AFCON2019 : NIGERIA 1-0 GUINEA :Nigeria first to reach AFCON 2019 Round of 16

 

Nigeria became the first country to make it to the knockout rounds of the ongoing 32^ndAfrica Cup of Nations finals in Egypt on Wednesday evening, as Kenneth Omeruo’s well –placed header from a Moses Simon’s corner kick earned all three points against Guinea at the Alexandria Stadium.

 

A below –par first half gave way to a lively second half, during which Odion Ighalo, who earned all the three points for Nigeria after coming on as a substitute against Burundi on Saturday, could have scored if the Guinean defenders had not checkmated Ahmed Musa’s pass from a swift counter-attack, and Alex Iwobi forced a smart one –handed save from Guinea’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone from a snap shot.

 

The result means that for the first time since the AFCON finals (also staged in Egypt), Nigeria won their two matches of the finals.

 

At the beginning, the Syli Nationale were more business-like, working three shots on target including one that rattled Daniel Akpeyi, before Moses Simon fired wide over the bar when he freed himself from the right.

 

Coach Gernot Rohr rested captain Mikel Obi and William Ekong, with Chukwueze also benched for Simon and Ighalo starting in place of Paul Onuachu. Yet, the Super Eagles did not look intensely creative in the first half hour and it was largely the organization of Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem and Ola Aina at the back that ensured a barren scoreline at the interval.

 

Iwobi had movement and endeavour but gave the ball away severally, and Ighalo must have punched himself after side-netting with Musa waiting eagerly to raze the net from close range in the 32^nd minute. Earlier, Ighalo had, with a poor first touch, fumbled a good pass from Musa after the latter’s run down the left, and Iwobi also wasted another excellent pass by the pacy deputy captain.

 

The Super Eagles need only a draw from their last match of the group phase against Madagascar on Sunday to finish top of the group and remain in Alexandria for their Round of 16 fixture.

AFCON 2019 :Nigeria vs Guinea Preview: The Viruses that Rohr must deal with before Guinea match

NIGERIA VS GUINEA 3PM WEST SFRICA TIME KICK OFF

GROUP MATCH DAY 2 ON WEDNESDAY 26TH OF JUNE,2019

"We had some challenges with virus attack that knocked out some of the players, but I believe we will get better with every match,” 

That's a quote from Coach Gernot Rhor after the Super Eagles laboured to a one nil victory over Burundi in their opening game at the on going 2019 Africa Cup of Nations otherwise known as Egypt 2019.

Truthfully , News broke out just few days leading to the opening day match against the Swallows of Burundi that as many ad five members of the Super Eagles were not match fit and will not feature in the match ,notably Ahmed Musa and jamilu Collins,they were not feeling due to virus attack hence they were knocked out of the match. 

Admittedly the coach agreed that it affected the performance eventually as Samuel kalu was replaced few hours to kick off after he collapsed in final rehearsal for the match due another type of 'virus' attack called dehydration and his contributions was greatly missed no doubt.

The Super Eagles overcame the challenges and they got the Swallows of Burundi  swallowed at the end of 94 minutes in that Energy sapping encounter.

its good the Super Eagles kicked off their campaign on a winning a note,it doused the pressure and lift their not only their spirit but also boost their confidence in facing other teams as the competition continues. 

But the team should not be carried away by the jubilations and excitement that comes with Ola Aina's back heel made in heaven assist and the super cool finish by Odion ighalo there are fundamental errors that needs to be checked or avoided before the next game against a more experienced side in the competition. 

The style stars will square up against Super Eagles on Wednesday ,they look beatable but the team handler,coach Gernot Rhor,must get rid of some 'viruses 'noticed on Saturday against Burundi , a more experienced side could have killed off the game before the removal mikel obi and the introduction of Musa and ighalo will have mean nothing. 

"We thank our stars that we escaped and we might not be that lucky against Guinea on Wednesday if not addressed."

