AFCON 2013

Entertainment

Keshi gets query letter from NFF. (Read)

For a minute I thought the query was all about his choice of players/ his rejection of foreign assistant for the forthcoming World Cup but it has nothing to do with it. Well, there’s been a strain in relationship between both parties i.e NFF and Stephen Keshi since AFCON 2013 victory.
For failing to attend a technical committee meeting and boycotting an event hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan, reception for the CHAN 2014 squad to be precise, the Nigerian Football Federation has issued a query letter to the national coach. Excerpts from the letter.

“It is important we draw your attention to previous actions whereby you travelled out of Nigeria without NFF’s express permission. Specifically, you travelled out of Nigeria before 13 February 2014, the day President Jonathan received the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) team, causing us huge embarrassment.

“Your request for leave approved by the NFF was from 15 February – 10 March 2014 but you left before 13 February and returned 26 March. The Technical Committee meeting on 25 March was called off because you said you had flight hitches from USA. As a responsible organisation, we have no other option than to issue you a query to explain how all these events unfolded.”
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Entertainment

CAF RANKS NIGERIA TOP SEED FOR 2015 AFCON QUALIFIERS

Thanks to Super Eagles’ smashing AFCON 2013 victory. Confederation of African football (CAF) has ranked Nigeria as top seeded team for the Morocco 2015 Orange African Cup of Nation qualifiers. Nigeria garnered a total of 39.5 points, Ghana and Ivory Coast had 38 and 36 respectively. Their automatic qualification will also see them leading other countries to the group stage qualifiers.

Top Ten

 

(1) Nigeria –

(2) Ghana

(3) Ivory Coast

(4) Zambia

(5) Burkina Faso

(6) Mali

(7) Tunisia

(8) Morocco

(9) Algeria

(10) Angola

(10) Cape Verde

 

CAF’s criteria include the performance of the teams during the three last editions of the AFCON; qualifiers of those editions, and the qualifiers of the World Cup 2014. The qualifiers’ draw will be held Sunday, April 27th 2014 in Cairo, Egypt.

Top 21 teams listed in the CAF ranking will automatically qualify for the group phase which will be held from September 5th to November 19th 2014. The final phase’s draw shall be conducted on November 26th 2014 in Morocco. The 2015 AFCON will be played from 17th January – 7th February 2015.

 

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Entertainment

NIGERIA'S FIFA RANKING INCREASES AFTER AFCON VICTORY

Nigeria’s victory in the just-concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament is still reverberating. The February 2013 FIFA world rankings has emerged the best ever after several months.

In the ranking of African teams, Nigeria has moved from its 10th place to fourth position and in FIFA’s rankings, they claim the 30th position.

Go Naija!

February 2013 ranking for 50 countries

1) Spain

2) Germany

3 Argentina

4 England

5 Italy

6 Colombia

7 Portugal

8 Netherlands

9 Croatia

10 Russia

11 Greece

12 Côte d’Ivoire

12 Ecuador

14 Switzerland

15 Mexico

16 Uruguay

17 France

18 Brazil

19 Ghana

20 Belgium

21 Sweden

22 Denmark

23 Chile

24 Bosnia- Herzegovina

25 Mali

26 Czech Republic

27 Norway

28 Japan

29 Montenegro

30 Nigeria

31 Romania

32 USA

33 Hungary

34 Algeria

35 Paraguay

36 Serbia

37 Australia

38 Korea

Republic

39 Peru

39 Republic

of Ireland

41 Turkey

42 Panama

42 Tunisia

43 Bolivia

45 Venezuela

46 Ukraine

47 Zambia

48 Bulgaria

49 Slovakia

50 Haiti

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Entertainment

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN REWARDS SUPER EAGLES HANDSOMELY

Dividends of hard work: The victorious Super who arrived the country yesterday were treated to a grand reception party at the Banquet hall of Aso Villa in Abuja.

Before announcing and presenting some of their prizes, President Goodluck thanked the entire team for their victory in the just-concluded tournament and most importantly for making the nation proud.

”I thank coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the team who have worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition.” He added.

All the 23 players and the four assistant coaches got a cash gift of N5m while the team’s coach, Stephen Keshi was given N10m. The other crew members got N2M each.

The team was also conferred national honours. Keshi was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) while his assistants; Sylvanus Okpalla, Ike Shorunmu, Daniel Amokachi and Valerie Houandinou as well as Eagles captain,Yobo were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Other players got the Member of the Order of Niger (MON).

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Entertainment

PHOTOS: ENTER THE VICTORIOUS SUPER EAGLES

Yes the Champions, victorious Super Eagles led by their amazing coach Stephen Keshi and other officials are back in the country. They arrived this afternoon and are having a grand reception party tonight in Abuja.

2013 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) winners! Ooooshey!!!

The taste of victory is sweet!

Photocredit: Linda Ikeji

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Entertainment

STEPHEN KESHI WITHDRAWS RESIGNATION; ISSUES STATEMENT

Stephen Keshi’s resignation issue I garnered is more than “leaving while the ovation is loudest”. There was more to it. The Big Boss as fondly called as however withdrawn his resignation. He issued a statement via Demola Olajire, NFF media director.

“My attention has been drawn to reports in the media that I have resigned my appointment as the Head Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria.



