ADELEYE READY FOR EAGLES

Metallurg Donetsk Nigerian defender, Ayodele Adeleye has expressed his eagerness to return to the Super Eagles fold for the next 2012 ANC qualifying game against Ethiopia after he fully recovered from a knee injury which stopped him from featuring for the team in their 2-1 win over Sierra Leone in Lagos a fortnight ago.

The former junior international who made a comeback for Ukrainian side as half time substitute in their 2-1 win over Wings of Soviet in a pre-season warm up game on Wednesday night told Ijaw Boy that he is getting back to full fitness in good time ahead of the second half of the league season

Adeleye whose move to Everton in the Ehglish Premier League failed to see the light of the day last summer due to his inability to secure a work permit further revealed that he will be prepared to battle for a place in the new look Eagles under coach Samson Siasia.

“I played the entire second half of my team’s win last night and felt no pain on my knee. It was the third game I’ve played since regaining full fitness in preparation for the second half of the season. Our first game would be against Dynamo Kyiv at home next Saturday.”

“I will be happy to get a recall back to the national team for our must-win game against Ethiopia. I can’t wait to play under SiaOne again because he made me a better player that I am now. It was painful missing the friendly against Sierra Leone but now that I’m fit, I’ll never miss any game again,” he vowed

The 2008 Bejing Olympic Soccer silver medalist was one of the last players dropped by former coach, Shaibu Amodu in the run-up to the CAF African Cup of Nations in Angola last year, but his composure on the ball, athleticism and good timing have made him a prime target for EPL teams looking to strengthen their back lines in the summer.

I”VE NOT SIGNED YET- IKE SHORUNMU BLASTS

Super Eagles goalkeeper coach, Ike Shorunmu has clearly stated that he is yet to sign his contract with the Nigerian Football Federation but admitted that he his has seen the papers.

The former FC Sion of Switzerland safe pair of hands told the media shortly before the team’s departure for the Green Bowl Tournament in America that he is waiting for the NFF president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari to sign the dotted line before he does.

“I have not signed yet but I have seen a copy of my contract papers and I’m satisfied with it. I’m waiting for the NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari to return from his trip to Sudan to sign his part before I do too.” Ike Anobi as he’s fondly called revealed.

Shorunmu who has already had spell with the Eagles, working with former coaches, Berti Vogts and Austin Eguavoen however keep mute over the choice of venue for the team’s must win qualifier against Ethiopia on March 27 but called on Nigerians to fully support the new team still in its budding phase.

“I’m not in the position to talk on that issue but all I’d say it Nigerians should get behind the team which is still in the budding phase. We need them to support the team fully and not otherwise he said.

EZINWA HARPS ON EARLY PREPARATION FOR ALL AFRICAN GAMES

One of Nigeria's fastest 100m and 200m athletes in the 1990s, Osmond Ezinwa has expressed his unhappiness with the present trend in athletics in the country citing the poor system as a major factor for the downward slide of athletics.

The younger of the Ezinwa twins who holds a personal best of 10.05 in the 100m and 20.56 in the 200m told Ijaw boy in a chat that the structure and system that produced his likes in the 90s no longer hold sway in the country anymore.

“We don‘t have that kind of system in place that produced the likes of Olapade Adenekan, Francis Obikwelu his brother Davidson, Oluyemi Kayode, Chidi Imoh and to make it worse even if we do have one, who is ready to follow this system?” He asked

“We had a relatively good performance at the Commonwealth Games but lots of work still needs to be done from the grassroots so we could continue to produce quality athletes that would burn the tracks for at least 10 years just like Onyali Bada and et.al did”

“The new generations of athletes are not thinking about their future. To them, it is all about going to Europe to earn money at all cost. Most of them will run for a penny and school is out of the question for them. Nothing is wrong with making money, but you have to lay a solid foundation,” he said.

On the need for the Federation to involve former athletes like him to help groom new athletes for the country, Osmond said, “I’m not prepared for the politics involved but If that will solve the problem, why not? But you must note that being a great athlete does not necessarily translate to being a good coach.” he quipped

Martins uncertain over Wembley starting berth

OBAFEMI Martins has admitted that he has no idea whether he would start for Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker was thrust straight into the fray by Alex McLeish following the completion of his loan move from Rubin Kazan.

Cameron Jerome dropped to the bench for the games versus Stoke City and Newcastle United, when Martins got 76 and 58 minutes under his belt respectively. Then Martins and Jerome were paired for Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup visit.

Martins notched his first Blues goal in the 3-0 romp and lasted the course, while Jerome was taken off at half-time, due to ankle trouble. Alex McLeish deliberately made sure Martins got involved in the action after his signing in order to sharpen him up.

And he felt that Jerome needed some respite and had lost his edge a little. It remains to be seen if Martins has now usurped Jerome in the pecking order for the Wembley showdown on Sunday.

Martins said: “I’m getting closer to it [full sharpness]. The manager said to me in training last week that I was looking sharp and I had to prove it to myself in the game on Saturday. Whether I have done enough to start in the final, I don’t know. That depends on the manager.

“I have not played at Wembley before, it would be my first time – at least, I hope so. I was glad to score and get a goal. But it was more important we won and played well. I thought we started playing a little bit more together, passing the ball to ourselves, which was good.

“It was a good result and performance for us before the final. All the players have been waiting for it and it’s going to be exciting. Hopefully we will do well.”

It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Blues reach Wembley once more, in the FA Cup. Defeat Bolton Wanderers at St Andrew’s, and it’s back to north London for the semis, and potentially the final in May. “I hope we’re going to qualify again,” said Martins. “We’ve shown already that we can do it.”

FINIDI GEORGE MAKE CASE FOR TESLIM BALOGUN

Former Super Eagles dashing winger, Finidi George launched a passionate plea to the Nigerian Football Federation to stage the national team’s next African Nations Cup qualifiers in Lagos.

