S/Leon vs Ivory Coast game moved to Port Harcourt

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between African champions Ivory Coast and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will now take place at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced.

According to the NFF, by Monday, arrangements for the match to hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos has reached top stage, but then received a letter from the Sierra Leone Football Association conveying concerns raised by the Fédération Ivorienne de Football (FIF) about playing on artificial turf. This has necessitated a change to Port Harcourt.

“We received a letter from the SLFA saying they are aware of serious concerns by the Ivorien Football Federation about their players playing on artificial turf, which is the texture of the Teslim Balogun Stadium” NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said.

“The NFF had concluded arrangements to have the match in Lagos, but as a result of the letter, we had to look elsewhere. We appreciate the Lagos State Government for showing interest in hosting the match.”

It will be a disappointment for Lagos fans who have been looking forward to first grade competitive football action in the city.

The NFF and the Nigeria sport ministry may now revive the multi billion naira dilapidated National stadium facility in Lagos that is begging for attention for over a decade.  

Victor Moses joins West Ham after signing four-year deal at Chelsea

Winger Victor Moses has signed a new four year contract to remain at Chelsea, as he joined West Ham on a season-long loan.

The loan move was sealed on the transfer deadline day as the player seeks to have real playing time.

A Chelsea statement reads: "Victor Moses has today signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea and will spend the remainder of this season on loan at West Ham United.

Moses was also linked with a move to Tottenham, but West Ham seemed more determined to have the Nigeria international.

The 24 year old former Wigan forward, spent last season on loan at Stoke City, and impressed in Chelsea’s preseason.

Siasia optimistic despite AAG ‘difficult fixtures’

Ahead of their departure to Congo Brazzaville for the All Africa Games, Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia has admitted they have a tough task ahead, but remains positive.

The Dream Team VI, as the Nigeria U23 team is referred to, were drawn in group B with Egypt, Ghana and Senegal - even though the Egyptians have since withdrawn from the competition.

But that notwithstanding, and in a potentially difficult group, Siasia reckons it won't be easy playing against their group opponents, but remained optimistic of their chances to go all the way.

"To be honest, it's going to be difficult playing against our group opponents," Siasia reckoned.

"It's going to be difficult playing against them but I think it's better to play against these ones we have in our group than playing against the weaker ones that you think we'll beat and they beat us.

"But it's okay, we are not going to run away from it, we have been working hard and we shall see how we can prepare better and win the All Africa Games, that should be our top priority," Siasia posited.

The team will travel with the Team Nigeria contingent aboard a chartered flight from Abuja.

Victor Moses set for another loan move to West Ham

Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses is set for another loan spell and this time his destination will be West Ham United.

The Nigeria international, Moses since completing a move to Chelsea from Wigan Athletic in 2012 hasn't impressed with the Blues and that has compelled him to go on a series of loan moves; in 2013, Moses was on loan at Liverpool where he struggled to perform but he impressed at Stoke City on a season long loan where scored four goals in 24 appearances.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham are on the verge of completing a loan deal for the Chelsea winger, and the deal is expected to be completed before Tuesday deadline.

Though the Nigerian has struggled to tie a place in Chelsea's squad, but he has impressed at international level.

Victor Moses helped Nigeria lift the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON ), he was also at the FIFA World Cup 'Brazil2014' where the Super Eagles got to the last sixteen.

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh has stated that the skillful winger’s speed and thirst for scoring goals sums up an attraction for coaches who are ready to maximise his potentials.

Former Super Eagles coach sure of victory against Tanzania

Former Nigeria assistant coach Daniel Amokachi is confident the Super Eagles will beat the Taifa Stars of Tanzania when both teams lock-horns in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

Former African champions, Nigeria, are gunning to return to the continental competition which they missed out on last time, and already started the qualifying series on a promising note, beating Chad 2-0 in their first game.

"I'm sure the chief coach has selected the players he needs and I'm sure we have what it takes to beat Tanzania," Amokachi said to News24.

"We need to take it easy and do what we have to do on and off the pitch. The players must also understand why they are there and if they run for ninety minutes and do the right things, I'm sure they'll come back with three points.

"The most important thing is that we started on a good note by winning against Chad and if we can get another three against Tanzania, it will go a long way for us," he said.

When asked what Sunday Oliseh should do to get the best out of the players,  'The Bull', as he's fondly called, was non-committal, insisting that only the coach can determine how to get the best from his players.

"I think that is a question the coach should answer. He is the coach and he's the man in charge of the team so I think he knows how to go about that," Amokachi added.

Chattered flight to lift Super Eagles for Tanzania trips

The Super Eagles will make the trip to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and back to Nigeria on a chattered flight, as they aim to book a ticket from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier group.

