Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has said the door to the world Cup is open for Osaze Odemwingie, but insisted on a talk with the striker. Keshi and Odemwingie were involved in a highly publicized row during which the Stoke City striker took to social media Twitter to blast the Eagles handler after he was sensationally left out of a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations training camp in Portugal. A bitter Osaze will go on to quit international football, but later rescinded the decision. “Keshi has said the door is still open for Odemwingie, but he will need to talk with the player before he could recall him to his team,” a top official informed M TNFootball.com “He said this while defending his squad list for the Mexico friendly before the technical committee. “Some of the top officials at the meeting said they wish to be at the clear-the-air talk with Odemwingie.” Odemwingie last played for Nigeria two years ago in a 2013 AFCON qualifier in Rwanda after which he went on a tirade when he was substituted.
Showing posts with label Nigeria sport news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nigeria sport news. Show all posts
Glo league starts March 7
The League Management Company (LMC) has announced March 7 as the new commencement date for the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season. 
The new season was scheduled to kick off on February 23 before the latest development. Some of the clubs are known to be grappling with peculiar constraints including access to funding and validation of registration documentation. LMC chairman, Hon Nduka Irabor said the body has acceded to the passionate request of the clubs as it concerns registration and documentation. "We've agreed to accommodate this popular request to extend the registration process period to enable the clubs tidy up their documents for certification. Irabor said LMC has thus resolved on a two-week delay for the kick-off following representations from clubs which cited their peculiar nature of fund release by government, their principal sponsors and the observations made by LMC stadium inspection teams. "We've considered reports of the stadium facilities inspection teams and the need to allow the clubs a two-week period to correct observed deficiencies in their facilities hence the league earlier scheduled to start on February 21 and 23 will now start on the weekend of March 7 and 10. "There'll be no further extension after this period and the league will start with only clubs that meet the minimum requirements," said Irabor. Irabor said the LMC will however not certify any club that fails to comply with the recommended upgrades of the LMC Inspection team within the extension period granted. "Consistent with our assertion that the reform policies are not punitive but standard minimum conditions the LMC is inclined to accept the appeal to allow the clubs carry out necessary, mandatory and prescribed adjustments in their facilities with the overall objective to have our games played in people-friendly environment," Irabor declared. The LMC is insisting on some minimum facility requirements at grounds proposed by clubs to host league matches and some of these include properly furnished changing rooms, good egress and exit. Others include safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, availability of water and electricity power, properly constructed technical bench and good playing surface among others.
The new season was scheduled to kick off on February 23 before the latest development. Some of the clubs are known to be grappling with peculiar constraints including access to funding and validation of registration documentation. LMC chairman, Hon Nduka Irabor said the body has acceded to the passionate request of the clubs as it concerns registration and documentation. "We've agreed to accommodate this popular request to extend the registration process period to enable the clubs tidy up their documents for certification. Irabor said LMC has thus resolved on a two-week delay for the kick-off following representations from clubs which cited their peculiar nature of fund release by government, their principal sponsors and the observations made by LMC stadium inspection teams. "We've considered reports of the stadium facilities inspection teams and the need to allow the clubs a two-week period to correct observed deficiencies in their facilities hence the league earlier scheduled to start on February 21 and 23 will now start on the weekend of March 7 and 10. "There'll be no further extension after this period and the league will start with only clubs that meet the minimum requirements," said Irabor. Irabor said the LMC will however not certify any club that fails to comply with the recommended upgrades of the LMC Inspection team within the extension period granted. "Consistent with our assertion that the reform policies are not punitive but standard minimum conditions the LMC is inclined to accept the appeal to allow the clubs carry out necessary, mandatory and prescribed adjustments in their facilities with the overall objective to have our games played in people-friendly environment," Irabor declared. The LMC is insisting on some minimum facility requirements at grounds proposed by clubs to host league matches and some of these include properly furnished changing rooms, good egress and exit. Others include safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, availability of water and electricity power, properly constructed technical bench and good playing surface among others.
Brown Ideye nets brace for Dynamo Kiev
Nigeria international and Dynamo Kiev forward Brown Ideyewas on target twice in his club’s 3-1 defeat of Spanish side Malaga in a club friendly played at the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Dynamo Stadium. 
His 62nd and 88th minute strike was enough to secure victory for the Bilo-Syni (White-Blues) against a dogged Malaga team paraded by manager Bernd Schuster. The La Liga side had taken the lead through Moroccan star Mounir El Hamdaoui as early as the 6th minute which gave the visitors a slim edge going into the break. On resumption of the second half, Artem Kravets grabbed the equaliser for the home side in the 54th minute before Ideye doubled the lead eight minutes later. Brown Ideye added his second for Oleg Blokhin’s men in the closing stages of the encounter with a cool finish. With this, Ideye will be hoping to challenge for a place in Stephen Keshi's squad as the 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil inches nearer.
