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Tag: Brazil

  • Super Eagles under pressure to play Brazil – Kanu

    Super Eagles under pressure to play Brazil – Kanu

    Former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo said the Nigeria national team are under pressure to give a good performance when they meet Brazil for their much talked about match in Singapore.

    The five time World Champions and the three time African Champions will renew their rivalry at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallang, three days after the Selecao had trade tackles with Senegal.

    Kanu who stars in Nigeria’s 4-3 famous victory over in Brazilians back in 1996, Atlanta Olympic games , opined that Nigerian football fans want to see the Gernot Rohr’s squad give the Brazilians a good run for their money.

    “There is a lot of pressure because everybody loves football, they don’t want to hear that Nigeria went to a game and lost.”

    “I don’t think people will really appreciate the boys if they lost in a friendly game, that’s how it is here. The boys have to take it on board and ensure that every game they play, they have to do well.”

    The two time African footballer of the year also advised Rohr and his boys to take the game to the Brazilians and give a world cup final performance, because of the rivalry that exists between both sides.

    “Playing against Brazil will show the level of football they are playing and where they are, and if they can beat Brazil, the confidence and belief of the boys will grow.”

    “And for me, it’s always tough when Nigeria and Brazil play each other, whoever will represent us should know it’s not a friendly game.” He concluded.

  • Chuckwueze speaks ahead of Nigeria, Brazil friendly match

    Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has predicted that the upcoming friendly game between the Super Eagles and the Selecao of Brazil will be a very close contest.

    Nigeria and Brazil will be meeting for the first since 2003 in Abuja and this time it will be in far Asian Country of Singapore.

    The game is scheduled for October 13th , three days after the five time world Champions clash with Nigeria’s neighbour Senegal.

    Chuckwueze who will be part of the Nigerian squad for game, Sai the Africans will approach the game with all seriousness, due to rivalry between both countries.

    “That’s a big game (between Nigeria and Brazil) to look forward to in Singapore and I think it’s going to be a tough match,”

    “I don’t know how it’s going to be but I’m confident we are going to make our country proud because everybody is going to look up to this game,”

    The Villarreal youngster added that the unity and empathy within the three time African Champions squad will help the team in the tough contest.

    “It’s going to be a tough game but everybody would see what we are made of when we play against Brazil. I believe this set of Super Eagles is very good; it’s not just that we are good but we are committed.

    “We have the fighting spirit to do everything possible to remain one of the best teams in the world and I think we are going to do well against Brazil,”

  • Nigeria/Brazil friendly: Rohr hands Solomon-Otabor late call-up

    Nigeria/Brazil friendly: Rohr hands Solomon-Otabor late call-up

    CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria winger Viv Efosa Solomon-Otabor has been handed a late call-up by Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr for the friendly against Brazil.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three –time African champions Super Eagles will play five-times world champions Brazil at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallangin on Oct. 13.

    A tweet on the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF’s) official handle on Sunday night said Solomon-Otabor has been called-up by Rohr
    as replacement for the injured Samuel Kalu.

    It is the first time Solomon-Otabor has been invited to the Super Eagles.

    “Viv Efosa Solomon-Otabor of PFC CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria,has been called up by Coach Gernot Rohr to replace injured Bordeaux winger, Samuel Kalu,for the Oct. 13 friendly against Brazil in Singapore,” the NFF tweeted.

    Kalu picked up an injury in training with his French club, Bordeaux, and missed Saturday’s 3-1 away loss at Toulouse as result of the setback.

    Solomon-Otabor, 23, has featured in seven league games for CSKA Sofia this season.

    NAN also reports that Rohr had named Tyronne Ebuehi as replacement for Leganes of Spain defender, Kenneth Omeruo on Saturday.

  • Jansen Foo to officiate Nigeria, Brazil friendly

    Jansen Foo to officiate Nigeria, Brazil friendly

    Singaporean Jansen Foo has been appointed as referee for the prestigious international friendly match between Nigeria and Brazil billed for Singapore on Oct. 13.

    The spokesman of the Nigerian Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, said in a statement on Wednesday that Foo would be assisted by his compatriots, Abdul Hannan (assistant referee 1), Ong Chai Lee (assistant referee 2) and G. Letchman (fourth official).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match would hold at Singapore National Stadium, Kallang, from 8pm Singapore time.

