1 GAME: Philip Obaji eyes Rihanna

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji says Rihanna’s role in the entertainment industry is an influence to young people and the society and has identified the singer as a target for a role in the 1 GAME: Football without Violence campaign which he champions.

Obaji, 26, has been an admirer of Rihanna, 23 and had said after announcing Jamaican-American Reggae star Shaggy’s involvement in 1 GAME a few months ago that he was looking forward to having Rihanna as part of the campaign.

Even though Obaji is yet to meet with the American musician, he has reiterated his desire to have her on the campaign train and told naijasportivo that he hopes to reach out to the singer very soon on his plans for the campaign.

“I’ll be very glad to have Rihanna sign up and be part of this campaign,” Obaji said. “She’s an inspiration to the young people and the society in general. I’ve mentioned it to Shaggy. I’ll follow it up and then we’ll see.

“I’ve always admired her resilience and her influence in the entertainment world will be vital for our campaign. The prospect of having her team up with us excites me,” he added.

If Rihanna eventually bows to Obaji’s wishes, she’ll become the second American Musician to associate with the campaign after Shaggy made public his involvement in December 2010.

Philip Obaji threatens to quit Cross River FA

Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association Media and Marketing Committee, Philip Obaji says he will prefer to stay entirely out of football than being in a system that is totally unorganized.

Obaji who is the founder of the 1 GAME: Football without Violence campaign, has been with the Cross River State Football Association set up for the past seven months since been elected in January 2011 as the youngest member of the board.

He spoke ahead of the ill fated National League match between Unicem Rovers and Bayelsa United in Calabar and said he will quit the Association's Executive Committee and administration of the game in general if the current trend of football administration in the country continues.

"I must admit the Association has lots of shortcomings, it is not just peculiar to the Cross River FA alone, but the entire spectrum of Nigeria football. We have a problem of organization and it is killing the game.

"My worry is that I am part of a body that has made numerous promises to the people that choose me to represent and implement policies that will make football better and beneficial to the public but is not doing so. I feel sad and I sometimes feel like quitting.

"I've always said that I won't go against the constitution I swore to uphold. If we can't deliver on the promises we've made to the people, then I'll take the most noble step of quitting," he said.

Bukola Babes dominate NPL Team of the Week

Newcomers, Bukola Babes got three mentions in the Team of the Week for Matchday 32 announced by the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) on Tuesday.

The recognition comes on the back of the Babes 3-0 win over Kwara United last Saturday in Ilorin in a derby game.

Caretaker coach, Sulaiman Kabir Dogo leads two of his outfield players, Promise James and Otu-Bassey Effiom, into the team that adopts a 4-3-3 formation.

Dogo is picked as coach of the week for guiding his side to back-to-back wins - his first - since he took charge of Bukola Babes.

The Babes had secured a 2-1 win over Kaduna United in Week 31.

James gets a place at right-back due to his all-round display against Kwara United while Effiom makes the cut for tormenting the opposition's backline and getting one of the goals.

Heartland and Warri Wolves, however, provided two players each for this week's team.

Azubuike Egwuekwe and Michael Okoyoh made the cut from Wolves while Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Chibuzor Ozurumba are picked from Heartland.

Enugu Rangers shot-stopper, Ebele Obi, makes the team for the first time alongside Papa Idris of Kaduna United, Moses Bunde of Lobi Stars and Moshood Kasali of Juth.

Jude Aneke of Kaduna United, who is joint top scorer in the league this season with 13 goals so far complete the team.

The Team
GK: Ebele Obi (Enugu Rangers)
RB: Promise James (Bukola Babes)
CB: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)
CB: Papa Idris (Kaduna United)
LB: Moses Bunde (Lobi Stars)
RMF: Barthlomew Ibenegbu (Heartland)
CMF: Michael Okoyoh (Warri Wolves)
LMF: Otu-Bassey Effiom (Bukola Babes)
LWF: Moshood Kasali (Juth)
CF: Jude Aneke (Kaduna United)
RWF: Chibuzor Ozurumba (Heartland)
Coach: Sulaiman Kabir Dogo (Bukola Babes)

Eguavoen select 20 for Ghana

The National U-23 teaam coach, Austin Eguavoen has made public his list of twenty man players for the all important All Africa Games qualifier against the Black Meteors of Ghana.

