2014 World Cup: I am ready to fight for shirt-Yobo

OUT of favour Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has said that he is ready to fight for a place in the team to the 2014 World Cup if coach Stephen Keshi would give him a chance.
"I am a competitor. That is what has kept me all these years. The day anybody takes competition away from me, then I might as well just retire. I compete at my club every day. This is what I do, this is what I've done over the years. Players don't have a guaranteed position. You have to compete in training every day and show that you are worth the place.
"Even when people thought I was indispensable in the national team, a sure starter, any of the coaches can tell you how hard I worked every single day in training. I feel like I'm competing with myself, I always have to prove myself over and over again. The coach (Keshi) also believes in me and that's why he says I'm still his captain. He knows me very well that if I'm fit I have a lot to offer. So all I pray is to stay fit.
"I don't know what's going to happen regarding the World Cup. But from my side there are no issues, I have said what I have to say and that is behind me. The rest is up to the coach. He is the boss, and he decides who he wants to call up to the squad," Yobo said in an interview with kickoffnigeria.com.
He stated that he will not expect his inclusion in the team to Brazil 2014 mundial to be based on compensatory measure.
"I'm a strong believer that everything about the national team should be on merit. Including selection. And that applies to me, too. I only want to get there on merit.But a coach also has a discretionary concession to select a few players if he feels they have something to offer even if they are not performing at their best with their clubs. Maybe an experienced player who has delivered in the past for the national team or a young
player who will benefit from the experience. And I think there is nothing wrong in that.
"As a player, all you want is for the coach to be straight up with everybody. If a player in your position is better than you are, you will know. If you are competing regularly at
your club and playing football at the highest level, then the same thing should apply anywhere else. It's not a matter of trying to look at someone and say he's old and carving out a role for him. It should be about competition on the field," said the Fenerbahce of Turkey defender.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner stressed that becoming the first player to get 100th cap with Nigeria remains his target.
"I would love to have it, but it has to be well deserved. On merit. If I'm playing consistently, doing well, I want to be picked on merit I don't want to be put in the team simply to reach 100 caps. That is not me. I want to get to 100 caps because I am playing football and not because I just want to be there to reach a number, or set a record," he said.
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FIFA rankings: I am shocked-Keshi

SUPER Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi is stunned by the latest rankings released by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) as Nigeria slipped from 33rd to 36th.
The former coach of Mali and Togo while reacting to the development said the performance of Nigeria in recent times did not commensurate with the position it was ranked by the world soccer-governing body.
Coming against the backdrop of 2-0 victory over Ethiopia to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and a 2-2 draw with Italy in a friendly in London, Nigeria remain the fourth best on the continent but nosedived on the global scale by three places.
"I am shocked. We won the Africa Cup of Nations this year, qualified for the World Cup and four-time world champions Italy held us to a draw, so I am surprised," said the Delta State-born ex-international.
Keshi however, said he will not be discouraged by the latest FIFA rankings saying he will always strive to make Nigerians happy through the Super Eagles.
"We should continue to win and make Nigerians proud because that is what is most important to me and Nigerians. If we remain in where ever we are in the ranking and keep winning and Nigerians are happy, then I am happy," said the man who captained Nigeria to the USA '94 World Cup.
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Club Owners' scribe, Chukwuemeka quits

ACTING secretary of the Nigeria premier League Club Owners Association, Alloy Chukwuemeka has resigned from his position.
According to a letter of resignation dated 29th November and addressed to the acting chairman of the association, chukwuemeka said his decision was necessitated by the confirmation of his club Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Fc relegation from the premier
league as ratified by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF's just concluded Annual General Assembly held in Warri Delta state.
You would recall that my nomination to the position of Acting Secretary was based on the resolution by the entire chairmen and managers of the 20 clubs of which I was a member, consequently, in my honour and principle I hereby step down on my position following the relegation of my club," ACC as he is fondly called said in the letter.
The former Yobe Desert Stars Media chief thanked members of the association for their cooperation even as he extended his appreciation to all the stakeholders in the football industry as well as the Media.
Chukwuemeka who is the General Manager of ABS FC however, stated that his major assignment
now would be how best to sustain the achievements of ABS and to bring the team back to the premier league in due course.
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Monthly Saturday boxing show holds at Teslim Balogun Stadium

