Am done with Nigeria- says Siasia

Coach of the National U-23 team, Samson Siasia is certainly not new to Nigerian football. His latest foray where he led the team to win Nigeria’s only medal at the just concluded Rio 2016 Olympic Games was not the first time the former Super Eagles striker will be on the saddle. Before now he had coached the same team to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where he won the silver medal after another silver medal in Under 20 World Cup in Holland. In this last assignment for the Rio Olympics, the sports minister Solomon Dalung called him names for taking the team to Atlanta for preparation. Before then the same minister publicly condemned him for dropping some players who played in the African Championship in Senegal. The minister wanted all those who played in Senegal to be in Rio their fitness level or injuries notwithstanding. The Nigeria Football Federation owed him salaries running up to five months. He never got the support he needed from the ministry to the federation. In this interview with Correspondent Jude Opara, Siasia speaks on his future in Nigeria and many more. Excerpts. Welcome from Rio Olympics. How does it feel?
It feels good because the end justifies the means. We wanted the gold but we are still happy with the bronze because it made Nigerians happy. The minister accused you of child trafficking for taking the team to Atlanta without his knowledge or consent. How can I take a national team out of the country without their knowledge of the NFF and the Sports Ministry? I really don’t know were that was coming from.We had the plan to travel from Atlanta to Brazil on the 29th of July. But the agent who was handling that did not get us the chartered flight or pay for our tickets, but nothing actually happened and that was when I, on my own, decided to contact an agent, Greg. But the guy said he would not do anything until he saw that the money was paid into his account. After three days, the guy said he was no longer interested and even told other operators not to deal with us that we were not a serious people. Back to the camp in Atlanta. How was it? The first 10 days was like a hell because we had to struggle to pay for hotel accommodation and feeding because the person, Bunmi, who opted to assist us did not get the necessary support he expected. But after the fist 10 days the Ministry came through the NFF and paid for our bills. But we were stranded in Atlanta because the money they said they paid to one Poopola for us to travel never came and nobody has heard anything about it. What was your level of communication with the both the NFF and the Ministry while in Atlanta? No, nobody called me from the ministry. The Minister was dealing with Mikel may be because he was the captain of the Olympic team. But when we had the plane issue, the Vice President called and I spoke with him like two times, the Finance Minister called and indeed the first person to call was the Minister for Information, Lai Mohammed. I must say he did a nice job to see how to solve our problem because I think the President heard about our plight and instructed that they should find a way to solver the problem. They were, I believe, embarrassed because the issue was even on CNN every time. However, the chartered flight thing never worked out because the guy they were discussing with called me and we tried to see how to arrange the fight but there was no money sent to him and so it didn’t work out too. So the option we had was to arrive Rio the very day we were to play and that could have resulted in a walk-over of our team. We had a chartered 36-seater flight that was to take us to arrive Rio by 2 o’clock while our game was at 9 o’clock. But the players were afraid of that flight because it was very small and when we got to the airport, Delta called thought the same Bunmi guy. In fact, they were supposed to partner with Delta but I don’t know what happened. When they heard of our plight they called him to offer a big plane to fly us the next day so as to arrive five hours before the match. Indeed we were already at the airport to fly that small plane which was paid for by a friend of mine, but when the players heard that Delta was coming, they insisted that we should watt for it. In fact they were almost dying out of fear. When I called Mikel to tell him about the development, he said ‘I beg, please let us wait for tomorrow for the bigger plane which is safer and better’. All the players were happy and excited that we were not going to fly that small plane and perhaps that is the reason they came out to play the way they did with all their mind. Indeed Delta did a great job. Even when the CBN 46 came to the hotel, we refused to tell them about our problems because it was about Nigeria, even though every thing was already in the public domain. Talking to them would not have changed anything. Now Delta said the cost of flying us was about $250,000 dollars but that they were not charging us. They said if we had it the money could be paid to any charity organization of mine or Mikel but we have not seen anything and that appears like another fraud. We took pictures with Delta to promote them and thank them for their support. I am telling you what actually happened. We are still waiting to see where the money that was meant for us to fly to Brazil has gone to. Nobody has said anything. The federal government sent the money to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the NOC said they sent the money to the airline in Florida which up till now they have not received anything, even the airline is planning to sue them for breach of contract because they were supposed to pay some money to them even if they were to cancel the arrangement. That is even another issue. We don’t even know how they are going to settle that. The Minister categorically said he never knew where you were and that you were engaging in human trafficking, is that true? (Laughs) I don’t know what he was talking about. When I first heard about human trafficking and such stuff, I was angry because the Minister knew that we were going to Atlanta. If not that they stole my phone, I would have shown to you his text message to me before we travelled. That day the U-20 defeated us 3-2 in our last warm-up match, the Minister sent me a text that I should come so that we can chat but when I went they said he went to the Villa. He knew exactly what was going on because there was no way he would not know because the Olympic team is statutorily under his control, it is his baby and that has been the way it is. So I don’t understand why he should say I was engaging in child trafficking. How did you feel about that statement? As I said before I felt very bad but later I didn’t want it to bother me because I know it is not true and I had other more important things to worry about than such comments. Would you say that yours trip to Atlanta has been justified? Yes because they say that the end justifies the means and if not for that it would have been very annoying because after working very hard for two years without anything to show for it would have been disastrous. It would have been a waste of time and effort. I am happy because in spite of all that we went through both here at home and in Atlanta, this is the only team that won a medal for the country. It felt so good when the Nigerian team was called alongside the Brazilian and German national teams with the