Hi guys, sorry you haven't read anything from me in a while, I was unwell but getting better now!
Thank you for all your messages, it feels good to know y'all really care.
I promise I will be back soon with all the interesting articles. I will make it up to you all.
Counting on all your prayers.
Thank you and God bless.
The Verdict!
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Day 2 of CL!
Just as I promised to bring you the other results from the first round of the CL qualifiers, here we go!
Last night was a different drama compared to the first day. Seeing different teams fight for a point and some took all the three points. It's going to be a tough call this season.
Christain Ronaldo is back, he came on in the second half, yet Villarreal were determined to take a point away from Old Trafford.
Here are the results:
Celtic 0 0 AaB Aalborg (there was a red card in that game. A player from AaB was sent off)
Dynamo Kiev 1 1 Arsenal (Gallas saved the Gunners at the 88 mins, the game had 5 yellow cards)
FC Porto 3 1 Fenerbahce
Juventus 1 0 Zenit St Petersburg
Lyon 2 2 Fiorentina (another game with 5 yellow cards)
Man Utd 0 0 Villarreal (It was a difficult game, with 4 yellow cards)
Real Madrid 2 0 BATE Borisov (there was a red card for a player in BATE)
Steaua Bucharest 0 1 Bayern Munich
The Verdict....
More bookings and 2 red cards, a lot of draws, it shows the competition is getting tougher. I must say, I was surprised Man Utd couldn't get a goal, it shows you CL is a competitive game.
So guys, what's your verdict on this? Is this the result you were expecting? Drop a line.
See you soon.
Last night was a different drama compared to the first day. Seeing different teams fight for a point and some took all the three points. It's going to be a tough call this season.
Christain Ronaldo is back, he came on in the second half, yet Villarreal were determined to take a point away from Old Trafford.
Here are the results:
Celtic 0 0 AaB Aalborg (there was a red card in that game. A player from AaB was sent off)
Dynamo Kiev 1 1 Arsenal (Gallas saved the Gunners at the 88 mins, the game had 5 yellow cards)
FC Porto 3 1 Fenerbahce
Juventus 1 0 Zenit St Petersburg
Lyon 2 2 Fiorentina (another game with 5 yellow cards)
Man Utd 0 0 Villarreal (It was a difficult game, with 4 yellow cards)
Real Madrid 2 0 BATE Borisov (there was a red card for a player in BATE)
Steaua Bucharest 0 1 Bayern Munich
The Verdict....
More bookings and 2 red cards, a lot of draws, it shows the competition is getting tougher. I must say, I was surprised Man Utd couldn't get a goal, it shows you CL is a competitive game.
So guys, what's your verdict on this? Is this the result you were expecting? Drop a line.
See you soon.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Champions League is back....
Hello football lovers, I'm so excited the CL is back and I am sure you all are too.
The first round was played last night, and because the games were on at the same time, I was only left with just a choice, to watch my favourite team.
In the CL, matches are unpredictable, but after last night's games, you will agree the English Clubs are contenders for the title again.
You always separate the boys from the men in CL, and players always put in their best, they know almost the whole world is watching and it increases their value. abi na lie?
Steven Gerrard, I mean Steven Wonder scored a powerful goal last night, I mean his first goal of the match. That's his trade mark, those special shots. He already registered two goals to his name in the first game in Europe, good way to start.
Chelsea was another team who ran riots on Bordeaux the French side, though they won by 4-0, Uncle Phil (the manager) said he expected more from his team. I love managers like Uncle Phil, they always put players on their toes. But I must say, they did so well, and it was nice seeing our own boy; Mikel Obi do his thing, he played so well and was so strong while on the ball.
Here are the results from the matches played last night, and I will bring you the results of the games that will be played tonight by tomorrow morning. Good luck to the Red Devils and Gunners, I know a lot of my guys are waiting patiently for tonight's games.
Barcelona 3 1 Sporting Lisbon ( Eto scored a penalty in the game)
Basle 1 2 Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea 4 0 Bordeaux
Marseille 1 2 Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven 0 3 Atletico Madrid
Panathinaikos 0 2 Inter Milan
Roma 1 2 CFR Cluj-Napoca (The Romanian side shocked the Italian giants)
Werder Bremen 0 0 Anorthosis Famagusta (The only goal less game of the night)
The Verdict...
So guys, CL is here, what's your verdict on this? Time to talk some serious football. Drop a line lets know what you think about the games played so far.
See you later.
The Verdict
The first round was played last night, and because the games were on at the same time, I was only left with just a choice, to watch my favourite team.
In the CL, matches are unpredictable, but after last night's games, you will agree the English Clubs are contenders for the title again.
You always separate the boys from the men in CL, and players always put in their best, they know almost the whole world is watching and it increases their value. abi na lie?
Steven Gerrard, I mean Steven Wonder scored a powerful goal last night, I mean his first goal of the match. That's his trade mark, those special shots. He already registered two goals to his name in the first game in Europe, good way to start.
Chelsea was another team who ran riots on Bordeaux the French side, though they won by 4-0, Uncle Phil (the manager) said he expected more from his team. I love managers like Uncle Phil, they always put players on their toes. But I must say, they did so well, and it was nice seeing our own boy; Mikel Obi do his thing, he played so well and was so strong while on the ball.