The List has four new entrants, red hot Altetico Madrid midfielder, Olaitan Otubanjo who has scored in every training session, Festus Austin of Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Atletico Belares midfielder, Lawal Adewole and Norway based attacking midfielder Chukwuma Akabueze.

The team had their last training session on Thursday evening behind closed doors and will depart for Ghana on Friday afternoon via Air Nigeria.

Nigeria takes a 3-1 first leg advantage to Kumasi in a winner takes all encounter for the 10th All Africa games in Maputo next September.

The Ghana Nigeria All Africa games qualifier kicks off by 4pm Nigeria Time at the Baba Yara Sports Complex, Kumasi.

Players: Dele Ajiboye, Femi Thomas, Terna Suswam, Emmanuel Anyanwu, Otekpa Eneji, Kabiru Sanusi, Olaitan Otubanjo, Ikande Harmony, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Odion Ogalo, Ayo Saka, Nosa Igiebor, Usman Amoda, Kingsley Udoh, Edet Ibok, Adewole Lawal, Solomon Okpako, Ekhigo Ehiosun, Festus Austin, Chukwuma Akabueze.

New dawn for Super Falcons after World Cup fall

For Nigeria the party is over almost as soon as it began. The Super Falcons, defeated by the narrowest of margins in their opening two matches, have no mathematical chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™. No one would deny that it has been massively disappointing campaign for the African champions.

The sense of anti-climax is all the more acute given that the U-20 side reached the final of the showpiece youth event in Germany last year. And yet this new generation, still very inexperienced, hints at a rosy future for the Super Falcons.

Desire Oparanozie and Uchechi Sunday, the youngest members of the senior squad, symbolise the promising future of Nigerian women’s football. Oparanozie will celebrate her 18th birthday on 17 December, whereas Sunday will turn 17 on 9 September. Both forwards are veterans of the team that finished runners-up in the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year, along with another six of their team-mates in Germany, more than a third of the senior squad.

Despite the overwhelming feeling of disenchantment, Sunday remains philosophical. "It’s hard to be already out of the competition of course,” she mused. “But it’s the World Cup, these things happen.” Fellow front-runner Oparanozie puts her own positive slant on things. "I feel bad because we passed up the chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. But I can say that I’m also very happy because we played really well this evening.” The livewire forward, together with her long-time friend Ebere Orji marauding down the left flank, was undoubtedly one of the standout performers against the Germans.

If we work well and lay down firm foundations, in four years we’ll come back stronger.Desire Oparanozie, Nigeria forward.

"The problem is that once we conceded the goal it became very hard," reflected Sunday. In fact before taking the lead, the hosts and reigning champions were arguably the shakier side, whereas the Super Falcons were playing without pressure on their shoulders. "We resisted the Germans for a long time because we went out onto the pitch to win,” added Oparanozie. “We wanted to play a passing game, we knew that we had to stamp our authority on the match", explained the forward, who contributed two goals to last year’s triumphant U-20 campaign.

Although the chance has passed and the curtain has fallen on Nigeria’s tournament, nothing can dampen the hope and enthusiasm of the Delta Queens striker. "We have a lot of young players in the squad; we are going to gain in experience. We place a lot of hope in the future," she declares with an air of conviction.

Indeed, their tournament swansong against Canada affords the Nigerians an opportunity to make a new start and depart with their heads held high. "We want to finish our campaign in style, we won’t let this match slip,” asserted Oparanozie. “As for myself, I want to score a goal!" she added with a smile.

Herein lies the most striking aspect of this team. Despite their premature exit, the two defeats and the obvious disappointment, they retain a sense of hope, not to mention humour. On the way out of the changing rooms, the pair get lost along the corridors leading to the mixed area. In a state of confusion, they set off down one corridor only to backtrack and head in the other direction, before erupting in a fit of giggles, as if the defeat was already forgotten.

