth goal of the tournament, with Funsho Bamgboye adding a second moments later. Samuel Diarra had saved an early Osinachi Ebere penalty as the Malians played their part in an entertaining finale to Chile 2015.

The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, the No17’s follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.

Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.

The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amuneke’s words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters. Osimhen shrugged off the challenge of Mamadou Fofana before hitting a wonderful dipping half volley towards goal, which Diarra spectacularly saved. Udochukwu Anumudu then smashed a thunderous effort at goal, which rebounded back off the crossbar and was cleared away.

Mali did not heed those warnings. Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.

The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.

Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown. The jubilant scenes on the final whistle in Vina Del Mar will surely live long in the memories of these Nigerian heroes of the present, some of whom may just become the stars of the future.

D'Tigress beat Senegal in 2015 AfroBasketball Women Championship

The Nigeria female basketball team d'Tigress  are souring high in the ongoing Afro Basket women 2015, after beating Senegal 75-64. 


Break down of how the game went down.. 
Nigeria 75 Senegal 64 Ogoke: 18pts 4asts 5rebs Elonu: 17pts 5rebs 2blks Udeaja: 9pts 10rebs Sanni: 6pts 9rebs. Congratulations to them

Let keep the hope alive just has we did for the D'tigers in the just concluded  AfroBasketball Men in Tunisia. 

Golden Eaglets of Nigeria drawn South American Side Chile in U-17 World Chapionships

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria has been drawn with South American side Chile, United State of America USA and Croatia in group A at the Under 17 Championships.
        
The Emmanuel Amunike side finished fourth at this year's African U17 Championship in Niger Republic to qualify for the tournament where they will be hoping to defend the crown they won two years ago in the United Arab Emirate.

See full draws here:

Group A : Chile, Croatia, Nigeria, USA (Venues: Satiago, Vina del Mar, Coquimbo)

Group B : England, Guinea, Brazil, Korea Republic (Venues: La Serena, Coquimbo, Vina del Mar)

Group C : Australia, Germany, Mexico, Argentina (Venues: Chillan, Talca)

Group D : Belgium, Mali, Honduras, Ecuador (Venues: Talca, Chillan)

Group E : South Africa, Costa Rica, Korea DPR, Russia (Venues: Concepcion, Puerto Montt)

Group F : New Zealand, France, Syria, Paraguay (Venues: Puerto Montt, Concepcion)

According to Source : THE SHEET

Ifeanyi Ubah battles FC Taraba in the Federation Cup

After the "big boys" have been ousted, the round of 16 matches of this year’s men’s Federation Cup competition will take place across the country on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd July 2015.

Google Image

On Wednesday, FC IfeanyiUbah will tackle fellow Nigeria Premier league side up FC Taraba at the Area 3 Playground in Abuja while same venue will host Kwara United and Enugu Rangers in what may be a crunchy tie.

According to report from one of our source said  the Baba Olowo team has the IfeanyiUbah FC owner has promised each players and goal scorer 500 thousand Naira if they can win the game with goals glamour,  Wow!!!! That will make it more interesting and cracker match to watch.  

The other all –top division clash, between Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors, is scheduled for the Oshogbo Township Stadium on Wednesday.

Nigeria National League side Remo Stars of Ogun State, who eliminated champions Enyimba FC will be up against Glo NPFL side, Lobi Stars.

In Makurdi, Heartland FC will battle BJ Foundation from Edo State, which eliminated Sportlight FC of Kaduna in the Round of 32.

Nigeria U-16 Female Basketball team lose to Mail in FIBA Final

Nigeria's U-16 women’s basketball team were beaten 57-46 by three-time champions Mali in the 2015 FIBA Africa Women U-16 Championship in Madagascar.

The Nigerian went into the final after edging Mozambique 54-51 in the semi final on Saturday.

However, both Nigeria and Mali will represent Africa at the 2017 FIBA Under-17 World Championship.

