Manchester United Honours Adenuga

Executive Director, Globacom, Mr. Adewale Sangowawa (M) assisted by Glo Ambassadors Ini Edo (L), Funke Akindele and Nonso Diobi receiving a gift of on behalf of Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr from Mr. Ricky Thussu, Director of Relationships and Communication, Manchester United during a reception in Lagos on Wednesday

The Management of Manchester United has honoured the Chairman of Globacom Limited, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr. for his comprehensive contributions to the development of sports globally, especially the Glo-Manchester United relationship.

Presenting a specially autographed  branded Manchester United number 10 jersey and a framed, autographed soccer boot to Dr Adenuga at a luncheon held at Eko Hotel on Wednesday, Manchester United described Adenuga as a sports patron worthy of emulation.

The Associate Director, Communication and Relationship, Manchester United, Mr Ricky Thussu described the partnership of the world’s most valuable football club with Globacom, one of the 10 biggest brands in Africa as mutually rewarding, complementary and valuable. Globacom is the Official Telecoms Partner of Manchester United in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic.

Receiving the gifts on behalf of Dr Adenuga, Mr Sangowawa thanked the club for the great honour bestowed on the Chairman, adding that the partnership between the two great brands would be strengthened.
He assured that Dr Adenuga would continue to support the development of sports, particularly football in Africa.

"One of the reasons why Globacom is partnering with a world class football club like Manchester United is to leverage on the club's achievements and successes to develop the game of football in Nigeria and Africa. Arrangement is afoot to widen the scope of this aspect of the relationship. I can assure you that within the next couple of weeks, we shall announce some initiatives in football that will make our people proud," Sangowawa added.

He thanked the Nigerian sporting fraternity for the tremendous support given to Globacom and urged them to continue to support the organisation, adding that this would encourage Globacom to do more.

Speaking on behalf of the Sports Editors, Mr Toyin Ibitoye of Channels Television commended Dr Adenuga for his exemplary support to sports and urged him not to relent in his efforts whilst thanking him for his innovative strides.

In his comments, the Chairman of Padmodzi, Mr Mike Itemuagbor lamented the lack of encouragement to Dr Adenuga who he said has invested over N6 billion locally to support Nigerian football in the last 10 years and described the Manchester United honour as eminently deserved.

The President General, Nigeria Sports Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo congratulated Dr Adenuga for the wonderful honour and urged him not to stop his numerous support for sports which had put Nigeria and indeed Africa on the global sporting map.

Globacom is the major/title sponsor of the Glo CAF Awards, the Nigerian Football Federation, the Nigerian national teams, the Ghana national teams, the Ghana Premier League, the Nigeria Sports Supporters Club and the Ghana National Supporters Club.

Brazil 2014: Confed Cup Venue Worries Organizers

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (R) talks with FIFA President Joseph Blatter at Planalto Palace, in Brasilia 

Brazil is concerned the north-eastern city of Recife will be left out of next year’s Confederations Cup because of slow preparations.

The president of the 2014 World Cup organizing committee announced on Thursday he will be travelling to Recife to discuss measures to expedite the construction of the Arena Pernambuco, which is behind schedule, reports The Associated Press.

Jose Maria Marin said he will meet with local authorities to make sure Recife can deliver “the stadium within the timeline set for the” warm-up tournament.

Four cities are secure as hosts—Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza—but FIFA will decide in June whether Recife and Salvador will also participate.

Vieira: Refs Favour Man United

Patrick Vieira

Manchester City executive, Patrick Vieira believes title rivals Manchester United and other big clubs benefit from key refereeing decisions at home.

His comments come two days after visitors Fulham were controversially denied a late penalty in their 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

The result left United three points clear at the top of the league.

"When United play at home they get some advantage that other teams don't get," Vieira told BBC Sport.

"I think when you go to United, Madrid, Barcelona, or Milan, when the referees referee these kind of games, it's always difficult to go against these kind of teams.

"This is the way it is.

"It's something the teams who are used to winning get all the time, so we need to win games so we have this advantage in the future."

With eight games left, City find themselves three points behind United, but Vieira - who took up a post as football development executive at Eastlands after retiring from playing - believes they would be worthy champions.

Speaking on behalf of Football Against Hunger, Vieira said: "This is our moment.

"Since the start of the season we've been the best team and played the best football.

"I believe the club deserves it."

However, Vieira, who has only heard about the Fulham incident and has yet to see it, also admitted that United are in pole position to claim a second successive title.

"When you are first you have the advantage, they are favourites" he said.

Vieira recently said that United's decision to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement was a sign of weakness.

In response, Sir Alex Ferguson accused City of an act of desperation when allowing Carlos Tevez to play despite going on strike.

Vieira said: "We're glad Carlos is back. The quality of these kind of players will be really important at this stage of the season.

"The issue was between him and the club. The players were really pleased to see him back.

"Its important not to lose focus, so many things can happen.

"People try to build this fire between the clubs. The heat is going to get more and more."

UEFA League: AC Milan Frustrate Barca, Bayern Beat Marseille

Barcelona's Messi (L) runs with Boateng of AC Milan

Barcelona will need to beat AC Milan at the Nou Camp to ensure their place in the Champions League semi-finals after being held to a goalless draw in Italy, reports the BBC.

The defending champions' claims for a penalty were turned down when Alexis Sanchez fell under Christian Abbiati's challenge in a dominant first half.

But Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had clear openings at the other end as AC Milan threatened on the break.

Cristian Tello was denied by a last-ditch block as Barca ran out of ideas.

However, in France, Bayern Munich took a major step to securing a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League with a comfortable away victory at Marseille.

Mario Gomez gave the German side the lead after his tame shot squirmed under the body of keeper, Elinton Andrade.

And Arjen Robben made it 2-0 after the break, playing a neat one-two with Thomas Muller before firing past Andrade from six yards out.

The winner of this tie will likely meet Real Madrid in the last four.

Madrid all but sealed their place in the semi-final with a 3-0 victory away at Apoel Nicosia on Tuesday and it looks as if the Spanish side will now meet Bayern after their result at the Stade Velodrome.
Marseille began with third-choice keeper Andrade in goal, because of Steve Mandanda's suspension, with the Brazilian making his Champions League debut and starting his first game in 14 months.