So as they head for home shores, the Super Falcons are already looking onwards and upwards. "I believe that this team has a brilliant future,” concludes Oparanozie. “If we work well and lay down firm foundations, in four years we’ll come back stronger."

Flying Eagles off to Portugal

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles head to Faro, Portugal for a 16-day training camp ahead of the World Youth Championships starting in Colombia at the end of July.

The team will travel from Port Harcourt, Nigeria through Paris and Lisbon.

After spending 16 days in Faro fine-tuning strategies and tactics for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Sam John Obuh-led squad will depart for Panama, for a four-nation tournament, before flying to Colombia for the finals.

NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu confirmed on Tuesday that the Flying Eagles will trade tackles with the Portugal U-20 team in Lisbon on July 13.

A number of friendly matches have also been lined up for the reigning African champions, who reached the Final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup competition in 1989 and 2005.

The team has been in Port Harcourt for the past few weeks intensifying its training programme ahead of the competition.
 
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the delegation will be made up of 24 players and 10 officials, with the remaining five players to join the team later.

The Nigeria Football Federation will submit to FIFA a final list of 21 players for the World Cup next week Friday.

PLAYERS: Danjuma Paul, Uche Nwofor, Chidi Osuchukwu, Olanrewaju Kayode, Edafe Egbedi, Ganiu Ogungbe, Ramon Azeez, Stanley Okoro, Philemon Daniel, Abdul Jeleel Ajagun, Terry Envoh, Mohammed Aliyu, Gideon Gambo, Terna Suswan, Ahmed Musa, Gbenga Arokoyo, Emmanuel Anyanwu, Kelly Godwin, Jamiu Alimi, Omoh Ojabu, Kazim Yekini, Felix Udoh, Sani Tahir, Bright Ejike, Kenneth Omeruo, Sani Emmanuel, Eddy Onazi, Seyi Adeleke, Chimezie Mbah

OFFICIALS: Sam John Obuh (Head Coach), Samuel Abimbola (Asst. Coach), Maidajin Yakubu (Asst. Coach), Suleiman Shuaibu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer), Abdulrahaman Ozi (Team Doctor), Nnaemeka Anozie (Physiotherapist), Sirajo Hassan (Team Secretary), Labaran Akawu (Equipment Manager), Samm Audu (Media Officer), Ahmed Abdul (Coordinator)

We are great - Philip Obaji

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji said yesterday that he was excited to be part of a great team that is united to make 'football without violence' a reality.

The 1 GAME arrowhead spoke on Cool FM 96.9 Abuja after been asked about his impression on the impact of the organization on football.

He said: "We have done a lot to make football without violence a reality. Our message have been accepted by thousands of people. We've gotten a great deal of endorsements. We are a great people uniting to save a great game."

"We deserve a fair play trophy. The fans who think it is wise not to get involved in violence are the winners and the trophy belongs to them for being able to recognize 1 GAME."

1 GAME was founded in 2010 with an aim of combating violence and fanaticism in football. The organization depend mostly on endorsements from high profile personalities to promote its cause.

1 GAME condemns attack on Enyimba media chief

1 GAME on Monday condemned what it called a “senseless” attack on Enyimba of Aba media chief Farriel Allaputa following Sunday’s ill fated Nigeria Premier League (NPL) game between Ocean Boys and Enyimba at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, and said it shows the need to defeat violence in football.

“This is a senseless attack,” 1 GAME founder Philip Obaji (Pictured above with Super Eagles Coach Samson Siasia) said of the incident that saw Allaputa molested by fans of Ocean Boys who were incensed following their side’s 0-0 draw with Enyimba.

“1 GAME condemns in the strongest terms the attack on Enyimba’s media chief Farriel Allaputa. Such behaviour brings the game into disrepute and is unacceptable. Acts of hooliganism must not be tolerated wherever and whenever they occur.”

Obaji added: “It only highlights the existential threat that these kind of ill-mannered supporters pose for football, and underscores why it’s so important that we continue to work together in defeating violence in the game.”

Disgruntled fans of Ocean Boys who feared Enyimba might seek justice from the NPL over the way match officials handled the game that saw Victor Barnabas last minute goal for the Aba side disallowed, descended on Allaputa after the Enyimba spokesman refused to turn in the match tape, dispossessing him of cash and personal belongings.

