Tag: Team

  • Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate frustrated with team leaks

    Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate frustrated with team leaks

    England coach Gareth Southgate admits he has concerns about team leaks.

    Ahead of their Euros semifinal against Holland, Southgate concedes there is an issue about his planning reaching the press.

    “We do a lot of things. As I said, we’ve won three out of four and a lot of our processes have been shared,” Southgate said after England advanced to the semi-final.

    “Our tactical plan for the game was also shared three days before.

    “We live in an amazing world where it’s so difficult for us because any element of surprise you might have with the opponent is gone three days before. It’s quite incredible really.”

  • BBNaija All Stars: How my team betrayed me, sold my votes – Whitemoney

    BBNaija All Stars: How my team betrayed me, sold my votes – Whitemoney

    One of the evicted Big Brother Naija All Stars housemate, Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, has blamed his team for his eviction from the reality show.

    Recall that Whitemoney was evicted alongside Neo Energy, Alex, and houseguest Omashola on Sunday.

    Speaking in an interview with media personality, Hero Daniels, Whitemoney alleged that his team sold his votes, hence his eviction.

    He said, “During my stay in the All-Star House, I was facing both internal and external battles. And I felt it. Things were happening. When I came out, I discovered that a lot of things were happening to me when I was inside; my [Instagram] page got hacked, my votes got sold by my own team, internal betrayals.
    “Yes, my votes got sold by my own team. Internally, I was betrayed. I didn’t go on the show to win and I knew I was not going to win. And I know that the winner is going to be a woman. I already had that message from the beginning of the show. But I know I was prepared to get to a very large extent, which I did; for eight weeks.

    “But the fact that when I came out I saw that people manipulate… Not the show organisers o, my own team betrayed me, was so hurtful.”

    Whitemoney won the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show in 2021.

  • Where I think Man Utd have improved – Ten Hag

    Where I think Man Utd have improved – Ten Hag

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is pleased with the progress of the team.

    Ten Hag, though, says he needs time to bring through the improvements needed.

    He said, “To develop the team takes time. You can’t go from zero to 100. You have to construct it from the outside, you need development before you go to the top, to the roof.

    “Unfortunately it takes time and I don’t have time, I’m really the most impatient, but I have to, it’s quite clear. Now, I think we’re getting better defending with 11.

    “Players are more and more aware of it, that we have to do it with 11. Also our build-up, I think we’re improving game to game. Now, we need to do more to develop our attacking game but it’s the most difficult part so it takes even more time.

    “You can’t increase the tempo of that process. I want it but we have to take the time for it.”

  • ASUU Strike: FG reconstitutes team to renegotiate 2009 agreement

    ASUU Strike: FG reconstitutes team to renegotiate 2009 agreement

    The Federal Government has reconstituted a team to renegotiate the 2009 agreements it entered with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Reconstituting the team, the Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu, said there was the need to speedily bring to conclusion all outstanding issues in the 2009 agreements.

    This, according to the minister, is in order to achieve the desired industrial peace on the nation’s university campuses.

    Adamu disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mr Ben Goong.

    He listed the chairman and members of the reconstituted 2009 FGN/University-Based Unions Agreements Re-negotiation Team as Prof. Emeritus

    Nimi Briggs, who is also the Pro-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, as Chairman.

    The members are Lawrence Ngbale, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, as member from the North East, Prof. Funmi Togunu-Bickersteth, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi,as member from South West.

    Also in the list are Sen. Chris Adighije, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University. Lokoja as member from South East, Prof. Olu Obafemi, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna as member from North-Central.

    Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu, Pro-Chancellor, Kano State University of Science and Technology as member from North West and Matthew Seiyefa, Pro-Chancellor, Niger Delta University as member from South-South.

    The minister added that the team would be inaugurated on Monday.

    He, therefore, called on all advisers and observers in the Federal Government and University based Unions 2009 agreements Re-negotiation Team to attend the inauguration.

  • Gov Udom splashes N100m, one plot of land each for title-winning Akwa United team

    Gov Udom splashes N100m, one plot of land each for title-winning Akwa United team

    Governor Emmanuel Udom has promised a reward of N100m to Akwa United for their title-winning feat in the last Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

    The Akwa Ibom governor said this during a reception for the team at the Government House in Uyo on Thursday.

    “I just want to say thank you for making the state proud. Becoming champions is a thing of joy to all Akwa Ibomites. Keep that winning flag flying and we will continue to support the team to succeed,” he said, in addition to giving a plot of land to each member of the team and a brand new 32 seater Coaster bus.

