Flying Eagles coach Samson Siasia turned on his strikers after the team lost their second game on the bounce at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.
The Nigerians were beaten 2-0 by Spain despite, once again, dominating their opponents and Siasia said it was down to his forwards to put away the numerous opportunities the team created.
"I believed we had more chances in the first half but I don't know why our strikers always go to sleep. I don't really know how many chances we need to score a goal.
"It is so sad that we have strikers that can't even score goals. If you don't score goals, you can't win any match," the former Nigeria international lamented.
Siasia's was equally unhappy to see his team concede a soft penalty and another player walk off with a red card for the second consecutive game, especially when a Spanish player got off with only a yellow card for a similar offence as that which got Haruna Lukman sent off in the opening game, and he did not spare the referee.
"I don't know what is going on may be the referees don't want us to go to the next round of the competition. It was obvious that the penalty given to the Spanish team was not a penalty. It is just ridiculous."
Nigeria have a slim chance of advancing as best losers if they beat group whipping boys Tahiti, and results from elsewhere go their way.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mikel out of Mozambique match
The Nigeria midfielder was subbed after the first period in Chelsea's 3-1 loss at Wigan and it was later reported on the Chelsea website that he picked up an ankle knock.
Mikel told KickOffNigeria.com that the prognosis is a three-week layoff.
"It’s very bad and I am going to be out for three weeks," he told KickOffNigeria.com on Monday.
It means the earliest the former Plateau United star can return to action will be a week after the Mozambique game.
Mikel's absence will be a major setback to Shuaibu Amodu's match plans, with the exclusion of Kalu Uche in his call-ups for the game.
Amodu's replacement midfielders are Yusuf Ayinla, Seyi Olofinjana, Olufemi Ajilore and Sani Kaita, with skipper Nwankwo Kanu an option for the middle.
Nigeria are two points behind group leaders Tunisia with two games to go and play Mozambique on October 11 at the Abuja National Stadium.
Mikel told KickOffNigeria.com that the prognosis is a three-week layoff.
"It’s very bad and I am going to be out for three weeks," he told KickOffNigeria.com on Monday.
It means the earliest the former Plateau United star can return to action will be a week after the Mozambique game.
Mikel's absence will be a major setback to Shuaibu Amodu's match plans, with the exclusion of Kalu Uche in his call-ups for the game.
Amodu's replacement midfielders are Yusuf Ayinla, Seyi Olofinjana, Olufemi Ajilore and Sani Kaita, with skipper Nwankwo Kanu an option for the middle.
Nigeria are two points behind group leaders Tunisia with two games to go and play Mozambique on October 11 at the Abuja National Stadium.
Flying Eagles defeated by Spain
The Flying Eagles made a lively start and could have taken the lead when Odion Ighalo mis-hit the ball with just the goalkeeper to beat from five yards. King Osanga also saw a right-footed shot from 25 yards which forced Sergio Asenjo into a scampering low save. Samson Siasia's men failed to test the keeper with a succession of set pieces and long-range efforts.
But as the game wore on, Spain began to move into the ascendancy. Emilio Nsue chested the ball into the path of Merida, who hit a left-footed volley which flew just over the bar. Uche Okafor then turned away a shot from Nsue, but in the 33rd minute the Europeans' pressure paid off.
Playing the offside trap, Nigeria failed to catch a late, well-timed run from deep from Merida, leaving the Arsenal man in acres of space, before he produced an extremely composed finish to lob the ball over the onrushing Okafor. Merida also had a great chance to double his team's advantage on the stroke of half-time, but saw a low shot brilliantly saved by the Nigerian keeper.
Neutrals were left to assume that Siasia had a few harsh words to say to his players at half-time and that his opposing coach Luis Milla ordered his players to protect their lead, given the balance of play in the second half. Spain sat back deep, inviting a lot of pressure from Nigeria, which almost cost them their lead.
Half-time substitute Omatsone Aluko forced a brilliant save out of Asenjo and in the 67th minute, Daniel Adejo headed the ball into the net, but his effort was ruled out for an infringement in the box before the corner was taken. Rabiu Ibrahim and Gbolahan Salami both were wayward in their finishing when well placed and completely against the run of play, Spain added a second.
Ibrahim was adjudged to have tripped Ander Herrera in the box during a rare Spanish attack and Merida converted the resulting penalty in the 83rd minute. Just sixty seconds later, Salami was red carded for an elbow on the double scorer to cap a truly miserable afternoon for the Africans.
The result leaves Spain presumably battling it out for Venezuela for top spot in the group, while Nigeria must look for a big win over Tahiti and hope results elsewhere go their way if they are to remain in the tournament.
Aftermath of spain defeat ;
Samson Siasia, Nigeria coach:
Today we tried to play our own game right from the start and had a lot of opportunities to score. I don't know how many chances we need to make to score a goal though. It's frustrating to have good strikers and yet not be able to put the ball away. Everyone knows if you don't score then you've got no chance of winning. But that's football, and like life sometimes things just don't work out for you. I'm a little disillusioned even though we still have a chance of going through.