It took fully 44 minutes for Bayern to put him under any real pressure and when they did, he crumbled.

Andrade's fumble from Gomez's tame 20-yard shot saw the ball squirm under his body and into the net to give the German side an undeserved lead at the break.

Earlier, Manuel Neuer had superbly kept out Rod Fanni's close-range header at full stretch from Mathieu Valbuena's corner before Loic Remy inexplicably sliced the follow up into the side-netting from close range.

NSC Needs N75m to Re grass Abuja Stadium

Mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives could not hide their disgust Wednesday at the kick off of oversight tour of sports facilities, when the manager of the National Stadium, Abuja said N75 million was required to re-grass the bumpy pitch.

From Wednesday’s tour, it can be gleaned that Abuja is no longer in position to host the string of international engagements lined up for the year, including the Nigeria versus Brazil friendly and Arsenal’s summer tour of Nigeria.

What is now left of the usually lush pitch is a scary patch of burnt grass on a heap of sand.

The Stadium Manager, Katsman Dungese, told members of the House Sports Committee that the pitch turned brown as water could not be pumped to wet the grass due to no power supply to the stadium.

THISDAY had reported on Monday that miscreants had in November last year vandalized the underground cables that connected the stadium to the main national power grid.

Dungese said they were hamstrung by money as only N41million was budgeted in the year for the maintenance of the stadium. He said they receive every month a N35 million bill from the water corporation.

He also said the total budget for the maintenance of the six government owned stadia is N250 million.

Members of the Sports Committee, led by Hon Godfrey Ali Gaiya, were taken to the spot near the Games Village, Durumi, where the thieves excavated for about a stretch of 1 km and vandalized six cable lines valued at N35million.

The committee similarly paid a visit to the Games Villages Hostel which has now been converted into a three star- hotel.

Contractors stopped work on the 200-room hostel in 2010 after N800 million had been released for the project. The cost of the project is put at N1.7billion.

The committee similarly toured the Olympic sized swimming pool and the secretariat of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

The swimming pool, built for the All Africa Games in 2003, is left with stagnant water and human waste, while most of the seats have craved in and are in need of replacement.

Lawmakers were alarmed when NSC officials said there were no cleaners and security guards attached to the place because funds were not provided for such.

Maigari: Coaches Must Key into No-cheating Policy

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari 

Coaches of Nigeria national teams must be ready to key into the present NFF administration’s vision of zero-tolerance for age cheating, says NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

Maigari made this assertion on Friday at the closing ceremony of the NFF-organized CAF ‘B’ License and ‘B Equivalent’ Coaching Course, which took place at the FIFA Technical Centre, National Stadium Complex, Abuja.

“Another issue that must be stressed here is the need for our Coaches to imbibe the NFF’s vision of zero-tolerance for age cheating. We are decided that the days of win-at-all-cost is over, as the age-grade competitions are actually for developmental purposes, and will go all the way to ensure that players who feature for our junior teams are surely within the age bracket they play for,” said Maigari.

The NFF President dispelled the notion that the Federation does not respect indigenous Coaches, but called on Nigerian coaches to intensify efforts to improve themselves.

“The successful completion to this CAF ‘B’ License Coaching Course could not have been achieved without the valuable contributions of our revered Technical Consultant, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, as well as our own highly respected and gifted technicians, namely Dr Kashimawo Laloko, ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair and Coaches James Peters and Amodu Shaibu.

“I will like to utilize this forum to dispel the notion that the
Nigeria Football Federation does not respect our indigenous coaches. This is definitely not the case. We have no reason, whatsoever, to hold indigenous coaches in disdain. Indigenous Coaches, right from the time of the great Dan Anyiam, have done so much to bring honour to our country, and have worked assiduously and tirelessly to improve the lot of the coaching profession in our dear nation.

“At the recent Public Hearing held by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Downward Trends in Nigeria Sports Generally and Football In Particular, one of the factors held responsible was the inadequacies of our indigenous coaches. Our coaches are not doing enough to improve themselves, and in a coaching profession where methods and tactics improve on a daily basis, this is not good enough.

“The challenge, at the moment, is to ensure that our coaches get regular training and are up-to-date with modern styles and methods.

“This will not be easy, because the funding is not there. Yet, on our part as a Federation, while we strive to find the resources to keep holding the coaching courses, we will also explore the possibility of counterpart funding to enable our coaches attend refresher programmes abroad.”

Speaking earlier, CAF Instructor, Fred Osam Duodu praised the NFF for its efforts at improving the professional standing of Nigerian coaches. On his part, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde charged the NFF to continue to spend more money on the development of coaches.

About 70 coaches took part in the CAF ‘B’ License programme. The NFF is already working hard to fulfil the requirements for the staging of the CAF ‘A’ License programme.

Menezes Has Doubts over Kaka for World Cup

Kaka 

AP

Brazil coach, Mano Menezes says he has doubts over whether Kaka can force his way into the 2014 World Cup team, putting the onus on the Real Madrid player to prove he is worthy of a spot.

Menezes told Brazilian channel SporTV on Thursday that he thinks Kaka could be key for Brazil in the World Cup, but said “next season will tell if Kaka can still play for Brazil in a World Cup. We all have doubts.”

The coach said he has told Kaka he won’t be one of the overage players at the London Olympics.

Kaka has played for Brazil in every World Cup since 2002, but his form at Real Madrid has not matched that he showed at A.C. Milan.

Track & Field: Port Harcourt Agog for Golden League

Nigerian athletes taking part in a Golden League Classics

The first leg of the 2012 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League kicks off Friday morning at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Complex with most of the athletes who dominated the All Comers set to repeat the feat here at the Garden City.

As at last night, entries from 13 states, 17 clubs (including entries from military and para military bodies) were confirmed to be on ground in Port Harcourt to battle for honours at this first leg of the League.

Events listed for scoring in the league include, (Men);100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m, 5000m, 110m hurdles, triple jump,  high jump, shot put, the 20km walk race and the relays (400, 1600).

For the women, AFN listed League events to include 100m, 200m, 400m, 300m, 400m hurdles, long jump, high jump, javelin, hammer, 20km walk race and the relays.

