Eagles in Brazil; maters arising.

   After the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers in Addis Ababa, the Super Eagles were one leg in Brazil for the World Cup holding next year. The 1-2 victory, courtesy of a brace by Fenerbache's Emmanuel Emenike, was good enough to fly the Eagles to Brazil. Therefore, what every Nigerian football follower needed o see from the Super Eagles was a relaxed game in Calabar during the return leg. On a day Victor Moses scored from the penalty spot and Obinna Nsofor whipped in a marvelous free kick to seal a two nil victory at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, the deal was signed, sealed and delivered. The game wasn't exactly electrifying as the Eagles benefited from a controversial decision by the referee and had a penalty kick awarded to them. A spot kick that was duly dispatched by Victor Moses. As pointed out, few expected the game to be electrifying. No realistic person expected the game to be soaked with tension as the Eagles needed just a draw to cement the qualification spot.
   One positive Nigerians have taken from the Super Eagles under Keshi is the beautiful cord struck by Mikel Obi and Onazi Ogenyi in the centre of midfield. The duo have been able to read and understand themselves so much that the flow of game between the two instill hope in Nigerians. The midfield seem to be the core of Keshi's team. Little wonder then, the abundance of talented and effective midfielders in the team. Nosa Igiebor when fit, can be worked into the team. Sunday Mba, John Ogu, Gabriel Reuben and co can equally provide the much needed depth and cover for the midfield. However, where Nigerians see a lapse is in the defense. For instance, in the game against Ethiopia in Calabar, opinions hold that Kenneth Omeruo shouldn't have started the game. This is simply because his match fitness level is suspect. He has been out for months due to injury, and recently resumed training fully. Therefore, I think he shouldn't have started the game. The Eagles gaffer should have stuck with Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwuekwe in the heart of defence. Also, Efe Ambrose seem to always forget that he is primarily a defender. Yes, modern football demands that full backs join attack occasionally, but it shouldn't be to the detriment of the team. Echiejile on the left flank equally have same issue, but it is not as pronounced as Efe Ambrose. Sometimes he will join the attack, and when he or the team looses the ball, he is found wanting on his defensive duties. The one person who seem fully composed in the defense line is Godfrey Oboabona. Generally, the defence line is unorganized. Keshi has to find a solution to the disorganization in the defense. The defenders are good individually, but then, football is a team sport. They have to be together as a unit. A club like Barcelona does not have a fantastic defense line. But their organization at the back has become legendary. Most of their attacks are built from the back. That said, the technical technical crew is expected to find a solution to the defensive issues.
   Equally worthy of note is the seeming lack of technicality, generally. I don't know exactly what Danuel Amokachi's job description states, but Keshi seem alone is his own area. I don't know whether to suggest that a technical person be employed and attached to work under Keshi, but I sure know we lack in the mentioned area. This however, is something that can be worked out by Keshi. Technical inputs of men like Khalika under Siasia, Karanka under Mourinho and AVB under Mourinho saw their respective teams excel technically. Also, one wonders what the job of the team psychologist is. Because all of a sudden, Brown Ideye have become a shadow of himself. He may not have been a Rooneylike or Ibrahimoviclike kind of player, but he is not the player we used to know. Something is wrong. It is not my job to find out and help him regain confidence and form. It is someone's job. The person should be made to do it. We can't be inviting players and then after they give their best and there is a loss of form or player is injured, then we discard him or her. Efforts should be put into our players' all round development.
   If we cross our t's and dot our i's, we will have a glorious World Cup. If not, we will come back  with the same old story. Nigerians are already beginning to have this feeling that the team can go beyond a certain stage at the World Cup in Brazil. Imagine then, if the team goes all out and make a resounding impact and who knows, go all they way. The feeling is purely orgasmic. All hands must be on deck to ensure a fruitful World Cup for Nigeria and the Super Eagles. The players too, need a successful outing as it will enrich their CV's and further enhance their market values. As we await the December World Cup draws, Nigerians remain optimistic.

Golden Eaglets; what next?