Luis Milla, Spain coach:
It was a very even, keenly contested game. Nigeria made it hard for us by closing us down up front, taking the ball from us and making us run a lot to get it back. That made it a physically tiring game for our lads. They have some good players in midfield and up front, but they're a little bit disorganised at the back and we made the most of that. I want to congratulate my players because they worked hard whenever things got tough for us and they managed to come through.
source:http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=253217/match=300090227/quotes.html
But as the game wore on, Spain began to move into the ascendancy. Emilio Nsue chested the ball into the path of Merida, who hit a left-footed volley which flew just over the bar. Uche Okafor then turned away a shot from Nsue, but in the 33rd minute the Europeans' pressure paid off.
Playing the offside trap, Nigeria failed to catch a late, well-timed run from deep from Merida, leaving the Arsenal man in acres of space, before he produced an extremely composed finish to lob the ball over the onrushing Okafor. Merida also had a great chance to double his team's advantage on the stroke of half-time, but saw a low shot brilliantly saved by the Nigerian keeper.
Neutrals were left to assume that Siasia had a few harsh words to say to his players at half-time and that his opposing coach Luis Milla ordered his players to protect their lead, given the balance of play in the second half. Spain sat back deep, inviting a lot of pressure from Nigeria, which almost cost them their lead.
Half-time substitute Omatsone Aluko forced a brilliant save out of Asenjo and in the 67th minute, Daniel Adejo headed the ball into the net, but his effort was ruled out for an infringement in the box before the corner was taken. Rabiu Ibrahim and Gbolahan Salami both were wayward in their finishing when well placed and completely against the run of play, Spain added a second.
Ibrahim was adjudged to have tripped Ander Herrera in the box during a rare Spanish attack and Merida converted the resulting penalty in the 83rd minute. Just sixty seconds later, Salami was red carded for an elbow on the double scorer to cap a truly miserable afternoon for the Africans.
The result leaves Spain presumably battling it out for Venezuela for top spot in the group, while Nigeria must look for a big win over Tahiti and hope results elsewhere go their way if they are to remain in the tournament.
Aftermath of spain defeat ;
Samson Siasia, Nigeria coach:
Today we tried to play our own game right from the start and had a lot of opportunities to score. I don't know how many chances we need to make to score a goal though. It's frustrating to have good strikers and yet not be able to put the ball away. Everyone knows if you don't score then you've got no chance of winning. But that's football, and like life sometimes things just don't work out for you. I'm a little disillusioned even though we still have a chance of going through.
Luis Milla, Spain coach:
It was a very even, keenly contested game. Nigeria made it hard for us by closing us down up front, taking the ball from us and making us run a lot to get it back. That made it a physically tiring game for our lads. They have some good players in midfield and up front, but they're a little bit disorganised at the back and we made the most of that. I want to congratulate my players because they worked hard whenever things got tough for us and they managed to come through.
source:http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=253217/match=300090227/quotes.html
Friday, September 25, 2009
Nigeria lose To Venezuela
It was Venezuela's first ever appearance at a major inter-continental football tournament, and there were unsurprisingly a few nerves on show early on in the encounter. It wasn’t just the South American side that looked anxious, but also the more experienced Nigerians who struggled to find their feet early on during the contest.
Mistakes characterised the opening part of the match, as both sides squandered early chances presented to them. Venezuelan right-back Pablo Camacho delivered a tempting cross into the box, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Ucke Okafor to tip the ball away with the follow up shot turned behind at the expense of a corner.
The Nigerians immediately responded with a chance of their own as captain Ighalo dialed up a long distance effort from over 40 yards out. What should have been a comfortable save was made to look much harder, when Romo fumbled the ball and conceded an unnecessary corner.
Gradually the Venezuelans began to take control of the game, and started to look the more composed of the two teams. A poor pass from Nigerian midfielder Oluwasina Abe gifted possession to Venezuelan striker Jonathan Del Valle, who strode forward, cut inside the recently booked Nwakwo Obiorah, who couldn’t afford to drag him down, but saw his shot bounce off the post. The loose ball was returned from the right flank back into the danger-zone, and again Del Valle was denied, this time by a combination of keeper and defence to close him down.
Halfway through the first period, the Venezuelans looked dangerous again when a long range strike from left-back Henry Pernia ricocheted off Okafor in the Nigerian goal. The follow up effort from Jose Rondon was flagged offside.
The Nigerians gradually started to establish a foothold in the game, and tested Udinese based goalkeeper Rafael Romo with two long range efforts. A curling free kick on 26 minutes from Osanga was tipped away, and Romo had to be on his toes eight minutes later when neat interplay in the midfield released Odion Ighalo to have a strong shot from the edge of the penalty area. Romo turned the effort behind for a corner.
All the good Nigerian work in getting themselves back into the contest was thrown into turmoil when attacking midfielder Lukman Haruna was sent off. Experienced referee Roberto Rosetti, a Serie A regular, had no hesitation in flashing a straight red to the Monaco player after a late lunge caught Francisco Flores on the knee.