Nigerian flag hoisted there, that is what we were talking about, putting Nigeria where so many other countries didn’t have the chance to be and that is why I say that these boys need to be commended for what they did. This is something that money cannot even buy. What did you really play for? We didn’t play for money and in fact there was even no money to play for. So what I told the boys was to ensure they played for their country and for their pride and future so that they could get better clubs because that is the only thing to point to motivate them, given our situation.What was it like in camp?We were on and off the camp for two years with only two training jerseys. You know everything was just wrong from the beginning. The only good thing from this camp is the fact that the boys really came out to play and Mikel showed character and leadership among the younger boys. We worked together to ensure that we got something out of them.It appears that the team has been disbanded because there was no official reception and send forth of the team, so what is the next thing for Samson Siasia? Personally, I was not really surprised that they did not welcome us because most of them were actually waiting and praying for us to fail but we disappointed them by winning that medal. But most sports loving Nigerians who were not on the saddle came out on their own and they were the ones that really appreciated what we did.
Look at this way, if things were done properly, they should have at least informed the Lagos State government that the Olympic team was arriving so that they could welcome us on behalf of the government but nobody told them anything. There was no connection from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or the Ministry of Sports. They knew we were coming. It was only one staff of the ministry that was sent to take us to hotel. What is your next step with the national team? My next step is that I am done with Nigeria for now. You can’t keep going to a place where they don’t appreciate you. It does not worth it. Sometimes it is not about the money but the approach. They seem not to appreciate the sacrifices. I know how much I have sacrificed since the team began camping two years ago. How can you keep going to people who don’t appreciate you? It does not make sense, so I am done for now. I have to go somewhere else where they will appreciate what I have done and what I can do and pay me the respect that I deserve. But many Nigerians out there still appreciate you. I know and that is why I keep coming to do the dirty jobs for them because of my numerous fans out there but I can’t just continue because those fans are not the policy makers. How can you keep toiling for five months without even your salary? Nothing has changed in the last two years. It has been from bad to worse, so we must sit down and do something about the structure of Nigerian football and by extension sports in general. It doesn’t worth it to work with the people running sports now in Nigeria. From the Federation to the sports ministry. They don’t have it and will not give what they don’t have. It feels bad. It is like you already have somewhere in mind. No, I don’t have any place in mind. I just have to go an d rest for two months and while I am resting, I will not be the one looking for where to go. There are people who will be doing that. But for me I am done with Nigeria until things change. Imagine any time they have a problem, they will call on me to come and help but they will use me and later dump me. I have not started any team of the Super Eagles from the beginning, not even one time. I want to thank them very very much. Even before I returned from the Olympics, the only car they gave me, they took it away from my wife. That is just awesome. That is not how to treat someone who was out there seeking glory for the nation. Let them eat their national team. Are you saying you will never come to work for Nigeria again? No not now, I will not change my mind when the same people are there doing the same thing over and over again. If the right people come on board tomorrow then I may reconsider my position because I am also a Nigerian but truly, I will no longer work with these people. We are out of the AFCON, U-20 and U-17 teams have all crashed out, what hope do we have to qualify for the 2018 World Cup? I wish the country well, but before we talk of qualifying we must do the right thing. When we don’t do the right thing and still want to qualify, then it does not work that way. Yes we pray, but other countries also pray and God is a fair God and I believe God will most likely answer the prayer of the person who has worked and prayed. To succeed you must plan and if you don’t plan in any human endeavour, you have planed to fail. But they have hired a new Coach and that is the first step towards succeeding Well they have hired a coach, I wish them well but what time does he have to even know the players he intends to work with? I sincerely pray that he qualifies us for the World Cup. But there is this talk out there that the reason they usually go for foreign coaches is because you Nigerian coaches always collect money to invite players to camp or collect money from players. That is cheep blackmail. No coach who knows his onion will take money and take people who will not assist him to deliver in a championship. We have seen players like Kelechi Iheanacho graduate from the cadet team. If they were taking money how could you discover such good players who are doing well outside? Probably, they usually run for foreign coaches because those are the ones that may give them cuts from their salary, it is a cheep propaganda to destroy Nigerian coaches. If they want to go for the foreign coaches, let them just do that. Some of them that came before what happened to them? They ran away but we are here grounded because this is our country. We want to do everything to see her succeed. Even good or bad, we will return here because it is our country, that’s it. If they think we are taking money to recruit these players, what money do these players even have to give to any coach? Mention one of them. Most of them are from poor families. But their agents do payIf the agents succeed in bribing any coach to take a player who is not good enough, then that coach does not know what he is doing and he is not worthy to be called a coach because there is no amount of money that will make a bad player to become a good player. How much can a coach get out of these players and their agents?Again it is two folds, the only reason that a coach may accept to take money is when they don’t pay him for months, and he has pressing problems, even as I insist it is not a good reason. That brings us to the issue of corruption. If you are working and they don’t pay you, that is also corruption on their part. So they are the architect of all these problems and if they have seen one coach that has taken money, have they confronted him with the player he was said to have collected money from? If they have the fact let them challenge the coach that this player said you took money or that you didn’t play him because he didn’t pay you. If you take such money, you are putting yourself in a lot of problem because if the player is not good he will affect your team and game plan, also if you don’t play him he will talk because he has proof that you took money from him. To me I will never take money to play any player.

