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Super Eagles won’t play for a draw – Madaki
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Chris Madaki of Nigeria during the 2016 CHAN Rwanda training session

by Graeme Jackson

Nigeria defender Chris Madaki says the Super Eagles will not play for a draw in their final Group C match against Guinea at the 2016 African Nations Championship.


Nigeria need only a point against their fellow West Africans at the Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi on Tuesday to secure progression into the quarterfinals.


However, Madaki says his side want to secure the win and ensure they finish at the top of the log.


“We are eagerly looking forward to our next game against Guinea on Tuesday and we want to give it our best shot,” Madaki told SuperSport.


“A draw will be enough for us but I can assure you no one is thinking of that. We are going all out for the three points.


“It’s a pity we could only get a point against Tunisia but that is behind us now because we are focusing on our next game against Guinea.


“They are a very good side, we respect them, but we are determined to get a win and end the group stage well. The coaches have already told us what to do and we are going to do just that.”


The other Group C match sees Niger and Tunisia meet in Kigali. All four teams head into the final matches with a chance of qualifying for the last eight.

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Reuben Gabriel sent off in Portugal
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Reuben Gabriel sent off in action for Boavista

Just a week after he scored his first goal in Portugal, Nigeria midfielder Reuben Gabriel was sent off in action for Boavista on Monday in a league game.

Boavista won 2-1 at Tondela.


The former Kilmanock of Scotland player received a booking in the 19th minute and was sent off after a second caution in the 35th minute.


Fellow Nigeria star Uche Nwofor was an unused substitute for Boavista.
The 25-year-old Kaduna-born midfielder has played 15 games for Boavista and has scored a goal.

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Chikatara Fit To Face Guinea Today
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By Adeboye Amosu in Kigali:

Nigeria forward, Chisom Chikatara will start Tuesday's decisive African Nations Championship Group C clash against Guinea, Completesportsnigeria.com can report.


The competition top scorer was a major doubt for the game billed for the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu due to s muscle injury.


Completesportsnigeria.com can now reveal that that the Abia Warriors striker is now in good shape and will lead the Eagles attack in the game.


His availability will see Sunshine Stars hitman,Tunde Adeniji start the game from the bench once again.


The Eagles top Group C with four points and need a point to advance to the last eight.‎

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West Ham, Fenerbahce To Hold Emenike Talks Tuesday
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Premier League side West Ham are scheduled to hold talks with officials from Fenerbahce later on Tuesday as they attempt to seal the loan signing of ex-Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike, the Guardian reports.

Emenike is currently on a one-year loan at Qatari club Al Ain from Fenerbahce and has more than two years of his contract remaining.
West Ham are understood to have made Emenike their priority as Slaven Bilic searches for a replacement for the injured Andy Carroll and have already agreed personal terms with him.

However, Fenerbahce have so far proved reluctant to sanction the move, although Emenike reportedly fell out with Al Ain despite having scored seven goals in just 11 league matches so far this season.
It is understood West Ham will ask for confirmation that the deal can go ahead at the meeting on Tuesday evening, with the club willing to switch their attentions to Galatasaray’s Burak Yilmaz instead.

“There is no clear agreement about Emenike,” said Bilic on Monday.

“He is an important player but Fenerbahce may need another striker first, so it’s by no means certain that they will release him.”

Yilmaz, 30, who has nine goals in 15 appearances for the Turkish champions this season, would also arrive on loan until the end of the season with an option for a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
Read Also: Babangida: CHAN 2016 Will Be Tough, But Eagles'll Fight

“Yilmaz is a very good footballer,” said Bilic. “He’s an excellent striker and among the fittest of players. I know him very well and I admit that he is one of the names on our list.

“But he is not the only player on our list. If we decide to take one striker, then we can take action.”

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Chinese Club Offer £6m, £60k-A-Week For Mikel
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Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi is reportedly attracting serious interest in China.