Here are the results from the matches played last night, and I will bring you the results of the games that will be played tonight by tomorrow morning. Good luck to the Red Devils and Gunners, I know a lot of my guys are waiting patiently for tonight's games.
Barcelona 3 1 Sporting Lisbon ( Eto scored a penalty in the game)
Basle 1 2 Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea 4 0 Bordeaux
Marseille 1 2 Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven 0 3 Atletico Madrid
Panathinaikos 0 2 Inter Milan
Roma 1 2 CFR Cluj-Napoca (The Romanian side shocked the Italian giants)
Werder Bremen 0 0 Anorthosis Famagusta (The only goal less game of the night)
The Verdict...
So guys, CL is here, what's your verdict on this? Time to talk some serious football. Drop a line lets know what you think about the games played so far.
See you later.
The Verdict
Amodu injects new blood into Super Eagles...
Whenever we pray, we always ask God to answer our prayers, not just to answer but we want it answered speedily.
We all have been talking, begging and praying for Amodu to invite some members of the U-23 team to the Super Eagles after their brilliant performance in the just concluded Olympics. Some of us even want the whole squad to take over the Super Eagles...ha ha
Amodu has heard all we said and he knows we know the game, for this reason he decided to appease us and invite five members of the U-23 team; Chinedu Obasi, Obinna Nsofor, Sani Kaita, Apam Onyekachi (they already have the feel of the Super Eagles before) and Ayodele Adeleye; the only new comer in the Super Eagles.
To tell you guys the truth, I am very impressed with the line up for the next game against Sierra Leone. And Amodu has yet proved himself that he is ready to work and achieve positive results by dropping some players (the tired legs). That is such a big step, I must commend him for that.
Here is the list of the squad playing against Sierra Leone in our next match:
Goalkeepers: Bamidele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide
Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu, Apam Onyekachi, Taye Taiwo, Ayodele Adeleye, Chidi Odiah
Midfielders: Christian Obodo, Mikel Obi, Kalu Uche, Yusuf Ayila, Sani Kaita
Forwards: Osaze Odemwingie, Nwankwo Kanu, Obinna Nsofor, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Chinedu Obasi, Ikechukwu Uche, Joseph Akpala
The Verdict...
I'm so sure a lot of us are happy with Amodu right now. So what's your verdict on this? A way forward for the Super Eagles? Drop a line and lets know what your verdict is on this issue.
See you later and stay tuned.
We all have been talking, begging and praying for Amodu to invite some members of the U-23 team to the Super Eagles after their brilliant performance in the just concluded Olympics. Some of us even want the whole squad to take over the Super Eagles...ha ha
Amodu has heard all we said and he knows we know the game, for this reason he decided to appease us and invite five members of the U-23 team; Chinedu Obasi, Obinna Nsofor, Sani Kaita, Apam Onyekachi (they already have the feel of the Super Eagles before) and Ayodele Adeleye; the only new comer in the Super Eagles.
To tell you guys the truth, I am very impressed with the line up for the next game against Sierra Leone. And Amodu has yet proved himself that he is ready to work and achieve positive results by dropping some players (the tired legs). That is such a big step, I must commend him for that.
Here is the list of the squad playing against Sierra Leone in our next match:
Goalkeepers: Bamidele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide
Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu, Apam Onyekachi, Taye Taiwo, Ayodele Adeleye, Chidi Odiah
Midfielders: Christian Obodo, Mikel Obi, Kalu Uche, Yusuf Ayila, Sani Kaita
Forwards: Osaze Odemwingie, Nwankwo Kanu, Obinna Nsofor, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Chinedu Obasi, Ikechukwu Uche, Joseph Akpala
The Verdict...
I'm so sure a lot of us are happy with Amodu right now. So what's your verdict on this? A way forward for the Super Eagles? Drop a line and lets know what your verdict is on this issue.
See you later and stay tuned.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Nigeria U-17 out.....
Reigning world and African under-17 champions, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, yesterday, failed to qualify for next year’s African Under-17 Championship, after suffering an embarrassing 3-0 loss to the Baby Squirrels of Benin Republic. It was a first round second leg match in the qualifying series for the tournament.
In the return leg fixture played at the Stade d'Lamitie in Cotonou, the coach Alphonsus Dike-tinkered Eaglets, had carried a 2-0 first leg advantage into the tie, with mouthy promises to inflict more damages on their hosts but after regulation time, they were the ones who were left licking their wounds, as they fell like a pack of cards to an inspired Beninois performance, who mastered the Nigerians, in all aspects of the game.
In what would go down as the worst performance by a Golden Eaglets team in recent years, these set of players, were, from the onset of the qualifying series, non-starters, given the way and manner they laboured to beat the Beninois, when both side clashed in the first leg encounter, a fortnight back, in Port Harcourt.
On that occasion, the Eaglets, had laboured to a 2-0 victory, even when it was clear that their foes from next door, were, on the balance of things, the better, in terms of clarity of purpose of good exchange of passes but a combination of tough luck and poor finishing, denied them a result.
But they had sent out the warning signals that they would not be an easy nut to crack in the return leg, which, yesterday, they simply controlled, from the blast of the referee’s whistle as they sought goals to justify their championship’s intentions.
With the tremendous support from their fans, they subdued the charges of Alphonsus Dike, they got their winning goal at injury time, a thunderous volley from outside 35 yards, which caught Nigeria’s goalkeeper, napping as the chants of celebration and party started in earnest for the homers.