There will also be room for All comers to compete in the long jump, javelin and 800m. Only 100m hurdles and shot put is available for the women in this category.

Secretary General of the AFN, Maria Wophil expressed her joy at the large turn-out of athletes here in Port Harcourt.

“I am really excited to see the number of entries we have here. It is certainly a very good way to start the season, most especially as this is a year of the National Sports Festival,” said the IAAF Women Commission member.

She also confirmed that only top four athletes in all the categories would proceed to the next leg of the league while the rest four will be from the All Comers that will precede the main events of the two-day athletics fiesta.
Already, the AFN has listed bonus 10 points for any of the competing athletes that matched the 'A' Olympic standard.

The two-day competition ends Saturday.

Can Nigerian Wrestlers Excel at London Olympics?

 Nigerian female wrestlers in action at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique

Ahead of the London Olympics which starts on July 27, four Nigerian wrestlers are already in contention for medals at the Games.

From the initial lone hope of Boltic Sinivie, (96kg), three others have now joined the list.

Sinivie, a freestyle wrestler, qualified for the Games in September, last year in Istanbul, Turkey, during the Senior World Wrestling Championships.

Soon after that lone qualification, Austin Edeze, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), vowed that the federation would do all within its powers to ensure that the federation secured more slots for the Games.

“The Games take place every four years. There is the need to ensure adequate representation of the country at the event,” he had said.

True to his pledge, three more wrestlers have since secured tickets to be at the global showpiece in London.

The latest qualifiers are Adebo Dicks, 84 kg; Blessing Oborodudu, 63kg and Amarachi Obiajunwa, 72 kg, all of whom fight in the free style zone -- the country’s current area of specialty.

The trio emerged from the Africa/Oceania Olympic Qualification Championship, which held in Marrakech, Morocco from March 13 to 20.

For Obiajunwa, it will be her second time to the Olympic Games as she had made the Team Nigeria list to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

As a first timer then, she made impressive showing, especially at the early stages, before crashing out at the quarter finals to the American, Ali Bernard.

Preparatory to the Marrakech qualifier, the federation had assembled 41 wrestlers in Yenagoa, the home state of the Technical Adviser to the NWF, Daniel Igali, who is also a legislator in the Bayelsa House of Assembly.

Officials recall that the choice of Yenagoa was with the intent to effectively monitor the progress of the wrestlers in camp.

With benefit of hindsight, Segun Akinlatan, a former Secretary-General of the NWF, noted that the camping, which lasted for over four months, helped the wrestlers to secure the slots.

“That camping had a positive impact on the outing of the team at the Marrakesh Olympic qualification tournament,” he said, while applauding the National Sports Commission (NSC) for bankrolling the camping.

Akinlatan said that there was a very high optimism that something positive will come out of the wrestlers’ participation at the World’s greatest elite sporting spectacle.

“Their qualification will no doubt provide opportunities for the country to have good representation,” he added.

Against the backdrop that the country was represented by just two wrestlers during the Beijing Olympics, the recent qualification by the four wrestlers are quite salutary, sports enthusiasts say.

The London Games will, no doubt, be significant for a number of reasons, one being that the city had hosted the games twice -- in 1908 and 1948, two crucial periods of the world’s political history.

The 1948 London Games was historic as it came just three years after a bitter World War 11. Though Germany was banned from that game, it, however, served the purpose of fence-mending among nations.

Ironically, too, the 1908 Games was the last before the outbreak of World War 1.

As had always been, the games have helped to foster universal peace via sports, while enhancing mutual cooperation between nations in several other spheres.

By the pronouncements of the Local Organising Committee of the London Olympics, it will promote the best values that the Olympic Games can offer the world.

The choice of the city of London for the games was not by accident as it is one the world’s major commercial capitals that can be accessed through various sea, undersea and air links. There are three major airports – Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead as well as viable sea ports.

To many Nigerian athletes, as it is with those from other Commonwealth nations, the London Games is a long-cherished dream.

Chief Ajibade Fashina-Thomas, a veteran sports administrator, said that going to the London Games could be a dream of a life time.

For Igali, the dream is beyond mere qualification for the Games but to wrest medals.

He said that much needed to be done if the nation hoped to win medals, pointing out that current preparations were far from being enough.

“The training and preparation for the Games are inadequate for them to win medals. Their current state of preparations is not adequate to make them medal-hopefuls.’’

Igali, however, was optimistic that more could still be done within the next four months to make a remarkable difference.

“A lot can happen in four months if we intensify our preparations. If we can prepare well, if we can expose these athletes to more tournaments before the Olympics, anything can happen for good”.

The technical adviser bemoaned the dearth of competitions for wrestlers before high profile events such as the Olympics.

“Right now, we have a dearth of competitions for the boys who have qualified. But I believe that we should not waste any time in getting them back to camp.

Nevertheless, Edeze said he planned to send three more wrestlers to two other qualifying championships in China and Finland, planned for between April 23 and May 2.

He, however, lamented the poor funding faced by the federation, which he said, limited its objectives.

“We hope that with the spotlight on us now, corporate bodies can show some interest in us and assist to sponsor some of our programmes’’

He added that on a long-term basis, his federation would strive to harness talents from among the youth. He also urged Nigerians to pray for the athletes that have qualified to go to the Olympics.

Sports analysts, however, are of the view that if promises made by Bolaji Abdulahi, the Minister of Sports, are anything to go by, the wrestling team will have less to worry about, ahead of the London Games.

They are optimistic that the minister will match words with action to ensure adequate preparation for the games.

No doubt, a medals’ haul by the qualifiers will be a pride to the nation as well as a personal honour to Igali, who had himself won gold medals at the 2000Sydney Games and the 2002 Commonwealth Games. (NAN)

*Nezianya is an Assistant Editor-In-Chief/Head of Sports of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN

Keshi Off to US to See Family, Joins Eagles in UAE

Stephen Keshi

After nearly five months of the rigours of managing the Nigerian national team; the Super Eagles without seeing his family, Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi on Tuesday night departed for the United States to see his family.

There had been fears that Keshi will again miss seeing his family following the institution of a friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt and the heavy schedule that will follow in the month of May and June, with friendlies and qualifiers lined up for the national team.

