Oliseh determined to succeed' invites Mikel, Moses and Ighalo for Congo, Cameroon friendlies

Ahead of the friendly matches against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon, Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 24 players to to prosecute the games.

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Among the invitees are Captain Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona and a host of others.

Former junior international defender Abdullahi Shehu gets his first opportunity at senior level, and Moses Simon, who scored against Niger Republic, is also considered, alongside home boys Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Paul Onobi and Prince Aggrey. There is also room for Watford FC of England striker Odion Ighalo.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

The Eagles take on Congo on October 8 and Cameroon three days later. 

Source: Thenff.com

Ikeme Appreciate Nigerians Despite goals Draw again Tanzania

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has appreciated Nigerians for giving him the support needed to keep a clean sheet in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match against the Taifa stars of Tanzania in Daar salem on Saturday.

             

The Wolves of England safe glove, who had earlier said he has all it takes to step into the shoes of Vincent Enyeama, really proved his worth in the match, as he made some saves to deny the host the opportunity of disgracing the former African Champions. 

Carl who made some brilliant saves in the game against Tanzania to keep Super Eagles of Nigeria from conceding and limiting them chances of qualifying for the 2017 Nations Cup.

Though the match ended in a goalless draw his performance (Carl Ikeme) really still the show after a wonderful and scintillating saves in his first cap for national team colors. And am sure our number goal keeper Vincent Enyeama and many Nigerian Fans out there would be proud of him.

  

Oliseh releases 18 man's list for Tanzania Match as Mikel and Moses Missing Out

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 18 overseas-based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

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Eagles' first –choice goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama headlines the list that also has defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Rabiu Ibrahim, Lukman Haruna and Joel Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Anthony Ujah.

There are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh’s earlier pledge to make current form and first –level football key indices for selection to the Super Eagles.

There are goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon.

All the 18 players, who will join up with the 23 home boys who arrived camp in Abuja on Monday, are expected in Abuja on Monday, 31st August, 2015 at the latest.

The Super Eagles take on Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey)

Midfielders: Joel Obi (Torina FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

 Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emem Eduok (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen, Germany); Sylvester Igboun (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium) 

Reported by THENFF.COM

Dnipro has Completed the Signing of Micheal Babatunde from Ukrainian League Volyn Lutsk

Super Eagles Midfielder, Michael Babatunde has joined 2014/15 UEFA Europa League finalist Dnipro on a 3-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Image@footballlive.ng

The player had been a subject of transfer from Volyn Lutsk to a club with the prospect of playing in a European competition.

“There were discussions with nearly all the top clubs,” Babatunde told goal.

“I have played against Dnipro in the past and he has wanted me ever since but the teams I played for (Krybass and Volyn) never wanted me to go,”

“Teams from France, Spain and Germany but none of them were ready to meet my valuation and in the end Dnipro came out on top.

“I spoke to Markevych and he totally convinced me. He gave me the feeling that I was very important for him. Not only as a player but also as a person – and then it was clear that I would sign for Dnipro.”

Pictures emerged today of the player conducting his medical there were also others of the and claded in Dnipro’s colors. He has been issued the jersey number 79.

The club finished third place in the Ukrainian League Premier League last season and have won the title only twice.

 

Oliseh- Eagles won't look down on any team

Coach Sunday Oliseh at his presentation by the NFF last week

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Super Eagles Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh is happy with outcome of the 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw held in St.Petersburg, Russia on Saturday.

Drawn bye from the first round of the African qualifiers, Nigeria begins her campaign for a place at the 2018 finals in Russia in November 2015, away to the winner of the Djibouti vs Swaziland first round playoff.

While appealing for caution, the Super Eagles handler told thenff.com that there are a number of reasons for him to be happy.

"Of course,I am happy with the draw,"Oliseh stated.

"We are not playing the first round, which is a preliminary round and which we knew before the draw. We will also be playing the first leg of the second round away which means we have an advantage of playing the more crucial return leg at home, in front of our fans".

The coach also warned against complacency, revealing that there are a lot of dangerous teams around that could hurt if taken for granted.

"Djibouti and Swaziland need to be given the respect that they deserve and either of them that we face in the second round will not be underrated. We respect every team and we will battle anyone that emerges with our full strength.

"With the draw now concluded,we can safely say that the race to Russia has officially started. I am optimistic we will run this race very well. We will give it our very best and pray it will be good enough to get us one of the five slots available for Africa," Oliseh concluded.

Oliseh confirmed as Super Eagles of Nigeria new coach

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria Skipper Sunday Oliseh has this afternoon been confirmed the head coach of the Nigeria Senior men national team gaffer.

Image Source @thenff     

Oliseh who has signed a 5-year contract with the NFF and swiftly declared, 'If you are not playing first division football in Nigeria or anywhere in the world, you can;t fit into our plans.' according to report on Sports Radio Brila FM more pictures below .

                      

                     

Bonfrere Jo believes Keshi Sack long Overdue

Former Super Eagles Handler Johannes Bonfrere, has applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for sacking coach Stephen keshi stating that he does not have what it takes to lead the team to new height.