They truly deserved their win while Nigeria, who won the African and World titles in 2007, under the tutelage of late Yemi Tella and Benedict Iroha, were undone by poor coaching, which in turn affected the quality of performance put up the players, who were left lamenting the sorry state on the pitch as the Beninois partied.
The Verdict....
What do you guys think? To tell you all the truth, I do not know what to say about this; poor preparation? poor coaching?..Please help me out here.
They were the Champions and now failed to qualify.
Please drop a line lets talk about this, I look forward to reading your Verdict.
Stay tuned and see you soon.
In the return leg fixture played at the Stade d'Lamitie in Cotonou, the coach Alphonsus Dike-tinkered Eaglets, had carried a 2-0 first leg advantage into the tie, with mouthy promises to inflict more damages on their hosts but after regulation time, they were the ones who were left licking their wounds, as they fell like a pack of cards to an inspired Beninois performance, who mastered the Nigerians, in all aspects of the game.
In what would go down as the worst performance by a Golden Eaglets team in recent years, these set of players, were, from the onset of the qualifying series, non-starters, given the way and manner they laboured to beat the Beninois, when both side clashed in the first leg encounter, a fortnight back, in Port Harcourt.
On that occasion, the Eaglets, had laboured to a 2-0 victory, even when it was clear that their foes from next door, were, on the balance of things, the better, in terms of clarity of purpose of good exchange of passes but a combination of tough luck and poor finishing, denied them a result.
But they had sent out the warning signals that they would not be an easy nut to crack in the return leg, which, yesterday, they simply controlled, from the blast of the referee’s whistle as they sought goals to justify their championship’s intentions.
With the tremendous support from their fans, they subdued the charges of Alphonsus Dike, they got their winning goal at injury time, a thunderous volley from outside 35 yards, which caught Nigeria’s goalkeeper, napping as the chants of celebration and party started in earnest for the homers.
They truly deserved their win while Nigeria, who won the African and World titles in 2007, under the tutelage of late Yemi Tella and Benedict Iroha, were undone by poor coaching, which in turn affected the quality of performance put up the players, who were left lamenting the sorry state on the pitch as the Beninois partied.
The Verdict....
What do you guys think? To tell you all the truth, I do not know what to say about this; poor preparation? poor coaching?..Please help me out here.
They were the Champions and now failed to qualify.
Please drop a line lets talk about this, I look forward to reading your Verdict.
Stay tuned and see you soon.
Nigerians paint EPL with goals....
Hello y'all, hope you had a good weekend. I had a great one filled with exciting results in the EPL.
I'm so proud of the Nigerians in the EPL, they are making us proud. Great to see them get on the scoring sheet this weekend.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored a goal in their match against Stoke City, that is his third goal in four games, big up to the big man, if he continues like this, he might end up as the highest goal scorer this season.
His team mate, our own Victor Anichebe also made his mark, he scored the second goal. Everton won by 3-2.
Though Stoke City lost to Everton, Seyi Olofinjana also got one for his side.
Wow...Nigerians are really doing it in the EPL, I pray they can replicate this in the national team.
BTW...
Finally Liverpool has showed Man Utd they can beat them; sorry to the Red Devils, this season is full of surprises.
Arsenal ran riots on Blackburn Rovers, another African made his mark, Emmanuel Adebayor got a hat-trick in that game. Africans are the kings of EPL.
It was Robinho against Chelsea, ha ha..I mean Man City against Chelsea, the new boy Robinho registered his name in the scoring sheet in the EPL just few minutes into the game, but Chelsea boys showed him, he made a mistake signing for Man City, the game ended 1-3, Chelsea won! It was good to see Drogba back, he came in as a substitute in the second half. The Blues are still at the top of the table.
With all the trouble going on in Newcastle, it was not difficult to predict a loss in their game without a manager, the newly promoted Hull City defeated them. I hope they resolve their issues fast. Our own Obafemi Martins is still out due to injury!
In the other games:
Fulham won Bolton by 2-1
West Brom 3 - 2 West Ham. (the newly promoted West Brom hammered the Hammers..ha ha)
Portsmouth 2 - 1 Middlesbrough (Utaka still his slumpy self, wonder when he will improve, Kanu yet to be back due to injury).
Do you know? Zola is now West Ham coach, the Chelsea legend is in charge of the Hammers. It is good to see successful players retire and become great coaches.
The Verdict...
What's your verdict on our African brothers taking over the EPL? After four matches, are you in any way surprised about the new top four; Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Hull City?
Drop a line and stay tuned to this page.
The Verdict.
I'm so proud of the Nigerians in the EPL, they are making us proud. Great to see them get on the scoring sheet this weekend.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored a goal in their match against Stoke City, that is his third goal in four games, big up to the big man, if he continues like this, he might end up as the highest goal scorer this season.
His team mate, our own Victor Anichebe also made his mark, he scored the second goal. Everton won by 3-2.
Though Stoke City lost to Everton, Seyi Olofinjana also got one for his side.
Wow...Nigerians are really doing it in the EPL, I pray they can replicate this in the national team.
BTW...
Finally Liverpool has showed Man Utd they can beat them; sorry to the Red Devils, this season is full of surprises.
Arsenal ran riots on Blackburn Rovers, another African made his mark, Emmanuel Adebayor got a hat-trick in that game. Africans are the kings of EPL.