According to Daily Mail, Mikel is wanted by Shanghai SIPG, managed by former England and Cote d’Ivoire coach Sven Goran Eriksson.
Mikel is undergoing a revival under interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, but Shanghai are said to be confident of getting the Super Eagles star, and are willing to offer Chelsea £6 million for the midfielder plus wages of £60,000 a week after tax.


Mikel has been at Chelsea since 2006 and has been linked with an exit a number of times.
However, the resilient Nigerian has survived many managerial changes at Stamford Bridge and found his way back into reckoning after falling out of favour several times.

A very big thank you to whosoever interceded on my behalf, in order for those concerned to unban me.
Now I can enjoy my work.

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Nigeria/Guinea: Eagles Are Top Class, Says Guinea Captain
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By Johnabayomi2

Guinea captain, Ibrahima Sory Bangoura has said that the Super Eagles are in a class of their own at the CAF African Nations Championship, but they are beatable in their last group C game.


"Yes, Nigeria is a good team and we know how good their league is with good players coming out to represent them in every competition," Bangoura told reporters.


"We have watched them play against Niger and Tunisia, and everybody knows Super Eagles are a good side and that is why they're on top of the group.


"Nigeria will be difficult for us to beat but we will do our best on Tuesday (today) to beat them. We must not make any mistake against them."

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Shehu honours late dad with first goal in Portugal
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Shehu Abdullahi

Nigeria international Shehu Abdullahi has said he is excited about his first-ever goal for Portuguese club Uniao da Madeira at the weekend and dedicated the goal to his father who passed away last year.


On Saturday, Shehu’s club beat Nacional 3-0.
He said his goal was for his late father.


"I am so happy and excited with my first goal for Uniao da Madeira,” he said.

"I have dedicated the goal to my late father, I miss him a lot. The goal is for his soul."


The versatile player has played for Sokoto United, Plateau United, Kano Pillars and Al Qadsya in Kuwait.

He has represented Nigeria at U20, U23 and full international levels.

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Nigeria: Make Nigeria Proud, Dalung Charges Eagles
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By John Abayomi


The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has charged the Super Eagles to put up optimum performance when they take on Syli Nationale of Guinea in their third Group C game of the 4th African Nations Championship today in Rubavu, Rwanda.


Giving the the charge yesterday in a statement, Barrister Dalung praised the Super Eagles for their performance in their 1-1 draw against Tunisia in their second group game on Friday.


"You have displayed a very high sense of discipline, skills and determination in your last two games even in the face of some challenges but I know that you will put that aside when you face Guinea tomorrow (today).

Nigerians are praying for your victory and it is my wish that you continue with your display of high performance as you go into your match.


We will continue to support you and ensure that you get all that is necessary for your wellbeing while in Rwanda" Dalung said.

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Nigeria/Guinea: Guinea Coach Vows to 'Hurt' Nigeria in Last Group Game
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By Peter Kamasa

Guinea head coach Kanfory Lappé Bangoura has vowed that his team will be out to hurt Nigeria in the final Group C match of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) today at Umuganda stadium in Rubavu.


Tunisia held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on Friday to throw Group C wide open. Guinea and Niger also fought out a 2-2 draw in an entertaining encounter, which further complicated the calculations in this group.


It was the second draw for Guinea, who had better control in the opening stages, but this did not stop Youssef Alio to give Niger the lead after 36 minutes , while Guinea responded a minute later through Aboubacar Sylla to make it 1-1.


The second half started with goals, and it was Niger again that took the lead when Adamou Moussa Issa found the back of the net, five minutes into the second half and it took Guinea 30 minutes to equalise through Aboubacar Kile Bangoura.


"We will win against Nigeria, I am sure. We didn't manage to win against Niger and Tunisia, but for the final game it is a must win for us in order to qualify. We have two points which is not bad, so we will give it our best in the final match," Kanfory Lappé Bangoura said.


