Players bribe coaches to feature for the Super Eagles -Taye Taiwo

Former Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo in a recent interview with Football Africa 365 stated that he will never pay coaches to feature in the national team like some players do.
I figured he made the revelation while speaking about his career and you know there’s no way he won’t make mention of the Super Eagles.

“Unlike others , I didn’t offer gifts to the Nigeria coach to be selected. Unfortunately, it ‘ s still happening. I’ m not going to be like some who owe their selection of gifts to the coach , “

The 30 year-old left – back ‎who parted ways with Turkish club, Bursaspor over unpaid wages is searching for a new club in France.

“The French league is my favourite; it’s my adopted country and my city, Marseille . I would love to return, I spent my best moments , my family , my friends are there . I remain a strong supporter of OM . If Jean – Claude Dassier had been able to manage a football club, I would still be in Marseille. “


Obafemi Martins wins MLS goal of the year award, says he's done with the Super Eagles.

Seattle Sounders forward, Obafemi Martins’ fantastic goal against San Jose Earthquakes on May 18 has been voted MLS Goal of the Year.
Obagoal’s goal garnered over 50% of the total votes cast by online voters at MLSSoccer.com. Portland’s Will Johnson and New York’s Thierry Henry’s goals came second and third respectively.‎
Meanwhile in other unrelated news, the former Levante striker who has been constantly shunned by the technical team for some time now has called time on his international career.
In an interview with Italian daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Martins who made 39 appearances for the Super Eagles and scored 18 goals hinted that that he’s having problems with the Super Eagles set up and has not enjoyed good relationship with some of his team-mates.
No, I am done with my national team, I will not go there any more. I do not have good relationships with some companions. If they do not want me anymore, patience. I love my country, I have given so much. But there are problems and although I am summoned, I do not go.” He stated.

Emmanuel Babayaro says no Nigerian not even Stephen Keshi can handle the Eagles.

Dear Nigerians and die-hard footie fans, do you agree with this statement? Ex goalkeeper and singer, Emmanuel Babayaro has maintained that no Nigerian coach is capable of handling the Super Eagles. He added that even the incumbent manager, Stephen Keshi who is highly sentimental isn’t right for the job.

“I don’t think Keshi is the man for the job. I never thought any Nigerian coach is the right person for the Eagles. And note this, it has nothing to do with their ability as coaches. As coaches they may be terrific, but I have always maintained, an average Nigerian myself inclusive, we are very sentimental people and football and sentiments they don’t go together.

He continued, “That is why we have this situation where Keshi never invites the best hands, for one sentimental reason or the other. On a good day, somebody else without sentiments would have invited every other person. We have to bring the players. They will create competition which at the end of the day makes every other player better.”

Credit: All Africa

Stephen Keshi may not return as Super Eagles coach

According to reports, Stephen Keshi may not return as Head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The reason however isn’t far-fetched, the NFF is yet to agree with his new contract and salary demands.
The former Super Eagles player whose contract ended on June 30 told BBC Sport, “Talks over a new contract shouldn’t drag on. I can’t wait any more – the NFF is not serious. I have moved on. I can only wish the country well for the future. I’ve had about seven countries approach me in the last two months but I kept them all away.”

“There’s a game in two weeks [Nations Cup qualifier against Congo] but no-one is thinking about it and at the same time they expect you to win. I understand the ongoing crisis facing the federation but the national team should not suffer from such at this crucial stage. Sadly, I also think attention is focused more on the upcoming NFF elections and the national team is simply not a priority.”
He also talked about offers from other countries.

“I’ve had about seven countries approach me in the last two months but I kept them all away. I love my country and I am aware of the dream our fans had of me taking this team to the next level. While acknowledging the efforts of some people involved in the negotiation, I think others probably have other important things to do.”