The young Super Eagles were made to further rue Haruna’s indiscretion, when Venezuela snatched the lead with moments to play in the first half. A well flighted free kick to the edge of the penalty area was initially missed by the Nigerian defence presenting it to Del Valle, whose effort flew into the net off his shin to give the Venezuelans the edge going into the interval.
The half-time break gave the hard-pressed Nigerians time to review their approach. They started the second half more confidently, and some neat approach work down the right flank gave the lively 18-year old striker Osanga a sniff of goal. He was quickly closed down to deny the chance though.
Minutes later, a well delivered corner kick found Ibok Edet at the far post. Seemingly overlooked by the Venezuelan defence, Edet missed his first shot, but then stabbed the ball against the outside of the post. That chance ushered in a spell of concerted Nigerian pressure, which culminated in a chance on the 50th minute. Great build up play on the right flank saw a ball played in for Osanga, but at the last moment a defender managed to sneak a toe in to dispossess the striker.
Despite seeing plenty of the ball and pressing forward, the Nigerians found clear cut chances increasingly difficult to wriggle out of the Venezuelan defence as the second half progressed. In the 77th minute substitute Fatai flashed a shot wide from the left, as the Africans resorted to a more direct approach in their attempts to prise open the opposition's back line.
Venezuela could have doubled their lead as the clock ticked over to 90 minutes. Del Valle flashed a cross to the far post where Rondon was hanging around hopefully. However, the goal scorer from the first-half got far too much on the cross and despite lunging at the ball, Rondon was unable to make meaningful contact, which would have surely put the game beyond doubt.
The Nigerians once again had good fortune when Del Valle squandered yet another chance with seconds left in injury time. Venezuela broke forward from a Nigerian corner with a two-on-one advantage, but the Deportivo Tachira striker's shot narrowly missed the target.
It was to be the last major action of the game, as Venezuela secured their first ever victory on an inter-continental stage, and gave further evidence of the major strides they are making in the game. Nigeria will be disappointed with a lacklustre first half performance, especially given the significant improvement they made despite playing with a man less for the entire second period.
Mistakes characterised the opening part of the match, as both sides squandered early chances presented to them. Venezuelan right-back Pablo Camacho delivered a tempting cross into the box, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Ucke Okafor to tip the ball away with the follow up shot turned behind at the expense of a corner.
The Nigerians immediately responded with a chance of their own as captain Ighalo dialed up a long distance effort from over 40 yards out. What should have been a comfortable save was made to look much harder, when Romo fumbled the ball and conceded an unnecessary corner.
Gradually the Venezuelans began to take control of the game, and started to look the more composed of the two teams. A poor pass from Nigerian midfielder Oluwasina Abe gifted possession to Venezuelan striker Jonathan Del Valle, who strode forward, cut inside the recently booked Nwakwo Obiorah, who couldn’t afford to drag him down, but saw his shot bounce off the post. The loose ball was returned from the right flank back into the danger-zone, and again Del Valle was denied, this time by a combination of keeper and defence to close him down.
Halfway through the first period, the Venezuelans looked dangerous again when a long range strike from left-back Henry Pernia ricocheted off Okafor in the Nigerian goal. The follow up effort from Jose Rondon was flagged offside.
The Nigerians gradually started to establish a foothold in the game, and tested Udinese based goalkeeper Rafael Romo with two long range efforts. A curling free kick on 26 minutes from Osanga was tipped away, and Romo had to be on his toes eight minutes later when neat interplay in the midfield released Odion Ighalo to have a strong shot from the edge of the penalty area. Romo turned the effort behind for a corner.
All the good Nigerian work in getting themselves back into the contest was thrown into turmoil when attacking midfielder Lukman Haruna was sent off. Experienced referee Roberto Rosetti, a Serie A regular, had no hesitation in flashing a straight red to the Monaco player after a late lunge caught Francisco Flores on the knee.
The young Super Eagles were made to further rue Haruna’s indiscretion, when Venezuela snatched the lead with moments to play in the first half. A well flighted free kick to the edge of the penalty area was initially missed by the Nigerian defence presenting it to Del Valle, whose effort flew into the net off his shin to give the Venezuelans the edge going into the interval.
The half-time break gave the hard-pressed Nigerians time to review their approach. They started the second half more confidently, and some neat approach work down the right flank gave the lively 18-year old striker Osanga a sniff of goal. He was quickly closed down to deny the chance though.
Minutes later, a well delivered corner kick found Ibok Edet at the far post. Seemingly overlooked by the Venezuelan defence, Edet missed his first shot, but then stabbed the ball against the outside of the post. That chance ushered in a spell of concerted Nigerian pressure, which culminated in a chance on the 50th minute. Great build up play on the right flank saw a ball played in for Osanga, but at the last moment a defender managed to sneak a toe in to dispossess the striker.