First off,the inclusion of Mikel obi was a virus that must be tamed,Coach Gernot Rhor invited probably for his experience and as the captain of the team it is almost certain that he will be selected for games but he didn't cover himself in glory with his lustreless performance in the last game,the coach must carve out a role that his experience can be use to the team's advantage if he will be selected against Guinea but definitely playing him in the number ten role is a virus that will' kill 'the Super Eagles as age is catching up with fast,especially when he was not the fastest of player even in his younger days as the Eagles strength remains the atttack.

The attackers in the team are all pacy,young and full of energy and mikel's 'snail movement' will slow the attack down and will mean lack of goals as the team will struggle to create chances that could lead to goals. 

The best position for the team captain for now is to sit on the bench and watch as the goes on and probably come in when the team is leading to help the defensive midfield of the eagles and bring his wealth of experience in match management to bear on the match

 Alex iwobi position as the number ten must be sorted quickly playing as on the wings is killing his effectiveness by thirty percent we saw how he gave his best when he swapped role with Ahmed musa against Burundi,in other to maximise his potential to the glory of the Eagles the coach need to jettison sentiments and play Alex iwobi in the central midfield for the eagles. 

Secondly the other virus that must die is the Goalkeeping,with the trio of Daniel Akpeyi,Okechukwu Ezenwa and Francis Uzoho no doubt the Goalkeeping role is the weakest link of the Super Eagles and that's very deadly virus that's need to be well managed. Daniel Akpeyi's incompetent as a Super Eagles is well documented he is a perfect example of the two extremes, a moment of Genius followed by a moment of villain. Lots of school boy errors and lack of confidence was written all over him. But can Uzoho or Ezenwa di better ? Am  not sure . it seems we are in a 'onechance ' bus with the three goalkeepers. Coach Gernot Rhor and his backroom staff especially the Goalkeeper trainers, Alloy Agu and pichhone must do something fast before Wednesday otherwise the Eagles may have their mouth filled with stories that touched.

Set pieces wins you trophies just as a Good team defending, coach Gernot must deal with this lapses noticed on Saturday as the find it hard to break their opponent on the run of play,the super Eagles failed to take advantage of the numerous corner kicks and free kicks in the vital area that comes their way. Against a more Experienced and tactical side, scoring through a run of play may be non existent but set pieces and dead balls situation in vital area is an alternative for team to shine. It seems Gernot is confused as to what to do with converting corner kicks and free kicks to goal as well. For the Super Eagles to go he must exterminate the 'deadball' Virus. 

The team show lots of promises but for the to get to the promise land as they are gunning for the fourth AFCON triumph the medical virus that affect key players especially the likes jamilu Collins etal must be cured as fast as possible as Every player must be fit and be ready to contribute their quota when called upon,the bench option in the super is tantalising if the team can afford to keep Ahmed musa and odion ighalo on the bench in the first match and their inclusion brings tactical changes that got the swallows swallowed the coach needs to find the right combination and always get his plan B ready if the plan A is not giving optimum results.

Rhor got 100% in that regard in the first match and he must safe guard it with A plus 'anti virus' so that the Eagles soar higher and hunt their prey seamlessly 

The Super Eagles will beat the syli stars hands down and book a place in the second round if the coach can take care of all this lapses noticed in the first and henceforth perfect it in subsequent matches ,the sky will be their beginning as they set to beat the syli stars silly come Wednesday. 

ACCESS BANK LAGOS CITY MARATHON: Registration for 2020 race begins with N5000 payment

Registration for the 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon opened Monday, June 17, 2019, with intending participants paying a fee according to a statement signed by the organization Director of Communications and Media Olukayode Thomas.

Upon the payment of the registration fee of N5, 000 for the 10km race and the full marathon, intending participants can register online at www.lagoscitymarathon.com or collect registration form at the Marathon Office, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos or any of the Access Bank branches nationwide.    

Thomas said foreigners who intend to participate in the 2020 edition slated for February 8, 2020, will pay a registration fee of $US100 (One Hundred United States of America dollar only).

Thomas said the first four editions of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon was free but a fee is being introduced from 2020 so as to comply with the IAAF requirement which stipulates that all top label races must charge a participation fee.

He said 10% of the registration fee paid will be donated to five charity organizations selected by members of the public and other stakeholders.