[size=14pt]Nigeria: I'm Done With Nigeria - Says Siasia[/size]

INTERVIEW

Coach of the National U-23 team, Samson Siasia is certainly not new to Nigerian football. His latest foray where he led the team to win Nigeria's only medal at the just concluded Rio 2016 Olympic Games was not the first time the former Super Eagles striker will be on the saddle. Before now he had coached the same team to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where he won the silver medal after another silver medal in Under 20 World Cup in Holland. In this last assignment for the Rio Olympics, the sports minister Solomon Dalung called him names for taking the team to Atlanta for preparation.

Before then the same minister publicly condemned him for dropping some players who played in the African Championship in Senegal. The minister wanted all those who played in Senegal to be in Rio their fitness level or injuries notwithstanding. The Nigeria Football Federation owed him salaries running up to five months. He never got the support he needed from the ministry to the federation. In this interview with Correspondent Jude Opara, Siasia speaks on his future in Nigeria and many more. Excerpts.

Welcome from Rio Olympics. How does it feel?

It feels good because the end justifies the means. We wanted the gold but we are still happy with the bronze because it made Nigerians happy.

The minister accused you of child trafficking for taking the team to Atlanta without his knowledge or consent.

How can I take a national team out of the country without their knowledge of the NFF and the Sports Ministry? I really don't know were that was coming from.We had the plan to travel from Atlanta to Brazil on the 29th of July. But the agent who was handling that did not get us the chartered flight or pay for our tickets, but nothing actually happened and that was when I, on my own, decided to contact an agent, Greg.

But the guy said he would not do anything until he saw that the money was paid into his account. After three days, the guy said he was no longer interested and even told other operators not to deal with us that we were not a serious people.

Back to the camp in Atlanta. How was it?

The first 10 days was like a hell because we had to struggle to pay for hotel accommodation and feeding because the person, Bunmi, who opted to assist us did not get the necessary support he expected. But after the first 10 days the Ministry came through the NFF and paid for our bills. But we were stranded in Atlanta because the money they said they paid to one Poopola for us to travel never came and nobody has heard anything about it.

What was your level of communication with the both the NFF and the Ministry while in Atlanta?