But after a meeting with the NFF leadership, it was agreed that Keshi be allowed to visit his family and join the team in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on April 9, on time for the duel that will be played April 12 at the same venue.

Keshi had dropped his list of players for the encounter with the Technical Committee of the NFF, and the list which was earlier scheduled to be released on Wednesday, will now be pushed out on Friday, while the team resumes camp on Monday, April 2, 2012. Camp venue remains Bolton White Hotel and Apartments.

Keshi had already told the NFF leadership that he was delighted with the friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt, as it would afford him the opportunity of playing his burgeoning home-based side against the all-time African Nations Cup winner.

In Keshi’s absence, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, will take charge along side Sylvanus Okpala, Hyndounou Valere and Ike Shorunmi.

Bilbao Wins 4-2 at Schalke in Europa League

Fernando Llorente scored twice against Schalke

Fernando Llorente scored twice to help Athletic Bilbao rally for a 4-2 win at Schalke in the Europa League on Thursday night, and Atletico Madrid beat Hannover 2-1 in the other first-leg quarterfinal between Spanish and German teams, reports The Associated Press.

At Gelsenkirchen, Llorente put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute before Raul Gonzalez gave Schalke a 2-1 lead with goals in the 22nd and 59th. Llorente’s header tied it in the 73rd, and Atletico got goals from Oscar de Marcos in the 81st and Iker Muniain in the third minute of injury time.

“It was a great game,” Llorente said. “It wasn’t at all easy because they responded very well to our first goal. What Raul did was incredible. You can’t ask anything more of a match.”

Atletico won at home with goals by Radamel Falcao in the ninth minute and Eduardo Salvio in the 89th. Mame Biram Diouf scored in the 38th for Hannover.

Dutch league leader AZ Alkmaar beat Valencia 2-1 on goals by Brett Holman in first-half injury time and Maarten Martens in the 79th, and Sporting Lisbon defeated Ukraine’s Metalist Kharkiv 2-1 on goals by Marat Izmailov in the 51st and Emiliano Insua in the 64th.

Americans Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover) and Jozy Altidore (AZ) all started.

The second legs of the total-goals series are next Thursday.

London 2012: Go and Win Medals, Jonathan Tells Team Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has charged Team Nigeria to go all out for medals at the London 2012 Olympics to be able to surpass Nigeria's best outing in the Olympics - Atlanta '96 Olympics where the country won two gold medals.

Chioma Ajunwa won gold in the women long jump while Nigerian male team, Dream Team captained by Kanu Nwankwo won the mother of all gold.

President Jonathan made the call on Tuesday after his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Olympic Committee conferred on him in a grand reception at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.

The President, who was represented by Vice President, Namadi Sambo, said that Nigeria had everything to surpass the two gold medals, which represents the country's best outing in the Olympics.

"I'm indeed grateful for the honour bestowed on me by the Nigeria Olympic Committee. I am happy to know the efforts already put in both the NOC and the NSC to ensure that Nigeria excels at the Olympics. I urge our ambassadors to go all out to make us proud and surpass the feats recorded at the Atlanta Olympics," he said.

The President also commended corporate organisations for throwing their weight behind the efforts of the NOC and the NSC in giving the country a descent outing in the Olympics and promised that such assistance would not go un-noticed.

"For the companies who are supporting Nigeria's efforts in sports, we have good news for them as there will be tax rebates for them," he said as the crowded hall erupted in applause.
Earlier in his address, Supervising Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi assured that Team Nigerian athletes have been striving in their qualification battles and noted that there was good indication that they would do well at the Olympics.

He also thanked the NOC for their onerous efforts in ensuring that Nigeria excels at the Olympics.

In his address, President of the NOC, Sani Ndanusa congratulated President Jonathan on his investiture and assured him that Nigerian athletes will hold there own at the London Olympics.

Ferguson: Our Poor Record at Blackburn is Hard to Explain

 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is surprised about his side's recent poor record at Blackburn Rovers.

The Red Devils have won just two of the last eleven Premier League meetings between the sides at Ewood Park and with the home side battling against relegation this season, Monday's encounter between the two could prove to be another stern test, reports Goal.com.

When asked about the statistic at a press conference the Scot said: "I couldn't answer why.

"When Blackburn score first they make it difficult for you, so maybe the answer is to make sure we keep our noses in front."

After suffering an early elimination from European competition the champions should head into the game with a lot of energy but it is an advantage Ferguson wishes he didn't have.

"We have been used to playing midweek games for so long that you do miss it," he admitted. "The players miss it too. Yes, we do get freshness but you can't have it all ways. We would rather be in the Champions League."

Speaking about the opposition Sir Alex praised fellow countryman Steve Kean and believes Rovers fans will now be regretting how they responded to him earlier in the season.

"I am sure a lot of them are saying to themselves 'I wish I hadn't done that'," he said. "Things can change. You have to dig in and not let it get to you, now no one is talking about fans having protest marches.

"He has held his dignity very well and deserves 100 per cent praise from everyone, including his own supporters. He has shown his mettle in times when it was difficult for him."

NFF, SAFA Agree on Falcons, Banyana Matches

 Nigeria’s Super Falcons 

The Nigeria Football Federation and the South African Football Association have agreed on two international friendly matches between their senior women teams for the month of June.

In a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday, the South African Football Association confirmed that their Senior Women’s Team, Banyana Banyana, will take on the Super Falcons in the first leg in South Africa on Saturday 2, June with the second leg taking place in Nigeria on June 23.

“We are delighted to announce that the two games have been confirmed, as it would be good knock-around for our girls. We believe the Super Falcons will overcome the challenge of Zimbabwe to go and defend their African title in Equatorial Guinea in November.

“Apart from these two matches with the Banyana Banyana, one of the strongest women teams in Africa, the NFF is also working hard to get more games for the Falcons in order to make them much better,” said NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu.

The NFF is also at the verge of consummating other friendlies and invitational tournaments for all categories of national teams, including the U-15 National Boys’ Team, which is set for an Eight-nation Invitational Tournament in Mexico in June.