1 GAME is a non-profit initiative calling on football enthusiasts to rise in support of its call for an end to fanaticism and vices in the game by signing up through its website www.play1game.org.

So far, thousands of people have signed up to be part of 1 GAME in a list that includes General Manager of Ocean Boys Tony Ogola whose club supporters were the culprits in Sunday’s attack on Allaputa.

Obaji confesses: 1 GAME bigger than me

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji said on Saturday that the campaign to achieve ‘Football without Violence’ is much more than a one man show.

The 1 GAME arrowhead was speaking while appearing as guest on NTA Calabar weekly sports programme, Sports Panorama.

Obaji said: “It’s something of the public. It is not a one man campaign. The best way to achieve results is a collective effort to end violence. So far we seen the state of union in the effort of football legends, coaches, sports administrators, sports writers and politicians and I can say it is strong.”

He added: “We believe we can win the war against violence. Sports writers feel that way but we are uniting to pass the message across every sector and hope we can achieve results. I’m positive we will.”

1 GAME has continued to impress with the coming together of football legends toward achieving success in the campaign against violence in the game, the most recent being Thursday’s announcement of former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju as part of the initiative.

1 GAME condemns attack on Referee, Stanley Eguma

1 GAME on Sunday condemned attacks on centre referee Pius Effiong and Dolphins coach Stanley Eguma by Sharks supporters shortly after Saturday’s Rivers State Federations Cup final between Sharks F.C and Dolphins F.C held at the Sharks Stadium in Port-Harcourt in which Dolphins won 9-8 on penalties after regulation time ended 2-2 apiece.

“We have seen reports indicating that centre referee Pius Effiong and Dolphins Coach Stanley Eguma were attacked shortly after Dolphins victory over Sharks at the final of the Rivers State Federations Cup,” 1 GAME founder Philip Obaji said. “If true, we condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms.”

"We have reiterated many times there is no justification of the targeting of players and officials during and after matches and those responsible for these violent acts should be held accountable," Obaji said.

He added: “1 GAME’s objective is to put an end to fanaticism and football related violence in every area including match venues. By involving themselves in acts of hooliganism, these supporters have abused the game and brought it into disrepute.”

After Goalkeeper Udoo Ochiogu’s heroic last penalty save gave Dolphins the trophy, angry Sharks supporters descended on referee Effiong from Cross River State and Coach Eguma in separate incidents. Eguma was said to have come off worse.

It is not the first time an incident of such nature has been reported from the Sharks Stadium. On Saturday, March 20, 2010 there was commotion at the same venue. Dolphins’ goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi was allegedly harassed by Sharks fans after they claimed he refused to let in a goal as gift to the opponents.

1 GAME is a non-profit initiative calling on football enthusiasts to rise in support of its call for an end to fanaticism and vices in the game by signing up through its website www.play1game.org.

So far, more than One hundred thousand people have signed up to be part of 1 GAME including Jamaica’s Reggae Musician Shaggy, Hip-hop duo P-Square, Nigeria senior national football team coach Samson Siasia, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari and some members of NFF Executive Committee.

Obaji appears on NTA. Refuses to speak on 1 GAME, NFF

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji was guest on Sports Panorama, a weekly programme on NTA Calabar but made no comment on 1 GAME and its relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Obaji had posted on his facebook page on Saturday morning that he will be live on NTA and will speak on issues concerning 1 GAME and the NFF but said no word about either body. Not even did the anchorman of the show speak a word on the issue.
An anxious man watching from a restaurant where our reporter monitored the show said “are there hiding something? Why inform us about this and not say anything about it.” The man asked.

The relationship between 1 GAME and the NFF has been something of a debate in the media after naijasportivo.blogspot.com reported of a rift between them, a story Obaji was quick to deny.

Durella Joins 1 GAME Campaign

Nigerian musician Durella has become a supporter for the 1 GAME Campaign naijasportivo.blogspot.com understands. The entertainer’s picture appeared on the organization’s website www.play1game.org among ambassadors and supporters for the anti-football violence campaign. His involvement brings to four, the number of musical artistes that have signed for the initiative, coming after Jamaican Reggae star Shaggy, hip-hop duo P-Square and long serving music sensation Pasto Goody Goody.