The Super Eagles, who needed a win against Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals with a game to spare, scored first through Chisom Chikatara's fourth goal of the tournament in the 51st minute while Tunisia equalised through danger man, Ahmed Akaichi for his third (goal) of the tournament.


Nigeria have four points and need to beat second-placed Guinea in today's game to qualify to the quarter-finals as group winners, while third-placed Tunisia will play bottom-of-the-table Niger in the second match at the Kigali Regional Stadium-both matches kick off simultaneously..

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Nigeria: Eagles Ready for Guinea Battle - Oliseh
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By Joshua Odeyemi


The Super Eagles of Nigeria are battle -ready to pick all three points off Guinea's Syli Nationale on Tuesday at the ongoing 4th African Nations Championship (CHAN), team coach Sunday Oliseh has assured.


The Eagles must win to be sure of top spot in Group C and guarantee qualification for the quarter finals.


Oliseh who praised the players for their brave performance against the experienced Tunisian side on Friday, promised that the team will put out another high -level display on Tuesday.


On Sunday, the Eagles arrived Rubavu, venue of their clash with the Syli Nationale, after a three -hour road trip from Rwanda's capital, Kigali.


According to the team's Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, the team had its first training session in Rubavu on Sunday, and on Monday, the team had a feel of Tuesday's match venue, The Rubavu Stadium.


He said all 23 players who made the trip are in excellent physical and mental shape ahead of the crucial West African derby with the tricky Guineans.


Victory by any margin on Tuesday will guarantee the Eagles top spot in Group C, and a quarter -final date with the second -placed team in Group D. A draw would be enough for qualification, as Nigeria has a two -point margin on second -placed Guinea and Tunisia, but should Tunisia achieve a high -score win over Niger Republic, top spot may not be guaranteed.


Guinea have drawn each of their two matches 2-2, against Tunisia and Niger Republic, coming from behind each time.

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Chan 2016: Will Nigeria Super Eagles roar past Guinea?Rubavu Awaits epic clash
by soka25east
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Nigeria will continue their march for a first-ever CHAN crown should they at least pick a draw with Guinea in a final Group C clash in Rubavu on Tuesday. Nigeria are top of the group with four points from two matches, but the first round section is still very much wide open with all four....


Nigeria will continue their march for a first-ever CHAN crown should they at least pick a draw with Guinea in a final Group C clash in Rubavu on Tuesday.


Nigeria are top of the group with four points from two matches, but the first round section is still very much wide open with all four teams still in with a mathematical chance of reaching the knockout rounds of the tournament.


Both Tunisia and Guinea are on two points after they drew their first two matches, while Niger are bottom of the standings on a point.


Victory by any margin on Tuesday will guarantee the Eagles top spot in Group C, and a quarter–final date with the second–placed team in Group D, which will be determined when qualified Zambia and Mali face off on Wednesday.


A draw would be enough for qualification, as Nigeria has a two–point margin on second –placed Guinea and Tunisia, but should Tunisia achieve a high–score win over Niger Republic, top spot may not be guaranteed.


Fellow West Africans Guinea have drawn each of their two matches 2-2, against Tunisia and Niger Republic, coming from behind each time.


They pose a big threat because of their mobility and physicality of their strikers led by Alseny ‘Agogo’ Camara.


On Sunday, the Eagles arrived at Tuesday’s match venue after a three –hour road trip from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.


They are lodged at the Gorilla Hotel, close to the Kivu Beach.


However, leading scorer Chisom Chikatara and midfielder Usman Mohammed have not trained with the rest of the squad after they picked up knocks against Tunisia.


Officials though are confident they will pass late fitness test to feature in this decisive group game.


Enugu Rangers Orji Kalu is expected to start in the heart of the back four along with Austin Obaroakpo after an encouraging display as a replacement for the giant Stephen Eze against Tunisia.


Coach Sunday Oliseh praised the players for their brave performance against the very experienced Tunisian side on Friday and promised that the team will step up their game against a young Guinea team, who were surprisingly stretched by Niger.