Finidi, who is now Real Betis international director made this submission to Ijaw boy from his base in Spain that irrespective of the booing fans the team should not nurse any fear defeating the Ethiopia in Lagos.

“That’s how is has always been It’s a very difficult place to play. It’s often not easy there because the fans want good football for the entire duration of the match and the moment it not going well some of the fans turn against the team.

“The coach also has played under such conditions and he knows what such chant calls for so should be in the best position to help the team out whenever they are faced with that.

“We should be able to defeat Ethiopians without any support from the fans. They should not scare us at all provided the players fielded are ready to do battle for the nation on that day. It’s his (Siasia’s) first competitive game for the Eagles and I don’t expect anything less than a victory on that day” Finidi sounded

The former Ajax of Amsterdam star who was also a member of the all-conquering 1994 Super Eagles squad also said that he missed the funeral of his late colleague due to late calls he received for the occasion and would be willing to help Super Eagles youth prodigy Ahmed Musa sharpen his skill provided time permits.

“I was informed of his final burial arrangements very late and there was no time for me to arrange for that. I would have loved to pay my last respect to him. I will be willing to help Musa in any capacity but as long as time would permit us to do but I’m yet to receive any notification as regards that issue”

Finidi joined Real Betis in 1996 from Ajax, in a deal worth $7.6 million, scoring 38 goals in 130 appearances before moving on to Real Mallorca, and Ipswich Town, in the English Premier League, before ending his career at Real Mallorca.

Injured Emenike Offered Contract Extention; Doubtful For Ethiopia Clash

Karabukspor President, Feridun Tankut has clearly stated that the club will be offering their Nigerian import, Emmanuel Emenike a three year extension to his current contract to ward off suitors jostling for the signature of the power playing forward.

Tankut revealed to a Turkish website that though they have received lots of proposals for the injured striker who has notched up 13 goals in 19 appearances for the club,they are prepared to keep their most prized asset.

“We have received numerous offers from the circuit but the players have managed to stop. As president of this club, we will be offering him a three years contract due to what we discussed. We want Emenike to stay with us,” Tankut said

"Everyone knows as a professional in this world, none of us know in advance what will be at the end of the season. Maybe our attractive offers to him might not suit him or maybe there’s an offer that can’t resist then as President of this club, we will decide that then,” he said.

The Otuocha-born striker who remains a major doubt for the Super Eagles must win home clash against Ethiopia next month due to his torn ligament has been ruled him out for at least four weeks, the Turkish website further revealed.

His coach,Yucel Ildız however opined that his injury is a big loss to the club and they would be hoping his replacement step up to the plate in his absence.

“Emenike is an important weapon to us but we must not sit here and cry over this. He will be out for about six weeks and we must search for an alternative for his replacement because he is a power playing player for us.”

“He is that kind of a player that his strength in attack would be missed. For a certain period of time, he will not be with us. We will adopt a different alternative to strengthen his place in his absence, “Yucel Ildız

It would be recalled that it took Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia a trans-Atlantic journey to Turkey in order to meet with Emenike to convince him to wear the Green and White colours of the senior national team of Nigeria.

Odemwingie backing West Bromwich to handle pressure of relegation scrap

Leading West bromwich Albion scorer, Peter Odemwingie insists West Bromwich will thrive rather than buckle under the pressure of trying to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

Nine-goal Odemwingie believes this is not the time for self-doubt to creep in as the Baggies enter the final third of the campaign.

New manager Roy Hodgson's side edged one point clear of the bottom three thanks to on-loan Carlos Vela's late equaliser against Wolves at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

Odemwingie said: 'I believe that this is a team that does better under pressure, like when we got the good results earlier in the season, like when we fought back against Wigan and Blackpool.

'I think then we show our character and this is what we will need in these big games coming up now.

'Now is the time when we have to be very focused. We must not have any doubt in ourselves or in our abilities and then maybe we can get the job done. It is a big chance for us in this period - and we must try to take it.'

UTAKA TARGETS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DEBUT WITH ODENSE

OB Odense Nigerian striker, Peter Utaka is hoping to score more goals for his Danish club to propel them into the Champions League next season.

The £2.5million-rated striker who notched up ten goals in the Superliga told Ijaw boy that having missed a chance of sealing a move to Germany in the winter transfers he has resolved to run out his contract with the club.

“I have resolved to play in the Champions League with my club and it would be exciting for me to score in the competition if we scale the qualifying rounds. It’s really frustrating when you don’t get your wish to join a league you desire so much.”

The 26 year old striker who earned his second cap for the Eagles in the national side’s friendly game against Sierra Leone further stated that his elder brother’s return to the French Ligue 1 was to rediscover himself after a torrid spell at Portsmouth.

“John is a good player and I think his fans would see the best of him when he starts playing for Montpellier. I’m sure he would rediscover himself in the French League where he made his mark with Lens and Rennes,” he said

Kalika Rejoins Eagles Friday in US

Super Eagles assistant coach, Simon Kalika will join the Home Eagles in US on Friday as they get set for the Green Bowl Soccer tournament scheduled to kick-off on Saturday.

A very reliable source in the team revealed that Kalika who was part of Nigeria’s team to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, has been in touch with coach Samson Siasia and felt excited over the vias issued to 22 players for the Obama Cup.

“We have been told that Kalika will join the team in the USA by Thursday or Friday because he left for Holland when the chief coach was about closing the camp few weeks back,” says the source.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will battle the likes of Costa Rica, Mexico and panama when the tournament kicks off in the USA this weekend.Players that made the list include, Chigozie Aghim, Sunday Rotimi, Valentine Nwabili, Yinka Adedeji, Abdul -Wasiu Sowemimo, Gege Soriola, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Yusuf Jaiyeola and Julius Ubido.

