General elections and Football in Nigeria.

   The general elections in Nigeria is gradually winding down. Normalcy is returning to the streets of the country. We are beginning to have our football back. A lot of us 'abandoned' the game, as expected, to perform our civil duties and vote in the next government. It is alleged that some youths died, during the electoral process. May their souls find rest.
   I don't blog mainstream politics. I treat it like leprosy on my blog. Therefore this particular blog, though may seem political, is not.
    When Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu was campaigning for the Presidency in 2007, he used 'his football achievements' as Abia State governor as campaign points. Enyimba FC of Aba were back to back CAF Champions few years before then. To the football community, his point was valid. I know how as state governor, he engineered Enyimba's success, locally and on the continent. This past election, no politician had any football or sports campaign point. The best we saw was a particular contestant who seemed to make it a point of duty to visit children playing football on the streets of his town kumm,donning his very fake Ariaria sewn Adidas track suit. He had the guts to take pictures with the kids who were dressed in tattered shirts and shorts. He met those kids like that, how did he leave them? Still tattered?
   Nigeria's performance on the continent, club wise, have been rubbish for more than a decade. Corruption, unpreparedness, non payment of players salaries/allowances and some other una-no-dey-fear-God reasons form the basis of why we have been the cow dung of African football on club level. The drama in Rivers State last year where players of Dolphins, Sharks and Rivers Angels slept in front of the state government house in protest is still fresh in our minds. Terrible drama. I am sure developed countries will look at happenings in our football and wonder which cartoon adults are acting out. From the NFF Presidency issue, to players sleeping in front of government house to other comic issues, Nigerian football is one house of commotion.
  Some states don't have half standard football stadium. Their teams therefore use stadium in another state as home ground. How can you be at home in another person's home? Let's look at Lagos State. I don't think that any other city state in the world have the number of football fanatics found in Lagos. The state is a football crazy state. But since the demise of Nigerdock and demotion of Julius Berger FC, no professional team is in town. Not an issue? Well, my opinion is that it is. Lagos is widely viewed as the football capital of Nigeria but it doesn't have a Premier League club. It's an issue. Think of the extra revenues a Premier League club will bring Into the state. Or is it the temporary jobs that will be created? No. Our politicians don't think towards that direction. I believe Lagos State need a Premier League team.
   Bayelsa State is blessed with abundant footballers. Talents abound on mainland and in the creeks. As at beginning of last season, the state had two teams campaigning in the Glo Premier League; Nembe City and Bayelsa United. Because of the state of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Nembe City played all the games that led to their eventual relegation at Omokhu Stadium while Bayelsa United played in Benin. I am not a Prophet but I said at the beginning of that season that one of the teams, if not both, will be relegated at the end of the season. It's not rocket science. If e no be your home e no be your own. Till date, the Samson Siasia stadium in Yenagoa remains a flat surface of concrete and can't be played on.  Not even by animals.
   If only these politicians know that football can be used as an electioneering tool, they will develop it at all levels. Football is a sure method of empowerment. Go through the annals of football history and check this fact; football have not produced a son or daughter of a contemporary and mega rich footballer as a successful footballer too. No be juju. It's simple; football is an avenue created to help families out of poverty. Once out of it, none of the direct offspring get back actively playing. The best they get into is football business. That said, Is it not obvious that encouragement of football can be infused into the sing song empowerment programmes we hear about year by year?
   We hope the incoming government will outperform the ongoing and incumbent in terms of football and sports encouragement. We hope for when a politician will storm a full capacity stadium in Nigeria to canvass for votes. Truth is that any politician loved by the football community in Nigeria have bought an election winning majority. You can only argue this with the keyboard of your device.
   We pray the incoming government to better football infrastructure nationwide. Bring up and implement policies that will lure Nigerians to the stadium every weekend to to watch a Glo Premier League game. God bless Nigeria.

Photo credit; unknown, but not mine.

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005

Resurrection players of the resurrection weekend.