No, nobody called me from the ministry. The Minister was dealing with Mikel may be because he was the captain of the Olympic team. But when we had the plane issue, the Vice President called and I spoke with him like two times, the Finance Minister called and indeed the first person to call was the Minister for Information, Lai Mohammed. I must say he did a nice job to see how to solve our problem because I think the President heard about our plight and instructed that they should find a way to solve the problem.

They were, I believe, embarrassed because the issue was even on CNN every time. However, the chartered flight thing never worked out because the guy they were discussing with called me and we tried to see how to arrange the fight but there was no money sent to him and so it didn't work out too. So the option we had was to arrive Rio the very day we were to play and that could have resulted in a walk-over of our team.

We had a chartered 36-seater flight that was to take us to arrive Rio by 2 o'clock while our game was at 9 o'clock. But the players were afraid of that flight because it was very small and when we got to the airport, Delta called the same Bunmi guy. In fact, they were supposed to partner with Delta but I don't know what happened. When they heard of our plight they called him to offer a big plane to fly us the next day so as to arrive five hours before the match.

Indeed we were already at the airport to fly that small plane which was paid for by a friend of mine, but when the players heard that Delta was coming, they insisted that we should wait for it. In fact they were almost crying out of fear. When I called Mikel to tell him about the development, he said 'I beg, please let us wait for tomorrow for the bigger plane which is safer and better'. All the players were happy and excited that we were not going to fly that small plane and perhaps that is the reason they came out to play the way they did with all their mind.

Indeed Delta did a great job. Even when the CBN 46 came to the hotel, we refused to tell them about our problems because it was about Nigeria, even though every thing was already in the public domain. Talking to them would not have changed anything.

Now Delta said the cost of flying us was about $250,000 dollars but that they were not charging us. They said if we had it, the money could be paid to any charity organization of mine or Mikel but we have not seen anything and that appears like another fraud. We took pictures with Delta to promote them and thank them for their support. I am telling you what actually happened.

We are still waiting to see where the money that was meant for us to fly to Brazil has gone to. Nobody has said anything. The federal government sent the money to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the NOC said they sent the money to the airline in Florida which up till now they have not received anything, even the airline is planning to sue them for breach of contract because they were supposed to pay some money to them even if they were to cancel the arrangement. That is even another issue. We don't even know how they are going to settle that.

The Minister categorically said he never knew where you were and that you were engaging in human trafficking, is that true?

(Laughs) I don't know what he was talking about. When I first heard about human trafficking and such stuff, I was angry because the Minister knew that we were going to Atlanta. If not that they stole my phone, I would have shown to you his text message to me before we travelled. That day the U-20 defeated us 3-2 in our last warm-up match, the Minister sent me a text that I should come so that we can chat but when I went they said he went to the Villa.

He knew exactly what was going on because there was no way he would not know because the Olympic team is statutorily under his control, it is his baby and that has been the way it is. So I don't understand why he should say I was engaging in child trafficking.

How did you feel about that statement?

As I said before I felt very bad but later I didn't want it to bother me because I know it is not true and I had other more important things to worry about than such comments.

Would you say that yours trip to Atlanta has been justified?

Yes because they say that the end justifies the means and if not for that it would have been very annoying because after working very hard for two years without anything to show for it would have been disastrous. It would have been a waste of time and effort. I am happy because in spite of all that we went through both here at home and in Atlanta, this is the only team that won a medal for the country.

It felt so good when the Nigerian team was called alongside the Brazilian and German national teams with the Nigerian flag hoisted there, that is what we were talking about, putting Nigeria where so many other countries didn't have the chance to be and that is why I say that these boys need to be commended for what they did. This is something that money cannot even buy.

What did you really play for?

We didn't play for money and in fact there was even no money to play for. So what I told the boys was to ensure they played for their country and for their pride and future so that they could get better clubs because that is the only thing to point to motivate them, given our situation.What was it like in camp?We were on and off the camp for two years with only two training jerseys. You know everything was just wrong from the beginning. The only good thing from this camp is the fact that the boys really came out to play and Mikel showed character and leadership among the younger boys. We worked together to ensure that we got something out of them.

It appears that the team has been disbanded because there was no official reception and send forth of the team, so what is the next thing for Samson Siasia?

