Maigari resigns as NFF President, Keshi contract talks resume

Alhaji Aminu Maigari

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has formally resigned his position on the NFF Board with effect from August 26, 2014.

“The Bauchi-born administrator resigned as NFF President on August 12, 2014 to pave way for a peaceful resolution of the crisis that engulfed the football federation shortly after the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” a letter from the SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Sports, Patrick Omorodion, said.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has agreed to resume work with the team preparatory to the forthcoming qualifying matches for the 2015 Africa Nations Cup against Congo and South Africa on September 6, 2014.

The decision is based on the Sports Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Dangogo’s intervention following the prolonged negotiation between the Nigeria Football Federation and Keshi over his contract as well as the coach’s love fot the country.

Stephen Keshi: World Cup elimination painful, calls for unity in defeat

Braslia - Stephen Keshi said that his side's World Cup elimination by France in the last 16 was "painful", but vowed that he would not seek out scapegoats.

Bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, Nigeria stood toe to toe with France for much of Monday's match at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha National Stadium, only to lose to two late goals.

A handling error by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama enabled Paul Pogba to head in a 79th-minute opener and France completed victory in injury time when Joseph Yobo scored an own goal from a Mathieu Valbuena cross.

While both French goals stemmed from Nigerian mistakes, Keshi was adamant that all of his players bore equal responsibility for the African champions' exit.

World Cup: Yobo's Dream

....what if I can make it to 104 in Brazil?

For Joseph Yobo, the pre-match ritual is as much a part of the game as the half-time team talk. In his 16 years as a professional, the Nigeria defender has always readied himself for action the same way, slipping on his shirt and then singing and praying before stepping on to the pitch. It is a routine he has gone through innumerable times – but on precisely 100 occasions for the Super Eagles. A sterling servant for his country, Yobo had the honour of bringing up his century of caps against Argentina in Nigeria's final Group F game at Brazil 2014.

Although his side slipped to a 3-2 loss in that match, the 33-year-old came away with almost entirely positive memories. After all, not only did he hit a significant personal milestone, Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 victory against Iran ensured that Nigeria tied down a berth in the Round of 16. "Qualifying for the knockout phase was our first objective," the Super Eagles' captain told FIFA.com. "We're very happy because that hadn't happened to us since 1998. This time, we did it with pride, by finishing second and trying to win first place against Argentina."

'I'm proud of our team'
They gave the South Americans a genuine scare too, though Yobo feels they could have done even more. "We're disappointed because we didn't play that game to win it from the very first minute," explained the Fenerbahce stopper, who spent the last six months on loan at Norwich City. "We thought a draw would be a good result, but in the second half we came out even stronger to try and win the match. That's what we should have done from the very first minute."

World cup break for Michael Babatunde

For a split second, Nigeria's Ogenyi Onazi was annoyed when his shot on goal was blocked by a team-mate. That was until he realised he just broke his mate's arm in the process.  In the match between Nigeria and Argentina, Onazi dribbled the ball to within 10 yards of the box and wound up for a long-range shot on goal.

He struck it perfectly and it might well have been the equaliser his team needed as they trailed 3-2, but the ball cannoned into the arm of striker Michael Babatunde, who just so happened to be right in the line of fire.

Incredibly, the pure speed and power behind the strike broke Babatunde's arm on impact. Slow motion replays show the sickening moment in the 64th minute when Babatunde's arm bends backwards - an unfortunate situation of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

BRAZIL 2014 WORLD CUP - Keshi's Outburst - Before Tomorrow Come!

As it is currently difficult to get direct communication with Nigeria's Football coach, Stephen Keshi, am using this medium to communicate with him, hoping that he, or someone with quicker access to him, may read this and get across to him, ''before it is too late''!

We read with great disappointment Keshi's unwarranted attack on Osaze Odemwingie after the 0-0 result with Iran. Keshi in a press briefing, had pointedly blamed Odemwingie for not adhering to his instructions in the match against Iran. This is ridiculous and uncalled for!! When Cameroon woefully lost 4-0 to Croatia, their German coach blamed the team, not an individual. When he was pressed to blame red-carded Song, and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who almost headbutted his teammate Benjamin Moukandjo - the coach refused, saying that “I don’t want to launch into great explanations, we have to keep calm.” This is what we call maturity! But in Keshi's case, he publicly lambasted Odemwingie, who was among 3 or 4 players that did well against Iran.

Brazil 2014: Keshi declares Eagles fit for USA clash

The Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi is sure that the criticisms the Super Eagles have received in their build-up to the World Cup will stop after the match against the United States on Saturday.

The Eagles manager, in an interview on Thursday, said the players were now going through specific training programmes with the squad cut down to the exact 23 players billed to play in Brazil. 