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji had hinted a few months back that Durella will be part of his organization’s effort to stamp out violence and negative fanaticism from football, a move that clearly has materialized.
Durella was born to Mr and Mrs Okulaja, who named him Oluwadamilare (the Lord has rewarded me). Going to secondary school in Lagos, brought the love of music out in Durella. With performances at schools events leading to a loyal following of adoring fans in and around his school, Durella knew then, as he does now, that performing as an artiste was what he wanted to do.

In December 08 Durella won MTV Advance Warning, a contest design to announce the next Nigerian Super Star.

On the 26th of July 09 Durella was appointed the UN Youth Ambassador for Peace.

Guardiola hits back at criticism

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has leapt to the defence of his players ahead of the Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid, claiming they are examples of professionalism.

Dani Alves, Pedro and Sergio Busquets were all accused of unsporting conduct by Madrid in a fiesty first leg at the Bernabeu, while the latter is reported to have racially abused Real full-back Marcelo.

However, UEFA decided against taking additional action against both clubs - deciding to stick with the original list of charges - and also threw out the extra accusations made by the Catalan club against Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

Guardiola, though, took the chance to hail his players' attributes and said: ''I know my players very well and they are an example of professionalism and honesty. They can all make mistakes during the game, but they are exemplary human beings and in any case, the actions from the past are just that - in the past.''

Barcelona midfielder Xavi also hit out at Madrid's protests to UEFA.

''The complaint from Real Madrid was a disgrace and it's logical UEFA have rejected it,'' he said. ''We have hardly talked about football at all and that makes me sad.''

Tensions have grown on and off the pitch over the last 17 days, but Tuesday's game will conclude the four-match El Clasico series, which began on April 16 with a 1-1 draw in the Primera Division. ''I'm happy it's all over,'' Guardiola added.

Back on the pitch, Barca will be big favourites to reach the final after winning the first leg 2-0, but Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes Real can produce an upset.

"We will attack to score goals," he told Madrid's official website. "I will do so too. We need goals, so we will look for them."

"I hope we win here and reach the final. Many things can happen in 90 minutes of football and I hope we win the game. Nothing is set in stone in football and we can end up winning the tie. We will have to defend well in order to score goals. It's important to keep a clean sheet."

No rift between 1 GAME and NFF - Philip Obaji

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji (pictured left)insists his organization enjoy the assistance and co-operation of the Nigeria Football Federation contrary to reports in some section of the media of a rift.

An online portal naijasportivo.blogspot.com had reported that Obaji had a major disagreement with NFF President Aminu Maigari in the presence of NFF Technical Committee Chairman over 1 GAME’s anti-violence publications in the media when the former visited the NFF Secretariat in March a report Obaji was quick to deny.

The 1 GAME arrowhead said on his Facebook page that he remains good friends with Aminu Maigari and the NFF Board and have enjoyed their support in the campaign to end violence in Nigeria football system.

“Aminu Maigari is a symbol of humility and modesty. There has never been a time I have had to disagree with him or anyone from the NFF. I have rather enjoyed their assistance and co-operation in the fight to achieve success in the campaign against violence and fanaticism in football. Reports by some people of a rift is frivolous.”

1 GAME has in recent times come up with series of media publications intended to promote its objectives of non-violence and an end to fanaticism in football, calling on the public to sign up to its campaign and support its cause. The campaign has had more than One hundred thousand sign-ups on its website www.play1game.org including endorsements from NFF President Aminu Maigari and some members of the Football Federation’s Executive Committee.

Hitzfeld hits out at Mourinho

Two-time Champions League winner Ottmar Hitzfeld has blasted Jose Mourinho for his "boorish" attitude and "shameful" tactics.

Mourinho has come under fire for his part in Real Madrid's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona last week in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, with the former Chelsea and Inter boss adopting a defensive approach at the Bernabeu and then making explosive comments to the press after the game.