The Super Eagles take on Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has tidied up all arrangements surrounding the game.

Already, the NFF has concluded agreement with a leading Nigeria airline to fly the team into Dar es Salaam and back to Nigeria, with departure to be from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the return set for the Port Harcourt International Airport.

NFF officials confirmed on Wednesday that the chartered aircraft will convey the delegation into Dar es Salaam on the eve of the match, as Tanzania is a high altitude zone.

The delegation will depart Dar es Salaam immediately after the match, and fly into Port Harcourt, where the Super Eagles have an international friendly against the Mena of Niger on Tuesday, September 8.

Arrangements for the hotel where the Super Eagles will stay in Dar es Salaam have also been finalized, according to NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.

Nigeria and Egypt have three points each from the Matchday 1 of the qualification series to be on top of Group G, though the Pharaohs have scored one more goal and are slightly ahead following their 3-0 defeat of Tanzania in Cairo.

On the same weekend, the Pharaohs will travel to Ndjamena to confront the Les Sao of Chad.

Nigeria to host CIV, Sierra Leone AFCON qualifier clash

Nigeria will host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone and the reigning African champions, Cote d’Ivoire due to the Ebola virus scare in Sierra Leon.

The game, a Matchday 2 clash in Group I of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification series, will hold at either the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos or the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday, September 6, the NFF announced on Wednesday.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick said that on receiving the request from the Sierra Leone Football Association, which is the host association for the match, the NFF approached the Federal Ministry of Health for a go-ahead.

“We are delighted to announce that we have received the go-ahead from the Federal Ministry of Health to host the match. The Sierra Leoneans will come with a delegation of 32, made up of mostly overseas –based professionals, technical crew and officials of the SLFA, to be led by its president, Isha Johansen.

“We are happy about the go-ahead because, once more, our country has an opportunity to underscore its leadership role on the African continent, nay global sphere. The NFF has initiated discussions with the Lagos State Government and Rivers State Government on preventive measures, such as keeping Sierra Leone’s small delegation in a special hotel where they can be monitored at all times.”

Stressing that the hosting of the match is without any financial commitment to Nigeria, Pinnick stated that Nigeria has everything to gain and nothing to lose by hosting the match, recalling that recently, the U-20 Women National Team played a 2016 World Cup qualifier in Liberia and the Liberian team also came to Nigeria for the return leg, without any health issues.

It will be recalled that since the Ebola virus pandemic that ravaged some West African countries last year, the Confederation of African Football had compelled Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to find alternative venues for home matches. These countries have played their ‘home’ matches in countries like Ghana, Morocco, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali without any health issues.

“We are talking of hosting the African champion team, with the likes of African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure and others, and this will certainly earn us commendation from CAF and FIFA.”

Raheem Lawal on Beşiktaş radar

Nigeria international, Raheem Lawal, 25, has been reported to be on Turkish Super League club, Beşiktaş wish list.

According to Eurosport Turkey, The Black Eagles are set to make an official bid of €1.5m for the Super Eagles midfielder, Raheem Lawal and also offer Ömer Şişmanoğlu to his Eskişehirspor as part of the deal.

Raheem Lawal 

With an obvious injury worries in the middle of the pack at Beşiktaş; both Veli Kavlak and Tolgay Arslan will be out of action for a long time and it's obvious an immediate replacement in Raheem Lawal who joined Eskişehirspor from Mersin Idmanyurdu for €1 million is considered.

There has been talks about a strong link to Italian Serie A for the Nigerian and a latest interest from a host of Turkish clubs with Galatasaray and Beşiktaş in the mix but the Technical Director at Eskişehirspor, Bahadır Ünalan confirmed to Radyospor about the interest from Italy.

"There has been offer from Roma but non from Galatasaray,' Ünalan told Radyospor

Raheem Lawal who was part of Super Eagles failed adventure to secure a ticket to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) didn't make the recent list of invited players by the new Nigeria manager, Sunday Oliseh to battle Tanzania in an AFCON qualifier.

Victor Moses returns to training this week

As reactions continue to pour in over Chelsea winger Victor Moses’s omission from the list of players called up by the coach of the Nigeria senior national team Sunday Oliseh, a new twist have been added to the drama with reports indicating the 24 year old will return to training this week.

Victor Moses 

Oliseh reportedly excluded Moses from his 18 man foreign based players list, for Nigeria’s next month 2017 Africa cup of Nations qualifier game, against Tanzania in Dar Es Salam but according to various Chelsea news source, Moses is set to return to training this week and is even in contention to face West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

Moses confirmed on twitter two days back that a small injury had kept him out of the tie against Manchester City, although he had not appeared on any injury reports and was not mentioned by manager Jose Mourinho either, ahead of the clash at the Etihad which Chelsea lost 0-3.