Others are Cletus Itodo, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, Stanley Okoronkwo, Osas Okoro, Ejike Uzoenyi, Joseph Thompson,. Ekigho Ehiosun, Gambo Mohammed, Victor Ezeji, Harisson Egbune and Bernard Okorowanta.

The team will depart Nigerian on Wednesday aboard a Delta Airline flight from the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Prove Yourselves - Eagles coach task Home based players

Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has revealed why he insisted on taking part in the Green Bowl Soccer tournament holding in the United States of America from this weekend.

The dark complexioned former Flying Eagles coach revealed that the tournament which will feature four teams, will help him to prepare the players for the future challenges which include the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.

He also believes that participating in this tournament will boost his programme of rebuilding a strong national team for the country.

“If they do well in this tournament, the players should be rest assured that they will always be there to give them the confidence and exposure they need to be better players and also excel in their careers.

The former Flying Eagles coach also added that each of the players has a role to play in ensuring that they remain relevant to the national team.

“These players should realise that they need to give their best in this tournament because it could just be the only opportunity they will have to prove that they are good. The foreign based players we see today, started from somewhere, so these players should try and justify their positions in the team.”

The dark complexioned soccer tactician who was part of the ex-Eagles stars that stormed Owerri, Imo State at the weekend to pay last respect to the late Uche Okafor, said he was looking forward to seeing the Obama Cup living up to expectation as the team jets out on Wednesday for the tournament kicking off on February 26.

“My expectation is to see the tournament live up to expectation because so much has been said about it,” Siasia said.

OLISEH RAPS NFF

Former Super Eagles skipper, Sunday Oliseh has advised the Nigerian Football Federation to pick and maintain one match venue for the senior national team other than allow them change pitches whenever they have home games.

Oliseh who captained the Super Eagles to a second place finish at the 2000 Nigeria and Ghana African Cup of Nations on home soil opined in a chat with Ijaw boy that genuinely qualified soccer professionals are urgently needed to diagnose in details the short comings of the country's football slide and map out a plan conducive to diagnose our ailing country’s football.

"Like the Germans, English, South Africans, Egyptians, Spanish and most recently Ghanaians are doing we need to start effectively appointing people to strategic development positions with qualities similar and complementary to our plan. It is counterproductive to appoint a completely physically oriented coach for example, to a Nigerian national team that is technical, offensive and flair oriented like we showed in the 90’S.". he began

"We should fix and maintain a fixed venue for the national team games.eg like Wembley in England, so that way our players feel at home on these pitches and not have to discover the pitches same time as their opponents. Playing away at home as we call it in football circles" he added

The former Ajax of Amsterdam and Juventus of Italy midfield maestro further urged Nigerian to give more time to Super Eagles coasch Samson Siasia to succeed on the job adding that every individual has a role to play in the restructuring of the game in the country.

"We should not see the nervy win as the old story we've always heard but a turning point which we must ensure happens under the new regime. He needs all the support to do well and on the job.

We need to be at the next edition of the Nation to start the rebuilding process which we have ignored from times past.We have to give him a chance because he is the long-term solution to our problems,” he argued.

However, the 37-year-old former who featured for three Bundesliga teams further stated that he would prefer that the issue of what role he could play in the new dispensation be answered by the NFF as he he willing to help his country provided they don't stop him from upgrading himself on the game too.

"Well the NFF have decided to keep mute on that issue but for me I'm willing to help my country in any capacity provided that they also don't do

their bit in helping upgrade myself in the profession. No one is an island of knowledge you know" he said

On the death of his former colleague Uche Okafor who was buried yesterday, the Abavo born midfielder said it was a big loss to the entire country. He said: It was a tragic loss I must confess. I can't really say if he really committed suicide but his character during our national team day never portrayed someone who was capable of doing such" May he soul rest in perfect peace" he said regretfully

YAK EYES PREMIERSHIP RETURN WITH LEICESTER CITY

Forgotten Super Eagles attacker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni has set his eye on one of the play-off spot with his Championship side Leicester City.

The 28 year old burly striker who joined Sven-Goran Eriksson's Championship side with a view to a permanent move in the summer told Ijaw boy that he hopes to score more goals help his side gain the needed promotion to the Premier League.

" I wanted to play regularly and freely that was I joined Leicester City. They have offered me what I didn't get at Everton and I hope to repay that faith the boss had in me when he signed me up on loan. My challenge now is to help the team qualify for the play-off spot.

Currently we are about six point adrift from the team in third position and four point behind Leeds, so we still stand a chance of achieving that goal" he said

The Yak who is currently the only African to have hit the 100 goal mark in the EPL further rechoed his unflinching support for current Eagles boss, Samson Siasia after his lads managed a nervy win over Sierria Leone in an international friendly last week.

"We must not stop to support the new coach as that's the only way to succeed with the team. He needs more support as he already has mine" the former Maccabbi Haifa striker said.

He also saluted Foxes manager Sven Goran Eriksson for creating a pressure-free environment at the Walkers Stadium.Yakubu, who has scored three goals in five games for Leicester since arriving last month on loan for the rest of the season, believes Eriksson's laid back approach is one of the main reasons behind the Foxes' play-off challenge.

"The football has been great and you have to give credit to the manager for that.There's no pressure on any of us. He tells us to be patient and to enjoy the game, to pass the ball quickly but not be in a rush.If you look at the way we play the determination is there, we play without pressure and we'll keep taking one game at a time so hopefully we'll be fine." he added

FLYING EAGLES' ARE TAKING SHAPE- ASSISTANT COACH

Flying Eagles assistant coach, Abimbola Samuel has revealed that the team's attack and midfield were the lapses identified in the team's 1-1 draw against the junior national team of Libya in a warm up game played Monday night.