Despite seeing plenty of the ball and pressing forward, the Nigerians found clear cut chances increasingly difficult to wriggle out of the Venezuelan defence as the second half progressed. In the 77th minute substitute Fatai flashed a shot wide from the left, as the Africans resorted to a more direct approach in their attempts to prise open the opposition's back line.
Venezuela could have doubled their lead as the clock ticked over to 90 minutes. Del Valle flashed a cross to the far post where Rondon was hanging around hopefully. However, the goal scorer from the first-half got far too much on the cross and despite lunging at the ball, Rondon was unable to make meaningful contact, which would have surely put the game beyond doubt.
The Nigerians once again had good fortune when Del Valle squandered yet another chance with seconds left in injury time. Venezuela broke forward from a Nigerian corner with a two-on-one advantage, but the Deportivo Tachira striker's shot narrowly missed the target.
It was to be the last major action of the game, as Venezuela secured their first ever victory on an inter-continental stage, and gave further evidence of the major strides they are making in the game. Nigeria will be disappointed with a lacklustre first half performance, especially given the significant improvement they made despite playing with a man less for the entire second period.
Eagles Team List For Mozambique
Everton’s Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Wolfsburg’s Obafemi Martins are two of eight players who have been handed recalls to the Nigeria squad as coach Shuaibu Amodu looks to pull his 2010 World Cup qualifying chestnuts out of the fire.
Also handed recalls are Fulham's Dickson Etuhu, Bolton's Danny Shittu and Dinamo Kyiv's Yusuf Ayila. Goalkeeper Greg Etafia also returns in place of the injured Austin Ejide.
Two uncapped players also got call-ups. Odense's Peter Utaka, as exclusively reported by KickOffNigeria.com, and Lobi Stars’ James Okwosa.
Okwosa is one of two players from the domestic league invited. The other is Bayelsa United's Chibuzor Okonkwo.
Camp opens October 5 and team would be camped at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Greg Etafia
Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Apam Onyekachi, Yusuf Mohammed, Olubayo Adefemi, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Taye Taiwo, Danny Shittu, Elderson Echiejile, Sam Sodje, James Okwosa, Obinna Nwaneri, Ayodele Adeleye
Midfielders: Sani Haruna Kaita, Yusuf Atanda Ayila, Kanu Nwankwo, Dickson Etuhu, Mikel John Obi, Seyi Olofinjana, Oluwafemi Ajiloore
Attackers: Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Michael Eneramo, Chinedu Obasi, Joseph Akpala, Peter Utaka
Also handed recalls are Fulham's Dickson Etuhu, Bolton's Danny Shittu and Dinamo Kyiv's Yusuf Ayila. Goalkeeper Greg Etafia also returns in place of the injured Austin Ejide.
Two uncapped players also got call-ups. Odense's Peter Utaka, as exclusively reported by KickOffNigeria.com, and Lobi Stars’ James Okwosa.
Okwosa is one of two players from the domestic league invited. The other is Bayelsa United's Chibuzor Okonkwo.
Camp opens October 5 and team would be camped at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Greg Etafia
Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Apam Onyekachi, Yusuf Mohammed, Olubayo Adefemi, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Taye Taiwo, Danny Shittu, Elderson Echiejile, Sam Sodje, James Okwosa, Obinna Nwaneri, Ayodele Adeleye
Midfielders: Sani Haruna Kaita, Yusuf Atanda Ayila, Kanu Nwankwo, Dickson Etuhu, Mikel John Obi, Seyi Olofinjana, Oluwafemi Ajiloore
Attackers: Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Michael Eneramo, Chinedu Obasi, Joseph Akpala, Peter Utaka
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Nooij Optimistic Of Mozambique WC Chances
Mozambique coach Mart Nooij has come out fighting, suggesting his side will blow their 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group B wide open by beating Tunisia in Maputo on November 14.
MTNFOOTBALL
MTNFOOTBALL
Coach Amodu Won't Be Sacked
The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) rose from their meeting yesterday in Abuja to throw their weight behind the embattled Nigerian national team’s Head Coach, Amodu Shaibu to continue the chase for a World Cup ticket with the Super Eagles.
This decision to allow Amodu to continue his job with the Eagles may come as a disappointment to millions of Nigerians, but Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, a member of the Technical Committee, who addressed the media after the meeting, said it would be counter-productive to change the coach at this point in time.
He said Amodu was not totally to blame for the Super Eagles inability to beat Tunisia in Abuja last Sunday, adding that what the man needed now is support from all Nigerians so that the remaining matches can be won to see how far we can go with that.
Chief Onigbinde, who led the Super Eagles to the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, said what happened last Sunday was one of those things that happens occasionally in the life of human beings, stressing that Amodu wanted to win the game just like every other Nigerian.
“You see, when you have a problem and you begin to panic, it could lead to some making wrong decisions. We have two matches to go and we have to concentrate on how to win those matches, hoping that Tunisians might slip. So, we cannot sit and keep playing back the match. We should forge ahead.