However According to the guardian Mourinho chose to have Victor Moses back in training this week and possibly in contention at The Hawthorns after a slight groin injury. The Nigerian international, who has spent time on loan at Liverpool and Stoke in recent campaigns, was one of the more impressive performers on the pre-season trip to the United States.

A critical look at Oliseh’s 18-man list

I am not against Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh’s 18-man list of foreign based players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania as it is his job so to do, but my main concern is the result after 90 minutes.

I will also absolve Oliseh for explaining that “we’re going to try everybody, we cannot invite everybody at the same time,” but if his speech at his unveiling ceremony in Abuja is anything to go by, then I must say he has contradicted himself.

I hardly can see any difference between his 18 man list of foreign based players (even the invited home based) and that of former coach Stephen Keshi.

From the list of midfielders invited - Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia), Oliseh may seem to be attempting to put together a ‘younger’ side, but he disregarded whether they’re from a top league or not, neither did he consider how these players will quickly sync since they’ve not played together in a very long time.

Not to take anything from them, some of the invited midfielders were in action in their club’s last fixture and did quit well. Joel Obi was introduced in the 67th minute for Afriyie Acquah in a 4-1 win over Pescara on Sunday. Nwankwo Obiorah played all 90 minutes as Pacos de Ferreira beat his Academica side 1 – 0 in Portugal on Monday. Rabiu Ibrahim played all duration to help his side Trencin defeat DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda 2-0 in Slovakia, but Haruna Lukman, who is on loan from Dynamo kyiv, was not listed in Anzhi Makhachkala’s 1-1 draw with Amkar on Friday.

The omission of Odion Ighalo could pose the biggest distraction ahead of the AFCON qualifier away at Tanzania. Ighalo scored in Nigeria’s last game against Chad, he also scored six goals in Watford’s pre-season games and has scored one goal in two games in the English Premier League this season.

But Oliseh was quoted as explaining that “Odion Ighalo is a fellow Nigerian but we cannot invite everybody at the same time. We can only play eleven players at once and we have two other strikers and we’re going to try everybody but let’s see the ones we have now.” That’s okay, no offence taken bro.

John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses were also not listed, despite Oliseh’s visit to the duo at the Wembley Stadium during the Community Shield game against Arsenal. They both have not played a competitive game for Chelsea this season and should be held responsible for the omission.

Considering the importance of the tie against Tanzania, being an away fixture, and the still-fresh pain of not qualifying for the 2015 Nations Cup, Nigerians will begin to throw stones (condemn) at Oliseh and of course his employers if the team fails to secure at least one point from Dar es Salaam.

In the Super Eagles attack, I’m optimistic that Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa will gel, and in the defense I hope Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo don’t make silly mistakes. Coach please take note.

In conclusion, I officially welcome Sunday Oliseh to the seat of the most difficult job in the world, and strongly advice he gets a shock or criticism absorber.

Kelechi Iheanacho staying put at Manchester City

Nigeria U20 international Kelechi Iheanacho will soon make his official debut for the first team of Manchester City, his intermediary, American Henry Galeano has predicted.

Ahead of the announcement of the 18 - man roster by Sunday Oliseh on Monday, many stakeholders thought the Taye Academy product would be considered for selection but his inactivity for the first team of The Citizens counted against him.

Expectations are still high in these parts that Iheanacho will make his maiden appearance for the Premier League vice - champions, having been promoted to the first team days leading up to the start of the new season.

When quizzed on whether The Etihad outfit have plans to loan out the Flying Eagles midfielder before the close of the summer transfer market, Henry Galeano dropped a big hint that he'll be staying put in Manchester.

''That is correct (he is yet to make his debut). He will get his time soon, second game of the season so far,'' Henry Galeano told news24.

Still only 18, Kelechi Iheanacho has been included in Manchester City's 18 - man squad two times already in the ongoing campaign.

Oliseh snubs Ighalo, Mikel in 18 man list

Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has overlooked Nigerian players in top English clubs in a list of 18 foreign based players invited for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

Top of the list is inform Watford striker Odion Ighalo who scored in Nigeria’s last game against Chad, he scored six goals in Watford’s pre-season games and has scored one goal in two games in the English Premier League this season.

Also snubbed are Chelsea pair of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses. Both players have made Jose Mourinho’s bench in the two EPL games played so far.

Sunday Oliseh

However, first –choice goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama headlines the list that also has defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Rabiu Ibrahim, Lukman Haruna and Joel Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Anthony Ujah.

There are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh’s earlier pledge to make current form and first –level football key indices for selection.

There are goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon.

