NFF and Keshi's unpaid salary.

   The Nigerian Football Federation continues her legendary show of shame. One cannot help but wonder if the office is cursed in any way, because from the days of the Nigerian Football Association,  it has been from one show of shame to the other. Today, the story making the rounds is the issue of the national team coach, Stephen Keshi's unpaid salary. From both confirmed and unconfirmed sources, Stephen Keshi hasn't been paid for over seven months. What can be more ridiculous?! And then, the national team handler whom the same federation and her cronies have sometimes made out to be a stubborn man have kept on working. Diligently, I dare say. And then an NFF spokesperson comes out to say that even though he hasn't been paid, that the federation have been taking care of his other bills. And that moreover, some NFF staff have yet to receive their salaries too. That's a typical Nigerian style of defending stupidity with extreme idiocy. Super Eagles staged a mini protest over unpaid allowances and the NFF cried foul and even blamed the coaching crew for not 'holding back' the players. At the end of the day, some unrealistic and naive recommendations were made by the Adeniyi led panel. So sad.

   It is a pity that the singular factor that bring Nigerians together, football, is constantly used as a toy by those who are supposed to know better. Instead of focusing on football as an instrument for peace and development in the country, intense politics is brought in to play a much unwanted and devilish role. That goes to show how our acclaimed leaders view us. I dare say that Nigeria is cursed in the area of leadership but making their hatred known with such alacrity is what seem to be disheartening. ASUU would have gone on strike long before now if they were in Keshi's shoes. NLC would have organized a nationwide anti government rally. Okonjo Iweala would have submitted a supplementary budget if her own pay was directly affected. But because it is 'just' Stephen Keshi's salary, nobody gives a chicken tooth. Keshi is reported to have said that while he was Malian and Togolese team handler, he got his salary before the end of any given month. Well, what our supremo doesn't realize is that 'This Is Nigeria'. And then so much pressure has been on the man for a long time now as regards the team's performance at the Confeds and also the World Cup qualifiers. 

   The NFF have as usual and expected, given lack of funds as the reason behind Keshi's unpaid salary. Then we ask; was his salary not budgeted for at the beginning of the year? The case of funds going into execution of U-17 World Cup and all that is pure crap. This singular excuse shows extreme inefficiency on their part and then in a civilized society, the entire board will be in hot soup. Unless of course their is something they are not telling us. A situation where rumors abound about NFF and their family members forming part of the contingent to tournaments is worrisome. As unconfirmed as it is, I know of an African proverb that says that there is no smoke without fire. There is an element of truth in it, no matter how micro it may seem. On a daily basis, the NFF exhibit a high level of irresponsibility in the discharge of their assigned and assumed duties. They have become a lord to themselves and constantly toy with the reasoning of football loving Nigerians. The other day I read a report that says Sani Lulu is preparing to run for the highest chair in the glass house. What a shame. Recycling. As with other sectors of the economy, we keep recycling. That alone, is a sure reason we have remained on one spot for long. Thank God NFF mistakenly hired Keshi, otherwise our football will still be in the pit till date. 

   I, and indeed several others are not expecting any good from the present NFF, but they should at least quit playing games with Nigerians. The issue is now before the National Sports Commission. Nigerians await the outcome of the escalation. If it were possible, I am sure the poor, football loving Nigerians will contribute towards Keshi's salary! That is how much we love football! 

Kano Pillars, worthy champions of the Glo Nigeria Premier League

   The curtain was drawn on the Glo Nigerian Premier League 2012/2013 season yesterday across the various stadia in the country. Kano Pillars, despite the loss to Lobi Stars of Makurdi were crowned champions even as their closest rival, Bayelsa United equally lost by a lone goal to Gombe United. Unlike the controversies that trailed last season where the Baribote Rumson led Nigeria Premier League board cooked the controversy that made Enugu Rangers loose the six points garnered against Ocean Boys and the eventual winners, Kano Pillars lost the one point garnered against Ocean Boys and the title handed on a platter of gold to Kano Pillars, this season was almost devoid of such issues. The only major talking point being the disparity between the League Management Committee and Nigerian Football Federation's decision on the award of points arising from Enyimba's visit to Kano which ended as supporters invaded d field. The LMC ruled and awarded maximum points to Enyimba but the NFF overruled and asked for a replay at the Lokoja Stadium. A game Pillars went on to win in Extra time. In fairness to Pillars, they have been outstanding all season so the win came as no surprise to the Nigerian football community. What however worries observers is the seeming no cordial relationship between the League Management Committee and the Nigerian Football Federation. Apart from the above, the just concluded season was all square.
   Kano Pillars became only the second team to win back to back league titles in ten years after the feat was originally put in place by the all conquering Enyimba side of the Orji Uzo Kalu years as Abia state governor. Pillars scored a lot of goals and won a lot of crucial games. Coming on the back of the cash and car rewards received by the players and management of Kano Pillars for their victory last season by the Kano State government, the team was motivated to keep the pressure on their nearest rivals. On the final day of the season that saw Pillars loose 0 - 2 to Lobi Stars, Bayelsa United lost 0-1 to Gombe United, Enyimba defeated Sharks 1-0 while El Kanemi lost to Rangers 1-0 in Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the table arranged itself at the end of the day. The results not withstanding, Pillars topped the table, followed closely by Enyimba, Bayelsa United and El Kanemi. Relegated teams are Kwara United, ABS, Wikki Tourists and 3SC.
    It is still noteworthy that Kano Pillars are one of the few teams in the Glo Premier League that exhibit beautiful football artistry. With a confident back line, a hardworking midfield and a NOT goal shy attack, they mesmerized opponents. They did not loose a single game at home. A record they have had for many years. That record, join Enyimba's record of not conceding a single goal at home as the most prominent records of the just concluded season. Nigerian league followers are expecting a better organized league next season owing to the recent deal signed by the LMC and Supersports.
   Indeed, Kano Pillars are worthy champions.