While the U-20 Men’s Team, Flying Eagles, will defend their title at the Cape Town Invitational Tournament in Cape Town, South Africa in May, the Super Eagles will also play a friendly match against the Panthers of Gabon towards the end of May, after their match against
Peru in Lima on May 21.

‘NSC Committed to Grassroots Sports Development’

Chief Patrick Ekeji, NSC Director General

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reiterated its commitment towards the development and upliftment of grassroots sports in the country.

Stanley Okebugwu, the  South East Zone 1 coordinator of the commission, who stated this Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu, during an interactive session  with executive committee  members of Enugu State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by its chairman, Norbert Okolie, said the NSC Director General, Dr. Patrick Ekeji  has vowed  not to  rest on his oars until  the  nation’s present  dwindling sports situation  especially at the grassroots levels are addressed.

According to him, it is against the backdrop of getting things  right in the sports sector, as well as restoring the lost glory of  grassroots sports in the nation, that the NSC boss, decided to initiate the formation 12 zonal structures arrangement in the country, with a view to addressing the issue squarely.

Okebugwu, who assumed office in the zone not too long ago, however, called on all major stake holders in sports especially sportswriters  from  the three states of Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu that make up  zone 1 to join hands with his office  in realizing the commission’s dream of taking every  sports to the next level .

He further explained that it is because of the importance and seriousness Dr. Ekeji, attaches to the revival of grass root sports in the country, that he decided to deploy senior officers from Assistant Directors cadre, to man the zonal offices for effective performance.

Earlier in a  brief remarks, chairman,  Enugu SWAN,  Norbert Okolie, had assured the zonal coordinator of his members and the association’s  readiness  to partner with the (latter’s) office, describing both bodies as partners in progress hence, the need for an enduring  cordial relationship among them.

UEFA League: Odds Stacked Against Milan as Messi Eyes Record

 Barca's Lionel Messi tussles with Clarence Seedorf of AC Milan during their group clash






Lionel Messi is on the brink of yet another record as title holders and favourites Barcelona visit AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday with the odds firmly stacked against the injury-hit Serie A team.

Although titleholders Barcelona are unlikely to repeat the 7-1 aggregate win they pulled off in the first meeting of the two sides in the 1959-60 European Cup, they have looked unstoppable in the Champions League this season, reports Reuters.

Seven-time champions Milan, on the other hand, have been struggling with injuries in the run-up to the quarter-final first-leg tie, a repeat of the 1994 final which the Italians won 4-0.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won seven and drawn one of their eight games, scoring 30 goals at an average of nearly four per match, and beat Milan 3-2 at the San Siro in the group stage.

They have not lost in their last 14 Champions League games and are unbeaten in their last five against the Italians.

Messi has scored 18 goals in his last eight Barcelona matches and a hat-trick for Argentina. His club tally included the first five-goal haul in the Champions League, against Bayer Leverkusen.

He needs one more goal to break the Champions League season record of 12 goals, set by himself last season and Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003, and also notch up his 50th goal of the competition.

Last week, Messi broke the Barcelona scoring record with his 234th goal for the club and his tally of 55 goals this season in all competitions is already a Spanish record with two months still to play.

The outlook became bleaker for Milan after Thiago Silva, the linchpin of their defence, joined Milan’s lengthy injured list, the Brazilian limping off early during the 2-1 win over AS Roma on Saturday.

Right back, Ignazio Abate and Brazilian forwards, Robinho and Alexandre Pato are also sidelined while the Serie A leaders and defending champions will miss the intimidating presence of Mark Van Bommel in midfield as the Dutchman is suspended.

They good news is that Kevin-Prince Boateng, who scored one of the goals of the competition in Barcelona’s 3-2 win in November, is fit again while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in outstanding form in attack.

The volatile Swede, who left Barcelona in acrimonious circumstances 18 months ago, remains Milan’s trump card with 22 goals in Serie A this season and five in the Champions League.

Although Milan have a four-point lead at the top of Serie A, they have struggled in big matches this season, and were outplayed in both group-stage meetings against Barcelona, including the 2-2 draw at Nou Camp.

They have yet to beat Juventus in four attempts, lost 1-0 to arch-rivals Inter in the Milan derby in January and reached the quarter-finals by the skin of their teeth after a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie.

Milan were criticised for fielding Thiago Silva against Roma but chief executive, Adriano Galliani defended their policy on Monday.

“We knew that Thiago Silva had a problem, but he seemed fine,” Galliani told reporters. “Then he got injured and everyone is talking about it.

“Nobody knew that Zlatan Ibrahimovic played with a bad back,” added Galliani. “If he had not played then maybe we may not have won. Risks are part of the game.

“As for Barcelona, we will be meeting the holders who are playing the best football in the world.

“We have not been at all fortunate in the draw but then neither have Barcelona. Milan have been used to facing these types of matches for many years and I am pleased when Milan battle.

“Last year we were in the battle for the title with Inter and this year it is Juventus. The opponents change but we are always there. Win, lose or draw it is important to stay the top club.”

Guardiola, whose side trail Real Madrid by six points in La Liga, dismissed Milan’s injury problems.

“If we are expecting Milan to play below their usual standard, then we’re wrong,” he said after the draw was made. “The fact that we did well in the group stage doesn’t mean we are going to win this tie.”

Teams (probable):

AC Milan: 32-Christian Abbiati; 25-Daniele Bonera; 5-Philippe Mexes, 33-Alessandro Nesta, 77-Luca Antonini; 22-Antonio Nocerino, 23-Massimo Ambrosini, 27-Kevin-Prince Boateng, 28-Urby Emanuelson; 11-Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 21-Maxi Lopez

Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 2-Dani Alves, 14-Javier Mascherano, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol; 6- Xavi, 8-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets, 4-Cesc Fabregas, 10-Lionel Messi, 9-Alexis Sanchez.

Ref Dishes Out Five Red Cards in Dressing Room

 Crawley Town players brawling with Bradford City players

A referee has taken the bizarre step of sending off five players in the dressing room following an ugly post-match brawl at an English fourth-tier match that required the intervention of police, reports The Associated Press.

Three Bradford players and two from visiting Crawley Town were shown a red card by the referee after punches were thrown in the aftermath of the away side’s 2-1 win at Valley Parade on Tuesday.