It was Robinho against Chelsea, ha ha..I mean Man City against Chelsea, the new boy Robinho registered his name in the scoring sheet in the EPL just few minutes into the game, but Chelsea boys showed him, he made a mistake signing for Man City, the game ended 1-3, Chelsea won! It was good to see Drogba back, he came in as a substitute in the second half. The Blues are still at the top of the table.
With all the trouble going on in Newcastle, it was not difficult to predict a loss in their game without a manager, the newly promoted Hull City defeated them. I hope they resolve their issues fast. Our own Obafemi Martins is still out due to injury!
In the other games:
Fulham won Bolton by 2-1
West Brom 3 - 2 West Ham. (the newly promoted West Brom hammered the Hammers..ha ha)
Portsmouth 2 - 1 Middlesbrough (Utaka still his slumpy self, wonder when he will improve, Kanu yet to be back due to injury).
Do you know? Zola is now West Ham coach, the Chelsea legend is in charge of the Hammers. It is good to see successful players retire and become great coaches.
The Verdict...
What's your verdict on our African brothers taking over the EPL? After four matches, are you in any way surprised about the new top four; Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Hull City?
Drop a line and stay tuned to this page.
The Verdict.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Amodu or Siasia V Amodu and Siasia...
Hi guys, it has been an interesting week, but I have also been busy with work. Sorry you haven't read any new article from me this week...man must chop, na work o, make una no vex..ha ha!
The interesting gist right now is; Should Amodu work with Siasia to coach the Super Eagles?
For real, I have read and heard a lot of peoples' opinions on this subject and for me, I guess it is no issue.
Amodu and Siasia? NO!!!
Let Amodu do his job...I know we want a successful outing come World Cup 2010, but I don't think Amodu working with Siasia to coach the Super Eagles will work.
Each coach has his own tactics and style. This can go in 2-ways; it is either it is a total disaster or a success, but the possibility of it being a success is just so slim.
Siasia should hold on to his job and also help with the U-20, he is good at developing the youths and a good disciplinarian, the guy also wants to better himself; by going to a coaching school.
They should allow him do that, and he will become a better coach.
Having said that, if Amodu needs some advise about some players in the present U-23, he can speak to Siasia, and the latter will let him know how he can get the best out of these players.
I know a lot of people are nervous about Amodu's style of coaching, and the tired legs he refused to drop from the Super Eagles squad, but so far he has 100% record in all the matches we have played so far, we can still allow him do his job, and just offer assistance in the areas needed.
And such assistance will be; inviting more players to the Super Eagles squad and getting the best out of these players.
Amodu should learn how to be the boss; meaning he should not be scared of dropping the players that are not performing well, no matter how big their names are, he needs to earn respect from all his players.
The Verdict....
What do you guys think? I'm sure you have a lot to say about this, drop a line and lets give our verdicts on this issue.
BTW.. England was on fire last night, they won their game against Croatia; Croatia 1 4 England.
Theo Walcott got a hat trick..wonder boy (This guy is going places, I'm sure the gunners are happy). England became the first country to beat Croatia at home..isn't that cool for the English boys?
Glad Capello is doing a good job with the team, it was nice hearing John Terry compare Capello to Mourinho before the game! A manager must earn respect from his players no matter how big the players are. Hope the English boys are back to their winning ways.
I just want to inform you that, I'm working on making this site more interesting, and soon you will be reading a lot of hot gossip about your favourite players (their lives outside the pitch)...yeah!!!
You can always contribute to this site, if you have an article and you want to share with others, why don't you send it to me and I will publish it on this site...
Email address is; daverdict@gmail.com
Stay tuned and see you soon.
The Verdict!
The interesting gist right now is; Should Amodu work with Siasia to coach the Super Eagles?
For real, I have read and heard a lot of peoples' opinions on this subject and for me, I guess it is no issue.
Amodu and Siasia? NO!!!
Let Amodu do his job...I know we want a successful outing come World Cup 2010, but I don't think Amodu working with Siasia to coach the Super Eagles will work.
Each coach has his own tactics and style. This can go in 2-ways; it is either it is a total disaster or a success, but the possibility of it being a success is just so slim.
Siasia should hold on to his job and also help with the U-20, he is good at developing the youths and a good disciplinarian, the guy also wants to better himself; by going to a coaching school.
They should allow him do that, and he will become a better coach.
Having said that, if Amodu needs some advise about some players in the present U-23, he can speak to Siasia, and the latter will let him know how he can get the best out of these players.
I know a lot of people are nervous about Amodu's style of coaching, and the tired legs he refused to drop from the Super Eagles squad, but so far he has 100% record in all the matches we have played so far, we can still allow him do his job, and just offer assistance in the areas needed.
And such assistance will be; inviting more players to the Super Eagles squad and getting the best out of these players.
Amodu should learn how to be the boss; meaning he should not be scared of dropping the players that are not performing well, no matter how big their names are, he needs to earn respect from all his players.
The Verdict....
What do you guys think? I'm sure you have a lot to say about this, drop a line and lets give our verdicts on this issue.
BTW.. England was on fire last night, they won their game against Croatia; Croatia 1 4 England.
Theo Walcott got a hat trick..wonder boy (This guy is going places, I'm sure the gunners are happy). England became the first country to beat Croatia at home..isn't that cool for the English boys?