Personally, I was not really surprised that they did not welcome us because most of them were actually waiting and praying for us to fail but we disappointed them by winning that medal. But most sports loving Nigerians who were not on the saddle came out on their own and they were the ones that really appreciated what we did.

Look at this way, if things were done properly, they should have at least informed the Lagos State government that the Olympic team was arriving so that they could welcome us on behalf of the government but nobody told them anything. There was no connection from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or the Ministry of Sports. They knew we were coming. It was only one staff of the ministry that was sent to take us to hotel.

What is your next step with the national team?

My next step is that I am done with Nigeria for now. You can't keep going to a place where they don't appreciate you. It does not worth it. Sometimes it is not about the money but the approach. They seem not to appreciate the sacrifices. I know how much I have sacrificed since the team began camping two years ago. How can you keep going to people who don't appreciate you? It does not make sense, so I am done for now. I have to go somewhere else where they will appreciate what I have done and what I can do and pay me the respect that I deserve.

But many Nigerians out there still appreciate you.

I know and that is why I keep coming to do the dirty jobs for them because of my numerous fans out there but I can't just continue because those fans are not the policy makers. How can you keep toiling for five months without even your salary? Nothing has changed in the last two years.

It has been from bad to worse, so we must sit down and do something about the structure of Nigerian football and by extension sports in general. It doesn't worth it to work with the people running sports now in Nigeria. From the Federation to the sports ministry. They don't have it and will not give what they don't have. It feels bad.

It is like you already have somewhere in mind.

No, I don't have any place in mind. I just have to go an d rest for two months and while I am resting, I will not be the one looking for where to go. There are people who will be doing that. But for me I am done with Nigeria until things change. Imagine any time they have a problem, they will call on me to come and help but they will use me and later dump me.

I have not started any team of the Super Eagles from the beginning, not even one time. I want to thank them very very much. Even before I returned from the Olympics, the only car they gave me, they took it away from my wife. That is just awesome. That is not how to treat someone who was out there seeking glory for the nation. Let them eat their national team.

Are you saying you will never come to work for Nigeria again?

No not now, I will not change my mind when the same people are there doing the same thing over and over again. If the right people come on board tomorrow then I may reconsider my position because I am also a Nigerian but truly, I will no longer work with these people.

We are out of the AFCON, U-20 and U-17 teams have all crashed out, what hope do we have to qualify for the 2018 World Cup?

I wish the country well, but before we talk of qualifying we must do the right thing. When we don't do the right thing and still want to qualify, then it does not work that way. Yes we pray, but other countries also pray and God is a fair God and I believe God will most likely answer the prayer of the person who has worked and prayed. To succeed you must plan and if you don't plan in any human endeavour, you have planed to fail.

But they have hired a new Coach and that is the first step towards succeeding

Well they have hired a coach, I wish them well but what time does he have to even know the players he intends to work with? I sincerely pray that he qualifies us for the World Cup.

But there is this talk out there that the reason they usually go for foreign coaches is because you Nigerian coaches always collect money to invite players to camp or collect money from players.

That is cheap blackmail. No coach who knows his onion will take money and take people who will not assist him to deliver in a championship. We have seen players like Kelechi Iheanacho graduate from the cadet team. If they were taking money how could you discover such good players who are doing well outside?

Probably, they usually run for foreign coaches because those are the ones that may give them cuts from their salary, it is a cheep propaganda to destroy Nigerian coaches. If they want to go for the foreign coaches, let them just do that. Some of them that came before what happened to them?

They ran away but we are here grounded because this is our country. We want to do everything to see her succeed. Even good or bad, we will return here because it is our country, that's it. If they think we are taking money to recruit these players, what money do these players even have to give to any coach? Mention one of them. Most of them are from poor families.

But their agents do pay if the agents succeed in bribing any coach to take a player who is not good enough, then that coach does not know what he is doing and he is not worthy to be called a coach because there is no amount of money that will make a bad player to become a good player. How much can a coach get out of these players and their agents?Again it is two folds, the only reason that a coach may accept to take money is when they don't pay him for months, and he has pressing problems, even as I insist it is not a good reason. That brings us to the issue of corruption. If you are working and they don't pay you, that is also corruption on their part.