Eagles labour over Ethiopia in a high altitude win.

   The day was 13th October, the stadium was Addis Stadium in Addis Ababa and the game was a Brazil 2014 world cup qualifier. The hard breathing game was played under the very high altitude of Addis Ababa. Pundits had said before the game that attitude and not altitude would win the game. And how right they were proven.
   The game progressed with the Ethiopians dictating play. They were so effective in play that observers predicted a tough time for the Super Eagles whose players were mostly based  outside Africa, playing week in week out in conditions the sharp opposite of what was attainable in Europe. The Nigerian team could boast of experience as only just one home based player, Warri Wolves captain and central defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe made the starting eleven. The Ethiopians ran riot over the Super Eagles midfield as the Nigerians failed to get a grip on the game but with no result to show for it. Salahdin Said kept the Eagles on their toes through out and had a ball cleared off the goal line by Turkey based Godfrey Oboabona and the referee ruled against the goal standing, to the chagrin of Ethiopians. Thirteen minutes into the second half, Samson Asefa caught Vincent Enyeama off guard as his intended cross was allegedly brought out from beyond the goal line and subsequently adjudged a goal. Nigeria's Victor Moses was uncharacteristically out of the game even as he bluffed a one on one situation with the Ethiopian goal keeper. Minutes later he was substituted together with the equally ineffective Oduamadi and Nosa Igiebor came on with Brown Ideye. With Nosa's introduction, Mikel Obi assumed a feeer role as he started pulling the strings with Nosa in central midfield even as the workaholic Onazi Ogenyi gave cover to the back line. Nigeria's game became fluid as they pushed for an equalizer which eventualy came when Emmanuel Emenike drifted in from the left flank and unleashed a right footed shot into the Ethiopian net. As the game progressed, the Eagles kept pushing for the winner. In the final minutes of the game, Emenike was released and he was clearly headed for goal but was dragged down by Abebaw Butako. Emenike took the resultant penalty himself even as he gently slotted home into the bottom left corner for the winner.
   The win sees the Super Eagles as having one leg and three toes in Brazil already but have a job to do in Calabar to cement the spot. Enthusiasts however kept wondering why Keshi opted to start Oduamadi in midfield ahead of the in form Nosa Igiebor. A tactic that clearly backfired. The game changed when Nosa was introduced as his introduction freed up Mikel and awarded him the space to surge forward.
   Emmanuel Emenike, arguably the best striker in Africa presently broke millions of Ethiopian hearts and won millions of Nigerian hearts.  The return leg in Calabar is on paper, expected to be easier for the Champions of Africa.This is mainly because the obvious fatigue caused by the altitude in Ethiopia that probably affected the Eagles' game is expected to be absent. Though it is expected to be a level playing ground, the Super Eagles who triumphed over the Ethiopians due to immense experience and attitude are expected to win again,all things being equal. The water break the Ethiopians took, to the surprise of the Super Eagles will not be necessary. Nosa is expected to make the starting eleven ahead of Oduamadi.
   The Nigerian national team have progressed steadily since Stephen Keshia took over. Nigerian football community have so much confidence in his ability to fashion out a solid team for them and so far, he hasn't failed. Football, is clearly the biggest unifier amongst Nigerians. The success of the national teams bring the citizens together and for the duration of a football match and after, Nigeria is actually one.

Focus: Nosa Igiebor

The Real Betis of Spain midfielder has been the cynosure of eyes in the Spanish outfit. I was glued to the television set as i watched the Real Madrid vs Real Betis game. Nosa Igiebor fearlessly ran the Betis midfield against the best midfielders that Madrid paraded on the day. His box to box movement was eye catching. The way he changes pace was a beauty to behold. Explosive. Tireless. Fearless. Explorative. He was a collosus on the day. From the way the Real Madrid team started chasing him down from the half our mark it was obvious they didnt note him down as a threat before the commencement of the game. He hit the bar with a header and played in front of Madrid's Diego Lopez and announced his presence to the consternation of the Real Madrid super stars. Just recently in Betis' game against Villareal where he scored, he again shone like a million stars. He mesmerised the yellow submarines who have his compatriot and Super Eagles skillful striker, Ike Uche, with his explosive runs across midfield.
   The Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi Stephen Keshi must have noticed his recent exploits as he invited the player who last featured for the Super Eagles during the AFCON, for the next Super Eagles engagement. The Nigerian team which boasts of such talents as Mikel Obi, Onazi Ogenyi, Sunday Mba, Fengor Ogude, Gabriel Reuben, John Ogu etc in the central midfield now have another serious contender in the person of Nosa Igiebor. Keshi, known for giving every one equal opportunity to prove his worth will no doubt give the Real Betis henchman a chance to cement a place in the already studded Super Eagles midfield.  How he employs the boys in his team is left to be seen. Nigerians however have confidence in the Super Eagles Supremo who himself was a Super Eagles regular in his playing days. Nigerians, a large contingent in the football community will watch to see how the Super Eagles midfield pan out and where the trusted coach employs Nosa Igiebor. From his initial troubled times in Betis, Nosa has risen to become a steady presence in the Spanish outfit.