“I personally rate Guinea highly because they are a good team. We shall need to be at our best to be able to get a good result so that we top the group,” he offered.

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Ujah, Ighalo, Mikel: Nigerian players abroad
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Anthony Ujah: It was a good return from injury for the Nigerian striker, and a good way to get back into Bundesliga action after the Christmas break. He scored in the 89th minute to seal Werder Bremen’s 3-1 away win over Schalke to take his tally to eight in the German top flight and 11 in all competitions. The sad news, however, is that Bremen are still in the relegation zone, but he will hope he can score more goals to propel them to safety.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/nosa-igiebor/2[/img]
Nosa Igiebor made it two goals in a row with a stunning belter from 20 yards to double Maccabi Tel Aviv’s lead against Maccabi Petah Tikva in the Israeli Ligat ha’Al over the weekend. The 25-year-old has been instrumental for the Yellows this term, contributing four goals in all competitions and putting in very impressive displays.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/odion-ighalo-of-watford/3[/img]
Odion Ighalo returned to the scoresheet as he netted Watford’s opener in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday after going three games without scoring. It was his 14th strike of the season, making it three against Newcastle this season – having scored two in the first game – and also helped Watford do the double over the Magpies for the first time in 29 years.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/nosa-igiebor/2?ICID=AR_GA_PS_1#photo[/img]
John Chibuike was on the scoresheet again over the weekend, this time grabbing a brace in Gaziantepspor’s 3-2 home loss to Bursaspor. It was his third goal in two games. The result notwithstanding, he was an impressive figure throughout and will take solace in his own performance.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/osmanlispor-galatasaray-012316-umar-aminu/5[/img]
Aminu Umar: He was on fire, wasn’t he? The striker bagged a brace as Osmanlispor secured an unlikely win over giants Galatasaray in a hard-fought 3-2 win. It was a crazy last 25 minutes of the first half, as Umar netted the opener, only for Galatasaray to equalize 11 minutes later. Gala soon went ahead, but Umar managed to level the score less than a minute later.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/john-obi-mikel-of-chelsea/6[/img]
John Obi Mikel: He is enjoying a fresh lease on life under Guus Hiddink and was on from start to finish yet again as Chelsea enjoyed a much-needed 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday. The 28-year-old, as usual, played just in front of the back four and thwarted several Arsenal attacks to help his club to a clean sheet. He will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run under the Dutch manager.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/bartholomew-ogbeche-sc-cambuur-eredivisie-20151220/7[/img]
Bartholomew Ogbeche endured another goalless game as he fired blanks once again in Cambuur’s 2-1 away loss to ADO Den Haag in the Eredivisie. He had a great run towards the end of last year and has scored 11 goals in 16 games so far, but has failed to find the back of the net in his last two games. He will hope to start scoring again as soon as possible.
[img]http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/7175/gallery/2016/01/25/19668512/ujah-ighalo-mikel-nigerian-players-abroad/nosa-igiebor/2?ICID=AR_GA_PS_1#photo[/img]
Kelechi Iheanacho came on late into Man City’s 2-2 with West Ham. The Nigerian starlet was instrumental in helping the Citizens some back from a goal down late on in the game. His driving run from midfield and sharp cutback resulted in Sergio Aguero’s second goal of the game.

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Super Eagles must beat Guinea, says Fanny Anum
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By Shemmy Sholabomi

The seasoned football coach and administrator has tasked Sunday Oliseh’s men to silence the Syli Nationale to seal a place in the 2016 CHAN quarter final


Former Nigeria Football Federation Secretary General, Fanny Amun has charge the Super Eagles to play the game of their lives against Guinea to ensure qualification to the African Nations Championship quarter final.


Sunday Oliseh’s men top Group C and they face a stern test against the Syli Nationale who are in dire need of a win to reach the knock out stage.