All the 18 players, who will join up with the 23 home boys who arrived camp in Abuja on Monday, are expected in Abuja on Monday, 31st August, 2015 at the latest.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England).

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey).

Midfielders: Joel Obi (Torina FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emem Eduok (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen, Germany); Sylvester Igboun (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium).  

Oliseh now set to announce invited overseas based players

Super Eagles chief coach Sunday Oliseh will make public, a list of invited overseas based players for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania ‘today or tomorrow’, the Nigeria Football Federation have confirmed.

Speaking in a radio interview on Monday morning, director of communications at the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire revealed that the much awaited list will be made public as soon as it is received from the Super Eagles coach.

Sunday Oliseh

“We will definitely make the list (of invited overseas based players) public today or tomorrow,” Olajire said, “We just have to receive a confirmation from the coach and after that we will make it public,” he added.

Following his declaration during his unveiling that he will not invite players who play in lower divisions or ‘non-credible leagues’, expectations for his team list has been high.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports has it that Manchester City of England youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, may make the list of invited overseas based players for the game against Tanzania.

The 18-year was very impressive for his English club during their pre-season run of Australia, scoring twice and making two assists, but is yet to play a competitive first team game for the club.

He has however made the substitutes’ bench in City’s two games this season against West Brom and Chelsea.

Obafemi Martins returns with a bang

Out of favour Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins returned from a two months injury layoff, to score a brace that propelled his team Seattle Sounders to a 4-0 win over Orlando City.

Martins opened scoring for Sounders after a beautiful interchange of passes between him and Lamar Neagle in the 17th minute and the only minor blip to his overall all round performance, was when he missed a penalty that could have given his team a 2-0 lead going into the break.

Obafemi Martins

However he make atonement for his missed penalty with a sublime finish, dinking the ball over the head of the goalkeeper before jabbing it into the net, ahead of two Orlando City defenders to give his team a 3-0 lead.

He was substituted three minutes after his second goal as he bids his way back into full match fitness, hoping his injury worries are now firmly behind him, to help his team in their quest to have a better season than last time out.

The 30 year old has 9 goals to his name this season, well on course to better his tally of 17 last season and he has once again reiterated his desire to represent Nigeria, under new coach Sunday Oliseh after being snubbed by his predecessor Stephen Keshi.

His last game for Nigeria was a World Cup 2014 qualifier on the 23rd of March, 2013.

Super Eagles defender excited to work with Oliseh

With the Super Eagles camp opening on Monday, Super Eagles defender Solomon Kwambe says he can’t wait to return to the national team fold ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania and the 2016 CHAN qualifiers against Burkina Faso.

Kwambe, who is one of the 23 home based players invited to camp by coach Sunday Oliseh, says he and his teammates will have to work harder to ensure Nigeria does not fail to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations again.

“I can’t wait to return to the national team camp and I can’t wait to see the guys (Super Eagles teammates),” he said.

“It is going to be serious business because we have to work harder to ensure we qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations because we cannot afford not to qualify like the last time.”

The Warri Wolves defender also admitted that he is looking forward to working with Sunday Oliseh, who takes charge of the team for the first time since his appointment.

“I’m also looking forward to working with the new coach and hopefully we will achieve good things together,” he added.

Golden Eaglets begin training in Katsina

Nigeria's U-17 squad, the Golden Eaglets have on Monday began training in Katsina ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup.

The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side, made up of 35 players and nine officials, were accommodated at the Katsina Motel located in the Government Reserved Area.

Speaking on arrival, Amuneke said the Golden Eaglets were happy to be in the state for their pre-tournament close camping for the Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Golden Eaglets

“We are delighted to be in Katsina and we want to thank Governor Maisari for this opportunity," said the former African Footballer of the Year. "Of course, we would love to stay here as long as we want but the most important thing for us is to prepare well for the World Cup."

The Golden Eaglets according to Amuneke, would from Monday begin their routine session and would train twice daily in one of the newest facilities in the land - the recently opened Karkanda Stadium in Katsina.

“We don’t have time to waste and the hard work has truly begun because we have few days left to the World Cup.”

Emem Eduok targets move from Esperance to Europe

Emem Eduok has refused to write off the chances of Esperance qualifying for the semi - finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

However, the Blood and Gold are in a precarious position in Group A despite their 1 - 0 away win over Stade Malien, with Eduok scoring the match winner in the 27th minute.

''If we can win the remaining two matches, we can qualify for the semi-finals,'' said Emem Eduok to news24.

''I don't blame anyone for where we find ourselves now because this is football and it's unpredictable, so we have to forget about the past and face the future.''