    It is the first clash between the A teams of both countries since five –time world champions Brazil trashed the Super Eagles 3-0 in a friendly game at the National Stadium, Abuja, in June 2003.

  • Rohr names Super Eagles captain for Brazil friendly

    Rohr names Super Eagles captain for Brazil friendly

    Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed that William Troost-Ekong will captain the Super Eagles when they file out against Brazil in a friendly to be played at the National Stadium in Singapore on October 13.

    The team’s captain Ahmed Musa has been omitted from the latest roster because he’s still recovering from injury.

    Troost-Ekong, who made his international debut in 2015, previously wore the captain’s armband in matches against Poland, Egypt and the most recent game with Ukraine.

    In terms of international experience and national team caps, CD Leganes central defender Kenneth Omeruo leads the way having played 52 games since his senior debut in 2013, while goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa is the oldest player at 30.

    Asked what his next tasks would be, Rohr told Mannheimer Morgan, ”We have rejuvenated the team further, the average age is now 23 years. Captain William Troost-Ekong is our oldest player at the age of 26.

    ”On October 13 we have a friendly against Brazil in Singapore. This will be followed by two qualifiers for the Africa Cup 2021 on 11 November against Benin and on 19 November in Lesotho.”

  • Brazil friendly will be good test for Super Eagles – Minister

    Brazil friendly will be good test for Super Eagles – Minister

    Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, on Saturday in Abuja said the upcoming friendly game between Nigeria and Brazil would expose the Super Eagles’ strengths and weaknesses.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three-times African champions Super Eagles will take on Brazil at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang on Oct. 13.

    This is coming 23 years after Nigeria, on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal, spanked the Selecao 4-3 after extra-time.

    This was in the semi-finals at the Athens Stadium in the State of Georgia, U.S.

    Dare said that even though the Oct. 13 game was a friendly, there was a lot at stake for both countries, describing it as a good test for the Super Eagles.

    “The game in Singapore is a friendly, but also it is a friendly that we think will test our boys and we will see how prepared they are.

    “It will also show our strong departments and areas where we are weak, so, we look forward to a very engaging and interesting game.

    “We all know that Brazil is reputed to be a footballing nation and Nigeria is also one. We have ego at play even though it’s a friendly, but we have two great footballing nations playing a friendly and we hope Nigeria will excel.

    “I am not one that predicts matches, but I hope our boys will play excellently well because we have got talents on that team and I know they will show what they have got on the day,” he said.

    Dare also said the Buhari administration was committed to ensuring an all-round development of sports, adding that the Sports Ministry was ready to work with all the federations in the country.

    “Let me also say, like I used to say, that I have brought to sports development in this country a fresh insight, an injection of a new dynamism in sports administration.

    “In the past, there were distractions. But we will not be distracted, our eyes are set at the tip of the spear, we have a template and we will follow our plans.

    “Also, we will go by the rule of law and also work with all federations, so long as the leadership is recognised by law.

    “At that point, we owe it to Nigerians to work with them to such a point where we can develop every sports activity in our country the way they should be and put them in the right perspective,” the minister said.

  • Super Eagles coach Rohr selects team to face Brazil [See List]

    Super Eagles coach Rohr selects team to face Brazil [See List]

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has invited midfielder Ramon Azeez and forward Peter Olayinka into Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the Oct. 13 friendly with five-times world champions Brazil in Singapore on Sunday.

    Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), disclosed in a statement on Thursday that Rohr is also having defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem back from injury.

    “Otherwise, the squad is largely unchanged from the side that was forced to a 2-2 draw by Ukraine in Dnipro on Sept. 10,’’ he said.

    Olajire said goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Maduka Okoye were also retained in the squad.

    “But England-based Leon Balogun and Russia-based Bryan Idowu are however left out of those called up for the defence.’’

    The NFF spokesman said Azeez, a former under-20 national team captain now with Spanish La Liga side Granada was called up just as English side Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho was left out.

    “Girondins Bordeaux’s Joshua Maja will sit this one out, with his place taken by another new boy, Olayinka,’’ he said.