Glad Capello is doing a good job with the team, it was nice hearing John Terry compare Capello to Mourinho before the game! A manager must earn respect from his players no matter how big the players are. Hope the English boys are back to their winning ways.
I just want to inform you that, I'm working on making this site more interesting, and soon you will be reading a lot of hot gossip about your favourite players (their lives outside the pitch)...yeah!!!
You can always contribute to this site, if you have an article and you want to share with others, why don't you send it to me and I will publish it on this site...
Email address is; daverdict@gmail.com
Stay tuned and see you soon.
The Verdict!
Monday, 8 September 2008
How Super are the Eagles?
One hundred percent record in the first round of the World Cup / African Nations Cup 2010 qualifiers, we need to say kudos to the Super Eagles.
Okay, I'm sure most of you guys saw the match between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles on Saturday, to tell you the truth, I was not impressed with the performance of the SE. Sure, three points, but their overall performance was so poor.
Blame it on the bad pitch, blame it on the motivated Bafana Bafana who needed the game badly to qualify for Angola 2010, blame it on the fact that we were playing an away game.
Amodu said, it doesn't matter how they play, getting results is all that counts. True to a certain extent. But when you play a very good team with such a performance, there is no miracle in getting a positive result.
Guys, don't you think some of the so called big boys in the SE should resign to the bench, if they can't stop inviting them.
We need players that are motivated, and I keep repeating this, we do not need tired legs. What I saw on the pitch on Saturday was a lot of tired legs, living on past glory.
I think it is time for Amodu to step up his game and invite active players to the SE. Osaze should be given a start ahead of Utaka (don't know what is wrong with Utaka's game, both at home and in Club).
Ogbuke and Nsofor should be invited. Also some home based players should be invited.
The Verdict.....
What do you guys think is the way forward for the Super Eagles? We have yet another round of qualifying matches for the World Cup, who should be invited and who should be dropped?
I believe a lot of you have something to say about this, drop a line and lets give our verdicts on this.
BTW..Did anyone watch the Soccer Aid match last night? It was between England and the Rest of the World. It was a football match played to raise money for UNICEF for the less privileged children around the world.
The most amazing thing about this match was seeing some celebrities participate, who would have thought Craig David (the singer) is a good footballer, believe me he played so well, though he missed some chances. Then legends like; Alan Shearer (he scored two goals), Luis Figo, Teddy Sheringham, Stam, former Chelsea defender Graham Le Sau, former Brazil striker Romario,Paolo Di Canio, Jamie Redknapp . Some celebrities that took part are; Craig David, GMTV’s Ben Shephard, Dancing on Ice star Kyran Bracken, Nicky Byrne from boyband Westlife, Sex And The City actor Gilles Marini.
It was really a good game, England won by 4 -3.
I'm happy a lot of people can create time to encourage great things like this.
Was wondering why we didn't have any Nigerian in the squad, Okocha should have been invited.
I wonder when Nigerians can support things like this.
Hope you all had a good weekend!
Stay tuned!
Okay, I'm sure most of you guys saw the match between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles on Saturday, to tell you the truth, I was not impressed with the performance of the SE. Sure, three points, but their overall performance was so poor.
Blame it on the bad pitch, blame it on the motivated Bafana Bafana who needed the game badly to qualify for Angola 2010, blame it on the fact that we were playing an away game.
Amodu said, it doesn't matter how they play, getting results is all that counts. True to a certain extent. But when you play a very good team with such a performance, there is no miracle in getting a positive result.
Guys, don't you think some of the so called big boys in the SE should resign to the bench, if they can't stop inviting them.
We need players that are motivated, and I keep repeating this, we do not need tired legs. What I saw on the pitch on Saturday was a lot of tired legs, living on past glory.
I think it is time for Amodu to step up his game and invite active players to the SE. Osaze should be given a start ahead of Utaka (don't know what is wrong with Utaka's game, both at home and in Club).
Ogbuke and Nsofor should be invited. Also some home based players should be invited.
The Verdict.....
What do you guys think is the way forward for the Super Eagles? We have yet another round of qualifying matches for the World Cup, who should be invited and who should be dropped?
I believe a lot of you have something to say about this, drop a line and lets give our verdicts on this.
BTW..Did anyone watch the Soccer Aid match last night? It was between England and the Rest of the World. It was a football match played to raise money for UNICEF for the less privileged children around the world.
The most amazing thing about this match was seeing some celebrities participate, who would have thought Craig David (the singer) is a good footballer, believe me he played so well, though he missed some chances. Then legends like; Alan Shearer (he scored two goals), Luis Figo, Teddy Sheringham, Stam, former Chelsea defender Graham Le Sau, former Brazil striker Romario,Paolo Di Canio, Jamie Redknapp . Some celebrities that took part are; Craig David, GMTV’s Ben Shephard, Dancing on Ice star Kyran Bracken, Nicky Byrne from boyband Westlife, Sex And The City actor Gilles Marini.
It was really a good game, England won by 4 -3.
I'm happy a lot of people can create time to encourage great things like this.
Was wondering why we didn't have any Nigerian in the squad, Okocha should have been invited.
I wonder when Nigerians can support things like this.
Hope you all had a good weekend!
Stay tuned!
Thursday, 4 September 2008
War of the tongue....