One month before the close of the summer transfer market in Tunisia, the former Flying Eagles striker has not ruled out a possible departure from Esperance but has set a lofty target he hopes to achieve if his dream of playing in Europe does not come to pass in this window.

''I'm still praying about leaving this summer, soonest everyone will know about it. I want to move to Europe so I have to work harder to attract offers.

''My target is to win the highest goalscorer award which is very possible, and to also help the team to win the league, I mean the Championship,'' Emem Eduok added.

A product of Dolphins of Port Harcourt, Emem Eduok still has a contract with Esperance until June 30, 2018.

Alex Iwobi drawing inspiration from Arsenal loanee Chuba Akpom

Alex Iwobi is determined to make an impression for Arsenal this season and is motivated by the progression made by his childhood pal Chuba Akpom, who broke into the first team of the Gunners before him.

Akpom, who is on loan at Hull City until June 2016, started his career with the Tigers on the right foot, having netted in each of his last two games in all competitions.

''I was happy for him, to join Hull City on loan,'' Alex Iwobi told arsenal.com.

''I was speaking with his family and I could see that he was really happy to go on loan because he just want to get some minutes and prove a point. Hopefully Hull will be the team for him.''

Alex Iwobi and Chuba Akpom both joined Arsenal's Academy at Under 9 level and the duo were involved in pre - season training with the first team eleven years later.

''Arsenal’s academy is so successful because of the training, the coaching, the staff, the facilities.

''I never say everything’s perfect but Arsenal’s training ground really is perfect,'' the attacker concluded.

Alex Iwobi made the bench for Arsenal's first competitive fixture this season.

Super Falcons abandoned, return to Nigeria by road

Super Falcons seem to be on their own as the team was abandoned for several hours in Benin Republic, and had to return to Lagos by road.

The team lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in a 2016 Olympic Games qualifier, a result that dashed their hope of featuring at the women’s football tournament in Rio.

Super Falcons

News24 gathered that the players, on Tuesday afternoon, were forced to board public bus from Cotonou in order to return home after suffering disappointment and delay for hours in the West African country.

The Super Falcons, last week, had a connecting flight from Lagos via Cotonou to Bata, on their way to play the away game, but had to suffer the rigors of traveling a long distance by road to Lagos.

It would be recalled that Nigeria Football (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick was widely criticized for watching the Community Shield game between Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday, when the Super Falcons and the Dream Team were involved in crucial qualifiers on same day. But the NFF has explained that Pinnick was in London for a couple of meetings.

Oliseh meets with Victor Moses

Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has met with Chelsea winger Victor Moses as the new handler aims to build a formidable team.

Moses featured in the Community Shield game that saw his side fell 1-0 to Arsenal on Sunday, as he replaced John Terry in the 82nd minute of action.

Victor Moses

Oliseh, alongside Nigeria Football Federation boss Amaju Pinnick were among the spectators at the Wembley stadium, and the former Nigeria captain has revealed he had a fruitful meeting with the AFCON 2013 winner.

“Very constructive meeting with Chelsea & Super Eagles' Victor Moses. The team building continues,” Oliseh wrote on his twitter handle.

Moses, who won his first cap for Nigeria in 2012 has played for the Super Eagles 24 times.

Injury got hold of the better side of the former Wigan star in 2014, which limited his performance for both club and country.

Iheanacho eyes Premier League debut against West Brom

Nigeria Youth International Kelechi Iheanacho is in line to make his premier league debut for English giants Manchester City, when they host West Bromwich Albion on Sunday in their first premier league game of the 2015/2016 season.

The imminent sale of Edin Dzeko to Roma coupled with Iheanacho’s fine form in preseason games, where he played in all but one of the team’s six games, scoring twice and setting up two other goals, have made him the genuine contender to take Dzeko place in the team.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Shortly after scoring in the team in their 4-2 loss to Stuttgart over the weekend, the 18 year old Nigerian said despite the loss they are ready for the task of facing West Brom.

"Despite the loss, we are ready for the first team of the premiership, me and the rest of the team" He told the club official TV channel.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini who has since endured with two high profile forwards in Dzeko and Stefan Jovetic, departing this summer has also got Wilfred Bony called on, but Iheanacho will at least make the bench in a game he might end up facing two Nigerians on the books of the Baggies- Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe.

Amuneke tips Dream Team to beat Congo

Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke has charged the Nigeria U23 team to have self-belief as they aim to conquer their Congolese counterparts for a place at the second edition of the CAF U23 championship on Sunday.

Amuneke, a member of the Olympic gold medal winning U23 team of 1996, known as the Dream Team 1, believes the current U23 team, known as the Dream Team VI, has shown they are a good side but must show more belief in themselves.