So they are the architect of all these problems and if they have seen one coach that has taken money, have they confronted him with the player he was said to have collected money from? If they have the fact let them challenge the coach that this player said you took money or that you didn't play him because he didn't pay you. If you take such money, you are putting yourself in a lot of problem because if the player is not good he will affect your team and game plan, also if you don't play him he will talk because he has proof that you took money from him. To me I will never take money to play any player.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201608270224.html

the only reason that a coach may accept to take money is when they don't pay him for months, and he has pressing problems, even as I insist it is not a good reason. That brings us to the issue of corruption. If you are working and they don't pay you, that is also corruption on their part.

So they are the architect of all these problems and if they have seen one coach that has taken money, have they confronted him with the player he was said to have collected money from? If they have the fact let them challenge the coach that this player said you took money or that you didn't play him because he didn't pay you. If you take such money, you are putting yourself in a lot of problem because if the player is not good he will affect your team and game plan, also if you don't play him he will talk because he has proof that you took money from him. To me I will never take money to play any player.

Wise words from Coach Samson Siasia. I hope we do something to restructure out football. As Coach Siasia said, it is going from bad to worse.

The NFF failed woefully and it is time for them to correct their mistakes.

As for Hon. Dalung, you need the Pic below.

Iheanacho might get his biggest chance yet, Aguero might be facing a ban for an elbow he threw in the match. So that's 3 epl match to put more pressure on Kun.

TheGoodJoe:


I mean for the Super Eagles. If we bring him to play another role with the National team, Iheanacho will not use most of his attacking lessons he had at City.

So what happens to Ighalo, Aaron Samuel (injured, hope he returns quickly) and other strikers?

You’re An Ingrate, We Will Expose You – NFF Fires Back At Siasia

In response, the unnamed official told OwnGoalNigeria.com:

“We have endured Siasia’s excesses, he knows we have our own side of the story he is telling to the press. He shouldn’t forget that our recent spate of failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations was started by him.

“He is an ingrate, we gave him the chance to relaunch himself with the U-23s but he showed us he is still the same person, we know how some players were selected both for the Super Eagles in the two games he handled and also for the U23s, he should just keep shut.

“We have facts to show he was involved in some dealings that led to our failures at tournaments; as a matter of fact, go and ask any board member, we received more petitions about Siasia than any other coach, he knows it.

“If he doesn’t keep shut, we will shame him and end his coaching career, a team that should have won gold, he selected players based on favoritism and he wants us to celebrate bronze with him; we are wiser than that.”

http://dailypost.ng/2016/08/29/youre-ingrate-will-expose-nff-fires-back-siasia/

Nigeria Olympics star Sadiq Umar joins Bologna permanently


Rio Olympics star Sadiq Umar will join Bologna from fellow Italian Serie A side AS Roma on a permanent basis it has been agreed.

An official of Sadiq Umar’s academy, the Abuja Football College, disclosed that the striker will be sold permanently by Roma to Bologna with a special proviso that Roma could buy him back at a specially discounted price.


“Discussions over Sadiq’s future have begun and it has now been decided he will be sold on a permanently basis to Bologna, but Roma could have him back at a special price should they want to resign him at some point,” the official specially disclosed.


In June, Roma announced that after of a season-long loan spell from Serie B side Spezia, they have signed the lanky striker for 2.5 million Euros on a four-year contract.

Last season, he scored two goals after making six appearances in Serie A.


‘Jololo’ scored four goals as Nigeria won bronze medal at the football event of the recent Rio Olympics – a brace against Honduras in the bronze medal match as well as a goal against Japan and Sweden.

A number of clubs including German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen were reportedly interested in signing Sadiq.

http://africanfootball.com/news/642631/Nigeria-Olympics-star-Sadiq-Umar-joins-Bologna-permanently

Leicester City boss says Ahmed Musa must be fitter

Ahmed Musa

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has said Nigeria star Ahmed Musa will play a bigger role by the time he improves his fitness and understanding of the Premier League.


Club record signing Ahmed Musa, 23, was a 75th minute substitute in the Premier League champions first win of the season – 2-1 at home against Swansea City.

He started Leicester’s opening game of the season at Hull City, but he came off the bench in the goalless draw at home against Arsenal.


“It is important that Musa understands how we play. The Russian league is very different from English football, they play a slower tempo. The English league is very fast,” Ranieri said.

“In the last 10 minutes (against Arsenal), he played very well and created a lot of chances.


“He must increase his fitness and understanding.”

The Leicester manager said he is looking forward to a Jamie Vardy-Ahmed Musa partnership.