Bradford manager, Phil Parkinson says “I have never been in a situation before where a ref has come into the dressing room, pulled players on one side and sent them off. He wouldn’t allow me in there.”

Seven players—six from Crawley—were also booked during an ill-tempered match.

The Football Association is expected to investigate the brawl.

Balotelli Gatecrashes Inter Milan Press Conference

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli shakes the hand of new Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni (L) when he dropped into the press conference

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has gatecrashed new Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni's first press conference, during a surprise visit to his ex-club.

The 21-year-old striker unexpectedly walked in, to laughter from the crowd, and shook hands with Stramaccioni, who exclaimed: "What a surprise!"

Balotelli had driven to the Serie A club's training ground in a Ferrari to greet his former team-mates, reports the BBC.

Stramaccioni took over when Claudio Ranieri was sacked on Monday.

Balotelli entered the press room as Stramaccioni was being formally unveiled as Inter's new manager.

The striker shook his hand and those of other people at the top table before leaving, continuing his reputation for unpredictable antics.

Balotelli knows Stramaccioni, who has been promoted from youth team coach, from his time at the club.

Stramaccioni led the youth side to a win over Ajax in the NextGen Series final - an international tournament for youth teams - on Sunday.

Inter Milan dismissed former Chelsea boss Ranieri, who took charge at the San Siro in September last year, after only one win in their last 10 league matches.

Following Sunday's defeat by Juventus, Inter sit eighth in Serie A, 22 points behind their local rivals AC Milan, who top the table.

Inter were also knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Marseille earlier this month.

UEFA League: di Matteo Hails Chelsea Hero, Kalou

Chelsea's payers applaud their travelling fans after victory over Benfica

BBC

Roberto di Matteo admitted he had taken a risk by starting with Chelsea goal hero, Salomon Kalou against Benfica.
Kalou earned his side a fine 1-0 advantage over the Portuguese team to take into the quarter-final second-leg at Stamford Bridge on April 4, reports the BBC.
The former Feyenoord player has struggled to cement a place in caretaker manager Di Matteo's plans.
"I didn't think it was a gamble, but sometimes in life you have to take a little risk," said the Italian.
"He's come into the team after a long spell out - he got the goal and had a great game."
Chelsea caretaker manager, Di Matteo raised eyebrows with his team selection before the game at the Estadio da Luz.
Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien were all left on the bench, while Raul Meireles and Paulo Ferreira, who was making his first start of 2012, all lined up.
But Di Matteo got his tactics spot on as a spirited Chelsea produced a determined performance to take a big step towards the semi-finals.
"With the fact we are playing all these games, it was important to select a team that had the energy for a high-tempo game," added Di Matteo, who hailed his players before warning that the job was only half done.
"It's terrific, you couldn't have hoped for a better result," said Di Matteo.
"To keep a clean sheet is great - defensively we looked very good. Before the game we [said we] wanted to score and we went close on a number of occasions.
"I'm very pleased for Paulo Ferreira. He came into the team after a long spell out and had a great game.
"For 90 minutes we had to run, challenge and win tackles. It was important that we selected a team that had the energy to be competitive.
"Defensively we never looked in any danger. They had some set plays but, apart from that, Petr [Cech] only had a few saves to make and they were mostly from long range."
But Di Matteo warned: "You know how football is - nothing is over, there is still another 90 minutes to play.
"We haven't qualified yet. It's dangerous to think we're through ... we've put ourselves in a good position, but it's not a result you can rely on for the home game."
It was not all good news for Chelsea, with goalkeeping coach Christophe Lochillon sent to the stands.
"I don't know exactly what the reason was. I was focused so much on the game," said Di Matteo.
It was the first loss in 11 European home games for Benfica.
"We were the best team for most of the game, we produced most of the chances," claimed Benfica coach Jorge Jesus.
"We're not out yet. We can still turn this around."

NFF Crisis: Minister Asks Odegbami, Owumi to Bury Hatchet

Sports Minister Bolaji Abdulahi

Supervising Sports Minister Bolaji Abdulahi, Tuesday made a passionate appeal to the Chief Olusegun Odegbami faction to sheath its sword and recognize the Aminu Maigari-board as the de facto faction running the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Abdulahi had recently brokered a truce where Sam Sam Jaja and Ray Nnaji agreed to halt all court processes challenging the legal status of the NFF board in a bid to thaw the cascading crisis rocking the ‘Glasshouse’.

On the second day of the Senate Hearing on the Downward Trends in Nigerian Football, the minister who also doubles as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) got a standing ovation, when he disclosed his intention to reach out and even ‘prostrate’ to Odegbami to embrace truce for the good of Nigeria football development.

“I have never known Maigari until I came to the NSC. In the interest of Nigeria, I want to appeal to Odegbami, Davidson Owumi, Japhet Tenebe and Harrison Jalla, to let us forget this bickering and move forward for the sake of our football. I won’t even mind to personally go and meet Odegbami and prostrate before him if that will lead to peace,” Abdulahi said.

It was apparent that former international winger, Odegbami, was still seething from his disqualification from the election that produced Maigari in 2010, when he told the Senate hearing that there would be “no peace without justice”.

While presenting his papers, Odegbami had insisted that the order of Justice Donatus Okorowo of January 20 which declared NFF as illegal must be obeyed and the rule of law respected.

It was Jalla, who originally secured a court injunction barring the NFF election from being held, following the non recognition of his National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) faction as the recognized body in Nigeria.

And the act of contempt against the court order that prompted Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court Lagos, to initially sack the NFF Board and forced FIFA to ban Nigeria on October 8, 2010.

Owumi on his part has an issue with the NFF board for ratifying the recommendation of the Ibidapo-Obe Commission which disqualified him from standing for election to the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) which produced his arch rival, Victor Rumson Baribote as the chairman.

Abdulahi was not the lone voice that appealed to the factions, he had a supporter in Chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba.

Gumba told the aggrieved factions to bury their differences and build strong football institutions which all Nigerians will be proud of.

He also asked Maigari to bring all the factions to a meeting and promptly communicate the outcome of the reconciliation to the Senate and House.