In what seems a pre-match war of words, Nigeria and South Africa were at each other's throats, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) accusing officials of the former apartheid enclave of using underhand tactics in their quest to defeat the Super Eagles.
The Eagles will play a 2010 World/Africa Nations Cup qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Eagles' Media Coordinator, Peterside Idah, threw the first punch on Tuesday when he accused South Africa Football Association (SAFA) of ill-treating Nigerian players on arrival at the Johannesburg Airport.
A report in a local website quotes Idah as alleging that Nigerian players were detained at the airport for two hours, adding that it was a ploy to frustrate the team. According to him, "Out of 14 that arrived, only three were let through immigration. The rest were held back because they did not have return tickets and we wondered why they did that.
"There was no member of SAFA there but one Nigerian, who works with our embassy, a certain Amokachie, did his best to ensure that our players got through immigration. For me, I thought since they all had e-tickets, then immigration had no reason to insist on return, but they refused."
The Verdict....
C'mon, I think this is absolutely waste of words, please someone tell me what they are fighting over? Delay of players by the immigration officers? Was wondering if they were harassed or insulted?
The trading of words is totally uncalled for, and I think Raymond Hack (CEO SAFA), should have just apologised and saved us all this trouble. The comments from Nigerians and South Africans are so humiliating, not football related anymore but it shows a lot of hatred.
For me, I think both sides are wrong. Internationally speaking, all countries have their own rules and regulations concerning immigration, and I don't think people should feel offended by this. Asking for a return ticket isn't rude; but knowing the players are only in the country for few days and they will leave after the game and they can also prove this, they should be allowed in the country without hitches. SAFA should have apologised when Nigerians showed their discomfort about such treatment.
This brings me back to management; we should not be caught in such an embarrassing situation. NFF should have provided every player with his return ticket and those that got the ticket themselves, they should have gotten a return ticket. Sometimes, we can avoid some situations like this just by doing the right thing.
Our focus should be on the match we are yet to play, I think all these are just side attractions. But it is quite funny and at the same time demeaning to read some awful comments coming from citizens of both countries. In football we speak the same language. I rest my case.
So, what's your take on this? Drop a line...
See you soon.
The Eagles will play a 2010 World/Africa Nations Cup qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Eagles' Media Coordinator, Peterside Idah, threw the first punch on Tuesday when he accused South Africa Football Association (SAFA) of ill-treating Nigerian players on arrival at the Johannesburg Airport.
A report in a local website quotes Idah as alleging that Nigerian players were detained at the airport for two hours, adding that it was a ploy to frustrate the team. According to him, "Out of 14 that arrived, only three were let through immigration. The rest were held back because they did not have return tickets and we wondered why they did that.
"There was no member of SAFA there but one Nigerian, who works with our embassy, a certain Amokachie, did his best to ensure that our players got through immigration. For me, I thought since they all had e-tickets, then immigration had no reason to insist on return, but they refused."
The Verdict....
C'mon, I think this is absolutely waste of words, please someone tell me what they are fighting over? Delay of players by the immigration officers? Was wondering if they were harassed or insulted?
The trading of words is totally uncalled for, and I think Raymond Hack (CEO SAFA), should have just apologised and saved us all this trouble. The comments from Nigerians and South Africans are so humiliating, not football related anymore but it shows a lot of hatred.
For me, I think both sides are wrong. Internationally speaking, all countries have their own rules and regulations concerning immigration, and I don't think people should feel offended by this. Asking for a return ticket isn't rude; but knowing the players are only in the country for few days and they will leave after the game and they can also prove this, they should be allowed in the country without hitches. SAFA should have apologised when Nigerians showed their discomfort about such treatment.
This brings me back to management; we should not be caught in such an embarrassing situation. NFF should have provided every player with his return ticket and those that got the ticket themselves, they should have gotten a return ticket. Sometimes, we can avoid some situations like this just by doing the right thing.
Our focus should be on the match we are yet to play, I think all these are just side attractions. But it is quite funny and at the same time demeaning to read some awful comments coming from citizens of both countries. In football we speak the same language. I rest my case.
So, what's your take on this? Drop a line...
See you soon.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Bafana Bafana V Super Eagles Preview....
Super Eagles’ camp in South Africa has come to life with the arrival of 15 players, ahead of Saturday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Team Secretary Dayo Enebi stayed behind in South Africa’s economic capital, Johannesburg to receive the players, who began flying into the Rainbow Nation on Tuesday morning.
Already in South Africa are Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Christian Obodo, Ikechukwu Uche and Chidi Odiah. There are also goalkeepers Bamidele Aiyenugba and Greg Etafia, defenders Taye Taiwo, Obinna Nwaneri and Yusuf Mohammed, midfielders Haruna Lukman, Kalu Uche, Daniel Ola and Seyi Olofinjana, and strikers John Utaka and Joseph Akpala.
The duo of Danny Shittu and Yusuf Ayila have given word they will fly into South Africa today.
Players that backed out due to injuries are, Obafemi Martins, Mikel Obi, Kanu Nwankwo and Joseph Yobo.Nigeria tackles South Africa at the Telkom Park, Port Elizabeth, starting from 3pm local time (2pm Nigeria time) on Saturday.
The Verdict....
What do you all think about the Super Eagles line up? Do you think we have the right players for this game? Do you think some players deserve to be in this squad?
Lets have your Verdict on this, and also who do you think will win this game?