“Payment of registration fee will enable us to raise the standard of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to the standard of other world-class marathons like New York Marathon, Dubai, London, Chicago, and others. It will also attract many tourists to Lagos thus boosting the State's economy; especially in the areas of hospitality, transports, sales of arts and crafts and the positive stories they leave with will attract genuine investors to Lagos State in future”. Said Thomas
 

AFCON2019: Zimbabwe turn up to give some light to a glooming week of Africa football as Trezeguet shoot Egypt to a winning start

The 2019 Africa cup of Nations kicked off in Egypt on Friday after Zimbabwe players shelved their initial plan to boycott the game over demand for arrears of allowances and match fees for attending regional tournaments.

The opening match lived up to Expectations as the Zimbabweans troubled the host and never looked like a team that didn't train twenty four hours to the match. 

The host team,Egypt,were resolute and determined not to share point with Zimbabwe and they were able to counter everything Zimbabwe throw at them to treat the watching fans to sumptuous Africa football to the delight of both biased and the nuetral fans.

Though Zimbabwe lost to Trezeguet's well taken shot but both teams gave Africa biggest football competition a befitting opening match that it deserved, a soothing relieve to a tumultuous week for Africa football.

The build up to the championship wasn't the best,as CAF was in the eyes of the storm starting with the Caf Champions League final VAR saga which eventually ensured that the Competition ended in an embarrassing stalemate. 

Just before the dust settled on that,news broke on the the arrest of CAF president,Ahmad Ahmad, in France and he was questioned on corruption,financial misconduct and improper business deals on behalf of CAF to highlight the height of the division in the Camp of the 'Change' group that uprooted the formidable isa hayatou's stronghold of Africa football and Africa Football needs a divine Intervention before things fall further apart as it seems the Anchorage at the Centre is failing.

Just before kick off, FIFA intervention was timely,Fatima Samoura was appointed to lead CAF for initial six months starting from August and this move douse the tension in CAF. She is to oversee the forensic audit of CAF this will restore the integrity and honor to a Confederation fast losing it.

What a week for Africa football and its admistration,In midst of all these distractions leading to the first match, the players of Egypt and Zimbabwe still find enough motivation to give the fans something to cheer about Africa football.

#IsupportBamigbelu: Help a dying Photojournalist to raise fund for hip Surgery

Origa  Bamigbelu is a Photojournalist from Nigeria.

He has blessed the Nigeria football landscape with his numerous shots and have  captured many unforgettable moments both in the NPFL and when the Super Eagles are on duty.

He now your support to stay alive as he needs a hip replacement surgery to stay Alive.

I will like to appreciate everyone who has contributed to this cause.

We had N960,000 before the recent campaign from donations from concerned Nigerians  but as I speak now we have been able to realised
N3.6 million,but our target is N5 million.

In his words "The pains are becoming more excruciating everyday but I know that I will survive it with donations."

Join us in this #isupportBamigbelu campaign and donate funds for  Hip Replacement/Osteomyelitis surgery for a Photojournalist ._

Please help with your donations no amount is too small.

*Account Name:* *Bamigbelu Ademola* *Medical*
*Union Bank: 0048053797*

#IsupportBamigbelu

Three time Nigeria Open Champion ,Assar braces up for Bundesliga challenge

Having played in the last two seasons professionally in the French elite league for Marseille-based Istres, Omar Assar (EGY) is aware of the task ahead of him when he begins a new life in his career in the prestigious Bundesliga in Germany.

Like every athlete, who aspires to go higher in their career, Omar Assar has decided to take up the gauntlet to compete in the star-studded Bundesliga for SV Werder Bremen.

Admitting what he had to forgo to leave his former club in France, Omar Assar said: “It is hard to leave such a big and nice club as Istres in Marseille. However, I decided to take a new challenge and I am very happy with my decision.”

The three-time Nigeria Open champion will join forces with German international, Bastian Steger and Romania’s Hunor Szöcs in the club’s green colours under the coaching guidance of Cristian Tamas.