While I have had cause to express my displeasure over some issues that happened in the course of our participation in the AFCON 2013, which my team won by the grace of God, especially concerning my relationship with the Nigerian Football Federation, I have since had opportunity to discuss the various issues with all concerned. I am therefore pleased to say that I have reconsidered my position and have decided to continue with my job.



 I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention.”

Signed

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

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Entertainment

AFCON 2013: NIGERIA PETITIONS CAF OVER POOR OFFICIATING

Asides the not-too-impressive performance of the Super Eagles since the whole African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament started, the officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) think Nigeria has been a victim of unfair refeering decisions.

Citing the two games played so far, (against Burkina Faso and Zambia), they claim the bookings were not only too much but Ogenyi Onazi’s red card was uncalled for.

They have therefore penned their complaints to CAF and even requested for fairer treatment.

Did NFF go overboard? Or was writing the petition right and timely?

Source: www.kickoff.com

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Entertainment

PHOTO: GUINNESS UNVEILS WORLD'S LARGEST JERSEY FOR SUPER EAGLES

This news should make up for our dismal performance yesterday. Guinness Nigeria, as part of its unwavering support for the Super Eagles at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in South Africa, has unveiled the world’s largest jersey.

Made in the colours of the Nigerian national team, the jersey which is believed to be the largest jersey ever with a size 275.5 by 249.9 square meter was unveiled at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Monday, 21st January, 2013.

Commending Guinness Nigeria for the achievement, Dr Abiola Awonuga the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development who represented the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, said

“We are pleased to support Guinness Nigeria Plc in their quest to boost the Super Eagles’ dream of lifting the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.”

Also, the Guinness Marketing and Innovative Director, Mr. Austin Ofomba believes the jersey will be transmitted to the Eagles. “It’s going to be preserved because it is a big monument for us. We’re going to celebrate this jersey beyond the Nations Cup and I believe Eagles will continue to fly.” He affirmed.

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Entertainment

FIXTURES FOR THE 2013 AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS (AFCON)

The 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will kick off in 2 days time.

To be hosted by South Africa, the winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. The fixtures are below. Goodluck to Nigeria and other countries.

1) Saturday 19 January 2013

South Africa Vs Cape Verde Islands (18:00)

Angola Vs Morocco (21:00)

2) Sunday 20 January 2013

Ghana Vs Congo DR (17:00)

Mali Vs Niger (20:00)

3) Monday 21 January 2013

Zambia Vs Ethiopia (17:00)

Nigeria Vs Burkina Faso (20:00)

4) Tuesday 22 January 2013

Ivory Coast Vs Togo (17:00)

Tunisia Vs Algeria (20:00)

5) Wednesday 23 January 2013

South Africa Vs Angola (17:00)

Morocco Vs Cape Verde Islands. (20:00)

6) Thursday 24 January 2013

Ghana Vs Mali (17:00)

Niger Vs Congo DR (20:00)

7) Friday 25 January 2013

Zambia Vs Nigeria (17:00)

Burkina Faso Vs Ethiopia (20:00)

8) Saturday 26 January 2013

Ivory Coast Vs Tunisia (17:00)

Algeria Vs Togo (20:00)

9) Sunday 27 January 2013

Morocco Vs South Africa (19:00)

Cape Verde Islands Vs Angola (19:00)

10) Monday 28 January 2013

Congo DR Vs. Mali (19:00)

Niger Vs Ghana (19:00)

11) Tuesday 29 January 2013

Ethiopia Vs Nigeria (19:00)

Burkina Faso Vs Zambia (19:00)

12) Wednesday 30 January 2013

Algeria Vs Ivory Coast (19:00)

Togo Vs Tunisia (19:00)

13) Saturday 02 February 2013

Winner Group B Vs Runnerup Gp A (17:00)

Winner Group A Vs Runnerup Gp B (20:30)

14) Sunday 03 February 2013

Winner Group D Vs Runnerup Gp C (17:00)

Winner Group C Vs Runnerup Gp D (20:30)

15) Wednesday 06 February 2013

Winner Q/F 3 Vs Winner Q/F 2 (17:00)

Winner Q/F 1 Vs Winner Q/F 4 (20:30)

16) Saturday 09 February 2013

Loser SF1 Vs Loser SF2 (20:00)

17) Sunday 10 February 2013

Winner SF1Vs Winner SF2 (20:00)

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Entertainment

STEPHEN KESHI RULES MIKEL OBI OUT OF AFCON 2013 QUALIFIERS

Just few days Ago, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi mentioned that only fit players would be invited to participate in the AFCON qualifiers. “We have three major qualifiers, there is CHAN 2012, AFCON 2013 and the World Cup qualifiers, so we are just building and everyone would get a chance but right now only fit players will be invited”. He avowed

He stated further that”My list will consist of only players who are in action every week.”

According to a reliable source, Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi has been ruled out of the game and replaced with Blackburn Rovers striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Though Yakubu has been occupying the back seat ever since he missed a sitter against South Korea at the 2010 world cup but he’s been putting up performances in his club especially this season. Mikel on the other hand has been largely missing. This to a large extent could be the criterion the coach used.
Below is the list of the players to represent Nigeria in Rwanda on the29th of February for the first leg of AFCON 2013 qualifier

Vincent Enyeama,
Joseph Yobo,
Taiye Taiwo,
Dickson Etuhu,
Sani Kaita,
Joel Obi,
Ike Uche,
Osaze Odemwingie,
Yakubu Ayegbeni,
Ahmed Musa



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