For me, I'm not feeling this line up at all! I think it is time for Amodu to start thinking of a good replacement for Kanu, don't get me wrong, Kanu is a good player, but age is not on his side and he is getting weaker. We need to build a team for the World Cup 2010, not just a bunch of tired legs or out of form players, we need a team that can beat Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France and other countries without a problem.
The earlier we get it right, the better for us. We know some players are out of form, we do not blame them, but we need players that are at their peak.
I want to believe Amodu chose to leave the likes of Osaze out of this game, because they only just got back from the Olympic outing and they need a bit of rest.
Chinedu Obasi and Obinna Nsofor should be called to this team, we need them. I also know few home based players should be invited. What we need ahead of 2010 is a competitive squad. Best starting 11 and best reserve. We do not need out of form even on reserve, we need a strong squad, a squad like the Super Eagles that represented us in USA 94.
Another thing we should watch out for in this game is, "the act of bribery". I believe South Africans will try all they can, on and off the pitch to win this game. We need to beg our officials, NFF and the whole crew not to sell this match to the South Africans, because if we do, we will always regret it. Apart from our FIFA ranking going down, how are we sure, the decision wont haunt us in the remaining qualifiers.
Drop a line, lets discuss this together.
See you soon.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Transfer Window Officially Closed.....
Wow....there was a lot of drama this season, especially as the transfer market hit the deadline last night.Transfer Deadline Day always throws up an intriguing mix of thrills and spills, with this year proving to be no different.
As at last night, I totally believed Robinho will be a Chelsea player this morning, but alas it was a great surprise and shock to see Man City snatch this player under Chelsea's nose, what an insult..ha ha.Manchester City actually broke the British transfer record to snatch Brazil international Robinho for £32.4million...wow! I have to start playing football, it's never too late! Enough money!
Do you know, Chelsea on their website last week advertised a jersey for Robinho before it was withdrawn, they were so confident they will get him! How did Man City manage to get this player....I see "bad belles" at work. Chelsea fans, don't worry, you have a lot of good players, maybe next season you can steal Robinho from Man City, but for now, he is officially a Man City player.
After a long drama with Berbatov refusing to play for Spurs in their last game (or was it the manager that dropped him), Man Utd has finally signed him. So more power to the strike force of the Red Devils.
Tottenham received over £30million for the Bulgarian hit-man, of which over £20million had already been spent on Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Croatian full-back Vedran Corluka.Liverpool enhanced their creative options with the signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol, while city rivals Everton broke their transfer record, again, to bring in Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The Toffees also snapped up Louis Saha from Manchester United and Wigan's back-up keeper Carlo Nash.Plenty of action in the North East saw Newcastle take striker Xisco on a five-year deal from Primera Liga side Deportivo La Coruna and Sunderland resigned George McCartney from West Ham.It was Stoke, though, who proved to be the busiest in the market as they brought defender Danny Higginbotham back from Sunderland, young midfielder Tom Soares moved from Crystal Palace for £1.25million and Michael Tonge arrived from Sheffield United in a £2million deal.
Do you know....Fulham signed about 12 players this season and one of them is our very own; Dickson Etuhu. I hope they do something right this season.And did I mention, SWP (Shaun Wright Phillip) is back to Man City, he was bought from Chelsea, Man City sold him to Chelsea...ha ha (I'm sure Chelsea are beating themselves, they wouldn't have sold SWP if they knew Robinho's deal will fall through..hardluck Blues).
To round off the gist about the transfer market...
Do you know ...Hertha Berlin striker Solomon Okoronkwo has joined Russian outfit Saturn Ramenskoye.
I also heard his team mate in the just completed Olympics Sani Kaita has moved to Monaco.
All the best to these lads!
The Verdict.....
Who do you think had the best buy? Who will be a flop? Who made the wrong choice?
Lets hear your verdict!
I will want to say a big thank you to TIMAYA! Thank you for your encouragement and pass this link to your friends!
Hope you enjoyed it!
See you soon
As at last night, I totally believed Robinho will be a Chelsea player this morning, but alas it was a great surprise and shock to see Man City snatch this player under Chelsea's nose, what an insult..ha ha.Manchester City actually broke the British transfer record to snatch Brazil international Robinho for £32.4million...wow! I have to start playing football, it's never too late! Enough money!
Do you know, Chelsea on their website last week advertised a jersey for Robinho before it was withdrawn, they were so confident they will get him! How did Man City manage to get this player....I see "bad belles" at work. Chelsea fans, don't worry, you have a lot of good players, maybe next season you can steal Robinho from Man City, but for now, he is officially a Man City player.
After a long drama with Berbatov refusing to play for Spurs in their last game (or was it the manager that dropped him), Man Utd has finally signed him. So more power to the strike force of the Red Devils.
Tottenham received over £30million for the Bulgarian hit-man, of which over £20million had already been spent on Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Croatian full-back Vedran Corluka.Liverpool enhanced their creative options with the signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol, while city rivals Everton broke their transfer record, again, to bring in Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The Toffees also snapped up Louis Saha from Manchester United and Wigan's back-up keeper Carlo Nash.Plenty of action in the North East saw Newcastle take striker Xisco on a five-year deal from Primera Liga side Deportivo La Coruna and Sunderland resigned George McCartney from West Ham.It was Stoke, though, who proved to be the busiest in the market as they brought defender Danny Higginbotham back from Sunderland, young midfielder Tom Soares moved from Crystal Palace for £1.25million and Michael Tonge arrived from Sheffield United in a £2million deal.