   Nigerians are yet to recover fully from the euphoria surrounding the Golden Eaglets victory at the recently concluded U-17 World Cup in Abou Dhabi. Nigeria is a football crazy country. Week after week, Nigerians stay glued to their television sets and wait to see their favorite Nigerian and foreign football stars. The average Nigerian has an affiliation to at least one European or Nigerian football club. Either because of who is playing where or because of the club itself. Some ladies have even been known to follow the club their partners support while some young men tend to follow whichever club a prospective lady friend supports. However it comes, the average Nigerian loves football. It is therefore not surprising how Nigerians celebrated the U-17 World Cup victory.
   The Manu Garba boys did Nigeria proud. They seem to have had the expectation of Nigerians at heart as they played their games. For the first time, Nigerians saw really young lads at the cadet level out to do the country proud and make a name for themselves.
Now that the tournament has come and gone, with Nigeria crowned champions, the question now is ; what next? They boys were rewarded financially by the Federal Government. Nigerians are happy with the team. Some have returned to their families and others to their academies to chart the next course. They were besieged by scouts in Abou Dhabi. Some of these scouts are for real and would help the player grow while unfortunately, some of them are just after their own pockets. Whichever is the case, they have to carefully choose their next lines. An alliance with the wrong agent and their career ends even before it starts. A lot of former Nigerian youth internationals disappeared from the radar after a very promising start. To avoid this, all hands must be on deck. NFF should monitor the growth of the boys. Their movement from the various academies to club sides should be a smooth transition devoid of the drama that accompanied some of our former youth internationals. It is a pity that Nigerian club sides don't have a sound youth system, otherwise some of them could still be snapped up by these Nigerian club sides from where they will grow their games. Credit to the League Management Committee, the recently concluded season in the Glo Nigeria Premier League is the best, ever witnessed in the country. Therefore, some of the very organized clubs, which I dare say are very few, less than three, could still sign some of these boys. However, this should only be the case where any of the players is having issues signing a club abroad. Truth be told, these boys have greater  chances to mature their games abroad. Ramon Azeez, captain of the 2009 silver winning U-17 team is gradually developing into a solid holding midfielder in UD Almeira of Spain. Same is the case with Onazi Ogenyi of SS Lazio in the Serie A. Having said that, a move abroad will help develop their game. But if the move doesn't materialise at the expected time, a move to a Nigerian club side will not be out of place, instead of staying back at the various academies or even at home waiting to be scouted by a top European side. Also, a move to a not so highly placed foreign side should not be considered the ultimate. Being cadet players, growing in a moderate outfit will not be out of place. All these should be carefully monitored by the Nigerian Football Federation. The boys should be steered out of the clutches of greedy agents who are only interested in their bank accounts and not the players' growth.
   Nigerians in the football community hope not to witness the drama of the past where agents and club sides/academies fight over issues of player rights. This, impedes in more ways than one, the players growth. Stakeholders should iron out such issues amicably and with a great sense of reasoning. Football enthusiasts want to be able to see the tournaments MVP, Kelechi Iheanacho, Yahaya, Eze, Awoniyi, Samuel Okon and indeed all of them play at he highest stage in the coming years. With humility and hard work, every single player in the team is expected to have a beautiful career.

Golden Eaglets, really golden.

   Cheered on by the Japan '93 U-17 World Cup winning captain, Kanu Nwankwo, the Manu Garba tutored boys defeated the El Tri 3- 0 inside the Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi.

   The Mexicans clearly dominated the opening proceedings but always met a very resolute Nigerian defence that refused to succumb to the Mexican onslaught. Nigeria launched an attack and an Awoniyi pass meant for Yahaya was clearly placed by Erick Aguirre into his own net. Mexico kept coming at the Nigerian side but couldn't get the much needed breakthrough. After the restart, Kelechi Iheanacho scored Nigeria's second and during the dying minutes of the game, Muhammed scored a free kick to seal victory for the Golden Eaglets. 

   In a game and competition that saw Iheanacho deservedly crowned the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and going home with the silver ball, and Dele Alampasu, the goalie carting the Golden gloves, Nigerians were once again given a reason to smile. From the first match the Eaglets played against the Mexicans in the group stage, a game they won 6 - 1, Nigerians were offered glimpse of hope by the artistry and perceived youthfulness in the boys. After their second group match against 3 - 3, hope of a good outing was almost established. Many people noted that the three previous victories Nigeria had at U-17 level were all recorded on Asian soils, and therefore, superstitiously gave this one to the Eaglets. To the superstitious Nigerian, the victory came as no surprise. To the realistic Nigerian, it came as no surprise too. Difference being that the realistic camp saw the zeal and determination to win in the team and expected the gold to land Abuja in a few days. And none of the schools of thought were disappointed. Today, after yesterday's victory, Nigeria is the only country to have won the U-17 World Cup a record four  times, scoring twenty six goals in the process. 