The Gateway of Abeokuta handler told Ijaw boy that cold weather as a major reason for the team's average performance in the encounter adding that the match officials was not at his best and wanted to win the game for his home team.

" The team did well under the circumstances they found themselves and I must confess that they did well. We have been training in a hot region before now and the team felt that slight change in the opening stages of the game. The boys were too anxious to impress the bench that they were ready to for the championship"

"It was a game that we could have won easily. We would be working closely with the attackers on how to convert the scoring chances they create in games. Also the midfield too lost the ball too often and were not releasing the killer passes we expected of them but I'm sure in tomorrow's game(today) the would improve on that as they are gradually adjusting to the weather here."

Abimbola however urged Nigerians not to see the draw as a bad result as they team is taking shape ahead of the championship adding that the arrival of VVV Venlo attacker would also help the team's not too sharp attack.

"Nigerians should not see the result as a setback but the team's build to the championship. The team is taking shape now and with the arrival of Ahmed Musa it would further boost the attack of the team. He is not new to team style of play so he will fit in when he joins us in Turkey in the first week of March" Abimbola stated

EAGLES, ETHIOPIA CLASH: VENUE NOT CONFIRMED YET

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will take a decision on where the Super Eagles will play the African Nations Cup match against Ethiopia on March 27, when the executive committee meets next week.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu maigari said that Abuja and Kaduna are on the card to host the match but no decision has been taken adding that the board will consider the advantages and otherwise of the two venues before arriving at a decision.

According to Maigari, the NFF will also carry along the views of the coaches and the players in picking a venue for the match pointing out that the idea to play matches across the country was to allow Nigerians see their national teams live but added that that will not be at the expense of winning the games.

“We shall communicate to CAF where the match would be played as soon as we arrive at a decision next week but for now, the match has no venue but Abuja and Kaduna are on the card to host” he concluded

YOU CAN GO - MARSEILLE PRESIDENT BLAST

Olympique Marseille President, Jean-Claude Dassier has given up on the club’s intention to keep their prized Nigerian asset, Taye Taiwo beyond the 2010/11 season and stated that the club is willing to sell the Super Eagles star at a good prize.

Taiwo last week revealed to the Nigerian media that he is unlikely to continue playing for the French Lique 1 champions, and the club top hierarchy now seem unperturbed by whatever decision the sought-after left back takes concerning his future.

“If Taiwo considers that he has the level, the age and the experience to attempt his luck elsewhere, in a big European club (I wish him well) but I hope he will not regret his action. I cannot force him to extend his contract, I wish him luck.

“We already have some names in mind (as Taye’ replacement). If a buyer makes the first move for Taiwo before the summer, we shall consider if the offer is beneficial to OM,” Dassier emphasized.

Some likely replacements for the former Lobi Stars and Gabros International stocky defender are already being speculated in the media.

ARROGANT SIASIA APOLOGIES TO S/LEONE COACH

Contrary to insinuations among players and officials of the Leone Star of Sierra Leone that the Super Eagles Head Coach, Samson Siasia, insulted their coach Christian Cole by calling him a comedian during a post-match press conference held at the Media Hall of the Teslim Baliogun Stadium on Wednesday, February 9 Siasia has denied intentionally doing so but was only joking.

Siasia on Tuesday came out to apologize to Cole, claiming that he was just exchanging jokes like the visiting coach did during his own chat with the Nigerian media. He pleaded that he never intended to disregard Cole’s person and status as a head coach of a national team and that he was only joking too.

“Truly I was only joking during the press conference. Coach Christian Cole, is an amiable and very interesting person. He made everybody happy at the interview session and we all enjoyed him. When he claimed that his team could beat Eagles on a neutral ground, I jokingly said what has now become media hype.

“I can never disrespect him at all. I wanted to joke like he did too. He was very funny during the chat with the press. I am very sorry if he took it that way. For him to lead his team to play against us in such a very short time speaks volumes of his love for our team and our country.

So such person should be highly regarded not to talk of disrespecting him. Once again I am sorry if he took that way”, Siasia pleaded.

Meanwhile, Siasia has denied reports quoting him of threatening to resign his post as a result of alleged misunderstanding between him and Nigeria Football Technical Committee boss, Barrister Christopher Green, concerning the choice of Kaduna as the chosen venue of the Nigeria versus Ethiopia’s Africa Nations Cup qualifier slated for March 29.

“Firstly I would say with all sincerity that I did not offer interview of such to any reporter as regards what was published. I was with the Secretary General of the NFF (Musa Amadu) on Monday and he can bear me witness. I am not the type that would say something and deny it.

“What I think should be paramount in the minds of every true lover of the Super Eagles is how to achieve resounding victory against visiting Ethiopia come March. I can never stop any reporter from doing his or her work but they should please report exactly what happened or what I say. I am a friend of the media and where I am today is through Almighty God, the media and soccer loving Nigerians.

So I won’t like a situation where I would have any problem with any reporter or medium. Please let us work together in the interest of football in our country. Wherever the NFF wants us to play the match we will play. I didn’t have any disagreement or argument with Barrister Green on this issue. Now we are working hard together (with the NFF Technical Committee) to ensure we have a good and fruitful match.

“Barrister Green has been very supportive since I was appointed. Right now we are working together with him and other top members of the NFF as regards getting quality friendly matches for the Eagles. It is only through friendly matches that we would have the opportunity to assess the quality and fitness level of the players and also discover more talents at home and abroad”, Siasia summed up.

NPL SPONSORSHIP CASE RESUMES THURSDAY

The court case over the title sponsorship of the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) has been postponed to Thursday due to the no availability of the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako who is current on an official duty.

The court B registrar who pleaded anonymity, revealed that all cases slated for Monday were all postponed to Thursday due the the official assignment Justice Nyako is currently carrying out. He said:'All court cases for today have all been postponed to Thursday as the Judge is on an official duty".