   When he wasn't a regular in Louis Van Gaal's side week in week out earlier this season, I wondered if I was the only one who didn't believe Ander Herrera should be a regular in the Manchester United starting eleven. His fluidity is orgasmic. No homo. The Spaniard flourished in the centre of the pack for United during pre season but was thrown into obscurity by the United technical crew as the season progressed. He became a bit part player. A role I felt was never meant for him in the colours of Manchester United. His energy in the middle of the pack reminds one of the hey days of Darren Fletcher. His incisive passes in the middle of the pack and especially in the final third is a beauty. He is an adventure in itself.
   In the absence of Mr. Manchester United, Michael Carrick due to injury, football fans expected Mr. Van Gaal to throw in the former Athletic Bilbao player. But no, Van Gaal had other plans. In the past weeks however, he was given a run of games hence his resurgence. The way he glides through the midfield is a beauty to behold. He covers every blade of grass on the field. He backtracks to cover up for mistakes. Little wonder then his performances in the last few weeks. He had an outstanding performance against Aston Villa over the weekend where he capped his man of of the match performance with a brace. He is yours' sincerely EPL resurrection player of the resurrection weekend.
   Cristiano Ronaldo? That man is bad ass! Rumour has it that his immediate past girlfriend's break up with him was what plunged him into a lack of form. If there is any substance to it, that is a confirmation of the fact that he is human after all. Jesus Christ sure carried him along in his resurrection. He resurrected with our Lord and Saviour. If you don't think so, how then do you explain his five goal hit in Real Madrid's game against Granada on Sunday? Whereas his eternal rival was duly pocketed by Celta Vigo, C-Boy was having a filed day at the Santiago Bernabeau. If as a football fan you say Messi is your better choice between the two, no issues. But if you say Cristiano is not a fantastic footballer, you are an enemy of the game and I have one piece of advice for you; Indian hemp is not for everyone. Away with it!
   Cristiano Ronaldo is my World Resurrection Player of the resurrection weekend.

Photo credit: bleacherreport.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005

Kano Pillars attacked by armed robbers.

   The bus conveying players and officials of Kano Pillars was attacked by men of the underworld on their way to Owerri for their league opener against Heartland of Owerri. The incident occurred along Abaji - Lokoja road around 1.45 pm.
   The attack took the team unawares. Reports say the men appeared from 'nowhere' and just opened fire. Five of their key players were injured. Gambo Mohammed received gunshot wounds to the shoulder. Reuben Ogbonna, Eneji Otekpa, Adamu Murtala and Ubong Ekpai were equally wounded. Fortunately, there was no record of death.  The Nigerian Premier League champions, coming on the heels of a champions league victory were in high spirits to resume defence of their title.
   This brings to mind, an interview of an ex Super Eagles player who said many years ago that the only reason he wouldn't play in the local league is distance to games by road. He gave an instance of one playing for Enyimba having to travel to Nassarawa for a game. I guess he didn't put into consideration that Maidugri had a premier league club and so does Portharcourt. Therefore a  journey by Dolphins of Portharcourt to play against El Kanemi Warriors of Maidugri is a journey across the length of Nigeria. Hazards of the Nigerian football league. But then, show must go on.
   One hopes the players, staff and supporters of Kano Pillars recover soon enough from the trauma and that the injured players heal quickly. In terms of quality of game, Kano Pillars is one of the best around. With the arrival of seasoned campaigners, including former Rangers goal poacher, Obiozor Christian, the club is expected to play prettier.

Photo credit; goal.com

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Nigerian Football League. Comedy or football?

   According to the Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company, Salihu Abubakar, all clubs registering for the Nigerian football league 2015 should show a a quarterly financial performance guarantee of 50 million naira or a one off 200 million naira. This is the basic condition for licensing to be part of the 2015 professional football league. *yinmu*...story for the gods.
Realists like me don't believe they will stick to this. Last season, a minimum wage was set for players. We all know how players of Sharks, Dolphins and Rivers Angels slept in front of the government house in protest of non payment of long standing salaries and allowances. I am surprised no Nollywood producer have deemed it fit to produce a movie in that direction.
   A lot of people in Nigeria don't watch the Nigerian football league. I must say however, that last season was impressive. Kudos to the LMC. The lack of interest by a vast majority of the Nigerian football community can be attributed to sheer unseriousness by, not the players, but the organisers. This, I think is what necessitated the birth of the LMC. Maybe as a result of the contract with Supersport, there was a marked improvement in the organisation. Last season was fair. This season, billed to resume on the 7th of March could be better, or worse off. Better, because we can build on the improvement of last season. Worse, because we have a culture of instead of bettering on 'achievements', we do a Michael Jackson moon walk and slide back to a position beyond where we were before we started off. Example could be cited in the recent non qualification of the Super Eagles for AFCON 2015 having won the 2014 edition. Shameful. But then shame means nothing to us. Sometimes we even feed off shame. Mouth 'shame' to the average Nigerian child and he will spread his phalanges towards you and scream 'waka'! We no dey shame.
   Last season recorded lots of beauties. Teams could go away from their homes and batter the home side. Rarities in the past. Everybody sat up. I believe the conducive atmosphere was what gave rise to Emem Eduok and Mfon Udo's emergence as stars of the season.
I went to the Samson Siasia stadium in Yenagoa and saw that the 'pitch' was still a concrete layout. Having removed the artificial turf two seasons ago for a re-lay, it was duly abandoned due to contractual differences between the contractor and the Bayelsa State government. I was appalled to see it still like that. That means Bayelsa United will this season, play away from home like they did last season when they had to play in Benin and Nembe City played in Omokhu. A factor that led to Nembe City's eventual relegation from the elite league. Home ground issues should form part of conditions for licensing and not just finances. In Nigerian football league, the hostility in away games is solid. When one now has to play home games in an adopted 'home' ground, then you are not home. You are in hell. Football hell.
   Will the coming season be a beautiful one? Are we going to see comedy or real football? I want to believe that all the stakeholders are ready for the resumption of hostilities. Talents abound in the country, but (unfavourable) condition is always an enemy of talent. That said, we hope to witness less comedy and more football.

