Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has not erred by making a donation to encourage the Super Eagles in the ongoing AFCON in Egypt.
APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe in a statement on Tuesday, said that Sanwo-Olu had been known for charitable works even before joining the governorship race.
Igbokwe was reacting to reports that residents were complaining about Sanwo-Olu’s donation to Super Eagles after defeating Cameroon in the knockout stage.
He said he had read that some Lagos residents were not happy because Sanwo-Olu donated N41million to the Super Eagles after beating Cameroun 3-2 in the ongoing AFCON in Egypt.
“They said the money could have been used to solve the challenges confronting the State, especially in fixing some roads, renovating of schools and equipping security officials.
“Some even said he is giving money to players who are as rich as him or even richer.
“Lagos APC will not join issues with Lagosians who complained about this donation because Sanwo-Olu holds Lagos in trust for more than 20 million Lagosians.
“Sanwo- Olu is entitled to do what he did to encourage the Super Eagles who just beat the defending champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun, whether they are rich or not,” Igbokwe said.
According to him, the step is normal, as the governor is not a poor man by any standards in Nigeria.
Igbokwe said that Sanwo-Olu was one of the delegates picked by President Muhammadu Buhari to travel to Egypt to raise the morale of the national team.
He said that the governor had to encourage and motivate the Eagles and had to play the politics of football “because football is now big politics.”
Igbokwe said: “With every sense of humility, let it be known that Governor Sanwo- Olu is endowed to do the needful when the need arises as a leader.
“Personally, he has been deeply involved in charity works, though quietly, in Lagos, even before he joined the governorship race in Lagos.
“He understands the problems of Lagos and he understands he was elected to add value to Lagos.
“No one single governor can solve all the problems of Lagos in one term or two terms, otherwise Sir Mobolaji Johnson or Lateef Jakande would have solved all the problems of Lagos more than 30years ago,” he said.
Tag: Super Eagles
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2019 AFCON: APC reacts to Sanwo-Olu’s donation to Super Eagles
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2019 AFCON: Super Eagles will face tricky, tougher tie against Bafana Bafana
The former Technical Director, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Olatunde Disu OFR, on Monday warned that the Super Eagles would face a tricky and a tougher encounter against the Bafana Bafana in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Disu gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on his reflection about the crunchy and grudge match against the South African side.
NAN reports that the Gernot Rohr tutored-side will on Wednesday face the Stuart Baxter-side in the quarter-finals duel in Cairo.
The Bafana Bafana got a 1-0 surprised win over the host Pharaohs of Egypt in the round of 16
While the Super Eagles got the quarter-finals through a 3-2 win over their eternal rivals, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt.
It is on record that the Super Eagles had failed to beat Bafana Bafana in during the qualifiers as the first meeting at the Nest of Champions in Uyo went the way of the Baxter side.
Tekelo Rantie and Percy Paul goals condemned Nigeria to defeat while the return leg in South Africa ended one goal at piece.
Disu, a former Green Eagles Assistant Coach, said that the Bafana Bafana now know the Eagles pattern of play better than before, adding that the team should brace up for tougher challenge.
“The Eagles must not be careless against this South Africans because they now know us better than before. We need to play with caution because they can outwit us.
“We should remember that they defeated us right here in Nigeria and we also failed to defeat them in South Africa that should mean something to us.
“I am not saying that the Eagles cannot beat them, no, we have a stronger team to beat them, but technically we must not rely on that, we should play better than them.
“The Eagles are better now, with what they have displayed so far in AFCON, not minding the Madagascar debacle, they are at their best,’’ he said.
Disu said the technical crew should look into the goalkeeping department, adding that the current first choice goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi could be suspect.
“Technically, I may not be supporting the idea of putting Akpeyi in between the sticks because the South Africans knows him better, he plays in their league.
“Akpeyi remains a suspect in goal for the Eagles because he sometimes fumbles with the balls which resulted in our first defeat in the hands of the Bafana Bafana during the qualifiers.
“The goalkeeping area remains an issue because the South Africans can shoot from outside the box because they understand our keeper very well, he himself may be too cautious against them,’’ he said.
