Super Eagle Coach, Gernot Rohr says to Victor Moses; You are free to come back but we have more wingers now

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles Coach, says Victor Moses can return to the Super Eagles whenever he wants but he should be ready to work hard for a place in the team.

Rohr made the comment on the sidelines of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game between MFM FC and Rangers International FC.
“Victor Moses is a player with lots of quality but stopped playing for the National team after the World Cup. We have to respect his decision not to play again,” the coach said on Wednesday.

“if he wants to come back to the team, it is okay but he must show a lots of motivation, he must show that he is fit to play for the team because we have other players playing well in his position now.

“Moses has to be strong to come back to the team because we have more options on the wings now like Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa. All these players are on his wings.
“Victor Moses comeback is a good news for us.”
Rohr said he would present the fittest team in the last match of the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt.
“We will invite the fittest players for the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt. The best of them will play the match,” he said.

“With the level at which some of the players are now in their different clubs, I believe they should turn that form to the national team.
“For the local based players the ones that are good among them will surely be invited to the team. I regret that the league had a long break after the last season which affected the fitness of the players.
“But now that the league is on, myself and my assistants are here to watch out for the outstanding ones that can make the team.”

Via Thecable.ng

EXCLUSIVE SPORTS - JOHN Mikel announced Super Eagles return

The 31-year-old Nigeria international end his association with the Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda last week on Thursday after two years spell with the club after former eager on returning to European football for family reasons.

Mikel has not played for Nigeria since their last group game against Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia to his Instagram to by sending a message to German tactician saying "Can’t Wait".

Former Chelsea star excused himself from international duty including four 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Three African Champions will tackle Seychelles on March 22 in their final 2019 AFCON group qualifying game and Mikel will be hoping to add to his 85 caps for Super Eagles and with six goals to his name.

Super Eagles coach explains why I drop Onazi & Mikel

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has explained why he drop Tianjin Teda enforcer John Mikel Obi and Trabzonspor midfielder Ogenyi Eddy Onazi for next month's crucial 2019 Afcon qualification against South African in Johannesburg.

The 31-year-old former Chelsea star has not featured for Nigeria in four successive matches in a row since after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, while the ex-Lazio man who picked a knock in training ahead of the doubleheader victory over Libya this month.

Onazi was in action Trabzonspor in all their matches since returning to Turkey and was exceptional in the 1-1 draw with Antalyaspor last weekend but omitted from the roster for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa plus the friendly match by the German coach. Rohr told Kwesé ESPN that the decision was down to the player as he said: "Mikel told me that he will tell me when he will be ready to come back. He didn't tell me yet. So Iwait."I hope that we can go with him to Afcon and win it for him."As for Onazi, Rohr pointed to medical reasons, shutting down suggestions of a rift with one of his senior players: "Onazi had a problem with injury.

He left Uyo before the match against Libya [earlier this month]."I have to be aware of the health of our players. We didn't want to do injections on Achilles' tendons before the games."Rohr has called on Mikel Agu who was drop from Super Eagles World Cup squad with Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu stake their place in the 23 man roster, while Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi was omitted after receiving a yellow card, his second leg of the closing minutes of Nigeria's 3-2 win over Libya in Sfax.

Nigeria, top of the Group E with nine points battle second-placed South Africa at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday, 17th November in one of the Match day 5 fixtures.

Super Eagles Star, Kelechi Iheanacho scores first goal in comeback win for Leicester

Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho scores his first goal of the season for Leicester City in a 3-1 comeback win over Huddersfield in the week six of the Premier League at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite going a goal behind courtesy of an early strike from Zanka Foxes fought back to take all three points with Kelechi Iheanacho, James Maddison and Jamie Vardy all getting on the score sheet.

Huddersfield got off to the best possible start when Zanka managed to get himself on the end of a long throw to prod beyond Kasper Schmeichel in the  Leicester goal in the five minutes of the encounter butIheanachoequalise for the home side 14 minutes later from a rapid counter-attack with a cool finish into the bottom corner.