    “You have gone to the top, you have to redouble your effort this new season to ensure you remain at the top, once again congratulations for winning the league title”.

    Aside from the governor, the Chairman of the club, Paul Bassey, was also on ground and appreciated the Akwa Ibom leader for his gesture.

    According to the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Sports, the club is determined to defend the trophy.

    “A little over six years in the saddle, Akwa United established 24 years ago, won three major trophies in 2015, 2017 and the historic league trophy this year 2021,” he added.

    “Your Excellency, thank you, your tireless and unrelenting funding of development potential in our youths have in the recent years brought about a total explosion of talents in all the broad fields of sports.

    “The entire Akwa United family is determined to march out and defend the trophy we won last year this coming season”.

  • Buhari seeks formidable team for 'next level' administration

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that his administration requires a formidable team to deliver his Next Level mandates to Nigerians.
    The President, who will soon name his cabinet members, made the remark while receiving the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) led by its chairman, Omoniyi Akinsiju, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    The President also insisted his administration will do everything to end insecurity in the country.
    Stressing that he will make Nigeria a peaceful and prosperous nation, he promised to leave Nigeria better than he met it.
    He said: “Our government continues to grow in strength and will place a firm foundation for future generations.
    “While there will be those who are determined to drag us back to the bad old days, your visit is timely. It is a exactly a month ago that I was sworn in for a second term in office. The task ahead for the four years will require a formidable team.”
    He described the BMO as a key communication in the information management asset to his administration.
    According to him: “Your efforts have been commendable. I cannot thank you enough for your sacrifices during the first part of our journey.
    “We have just come off a rigorous campaigns during which I visit led all the 36 states of the federation campaigning, seeking the votes of Nigerians and telling them what we have done in the last four years.
    “I campaign on three simple premises not different from those of 2015. To tackle insecurity, promote economic diversification and to fight corruption. Fulfilling these three promises are fundamental to taking Nigeria to the next level.
    “I assure you that I am resolute on fulfilling these promises and will leave Nigeria a far better place than when we came.
    “It is not an easy job to sell the administration’s services, we are doing unpopular things and facing powerful individuals and taking on invested interest who are accustomed to the corrupt era. But we must do things the right way, if we promised change then we must deliver it.
    “This is regardless of whose interest is touched. There must be a manifest departure from the old order.
    “We are making significant progress and these are evident for all to see. Despite attempts by enemies to twist and bend facts, most Nigerians know the truth.
    “I acknowledged your steadfastness in telling the story of this administration’s successes. We will continue to intensify our efforts and ensure that our promises to Nigerians are kept and fulfilled.
    “One message that is dear to me which I urged you to propagate is that I am determined to end security challenges we are facing in the country and make Nigeria a peaceful and a prosperous country.
    “I employ you to continue the good work you have done with such commitment and the determination, ultimately your patriotism and love for this country can never be quantified or repaid.” he stated
    Akinsiju said: “The Organisation regularly commissions the writing and publishing of newspaper opinion articles and press statements to elucidate and amplify government programmes and clarify on socio-economic and political issues being undertaken by the administration.
    “Members have also appeared regularly on television and radio to promote and defend the administration while maintaining an active presence on the social media on daily basis, engaging on issues affecting the President and his administration.”
    He said the Buhari administration has achieved more since the return to democracy in the country with abundance of facts to prove.
    He said: ”Despite twisted narrative about clashes between farmers and pastoralists, your administration has shown the most commitment towards ending these decades-long conflicts; it has produced several strategies and plans aimed at providing a sustainable resolution.
    “We are conscious of the need to push your achievements beyond elitists boundary to the millions of silent and media underserved Nigerians at the base of the pyramid.
    “We are resolute that this must be done. We, therefore, respectfully, seek the strengthening of our organization, by a strategic reinforcement of our capacity – through the leadership of Messrs Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande.”
    Among the delegation was Tunde Thompson, who was imprisoned by the administration of the then Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, under the draconian Degree 4 of 1983.
    The journalist was the Guardian newspaper diplomatic correspondent when he was arrested by the defunct secret police, the National Security Organisation (NSO), alongside a former member of the House of Representatives, Nduka Irabor, who was then an assistant editor at the Guardian.
    Thompson was sentenced to a year in prison, for writing about the closure and retirement of some diplomatic staff.

  • Nigerians scared of me – Aguero

    Although Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-2 in a recent friendly game in Russia, the Albiceleste striker, Kun Aguero still rates the Super Eagles as the weakest team in Group B of the 2018 World Cup.