The 47th Monthly Saturday Boxing Show organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) holds on Saturday, November 30 at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Taiwo Abiodun in the first bout of the day will confront Taiwo Taofeek as Dauda Azeez tackles Lateef Adebayo in another 49kg clash.
In an exhibition match, Bamidele Doyin faces Malik Olawale in a 20kg clash as Yusuf Adeniyi and Shittu Olawale battle in the 40kg while Oladosu Idris will face Ibraheem Yakubu in another 40kg clash.
In the remaining five bouts listed on the card, Idris Ibrahim will confront Olatunji Okusanya (56kg), Ganiu Hamed takes on Ahmed Rufai as Shole Nureni faces Aliu Ibrahim also in a 64kg clash.
Saheed Lawal will trade punches with Abraham Olamilekan in a 69kg bout as Tosin Oyewole and Samuel Elegbede clash in the 75kg.
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I don't want to miss Brazil 2014 World Cup---Odemwingie

OUT of favour Super Eagles striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie has not ruled out himself of playing for Nigeria in 2014 World Cup in Brazil after all.
The recalcitrant player it will be recalled had resorted to his twitter handle to pass tantrums at anyone after losing his place in the Super Eagles, a conduct which infuriated many soccer-loving Nigerians.
The Cardiff City star striker told walesonline.co.uk that he could get his way into the list of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi with his superlative performance in the colours of the Bluebirds.
“I was in Nigeria’s squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa and I would love the chance to go again,” said the former West Brom striker who is looking forward to joining his Cardiff teammates Gary Medel and Kim Bo-Kyung at Brazil 2014 mundial.
Odemwingie who featured in the 2010 World Cup stated that he needs to convince his detractors with a good showing with the Welsh side to get a place back in the national team.
“Why not?” said Odemwingie after Cardiff’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United. “Certainly, I believe there is a chance. If it comes I would be delighted.
“I haven’t been selected recently because the new coach wanted changes in the team. First of all it affected the older players so the situation wasn’t so friendly, but he has made it clear that any player who is active and eligible had a chance for Nigeria for the World Cup finals so we will see.
“Playing for my country in Brazil would mean so much. I was in South Africa with Nigeria during 2010 and it was a great event. Brazil is maybe even more popular football-wise so it would be great to be part of that if it happens,” said the 55-capped Nigerian international.
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... Says Cardiff will survive relegation

EMBATTLED Nigerian striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie has expressed optimism that Cardiff City will escape relegation from the English Premier League when the season ends in May next year.
Speaking after the Bluebirds forced Manchester United to a 2-2 draw at home which further threatened the survival of the newly-promoted outfit, Odemwingie said that the Welsh side has what it takes to retain its slot in the elite division after all.
“Belonging in the Premier League was the first thing that came into my mind when we equalised The joy around the stadium, I felt like Cardiff is here to stay. There is a lot of work to be done and confidence is the key. This is the first year in the league but the performance we showed we are not like the struggling sides. Sometimes we don’t show the best football but the spirit of the team is very strong.”
“I have been in situations where everyone improves and you become a very solid side in the Premier League,” the 2008 Beijing Olympic silver medallist told walesonline.co.uk.
Odemwingie it will be recalled fell out of favour with West Brom Albion 'the Hawthorns' leading to his eventual move to Cardiff City.
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Super Cup: Kano Pillars, Enyimba clash as NFF's AGM holds in Warri

REIGNING Federation Cup king, Enyimba FC and 2013 Globacom Premier League winner, Kano Pillars would set the Warri City Stadium, aglow on Thursday (November 28) to fight for the Super Cup at stake.
The grudge match will hold immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Football Federation billed for the Brownhill Event Centre, Ogunnu, Warri, which will among other issues confirm the promotion and relegation of teams in the premier league.
The Super Cup formerly known as Charity Cup was introduced in 1984 and was first won by the defunct Leventis United, which defeated Rangers FC of Enugu 2-1 at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Leventis had won the Challenge Cup that year as a Division Three side with a 1-0 victory over the defunct Abiola Babes while Rangers claimed the league title.
Pillars are looking forward to winning the Super Cup title this time having lost to the People's Elephant last year.
Interestingly Pillars defeated Enyimba 1-0 in a rescheduled Globacom Premier League match at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, a feat which eventually gave them the league title and also shattered Enyimba's ambition of winning the diadem.
Pillars will be coached this time by Kabiru Baleria in the absence of Baba Ganaru, the man who piloted them to win the league title last month, who has reportedly teamed up with Nasarawa United already.
In what appears to be a source of good news to die-hard fans of Enyimba, Pillars will be missing the services of striker Gambo Mohammed in Thursday's clash.
Faithful of Saimaisugida exponents would no doubt rely on Manir Ubale, Nasir Ali, Bello Kofarmata, Rabiu Ali and goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai, among others to give them cuase
for celebration in Warri.
Caption: Odemwingie during the game against Manchester United which ended in a 2-2 draw