“We have made our recommendation to the NFF and we have to rally round Amodu now more than ever before to enable him win our two matches; who knows, Kenya and Mozambique may spring surprises that could be of benefit to us,” the FIFA advisor stated.
He said the Committee also recommended that more players should be invited to make room for more competition in the team, pointing out that there should be no automatic shirt for any player.
one in the national team.
This decision to allow Amodu to continue his job with the Eagles may come as a disappointment to millions of Nigerians, but Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, a member of the Technical Committee, who addressed the media after the meeting, said it would be counter-productive to change the coach at this point in time.
He said Amodu was not totally to blame for the Super Eagles inability to beat Tunisia in Abuja last Sunday, adding that what the man needed now is support from all Nigerians so that the remaining matches can be won to see how far we can go with that.
Chief Onigbinde, who led the Super Eagles to the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, said what happened last Sunday was one of those things that happens occasionally in the life of human beings, stressing that Amodu wanted to win the game just like every other Nigerian.
“You see, when you have a problem and you begin to panic, it could lead to some making wrong decisions. We have two matches to go and we have to concentrate on how to win those matches, hoping that Tunisians might slip. So, we cannot sit and keep playing back the match. We should forge ahead.
“We have made our recommendation to the NFF and we have to rally round Amodu now more than ever before to enable him win our two matches; who knows, Kenya and Mozambique may spring surprises that could be of benefit to us,” the FIFA advisor stated.
He said the Committee also recommended that more players should be invited to make room for more competition in the team, pointing out that there should be no automatic shirt for any player.
one in the national team.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Eagles Paid
AT a time like this when Nigerians are still agonising over the annoying 2-2 draw the Super Eagles played against Tunisia that has placed Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in a cliff hanger, the Super Eagles enjoyed their winning bonus of 10,000 dollars after the draw.
Angry Nigerian fans, who were irked by the poor play of the Eagles, had reacted with stones and bottles but the Eagles still left the stadium richer with their 10,000 dollars.
Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Engineer Sani Ndanusa, reportedly ordered that the players should be paid the winning bonus as a means of boosting their morale for the remaining matches. Ndanusa still believes that with such love shown to them, the Eagles would soar against Mozambique and Kenya to pick the ticket for the World Cup.
What he does not know, however, is that Tunisia would not let such a golden chance to slip to gift Nigeria the opportunity of finishing first. We learnt that the money is to encourage the players.
“I know that there is still chance and hope for Nigeria to pick the ticket.
This is football. Anything can happen”, the Minister who was close to tears when his Eagles fumbled and wobbled to allow the North Africans equalise three minutes to the end of the game said. In the first leg in Tunis where the Eagles drew, the players were also paid 10,000 dollars with the hope of motivating them to beat the Tunisians in Nigeria.
It was outrageous to see that the officials have maintained the habit of encouraging and rewarding failure instead of punishing them.
“It is not the end of the road. We want to encourage the boys and hope that Tunisia give up the advantage”, the Minister insisted on our hotline.
Angry Nigerian fans, who were irked by the poor play of the Eagles, had reacted with stones and bottles but the Eagles still left the stadium richer with their 10,000 dollars.
Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Engineer Sani Ndanusa, reportedly ordered that the players should be paid the winning bonus as a means of boosting their morale for the remaining matches. Ndanusa still believes that with such love shown to them, the Eagles would soar against Mozambique and Kenya to pick the ticket for the World Cup.
What he does not know, however, is that Tunisia would not let such a golden chance to slip to gift Nigeria the opportunity of finishing first. We learnt that the money is to encourage the players.
“I know that there is still chance and hope for Nigeria to pick the ticket.
This is football. Anything can happen”, the Minister who was close to tears when his Eagles fumbled and wobbled to allow the North Africans equalise three minutes to the end of the game said. In the first leg in Tunis where the Eagles drew, the players were also paid 10,000 dollars with the hope of motivating them to beat the Tunisians in Nigeria.
It was outrageous to see that the officials have maintained the habit of encouraging and rewarding failure instead of punishing them.
“It is not the end of the road. We want to encourage the boys and hope that Tunisia give up the advantage”, the Minister insisted on our hotline.
I won’t resign — Amodu
COACH Amodu Shuaibu may be at the cross over the pain his Super Eagles brought to Nigerians in their 2010 World Cup qualifier against Tunisia but he has no plans of relinquishing the job.
Speaking moments after the Eagles frittered the opportunity of taking leadership of Group B against the North Africans, Amodu said that he was pained that his players could not take their destiny in their hands.
“Yes, I said that I might be sacked if I lose the match. But I did not lose the match. It’s unfortunate that we did not play well but hope is not totally lost. We must put this behind us and ensure that we beat Mozambique and Kenya, hoping that Tunisia slip in their remaining matches”.
He, however, blamed the players for their poor play. “We have ourselves to blame, anyway.”
Speaking moments after the Eagles frittered the opportunity of taking leadership of Group B against the North Africans, Amodu said that he was pained that his players could not take their destiny in their hands.