Congratulations, Champions Of Africa.

   Ivory Coast triumphed as African Cup Of Nations kings after beating Ghana 9 - 8 on penalties. Boubacar Barry, the Ivorian goal keeper stopped Ghana's goalkeeper, Brimah Razak's penalty before slotting home his own to hand the Ivorians a hard earned AFCON triumph.
   Just before the tournament started I tipped Senegal and Algeria to make the final two but it's now clear I lost my money. I chose them based on player quality and team work. But football being what it is showed up with its drama. Both teams didn't make the last four.
Didier Drogba announced his retirement from international football last year. Therefore,people wrote off Ivory Coast's chances at the 2015 AFCON because the most regular face of Ivorian football in the last decade was exiting. Prior to then, Wilfried Bony had arrived EPL on the payroll of Swansea and was expected to be a hit. On the international scene he was played second fiddle to the Chelsea hit man. He had limited games. So when Didier retired, the responsibility to lead the line for Ivory Coast fell on him and deliver them he did. Yaya, the most influential player for club and country was the centre of all attention as he was expected to lead the Ivorians. He lead beautifully, even scoring an 'angry' goal in the process.
   Ivory Coast emerged champions. They worked for it, they got it. It would have been a shame if the entire 'golden generation' of Ivory Coast retired without lifting the AFCON. They did so this time and in style. Their manager, Renard Hevre, having led the Chipolopolo of Zambia to victory in the 2012 edition made name for himself by equally lifting the trophy with Ivory Coast. The French man has indeed etched his name in the thick heart of African football.
   In a pure case of a family whose father is not around and roundly bullied by neighbours, Manchester City will be very glad to  have Yaya Toure back. Their games in Yaya's absence proved to even the mooing cows that Manchester City is Yaya and Yaya is Manchester City. They looked like a school boy team in his absence so they will be happy to have their Yaya back. With all pleasure.
   While the Nigeria football house of commotion continue with their unending drama, it's felicitations, champions d'Afrique.

Photo credit: bbc.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005

Dear Alexis, please don't leave. Sincerely, Gooners.

   The former Barcelona man arrived Emirates in the summer and became an instant hit. He has lifted Arsenal from murky waters time and time again. His pace, eye for goal and penchant for taking on defenders has been a great asset for the London side. Little wonder then, when we woke up few days ago and saw a quote accredited to him detailing his intention to leave, Arsenal fans dipped their rosaries in hot spicy water and knelt down in supplication to whatever god they believed in. Surely not again!
   Patrick Vierira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie are some of the Arsenal 'carriers' of the past that the fans haven't come to terms with their departures. The match just concluded at the White Heart Lane just shows how conservative Arsene Wenger is and underlines Alexis' importance.
     Arsenal pounced first, capitalising on a midfield error. The ball was fed to Danny Welbeck who glided past Danny Rose to deliver a cut back into the box. Mesut Ozil, unmarked at the other end of the post calmly despatched the ball into the net beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris. That however, didn't move Spurs. They kept playing as though they hadn't conceded. Infact they could as well have been eating akara + akamu as they kept playing like that overly confident Iya Basira who knows you must come to buy her food whether you liked it or not. They kept their cool. Moussa Dembele linked the two extreme departments while Mason roved effectively. It's was a matter of time before Spurs struck. From a corner kick the ball found Harry Kane almost unmarked and he kicked the ball beyond the impressive Ospina's reach. Spurs kept coming. The only other meaningful attack by Arsenal came when Welbeck wriggled out from Spurs' right corner flag and bent the ball towards the far post but 'agile monki' Lloris stretched and palmed the ball away for a corner. Spurs kept their onslaught and it paid off when Harry Kane, sandwiched between Arsenal defender rose like a stallion and headed home. He reeled off celebrating even before the ball touched the net as Ospina was hopelessly kneeling at the other end. The End.
    Even the introduction of a player I consider Arsenal's best midfielder, Tomas Rosicky couldn't help matters. The same Harry Kane that buried Chelsea, buried Spurs, with sights set on Manchester United next.
    The last thing Arsenal fans want to hear or even imagine is Alexis' exit. He has carried the team's responsibilities and duly delivers. His turn of pace is a nightmare for any opposition. His eye for goal, orgasmic. When the chips are down, Alexis Sanchez stands to the task. He is a player to be banked on. But then, for how long will Wenger depend on this bright player to lift the team alone? Not for long. He will tire out like others before him, but for Wenger's good I hope he doesn't leave because if he does, fans will remember his conservative, 'aka gumic' nature and stuff it down his throat. Today's game is a typical example of an Arsenal game this season without the electric Alexis. In the mind of an Arsenal fan, Wenger should do all to ensure he doesn't leave. Even if he has to hand his daughter on a platter of gold to the Chilean, Gooners don't give a damn. For fans of other clubs, they keep vigil praying he leaves. Then again, his football is so beautiful that even opposing fans appreciate him. If it's not with a smile, never mind the frown. It's just an ugly cover for a smile of appreciation for the Chilean's beautiful game.