UEFA League: Shaky Marseille See Flicker of Hope against Bayern

Marseille's Andre Ayew (R) celebrates with Morgan Amalfitano after scoring against Inter Milan

Olympique Marseille are on their knees and will have two key players missing when they host formidable Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday but hope springs eternal.

While OM have lost seven of their last eight games in all competitions, Bayern have scored 22 goals in their last five games and head to Provence beaming with confidence.

Marseille, who put an end to their losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday, will be without goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda and centre back, Souleymane Diawara through suspension, reports Reuters.

Senegal’s Diawara will also miss the rest of the season after he sustained a serious knee injury at Nice.

Mandanda will be replaced by Gennaro Bracigliano, whose blunder handed third division Quevilly a 3-2 extra-time win in a French Cup quarter-final last week.

The former Nancy keeper believes his team can still cause an upset against the Germans.

“Hope does not care about logic,” said Bracigliano.

Marseille can draw comfort from beating Bundesliga leaders, Borussia Dortmund twice in the Champions League group phase this season.

Saturday’s draw at Nice was also hard-fought as they snatched a point despite playing the second half with 10 men following Charles Kabore’s dismissal on the stroke of halftime.

“The bleeding has not stopped yet but at least we have put a bandage on it,” coach, Didier Deschamps told reporters.

Deschamps may also be able to count on Loic Remy, who missed Saturday’s game with a thigh problem but could partner Mathieu Valbuena at the Stade Velodrome after his France team mate returned from an injury layoff against Nice.

Marseille fans wishing to be upbeat ahead of their first appearance in the last eight since winning the competition in 1993 will wince when looking at Bayern’s recent displays.

The four-time European Cup winners tightened their grip on second spot in the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over Hanover 96 on Saturday.

“We are thinking straight and are very confident,” former Marseille midfielder, Franck Ribery said. “We will prepare very well for this game to get the good result we want.”

Coach, Jupp Heynckes rested Bundesliga top scorer, Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller for much of the game against Hanover but the former was again on target, coming on after an hour for his 23rd league goal of the season.

Bayern, also in the German Cup final, have been in devastating form recently as they rip defences to shreds down the wings while impressive 19-year-old Austrian David Alaba has won a starting spot.

“We only have finals now going into the last stretch of the season,” said Gomez, whose team are chasing a treble of titles with the Champions League final to be held in Munich in May.

“These knockout games are very attractive.”

Heynckes may again be without midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger after he missed Saturday with an ankle injury.

Schweinsteiger’s presence could be key as his absence for several months this season through a broken collarbone and a ligament tear has affected their performance and seen Bayern drop behind Dortmund in the title race.

“We are taking this game very seriously,” said Heynckes, who rested his players on Monday. “Marseille beat Dortmund twice and knocked Inter Milan out of the competition.”

POSSIBLE TEAMS:

Olympique Marseille: 1-Gennaro Bracigliano; 2-Cesar Azpilicueta, 3-Nicolas Nkoulou, 17-Stephane Mbia, 15-Jeremy Morel; 7-Benoit Cheyrou, 4-Alou Diarra, 18-Morgan Amalfitano, 28-Mathieu Valbuena; 20-Andre Ayew, 11-Loic Remy

Bayern Munich: 1-Manuel Neuer; 21-Philipp Lahm, 17-Jerome Boateng, 28-Holger Badstuber, 27-David Alaba; 10-Arjen Robben, 30-Luiz Gustavo, 39-Toni Kroos, 25-Thomas Mueller, 7-Franck Ribery; 33-Mario Gomez

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

UEFA League: Chelsea Stun Benfica, Real Bash Apoal

Chelsea's Torres tries for goal against Benfica

Salomon Kalou scored a late winner as Chelsea put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after a first-leg quarter-final win in Lisbon.

Forward Kalou had earlier wasted a fine chance but made no mistake to side-foot home a cross from the impressive Fernando Torres, reports the BBC.

Chelsea were full value for the victory with Juan Mata denied by a post when the game was goalless.

David Luiz made a goal-line clearance to deny Benfica's Oscar Cardozo.

Chelsea caretaker manager, Roberto Di Matteo will know the job is only half done and will not be looking beyond the second leg at Stamford Bridge on April 4.

But the Londoners will only have themselves to blame if they do not reach the semi-finals after a performance full of spirit, guts and determination in Portugal.

And in Greece, Kaka came off the bench to inspire Real Madrid to victory over a spirited Apoel Nicosia side in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final tie.

French striker, Karim Benzema had missed an open goal in the first half before he buried a curling cross from Kaka.

Kaka - who was in superb form - then finished off a fine run and pass from fellow substitute Marcelo.

And Benzema wrapped up the win in stoppage time when he swept in Mezut Oezil's ball from the right.

Real were dominant before adding their three late goals, and could now progress to a potential semi-final against Bayern Munich.

PAT NEVIN: POWER AND GLORY

Now safely landed in Lisbon, columnist, former Chelsea star and expert summariser at tonight's game, Pat Nevin, assesses our challenge in the Champions League…
Another week another lurch in fortunes. The excitement of Robbie's initial run, crowned by the victory against Napoli in the Champions League was replaced by the disappointment of only one point from six against Man City and Spurs in the Premier League. It could however have been oh so different with just a miniscule change of luck here and there.
Man City got very fortunate when they were awarded a late penalty after the ball lashed off Michael Essien's hand. He could have known absolutely nothing about it and some referees might even have waved play on as the ball was clearly flying high over the crossbar. From my vantage point at the game, i.e. in the commentary box, it was clear that by that stage City had all but ran out of ideas and with only 12 minutes to go the spot kick was not only a lifeline but a huge psychological lift to Mancini's men.
Now let's be honest Chelsea didn't play particularly well at Eastlands but it was very nearly three points ground out in adversity. Twelve minutes later however it was no points at all. Meanwhile during the same period Spurs had pulled a goal back against Stoke City to grab a precious point themselves. In short, had the games finished 12 minutes early then Chelsea would have been sitting one point behind Spurs in the league. As it was the gap had grown to five in under quarter of an hour.
Fast forward to Saturday and once more the Blues were a fair distance away from the standard shown against Napoli, but it was only the width of a post that denied Juan Mata from gaining us the three points this time. On such small margins are the big games turned and even the final league placings decided.
That is football however and as the old adage goes, 'you make your own luck in this game.' So most Chelsea fans are only thinking about the Benfica tie right now and hoping that we make our own luck in this one. Certainly it isn't going to be easy, no matter how often people write or say that this is the team (other than APOEL) that Chelsea would have chosen given the opportunity.
I have watched Benfica a good deal over the last few seasons and they are always tough opponents, particularly at the Stadium of Light. They do however have an unusual pressure on them, they know now that Chelsea at the Bridge on a European night can be something approaching a force of nature. The Napoli turnaround sent shock waves around European football and the ripple certainly reached Lisbon, with those who had written off Chelsea as yesterday's men suddenly realising that on occasion they can still produce performances of monumental power.