Disu also said that he preferred Kenneth Omeruo to be in the heart of the defence with the pairing of Troost Ekong or Leon Balogun.
“I will prefer Omeruo to be at the heart of the defence because he is strong and has a lot of tackles won, maybe anyone between Ekong or Balogun can pair him.
“So far so good, the Eagles have showed character in this AFCON, but they should not be careless, they have good ball distribution and well organised defence.
“I will want them to attack more instead of defending; they need to play to attack the South Africans because they make use of the middle while the Eagles play from the flanks.
“They should also be more disciplined to win the AFCON which is within distance, they can win the competition,’’ he said. -
2019 AFCON: Buhari salutes Super Eagles for beating Cameroon
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for making progress in the ongoing African Cup of Nations 2019 in Egypt, after a delightful win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday, Buhari acknowledged the hardwork, team spirit and sportsmanship the Eagles had exhibited in the tournament.
The president said such virtues were good signs for a team destined to excel, but added however, that there were more hurdles to scale before lifting the trophy.
He urged the team and their handlers to remain focused and determined and assured them of the fervent prayers and support of all Nigerians.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria ousted holders and bitter rivals Cameroon from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as they scored twice in three minutes to come from behind to win a thrilling last-16 match 3-2 on Saturday.
Odion Ighalo gave Nigeria a 19th-minute lead but Cameroon hit back with two goals in quick succession before halftime from Stephane Bahoken and Clinton Njie to take a 2-1 lead.
Ighalo levelled again for Nigeria in the 63rd minute amid suspicions of offside before Alex Iwobi snatched the winner for the jubilant Super Eagles three minutes later.
The win earned Nigeria a quarter-final against hosts Egypt or South Africa who play later on Saturday. -
Nigeria v Cameroon: Battle of wingless Eagles and clawless Lions
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on defending champions Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in one of the Round of 16 matches on Saturday at the ongoing 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
The game which sees the five-time champions take on three-times champions Nigeria in the scorching heat of Alexandria can best be described as a battle of wingless Eagles facing clawless Lions.
Such a description cannot be faulted, especially as the Super Eagles have not been “super’’ at the competition so far, even when they were winning against Burundi and Cameroon.
Equally, the Lions have looked very less likely to dominate, even appearing vulnerable as they struggled against Benin Republic and Ghana.
However, it is the expectation of many Nigeria football fans that the Eagles will show their true self and go on to devour the clawless Lions.
Of course, they will not forget in a hurry how Cameroon defeated Nigeria in the final of the AFCON in 1984, 1988 and 2000.
But more painful was that agonising penalty shoot-out loss in front of home fans at the National Stadium in Lagos on Feb. 13, 2000.
However, most recently and in the 2018 FIFA World Cup African qualifying series, the Super Eagles thrashed the Lions 4-0 in Uyo and were forced to a 1-1 draw in Yaounde.
Beyond this and the bragging rights, the Super Eagles are expected to pick themselves up from Sunday’s embarrassing loss to debutants Madagascar and go all out for victory.
Now is time for Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr, who has been criticised for not having a consistent line -up at the competition, to take some hard decisions and change tactics to win the game.
Team captain Mikel Obi who had a knock in the last game will surely miss the game, with Alex Iwobi replacing him.
Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo should be part of the starting line-up to complete the diamond defensive shield in the midfield.
The Super Eagles have always thrived on fast movements from the wings, with effective ability to convert defence to attack through the channels.
Ex-international Mutiu Adepoju told NAN, while previewing the match, that Nigeria must change tactics and improve on its transition from midfield to attack.
He said this was necessary to break down the stubborn Cameroon defence which has not conceded in the tournament.
“In our next match, we need to do better in our transitional play. We must move the ball faster from defence to midfield and attack.
“We need to have the ability to surprise our opponents and not to be very predictable,” Adepoju said.
With this said, South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi is expected to return to goal while Kenneth Omeruo who has been outstanding should also return to partner William Troost-Ekong in central defence.
Ahmed Musa, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu or Henry Onyekuru will be expected to use their pace and trickery on the flanks.
Such is needed to supply Odion Igahlo with the finish the Eagles need to break down the rugged Cameroonian defence.