Photo credit; caughtoffside.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on Twitter: @ikenna005

The FIFA President football deserve.

   Come May 2015, incumbent FIFA President, Sepp Blatter will be standing for a fifth term as Supremo of the football world ruling body. I remember how he came in to power in 1998. Baltter is 79 years of age. I have a problem with a 79 year old running world football. Joao Havelange before him handed over in 1998 at the age of 82. No younger option? They abound! Since Blatter took over, he has run world football like his pawn shop. Rise against Blatter and he eases you out of the football community. Easy and quiet, no time. Ask Jack Warner. He knows first hand
that the fear of Sepp Blatter is the beginning of wisdom. Blatter knew he had sh!t in his pants so he used it against him. Warner covered his head and embarked on a forced retirement in the Caribbeans. Blatter na bad ass man. Very good badt man! Nwoke di bad!!
   Football under Blatter has been riddled with scandals. The federation stinks. E dey smell! Committees have been set up and they all come up with the same case of rock solid corruption. FIFA have become a symbol of corruption. People like Gary Lineker, Ronaldo De Lima, Diego Maradona and co have at one time or the other spoken out against widespread corruption in FIFA. Yet again, the man at the helm of affairs want to run again. This time however, people have come up to run against him unless the last time when he scared away the only opponent he had, few days to the election giving no time for anyone to come up against him. Ajo anu!
   Jerome Champagne. French football administrator. Few years ago he was embroiled in a power fracas with Blatter, lost out and was summarily 'executed' , football wise.
   David Ginola. The ex footballer's candidacy is seen more as for laughs than serious. There are unconfirmed reports that his candidacy is backed by a betting racket. Whatever the case, he is not seen as a (strong) contender.
   Harold Mayne Nicholls. The Chilean was in charge of the inspection committee that preferred England to Russia, citing climate as a reason. His recommendation was ignored by the executive committee and Russia was given the hosting right.
   Michael Van Praag. A seasoned Dutch football administrator. He is seen by some as a viable candidate because of his records and experience.
  Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein. The Jordanian prince is a FIFA Vice President. He is seen in most quarters as the strongest candidate to stand against Blatter. He used to pull the strings in Asian football until Blatter installed his cronies as top men in Asian football. This will pit him against the Asian football heads as they are Blatter loyalists. It is expected that he will come to an agreement with Van Praag in order to solidify the anti Blatter campaign. A move that will be be welcomed by the world football community.
   Luis Figo. The former world footballer of the year stunned a lot of people when he announced his intention to run for the esteemed football office. The news put smiles on lots of faces. Finally, a people's person is in contention. Jose Mourinho has already spoken positively on Figo's candidacy. Luis Figo, one of the very few footballers who was able to switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid. A deal, Nicodemously negotiated. Alongside DeLima and Zidane, he was one of the Galacticos that thrilled football lovers early last decade. Figo may face obstacles from these old men who have refused to relinquish power at the top. A set of people known to look out for men their age  bracket may not readily back Figo's bid. He is known to have unrivaled passion for the game amongst the men that graced the sport in his time. In Maradona and Ronaldo De Lima, he has very close friends who will put him in check. One does not however undermine the human attitude which makes people forget cronies once a higher position is achieved. Yes. But Figo is not one seen to compromise the beautiful game. He is seen by many of us in the football world as one that will redeem the image of the game. Cleaning up the mess created by Blatter and Havelange before him is top priority.
UEFA is known not to support Blatter's candidacy.
   Everyone is tired of football under under the little but heavy Swiss man.
A gentleman to the core, Luis Figo is the FIFA President football deserve.

Photo credit; fanpop.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005