Icon4s:

I cannot raise my hope on this player.

me too.....u know exceptional players when you see one.

Icon4s:


I know Olanrewaju Kayode so very well. I saw him play U17 in 2009, U20 in 2011 and U20 again in 2013.
I saw him play CAF Champions league with ASEC mimosa of Abidjan in 2010/2011. I followed him when he went to FC Luzern of Switzerland in 2012. He came back to play in the NPL before heading for Isreal in 2013. He is currently in FK Austria Vien, since 2015.

He is a good player, talented no doubt and also hard working but I'll say not exceptional thus far. His career progress has been back and forth a kind of.

He is 24yrs old but I cannot classify him with the likes of Martins, Yakubu and Utaka when they were same age.

I see Kayode as a good inclusion to the squad but I sincerely dnt think he will likely be our goals king. I hope he proves me wrong.

I knw Kayode very well likewise as u do, I agreed his career has been back and forth but he's getting cool and fairly on fire unlike how we knw him. he knows what is needed in that position and he's 100% eager and ready claim the king in the position.

Not a good inclusion, great inclusion. My perspective!

terzurum5:
Emenalo Gives Green Light For Chelsea Whizkid Abraham To Return To Bristol City



England U21 international Tammy Abraham is set to return to action for Bristol City when they trade tackles with Wigan Athletic in the Championship on Saturday.


The Chelsea loanee has not played competitively since picking up a thigh injury in the 2-1 loss to Leeds United, and had to return to Stamford Bridge to undergo treatment.


Bristol City manager Lee Johnson had been in contract with retired Nigeria international Michael Emenalo, who is the head of football development at Chelsea, and the medical team before they sanctioned the return of Abraham.


“It’s great to have Tammy back through the door and available, ” Johnson said, according to Bristol Post.

“He has been a really important player for us this season and his return will give everybody in the camp a lift.”

Abraham, who has netted 21 goals for the Robins in all competitions, is expected to train with the first-team squad on Thursday morning.

Igho Kingsley

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22307

This guy with Oshimen I believe will help solve our long time striking problems
I just pray the FA do enough to get him to play for us
a teenager who has scored over 20 goals in his first season in English championship attested to be stronger than some country's premier division is no fluke...moreover his team are not doing so well in the league but he is ever bagging in goals

lakesidepapa:


I knw Kayode very well likewise as u do, I agreed his career has been back and forth but he's getting cool and fairly on fire unlike how we knw him. he knows what is needed in that position and he's 100% eager and ready claim the king in the position.

Not a good inclusion, great inclusion. My perspective!

Bro please let's leave that aside
it is not just about being eager it is about being technical, skillful and clinical..
a striker playing in Austrian league with 8 goals this season thus far.....an exceptional striker will do much more...especially as he is getting game time, probably he offer more from the wings especially wit his pace

Geestunnar:

I pray he doesn't waste away on the bench, It is very sad seeing him on the bench

seriously...he is one of the most clinical players I have ever watched in recent times...he doesn't hit or shot the ball recklessly...as the commentator said
"he always scores"
I pray him and his handlers come to see reason to get play time elsewhere since the all know all coach is refusing to play him

BascoVanVeli:
Samuel Kalu just scored for Gent.

yeah Moses Simon is on too , kaly is impressive

Humility017:

Bro please let's leave that aside
it is not just about being eager it is about being technical, skillful and clinical..
a striker playing in Austrian league with 8 goals this season thus far.....an exceptional striker will do much more...especially as he is getting game time, probably he offer more from the wings especially wit his pace

I hear u

Icon4s:


I know Olanrewaju Kayode so very well. I saw him play U17 in 2009, U20 in 2011 and U20 again in 2013.
I saw him play CAF Champions league with ASEC mimosa of Abidjan in 2010/2011. I followed him when he went to FC Luzern of Switzerland in 2012. He came back to play in the NPL before heading for Isreal in 2013. He is currently in FK Austria Vien, since 2015.

He is a good player, talented no doubt and also hard working but I'll say not exceptional thus far. His career progress has been back and forth a kind of.