He attributed the pattern of play exhibited so far by the players to the fact that they were just starting to train as a team. He said, “We all just started training as a team last week. Now we have increased the intensity and the focus has shifted to specifics. We simply played against Scotland with little or no training having just arrived in town but the players are in better conditions now and responding well. We are facing a good team as we play the USA but I am sure people are going to see a much coordinated and purposeful team. The game will be better.”

Eagles Camp: Musa Injured, Echiejile Set For Scan - Keshi

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has confirmed that CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa is nursing an injury, while Elderson Echiejile will have a scan on a suspected .

Eagles head coach has not disclose the exact nature of Musa’s injury but it is believed the 21-year-old sustained the injury during Tuesday night’s goalless draw against Greece.

Brazil 2014: Yobo, Osaze, Agbim Make Super Eagles World Cup List

Today, been the FIFA deadline for the summation of the list of the names of the participating countries in the Brazil 2014 world cup, the Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has released his 23 man list for the World Cup starting this month.

Among the players that made the Keshi's 23man killer squads are the Captain Joseph Yobo, Osaze Peter Odemwingie, Chigozie Agbim, John Mikel Obi among others

GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami

MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor  

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Iran, Bosnia and Argentina during the group state of the tournament in Brazil.

Full list: Keshi releases Nigeria’s final 23-man team for Brazil 2014 World Cup

Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi has released his list of 23 players for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

Find the list below:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille/FRA), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United), Austin Ejide

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco/FRA), Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC/SCO), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor/TUR), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough/ENG), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC/ISR), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City/ENG)

Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG),Ogenyi Onazi, Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Gabriel Reuben (Beveren/BEL), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis/SPA), Sunday Mba (CA Bastia/FRA), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge/BEL)

Stephen Keshi to Name His 23man Eagle Squads today

The Head Coach of the World Cup bound Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi, who has delayed his final list of the team to the world cup to the last minutes may release the names of his killer squad today.

The Big Boss says he already had an idea of his final 23-man list to the global tournament in Brazil but would wait till last minute to name his squad. the delayed would enable him do double checks on the list and the possibility of finding those who may not be measure up when hostilities start in Brazil.

FIFA had set Monday June 2 as the deadline for all participating teams to submit their final list and Keshi said that he was willing to take full advantage of the time left by only revealing his list on the said date. The Media Officer of the Senior National Team, Ben Alaiya, was said to have quoted Keshi saying, “I have an idea of those who will go with us to Brazil but we will still wait till the last minute before we announce the list.”

2014 World Cup: I wait till the last minute for Eagles list - Keshi

Super eagles' coach, Stephen Keshi has said that he knows the players that will make his final list of 23 to the 2014 World Cup, but will wait till the last minute before making it public. The Big Boss was speaking about the team trained at the Philadelphia Eagles Stadium in Philadelphia.

“Yes, I have an idea of those who will go with us to Brazil but we will still wait till the last minute before we announce the list,” he said.

Keshi added that he was also having another look at the players who are not measuring up.

Super Eagles will Break Records in Brazil - Kenneth Omeruo

Super Eagles' defender Kenneth Omeruo sees no reason why the Eagles cannot become the first African side to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Speaking during an exclusive chat with FIFA.com said: "I'm hoping we'll get to the final. But I think at least the semi-finals."

Nigeria Eagles are the current African Champions. That continental win means Nigeria will head into a World Cup as champions of Africa, just as they did 20 years ago. As at USA 1994, and 2002 and 2010, they were drawn in a group with South American heavyweights Argentina, along with Iran and debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Omeruo Told FIFA.COM : “I remember watching the World Cup in South Africa,  it was disappointing that we didn't come out of the group in 2010. We’ll have to play for the Nigerian fans because it was a massive welcome when we won the African Cup of Nations. They showed us how much they love football and how much they are behind us, so we have to play for them.

Brazil 2014 World Cup: Keshi Praises Unselected Eagles, Solicits For More Support

The Super Eagles' coach, Stephen Keshi is full of praise for his wards especially the players that didn't make it into the 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup released last week. The 2013 Africa Nations Cup winning coach was enthused by the response of the likes of crocked Leon Balogun, John Ogu, Ike Uche and Brown Ideye who all took to social media to clamour support for team despite being dropped for the Mundial.

“I wanted the best for the initial camping list but sadly we cannot take everybody along, we had to drop some of our best and committed players,” Keshi said. “I’m happy the players understand that fact. I heard what Leon Balogun said and I must say I’m thrilled that he understands the very difficult task we have been given by Nigerians.

Eagles' provisional 30-man list for FIFA 2014 World Cup out, Osaze, Yobo in

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has on Tuesday announced the Nigeria’s provisional 30-man list for the Brazil FIFA 2014 World Cup. The list, submitted by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, was read on Tuesday evening by a member of the Technical Committee of the NFF, Paul Bassey.