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against both clubs, but Switzerland boss Hitzfeld suggested the first-leg victory for Barca was justice for the sport after the way he approached the game.

"Luckily, Mourinho's destructive tactics, aimed solely at provoking and destroying the opponents' gameplan, did not work," he told German magazine Kicker.

"Such a way of playing does not relate to the demands of Real. It's really shameful for Real Madrid. It harms the good name and image of this legendary club.

"I've met him at UEFA meetings and his behaviour is faithful to his image: arrogant, haughty, chewing gum and somewhat of a boor. Barca should make him pay on the pitch."

Hitzfeld won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997 and Bayern Munich in 2001, and has also won the Bundesliga on seven occasions as a coach.

Aminu Maigari, Philip Obaji disagree over 1 GAME’s publications

President of the Nigeria Football Federation Aminu Maigari and founder of 1 GAME initiative Philip Obaji were said to have been involved in a huge disagreement over publications made by 1 GAME when the latter visited the Glass House last week. A source close to the football federation informed our correspondent that Maigari who spoke in the presence NFF technical Committee Chairman, Christopher Green, was displeased with the publications because he believed there were capable of affecting the image of the NFF. He went further to say that while the argument lasted, Obaji tried to explain to the president why 1 GAME came up with such publications as there were intended to checkmate the NFF.

1 GAME has in recent times come up with series of media publications intended to promote non-violence and end conflicts in football, calling on the public to sign up to its campaign and support its cause.

Okonkwo explains Olympic team snub

Chibuzor Okonkwo has explained his inability to join the Olympic team for this weekend's All Africa Games qualifier against Liberia in Monrovia. 

Okonkwo was replaced by Nurudeen Orelesi after failing to show up before the team's departure on Thursday morning, but he told naijasportivo.blogspot.com that he had informed officials of his situation.

"My passport was at the German embassy for visa processing and I explained the situation to officials of the team," he said. "Of course I would have wanted to travel with them and play the game. But the passport only came out on Friday morning."

Okonkwo, who competed at the 2008 Olympic Games, says he will remain available for selection if the coaches still want him. 

Etim slams NFF over Olympic team job

Tomiwa Babalola

Former international Etim Esin has expressed dissatisfaction over the appointment of ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai as the team coordinator of the national U-23 team by the Nigerian Football Federation.


Esin said he also applied for the job but was not satisfied with the NFF's appointment of Rufai for the position, arguing that the Tunisia '94 African Nations Cup winner should have been made the team's goalkeeper trainer.

He said, "I don't think they (NFF) are on the right track because of the way they appoint people for various positions in the country's football. I applied for the job of the U-23 team coordinator and it was given to Rufai who should have been appointed as the team's goalkeeper trainer."

I believe the team would have gained more from Rufai's wealth of experience as a goalkeeper," Esin told our correspondent on the telephone on Wednesday.

Olympic qualifiers: Nigeria draw Tanzania

The draw for the London 2012 Olympic Games African qualifiers second round fixtures were made in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday with Nigeria handed tricky reverse fixtures with Tanzania.

Tanzania have turned giant killers as they dispatched former Olympic champions Cameroon 4-3 in post match penalty shootouts at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday to reach the second round.

The East African country will host Nigeria in the first leg in Dar es Salaam on the weekend of June 3-5 while the reverse fixture takes place two weeks later in Nigeria. Nigeria won the men's football gold at the Atlanta '96 Olympic Games.

In the draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football Secretary-General Hicham El-Amrani, Egypt were drawn with their Arab neighbours Sudan, who pulled off a major shock in the qualifiers by eliminating highly-rated Ghana from the race to London.

Algeria were drawn against Zambia while Morocco will face DR Congo. Gabon will take on Mali while Benin battle South Africa. Tunisia were drawn with Senegal.

The eventual winners of the tie between Liberia and Ivory Coast will play Congo Brazzaville. The delayed second leg of the clash is set to be played in Monrovia on April 20, with the Ivorians leading 4-0.

According to CAF, the quarterfinals will be organised by a group system, as the last eight will be divided into two groups. The body added that a new qualifying system would be applied for the next stage of the championship, as three teams are going to represent Africa at the Olympics with a fourth African team meeting a team from Asia in a play-off match to be held on April 12, 2012 in London.