But one important ingredient to success is timely and apt substitutions, and that is one major attribute which distinguishes a good tactician.
This is in his ability to read the game and make effective substitutions when things are not going right in the game, and Rohr must therefore up the ante in this regard.
Bitrus Bewarang, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has nonetheless praised the coach for his substitutions in the first game against Burundi.
But he also called for more effective changes, especially in the competition’s knockout stage.
On the other hand, the Indomitable Lions have failed to impress in the defence of their AFCON title so far with just one victory from three matches.
Clarence Seedorf’s men failed to win or score in their last two fixtures but have a very resolute defence that has not conceded so far in the tournament.
Team captain Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has had a disappointing outing in Egypt so far, failing to find the net after three appearances.
But the striker is still expected to start in attack alongside Karl Toko Ekambi, who is also seeking his first goal in the competition.
While this makes the Indomitable Lions to appear unpredictable, Nigerians will be hoping that Rohr will get his starting line -up right.
He will be expected to effect the necessary substitutions immediately things are not going according to plan, so as to scale the Indomitable Lions’ hurdle and give Nigerians victory on Saturday. -
2019 AFCON: Field your best players, Fuludu urges Rohr
Nigeria’s ex-international, Edema Fuludu, on Tuesday advised the Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, to field his best players at the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16.
Fuludu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He said fielding the best players is the only way to get the desired result.
NAN reports that the team suffered a 0-2 defeat in the hands of the Barea of Madagascar, in Sunday’s final Group B match in Alexandria, Egypt.
“Truth be told that was a very painful defeat; it’s hard to come to terms with that defeat.
“Again, that’s football; you lose some, you win some, some are just so painful.
“I believe we have good players but I need the coach to play the best players out of the quality players that we have.
“We need to always secure our win,’’ Fuludu said.
According to him, quality players should always kick-start the match to get the result and we can then make substitutions if necessary.
“This defeat was so uncalled for; the margin at which we were defeated is daunting,’’ he said.
Nigeria, as runners-up in Group B with six points behind Madagascar on seven, will now play against the second-placed team in Group F which comprises Cameroon, Ghana, Benin Republic and Equatorial Guinea. -
Buhari shocked over non-payment of allowances to Super Eagles – Lalong
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Monday disclosed President Muhammadu Buhari was shocked by the alleged non-payment of allowances to the Super Eagles players in the ongoing African Cup of Nations football competition in Egypt.
He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, Buhari had approved the allowances before commencement of the tournament.
He said: “I came to see the President on behalf my state and on behalf of the 19 northern states as chairman of Northern governors’ forum.
“I came in to have a discussion with Mr. President, of course many of you know that I just came back from Egypt where we went to cheer our Super Eagles and I also brought him the concerns of our players over there and he promised to handle the matter immediately.
“Because football is a unifying factor in Nigeria and we shouldn’t joke with it if they bring back the cup it will cement our relationship and that is one of it.”
On the concerns of the Super Eagles, he said: “Well, many of the concerns raised were that their allowances were not paid and Mr President expressed surprise that he signed these allowances and wondered why they are not paid to them.
‘I was a footballer, it’s not like before when you play football out of patriotism, now it’s combined with the economic aspect.
“When you bring people, definitely from the ministry, you must ensure that their allowances are paid.
“We went there for the joy of it and the day we were there they won their match but when we left yesterday, I understand they lost to Madagascar.
“Defeating Guinea and allowing Madagascar to defeat us is a surprise, but I think with good motivation, these boys would bring back the cup.” he added
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I am proud to play for Super Eagles – Ola Aina
Super Eagles’ defender Ola Aina is happy to star for Nigeria at the ongoing 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Former England youth international has 10 caps for the three-time winners and 2013 champions and has played in the Eagles two games in Egypt, providing a brilliant back heel assist for Odion Ighalo in the first game against the Swallows of Burundi in Alexandria.
Aina, 22, also talked about missing out of the World Cup in Russia last year and how proud his family is for choosing to play for Nigeria.“It hasn’t been an easy journey after missing out on the World Cup, but I keep working hard and now feel extremely proud to play for Nigeria,” Aina told BBC Sport.