Full list of the Nigeria Squad for FIFA 2014 World Cup:

Goal Keepers – Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim (Gombe Utd), Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves).

Defenders – Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders – John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Ejike Uzoenyi (Rangers Int’l), Sunday Mba, Gabriel Rueben, Nosa Igiebor, Joel Obi, Michael Uchebo.

Keshi Named Among 24th Best National Team Coach In The World

The Institute of Football Coaching and Statistics has named the Super Eagles' Coach, Stephen Keshi  the 24th best national team coach in the world while the Head coach of Ghana Black Stars James Kwesi Appiah was named as the 42nd best.

Vincente Del Bosque, coach of the Spanish national team,  tops the list with 25188 points followed by Germany Joachim Low with 21422 points.

Coach of Uruguay National team,  Oscar Tabarez placed 3rd.

Captain Yobo recalled to Eagles' camp for Mexico international friendly

Super Eagles' Coach recalled Norwich City's Joseph Yobo to their squad for a friendly with Mexico in USA on 5 March.

The 33-year-old has not played for Nigeria since they won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year.

Yobo is Nigeria's most-capped player with 93 and has been given a chance to earn a place at June's World Cup.

"I've always said Yobo is my captain and he'd be recalled when needed so people shouldn't be surprised," coach Stephen Keshi told BBC Sport.

As expected uncapped trio Imoh Ezekiel, Ramon Azeez and Michael Uchebo are in the squad too.

Continue reading the main story

“The Technical and Development Committee would want to restate its stand that at no time did it contemplate, approve or recommend for the appointment of any foreign technical assistant to head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi”

NFF statement

But there is no place in the squad for regular quintet Sunday Mba, Brown Ideye, John Ogu, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Chigozie Agbim.

In-form Villarreal striker Ikechukwu Uche and Stoke City's Peter Odemwingie have also been overlooked for the game in the United States.

It will be the second time in 10 months that the sides have met in a friendly in the US - they played out a 2-2 draw in Houston on 31 May.

"This friendly against Mexico will give us [coaches] a chance to look at some new players before our final World Cup camp," Keshi continued.

"We are hoping to give everyone a chance to show what they can add to the team.

"It is important to emphasis that the Super Eagles door is not completely closed on anyone."

Nigeria face Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group F at the 2014 World Cup, while Mexico play in Group A against hosts and five-time winners Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] has denied media reports and speculation that they want to hire a foreign assistant for coach Stephen Keshi.

Local media reports have been suggesting the NFF have finalised plans to bring in a foreigner ahead of the World Cup in Brazil but the football authority issued a statement denying the rumour.

"The Technical and Development Committee would want to restate its stand that at no time did it contemplate, approve or recommend for the appointment of any foreign Technical Assistant to Head Coach of Super Eagles, Mr. Stephen Keshi," read a statement.

"Committee reiterates the fact that it has given, and will continue to give, its unflinching support to Mr. Keshi and the team to do Nigeria proud at the 20th FIFA World Cup finals, Brazil 2014."

Super Eagles to face Mexico in Atlanta:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Victor Moses (Liverpool, England); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Bright Dike (Toronto FC, USA), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)

BBC

CHAN: MARK, GLO CHARGE EAGLES TO BEAT BLACKS STARS

Ahead of today’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana, Senate President David Mark has enjoined Nigerians to pray for Eagles’ victory over their opponents. Senator Mark in a goodwill message to the Coach Stephen Keshi-led officials and players yesterday, urged them to re-enact the team spirit and winning streak that have seen them thus far.

He reminded Nigerians that” all that the Eagles needs now is support and prayers from all of us. The boys have demonstrated the determination and strong will to deliver. I am sure they would do the nation proud”. Senator Mark reminded the Eagles and their officials of the nation’s hope on them, adding that government on its part will live up to the responsibility in terms of adequate welfare.

The National Assembly on its part, he assured will continue to provide adequate appropriation for the overall development of sports the country. 

Also yesterday, telecommunications giant and leading sponsor of football in Nigeria, Globacom called on the Super Eagles to go all out and do the nation proud by qualifying for the finals of the ongoing CHAN in South Africa. In a statement yesterday, Globacom commended the fighting spirit of the Nigerian players and tasked the technical crew to evolve ways to motivate the team to go all the way.

“The resilience of the Eagles and their coaching crew in the face of odds is worth commending, especially after the team came back to win the quarter final match against Morocco. “We reckon with the great fighting spirit which the team has so far demonstrated, especially against South Africa and Morocco, and we believe that such spirit will help the team to achieve the ultimate goal of not only qualifying for the Finals but lifting the trophy as well,” Globacom added.

Globacom praised the coaching crew led by Stephen Keshi, adding that “We have confidence in the team that they will not fail this great nation,” the statement said.