2014 World Cup: Give Super Eagles realistic target---Okocha

FORMER Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha has said that Nigerians should not be deceived into believing that the reigning African champions can win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The former Bolton of England player in an interview with kickOffNigeria.com declared that the team instead needs a realistic target at Brazil mundial.
"We will all be happy to see them win the World Cup but we know that’s almost impossible at this moment. We don't have to set ourselves a target that is almost like mission impossible.
"So a realistic target should be to qualify from our group even though we don't know who will be there, then from there anything can happen when we get to the knockout stage," said the former Paris Saint Germain (PSG) of France player.
He however, acknowledged that the Stephen Keshi-led technical crew has transformed the Super Eagles earlier than expected.
"we were talking about rebuilding and we expected that it would take us many years to get here, but it is to the coaches credit and to the players' credit that they have delivered beyond expectation," Okocha said.
He noted that the players equally deserve kudos for the exploits recorded so far saying that "we have to give them credit. They battled their way to this point. Nobody really thought they would be in this position at this time".
The hero of three World Cup finals; USA '94, France '98 and Korea/Japan 2002 stated that individual brilliance is still missing in the Super Eagles unlike during his era when the team was blessed with players who can make things happen.
"Yes, I think so. If I may be honest, the midfielders that we have now play a bit more collectively. We don't really have that individual talent that can stand out, I mean an individual player when the going gets tough. But I think they are doing well as a team which is the most important thing because football is a team game," said Okocha who is a member of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF's technical committee.
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I prefer Liverpool---Onazi

NIGERIA midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has expressed interest in joining fellow kinsman, Victor Moses in Liverpool from Lazio of Italy even with offers already from another Serie A side, Fiorentina and English Premier League (EPL) side Everton.
The 2009 FIFA U-17 silver medallist was at his best during Monday night's international friendly against Italy at Craven Cottage, London which ended in a 2-2 draw impressing Liverpool scouts who were on hand to watch the grudge match.
Onazi told the Daily Express that he will accept any offer from The Reds with both hands saying he is prepared for the January move to Anfield.
"I would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League. Liverpool? They are a huge team and are attractive to any footballer. I could see myself playing for them," the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner was quoted as saying by the Daily Expres.
Onazi however, is in a dilemma as Lazio seem not willing to let him go having rejected Fiorentina's bid to secure first option on the player if his eventual exit from the Italian side is sanctioned.
Moses on loan from Chelsea has been a success story since his move to Liverpool as Onazi's combination with him if released by Lazio will be a boost to coach Stephen Keshi in his bid to fortify the Super Eagles ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
Keshi speaking after the game in London had explained why he always loved to feature Onazi in his team as a result of his consistency.
"A lot of people asked me questions why I believed so much in him (Onazi) when I called him into the squad. He has come on greatly in the last one year I have to say, always improving, always demanding for the ball, showing for team mates in trouble and showing high tactical awareness in the heat of the battle. Like many of his team mates he is only going to get better," Keshi said

Eagles can't miss World Cup ticket-Rufai

EX-INTERNATIONAL Peter Rufai has said that the Super Eagles are condemned to grab the 2014 World Cup ticket as they confront the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia on Saturday at the at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
The former Go Ahead Eagles of Holland goalkeeper in an interview said there is no hiding place for the Antelopes in the Canaan City.
"Our players know the importance of going to the World Cup and will not disappoint on Saturday. They already know what football is to Nigerians and I believe the Ethiopians will fall.
"It is a must that we must be at the 2014 World Cup having reached this stage and I don't see Ethiopia as an obstacle. I have confidence in Stephen Keshi and other members of the technical crew that they will come up with a tactical approach which our players will use to overwhelm the Ethiopians on Saturday," said Dodo Mayana who featured at US '94 and France '98 World Cup finals.
Meanwhile, SC Braga of Portugal defender, Elderson Echiejile has promised to offer his best against Ethiopia.
"I am prepared for the match against Ethiopia just like any other player in the camp and I am going to put in my best on Saturday because I want Nigeria in 2014 World Cup. There is nothing to worry about, no match is easy but we are all looking forward to bringing smiles to the faces of Nigerians on Saturday," said the 2013 Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) winner.
However, coach of the Antelopes, Sewnet Bishaw is still confident that his wards could turn the tables against the reigning African champions in Calabar despite the 1-2 home loss suffered in the first leg tie.
“I’m 100 per cent confident of overturning the result. I’ll only play for a win. Football involves a defeat and a win. We’re defeated in the first leg doesn’t mean we’ll be defeated in the second leg.
“I’ve not finished the match. I’ve 90 minutes left to play. I’ll fight for a 2-0 win or for a 2-1 to take it in to extra-time. So, I want to remind them that it’s not over yet.” Bishaw told BBC Sport.
A brace from Fenerbahce of Turkey striker Emmanuel Emenike ensured a 2-1 victory for the Super Eagles in Addis Ababa when both sides first met, just as the hosts require a draw this time to pick one of the five Africa's tickets to Brazil 2014 mundial.
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Caption: Peter Rufai