With several offers coming the way of the 2015 African Games champion, the Egyptian sensation had to consider the profile ofSV Werder Bremen coupled with the quality of the players and technical before finally making up his mind to sign the dotted lines in march this year for the 2013 Bundesliga champion.

“I had several offers from European clubs especially from Germany this year. I felt I have I improved my game and that is why many German clubs were willing to sign me,” he said.

Also, Omar Assar wanted to fulfill his childhood dream with his movement to Germany. “It has been a childhood goal and dream that I wanted to be the first Egyptian, Arab and African player to play in the best league in Europe. So I am very honoured that I am going to represent Bremen in this coming season.

“It is a great honour to be the first player from Africa to play in the modern Bundesliga and I am more excited that I have signed to a big club such as Bremen with nice people,” he added.

Omar Assar who has been training with the club in the last two months spoke glowingly about his prospect in the club. “I am so excited joining Bremen, a team that has won the league before in 2013. My targets are enormous but my first goal is to show respect to my teammates, members, fans and management of the team during the daily training and preparation for the commencement of the league. I am also hoping that I will have a good season with great attitude in my first season and I wish to perform very well in all the seasons,” Omar Assar admitted.

Africa Champions Cameroon crashed out of Russia Race as Nigeria need one more point to reach Russia

Eagles make a point in Yaounde, need one point to reach Russia

Cameroon merely delayed Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket celebration even as the African champions were themselves eliminated from the race in a crunchy game that ended 1-1 in Yaounde on Monday.

In the event, the Super Eagles will qualify for their sixth FIFA World Cup finals with one point from their last two matches of the campaign.

Just as they did in Uyo on Friday, the Indomitable Lions started with some pace and passion, but they were immediately matched by a confident Super Eagles pumped up by the 4-0 thrashing of the African champions three days earlier.

As early as the 7th minute, Nigeria had started searching for the goal that would put them in the ascendancy and straight to Russia, but Sebastien Siami headed away a floated free –kick by Victor Moses.

Two minutes later, when Jean Pierre Nsame, surprisingly preferred to Vincent Aboubakar, was gifted an opportunity as Fabrice Olinga drilled the ball into Nigeria’s box, but he wasted it. In the 14th minute, Moses, full of running as he was in Uyo, earned a corner from a breezy run.

On the half hour, Nigeria got the lead that their self –assured approach deserved when Odion Ighalo, giving as much trouble to the Cameroonian defence as he did three days earlier, latched onto a Moses’ pass and got the ball into the box. It was returned, but a lurking Abdullahi Shehu floated it back, and Moses Simon rifled into the roof of Fabrice Ondoa’s net.

Ighalo and Moses threatened the Lions’ defence further, and in the second half, Nigeria continued where they left off as Moses continued to prove quite a menace to the hosts while goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa would not allow any ball past him.

On the hour mark, Cameroon coach Hugo Broos brought on Christian Bassogog and Aboubakar, which enlivened the Lions’ game, and after Moses came close to getting a second for Nigeria with a deft chip that missed narrowly, referee Papa Gassama duly pointed to the penalty spot after Ezenwa foiled Arnaud Njoum in the box in the 73rd minute. Aboubakar scored to level up.

Nigeria could have won it as Moses went for goal from a free kick in the 81st minute only to miss narrowly, and he did not direct a final effort well enough.

Yet, the Eagles deserve commendation for putting in a good shift at the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo, and Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who met the players just before they left their hotel for the stadium and gave them a message of encouragement from President Muhammadu Buhari, hailed the players for their spirit and sure –footed approach.

“The Super Eagles have done very well. They have made Nigeria proud and I commend them. We are close to getting the ticket to Russia 2018.”

NFF President Amaju Pinnick expressed confidence that the Eagles would wrap up the World Cup ticket when they host Zambia in Uyo next month.

“This was the toughest World Cup qualifying group in Africa and the Super Eagles have been excellent. I praise them for their efforts since the qualifying campaign started and I want them to go for the three points against Zambia so that we wrap up the ticket quickly without further delay.

“Everyone called it the Group of Death, but we are alive to tell the story, and a very good story at that. We await Zambia and I believe the sweet story will be completed in great style.”