“We watched the first game and they (Nigeria U23) played very well and they showed they have a good team. They scored a couple of goals but unfortunately the Congolese scored to reduce the deficit.

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Oliseh says Nigeria don't have top players

Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh says the Nigeria National team don't have top players playing for top clubs, in various European leagues.

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The 40-year-old made this known in an interview on Fifa.com, where he also admitted that even though he finally felt ready for the job, he hesitated to accept the challenging offer.

Nigeria currently boast two players Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel, both not regulars at English Premier League team Chelsea, as they are top ‎players in a top club but, Oliseh says he is hopeful they can fashion out a winning formula with the potentials in the team.

Sunday Oliseh

“To coach Nigeria is not the easiest job in the world and one is only as good as the players. Nigeria at the moment has a lot of potential, but we don't have a lot of confirmed players in the top clubs in the top leagues, so taking over the national team now means we have to remake the whole team and introduce a new philosophy of playing style, culture and mentality," he said.

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Siasia picks 20 for battle of Pointe Noire

Head Coach of the U23 National Team, Samson Siasia has selected 20 players for the team's crucial African U-23 Championship qualifier against Congo in Pointe Noire on Sunday.

Addressing the players after their last practice match played at the FIFA/NFF Goal Project in Abuja, which the team won 3-0, Coach Siasia said all the players are good enough to make the trip, but it is impossible for everyone to be in Congo for the battle.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Charging those left out to continue to work on their game and pray for the success of the team in the big match, Siasia assured that the focus of the team is to go to Congo and do the nation proud.

"For those of you selected, this is a golden opportunity for you to show to Nigerians and the world that your first leg victory was not a flash in the pan, and as such you must fight hard when we get to Pointe Noire and beat the Congolese."

The selected players are:

Dream Team set to attack Congo in Pointe Noire

Nigeria have vowed to attack Congo Brazzaville in their Pointe-Noire fortress this weekend and move closer to a seventh Olympic Games football tournament appearance.

The West Africans take a fragile 2-1 lead into the second leg of a third-round qualifier for the 2016 Rio Games and coach Samson Siasia has revealed his game plan.

"We will attack because we want to win in Congo -- not avoid defeat," the 47-year-old former national team striker told reporters.

A draw will suffice to take the 'Dream Team' to the final African qualification stage -- an eight-nation tournament in Senegal with the top three finishers securing tickets to Brazil.

Samson Siasia

But Congo, guided by famed French coach Claude Le Roy, can eliminate Nigeria on away goals by winning 1-0 at Stade Municipal in the Atlantic oil hub.

Siasia and Le Roy can offer strong arguments as to why the 'Dream Team' or the 'Red Devils' will succeed.

Nigeria excelled on the road this year in 2015 All-Africa Games qualifiers -- which are also restricted to under-23 footballers -- winning 4-1 in Gabon and 2-1 in Zambia.

Taiwo Awoniyi was the two-goal saviour in Zambia, but only appeared as a second-half substitute against Congo because he was not fully fit.

Siasia boasted: "I have been in difficult situations with the 'Dream Team' before and have always emerged victorious."

Backed by a 40,000 full house in Port Harcourt, Nigeria ran Congo ragged but woeful finishing prevented the hosts building a commanding lead.

Instead, Moise Nkounkou grabbed a precious away goal after Junior Ajayi struck twice within seven minutes soon after half-time.

Le Roy, whose success-filled career with numerous African countries does not include an Olympics appearance, believes his 'Devils' can claim another notable victim.

Congo eliminated former Olympic bronze medalists Ghana in the previous round by winning the second leg 1-0 and a penalty shootout 5-4 in Pointe-Noire.

"We were lucky to only lose 2-1 in Nigeria," admits the bespectacled 67-year-old with flowing fair locks.

"But it is going to be far more difficult for Nigeria on an artificial pitch in Pointe-Noire," warned the 1988 Cameroon Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach.

Victor Moses linked with Dynamo Kiev

Nigerian forward Victor Moses is once again linked with a move away from the Stamford Bridge, despite posting stellar performances for Chelsea in their ongoing summer preseason tour.

Moses scored for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw against PSG two days after earning praises from manager Jose Mourinho, following his fine display in their 4-2 loss to New York Red Bulls and although Mourinho voiced his intentions to keep him, recent reports have suggested he might be heading to Ukraine.

Ukraine football news outlet Ua-Football contained news on the 24 year old joining Dynamo Kiev, as a replacement for Sunderland new recruit Jeremain Lens.

Dynamo according to the website want Moses on loan but, they face stiff competition for his services from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, who are eyeing a permanent deal for the man who has spent the last season on loan at Liverpool and Stoke City respectively.