In the classification games played on Sunday, Angola beat Mozambique 52-48 to claim third spot; hosts Madagascar beat Tunisia 64-57 to win fifth place; while Egypt beat Morocco 61-46 to finish seventh. 

Nigerian footballer David Faramola Oniya collapse and died in Malaysia

This is sad! I understand the fact that David Faramola Oniya is not the first player to have collapsed while playing (hunting for his daily bread) and eventually pass on. To mention a few similar incidence, Marc-Vivien Foe of Cameroun during a Confederations Cup game in 2003, and recently Belgium lost two players in similar fashion this year.

       

The death of this Nigerian footballer who plies his trade for T-Team, a club in Malaysia during a friendly game against Kelantan on Saturday 13th June 2015 came as a rude shock to many including his friends and Nigerians at large especially those who understand the ''hustle'' and the search for greener pasture.

I visited his Facebook page and realized that many who were sending in their condolences do not know David from Adam. Nigerians, colleagues and many others he had had contact with during his days on earth could not hold back but drop a line.

According to reports, he had barely had contact with the ball, in fact he had not played five minutes before he slumped and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The essence of this write-up is not to join in the blame game, however, we won't delve into the blame game by his club Chief Executive CEO Syahrizan Mohd Zain who felt the player would have survived if only he had received adequate and prompt attention.

All that would not wake the dead! We can only send our prayers and that is what many of David's ''friends'' at large are doing now.

The Nigerian Football Federation via twitter ''RIP David Faramola Oniya''

                   

Posted by @Thenff via twitter

''Our thoughts are with the family of Late David Faramola Oniya a Nigerian footballer who was with Malaysia Premier League club T-Team F.C.'' - @Thenff

Manchester United Malaysian Twitter Fan page Condolences to the family of T-Team kapten, Farmula David Aniya who died during a friendly match vs Kelantan in KB. - @MUFC_Malaysia

Nigerian defender David Oniya has died after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match between his Malaysian club T-Team and Kelantan.  ‏@NigeriaNewsdesk via Twitter

On the deceased facebook account , here are some of the heartfelt messages:

 Faith Eagle Oniya on Facebook - ''Just lost my brother, the captain of the German team, David Faramola Oniyain Germany some few minutes ago. I have not recovered from the shock.

Had a dream this morning I didn't understand... But GOD does!

THE BIBLE TELLS ME TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING...but two requests Lord,...

Give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss....

Lord, may this STOP from now on.

Thank you

Father   

''Its very sad to see him passed away like this.. A very discipline and committed player on and off the pitch.. As a person who greet him the first day he's in training and until his last breath.. You'll be missed my brother and my captain'' -  Mohd Hazwan Zikri said on David's Facebook account.

''RIP bro, still find it difficult to belief, we love you but God love you more.'' - Akintola Olayinka via facebook.

''You were like a brother to me....Our days in Azerbaijan was filled with inspiring memories..We love you,but God loves you more....Still can't believe you are gone Brother!!! - Bello Abayomi

And from me, I say ''death! Thou hath cruel. Rest in Peace Brother.

The center back had played football for more than 10 years as a professional. He played in played in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan before moving to Malaysian this season.  

Footballer stabs mechanic to death

20-year-old aspiring football player from Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Jacob pictured above has been arrested by the Lagos state Police command for killing a mechanic, Moruf Sanni by stabbing him to death over an arguement regarding age difference at Iwaya,Yaba on Monday May 25th.

                   

According to reports, the victim, Moruf had an argument and a fight with someone in his area simply identified as 'Somebody', over who was older on Sunday May 24th. The fight was  then settled by the elders in the area.

Angered by Moruf's claim that he was older and was not going to give him respect, 'Somebody' contacted his friend, Jacob to teach Moruf a lesson.

Jacob accosted the deceased in his compound and didn't teach him a lesson but stabbed him repeatedly on the neck and head and killed him. He was arrested by the residents of the area who witnessed the incident and chained to the corpse.