"Right now the best option we have is to add additional three points to the four we already have. It is safer and that translates to beating Guinea as regards the Super Eagles versus Guinea on Tuesday,” Anum told Goal.


"We have come to a situation where winning our last match and the three points at stake is very crucial. A victory against Guinea on Tuesday will make the Eagles top their group as well as qualify for the CHAN quarter final.


“And with this, the Eagles must do everything to beat Guinea.


"As regards Chisom Chikatara he should not relent at all. He should continue from where he stopped in the last game against Tunisia where he scored Nigeria lone goal having scored a hat-trick in Nigeria's first match against Niger Republic.


“The boy should make it a point of duty to continue to score in every game he plays, who knows his goals may be decisive and win the competition for Nigeria. He should also be a team player too. This is also very important.”


Amun also showered encomiums on the Confederation African Football for their initiatives to organize the CHAN tournament which he feels would go a long way in shaping and fine tuning the raw but quality football talents Africa have.


"Caf has really done well by putting in place this tournament. It has really helped African local leagues and Nigeria Professional Football League is really benefitting from it,” he concluded.

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Chisom Chikatara Plays Down Wydad Casablanca Link
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Nigeria international Chisom Chikatara has reacted to reports that strongly suggested that he has agreed a deal in principle to join Wydad Casablanca in the summer transfer market.


With a plethora of clubs in North Africa and Europe ready to swoop for the Abia Warriors frontman on the heels of his performance at the African Nations Championship, he has stated that he will only sort out his future after the tourney in Rwanda.


“I have not joined Wydad Casablanca, after the African Nations Championship I will make a decision, ” says Chikatara to allnigeriasoccer.com.

A Board Member of Zamalek has claimed that the Egyptian Premier League side are close to completing the signing of Chisom Chikatara.


Raja Casablanca, Boluspor And Balikersirspor have all been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.

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Fenerbahce Reject West Ham Bid For Emmanuel Emenike
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Fenerbahce have rejected an undisclosed bid from English Premier League club West Ham to sign Emmanuel Emenike as it did not meet their valuation of the Nigerian forward.


According to Turkish daily Milliyet , the Yellow Canaries will weigh up other bids from the rest of the teams interested in the signature of the 28-year-old before making a decision on whether or not to sanction his departure to England.


Emenike had off the field problems with officials of United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, where he spent the first half of the season on loan, because he refused to live in Abu Dhabi, preferring to travel every day from Dubai .


He was coming every day from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for training and matches, a journey that takes at least one and a half hours.

It has been reported that the former Spartak Moscow and Karabukspor star has agreed personal terms with the Hammers.

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Werder Bremen Striker, Anthony Ujah : I Know Onazi Is Unhappy At Lazio
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Anthony Ujah hopes Werder Bremen complete the signing of fellow Nigeria international Eddy Onazi before the close of the transfer window and has revealed that the Lazio midfielder is unhappy at the Italian capital.


There was speculation that a bid of around seven million euros has been made by the Bundesliga side but German media has now reported that Onazi is likely to be farmed out on loan until the end of the 2015-2016 season.


“Ogenyi is a good friend of mine I know that he is unhappy at Lazio because he plays little and next year is the African Cup of Nations, would be great if he comes, ” Ujah told Kicker.


“The last time I played together with a fellow countryman was my time in Lillestrom .”

Werder Bremen are in the market for a reinforcement in midfield following the knee injury sustained by Philipp Bargfrede in their 3-1 victory against Schalke 04 this past weekend.

justiz5:

www.justiz5.go

justiz5:

http://africanfootball.com/news/605408/No-Bonus-Oliseh-warns-Eagles-driving-on-empty-tank

TheGoodJoe:
What was Boss Oliseh thinking when he made that change. Usman was the shinning light in our team, the best player on the pitch.

Why take him off?

The midfield crumbled after that. This is the first time in my life I am seeing a coach removing the best player of his team in the first half. Sorry second time. The first was when Mourinho pulled out Mata despite him doing well.