           

The federation terminated Keshi's contract having found out that the former Togo handler applied Ivory Coast job.

Jo, led Nigeria’s U-23 team to gold at the 1996 Olympics, said only a foreign manager can elevate the Eagles.

"I think the NFF need to hire a foreign coach to take charge of the Super Eagles,” he told Completesportsnigeria.com.

"The Super Eagles have failed to make much impact since they won the African Cup of Nations in 2013 and it has to do with the inability of the coaches to take the team to new heights.

"Personally, I don’t think Stephen Keshi has what it takes to take the team beyond where they are now.

"So the decision made by the NFF to sack him was the right one.

"The next task before them now is to carefully look for a capable foreign coach that can help improve the performance of the team."

Lars Lagerback is the last foreign coach to lead Nigeria. He was in charge of the Eagles at the 2010 World Cup. 

In a chat with www.footballlive.ng, Former Super Eagles coach, Johannes Bonfrere, Dutch football coach and former midfielder, who guided Nigeria to their victory in the 1996 Olympic Games, has hailed the sack of Steven Keshi as national team handler, insisting that the decision was even long overdue. 

Former Super Eagles Midfielder Kaita Declare Missing

A former Super Eagles player, Sani Kaita has been declared missing by his football management, FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi.

        

According to the club manager John Obu, the footballer who joined the local league club in May on a 3 year deal left Awka after a match on July 1 and has not been seen or heard from since then. He didn’t report for the match the football club played against the Shooting Stars of Ibadan on Sunday.

Obu said in his report to NAN, “What happened is, when we traveled to Port Harcourt, we were to leave immediately after the game and he was not part of those of us who left and up till now, we have not seen him. But, I don’t need to look for him; he needs to tell me where he is. If he fails to tell me where he is, then we will report to LMC (League Management Company) of his absconding’.

Kaita , a former Enyimba International midfielder, has played for Sparta Rotterdam (Holland), Monaco (France), Olympiakos (Greece), Lokomotiv Moscow, Kuban Krasnodar, FC Alaniya, Tavriya (all in Russia) and Metalist Khakiv (Ukraine).

Source: Naij.com

NFF set date for appointment Keshi Successor after breach of contract

Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi has told www.footballlive.ng that a substantive coach for the Super Eagles will be named in a week or two.

    

According to him, Nigerians should be a bit patient while also noting that the NFF has not decided whether the coach to be announced will be local or foreign.

The NFF announce on Saturday it had parted ways with 2013 AFCON winning Coach Stephen Keshi for a breach of contract.  

Former Coach Amodu Shuaibu and assistant Salisu Yusuf has been given the job to take charge as a caretaker.

Sunday Mba has Signed for Newly Promoted Club Matalyspor in Turkey

Nigeria Super Eagles Midfielder Sunday Mba has signed for newly promoted turkish side Matalyspor'Da 

           

The Midfielder who was part of the team that lead Super Eagles of Nigeria to their AFCON 2013 glory after he scores some fantastic goals against Cote d'vorie and Burkina Faso in semi-final and the Final of the Tournament to give Nigeria the trophy which they last won in the year 1994.

We wishing you success has you begin another new chapter in your club football career.     

Keshi not among the Candidate for Elephant Job NFF Confirms

The Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation (FIF), has released a list of five coaches, that are in the running to replace Herve Renard, as their national team manager.

Google Image: Stephen Keshi

It was reported that FIF received 60 applications from interested candidates with Nigerian Stephen Keshi, who currently handles the Super Eagles appearing on the list.

The Ivorian Federation the final shortlist on its official website www.fedivoir.com/fifci, Portuguese coach, Paulo Duarte, Polish manager, Henryk Kasperczak, French trio of Patrice Neveu, Frédéric Antonetti and Michel Dussuyer.

Last three will be announce before one of them is given the job.

Renard left The Elephants to join French club Lille, after helping them win their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 23 years.

Oliseh Advises NFF' Bring Super Eagles matches to Lagos

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh has advised that the nations senior national team will perform better playing inside the National Stadium Lagos.

       

Oliseh in an interview with Brila FM noted that the pressure from Lagos fans would suffice to spur the Eagles to giving their best in any match.

He further stated that it was more difficult during his days to represent the country that present time.

“It’s a lot easier now to play for Nigeria and I guess that is one of the reasons we are not doing so well now. In those days, you go to the National Stadium, Lagos in front 100, 000 fans. After 20 minutes, you have not scored, the fans go crazy and your family lives in Lagos; that is pressure. When you go to the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup and you know that second

is not enough; that is pressure. When you have to play and the future of your family is at stake; that is pressure.

“I’m overtly telling them that if we want to go back to the top; we need to bring the Super Eagles back to Lagos.

"If England have an important match to play, they play you at Wembley because that is where they have the greatest number of fans and that is where it becomes emotional for the players. The National Stadium is our own Wembley. I played for Nigeria for 10 years and we never lost at the National Stadium. That shows you how mythical it was to play there. The players need that kind of atmosphere to perform.”