Father of the deceased, Mr Lukman, who is a taxi driver, said he had gone in search of fuel and as he returned, a neighbor ran to his house to inform him that somebody was fighting his son

    “Somebody ran to my house. He said a strange man was fighting with my son. I immediately rushed there, only to see the corpse of my son. The suspect was tied to my son’s corpse. I simply thanked him for killing my son and walked away.”

The victim's mother according to a relative of the deceased lost her mind immediately she saw her son's corpse because the deceased was the second son she had lost.

     “February 20 of this year made it exactly 3 years that the first child of the family was killed. A police stray bullet hit him when the police came to look for some hoodlums. So, when this one happened again, their mother just ran away and has not been seen since then.”the relative said

A police source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the suspect when interrogated gave a different version of events.

     “He said they went for a birthday party on Sunday night and it was there they had a disagreement. The following morning, he confronted Moruf and the deceased then brought out a knife which he collected from him. He said Moruf then got a bottle and it was while he wanted to block him from using it that it mistakenly stabbed him in the neck.”the police source said

The father of the deceased has asked for his son's body for burial but the corpse has been deposited at a mortuary while the police says they are investigating the matter. 

Source Lindaikeji blog

Nigeria cruising in Seychelles with Easy after straight 3 match win in African Beach Soccer Championship

Nigeria Sand Eagles continue there good performance in the on-going Beach Soccer championship in Seychelles after defeating Cote d'Ivory 7-6 in their 3rd match to progress into semi final in the tournament.
           

The Eagles thumped host 10-1 in their opening game and also went ahead to beat Egypt 4-1 in their previous two games.

The win against Cote d'Ivory now make the Super Sand Eagles to keep 100 percent record run through out the group stage.

Nigeria now finished top of Group A and have now scored 21 goals in three games with Ogbonna banging in six of them.

The Sand Eagles will now battle group B runners-up on Saturday in the semi-final stage.

Super Sand Eagles smash Seychelles in African Beach Championship

The Nigerian Super Sand Eagles pummel the Seychelles 10-1 in their African Beach Soccer Championship opener.
           
The 10-1 win recorded by Nigerians over host country Seychelles didn't start as early as the Super Sand Eagles would have thought but when the goals started coming and hitting the back of the net, the Nigerians never stopped going forward.

Seychelles who were playing for the first time in the African Beach Soccer Championship gave a good account of themselves. After holding on strong in the early stage, Seychelles gave in. The Super Sand Eagles got two goals in the opening frame, goals from Emeka Ogbonna and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu gave Eagles the lead.

Though the host committed display was obvious as the game progressed into the second but the Nigerians added a third goal from Emmanuel Ohwoferia and after that the Nigerians kept hitting series of shots at Seychelles which resulted into a 5-0 lead with goals from both Abu-Azeez and Captain of the team, Isiaka Olawale.

Read Full Reports Here: SL10.ng

FIFA Ranking: Nigeria drops more further in Ranking as Germany retain number spot in the world

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped four places and are now ranked 45th in the latest FIFA rankings.
           
It is the worst slide for the former African champions, after they failed to win their last two international friendlies in March.

The Eagles were beaten 1-0 on home soil by Uganda and drew 1-1 with South Africa in Nelspruit for days later.

Other Africa country are ranked as follows, Algeria remains the highest-ranked side on the continent despite dropping three places to 21st. Cote d'Ivoire (23rd), Ghana (26th), Tunisia (30th) and Senegal (36th) complete the top five.

World Champions Germany remains the number one team in the world. Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, and Brazil are ranked within top five in the world.

Super Eagles of Nigeria lose to Uganda on Vicent Enyeama 100 Caps

Nigeria Super eagles yesterday night loss to Uganda in a friendly match at home in the new Akwa Ibom International Stadium.
         
Eagles was beaten 1-0 by Uganda, to crash Enyeama 100th cap party, outclass Daniel Amokachi's tactics in uyo.