Already Stoke City failed in their move to include him in Chelsea's signing of their goalkeeper Asmir Begovic with Manager Mark Hughes revealing the premiership champions have the Nigerian in their plans for next season title defence.

Keshi demands N1b

Former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has reportedly demanded the Nigerian Football Federation pay him a compensation package worth 1 billion Naira.

The tactician was sacked just a few weeks after signing a new deal as Super Eagles head coach following claims he had applied for the vacant role with the Ivory Coast team.

Keshi's lawyer has since contacted the NFF regarding the demands, with an unnamed official telling African Football: "We have received the notification.

"But we did not get it directly. We got it from the National Sports Commission.

"I don't think it’s something we should be discussing, but I can confirm that we have received the letter addressed to us through the National Sports Commission."

Peter Dedevbo sends note of warning to Congo

Falconets coach Peter Dedevbo has sent a note of warning to their Congolese counterparts ahead of both side’s clash in the next round of qualifiers for the 2016 FIFA U20 World Cup.

The Nigerians progressed to the next round at the expense of Liberia, whom they defeated 14-1 over two legs.

And Dedevbo, despite registering his displeasure at how his team played against the Liberians, says they will be ready for the Congolese.

“We didn’t play well against Liberia but we will be ready for the Congolese,” he said.

“We will work on the girls between now and when we will play them and I am sure the girls will do better than they have done against Liberia.

“A lot of people may have looked at the number of goals we scored against Liberia and think that’s it but it is not because there is a certain way I want my team to play and that is what we will work on.

“When we play Congo, I am sure that we must have made corrections and we will be better,” Dedevbo added.

The 2016 Women’s U20 World Cup will hold in Papua New Guinea from October 2016.

Oliseh arrives to seal Super Eagles deal

Sunday Oliseh on Tuesday arrived Nigeria to seal a deal with the Nigeria Football Federation as the new coach of the Super Eagles.

Oliseh will be replacing Stephen Keshi who won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

The NFF is expected to unveil Oliseh after all papers have been signed.

Mikel too expensive for Fenerbahce

Turkish football giant Fenerbahce have ended their interest in Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, insisting the 28 year old is too expensive.

The club's president Aziz Yildirim has told the local media they cannot meet Chelsea's valuation of the player, who still has two years to run on his current Chelsea contract.

"Chelsea want €15 million and Mikel asked for €5 million a season over four years. We are talking €35 million," Yildirim told reporters at their Topuk Yayla training ground.

John Obi Mikel

"This is definitely not something we can pursue."

Mikel has made 339 appearances in all competitions and has won every possible honour for Chelsea, in his nine-year stint at the London club.

He has won two English Premier League titles, the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League, four English FA Cup, two League Cup and the Community Shield.

Mikel, who has been capped 70 times by his country, won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and appeared in all four of Super Eagles' matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Enyimba hopes to leapfrog Sunshine Stars in Aba

Current leaders in the Glo Premier League Sunshine Stars of Akure will be visiting Aba this mid-week, to confront Enyimba Intl FC in Match Day 18.

The Akure Gunners have been on the top ladder in recent weeks having amassed maximum points away from home this season setting them apart from their rivals who are chasing them from behind.

Enyimba

The People's Elephant are aiming to turn things around following a poor run of form in recent games, which might deplete their chances of lifting the league title. However, Enyimba FC will be relying on the services of Christian Obiozor who has proved his mettle since joining the side from Kano Pillars mid-way into the season.

Enyimba defensive duo of Chinedu Udoji and Anyanwu should be wary of star-studded Sunshine Stars’ Tunde Adeniji who has been firing from all cylinders this season.

The ardent supporters of Enyimba would expect nothing but victory against Sunshine Stars

Iheanacho set to feature for Manchester City

Nigerian wonder-kid Kelechi Iheanacho is set to feature for Manchester City first team when they get their pre-season underway with a friendly against Melbourne City in Australia.

Just like in the United States of America last year, the 18-year old travelled out with the City first team, this time to Australia, as they gear up for another English Premier League season.

Iheanacho was largely impressive during City’s US tour in 2014, scoring against Sporting Kansas City and AC Milan but never featured for the first team all through the season.

City plays Melbourne City on July 18, and then AS Roma three days later. They will end their Australia tour with a mouth-watering clash against Real Madrid on July 24 and Iheanacho is expected to feature in those games.

It is yet uncertain if he will make the club’s 25-man Premier League squad, having now secured his work permit, or if he will remain with the Elite Development Squad, after he reportedly rejected the chance to go out on loan.

Glo Premier League week 17 wrap: Sunshine Stars stay ontop

Sunshine Stars consolidated their grip on top of the Glo Premier League table as they defeated Bayelsa United 2-0 in a week 17 match at the Akure Township Stadium.