“Yes, I said that I might be sacked if I lose the match. But I did not lose the match. It’s unfortunate that we did not play well but hope is not totally lost. We must put this behind us and ensure that we beat Mozambique and Kenya, hoping that Tunisia slip in their remaining matches”.
He, however, blamed the players for their poor play. “We have ourselves to blame, anyway.”
Mikel attacks defenders, Sports Minister weeps in dressing room
Mikel Obi made just one brilliant move in a 90-minute game that made the road wider for Nigeria’s exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Unlike him, he saw space and used it, outpacing two defenders before laying a perfect assist for Michael Eneramo to jab in Nigeria’s second goal that threw the whole country into such an ecstasy that everybody thought the World Cup was already here.
But just like it happened after their first goal, the team especially the defenders, failed to live up to the expectations and Nigeria paid the price. Two minutes to full time, Tunisia found space on the left side of Eagles defence and used it. Taye Taiwo had overlapped and failed to return. Derragi Oussma used the space he created. Goal keeper Vincent Enyeama did not run out to check the blunder. He added to it by remaining on goal line and conceding a goal from what they call impossible angle in football.
The defenders had made a mess of the lead and Mikel knew that his below par performance had become a child’s play to the combination of Taiwo and Eyeama’s blunder. He yelled openly at the defenders in the dressing room. The dressing room of Green Eagles was a scene after the match. Obi fumed and quarrelled with the defenders asking: “what kind of football were you people playing? Let’s talk the truth. What were you people doing? What did you think you were doing there. See what you have done to us now.”
One official said it was good the players told themselves the truth.
The drama continued when some players broke down in tears. Sports minister and chairman of the National Sports Commission, Sani Ndanusa, joined especially when he saw tears roll down Kanu’s cheek. He subbed and his eyes turned red. When he wiped his face and his eyes became heavier with more tears officials held him back and led him out.
The 2-2 draw meant that Nigeria’s qualification for the next World Cup was no longer in their hands. Tunisia still lead with two points and even if Nigeria win their next two matches, they can only qualify if Tunisians drop a game. And the Eagles Nigerians saw on Sunday may not beat Kenya in Nairobi. Their next match is October 12 against Mozambique, the team that held them to a goalless draw in the first match when Tunisia beat Kenya to take early lead that they seem not ready to drop.
“We didn’t play well,” Tony Nnachetta lamented yesterday. The former vice chairman of the NFA said what Eagles presented reflected the poor standard of Nigerian football in the past ten years, the same point Kojo Williams made while recalling what he said when Nigeria topped their group during the preliminary stage.
He said the Eagles were not a good side and that stronger opposition would expose that with time. He would not only blame the players and coaches but also the system that would not address problem of the local league, coaching and the right structure for youth football.
Joseph Yobo had admitted that they lacked professionalism when they could not hold their victory two minutes to time.
But the fielding of Seyi Olofinaja and Mikel Obi, two defensive midfielders in same game, was another blunder on the side of coach Shuaibu Amodu. Another was the use of Taye Taiwo without great cover from the left midfielder on the grounds that he is poor defensively, a point this reporter pointed out in our preview of the match.
Unlike him, he saw space and used it, outpacing two defenders before laying a perfect assist for Michael Eneramo to jab in Nigeria’s second goal that threw the whole country into such an ecstasy that everybody thought the World Cup was already here.
But just like it happened after their first goal, the team especially the defenders, failed to live up to the expectations and Nigeria paid the price. Two minutes to full time, Tunisia found space on the left side of Eagles defence and used it. Taye Taiwo had overlapped and failed to return. Derragi Oussma used the space he created. Goal keeper Vincent Enyeama did not run out to check the blunder. He added to it by remaining on goal line and conceding a goal from what they call impossible angle in football.
The defenders had made a mess of the lead and Mikel knew that his below par performance had become a child’s play to the combination of Taiwo and Eyeama’s blunder. He yelled openly at the defenders in the dressing room. The dressing room of Green Eagles was a scene after the match. Obi fumed and quarrelled with the defenders asking: “what kind of football were you people playing? Let’s talk the truth. What were you people doing? What did you think you were doing there. See what you have done to us now.”
One official said it was good the players told themselves the truth.
The drama continued when some players broke down in tears. Sports minister and chairman of the National Sports Commission, Sani Ndanusa, joined especially when he saw tears roll down Kanu’s cheek. He subbed and his eyes turned red. When he wiped his face and his eyes became heavier with more tears officials held him back and led him out.
The 2-2 draw meant that Nigeria’s qualification for the next World Cup was no longer in their hands. Tunisia still lead with two points and even if Nigeria win their next two matches, they can only qualify if Tunisians drop a game. And the Eagles Nigerians saw on Sunday may not beat Kenya in Nairobi. Their next match is October 12 against Mozambique, the team that held them to a goalless draw in the first match when Tunisia beat Kenya to take early lead that they seem not ready to drop.
“We didn’t play well,” Tony Nnachetta lamented yesterday. The former vice chairman of the NFA said what Eagles presented reflected the poor standard of Nigerian football in the past ten years, the same point Kojo Williams made while recalling what he said when Nigeria topped their group during the preliminary stage.