“Obviously, my family is proud and happy for me. It’s not easy to bounce back from tough times but I took a positive outlook at life last summer.
“That transition [switching from England] has to happen, you make decisions in life and live with it.
“Playing in this tournament is ticking something off the international list, I really love playing with this team, and it’s a huge family with an amazing spirit.”
Aina, who started his career with Chelsea but has had stints with Hull City and Torino on loan, is expected to start the Eagles final group B match against the Bareas of Madagascar at the Alexandria Stadium tomorrow.
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2019 AFCON: FG hails Super Eagles on qualification for knock-out stage
The Federal Government has hailed the Super Eagles for being the first team to qualify for the round of 16 at the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria had on Wednesday defeated the Syli nationale of Guinea 1-0 in Alexandria, Egypt to book a place at the knock-out stage of the competition.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Olusade Adesola, gave the commendation on Thursday in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mrs Blessing Lere-Adams.
“In the light of the scintillating performance of the national team, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development joins millions of football loving Nigerians to congratulate the Super Eagles.
“We commend them for the doggedness on the field of play as well as clinching the ticket to the round of 16 after defeating their Guinean counterpart, ” Adesola said.
He also reiterated the support of the Federal Government to the team’s welfare, while urging them to go all the way to win the AFCON trophy for the teeming Nigerians back home.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will play their last group game on Sunday against debutants, Madagascar.
The Super Eagles who currently top their group with six maximum points from two matches were the first team in the tournament to qualify for the knock-out stage.
The 2019 AFCON which kicked off on June 21 will end on July 19.
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Ex-Int’l Owolabi, others laud Eagles on victory over Guinea
Dr Felix Owolabi, ex- Eagles midfielder and other football enthusiasts have commended the Super Eagles for winning their match over Guinea in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Owolabi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Wednesday that the Eagles displayed high level of patriotism, which gave them the desired victory.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles’s lone goal, through Kenneth Omeruo, in the second half of the game, gave them the desired victory over their opponents.
Owolabi, popularly known as `Owo-Blow’, described the match as “fantastic and marvelous”, pointing out that the match was their best in recent times.
“The Eagles played too much of defensive in the first half of the game. They got more coordinated in the second half, which fortified the attack to secure the lone goal.
“They displayed high level of patriotism and played like the Eagles of our time. I will love them to keep the tempo going,’’ said elated Owolabi.
He thanked God that the team has been able to secure six points in the group and urged them to keep the tempo.
“When they continue with the winning streak, other teams will be afraid of playing them.’’
For Mr Jubril Mohammed who served as counsel to the late footbal maestro, Rashidi Yekini, the victory ” is well deserved”.
Mohammed described the match as keenly played, saying the Eagles had to come all out to secure the victory as promised.
“The transition from the midfield to the attack needs to be worked upon and the attackers must continue to play to instruction,’’ he advised.
He expressed optimism that the Eagles would do much better in their remaining matches to secure all-round victory at the championship.
Also, some sports enthusiasts, commended the Super Eagles on their performances so far, urging them not to rest on their oars until they secure the trophy.
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2019 AFCON: Gov. Umahi commends Super Eagles’ fighting spirit
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has lauded the fighting spirit of the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Umahi made the commendation in a congratulatory message to the Eagles signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Uzor, and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
He said, “The unity of purpose and character displayed by the players showed that the team is capable of returning to Nigeria with the trophy.”
Umahi, who is the Chairman of the South East Governor Forum, urged Nigerians to emulate and apply similar spirit in their approach to national development.
The governor, who was said to have adjourned the state Executive Councl meeting to be able to watch the Eagles versus Guinea encounter, also congratulated the team for being the first to qualify for the second round of the tournament.
He called on the team and its management to amicably resolve all issues concerning match bonuses and other entitlements for the players and officials.
“I am optimistic that Nigeria’s sports will improve with proper harnessing of talents which abound in the country.
“We should shun ethnicity in the nation’s football because it (football) has proved to be a unifying factor in Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria defeated Guinea 1-0 in Alexandria to qualify for the round-of-16.