Leicester controlled the second half and took the lead through a beautiful free-kick from Maddison before Vardy seals the three maximum points after receiving a through pass from Nigeria international but he was replaced in the 77th minute by Marc Albrighton. Iheancho Super Eagles teammate Wilfred Ndidi who received a yellow card in the 18th minute was in action for the entire 90 minutes.

Everton Winger, Ademola Lookman switched from England to Super Eagles

20-year-old Everton winger, Ademola Lookman, has switched his international allegiance from England to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

According to Own Goal Nigeria, a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed that Lookman has made the decision to represent his father’s country.“Based on our discussion with his management team and his parents, he will represent Nigeria. He has decided to play for Nigeria.“Lookman never shut out Nigeria completely‎ but we have to be careful because of the experience with Tammy Abraham.“Coach Gernot Rohr has always wanted Lookman.

Now with the retirement of Victor Moses, he will add to the options available to the coach on the flanks. An announcement will be made soon,” he said. Lookman started his career at Charlton before the big move to Everton in 2017. He spent the second half of the 2017/2018 season at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Armed with pace, dribbling abilities and a good use of both feet, Lookman usually plays as a wide man from both the right and left wing and can also play centrally.
He made five appearances for the England U19s, 15 for theU20s and seven for the U21s. 

The NFF in recent years have intensified their effort to convince players of Nigerian descent born abroad to commit their international futures to Nigeria.Players like Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi and Bryan Idowuhave been some of the success stories while Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham even after meeting with NFF boss Pinnick, rejected the chance to represent Nigeria to play for England.

Super Eagle Star, Ahmed Musa scores a screamer as Super Eagles beat Seychelles 0-3

Super Eagles attacker Ahmed Musa scored a screamer as the Nigerian side beat Seychelles 0-3 to get their AFCON qualifying campaign back on track.

Goals from Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem and Odion Ighalo saw the Super Eagles pick up their first win of the qualifiers, with debutant Samuel Kalu causing havoc to the Pirates defence.
Musa and Awaziem handed the visitors a two-goal advantage in the first-half and Ighalo added the third from the spot after one of Kalu’s numerous teasing runs was halted in the box.

The buildup to the game had seen Gernot Rohr deal with several disappointments with team captain John Obi Mikel and some key players ruled out through several injury concerns. The German handler had to make four changes to the team that started against Argentina in their last outing, at the World Cup.
Awaziem came in as a surprise pick for the right-back spot, Ogenyi Onazi partnered Wilfred Ndidi at the base of the midfield, Bordeaux new signing Kalu handed his international debut and Ighalo was restored to lead the lines.

It was 2-0 on 34 minutes after Kelechi Iheanacho’s free kick hit the crossbar, leaving defender Chidozie Awaziem to tap into an empty net.
In the second half, the Seychelles Pirates took the game to Nigeria, but failed to score.
It was over as a contest as Odion Ighalo converted a penalty on 57 minutes to give them an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Sadly, goal scorer Awaziem was stretched off in the 74th minute after a collision, allowing Semi Ajayi to make his International debut.
And debutante Ajayi almost provided the fourth goal as his inch-perfect cross was met by substitute Henry Onyekuru, who headed the ball just wide.

Nigeria will next face Libya, who have a date with Bafana Bafana of South Africa later on Saturday.
As it stands, Nigeria are second in Group E with three points and the final standings for Round Two games would be decided after the conclusion of the other group game between South Africa and table-topper Libya.

#UPDATE Vincent Enyeama finally quit club after seven years

Former Super Eagles number one goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has finally quit Lille after seven years at the club.

The 36-year-old African Cup Nation winner ends his long relationship with the Ligue 1 outfit from where he joined from 2011 from Israeli club Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

According to the Lille official website claiming that they have released Enyeama who last featured for Lille on April 15, 2017, before he sustains an injury after making 168 appearances for the club."Beyond his performances, LOSC and his supporters will remember Vincent’s smile and enthusiasm.

The club now wishes him the best in his future projects," Lille’s statement reads. Former Eyinmba goalie is Nigeria's most capped player of all time with 101 appearances for the three-time African Champions.

Enyeama is reportedly linked with a move to Taribo West former club Auxerre as transfer window closing on Friday, August 31 at midnight.1

EPL: Super Eagles midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo to lose teammate to La Liga club

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo set to lose Stoke City teammate Giannelli Imbula to La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on another season-long loan.

