Former French great Alain Giresse has slammed calls for the removal of Nigeria Head Coach, Shaibu Amodu by highly –placed Nigerians, saying the calls are ill –motivated.
“I used to be interested in the Nigeria job, I think six years ago or so. But not any longer. I don’t know what is going on. How can someone qualify his country for the World Cup and then, because he lost a match, everyone is saying they should sack him.
“Please allow the guy to do his work. Nobody is perfect, but if someone can qualify his country for the World Cup, then he deserves some respect. I even heard that it is the second time he has qualified Nigeria for the World Cup. That is huge.
“Sincerely, I don’t want a job like that; I prefer the peace. But let me say that Nigerians should leave the Coach alone. Let him do his work and he can get good results for your country”.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Martins inline for Nigeria start
Obafemi Martins is in the frame to start Wednesday’s Group C clash between the Super Eagles and the Mambas of Mozambique in Lubango.
The former Newcastle FC of England star returned to the African finals after dashing off to the UK for a court appearance and has since been showing good form at training for the two–time African champions.
Nigeria nned to get a result from Wednesday’s meeting with the southern Africans at the Tundavala Stadium to be sure of a slot in the tournament’s last eight. With the competition being governed by the head-to-head rule, it means Nigeria can no longer finish at the head of the table.
Egypt, on six points, play Benin Republic in Benguela knowing they are confirmed Group C winners as victory for Nigeria over Mozambique can only take the Eagles to six points but having lost to Egypt, are worse off on head-to-head.
It was raining heavily in Lubango on Tuesday afternoon but the wet conditions did not stop the Nigerians hitting the Tundavala Stadium for their last training session in the evening.
Toothache–disturbed midfielder Dickson Etuhu is now much better after his troubles were sorted out and will also be looking forward to a place in the starting line–up, while fellow midfielder Yusuf Ayila is also out of the sick room.
The former Newcastle FC of England star returned to the African finals after dashing off to the UK for a court appearance and has since been showing good form at training for the two–time African champions.
Nigeria nned to get a result from Wednesday’s meeting with the southern Africans at the Tundavala Stadium to be sure of a slot in the tournament’s last eight. With the competition being governed by the head-to-head rule, it means Nigeria can no longer finish at the head of the table.
Egypt, on six points, play Benin Republic in Benguela knowing they are confirmed Group C winners as victory for Nigeria over Mozambique can only take the Eagles to six points but having lost to Egypt, are worse off on head-to-head.
It was raining heavily in Lubango on Tuesday afternoon but the wet conditions did not stop the Nigerians hitting the Tundavala Stadium for their last training session in the evening.
Toothache–disturbed midfielder Dickson Etuhu is now much better after his troubles were sorted out and will also be looking forward to a place in the starting line–up, while fellow midfielder Yusuf Ayila is also out of the sick room.
Nigeria Ready To Overcome Crisis Of Confidence
World Cup-bound Nigeria were thrashed 3-1 in their opening match against African champions Egypt and were lucky to scrape to a 1-0 win over unfancied Benin thanks to a penalty.
But Nigeria are now ready to live up to their billing as one of the front runners for the title.
“Having lost to Egypt we had to expect there was a crisis of confidence in our camp and we had to be careful in our game against Benin. Even when we were up against them, we were not confident but at least we got our points,” coach Shaibu Amodu said.
Striker Peter Odemwingie pointed out that Nigeria had a habit of starting slowly in tournament before adding: “Every game we play we get better.
“We have the quality players to go to the final. If we play to our potential, we believe we can win the cup.”
A draw against Mozambique in their last Group C game in Lubango on Wednesday would carry them into the knockout phase.
Amodu has been without striker Obafemi Martins, who is recovering from surgery on a shin injury, and will also probably have to cope without captain Joseph Yobo, who injured a hamstring on Saturday in the win against Benin.
Despite his injury woes, Amodu reminded the depth of talent he had at his disposal.
“I have made the point before that all of the 23 squad members are capable of playing in this tournament. We have enough in reserve,” Amodu told reporters.
Nigeria last won the Nations Cup in 1994. They have reached the semi-finals four of the last five tournaments.