It would be recalled that an aggrieved Total promotion who represents telcom giants, MTN Nigeria took the matter to court on the 19th of January is challenging the Premier League for cancelling the title sponsorship rights awarded to MTN via it. They opined that the order has been served to the NPL board, also addressed as the Nigerian Football league in the suit.

The firm also claimed that no parties have the right to act alone like the NPL had done in invalidating the contract through it special congress a move former NPL boss Chief oyuki Obaseki fully supported stating that Total Promotions was the firm that backed the league when the title sponsors Globacom failed to hold up the other side of their signed bargain.

NFF PUT OFF FRIENDLY MATCH IN HONOUR OF UCHE OKAFOR

Contrary to reports in the media that a memorial game will be held in honour of late Super Eagles defender, Uche Okafor tomorrow in Owerri,Nigerian Football Technical committee chairman, Barrister Chris Green has clearly started the plan is no longer feasible.

The former Commissioner for Sports in Rivers state revealed in a chat that the Federation would be fully represented at the memorial service at his home town in Ubomiri, in Mbatoli LGA, Imo State.

"He was part of us a good good ambassador of the country so we all would be there to pay our last respect to the Nigerian international. The friendly game between the Home Eagles and the U-23 team is no longer hold as it isn't feasible anymore. The Federation fully represented there" Green stated

It would be recalled that the remains of the former Eagles defence trojan arrived the country Tuesday night to begin his journey to eternity. His former teammates Thompson Oliha, Alloy Agu, Ben Iroha Augustine Eguavoen and Super Eagles coach have all agreed to pay their last respect to the former Kansas City defender.

The former Nigerian international was found dead at his Dallas Texas home in the United States last month.

Okafor's professional career began at defunt ACB of Lagos before he moved to KRC Mechelen. The late Nigerian defender also played for Hannover 96 before hanging his boot with Sporting Kansas, formerly known as Kansas City Wizards.

He played only one game for the Super Eagles at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA and was a football pundit on African football for ESPN until his death.

Obama Cup kick-off shifted

The kick-off for the invitational Obama Cup in the United States of America has been shifted to the last week of February because several of the teams for the competition are yet to be granted their entry visas, officials have informed Ijaw boy.

“The kick-off of the US tournament has been postponed. The competition would kick of on February 21 now as a result of visa hitches experienced by almost all the participating countries coming to the US for the competition,” disclosed Super Eagles assistant coach, Simon Kalika.

“We have to wait for decisions next week because next week Monday and Tuesday, the US Embassy would be on holiday. Then on Wednesday the Embassy has asked us to come and pick up the visas.We are even lucky that we (Nigeria) have approval, other countries don’t have approval yet.

But we are lucky in that the US Embassy has told us to come and pick our visas next week Wednesday.”

Earlier, Nigeria’s participation in the Obama Cup was hanging by a thread.The country’s ‘B’ team were scheduled to depart for the US this weekend for the tournament, but officials would then describe the trip as “dicey” when most of the passports of the squad were not released to them by close of work Friday.

Yakubu Alfa moves to Cyprus

Former Nigeria youth international Yakubu Alfa has moved on loan to AEK Lanarca of Cyprus from Metalurh Donetsk of Ukraine.

The 20-year-old one-time Monaco target has previously posted short stints in Belgium, Sweden and Greece.The former Niger Tornadoes defensive midfield star helped Nigeria win the 2007 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in South Korea and also featured at the 2009 Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Lanarca are managed by Jordi Cruyff, the son of the legendary Johann Cruyff.Several Nigerians like George Datoru and Azubuike Oliseh have already featured for the team who were promoted to the Cypriot top flight last season.

Inter starlet turns down Obuh's men

Inter Milan starlet Joel Obi upset officials when he turned down a chance to represent Nigeria at Under-20 level.

Following his imperious performance with the Super Eagles in Wednesday’s friendly against Sierra Leone, the 19 year-old was asked to join up with John Obuh’s Flying Eagles but turned down the request.

“He told us he could not play with the Flying Eagles as he had to return to his club,” NFF executive committee member Christopher Green told KickOffNigeria.com.

The decision left Green and other NFF officials unhappy, and potential sanctions were discussed before finally being shelved.

SIERRA LEONEAN BLASTS ‘LOUD MOUTH’ SIASIA!

USA based Sierra Leonean George Wilson is not a happy man at the moment because of the disrespectful comment made by Nigerian coach Samson Siasia towards Leone Star’s coach, Christian Cole.

Wilson who said he couldn’t contain his emotions over the comment by Coach Siasia, informed that he would “like to throw a challenge to Siasia that Sierra Leone can beat Nigeria. Nigeria do not have a better side than the Leone Stars, we can beat them,” he emphasized.

Leone Stars beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles previously in July 1987 2-0, and again April 2001 1-0, so Siasia calling Coach Christian Cole a comedian is insulting and inappropriate. Football is a game of sport, although you want your team to win each and every game, this is not always possible, however, determination, effort, and true sportsmanship goes a long way too.

Wilson stated he was disappointed with Siasia’s disrespectful comment towards the Leone Star’s coach. As a coach, Siasia should know better on how to address a fellow coach and to criticize in a professional way, not by throwing out some off-hand comment that has no foundation. In fact, Siasia in his capacity as head coach should display leadership qualities rather than childish derogatory comments.

Wilson concluded by saying he feels Siasia owes Cole an apology and this should be put in place before any animosity sets in between the two teams.

Albert Eromosele battles Lester Gonzalez for World Championship slot

Nigeria's I.B.O. Latin American middleweight champion, Eromosele Albert will take on Cuban born Lester Gonzalez in a 10 round bout on Friday at the Magic City Casino in New Orleans USA for a possible shot at a world championship.