    Olajire disclosed further that England-based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi also returns after missing the Ukraine encounter with injury.

    “Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Scotland-based Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, who scored on his debut against Ukraine, are all back in midfield, with Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu and Emmanuel Dennis all back in the frontline.

    “Substantive captain Ahmed Musa is still down with injury,’’ he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all invited players are expected to arrive in Singapore on Oct. 9.

    Nigeria and Brazil will face each other at the Singapore National Stadium at Kallang in Singapore on Oct. 13.

    The clash is coming 23 years after Nigeria, on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal, spanked Brazil 4-3 after extra time in the Atlanta Games’ semi-finals.

    The match was played at the Athens Stadium in the State of Georgia, U.S.

    THE INVITED PLAYERS

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)

    Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Anderson Esiti (PAOK Salonica, Greece); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

    Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Ronaldinho named Brazil tourism ambassador

    Barcelona legend, Ronaldinho has been appointed as Brazil’s new ambassador for tourism, according to the Daily Mail.

    “Tourism is very important for generating jobs and regaining our image internationally,” Ronaldinho said at his unveiling on Thursday.

    Ronaldinho was praised by the Brazilian Institute of Tourism’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Osvaldo Matos de Melo Junior.

    “You take the case of Ronaldinho, a person who has almost 100million followers in his networks and voluntarily helps us at no cost for patriotism. This attitude is invaluable,” Osvaldo said.

    “Just by issuing a visa to countries like the United States and Canada, we have already had over 200 per cent increase in demand for our country. We will increasingly invest, even in intelligence, to achieve our goals.”

    Ronaldinho won many honours during his glittering career with Fluminense, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan including a World Cup with Brazil in 2002, the Ballon d’Or in 2005, and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2005-06.

    The 39-year-old officially announced his retirement from football in 2018.

  • Host Brazil beat Peru 3-1 to win Copa America

    Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus made one goal, scored another and was sent off in the second half as they beat Peru 3-1 on Sunday to win the Copa America.
    Brazil won the trophy for the ninth time in a pulsating contest at the Maracana stadium.
    The hosts took the lead against the run of play after 15 minutes.
    Gabriel Jesus bamboozled two defenders on the right flank and crossed for the unmarked Everton to fire home from close range.
    Peru equalised a minute before halftime when Paolo Guerrero scored from the penalty spot after Thiago Silva was adjudged to have handled the ball.
    Jesus however restored their lead just moments later to put the home side 2-1 up at the break.
    Peru pushed for a second goal, particularly after Jesus was sent off for a second yellow card in the 70th minute.
    But it was Brazil who sealed the win in the final minute when substitute Richarlison converted a penalty kick.
    It was Brazil’s first major title since they won the Copa America in 2007 and the first for coach Tite, who took charge three years ago.

  • Messi fumes after Copa America defeat to Brazil

    Messi fumes after Copa America defeat to Brazil

    Lionel Messi accused Copa America officials of favouring hosts Brazil after Argentina’s hopes were ended in Belo Horizonte.
    Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino handed the Selecao a place in Sunday’s final with a 2-0 win over their most bitter rivals in Wednesday night’s semi-final.
    Argentina had chances themselves, with Messi and Sergio Aguero both striking the woodwork, and were arguably the better side throughout the 90 minutes.
    However, it was the officials who drew the ire of Messi after the game with the Barcelona superstar scathing in his assessment of referee Roddy Zambrano and the Video Assistant Referee.
    Messi had approached the officiating team at full-time for a frank exchange of views.
    Messi was furious at a decision not to award Aguero a penalty after he appeared to be cleaned out when running through on goal shortly before Firmino doubled the hosts’ advantage.
    The challenge on Aguero wasn’t even looked at by VAR, something which – given the use of VAR at the tournament – left Messi enraged.
    He fumed: “They were not better than us. They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty [to Aguero] they didn’t award,” Messi told reporters.
    “They [the officials] had called a lot of bulls**t, but they didn’t even check the VAR, that’s unbelievable.
    “That happened all over the game. At the first glance of contact, they ruled in their [Brazil’s] favour and this kind of bulls**t distracted us from the game.”