He said the Eagles were not a good side and that stronger opposition would expose that with time. He would not only blame the players and coaches but also the system that would not address problem of the local league, coaching and the right structure for youth football.
Joseph Yobo had admitted that they lacked professionalism when they could not hold their victory two minutes to time.
But the fielding of Seyi Olofinaja and Mikel Obi, two defensive midfielders in same game, was another blunder on the side of coach Shuaibu Amodu. Another was the use of Taye Taiwo without great cover from the left midfielder on the grounds that he is poor defensively, a point this reporter pointed out in our preview of the match.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
NFF express confidence in SA match officials
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on Thursday that it has absolute confidence in the match officials from the Republic of South Africa who will handle Sunday;s all-important World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and Tunisia.
World football-governing body, FIFA have appointed tall South African official, Daniel Frazer Bennet to take charge of Sunday’s match. He will be assisted by compatriot, Toko Malebo (first assistant), Andrew Reezers (second assistant) and Matthew Dyer (fourth official). The Referee Assessor is former FIFA referee Jean-Fidele Diramba from Gabon, while Mauritanian Ananda Vudda Malay is the Match Commissioner.
Several opinions have been expressed by ball fans about the no-nonsense Bennet, who was in charge of the 2006 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola in Kano that ended 1-1 on June 18, 2005 and which consequently led to Nigeria missing the finals in Germany the following year. However, NFF president, Sani Lulu Abdullahi said: "We have confidence in the match officials, from Mr. Bennet to the fourth official, as well as in the Match Commissioner, FIFA Security Officer and Referee Assessor.
"As far as we are concerned, these are among the best match officials in Africa and we have absolutely no reason to doubt their integrity. They are noble individuals and come Sunday, they will do their job with all diligence."
"We are confident that our team will triumph in the face of fair officiating." Lulu Abdullahi also used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to fully observe the FIFA Fair Play Days, for which FIFA have declared September 5-9.
"We appeal to referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play on the Fair Play Days. This initiative has the support of FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter and is the 13th in the series since it was introduced in 1977.
"Fair play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it," declared Lulu. "We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep the momentum."
World football-governing body, FIFA have appointed tall South African official, Daniel Frazer Bennet to take charge of Sunday’s match. He will be assisted by compatriot, Toko Malebo (first assistant), Andrew Reezers (second assistant) and Matthew Dyer (fourth official). The Referee Assessor is former FIFA referee Jean-Fidele Diramba from Gabon, while Mauritanian Ananda Vudda Malay is the Match Commissioner.
Several opinions have been expressed by ball fans about the no-nonsense Bennet, who was in charge of the 2006 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola in Kano that ended 1-1 on June 18, 2005 and which consequently led to Nigeria missing the finals in Germany the following year. However, NFF president, Sani Lulu Abdullahi said: "We have confidence in the match officials, from Mr. Bennet to the fourth official, as well as in the Match Commissioner, FIFA Security Officer and Referee Assessor.
"As far as we are concerned, these are among the best match officials in Africa and we have absolutely no reason to doubt their integrity. They are noble individuals and come Sunday, they will do their job with all diligence."
"We are confident that our team will triumph in the face of fair officiating." Lulu Abdullahi also used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to fully observe the FIFA Fair Play Days, for which FIFA have declared September 5-9.
"We appeal to referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play on the Fair Play Days. This initiative has the support of FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter and is the 13th in the series since it was introduced in 1977.
"Fair play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it," declared Lulu. "We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep the momentum."
Mikel: It’s do or die
Chelsea FC of England and Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, insists that the players need to compliment each other very well in order to beat Tunisia in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Abuja.
"It’s going to be a difficult game, the out come depends on how we approach the game and how well we play. If we get out there and we play poorly we lose the game. We cannot afford to make mistakes, we got to go into the game with full concentration and make sure we give it our best and get the most important thing which is the three points at stake.
"Of course I would be playing as an offensive midfielder like I always do for Nigeria. I like playing various positions but I am always happy when I come back to Nigeria and play in my preferred role as an offensive midfielder. That is where I made my mark and that is where I love to play most time.
"I know the enormity of this match and but I do not want to play under pressure by carrying the burden of the team all alone. I cannot become a Maradona by playing every where, that is not the way it works. I play my part like the way I have always done and we must play like a team. Other guys in the team have to play well too so that our collective efforts would give us victory. It is a team game and we should play for each other to achieve result.
"I am worried that I have not been able to register my name on the score sheet in a long time and on Sunday, I would try to do just that by trying to make attempts at scoring but I won’t do that to the detriment of the team. If any one scores, good for the team but I would definitely try to make sure I score" he stated.
He said the English Premier league was too young to conclude that he had lost his starting position under new coach Ancelloti pointing out that the new coach is only rotating his team to know what every player can do "As it is in Chelsea now, anybody can be on the bench just like I have been in recent games."