Having notched up big wins over former world champion Yory Boy Campas and Daniel Edouard, "Bad boy" Eromosele who competed for Nigeria at the Sydney 2000 Olympics in the 75kg category recorded only one defeat in the 28 bouts he has fought with 11 of his 23 wins coming in knockouts and four draws.

His opponent isn't afraid to trade either. Lester Gonzalez (11-2-1, 6 KOs) is a southpaw who will go toe-to-toe with anybody. His 2009 draw with Juan Camilo Novoa, which was eight rounds of heavy exchanges, was Telemundo's fight of the year. He also holds a big win over highly regarded Ibrahim King, and his two losses have come against top prospects Brandon Gonzales, and Chris Chatman.

Gonzalez was also a decorated amateur winning three international medals, and the Golden Gloves in 2004. He now looks to win his first title as a professional prizefighter.

Martins set for Birmingham City debut

Nigeria's Birmingham City's winter recruit, Obafemi Martins could make his Birmingham City debut on Saturday against Stoke City.

The former Wolfsburg of Germany attacker who finally returned to the United Kingdom after securing a visa that will allow him to play for Birmingham City on Tuesday joined the Blues on loan from Russian club Rubin Kazan on 31 January but visa problems delayed his debut.

A statement on the City website says Martins, 26, has received clearance to play against Stoke City on Saturday. Martins previously scored 28 goals in 88 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United between 2006 and 2009. Birmingham manager Alex McLeish feels fans will quickly warm to the new signing.

"He's an explosive type of player and is similar to Christian Benitez but with more experience. He has great pace, is two-footed, very good in the air and I'm sure he's a signing that will excite the fans." said McLeish.

The Nigeria international has also played for Inter Milan in Italy's Serie A and Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga.

Alex Mcleish told the club's website that he has been impressed with what he has seen of Obagoal in the short time he has trained with the 16th placed team in the EPL.

"He (Martins) has trained this week and is looking good. It's good to see him out there finally, after getting the visa he was waiting for last week. I think he can bring something to this squad. He is looking very sharp so I would consider throwing him right in." said Mcleish.

With Martins' addition to the squad, McLeish now has five strikers at his disposal and he welcomes the competition for places.

"There are options there and it's great competition.In the first half of the season we were searching for the right formula and we stuttered a little bit.Now there are great opportunities in these last 14 games or so for the players to make their mark." he added

Visa denials may stop Home based Eagles from Obama Cup

Nigeria’s participation in an invitational Obama Cup in the United States of America is hanging precariously in the balance following a withdrawal of most of the teams from the competition and the visa denial of some of the Super Eagles team B players Ijaw boy has scooped.

The country’s ‘B’ team are scheduled to depart for the US this weekend for the tournament, but according to reports from the glass house the trip s now “dicey” as the American consulate in Abuja has only released a handful of passports with entry visas belonging to the team.

“The trip is very dicey now and we would have to wait till the end of weekend to really confirm whether the team will take part in the competition,” disclosed a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

It was also gathered that only two countries are now confirmed for the eight-team competition which kicks off next week Tuesday.

Last week, the NFF media officer, Demola Olajire dismissed media reports that said the competition was a scam on a paid broadcast station.

It would be recalled that the friendly encounter against Guatemala in Miami, USA, also fell through after local media reported that Guatemala officials were unaware of the game.

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Flying Eagles to play Saudi Arabia in a two match clash

NIGERIA’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, will test their readiness for next month’s African Youth Championship with a friendly against their Saudi Arabia counterparts in Dubai.

Top NFF official, Emmanuel Ikpeme, disclosed that besides the Saudi Arabia tune-up match, the U-20s will also take on AYC hosts Libya this weekend in a two-match contest.

The Libya match was scheduled after the game against the Egypt U-20 team also slated for this week was cancelled following the civil unrest in that country.

Nigeria will finalise their build-up for the African Championship with a training camp in Turkey. The Flying Eagles, which won the AYC a record five times, are drawn in Group B of this year’s tournament along with world champions, Ghana, Cameroun and The Gambia.

Adedoja leads govt delegation to Sudan for CAF seat

Sports Minister and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC) Prof. Taoheed Adedoja will lead government delegation to Sudan next week in the bid at ensuring that former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima is elected into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee Ijaw boy has scooped.

The delegation will include Nigeria Football Association (NFA) chairman, Aminu Maigari, possibly Nigeria’s ambassador to Sudan, former NFA boss, Big.Gen Dominic Oneya (rtd), NFA vice chairman, Mike Umeh among others.

An impeccable source in the glass house disclosed that the decision to have a government presence in Sudan was taken after a 10 hours meeting at the Eko Hotel, Lagos between the leadership of the NSC and the NFA after the Eagles nervy 2-1 win over Sierra Leone in an international friendly on Wednesday night.

Those present at the meeting are Adedoja, Maigari, Umeh, Galadima, NFA acting scribe, Musa Amadu among others.The essence of having a government presence in Sudan, venue of the CAF congress on February 23, 2011, according to sources is to convince CAF executives, especially, Isaa Hayatou that Galadima is the Nigerian government choice.

“It is very important to have government delegation because it will not be seen that anybody is fighting Dr. Amos Adamu. The government wants to prove that there is no group trying to oust Adamu at all cost,” the source said.

Adedoja has asked Maigari to meet with him today so as to settle all logistics before he travels to the US this weekend.The source revealed that Oneya has agreed to head Galadima’s campaign committee and will handle all logistics with regard to the election.

The choice of Oneya, according to my source was because he is the next most senior Nigerian in CAF after the FIFA ban ended Adamu’s membership of the CAF executive committee seat unceremoniously.

“Oneya is a member of Nations Cup organising committee, the highest committee in CAF, aside this, he is also very influential,” the source said.