I hope the midfielders pick up their game because the Guinea players have been the better side.

Their players are more skillful and the Guinea boys are well coached, playing a beautiful brand of open attacking football.

TheSuperNerd:
Not watching.... But the reports I'm reading online is nothing to like at all. Usman had been outstanding from day 1. What's going on here?

I hope we sing a different song in the end.

TheSuperNerd:
And yeah more thing...... Please Sir TheGoodJoe, Good day Sir.... do me a favor will you? #smiles

Please, STOP CALLING HIM Boss Oliseh


What had he "bossed" since he walked into the Job. Coach is more like it but "Boss"??..... Pleeeeaaaasssseee, Oliseh don't merit that title right now.

What are we gonna term Guardiola, Mourinho, Ancelloti, and the likes if Oliseh is known as "Boss"??

Maybe later, he'll be known by that but certainly not now. Abeg Sir, na beg I dey beg...... Lol...

Yeah, I'm laughing but I'm also serious..... #smiles

joseph1013:
In other words, the first game was a flash in the pan? Hmmm...

joseph1013:
Well, he already said his players were going to play Guinea on empty stomachs. Whether that is a justification for his failure is up for debate.

TheSuperNerd:
Guess the Bolded @my quoted post couldn't happen. #smiles

This team had the potentials to go all the way BUT I guess they've just flattered to deceive.

Only a few players impressed.....
-Ezenwa is very very okay. No surprise he's the Main's Super Eagles Squad 2nd choice.
-Usman Mohammed keeps showing me why I rate him so highly.
-Ifeanyi Matthew is okay but I guess his pairing with Onobi didn't bring out more of the stuffs he has.
-Chisom Chikatara was our revelation of the tournament. When all thought Adeniji would stand in for Gbolahan Salami (whom I think we missed somewhat), Chikatara stepped up and really "showed up".
-Osas Okoro did okay on the whole. He's a nice player with creative instincts.



I'm not bothered about their ousting. I silently knew it might come down to this. I was just being patriotically optimistic when I gave them a chance. Truth remains this: I'm not YET convinced about Oliseh. I'm comfortable with Siasia @U-23, Manu and Co @U-20, Amuneke(hopes he stays put) @U-17 and U-20, and more. BUT NOT YET WITH OLISEH @SENIOR LEVEL . I'm still looking out for something..... I want him to succeed BUT till today his ONLY GREAT GAMES as Super Eagles coach has been his master strokes against Cameroun (3-0 win) and Niger Republic (4-1 demolition job). I'M NOT CONVINCED JUST YET......

Well, Thanks Goodness this CHAN Crash shows a lot of things but I'll pick this one thing coz I'm looking ahead: Oliseh shouldn't dare consider Onobi against Egypt like he did against Swaziland where he benched our midfield generalissimo, Mikel. A midfield of Onobi, Onazi and Igboun WILL FAIL AGAINST THE SLIPPERY, SKILLFUL TIME-WASTING (when in the lead) EGYPTIANS.... #FACT

Warning : you don't wanna find out if I'm right. Just avoid playing that midfield trio.


To beat the Egyptians, we need Mikel, Onazi and someone else..... Yeah, I also don't feel Igboun's play in that AMF role. He's full of running but got no creative spark or ideas. He's more like a "Gattuso" only that Gattuso never played the AMF role for Goodness sake!!!!!! If Oliseh fails to find another, then we'll just have to Manage Igboun again.

Oliseh, please, sit down somewhere quiet and ask yourself some serious questions. Nigeria do not lack the talents to succeed (I don't wanna hear we don't have quality players coz that's a huge lie..... We have such BUT NOT A TEAM). I DON'T WANNA HEAR ABOUT "THE-NFF-NOT-DOING-THEIR-PART" BULL-CRAPS....... Keshi and other coaches before you faced the same thing.

We know the NFF have problems. So drop that excuse and ask yourself questions that really matter.