He is 24yrs old but I cannot classify him with the likes of Martins, Yakubu and Utaka when they were same age.

I see Kayode as a good inclusion to the squad but I sincerely dnt think he will likely be our goals king. I hope he proves me wrong.

Good,hope he proves u wrong.Pls name one exceptional striker that Nigeria have presently coz u said d guy is talented but not exceptional.

Kog45:
Good,hope he proves u wrong.Pls name one exceptional striker that Nigeria have presently coz u said d guy is talented but not exceptional.

The talk was about he being the 'Goals King' we have been waiting for.

Do you sincerely think Kayode has what it takes to fit that description?

Kayode is not heights above the other strikers we currently have so pls bear with me if I am not expecting anything exceptional from him.

AF Nigeria 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa Nigeria
Arsenal star Iwobi could miss Nigeria friendly games


Nigeria match winners in Zambia - Kelechi Iheanacho (left) and Alex Iwobi

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi could miss Arsenal's Emirates FA Cup quarter-final encounter against Lincoln City on Saturday.


The attacking midfielder missed Arsenal's midweek clash with German giants Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League clash in London.


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Iwobi and his team-mate Danny Welbeck are both ill ahead their Cup encounter.


“I believe that we have two uncertainties," Wenger told Arsenal.com.


"Welbeck, who had to come off after the warm-up against Bayern due to sickness.


"And Iwobi, who on the day of the game couldn’t turn up as well due to the same problem."


Iwobi, who has played 22 English Premier League games for Arsenal this season, has been included in the Nigerian squad that will play two international friendly games later this month.


The Super Eagles will take on Senegal on Thursday, 23 March, before locking horns with Burkina Faso on Monday, 27 March. Both games will be played in London, England.

africanfootball.com/news/693984/Arsenal-star-Iwobi-could-miss-Nigeria-friendly-games

Iheanacho Sad Over Man City's Goalless Draw Against Stoke

[img]https://4.bp..com/-vvOU6GC0xJ0/WMG2Vc7z-gI/AAAAAAAADRo/2w1RiZGXUBUHbkUt-z_W6fXEyVMnKnvrACLcB/s1600/Kelechi-Iheanacho.jpg[/img]

By Augustine Akhilomen

Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho believes Manchester City's did everything possible to defeat Stoke City in Wednesday's goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.


Iheanacho came on as a substitute in the second half but couldn't change the composure of the match despite creating some half chances as the Potters were solid at the back.The result cost City the chance to move to second in the table and left them 10 points behind leaders Chelsea.


'As a striker you need to take chances. We need to focus to put the chance (away) if it comes. It came and of course I missed it, but I focus on the next one - that is going to count.'


'I think we didn't do anything wrong. I think we really worked hard but they really stood up because they are a good team as well. They are strong, they really fight.


'We fought to the end and to get a draw was unfortunate but I think we focus on the next games.'


'I think we believe in ourselves and what we can do as well as other teams. Chelsea are doing well as well but if we keep this standard, keep working hard, I think we will get there.'


Iheanacho, who has scored seven goals this season but not started a game since January 2, said: 'We are happy to have everyone around. On my part, any time I am in I need to give 100 per cent because everyone is important in the team.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/iheanacho-sad-over-man-citys-goalless.html

Brown Ideye ready for Tianjin TEDA debut

[img]https://2.bp..com/-9xYHZwEVskM/WMJak-EuToI/AAAAAAAADR4/cyvgWjYLgkkiPiAQJjz4KgxD2iiUGYSnwCLcB/s1600/Brown-Ideye.png.jpg[/img]

After finally completing his move from Olympiacos, Nigerian striker,Brown Ideye is ready for his Tianjin TEDA debut.


Ideye did not play in Tianjin TEDA’s opening day 2-0 defeat to Shandong Lunengin the Chinese Super League (CSL).


The striker was not listed for the game because of the delay in the completion of his transfer.


He is, however, ready to return in TEDA’s home CLS game against Jiangsu Suningon Friday, March 10.