He charged his Chelsea fans in Nigeria to come out in their large numbers to cheer the Super Eagles to victory on Sunday and that he would not disappoint them
"It’s going to be a difficult game, the out come depends on how we approach the game and how well we play. If we get out there and we play poorly we lose the game. We cannot afford to make mistakes, we got to go into the game with full concentration and make sure we give it our best and get the most important thing which is the three points at stake.
"Of course I would be playing as an offensive midfielder like I always do for Nigeria. I like playing various positions but I am always happy when I come back to Nigeria and play in my preferred role as an offensive midfielder. That is where I made my mark and that is where I love to play most time.
"I know the enormity of this match and but I do not want to play under pressure by carrying the burden of the team all alone. I cannot become a Maradona by playing every where, that is not the way it works. I play my part like the way I have always done and we must play like a team. Other guys in the team have to play well too so that our collective efforts would give us victory. It is a team game and we should play for each other to achieve result.
"I am worried that I have not been able to register my name on the score sheet in a long time and on Sunday, I would try to do just that by trying to make attempts at scoring but I won’t do that to the detriment of the team. If any one scores, good for the team but I would definitely try to make sure I score" he stated.
He said the English Premier league was too young to conclude that he had lost his starting position under new coach Ancelloti pointing out that the new coach is only rotating his team to know what every player can do "As it is in Chelsea now, anybody can be on the bench just like I have been in recent games."
He charged his Chelsea fans in Nigeria to come out in their large numbers to cheer the Super Eagles to victory on Sunday and that he would not disappoint them
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Minister drums up support for Eagles
The Honourable Minister/Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Engineer Sani Ndanusa, Tuesday, called on Nigerians to storm the National Stadium, Abuja, in their large numbers on Sunday to support the Super Eagles.
Engineer Ndanusa spoke as he received top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation in his office, just before the Super Eagles began their evening training session at the National Stadium.
“We want Nigerians to come out and support the team, and wear green attires as was the case the last time the team played at home, against Kenya. We won that match 3-0 and I believe we will win handsomely on Sunday as well, with the support of our people”.
Nigeria, with five points from three matches, clash with seven -pointer Carthage Eagles in what could be the deciding match of the group. Both teams played a 0-0 draw in their first clash in Tunis in June.
Engineer Ndanusa spoke as he received top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation in his office, just before the Super Eagles began their evening training session at the National Stadium.
“We want Nigerians to come out and support the team, and wear green attires as was the case the last time the team played at home, against Kenya. We won that match 3-0 and I believe we will win handsomely on Sunday as well, with the support of our people”.
Nigeria, with five points from three matches, clash with seven -pointer Carthage Eagles in what could be the deciding match of the group. Both teams played a 0-0 draw in their first clash in Tunis in June.
Eagles get down to business
Nigeria's Super Eagles got down to business on Tuesday with 16 out of the 23 invited players put through their paces by Shuaibu Amodu and his assistants.
Only seven players were still being expected as at the time the national senior football team, Super Eagles set out to their first training at the main bowl of the National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday evening, ahead of Sunday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying cracker against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
In camp were skipper Nwankwo Kanu, goalkeeper Austin Ejide, defenders Taye Taiwo, Ayodele Adeleye, Olubayo Adefemi, Yusuf Mohammed, Apam Onyekachi and Elderson Echiejile, midfielders Sani Kaita, Mikel Obi, Seyi Olofinjana and Olufemi Ajilore and forwards Ikechukwu Uche, Michael Eneramo, Chinedu Obasi and John Utaka.
By the time the team settled down to training, striker Osaze Odemwingie was already on his way from the Abuja Airport to the NICON Luxury Hotel.
Vice captain Joseph Yobo joined up late on Tuesday night after flying into the country.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, defender Obinna Nwaneri, midfielder Kalu Uche and striker Obinna Nsofor all arrived earlier.
The only person scheduled to arrive Wednesday morning is goalkeeper Bamidele Aiyenugba.
Only seven players were still being expected as at the time the national senior football team, Super Eagles set out to their first training at the main bowl of the National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday evening, ahead of Sunday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying cracker against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
In camp were skipper Nwankwo Kanu, goalkeeper Austin Ejide, defenders Taye Taiwo, Ayodele Adeleye, Olubayo Adefemi, Yusuf Mohammed, Apam Onyekachi and Elderson Echiejile, midfielders Sani Kaita, Mikel Obi, Seyi Olofinjana and Olufemi Ajilore and forwards Ikechukwu Uche, Michael Eneramo, Chinedu Obasi and John Utaka.
By the time the team settled down to training, striker Osaze Odemwingie was already on his way from the Abuja Airport to the NICON Luxury Hotel.
Vice captain Joseph Yobo joined up late on Tuesday night after flying into the country.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, defender Obinna Nwaneri, midfielder Kalu Uche and striker Obinna Nsofor all arrived earlier.
The only person scheduled to arrive Wednesday morning is goalkeeper Bamidele Aiyenugba.
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