Yon ain't seen nothing yet - Obi

JOEL Obi shone like a million stars on Wednesday night in his Super Eagles debut, but the Inter Milan youngster has boasted Nigerians are yet to see his best in a green shirt.

Obi, 19, posted one of the most impressive Eagles debuts in recent times by providing an assist for Nigeria’s second goal against Sierra Leone added to his overall enterprise in midfield.

“I don’t think I played to my capacity in that match.But all the same, I am very happy that we won the match. It is good for me to start my debut on a winning note,” Obi told MTNFootball.com.

“Coach Samson Siasia told me to take it easy in the match and to just play simple and that was just what I did.”

The Inter Milan ace said he was delighted to start for a team overflowing with talent.

"Nigeria is blessed with talent and I would say I am lucky to be playing in the first team even if this were just a friendly,” admitted the Owuachukwu-born attacking midfielder.

“I left Nigeria when I was only nine years old and for me to get the opportunity to play for the country having not featured in the Nigerian league or any of the age-grade national teams before means that I must continue to work even harder to stay in the team.”

Obi picked VVV Venlo of Holland flying forward Ahmed Musa as his best player of the match and hopes to play alongside him in subsequent matches.

“Ahmed is another thing. His speed on the ball is delightful. I love him because he plays good football and I am particularly in love with his speed. I hope we play together again because I really enjoyed myself playing with him”, he said

Emenalo leans on Faith

Chelsea's Nigerian coach, Mike Emenalo, has broken his silence on the crude treatment being metted out to him by his boss Carlo Ancelotti at the club.

The USA 94 defender, who was appointed the club's assistant coach after Ray Wikins' contract was not renewed by the owner of the current English Premier League and FA Cup champions wrote on his Facebook wall that he would do his best despite being ignored by the Italian gaffer.

"Though Ancellotti doesn't consult me as other coaches do, I'll do my best and leave the rest for God," Emenalo wrote.

"Roman Abramovic saw potential in me before giving me the appointment so there is no reason why Carlo will consult with the goalkeeper trainer instead of his assistant."

Abramovic's decision to promote the under-qualified Michael Emenalo as Wilkin's replacement has also caused issues, while complaints have been made about fitness levels.A failure to qualify for next season's Champions League is a real possibility following Chelsea's worst run of results for over a decade. This would only intensify thoughts any players hold about an exit.

Emenalo, who has been with the Blues since October 2007, occupied the position of head opposition scout before being promoted to assistant first team coach and succeeded Ray Wilkins in the role. Chelsea say the move is in “recognition of his efforts”.

NFF, SIASIA MAY CLASH OVER TESLIM BALOGUN STADIUM

The Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia are heading for a clash over the venue for next month’s key Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, Ijaw boy has scooped.

While NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has confirmed that the game will be held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Siasia is not willing to expose his wards to the harshly critical Lagos fans again.

Siasia was apparently displeased with the attitude of the Lagos fans who booed his team even when they were leading Sierra Leone in Wednesday night’s friendly match.

The former Flying Eagles coach, who began his reign as coach of the senior national team with a nervy 2-1 win over the Leone Stars, also believes that the artificial turf was one major reason his team failed to impress and will have to decide with the players if the game could still hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

"Mikel couldn't feature in the friendly because of the artificial turf,” he said. “Also others who were nursing one injury or the other were not comfortable with the artificial turf. But nothing has been decided yet. I will have to discuss this with the players if we should go back to Abuja for our next game against Ethiopia next month," he said

But Maigari insists that the NFF intends to bring more Super Eagles matches to the Centre of Excellence, which is regarded as the home of football in the country.

"There's no way that the Eagles will play only one game in Lagos. We intend to bring more matches to Lagos where we believe is the home of football in the country. The game against Ethiopia is a must win for us and we won't see the boos from the fans as a setback in achieving that aim.

“The fans reaction in that game should not be seen as anything negative, but something that will make the team stronger when they play in front of them next time. The team will get better with time and impress them.

"We want the best for the Super Eagles and all the national teams. Our goal is to maintain Nigerian football’s steady development, although to ensure we continue our development, we have to improve our structures,” he added

Yobo: Eagles Will Improve Against Ethiopia

Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, is confident his side will put their experience against Sierra Leone to good use when they host Ethiopia in a Nations Cup qualifier next month. He told Ijaw Boy that the Eagles would not let Wednesday’s nervy performance deter them.

Are you disappointed that the Super Eagles could not easily overrun the Leone Stars?

No, I’m not disappointed. As a matter of fact I’m satisfied with my performance and the most important thing was that we won the game.

They gave us a good fight and I’m happy because this gave us a big boost ahead of the game against Ethiopia.

But you must be disappointed that your team conceded a goal so late in the game…

The goal we conceded was unfortunate. After the substitutions were made, we lost our shape which was not good for us.

We’ll be more formidable when the full squad regroups. We are gradually getting used to each other.

Could you tell us briefly how convincing Siasia’s plans were when he met with you in Turkey?

We spoke at length on the transformation he intends to bring into the team and as the captain of the team, I saw it as a duty to back him up with all the necessary support he could get from me and the players.

He is well experienced on the job; he’s the coach and I’m a player in the team but it’s a collective responsibility on our part to help the team back to its glorious heights again.

We share opinions and views and I’m just looking forward to having a swell time under him by making things work out.

With the new faces in the Super Eagles camp now, what would you say will be the future of Nigerian football?

The future is very bright no doubt, I think we should be looking forward to big things in the future. We just have to put everything we’ve got into the big qualifier coming up in March against Ethiopia at home to rekindle our hopes of qualifying for the Nations Cup next year.

You have played for the Super Eagles for around a decade now, aren’t you bothered that you are yet to win a major tournament with the national team. And what are your targets as skipper of the former African champions?