"The next game is very important to us and I hope we bring back three points," Ideye told sports.enorth.com.cn.


The Super Eagles of Nigeria striker joins his national teammate John Mikel Obi in Tianjin TEDA and he praised his international captain for helping him settle in China.


"From the first day I came here, Mikel has constantly helped me settle in,” Ideye said about Mikel Obi.


"We are national teammates and there's a good understanding between us, so we play together without any problems.


"Ideye and Mikel Obi have left out of the Super Eagles squad for their two friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in March.


Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles,Gernot Rohrleft out the two stars so they can get have time to settle at their new club.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/brown-ideye-ready-for-tianjin-teda-debut.html

Iheanacho targets FA Cup glory with City

[img]https://1.bp..com/-q-GdgBL3bjo/WMJjG1DWVJI/AAAAAAAADSU/TPnBXAw_X8AXecJFo3LXenli2lLT0v2PwCLcB/s1600/Iheanacho-train.jpg[/img]

Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has set his sights on helping Manchester City win the FA Cup this season.


The Citizens are currently ten points behind premier league leaders, Chelsea and winning the UEFA Champions League looks a long shot for Pep Guardiola’s men due to their not too impressive form this season.


However, Iheanacho feels that the most realistic target for a trophy this season is the FA Cup and on Saturday they play Middlesbrough in the quarter-finaland the Nigerian is fired up already.


“It is a big game on Saturday against Middlesbrough,”he said.
“It is a final for us to play. We have to go there to playthe good football that we can do and we hope to get the win that we need so we have got a trip to Wembley for the semi-finals.


“Can we win it? There are strong teams in the FA Cup,of course Chelsea and Manchester United play each other.


“But we need to keep working hard and believe in ourselves and of course, if we work hard, we are going to win.”


Iheanacho is likely to start against Middlesbrough as Manchester City will be involved in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg showdown against Monaco next week Tuesday and Guardiola may decide to rest Sergio Aguero for the match.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/iheanacho-targets-fa-cup-glory-with-city.html

PEC Zwolle Ace Ehizibue Is The Dutch-Based Player Being Considered For March Friendlies



Versatile PEC Zwolle winger Kingsley Ehizibue is the Dutch-based player being considered as a late addition to the Super Eagles roster ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso.


Scorenigeria.com has claimed that Super Eagles coach Rohr was in contact with Ehizibue’s intermediary this week regarding the possibility of representing the national team.


Born in Munich to Nigerian parents, the 21-year-old is eligible to represent Nigeria, Netherlands and Germany at international level, and has a cap for Netherlands U21 squad.


Back in October, Ehizibue’s agent Wessel Weezenberg acknowledged that the Nigerian Federation were testing the waters regarding his client playing for the Super Eagles, but stressed that the player has to establish himself in the first team squad of PEC Zwolle before making a decision about his international future.


“Until now it (playing for Nigeria) has only be a topic of superficial discussion with both players as their main focus is to become regular first team players at their respective clubs, ” Wessel Weezenberg told
allnigeriasoccer.com.


Former Feyenoord star Weezenberg also handles the affairs ofTyronne Ebuehi, who has now agreed to play for the Super Eagles ahead of the Netherlands.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22319

Samuel Etoo Supports NFF Chief Pinnick : Not A Bad Idea Having A New CAF President



Former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o has commented on the crisis that is shaking the Confederation of African Football before the elections which should allow his countryman Issa Hayatou to run for another term.


Nigeria Football Federation supremo Amaju Pinnick has been openly campaigning against the re-election of Hayatou, who has been in power since 1988, and is supporting Ahmad Ahmad, the head of Madagascar’s FA to be the new president.


“No institution resists the laws of cycles and change. I just hope that these changes will help African football to evolve, because it is the most important, ” said Eto’o to Jeuneafrique.com.


“The development of CAN has improved infrastructure, and that is important. But the main beneficiaries of these changes must be players, especially those in Africa.


“The Caf is at a certain level of financial income. It is respected, within FIFA for example.”