Vincent Enyeama won his 100th cap for Nigeria but was breached once again in Uyo, this time by Farouk Miya's 82nd Minute deflected shot in the International Friendly against the Cranes of Uganda on Wednesday.

It was Uganda's 4th win against Nigeria, giving them an edge on head to head (4-1-3).

Daniel Amokachi's team showed very little cohesion for most part of the game and got punished for it in the second-half.

Sredojevic's side were worthy opponents on the night as they held the Eagles with the in-form Triumvirate of Odion Ihgalo, Anthony Ujah and Ahmed Musa at bay.

The Uganda Coach said "It was a game where we hope to learn a thing  or two ahead of the AFCON nad World Cup qualifiers.

A disappointing result by all standards considering Uganda are ranked 74th in the latest FIFA Ranking.

Meanwhile, the Nigerua goalie Vincent Eyeama is one match away from equaling Joseph Yobo's 101; but the first goal tender to achieve it interesting.  

"I want to thank Nigerians and all those who've supported my career with the Eagles, it was a disappointing result but football is football anyway and that's how it pans out sometime.

"I've got 100 caps now but at some point i must leave to concentrate om my club football, I'II discuss my future plans with the Coaches," Enyeama revealed.

Nigeria will now be facing Bafana Bafana in the second friendly lined up by the Football Federation.  

Bolivian football team cancels friendly match with Nigeria over fear of Boko haram

The Bolivian football team has call off its international friendly match  with Nigeria which was due to take place at the new Akwa Ibom International stadium in Uyo on March 26th.
           
At a press conference in Santa Cruz, the president of the Bolivian Football Federation, Carlos Chavez said armed conflicts in Nigeria as well as political tension forced them to cancel the match "The armed conflict in Nigeria and the tense political situation forced the cancellation of the game" Chavez said. According to reports

My Take on this Issue: So so sad, this Insurgency has really cause Nigeria a lot in the past  6 years, may the Lord see us through and help us fish-out all the perpetrators in charge of it Amen.

Up Super Eagles, Up Nigeria we remain unstoppable and united as one Nation that can over come any problem despite of any form of crisis we found our self, God bless us.

Nigeria Flying Eagles to play Ghana in AYC semi final

Nigeria Flying Eagles will be playing their West Africa counterparts Ghana on Wednesday, in the on-going African Youth Championship taking place in Senegal and they will both be challenging for a spot in the final for this year edition.
                  
The Black Star of Ghana U-20 team beat Mail 1-0 to finish second from Group B and set to face the Group A top finisher which happens to be the Flying Eagles of Nigeria.

In the second semi final fixtures will be between Mail face the hosts country Senegal at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, Dakar later on the same Wednesday.

The four teams have already qualified to represent the continent of Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in the next coming summer June.  

Obafemi Martins surprised his baby Mama with Benz G Wagon

Nigerian Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins surprised his girlfriend and baby mama Abigail Barwuah with a brand new Benz G wagon.
             
Abigail who is Mario Balotelli either sister took to her Instagram page to post the picture and flaunting her precious gift.

Wishing her a safe driving any time any day, and she should keep the good work going so that Martins can also be able to shower her with more goodies like this... #wink

International Friendly: Nigeria vs Ghana match Cancelled

Fans of Super Eagles in the diaspora which would have been hoping to watch their team playing against Ghana in London may now be disappointed as FIFA says no.
          
According to football Governing body, the schedule clash is against their regulations which which stipulate that no country should play two games across two continent in three days.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as earlier announced the Super Eagles will take on Bolivia on March 26 in Uyo, and go ahead on Black Stars of Ghana on 29 March in London.

The Eagles were seeking to use the march against Black Stars, to kick off their Preparations for the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers campaign.

However, as the friendly has been cancelled by FIFA, the Ghana Football Association can now consider proposals from other nations who are interested in playing the Black Star on said date.

Ghana has the option to play all two matches during the FIFA free window in April either in Europe or Asia .