The national U-23 team coach Austin Eguavoen hailed the draw, saying his team would reach the quarterfinals.

"To be honest, I don't know anything about our opponents," he told SuperSport on Wednesday.

"They defeated Cameroon in the first round so that is a side that should be treated with respect.

" I am sure we will deliver yet again."

Olympic Eagles: Anyanwu out, Oduamadi in, Chibuzor expected

Enyimba international defender, Emmanuel Anyanwu, on Tuesday left the camp of the Dream Team V for the Flying Eagles’ camp in Portharcourt to join the John Obuh-led side as it puts finishing touches to flying the country’s flag at the forthcoming Africa Youth Championship in South Africa.

Anyanwu, who played the right full back position in the Dream Team’s 4-1 win in Malabo, expressed confidence that his team mates will do the country proud in the first leg of All Africa Games qualifier against Liberia in Monrovia this weekend. “I may be leaving but I will always say a prayer for them. But there is no cause for alarm this team has great players and I believe they will take the three points in Monrovia” he said.

Meanwhile, AC Milan’s midfielder, Nnamdi Oduamadi, hit the Ajao Estate camp of the Dream Team V in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon. The player, who was sensational in the first leg game against Equitorial Guinea, was full of smiles on arrival.”I am happy to have got clearance to feature for my country and I will give my all in Monrovia”

Similarly, Kano Pillars’s midfielder, Wasiu Showememo, hit the camp of the dream team late on Tuesday to take the number of players in camp to 21. Still being expected is Heartland of Owerri and Super Eagles’ defender, Chibuzor Okonkwo.

Okonkwo is expected to fill the vaccum left by Emmanuel Anyanwu. In the meantime, the Dream Team V had its first training session inside the mainbowl of the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos. Chief coach of the team, Austin Eguavoen, who supervised the session which lasted a little over 50 minutes charged his wards to remain focused for the game against Monrovia.

“I want to says again congratulations to you boys but remember that there is another task ahead and we must remain focused to ensure that we keep the temple on which we started this qualifiers”.

Supporters Club targets N30m for S/African AYC ...Awaits visa for 60 members

President-General of the Nigerian Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has disclosed that it would require a whooping N30 million to storm South Africa and drum support for the Flying Eagles, participating in the African Youth Championship.

Ladipo, who made the disclosure in a chat with the sporting media in Abuja, said that he was planning to hit the southern African country with 60 members, expressing optimism that the South African Embassy would grant all of them travelling visa today.

“The Nigerian Supporters Club will be there in South Africa. Globacom will be there for us and it will give us some assistance but it will not be enough. No amount of money given us can be enough, considering the fact that we may be up to 100 members in South Africa.

“We have to take care of their accommodations, match ticket, feeding and other logistics. All these will take more than N20 or N30 million for the trip alone. We are bringing our members from Delta, Abia, Imo, Bauchi, Kaduna, Rivers Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and other states.

“It is not a small expenses because members have to come by busses, flight, we will accommodate and feed them and also give them allowances. Where do I get this money?

AYC: Flying Eagles set to hit Johannesburg

Festus Abu



The Flying Eagles are expected to depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Thursday ahead of the 17th African Youth Championship kicking off in South Africa on Sunday.


The U-20 competition will take place from April 17 to May 1 in Johannesburg.

The hosts are scheduled to take on Mali in a Group A opening game at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg, followed by the second group encounter between Egypt and Lesotho at the same venue.

On Monday, the Flying Eagles will engage their bitter rivals the Black Satellites of Ghana in the opening Group B match at the Rand Stadium, while Cameroon face The Gambia in the other fixture. Ghana won the competition in Rwanda in 2009 and progressed to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Ghana coach Orlando Wellington has warned Nigeria to be prepared for a tough match, saying the Satellites would try everything to win the encounter.

"They do not fear us, neither do we fear them," Wellington told KickOffGhana.com.

"But we respect them, we respect their pedigree at this level and we respect what they have achieved at this level."

The semifinalists of the 2011 championship will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for July 29 - August 20 in Colombia.