Enyeama says Goodbye to Super Eagles of Nigeria

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, says he will retire from the Super Eagles after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2017.

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He said he had been on the scene since 2002, adding that there was every reason for him to give way for others to take over.

Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, Enyeama, who is also the Super Eagles captain, explained that the desire to give younger goalkeepers the opportunity to develop themselves informed his decision to retire from the national team.

“I can’t keep doing the same thing forever; there is going to be a time I have to stop and give it up to some other persons. I am the only face here since 2002, but 2017 Nations Cup finals will be my last game. I just said my target, anything can happen after,” he added.

The Eagles goal tender explained that the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, prevented him from retiring from the team after it failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Enyeama told the NAN that his wife and pastor also prevailed on him to drop the plan.

He further stated “I actually wanted to stop, it wasn’t a rumour. Nigeria is blessed with great goalkeepers, just that we need to give them confidence. Nobody gave me a chance when I started, I was a rookie also; I belt it up, I worked hard for it and became the big person that nobody wants to lose. What changed my mind was the passion of Nigerians. I had a lot of calls, my governor, Akpabio.

Alot of people talked with me. These things, you don’t just ignore and my wife also talked with me. My wife didn’t want me to leave yet. I talked with my pastor and he said if everybody said stay, why not. So, I decided to continue, but then, there is going to be a time to call it quits.” 

See what Footballer Taye Taiwo did with his Family

Super Eagles of Nigeria Defender Taye Taiwo shares beautiful pictures of his family. This are wonderful shots
        

        
        
        
        
       
        

       
       
       
Lovely Photos wishing them all long live happy family.....

Aaron Samuel Plays with his newborn Daughter

Nigeria Super Eagles player and Guangzhou R&F striker, Aaron Samuel welcome a his new baby girl with his girlfriend Nadia some weeks back.
               
Here are more Photos of the beautiful family
             

            


             
Congratulations to them....

Keshi Invites Skipper Enyeama, and 14 other Overseas professionals for Chad game

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has invited skipper Vincent Enyeama and 14 other overseas–based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad in Kaduna.

         

Thelikes of defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Babatunde Michael and forward Ahmed Musa, who were all at last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil make their return to the team.

Darmstadt 98 of Germany right back Leon Balogun, Israel–based John Ogu, former Switzerland junior international Steven Ukoh, China –based Aaron Samuel and Odion Ighalo, whose 20 league goals helped Championship side Watford FC to the English Premiership, have also been called alongside former junior international Rabiu Ibrahim.

New faces William Troost-Ekong, a defender based in The Netherland

Here is a full List of the foreign pros who join the home-based pros in camp:

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France)

Defenders: Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Leon Balogun (Darmstadt 98, Germany); William Troost-Ekong (FC Dordrecht, The Netherlands); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Anderson Esiti (Estoril FC, Portugal); Steven Ukoh (Biel-Bienne FC, Switzerland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England)

According to thenff.com 

NFF appoints keshi assistant Quietly

Former Pillars and Enyimba Coach Salisu Yusuf returns to the National team Job as an Assistant to Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi.
       
The Nigeria Football Federation subtly appoint Salisu Yusuf as the Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles according to reports by footballlive.ng   ending his long anticipated as the most senior member of the back room staff.

Yusuf who had spells with the two top Premier League clubs, Kano Pillars and Enyimba FC is expected to resume immediately.

The announcement was made by the Federation on its social media platform on Thursday along with a list of 26 invited home-base players expected to kick-start the team's camping programme ahead of next month's 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad," Per NFF.

Meanwhile, nothing was said about ex International Daniel Amokachi; who was relieved of his duties as interim Coach as soon as Keshi was re-appointed.

Keshi resumes office Release 26 home based player for Chad Game

Returned Super Eagles of Nigeria Coach Stephen Keshi has resumed fully to office and has started preparations for the 2017 Nation Cup Qualifier.
         
The Big Boss yesterday releases the 26 home based-player list that will execute the match again Chad next month.

Keshi who have stated it in a conference when he was been re-instated has the Eagles coach for the third time that in his new coming there wont be room for any bench warmer in his squad, that he will selects his players according to their performance in their respective club sides.

Below is the List of  Players coach keshi has invited for the game against Chad.

FULL LIST;

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Chidiebere Eze (Gabros International).

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC); Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Igbinosa Esosa (Nasarawa United); Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars); Henlong Charles (Giwa FC).

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC); Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars); Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers); Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars).

Rest on Nigeria all time Super Striker Rashidi Yekini

It three years that Former Nigeria Super Eagles striker Rashidi Yekini died on May 4, 2012. We wishing you eternal rest in the blossom of the lord, Amen. RIP
        
Rest on the Nigeria Goals banger Machine. (October 23 1963 - May 4, 2013)

Nigeria Super Eagles New Jersey to be Unveil

The new deal with Nike has really re-branded the National team a lot.  Below is the Promo samples of the KIT which the senior National team will be wearing.
        
Nice Style, beautiful colors and lovely mixtures.