  From the goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu to the last person on the bench, the team was adjudged fantastic by the Nigerian football community. The only scratch observed in their game was the anxiety shown by them at certain times during some matches. In the game against Sweden and also against Uruguay, this was most evident. Moving the ball from the defence to attack was so fast and hurriedly done that sometimes, the midfield were caught looking for the bal and not given the chance to express themselves. But even at those times, Manu Garba was always on hand to calm them down and ask them to relax play, thereby involving the creative and hardworking midfield in the team's general play. When calm, they dictated play and pulled the strings effectively to the delight of spectators.

   Once again, sports, and I dare say, football, have proved to be the only factor that bring Nigerians together. It is in such times that ethnicity and religious affiliations are relegated to the background and everyone becomes Nigerian. Even as we are sure that the political class in the country will be looking for ways to include this Golden Eaglets victory into their campaign, the actual football lovers choose to revel in the golden moment, offered us by the Golden Eaglets and ignore the predatory Nigerian politician.

   Congratulations, Golden Eaglets. Congratulations, Nigeria. Congratulations, football, for finding a home in Nigeria.

Monsieur Wenger, still winning.

   Call it a stroke of luck or a bag of it, Arsene Wenger is rolling on a high, right now. With Arsenal having been trophyless for several seasons and the patience of Gooners around the world running thin, Wenger knew he had to get the gun running or continue on the fire path of Gooners. Having previously made midfield signings of Mikel Arteta and Santi Carzola, he knew something was still missing. Arsenal fans kept yearning for trophies and at least one marquee signing. During the last transfer window, Monsieur Wenger brought in Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer from AC Milan and then made the mega bucks signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid. Football followers all over the world were shocked to the marrows with the mega bucks signing of Ozil and saw his arrival as a possible key to Arsenal's trophy haulage.
   Apart from the losses to Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal have been riding on a high. The team seem to have woken up from an almost decade long trophy slumber. Aaron Ramsey have hit form, Oliver Giroud is scoring, Sczesny has been brilliant in between the sticks, the defenders seem to have erected a great wall of defence, Santi Carzola is playing well as usual. In other terms, Arsene Wenger have gotten it right, so far. The multi lingual frenchman has so far, gotten his team firing on all cylinders. The icing on the cake was the 2 - 0 victory over Liverpool at the weekend. Goals from Santi Carzola and the in form Aaron Ramsey saw off the men from Anfield. It is no secret that Arsenal have the most complete midfield in the EPL, barring or including injuries. No disrespect to Arsenal who were miles good, the Liverpool midfield seemed to be clueless and lacked bearing. And so, couldnt answer the questions posed by Arteta, Ozil, Ramsey and Rosicky.
   So far, the team is on fire. But then, the football community still have memories of inconsistencies by Arsenal. If that should be the case, the dejavu will be strong and killing, for Gooners. But barring inconsistency, this present Arsenal team is destined for a trophy haulage. Arsenal fans the world over all believe the team's good run is because of the arrival of Mesut Ozil. It is true, to an extent. The assist king has since gone five matches without an assist. He was completely hidden by BVB's Bender in their UCL clash. But credit to him, he has completely lit up Arsenal's game. Since the departure of Patrick Vieira, Arsenal struggled to find an adequate replacement for the talismanic holding midfielder. A role Alex Song was beginning to get used to before his infamous sale to Barcelona. But the fans who have eyes to really see, have heaved a sigh of relief with the arrival of, and effective display by Mathieu Flamini. The Frenchman has in the games he played, convinced fans and given solid assurances to the Arsenal back line of his uncompromising protection. Arsenal's quest for trophy can be said to depend on their midfield and fitness of Mesut Ozil, but it even depends more on Flamini's fitness.
   If the team keep playing the way they have been, then we could see the Arsene Wenger tutored team lay hands on a major trophy. Something the fans will cry for joy over.

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.