His 62nd and 88th minute strike was enough to secure victory for the Bilo-Syni (White-Blues) against a dogged Malaga team paraded by manager Bernd Schuster. The La Liga side had taken the lead through Moroccan star Mounir El Hamdaoui as early as the 6th minute which gave the visitors a slim edge going into the break. On resumption of the second half, Artem Kravets grabbed the equaliser for the home side in the 54th minute before Ideye doubled the lead eight minutes later. Brown Ideye added his second for Oleg Blokhin’s men in the closing stages of the encounter with a cool finish. With this, Ideye will be hoping to challenge for a place in Stephen Keshi's squad as the 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil inches nearer.
Nigeria recall Joseph Yobo for Mexico friendly. See FULL SQUAD
The on-loan Norwich City defender has been recalled to the Super Eagles while Ramon Azeez, Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo have been handed call ups 
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has recalled captain Joseph Yobo for the friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, USA on March 5. Yobo, who is on loan with Norwich City from Fenerbahce, last played for the African champions at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Also returning are Israel-based defender Juwon Oshaniwa, 2014 African Nations Championship Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi and Canada-based striker Bright Dike. New faces include former junior internationals Ramon Azeez and Shehu Abdullahi, and Belgium-based strikers Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo. Centre - back Kunle Odunlami, who made CAF's list of Best XI at the recent African Nations Championship in South Africa, is also called up but third choice goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim has been left out. Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders John Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Obinna Nsofor will make the trip. FULL SQUAD Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC. Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michel Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has recalled captain Joseph Yobo for the friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, USA on March 5. Yobo, who is on loan with Norwich City from Fenerbahce, last played for the African champions at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Also returning are Israel-based defender Juwon Oshaniwa, 2014 African Nations Championship Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi and Canada-based striker Bright Dike. New faces include former junior internationals Ramon Azeez and Shehu Abdullahi, and Belgium-based strikers Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo. Centre - back Kunle Odunlami, who made CAF's list of Best XI at the recent African Nations Championship in South Africa, is also called up but third choice goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim has been left out. Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders John Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Obinna Nsofor will make the trip. FULL SQUAD Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC. Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michel Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)
Emenike set to return from injury
Nigeria international striker, Emmanuel Emenike has returned to training following the injury he picked up last week. 
The big striker was injured during Fenerbahce’s Turkish Super Lig game against Konyaspor on January 27. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the pitch at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadyumu in the 80th minute of the contest against Konyaspor with Mehmet Topuz taking his place. Fenerbahce’s medic subsequently ruled that the attacker will be out of action for up to three weeks and he is now on the recovery trail. Emenike has now begun light training as well as work in the gym and spoke to the club’s official website to discuss the state of his recovery. “Today (Thursday), I started to run. I feel very good to have begun the process of returning to the team. That makes very happy,” he told www.fenerbahce.org. Emenike has scored eight league goals in 17 league appearances for Fenerbahçe this season.
The big striker was injured during Fenerbahce’s Turkish Super Lig game against Konyaspor on January 27. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the pitch at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadyumu in the 80th minute of the contest against Konyaspor with Mehmet Topuz taking his place. Fenerbahce’s medic subsequently ruled that the attacker will be out of action for up to three weeks and he is now on the recovery trail. Emenike has now begun light training as well as work in the gym and spoke to the club’s official website to discuss the state of his recovery. “Today (Thursday), I started to run. I feel very good to have begun the process of returning to the team. That makes very happy,” he told www.fenerbahce.org. Emenike has scored eight league goals in 17 league appearances for Fenerbahçe this season.
Keshi rejects NFF’s foreign ‘help’
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has refused to accept an offer of a foreign assistant ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil starting in June, supersport.com reports. 
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) met with the current African Coach of the Year recently and proposed a foreign assistant to him which he turned down. The NFF even proposed to Keshi to pick any foreign assistant of his choice, saying it will foot the expenses including the salaries. Instead Keshi, 52, demanded that the Nigeria football house reinstate one of his former assistants and former teammates, Sylvanus Okpala, who was sacked after the Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. “Stephen Keshi was offered the chance to choose a foreign assistant, who will work under him but he made it clear he was fine with his current assistants and backroom staff. The federation did this because they felt Keshi needed additional assistant. “But Keshi said he wanted one of his assistants, Sylvanus Okpala, to be recalled. The federation told him Okpala can’t be recalled because he was sacked for insubordination,” supersport.com quoted spokesman of the NFF Technical Committee, Paul Bassey, as saying on a television programme on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) met with the current African Coach of the Year recently and proposed a foreign assistant to him which he turned down. The NFF even proposed to Keshi to pick any foreign assistant of his choice, saying it will foot the expenses including the salaries. Instead Keshi, 52, demanded that the Nigeria football house reinstate one of his former assistants and former teammates, Sylvanus Okpala, who was sacked after the Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. “Stephen Keshi was offered the chance to choose a foreign assistant, who will work under him but he made it clear he was fine with his current assistants and backroom staff. The federation did this because they felt Keshi needed additional assistant. “But Keshi said he wanted one of his assistants, Sylvanus Okpala, to be recalled. The federation told him Okpala can’t be recalled because he was sacked for insubordination,” supersport.com quoted spokesman of the NFF Technical Committee, Paul Bassey, as saying on a television programme on Wednesday.