“They connect well, he can play together with Vardy – we bought Musa because he can play wide and behind striker as well,” he remarked.
http://africanfootball.com/news/642974/Leicester-City-boss-says-Ahmed-Musa-must-be-fitter

TheGoodJoe:


Please, the failure of us not going to the AFCON did not start with Coach Siasia but with the NFF that chose Coach Oliseh when he was not ready for the job. You guys also chose to frustrate Coach Oliseh by starving his boys at the CHAN, setting him to play in a venue he did not want to play in. Owing Coach Oliseh etc.

You guys brought Coach Siasia to save what you guys damaged at the AFCON. With Niger pulling out, we could not qualify.

Leave Coach Siasia out of the AFCON failure. It was beyond him.

Don't mind those bunch of clueless clowns

The thunder wey go fire those NFF pipo don dey warm up.

Orkpekyandega:
Nigeria Olympics star Sadiq Umar joins Bologna permanently


Rio Olympics star Sadiq Umar will join Bologna from fellow Italian Serie A side AS Roma on a permanent basis it has been agreed.

An official of Sadiq Umar’s academy, the Abuja Football College, disclosed that the striker will be sold permanently by Roma to Bologna with a special proviso that Roma could buy him back at a specially discounted price.


“Discussions over Sadiq’s future have begun and it has now been decided he will be sold on a permanently basis to Bologna, but Roma could have him back at a special price should they want to resign him at some point,” the official specially disclosed.


In June, Roma announced that after of a season-long loan spell from Serie B side Spezia, they have signed the lanky striker for 2.5 million Euros on a four-year contract.

Last season, he scored two goals after making six appearances in Serie A.


‘Jololo’ scored four goals as Nigeria won bronze medal at the football event of the recent Rio Olympics – a brace against Honduras in the bronze medal match as well as a goal against Japan and Sweden.

A number of clubs including German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen were reportedly interested in signing Sadiq.

http://africanfootball.com/news/642631/Nigeria-Olympics-star-Sadiq-Umar-joins-Bologna-permanently

good luck lad

Orkpekyandega:
You’re An Ingrate, We Will Expose You – NFF Fires Back At Siasia

In response, the unnamed official told OwnGoalNigeria.com:

“We have endured Siasia’s excesses, he knows we have our own side of the story he is telling to the press. He shouldn’t forget that our recent spate of failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations was started by him.

“He is an ingrate, we gave him the chance to relaunch himself with the U-23s but he showed us he is still the same person, we know how some players were selected both for the Super Eagles in the two games he handled and also for the U23s, he should just keep shut.

“We have facts to show he was involved in some dealings that led to our failures at tournaments; as a matter of fact, go and ask any board member, we received more petitions about Siasia than any other coach, he knows it.

“If he doesn’t keep shut, we will shame him and end his coaching career, a team that should have won gold, he selected players based on favoritism and he wants us to celebrate bronze with him; we are wiser than that.”

http://dailypost.ng/2016/08/29/youre-ingrate-will-expose-nff-fires-back-siasia/

what the Bleep is this official saying

I think that Allstar game was a good idea, maybe not the flying to Spain part(Enyimba players) but it was good exposure for the league. What i don't like is the fact that no foriegn player made the team. That tells me that the trip was not about promoting a league but about selling players cuz it sure wasn't about selling the best product.

Please, I just read that Iheanacho's new City contract is worth £85,000/week making him the highest paid Nigerian footballer currently. Plix, anybody in Uyo, kindly confirm from Iheanacho himself, maybe daz why his village people attacked him on Wednesday....


Meanwhile, this Mikel is a hard worker, which time e return from Brazil wey he don come naija again?


Before i drop my mic, I wantu thank Aguero for his carelessness in getting that ban and spray otumokpo on Kelechi's head so that he takes full advantage of Aguero's absence, may his village people not see him again

TheGoodJoe:


Do not get excited yet. Nolito can play as a striker. He has the number nine Jersey. Gundogan and Leroy Sane will soon join the team. That means Sane will also battle the nine position. Sterling can also play there.

Although Iheanacho is Primarily the striker after Aguero. There is a big chance Iheanacho will start the three games.

the otumokpo also covers for any replacements.

Sane wey never play at all go just enter game on a whole derby day? Make Pep no expose himself, that would reek of desperation and insecurities....highest Nolito and Kelechi will join forces, Sane will sha not start

TheGoodJoe:


There are three games. What most City Fans want is Iheanacho getting a run of games. Iheanacho starting three games will help him stake his claim for a regular starting place.