England to call-up Liverpool Jordon Ibe to stop Nigeria from claiming his services

Liverpool young star Jordon Ibe is on the verge of England call-up, as the England set-up are keen on calling him to the senior squad, with Nigeria competing with the Three Lions for the wonder-kid's international services, reports the Daily Mail.
             
Ibe is eligible to play for Nigeria because of his father, and the African gaints want to tempt the 19-year-old into turning his back on England and committing his future to them instead.

The winger has represented England at multiple youth levels, and while he's expected to one day play for the senior side, he could be fast-tracked now - with England senior team Coach Roy Hodgosn and co looking forward to inviting him to the team and desperate not to lose the enormously talented teenager to Nigerians.

Since his recall from Championship loan spell with Derby County, Ibe has torn up Premier League trees. He's excelled as a right wing-back, and has practically made the spot his own in the Liverpool squad.

Flying Eagles AYC 21-man squad list Out see who the Coach Selects

Flying Eagles' Head Coach Manu Garba (OON) has released a list of 21 players who will represent Nigeria at the 19th African Youth Championship in Senegal.
                
Nigeria play host Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville and Cote d'Ivoire in Group A of the Tournament scheduled for 8th-22nd March 2015 in the city of  Dakar and M'Bour Senegal.

THE FULL LIST

 Joshua Enaholo, Musa Muhammed, Mustapha Abdullahi, Akinjide Idowu, Saheed AbdulGaniyu, Izuchukwu Omego, Bernard Bulbwa, Alhassan Ibrahim, Christian Pyagbara, Abdullahi Alfa, Saleh Usman, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Samuel Okon, Obinna Nwobodo, Ifeanyi Mathew, Dele Alampasu, Chidera Ezeh, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bello Zaharadeen, Wasiu Jimoh, Olorunleke Ojo

This list is listed here according to how it been reported: Footballlive.ng 

Nigeria Golden Eaglets to play Amajimbos in Cup semi final

Four-time world champions Nigeria face a contest against first-time qualifiers South Africa for a place in the final of the 11th African U-17 Championship on-going in Niger Republic.
               
The Amajimbos surprised African football followers by lashing Cameroon 3-1 in their final Group B match in Niamey on Sunday, setting a stage for a clash with the reigning world champions.

It is a clash of the illustrious against greehorns, but Nigeria coach Emmanuel Amuneke said on Sunday: "We are going to under-rate South Africa. My boys made that mistake against Guinea and it nearly cost us dearly. We will go all out against South Africa with our full strength."

The match starts 5pm Niger Republic time on Wednesday, with both teams, as well as fellow semi finalists Mail and Guinea, already through to the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in Chile 17th October-8th November this year. Reports (thenff.com)

AYC 2015: Golden Eaglets fight back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Guinea

Nigeria's U-17 team, Golden Eaglets, on Wednesday forced their Guinean counterparts to a 1-1 draw at Stade General Seyni Kountche at the on-going African U-17 Championship in Naimey.
                  
Team Captain Kelechi Nwakali yet again rescued the team with a vital equalizer in the second half from the spot kick after Sam Diallo had scored the first goal in the 11th minute through a penalty kick as well.

Nigeria, however, tops Group A with goal difference as it has four points with Guinea.

The Guineans dominated the first 10 minutes of play by forcing the Golden Eaglets into their own half.

A minutes later, Nigeria conceded a penalty after defender Lukman Halilu brought down skillful Yamodou Toure in the box, and Sam Diallo dispatched the ball behind goalkeeper Akpan Udoh.

The Guineans showed better initiatives in the attack by forcing the Golden Eaglets on the defensive time and again.

Abdoulaye Jules Keita was handful on the left flank in the 22th minute.

Victor Osimhen thought he had got the much needed equalizer but his powerful header off a cross from Samuel Chukwueze was disallowed by referee Jean Jacques Ngambo.

Read more here (Premium Times )