I have always desired to win laurels for the national team and I wanted to put an end to the drought at the last Nations Cup in Angola, but unfortunately I got injured in our group game against Benin Republic. With that setback, we still played to the semi-finals of the tournament but lost out again. This is the time for us to win something. We have a new coach and a young team that is ready to make a statement once again. That’s the motive right now and I hope that will give us the necessary push to succeed in the task ahead. I have done almost everything for the national team and what’s left is to win something before the curtain falls on my career.

Having moved to Fenerbahce of Turkey on loan from Everton, do you miss England at all?

Not really (laughs).

WE’LL SHOCK ‘BIG MEN’ EAGLES - Leone Star Head Coach, Christian Cole Boasts

Leone Stars Coach, Christian Cole, boasts to Ijawboy in this interview that his boys will surprise Eagles’ ‘big men’

The last time your team played against the Super Eagles in Abuja, they got massacred 4-1, what are you expecting from Wednesday’s encounter?.

The team was ageing then and this time, we have a very young and enterprising team. I built this team out of my own philosophy. It’s a new team I built for the next Nations and World Cup.

Wednesday’s game against the Super Eagles will be a match with a difference, we will shock the Super Eagles with our beautiful football.

What would you say is the age range of your players?.

Well, the oldest player in my team is Mohammed Kallon who is about 32 years and the youngest player is 20 years of age. So, we have a very good blend of young, and experienced and matured players.

Having earned a point each from your last two games against Egypt and South Africa in Group 7 of the African Cup of Nations, do you think your team stand any chance of qualifying for next year’s championship in Equitorial Guinea and Gabon?

If everything goes well as planned, I think we’ll have our ticket to the Nations Cup because if you consider the match we have played against big teams like South Africa and Egypt, the match against your teams (the Super Eagles) is a blessing in disguise as it would put my boys in a competitive mood for our away clash against Niger next month.

We are coming to Lagos to expose our boys, evaluate and assess their output against the Super Eagles before our game against Niger. So that’s why I’m confident that my team’ll have a good game.

So what you’re implying is that you will be lining up a strong team against the Super Eagles?

Of course, that’s the chance friendlies like this give you. I will not present a mediocre team because I don’t want to get humiliated and stain my credibility as a veteran coach. Nigeria is a big footballing nation. You have to give them a very good fight throughout the entire duration of the game. Wednesday’s game will give us no point if the result goes either way, but we have an eye on the Niger game which will earn us some points if we win, that’s very important.

Meaning that you won’t sit back and allow the Eagles attack you?

No, we won’t do that, we will employ a tactic that will suit our play and counter that of the Eagles. I know the players very well and their strengths, so we will be detailing specific players to carry some certain duties on the field of play.

What kind of result would you get that might be very dissapointing to you?

The worst result I could get from that encounter is a draw and if it happens that we’re defeated by a goal or two then we’ll learn from it in our preparation for the match against Niger in Naimey, that’s football.

No doubt, coach Cole you’re a veteran on this job and I’m sure you have been watching the Super Eagles for a while now. What can you say is the major problem of the Nigerian team?

First and foremost, taking into consideration the size of the country, it’s a big job for any coach to manage. It’s a very big problem because the population is too much for the handler to go around and search for young talents to stake claim for a places in the team and secondly, all the players in the team are too relaxed. You don’t see commitment in some of them when they play, maybe because they have money and they are now big men.

What I see lacking in them is commitment and to some extent, they also lack discipline. But they are skillful players and if they put in a good level of commitment to help the coach, the team would rise again to greater heights.

For the coach, he has a Herculean task to transform the team back to that fearful force they used to be in their Green Eagles days.

But with the coming of coach Samson Siasia, do you think he can turn arround the fortunes of the team?

Of course, he can, because he was once a player for the national team. He knows the players in and out and the terrain where he will be working. As a former player, he knows the problems of the team and the yearnings of Nigerians. Individually, he knows them. He could pick from the pool of players that could be useful to him and those he must do without.

Finally sir, what could you say has been the major problem of African coaches?

Well, their employers don’t give them all the necessary support to succeed on the job due to their over reliance on the foreign coaches, but we are all qualified to do the job. When a white man is employed, he is given the necessary provisions to succeed on the job but for the local coaches, they are not properly remunerated and they are the ones on the ground. The African coaches need to be encouraged to do a good job.

They know all the boys and all the terrain. If all these things are done and they are well motivated, they’ll give their best to improve the game.

Don’t you feel under pressure about the fact that former Super Eagles handler, Amodu Shuaibu, was in your country recently for a coaching clinic with an eye on your job?

Pressure over him visiting my country? Not at all. I’m just hearing that from you that he has been contacted to coach the team, but I don’t know anything about that issue.

Thanks for your time and all the best coach.

Thank you Ijaw boy

Martins finally departs For England

Nigerian Striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins last night departed the shores of the country aboard British Airways after securing his work permit, 247sportnaija can report.

The former VFL Wolfsburg attacker who is making a return to the English Premier League on loan at relegation threatened side, Birmingham City said he was looking forward to his debut game against Stoke City on Saturday.

I’m happy that all the paper works been done for me to pay again in the EPL. It’s a wonderful league to play in I must confess. I’m hoping I could make my debut for the team in our home game against Stoke City on Saturday.”

When quizzed if he’s sad over his exclusion from the Super Eagles team for the friendly game against Sierra Leone, the former Newcastle and Inter Milan striker said he is hoping to get a recall for the teams crucial home game against Ethiopia on the 27th of March.

I’ll miss the Super Eagles. Undoubtedly I was sad by the snub but having talked to the new coach, I will be expecting to return to the squad for the crucial game against Ethiopia in Lagos.

“The Eagles will defeat the Leone Stars with a high score marging. It’s going to be a one-sided affair”. the 26 year old striker said.