But Nigeria are now ready to live up to their billing as one of the front runners for the title.
“Having lost to Egypt we had to expect there was a crisis of confidence in our camp and we had to be careful in our game against Benin. Even when we were up against them, we were not confident but at least we got our points,” coach Shaibu Amodu said.
Striker Peter Odemwingie pointed out that Nigeria had a habit of starting slowly in tournament before adding: “Every game we play we get better.
“We have the quality players to go to the final. If we play to our potential, we believe we can win the cup.”
A draw against Mozambique in their last Group C game in Lubango on Wednesday would carry them into the knockout phase.
Amodu has been without striker Obafemi Martins, who is recovering from surgery on a shin injury, and will also probably have to cope without captain Joseph Yobo, who injured a hamstring on Saturday in the win against Benin.
Despite his injury woes, Amodu reminded the depth of talent he had at his disposal.
“I have made the point before that all of the 23 squad members are capable of playing in this tournament. We have enough in reserve,” Amodu told reporters.
Nigeria last won the Nations Cup in 1994. They have reached the semi-finals four of the last five tournaments.
Eagles Arrive Lubango Without Yobo
The Nigeria national team, Super Eagles arrived in Lubango just after noon on Monday and immediately moved to their Hotel Serra da Chela ahead of Wednesday´s Group C game against the Mambas of Mozambique.
However, team stand-in Captain Joseph Yobo, who was injured in Saturday´s narrow win over Benin Republic, was left behind in Benguela as medics continue the search for a place where he could do a proper scan of the hamstring trouble.
Physiotherapist Ekundayo Ogunwale is with the Everton FC of England ace defender as the Nigeria Football Federation is determined to take care of the player.
The Super Eagles will train at the Tundavala Stadium by 5pm on Monday evening, as they get set to pick the three points against Mozambique that will guarantee them a place in the quarter finals.
Champions Egypt head Group C with six maximum points from two games, followed by Nigeria with three while Mozambique and Benin Republic prop the table with one point each.
However, team stand-in Captain Joseph Yobo, who was injured in Saturday´s narrow win over Benin Republic, was left behind in Benguela as medics continue the search for a place where he could do a proper scan of the hamstring trouble.
Physiotherapist Ekundayo Ogunwale is with the Everton FC of England ace defender as the Nigeria Football Federation is determined to take care of the player.
The Super Eagles will train at the Tundavala Stadium by 5pm on Monday evening, as they get set to pick the three points against Mozambique that will guarantee them a place in the quarter finals.
Champions Egypt head Group C with six maximum points from two games, followed by Nigeria with three while Mozambique and Benin Republic prop the table with one point each.
QUEIROZ, ADELAKUN WANT EAGLES TO SHOW FIREPOWER
Portugal Head Coach, Carlos Queiroz says he wants to see the Super Eagles fire from cylinders as he has been disappointed by their showing so far at the African Cup of Nations in Angola.
The former Real Madrid FC of Spain Head Coach made this known at the VIP box of the Estadio Nacional De Ombaka in Benguela on Saturday as the Eagles laboured to a 1-0 win over tiny neighbour Benin Republic in Group C.
"I expected a better performance, honestly. But I believe they will pick up as they go ahead in the tournament". Organizers of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals South Africa have been planning a match between Nigeria and Portugal as part of the activities to mark 100 days to the World Cup, but Queiroz´s statement could mean he is no longer keen on a game with a team playing the way the Super Eagles are doing.
Speaking in the same vein, NFF consultant Tunde Adelakun said in Lubango on Monday morning that there is a wide room for improvement for the Nigeria team at the on-going championship.
"I believe the team has far more capacity and ability than it has shown. Perhaps one or two things have not gone right and it makes the entire team look bad. But I know they can rise from that and
The former Real Madrid FC of Spain Head Coach made this known at the VIP box of the Estadio Nacional De Ombaka in Benguela on Saturday as the Eagles laboured to a 1-0 win over tiny neighbour Benin Republic in Group C.