Do you know....Fulham signed about 12 players this season and one of them is our very own; Dickson Etuhu. I hope they do something right this season.And did I mention, SWP (Shaun Wright Phillip) is back to Man City, he was bought from Chelsea, Man City sold him to Chelsea...ha ha (I'm sure Chelsea are beating themselves, they wouldn't have sold SWP if they knew Robinho's deal will fall through..hardluck Blues).
To round off the gist about the transfer market...
Do you know ...Hertha Berlin striker Solomon Okoronkwo has joined Russian outfit Saturn Ramenskoye.
I also heard his team mate in the just completed Olympics Sani Kaita has moved to Monaco.
All the best to these lads!
The Verdict.....
Who do you think had the best buy? Who will be a flop? Who made the wrong choice?
Lets hear your verdict!
I will want to say a big thank you to TIMAYA! Thank you for your encouragement and pass this link to your friends!
Hope you enjoyed it!
See you soon
Obinna Nsofor still Inter Milan Player....
Nsofor will not be playing in the EPL this season. He was expected to join Everton on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent move next summer from Inter Milan.It is believed that it is an issue with regards to a work permit that has scuppered the deal, with the 21-year-old publicly declaring his interest in joining the Merseyside club recently.
Moyes attended an appeal hearing in London which confirmed the 21-year-old would not be given the green light to play in England as he hasn't played in 75 percent of Nigeria's matches over the last two years.
Good luck to Nsofor, Inter is a great team and believe me, Jose Mourinho will do a very good job on him to make him a better player and he is sure to win silverwares with the Seria A champion.
The Verdict...
What do you guys think of the Home Office decision to deny this young lad a work permit even after an appeal? Is it fair to say a non EU player must have played 75% of his country's matches before being granted a work permit in the UK?
Obinna represented Nigeria in the u-20 World Youth Championship, he also played with the Super Eagles in the African Nations Cup 2006 and was a member of the Nigeria u-23 Olympic team that won the Silver medal, scoring 3 goals in that tournament. Even with this impressive CV at 21, the home office still denied him a work permit.
What's your verdict on this?
See you soon.
Moyes attended an appeal hearing in London which confirmed the 21-year-old would not be given the green light to play in England as he hasn't played in 75 percent of Nigeria's matches over the last two years.
Good luck to Nsofor, Inter is a great team and believe me, Jose Mourinho will do a very good job on him to make him a better player and he is sure to win silverwares with the Seria A champion.
The Verdict...
What do you guys think of the Home Office decision to deny this young lad a work permit even after an appeal? Is it fair to say a non EU player must have played 75% of his country's matches before being granted a work permit in the UK?
Obinna represented Nigeria in the u-20 World Youth Championship, he also played with the Super Eagles in the African Nations Cup 2006 and was a member of the Nigeria u-23 Olympic team that won the Silver medal, scoring 3 goals in that tournament. Even with this impressive CV at 21, the home office still denied him a work permit.
What's your verdict on this?
See you soon.
Monday, 1 September 2008
Weekend Review....
Hope y'all had a very good weekend. I had a good one watching a lot of football.
Enyimba of Aba lost their game over the weekend; they played TP Mazembe in Sunday's CAF Champions League and they were down by 3 goals. Hard luck for Enyimba, they missed most of their key players in that game.
A review of the matches played in the EPL over the weekend;
Everton 0 3 Portsmouth (Our own Yakubu lost a penalty in that game)
Chelsea 1 1 Spurs (Chelsea 100% record came to an end, but they are still at the top of the table)
Liverpool 0 0 Villa
Arsenal 3 0 Newcastle (Obafemi Martins still out due to injury)
Man City 3 0 Sunderland (Shaun Wright Phillip is back to Man City, he scored a brace in that game, what a way to say "I'm back")
Hull 0 5 Wigan (Wake up call for the newly promoted Club)
West Ham 4 1 Blackburn
Stoke 1 2 Middlesbrough
West Brom 0 0 Bolton
Only ninth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game less than their rivals, sit outside the elite spots as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal begin their campaigns well.
Tell me what you think about the weekend review.
Remember you can send me an article to publish.
See you soon.
Enyimba of Aba lost their game over the weekend; they played TP Mazembe in Sunday's CAF Champions League and they were down by 3 goals. Hard luck for Enyimba, they missed most of their key players in that game.
A review of the matches played in the EPL over the weekend;
Everton 0 3 Portsmouth (Our own Yakubu lost a penalty in that game)
Chelsea 1 1 Spurs (Chelsea 100% record came to an end, but they are still at the top of the table)
Liverpool 0 0 Villa
Arsenal 3 0 Newcastle (Obafemi Martins still out due to injury)
Man City 3 0 Sunderland (Shaun Wright Phillip is back to Man City, he scored a brace in that game, what a way to say "I'm back")
Hull 0 5 Wigan (Wake up call for the newly promoted Club)
West Ham 4 1 Blackburn
Stoke 1 2 Middlesbrough
West Brom 0 0 Bolton
Only ninth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game less than their rivals, sit outside the elite spots as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal begin their campaigns well.
Tell me what you think about the weekend review.
Remember you can send me an article to publish.
See you soon.
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