Flying Eagles coach John Obuh last week named a 21-man squad for the tournament.

They are Danjuma Paul, John Felagha, Gideon Gambo, Markson Ojobo, Ganiu Ogungbe, Mohammed Aliyu, Terna Suswan, Kingsley Oluocha, Gbenga Arokoyo and Emmanuel Anyanwu.

Others are Chidi Osuchukwu, Ramon Azeez, Philemon Daniel, Abdul Jeleel Ajagun, Uche Nwofor, Olanrewaju Kayode, Edafe Egbedi, Stanley Okoro, Terry Envoh, Gomo Onduku and VVV Venlo's Ahmed Musa.

Also, the national U-23 team, which were drawn against Tanzania in the second round of the 2012 Olympics qualifiers, will leave for Monrovia for their first leg 2011 All Africa Games qualifier with Liberia on Saturday. Nigeria beat Equatorial Guinea 4-1 in their Olympic qualifiers in Malabo on Sunday to complete a 9-1 aggregate win over the central Africans.

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons were scheduled to depart the country for Namibia on Wednesday night ahead of their second leg of 2012 Olympic Games qualifier against the Brave Gladiators in Windhoek on Saturday.

The Falcons won the first leg in Abuja 7-0 to take a healthy lead into the return leg. 

Eguavoen heads to Monrovia with 20-man squad

Chief Coach of the national Under-23 team ”the Dream team V”, Austin Eguavoen, has picked a 20-man list for the All Africa Games qualifying match against Liberia this weekend in Monrovia. 

 The names were picked from a list of 24 players in the Golden Destiny Hotel camp of the team. Addressing the players, Coach Eguavoen appealed to those who did not make the Monrovia list not to hold grudges as they remain an integral part of the team. 


“As you all know, not all of us can make it to Monrovia. For those of you who would not make the trip to Liberia, you remain an integral part of this team. We are still building and every one of you who has started this campaign will remain a part of the family.” 



“All we ask of you is remain with the team in spirit and put us in your prayers as we head to Monrovia”, Eguavoen appealed. Players for Monrovia duel are: Dele Ajiboye, Ibok Edet, Uchechi Daniel, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ofem Inah Otekpa Emergi, Femi Thomas, Udoh Kingsley, Mba Chimeze, Ayo Saka, Christian Ibeagha,Usman Amoda, Maduabuchi Josiah, Reuben Gabriel, Osas Okoro, Theophilus Afelukan, Ekigho Ehiosun, Wasiu Showemimo, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Nnamdi Oduamadi. 

The Dream Team will on Thursday depart Lagos for Monrovia for its first leg of All Africa Games qualifier against Liberia. The return leg holds in a fortnight in Nigeria.

Nigeria rise in FIFA rankings

After amassing 28 more points, Nigeria climbed a step from 39th to 38th in the April FIFA rankings released on Wednesday by the world football governning body.

Samson Siasia

Nigeria, however, remain, fourth in Africa. Nigeria's improved ranking may be attributed to its two recent victories over Ethiopia and Kenya.

Ghana, Africa's number one, also moved up a step from 16th to 15th position in the world, followed by Cote d'Ivoire who are 21st in the world.

Egypt are ranked 36th globally and third in Africa.

South Africa are ranked 39th, Algeria, 40th and Cameroon 48th.

Spain still maintain their global number one sport, with the Netherlands and Brazil in second and third places respectively.

LIBERIAN FA ABANDON U-23 EAGLES

The Nigeria Dream Team had a bitter experience on arrival at the Liberia International airport as their host, the Liberia FA, left the team stranded at the airport for about three hours.

The team’s media officer, Arafat Aliu, revealed that the Liberia FA only arrived to pick them after the NFF back home had threatened to report them to the Confederation of Africa Football to report the situation.

On arrival, the Liberia FA claimed that they were not aware that the Nigeria team was arriving in their country on Thursday.

“The Liberia FA claimed that they were not aware that we were arriving on Thursday which is a blatant lie because the Nigeria Embassy called them in the morning to tell them of their arrival.” The team is currently accommodated at the Thinker Village Hotel.