"I expected a better performance, honestly. But I believe they will pick up as they go ahead in the tournament". Organizers of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals South Africa have been planning a match between Nigeria and Portugal as part of the activities to mark 100 days to the World Cup, but Queiroz´s statement could mean he is no longer keen on a game with a team playing the way the Super Eagles are doing.
Speaking in the same vein, NFF consultant Tunde Adelakun said in Lubango on Monday morning that there is a wide room for improvement for the Nigeria team at the on-going championship.
"I believe the team has far more capacity and ability than it has shown. Perhaps one or two things have not gone right and it makes the entire team look bad. But I know they can rise from that and
Officials Mum Over Yobo Scan Result
Top team officials have chosen not to reveal the result of a scan done on injured Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo, insisting that they would prefer that they are fully briefed before they could make further comments on the hamstring injury the player suffered.
"We are waiting for them to rejoin the team before we can comment on the situation. We want to get the full details of the situation from the experts," said top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official, Taiwo Ogunjobi.
Initial diagnosis said Yobo will be out of action for at least two weeks, which effectively rules him out of the Nations Cup.
The Everton defender was forced to have a scan on his suspected hamstring injury in Luanda after he failed to get a proper facility in Benguela, where Nigeria were based for their first two Group C matches.
"Yobo had his scan in Luanda and we expect him and the physio in Lubango this morning (Tuesday)," said Ogunjobi.
Yobo stayed back in Benguela when the Eagles departed for Lubango Monday afternoon following a three-hour delay at the Catumbela air strip.
He, along with the physio, later flew out to Luanda, where a scan was done on his torn hamstring.
"We are waiting for them to rejoin the team before we can comment on the situation. We want to get the full details of the situation from the experts," said top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official, Taiwo Ogunjobi.
Initial diagnosis said Yobo will be out of action for at least two weeks, which effectively rules him out of the Nations Cup.
The Everton defender was forced to have a scan on his suspected hamstring injury in Luanda after he failed to get a proper facility in Benguela, where Nigeria were based for their first two Group C matches.
"Yobo had his scan in Luanda and we expect him and the physio in Lubango this morning (Tuesday)," said Ogunjobi.
Yobo stayed back in Benguela when the Eagles departed for Lubango Monday afternoon following a three-hour delay at the Catumbela air strip.
He, along with the physio, later flew out to Luanda, where a scan was done on his torn hamstring.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Shooting Incident: Nigeria Empathise With Togo
The Nigeria Football Federation on Friday evening expressed sympathy with the Togo Football Federation over the shooting incident on the team bus that left the driver dead and eight persons injured.
Rebels attacked the Togo contingent bus at the Angolan border as they travelled by road from Point Noire in Congo to their Group B base in Cabinda.
“Our hearts are with the Togolese contingent at this moment and we pray that the Almighty Allah will heal those who are injured. This is a very sad occurrence”, said NFF President Sani Lulu Abdullahi, who flew with the Nigeria contingent into Benguela hours after the incident.
Officials of the Local Organizing Committee have already stated that the Togo team was not expected to travel by road. But NFF President Lulu Abdullahi said that was not important for now.
“What is important is for the entire football world to rise to the side of the Togo team and pray for quick recovery for those injured. It is very sad that the driver has died, and we sympathise with his family.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has already reached out to the LOC on the need for greater security around the participating teams”.
The shooting incident, which affected three players, is the first of such in the 53 –year history of the African Cup of Nations.
Rebels attacked the Togo contingent bus at the Angolan border as they travelled by road from Point Noire in Congo to their Group B base in Cabinda.
“Our hearts are with the Togolese contingent at this moment and we pray that the Almighty Allah will heal those who are injured. This is a very sad occurrence”, said NFF President Sani Lulu Abdullahi, who flew with the Nigeria contingent into Benguela hours after the incident.
Officials of the Local Organizing Committee have already stated that the Togo team was not expected to travel by road. But NFF President Lulu Abdullahi said that was not important for now.
“What is important is for the entire football world to rise to the side of the Togo team and pray for quick recovery for those injured. It is very sad that the driver has died, and we sympathise with his family.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has already reached out to the LOC on the need for greater security around the participating teams”.
The shooting incident, which affected three players, is the first of such in the 53 –year history of the African Cup of Nations.
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