The Antalyaspor striker added :“But we should bring more freshness to open up other horizons. Without denying what has been done. These changes could prolong and improve what has been accomplished.


“Look at FIFA: the arrival of Gianni Infantino in the presidency has reignited innovation. Trying to do something else at the head of CAF is not a bad idea”.


The elections for the president of CAF will take place on March 16 in Ethiopia.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22318

Ex-Spurs Defender Troost-Ekong : I Am Treated Like A Celebrity In Nigeria, A La Justin Bieber



Gent defender William Troost-Ekong has admitted that it is almost impossible to walk unnoticed whenever he is Nigeria because he represents the Super Eagles.


The former Netherlands youth international has also revealed that airport formalities are fast-tracked and everyone wants to assist him carry his luggage.


“For instance, I never had to wait at customs and show my passport. I can walk right. Until the car my bags are carried, ” Troost-Ekong told Elf Voetbal.


“Everyone knows me there by now, after nine international matches and the Olympic Games.”
Troost-Ekong went on : “It’s a weird feeling that 140 million Nigerians know me. I have to think about things like security. We are trapped with the national team in a hotel, a la Justin Bieber.


“It is a very different life. You feel you a celebrity. And as soon as I step on the plane to Europe, everything is back to normal again.”


A product of Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, Troost-Ekong made his debut for the Super Eagles in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad in 2015.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22317

Nigeria Target Tammy Abraham Focused On Representing England Ahead Of U21 EURO



Chelsea wonderkid Tammy Abraham is focused on representing England youth teams ahead of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and Fifa U20 World Cup.


Nigeria Football Federation chief Amaju Pinnick thinks he can use his connections with Abraham’s father to convince him to play for the Super Eagles, but the striker has admitted that he’s delighted to play for England U21s.


The Camberwell-born talented netted twice on his full debut for England U21s in their 5-0 rout of Bosnia and Herzegovina and has gone on to make four appearances in total since his debut.


“It was a great feeling for me. To score two goals on my full debut was brilliant and I think it was the confidence from playing week in, week out at Bristol which helped me going into that game.


“Scoring goals is what I love doing, ” Tammy Abraham told chelseafc.com.


Abraham helped the Young Lions to qualify for the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup last year in Germany, and was promoted to the U21s after a blistering start to his Bristol City career.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22316

Samuel Kalu Scores First European Goal For Gent, Esiti Sees Red



In a Europa League Round of 16 game between two Belgian First Division A teams, Gent were beaten 5-2 by Racing Genk at the Ghelamco Arena on Thursday night.


There Nigerian stars Anderson Esiti, Samuel Kalu and Rabiu Ibrahim tasted game time, with the number 40 coming off the bench just before the start of the second half.


The visitors took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to Ruslan Malinovsky’s goal but Kalu whipped in a rebound shot after the ball had hit the crossbar on 27 minutes to restore parity for his team.


Literally, Gent defense went to sleep as they conceded three more goals before the intermission, and killed off any chance of a comeback in the second half.


A penalty was awarded to Gent in the 67th minute after Kalu was fouled in the box butJeremy Perbet failed to convert from the spot.


Super Eagles winger Moses Simon was introduced in the 76th minute with the outcome of the game all but decided, while Esiti was dismissed in the closing minutes for a second bookable offense.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22315

NPFL Star Sunday To Know Lillestrom Fate Next Week



Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Norwegian Tippeligaen outfit Lillestrøm SK will make a decision on their Nigerian trialist Sunday Ngbede in the next one week.


The manager of the Canaries and his staff have been running the rule over the Plateau United star with a view to a transfer before the close of the Norwegian transfer window.


Sunday started on the bench as Lillestrom thrashed Sogndal 4-0 in a pre-season friendly on Thursday, with new signing Chigozie Udoji opening scoring in the first half.


The Learning FC of Buruku product is primarily a winger that can play on both flanks, and he can also operate as a supporting striker.


If he passes his audition, he will join Ifeanyi Mathew and Innocent Bonke at Lillestrom.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22314

AZ Alkmaar Striker Friday Not In Contact With Nigeria Coach But Battle Ready If...