Sane coming in can disrupt it. However, Iheanacho is most likely to start because Guardiola is building a midfield base team. Most players will play more in the creative attack midfield role.

I hope Iheanacho start the games. Especially the Derby.

He should try get a goal against Tanzania,that should boost his starting chances in the derby.

safarigirl:
Please, I just read that Iheanacho's new City contract is worth £85,000/week making him the highest paid Nigerian footballer currently. Plix, anybody in Uyo, kindly confirm from Iheanacho himself, maybe daz why his village people attacked him on Wednesday....


Meanwhile, this Mikel is a hard worker, which time e return from Brazil wey he don come naija again?


Before i drop my mic, I wantu thank Aguero for his carelessness in getting that ban and spray otumokpo on Kelechi's head so that he takes full advantage of Aguero's absence, may his village people not see him again

That translates to N35,120,300 per week. The dude is swimming in money sha .
Mikel (I think) is still the 2nd highest earning Naija player abroad, earning £75,000/week.
So assuming Iheanacho has a breakout season, his next City contract may see him earning closer to 100,000 pounds/week.

CFCman:


That translates to N35,120,300 per week. The dude is swimming in money sha .
Mikel (I think) is still the 2nd highest earning Naija player abroad, earning £75,000/week.
So assuming Iheanacho has a breakout season, his next City contract may see him earning closer to 100,000 pounds/week.

oh, to be yoing, gifted and blessed. At 19, i still dey reason data money, meanwhile Kelechi is reasoning Maitama house money, hmmm

Well, I'm happy for him, his father's choice is raking in the moneybas expected, if he hsd signed for Porto or any other team, he would still be raking no more than £35k per week

CFCman:


That translates to N35,120,300 per week. The dude is swimming in money sha .
Mikel (I think) is still the 2nd highest earning Naija player abroad, earning £75,000/week.
So assuming Iheanacho has a breakout season, his next City contract may see him earning closer to 100,000 pounds/week.

Chaiiiiii!
God answer my prayer biko.

Right on my knees

safarigirl:
oh, to be yoing, gifted and blessed. At 19, i still dey reason data money, meanwhile Kelechi is reasoning Maitama house money, hmmm

Well, I'm happy for him, his father's choice is raking in the moneybas expected, if he hsd signed for Porto or any other team, he would still be raking no more than £35k per week

Exactly! To put it in perspective, his monthly salary is more than enough to buy million Naira houses in Ikoyi, 60 homes in Enugu, or two mansions in Maitama. You can see why players from UCL teams are willing to move to English teams that won't be featuring in Europe this season It's all about the Benjamins

At a big continental European club, like Barca or Madrid or even Porto, he would likely earn between £15k to £20k/week.

terzurum5:

Chaiiiiii!
God answer my prayer biko.

Right on my knees

Amen
You can imagine a 19 yr old boy earning over N140 million per month. This world is not fair sha. His babe in Naija will be receiving like N400k every month as pocket money.
Ighalo sef will be jealous cos he is "only" making £25k/week.

terzurum5:
[b][size=14pt]
AF Nigeria Premier League 2016/2017 Turkey
Omeruo extends Chelsea contract
[/size]

Omeruo

Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo has extended his contract at Chelsea for another year till June 2019.


“So excited to renew my contract at Chelsea,” announced Omeruo, whose initial contract still had two more years to run.


However, he is expected to finalise a loan move before transfer deadline Wednesday night.


It is understood Omeruo will return to Turkey on loan from Chelsea with Alanyaspor and Gaziantepsor the front runners for his signature after a proposed move to champions Besiktas collapsed.


This will be the fourth club he will be loaned out to.


The 22-year-old central defender has already played on loan from Chelsea at Dutch club ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough as well as Turkish club Kasimpasa.


Alanyaspor are featuring in the Turkish Super Lig this season after they won promotion from the lower league.


Another Turkish club Osmanlispor are also keen to sign Omeruo on a season-long loan, but it seems they will a longs shot.


They already have Nigeria forward Umar Aminu and have qualified for the group stage of this season’s UEFA Europa League.
africanfootball.com/news/643647/Omeruo-extends-Chelsea-contract

[/b]

When will they stop loaning this guy out?