The Akure Gunners took an early lead through Kingsley Eduwo and Tunde Adeniji sealed the maximum points with a second half strike.

Abia Warriors edged closer to a continental spot as they produced a masterclass performance to outclass a sorry-looking FC Taraba 3-1.

The impressive Ndifreke Effiong grabbed a brace and the ever-willing Valentine Nwabili scored for Warriors, while Ibrahim Sanusi netted what turned out to be a consolation for the sinking Pride of Taraba.

Enyimba FC

Dolphins' woes continued as they lost 3-1 to Heartland. Collin Nwaneri, Bright Ejike and Emeka Ogbugh put away the goals for the Naze Millionaires, with Dolphins only goal coming from Godbless Asamoah.

Akwa United heaved a sigh of relief, thanks to a lone goal by Ukeme Davies which was enough to help them defeat Kano Pillars 1-0 in Uyo.

Two first-half goals from Ajani Ibrahim and one from Nojeem Olukokun gave resurgent Shooting Stars a 3-0 win over Giwa FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

Enugu Rangers proved too strong for Lobi Stars after recording an emphatic 3-1 score line over the Pride of Benue. Etim Matthew got the opening goal before Godwin Aguda's effort and an own goal from Shehu Nasir increased the scoreline to 3-0 for the Flying Antelopes.

Substitute Collins Obioma Arinze scored a face-saving goal for the visitors in the 89th minute.

Enyimba FC who started the round 17 in second place on the league log slipped to 3rd after a 2-1 defeat to Warri Wolves. Gbolahan Salami opened the scoring through a free-kick before Christian Obiozor equalized for the People's Elephants from the penalty spot, but Abu Azeez netted the winner for the Seasiders in the 65th minute.

Wikki Tourists got their 9th win of the season after they edged Elkanemi Warriors 2-1. Usual suspects Mubarak Umar and Chukwudi Samuel were on song for the Abdul Maikaba led charges. A late goal from Sunday Adetunji sparked a likely revival for the Borno Army, but Wikki held on for an important victory.

Inconsistent Kwara United crashed one-nil to Sharks FC at the Kwara State Stadium. A solitary strike from Christian Pyagbara delivered the three points to the Blue Angels and a morale booster to the relegation battle of the visitors.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United dropped points after drawing 1-1 at home with Ifeanyi Uba FC. The Solid Miners took the lead in the 12th minute through Esosa Igbinoba. However, petit winger Bright Onyedikachi scored a brilliant free-kick for the visitors as the spoils was shared.

Oliseh arrives In Nigeria Tuesday

Incoming Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh is set to arrive Nigeria on Tuesday, ahead of his official unveiling as the new Super Eagles coach.

The 40-year old former Nigeria captain has been negotiating with the Nigeria Football Federation in London over replacing his former Nigeria teammate, Stephen Keshi, who was sacked two weeks ago.

Oliseh is expected to sign the dotted lines with the Glass House this week, when he arrives Nigeria.

He is expected to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at about 4pm local time, and is scheduled to hold further meetings with the top brass of the NFF.

Meanwhile, the former Borrussia Dortmund of Germany midfielder has hinted that he has already began work as the Super Eagles coach.

Responding to a fan on twitter who asked when he would resume, Oliseh said, “How do you know I have not resumed already? Cheers.”

He will be given a five-year contract and will work with Belgian Jean Francois Losciuto as his assistant.

Siasia optimistic after All Africa Games draw

Coach of Nigeria U23 National Team Samson Siasia has described their All-Africa Games group B opponents Ghana, Egypt and Senegal as tough nuts, but assured Nigerians that his team will qualify from the group and ultimately aim for the gold medal.

The Dream Team were placed in group B of the competition, in what could potentially be a very tough group that will see them face Ghana, Egypt and Senegal, but Siasia is refusing to be fazed by that

Reacting to Thursday's draw held at the CAF headquarters in Egypt, Siasia, who is presently with his U23 boys in Port Harcourt preparing for next weekend's African U23 Championship final round, first leg qualifier against Congo, expressed surprise that the strongest teams in the tournament, pedigree -wise, ended up in the same pool.

“I can tell you for free that this group B is a tough one, for all the countries in this group can qualify for the semifinals,” he was quoted via official channels.

“All I can say for now is that we are not afraid of any of them, and will know what to do when we get to that bridge."

Siasia added that for now, all his concentration is on the African U-23 Championship qualifying fixture home and away to Congo, as that is of immediate importance.

 
Meanwhile, the Dream Team will on Friday play a friendly game against Nigeria Nation-Wide League club, Go Round FC in Port Harcourt. The encounter kicks off at 4pm.