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.

Asamoah Gyan completes Shanghai move

Asamoah Gyan has penned a two-year deal with Shanghai SIPG and is set to be unveiled by the Chinese Super League side early next week, the Ghana skipper said on Friday.

The 29-year-old striker confirmed on his official website that he had signed a contract, which has an option for a renewal, after completing a routine medical.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed but local media have reported he would be earning in excess of the $250,000 per week he was receiving at UAE champions Al Ain.

A report on Gyan's website said the club would hold an official unveiling when Shanghai return from Sunday's league match at Guangzhou R&F.

Gyan was immensely popular during his four-year stint at Al Ain, where he scored 95 goals in 83 matches, but the Emirati team said the offer from the title-chasing Chinese side was too good to refuse.

 
Gyan's arrival marks the latest big-money signing in China, where the top clubs have splashed out millions of dollars on high-profile players such as Demba Ba and Paulinho, with Brazilian forward Robinho also expected to join their ranks.