AFCON 2015: "It was wrong to leave Iheanacho out of the list."- Babayaro

Mixed reactions have continued to trail Eagles 23-man list for the AFCON 2015 qualifiers. Honourable Sabo Babayaro, The father of Nigerian sport legends, Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro believes that the exclusion of Manchester City youngster, Iheanacho was not appropriate adding that he could contribute immensely to the squad.

He told SL10, “I think it was wrong to leave Iheanacho out, for two reasons, first of all his performances during Man City tour of USA should have earned him a spot in the team. Secondly, it would have been a wise idea to include him in the Eagles rooster because when he turns 18, Man City will have a strong case in using the special talent rule to get him a work permit.

“They will argue that a 17-year-old in the senior national team of Africa’s champion deserves to be termed special and of course integrate him now so he can get the 75% national team game required by foreigners to play in the Premier League.

“I think it was an oversight but it can still be corrected because in the past Kanu and co were stars at the Under-17 and they were integrated early into the Super Eagles.

Below is the full list of invited players:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers)  

Stephen Keshi to be paid N7million per month

If the report in Vanguard newspaper is anything to go by, then Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi will get a new mouth-watering deal. According to them, the Nigeria Football Federation will pay coach Stephen Keshi seven million Naira a month (over $44,000). This is coming few days after the 52 year-old expressed his interest to continue as head coach.
“We have had meetings with Keshi and the good news is that he is willing to continue as coach of the Super Eagles, He is only concerned that most of the fringe benefits in his contract were not provided and demands better treatment from the Federation. I think the first step was a success and we will build on it because the (2015 Africa Cup of Nations) qualifiers are not far away.” A top official hinted.

Brazil 2014: "Nigeria caused Argentina problems, they will make it hard for us"- Yohan Cabaye (France midfielder)

History beckons for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they take on France in Brasilia today by 5pm. They will be playing for a place in the quarter-finals for the first time. France midfielder, Yohan Cabaye has maintained that it will be dangerous for France to be complacent against a team as tough as Nigeria.
“We always play to win, but even with our spirit, our determination and our qualities, we are not immune from falling to a better team. Nigeria are a good team who caused Argentina problems. They are powerful, quick up front and hardworking in midfield. They will make it hard for us.”
Meanwhile defender, Joseph Yobo is confident Nigeria will cruise into victory and make it to the next round of the tournament.
“We won the Africa Cup of Nations, booked our place in the World Cup without any trouble and now we’ve qualified for the second round. It’s not often that I’ve experienced so many pieces of good news in a row. That shows you we’re improving. This team is young, but it’s growing fast and learning quickly. We’re taking confidence from our campaign so that it can help us in our next match. I don’t see what we should be afraid of. I believe in this team, and I think we can do it.” He added.

Super Eagles players reportedly boycott training over appearance fees

According to Goal.com, Super Eagles players boycotted training yesterday following a disagreement over appearance fees for progressing beyond the group stage of the World Cup. Recall that they threatened to boycott the 2013 Confederations Cup over the slash of their win bonus.

Their coach and officials were left bewildered after they refused to show up at the Estadio Guarani, venue of their training. Soldiers and police officers waited endlessly to accompany the team to the stadium, fans who waited outside to catch a glimpse of the players were disappointed too, so were pressmen. However, after an hour, the team’s media officer, Ben Alaiya, came out to tell the press that the players were in a meeting and that training might still take place.

They stated that it would be difficult to claim the bonus when they leave the tournament on Monday. To avoid “stories that touch the heart” and a repeat of what happened at the 2010 World Cup when the federation delayed payment of their appearance fees, in a meeting with the management, they insisted that the bonus be paid to them before their clash with France on Monday.

Meanwhile NFF general secretary, Musa Amadu has left Brazil for Abuja to facilitate the release of funds from government coffers. With their failure to train on Thursday, it is not yet known if the team who is scheduled to depart for Brasilia today will board the flight.

 

*Super Eagles took “VEXpa with them to Brazil. Biko go oooo, board flight. No vex

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