    Aguero started and scored one goal in the game before he was withdrawn due to ill-health. Argentina was leading 2-1 before Aguero’s exit and according to the Manchester City striker, the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal affected his teammates, who later succumbed to Nigeria.

    He told Lbero, “The second half against Nigeria I could not see, because I was in the Hospital, but when they told me how it panned out, I asked, ‘what happened?

    “That happens sometimes, it was because they thought of me, they were scared, I do not know.”He described the other teams in the group as descent, picking out Croatia as the team likely to trouble Argentina in Russia.

    “The rivals are not bad, but let’s not say it’s very good for us, Iceland is one of the debutants, they do not play badly, they are a very organized team and they have (Gylfi) Sigurðsson.

    ”They are the first two games, they are the most important, they will not be easy.“Croatia have a great midfield, they have Modric, Rakitic, you have Perisic, who plays outside and he’s very fast, Croatia is a bit more complete.”

    Meanwhile, former U-20 national team coach, John Obuh has urged the Eagles’ handlers to use the Super Six pre-season championship slated for next week in Kano to discover more players for inclusion in the CHAN bound team.

    Obuh noted that the inclusion of the CHAN Eagles in the Super Six Championship is a good platform for the players to blend properly ahead of the continental showpiece, adding that selecting the best players in the domestic league to play against their various clubs would expose the coaches to more talented players.

    Obuh also noted that the coaches needed to give every player the opportunity to fight for a place in the CHAN team, adding that it would not be a good omen for the country if the Eagles team B failed in the CHAN after playing in the WAFU final.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye has disclosed that the invited players for the Super Six Championship are expected to be in Kano on Monday.

    Soccernet
  • World Cup: Former Eagles coach cautions on team selection

    World Cup: Former Eagles coach cautions on team selection

    The former coach of the Golden Eagles, Godwin Izilein, says Nigeria needs players that will make name for the country at the World Cup and not those who want to know Russia.

    He stated this in an interview with the Sports Journalist, in Benin on Thursday.

    He said with players with who were hungry for success and make name for themselves, the country would surpass her previous record of second round qualification at the Mundial.

    Izilein, who was also a former coach of the Super Falcons, expressed happiness with the plan so far made by the the country football handlers towards a successful outing in Russia.

    “I am happy with the preparation being made by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), especially with the match against Argentina and plan to play about five grade A friendlies.

    “If the coaches can match this up by going for players who will make name for the country and not those who only want to be in Russia to know the country, tremendous success awaits the Nigeria.”

    Speaking further, Izilein said the coaches must work hard in the area of goal keeping .

    “I am really worried about our goalkeeper. We are all witness to the first goal scored by the Argentines in the friendly. For me, we need to bring Enyeama back to man the goal post for us.

    “We have top quality strikers in the team now that Ahmed Musa may most likely be edged out of the team to Russia.

    “Similarly, I am also happy with top performance of the team’s new recruit in the left and right wing of the defence.

    ” The competition there is now good to the extent that Echiejele needs to work had to retain what had naturally became his.

    “I must warn our handlers to be careful not to use sentiment and ethnicity to select players for the world cup,” he said.

  • Don’t lower your team spirit, Arsene Wenger tells Wilshere

    Arsenal boss confirms that he’s not forcing Jack Wilshere to limit his game.

    Wenger, ahead of their Europa League opener with FC Koln, declared: “I don’t give the team away.

    “I believe Jack needs to continue with the spirit he works and plays with.

    “There was always a huge pressure on him to come back as quickly as possible. He is getting stronger and stronger every day.

    “He was a bit behind the other players.

    “Every game is an opportunity for him and this season.”

     

     

  • FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles now 8th best team in Africa, 51st in world

    FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles now 8th best team in Africa, 51st in world

    The Super Eagles on Thursday dropped one spot from 50th to 51st in the final Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA world ranking to end the year as the eighth best team on the continent with 616 points.

    The Eagles were not active in December after a 3-1 victory Algeria in November.

    Argentina will end the year on top of the world, leading the way in the final FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2016 from neighbours Brazil in second. La Albiceleste thereforetake the ‘Team of the Year’ title from Belgium, who they overtook at the summit in April this year, and where they have stayed for the subsequent eight editions of the Ranking. In all, the Argentinians won ten of their 15 games in 2016, losing three and drawing twice.

    FIFA top 10 rankings on Thursday:

    1. Argentina

     

    1. Brazil

     

    1. Germany

     

    1. Chile

     

    1. Belgium

     

    1. Colombia

     

    1. France

     

    1. Portugal

     

    1. Uruguay

     

    1. Spain