The 25-year-old former France U21 who spent last season on loan at Toulouse where he featured 34 times and scoring one goal in the process but the Ligue 1 outfit fails to make the deal a permanent.

According to a report in Cadena Ser claiming that the newly promoted La Liga club want to bring Imbula to the Madrid based team for a season loanbut Levante are also linked with a move for the midfielder. Vallecano begins the 2018-19 campaign with 4-1 opening day home defeat 4-1 to Seville before going down 1-0 in a derby with Atletico Madrid on Saturday at Wanda Metropolitano but The Red Sashes host Athletic Bilbao this weekend.

Imbula moves Bet 365 Stadium from Porto for the club record €24m deal in February 2016 and the defensive midfielder went to make 28 appearances with two goals to his name before going on loan to Ligue last season.

Francis Uzoho, Super Eagles goalkeeper joins another Spanish club

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has team up with another Spanish Segunda division club, Elche FC on a season-long loan deal from Deportivo La Coruna.

The 19-year-old was in goal for all Nigeria group game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was looking to move to a club where he will play regular football after his sudden rise to international stardom and should have his wish granted at the modest side.

“The club and the R.C. Deportivo de la Coruña have agreed the transfer of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho on a one-year loan deal which comes after he played for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,” reads a statement on Elche’s official website on Friday.

Uzoho will have his medical at the club on Monday and will resume training with his teammates afterwards.
Super Eagles stopper was invited for next month Afcon qulifyers made two appearances for Deportivo La Coruna in the La Liga Santander last season.

Uzoho also featured 28 times with the club’s B side,Deportivo La Coruna Fabril in the Segunda B.

Nigerian star player, Wilfred Ndidi signs new contract with Leicester

Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi has signed a new long-term contract with Leicester City that will keep him at the club until 2024.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder moves to King Power Stadium from Belgian side Genk in 2017 and has been named their Young Player of the Year for the past two seasons.

Ndidi has gone on to featured 61 times and scored four goals for the former Premier League Champions and he has also become a regular for Nigeria's Super Eagles, and featured in all three their games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

"I'm very happy to sign this contract with Leicester City. I have enjoyed every moment of my time with the football club, so I'm thrilled to be here for six more years,"
"Together with my teammates and our wonderful supporters, I hope we can look forward to many more fantastic moments." Ndidi told the club's official website.

Ndidi next Leicester City game comes against Southampton on Saturday.

Nigerian striker over the moon to score against Man U

English-born Nigerian Sheyi Ojo has said he is delighted to get on the scorers’ sheet for Liverpool as they thrashed Manchester United 4-1 in a friendly.

The 21-year-old winger converted a spot kick in the 74th minute to give Liverpool a 3-1 lead.

“Mad win vs Man United, more minutes, nice to score. Thanks for your support out here,” he tweeted.
Ojo was a 46th minute replacement for Sadio Mane.

He has often been shipped out on loan by the Anfield side.

He has played at MK Dons, Fulham, Wolves and Wigan Atletics.
He has also represented England at U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21.

BLESSING ELEKE, Swiss FC sign Nigerian striker

Swiss Super League club FC Luzern have completed the signing of Nigerian striker Blessing Eleke from Israeli outfit Ashdod.

The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal with Die Leuchten keeping him at the club until the end of the 2021-2022 season.

Commenting on the transfer of the Eleke, Sport Coordinator Remo Meyer stated: ''With Blessing, we were able to sign up an offensive player with a lot of potentials.
''Although still very young, he has prevailed at all clubs in Europe from the start and convinced.''

Luzern lost 2-0 to Neuchâtel Xamax in their opening match of the new season last weekend, and travel to Thun in their next fixture on July 29.
Eleke began his career with Flying Sports Academy in Nigeria before to Europe to play for Slovenian teams Gorica, Olimpija and Israeli club Ashdod.

ALEX IWOBI - Super Eagles Must Make 2018 World Cup Lessons Count In AFCON 2019 Campaign

Alex Iwobi hopes that the Super Eagles can learn from their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and build on it for a better future.