AZ Alkmaar striker Fred Friday has reacted to speculation in the local media which claimed that he has been handed a late invitation for the Super Eagles friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in March.


Though the former Lillestrom sensation did not waste time to dismiss the reports, he has stressed that is ready to represent the national team if called upon at short notice by Nigeria coach Rohr.


“I have not heard anything about my call-up to the Super Eagles, I have not been in contact with the coach (Rohr),”said Fred Friday to
allnigeriasoccer.com.


“I would be ready to play if I am invited. It is every footballer’s dream to represent their country.”
Aged 21 and said to be one of Nigeria’s top youngsters in Europe, Fred Friday was called up to the Dream Team VI get-together in Abuja back in December 2014.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22313

Icon4s:


The talk was about he being the 'Goals King' we have been waiting for.

Do you sincerely think Kayode has what it takes to fit that description?

Kayode is not heights above the other strikers we currently have so pls bear with me if I am not expecting anything exceptional from him.

Ok.Pls what do u mean by 'Goals King' we have been waiting for

We need a complete number 9.. meaning
1. can take on any defender.
2. can convert from slightest chances (poacher).
3. can score from difficult positions (can create goals out of nothing)
At the moment I don't see any Nigerian player that can consistently do the above.

For now I think we can make do of a poacher, until we find that Ideal striker.
Let me add that I see great potential in Success/Iheanacho partnership. Watch U17 Nigeria vs Mexico group game

Success can muscle defenders and can create chances with ease... Iheanacho can finish

Kog45:
Ok.Pls what do u mean by 'Goals King' we have been waiting for

Joebie:
We need a complete number 9.. meaning
1. can take on any defender.
2. can convert from slightest chances (poacher).
3. can score from difficult positions (can create goals out of nothing)
At the moment I don't see any Nigerian player that can consistently do the above.

For now I think we can make do of a poacher, until we find that Ideal striker.
Let me add that I see great potential in Success/Iheanacho partnership. Watch U17 Nigeria vs Mexico group game

Success can muscle defenders and can create chances with ease... Iheanacho can finish

Good point but no Nigerian player can meet this criteria.All we need now is a goal poacher.

Mikel played as a Center back in China today for his team goalless draw.. Is that the next role for Mikel?

No he played as a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Ideye played as the sole striker.

tbaba1234:
Mikel played as a Center back in China today for his team goalless draw.. Is that the next role for Mikel?

Joebie:
No he played as a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Ideye played as the sole striker.

He started as a DM but also played CB.

That's only tactical. In reality, besides the Goal Keeper, players usually play more than one roles.
I believe Mikel has played as a CB in the past for Chelsea.

tbaba1234:

He started as a DM but also played CB.

Exactly my reasoning.

Kog45:
Good point but no Nigerian player can meet this criteria.All we need now is a goal poacher.

Joebie:

That's only tactical. In reality, besides the Goal Keeper, players usually play more than one roles.
I believe Mikel has played as a CB in the past for Chelsea.

Highlights, You will see mikel as CB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=196&v=1-G21ODg9t0

Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has gotten a new role as a central defender at Chinese Side Tianjin Teda, Owngoalnigeria.com can confirm.

Mikel twice played in the role during their pre season games but reverted back to his original role as a midfielder in their first league game of the season against Shandong Luneng, where they suffered a 0-2 loss.

The loss prompted the coach of the team to once again try the former Chelsea man in central defence, and the 29 year old didn’t disappoint as he helped his team keep a clean sheet and their first point of the season.

Tianjin Teda held their host Jiangsu Suning to a 0-0 draw with Mikel playing a pivotal role in central defence for his team. He was neat in tackle, strong in aerial duels and also helped his team play out from the back with ease.

His positional sense was also very brilliant, and after the game the media in China was awash with praises for the captain of the senior national team of Nigeria, in the game which also saw Brown Ideye make his debut for the team.

*Osas Mahawi

Owngoalnigeria.com

Iheanacho on the bench again

ok