Consider for a moment that you are a Benfica player and 1-0 up at home tonight, can you stick at that or do you now feel the need to push on and get another goal or two as a cushion for the onslaught at the Bridge? What the situation should do is draw the home side out and of course that can still be a good or bad thing depending on how Chelsea defend tonight. I suspect it will lead to a more open game than some Champions League first legs and thus be more entertaining for the neutral, like there is going to be many of them in the stadium.
I am actually writing this on the plane going over to Lisbon covering the game for the BBC, while our old boss Glenn Hoddle is in the seat behind with his Sky colleague Jeff Stelling. The flight is half full of Chelsea fans getting there early and there is a general sense of anticipation that this could indeed be a very exciting game right from the start. I certainly hope so, if the Blues do go out at the quarter final stage it will be disappointing but in no way an embarrassment, especially as we are the last representatives from the UK left in European football this season.
If we don't make it through I hope it is with a gallant attacking attempt, not with a whimper, this group of players do not deserve that. I hesitate to write the phrase 'going down in a blaze of glory' because first of all I hope we win and secondly it just doesn't feel right typing that particular phrase while cruising at 30,000 feet above the Iberian peninsula.
Last week's question was how many Champions League games have Chelsea taken part in up until now. There have been 109 as well as four qualifying games, so I accepted either 109 or 113. As usual most of you who did the digging got it right and the lucky winner chosen this week is Wei JaiJun from Singapore. Well done to you.
To be in the mix for next week's prize which will be a DVD collection of Chelsea FA Cup Finals, signed by John Terry, could you answer this question? Chelsea now regularly get into the quarter finals in the Champions league, but when Chelsea first reached a European quarter final, who were the opposition? Answers as ever to pat.nevin@chelseafc.com
Good luck with that (except yes I know you make your own luck) and hopefully we are still in the running for the semis the next time I write for you.

Enyeama: Eagles ‘ll roast Wasps in Abuja

Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has played up his side’s chances of qualifying for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, following its lack lustre goalless draw with Rwanda in Kigali last month.

The Super Eagles, playing their first competitive game under Stephen Keshi, did not look superb against the Wasps. ”I believe the national team is being rebranded at this moment and we would surely get it right when Rwanda visits in June,” Enyeama said.

It will be a different ball game entirely. (The Rwandans) showed much promise but they will have no hiding place in Abuja during the return leg. We shall roast them,” said the keeper who admitted that they played below expectations in the game.

He moved from Israeli club, Hapoel, Tel Aviv to French side, Lille, last year but has failed to pin down a starting place,owing to stiff competition from France keeper, Mickael Landreau.

That was not enough to stop him from keeping his place in the Nigerian set up where he performed well to keep the Wasps at bay. ”I really appreciate coaches Keshi, Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu for giving me the opportunity to feature in the game. ”I have always tried hard to serve my fatherland and live up to expectations of Nigerians whenever I am in goalpost .

I am determined to make Nigerians happy. Hopefully, very soon, I will get the chance to feature regularly at club level, so that my fans back home can celebrate one of their own again.”
Enyeama corrected the impression that he was being courted by English clubs, Arsenal and Bolton, as many had hoped that with his impressive performance at the 2010 World Cup, he would be making a big money move to the Premier League.”

I think those reports were mere speculations.
I guess the English clubs did not really make a move for me in the first place.
I heard reports that Bolton and Arsenal wanted to sign me, but those were mere reports as none of the clubs contacted me at all.”

Perhaps, they feel that I am not big enough or that I am not a type of goalkeeper they want in their teams. I was not really moved by those reports, but I was very determined to make a head way wherever I go,” Enyeama said.

You need Mikel ...Iroha tells Keshi not to discard Chelsea player

Mikel Photo: Sun News Publishing

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Former Nigerian international, Ben Iroha, has told the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, to recall Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi and Nigeria's best legs in Europe for the crucial Nations Cup qualifiers’ second leg encounter against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Nigeria scheduled for June.

The former Nigerian defender, who made the appeal while fielding questions from Daily Sunsports in Abuja yesterday, equally absorbed the foreign-based players from the blame of the Eagles not playing well in Kigali, attributing their poor performance to jet lag and fatigue.

Iroha urged the Eagles’ gaffer, who is currently holidaying in the US, to consider including some of the Dream Team V players into his squad. The former Golden Eaglets’ assistant coach, warned that it would be counter-productive to prosecute the upcoming crucial encounter with home-based players alone.

“The mixture of the home and foreign-based players in the Kigali tie was okay and it shows that Keshi knows what he is doing. But it won't be the best for him to leave out the entire professionals. It is left for him to determine who will come back among those ones he used in Kigali,” he said.

“The good thing is that we have an ample chance to finish off the game at home. The coach knows where he needs to reinforce. I have already told him about players like Oduamadi (Nnamdi) and some of the Under-23 Eagles’ players that will help him in the second leg,” he said.

Iroha continued: “I know that the performance of players like Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Dickson Etuhu and Osaze Odewingie among others have come under severe criticisms, but we should understand that the travelling arrangements affected them in Kigali. They played for their clubs that weekend, came in on Sunday and by Monday, they travelled at night and played the game on Wednesday. They are playing very well for their clubs, but it was just fatigue that affected them in Kigali.

“Keshi should bring them back and he still needs Mikel Obi and our best players for the return leg. He should not be carried away by the clamour for the home-based players. I know they are good, but we need the services of experienced players. He must work hard to blend the home and foreign-based players,” he said.