Gernot Rohr’s men finished third in Group D after defeats to Croatia and Argentina, on either side of a 2-0 win over Iceland. “The squad is young and we picked important lessons that will hopefully help us going forward,” the Arsenal winger told BBC Sport.

“Attention will soon shift to the Nations Cup and we must make our World Cup lessons count.”
Against Argentina in their final Group D match, the Super Eagles were four minutes away from booking a place in the knockout stages, but Marcos Rojo struck late to break their hearts.

“We had a lot of hopes and believed that we could do well. We are very proud of ourselves and are going to take the positives of course,” Iwobi added. “We are just unfortunate about the last minute goal that came against Argentina which led to a defeat that knocked us out of the group. We are taking positives but we are very happy with what we did.”

The Nigerian fans had hoped that Iwobi would play a key role in Russia, but were left disappointed that the Arsenal player was only given a half against Croatia and late substitute appearances against Iceland and Argentina.
“It’s not just me or my tournament, it’s Nigeria’s tournament,” he remarked.

“The coach did put me in that position because he wanted to try something new, try something else, so I had no problems because at the end of the day it is what the manager decides is what goes.”
Next up for Nigeria is a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in September.

Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi Was Grateful To Nigerian Police For His Father's Rescue From Abductors

Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has thanked the Nigerian Police for their role in securing the release of his father Michael Obi who was abducted on the 29 th of June, reports Completesportsnigeria.

Mikel who revealed that he played the crucial game against Argentina during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup despite his father being in custody of hia abductors also thanked his fans for their support during his trying moments.

“I would like to thank the Police authorities involved in ensuring the safe return of my father after the ordeal this week,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

“I will also like to thank everyone for their kind words of support. He is now recuperating with family. My family and I are grateful.”

The Enugu State Police Command rescued Pa Obi from kidnappers who abducted him on his way from Jos.

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Super Eagles coach backs France to beat Argentina - Gernot Rohr

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is obviously not happy that his World Cup adventure was short lived by Argentina and he has predicted that the two-time world champions will meet their own Waterloo when they face France in the first Round of 16 ties at the 2018 World Cup.

Rohr is emphatically backing the French National Team to knock out Argentina from the 2018 World Cup when both countries face off at the Kazan Arena, Kazan on Saturday afternoon.

According to the Eagles' gaffer, France's pacy offensive players, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Antoine Griezmann will give the Argentinians a tough time on the pitch.

''France is stronger, more clam. She will win, it will be tight but with a goal in advance.'' Rohr said in an interview with French sports newspaper L'Equipe. 

He added ''The speed of the French attackers will pose a lot of problems to the Argentine defenders.

''And Didier also managed to strengthen his defense. It was the big job before the start of the World Cup and it became a big defense.''

Argentina secured a dramatic passage to the last sixteen after they edged Nigeria 2-1 in their final group match on Tuesday, with Marcos Rojo netting the winner on 86 minutes after Victor Moses had canceled out the earlier lead give to Argentina by Lionel Messi.

fcnaija

Russia 2018, World Cup: Super Eagles players and team officials depart Russia

The Super Eaglesplayers and officials of the team have been leaving theirWorld CupCamp Base in Essentuki,Russia in groups.

Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that most of the players have left Russia for their respective bases.

“Instead of returning to Nigeria, the Super Eagles players have been returning to their respective basesone after the other, where they have since reunited with their families,’’ Olajire said.

The NFF Director said that the duo ofAhmed Musaand Bryan Idowu are staying put in Russia where they ply their trade for their respective clubs, CSKA Moscow and Amkar Perm.According to him, players who have had their early exit from the camp include team captain Mike Obi, Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, LeonBalogun, Alex Iwobi, Kenneth Omeruo and Tyronne Ebuehi.Olajire, however, said those remaining in the team’s camp include Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, John Ogu, Chidozie Awaziem, Oghenekaro Etebo and Simeon Nwankwo.

However, NAN reports that the team’s Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, had stayedback in the team’s Essentuki camp to mark his 65th birthday anniversary on Thursday.Toyin Ibitoye, the team’sMedia Officer, also said the coaching staff and other backroom staff would depart Russia on Friday and arrive in Abuja on Saturday.