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Kanu inspired us to victory--Iheanacho

GOLDEN Eaglets lethal weapon, Kelechi Iheanacho has said that the inspiration received from erstwhile captain of the Super Eagles, Nwankwo Kanu propelled them to win the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Nigeria trounced title holders, El Tri of Mexico 3-0 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi to become the world champions for the fourth time.
"He always gives us advice. He comes to train with us, to make sure we’re happy and moving in the right direction," Iheanacho who emerged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament said.
 The Golden Ball winner added that: "He (Kanu) helps us to understand what football is really about, and what it takes to make it in the game. Talking with him and being with him is just a great honour".
Iheanacho who finished with six goals to also claim the adidas Silver Boot award described the former Arsenal star as his role model.
"He is the true hero of football in our country. Back home, he’s like a father, like a brother. He’s like everything to me," Iheanacho told FIFA.com.
Nwanwko Kanu it will be recalled was a member of the Golden Eaglets squad which won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993 in Japan.
The former Portsmouth and Ajax Amsterdam player was a delight to behold during Friday's final as he took time to savour another historic moment in Nigerian football through dancing before the final whistle.
Goals from Iheanacho, captain Musa Muhammed plus an own goals ensured Nigeria lifted the
FIFA World Cup for a record fourth time.
The Manu Garba-piloted side also scored 26 goals, the highest in a single tournament to surpass the 24-goal record set by Germany at Korea 2007.
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Caption:
Nwankwo Kanu at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Stadium acknowledging the Golden
Eaglets after their 3-0 victory over Mexico on Friday in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, UAE 2013.

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Mexico send Brazil out in 21-goal penalty drama

THREE-time champions, Brazil on Friday ended their campaign in the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates as they lost 10-11 to Mexixo via penalties after a 1-1 draw at regulation time.
The penalty drama was staged at Rashid Stadium, Dubai and marked a turning point in the history of the competition which began in 1985 as no match had ever produced such a marathon penalty kicks before.
Title-holders, El Tri of Mexico proved in the better part of the game that they were familiar with the fellow South American samba style, which helped them to keep a clean slate and even got the leader in the 80th minute through Ivan Ochoa before Brazil equalised through Natha five minutes later.
Both sides lost one of the first five kicks before it resulted in a 'sudden death' while the remaining six players on each side including the goalkeepers for both sides got their kicks right to make the scoreline 10-10.
Brazil's leading scorer in the competition with four goals, Mosquito who scored first spot kick also commenced another round of penalties but had his kick eventually saved by goalkeeper  Raul Gudino.
The match hero turned out to be Alejandro Diaz as he neatly converted his kick to send El Tri to the semi-final of the competition, where they will face the winners of Argentina/Cote d'Ivoire quarter-final match billed for Saturday.
The first time Brazil crashed out of the cadet mundial via penalties was at Scotland '89 losing 1-4 to Bahrain after a barren draw at regulation time.
Brazil invented the penalty drama in the championship having recorded a 15-goal episode at the final of 1999 edition in Auckland when they defeated Australia 8-7 via penalties after a 0-0 draw at regulation time.
Meanwhile, three-time champions, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets will face Uruguay at Sharjah Stadium in another quarter-final game tomorrow (Saturday)..
Nigeria's Kelechi Iheanacho is leading the adidas Golden Shoe race with five goals ahead of his teammate, Musa Yahaya with four goals.
Brazilian Mosquito finished the race also with four goals but with a comparative advantage of scoring one extra goal during the penalty shootout.
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