The Eagles had failed to reach the competition’s second round after a 1-2 loss toArgentinain their last Group D game played at St. Petersburg.

Hmmm! Super Eagles Striker Says He take responsibility for Super Eagles loss – Odion Ighalo

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, says he takes full responsibilities for the team’s loss at yesterday’s match against Argentina.The Super Eagles crashed out of the2018 FIFA world cupafter they failed to beat the Argentinian team.

Ighalo missed a few chances to score goals that could have secureda win for the Nigerian team.In a chat withTheCable, Ighalo said he takes full responsibility for theloss of the match and has already apologised to his teammates. 

He said;“I apologise to Nigeria. I apologise tomy team mates. I takeresponsibility for this game because I had taken those chances Ihad that would have made it a different ball game now.

But that is football and life has to continue.”“It’s a sad day for me, the boys and the country because we went out in a bad manner and we deserved more in the gam. We had a penalty in the game and another one which the referee did not give.

I missed a couple of chances that would have finished the game but that’s football because sometimes you win and sometimes to lose.

”Argentina defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final group D fixture with a late goal from Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo deciding the fixture.

Turkish referee, Cuneyt Cakin - I don’t know why I didn’t award penalty to Nigeria

According to Super Eagles captain,John Mikel Obi, when he asked the Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakin why he did not award the penalty for the handball of Argentine defender, Marcus Rojo, the referee replied saying he didn’t know.

Mikel said the referee admitted that the ball touched the hand of Marcos Rojo in the 82nd minute of Tuesday’s game but he put up a defense in not awardingthe crucial spot-kick.The penalty, if awarded and scored at a time the match was 1-1, could have wrapped up a second round ticket for the Eagles.

Speaking at the post-match briefing in St Petersburg, Mikel said:“I asked the referee if he thought the ball struck Rojo’s hand and He said ‘yes;. The referee told me that the ball came off Rojo’s head before it hit his hand.”Mikel added:”I then asked Cakur why he didn’t award the penalty to Nigeria,he said: ‘I don’t know.’

That was sad because we checked the match video in thedressing room and it was a clear penalty kick.“When the ball touches your hand in the penalty box, it’s a penalty. No two ways about that. Maybe he didn’t want to give us the second penalty. It is sad we had to exit the competition this way.Speaking about his future with the national team, Mikel said he would be most delighted to lead the boys going further into the future.
I’m happy playing with this bunch of players. I expect themto grow into a great side and I think this team would make a good impression in the next four years.

They are good boys with bright future,” he said.“Of course, we did everything we could; we pushed and pushed to get the goal but it was not to be.“We want to thank all Nigerians for their support; we have to keep going.”

HOT! World Cup 2018 - Nigeria 1-2 Argentina, Super Eagles crash out

The Super Eagles have crashed out of the FIFA World Cup after losing 2-1 to Argentina on Tuesday.

Watch Highlight  | Argentina 2 - 1 Nigeria

Lionel Messi led the Argentines to the crucial win at St Petersburg.
The two-time world champions were heading for a group-stage exit after Victor Moses scored a penalty early in the second half to cancel out Lionel Messi's impressive opener.
Needing victory to claim second place behind Croatia in Group D, Argentina rode their luck as Marcos Rojovolleyed home four minutes from time to spark dramatic scenes in St Petersburg.

Nigeria missed out on back-to-back knockout round appearances in the finals as a result of the defeat, having failed to take a couple of good chances through Odion Ighalo when on level terms, while Iceland also drop out of the competition.

President Buhari congratulates Super Eagles for defeating Iceland 2 - 0

President Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the national team of Iceland in their second match at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The President expresses particular delight at the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the young Nigerian players.

President Buhari urges them not to limit themselves but sustain the current winning momentum by going all out against their last group opponent, Argentina, next week.
According to him, “I am confident that if our players believe in themselves, they can qualify out of their difficult group and even go very far in the tournament,” adding that “with determination, nothing is impossible.”

The President urges all Nigerians to continue to rally round the Nigerian ambassadors with their prayers and other forms of support.