I Don’t Have Rift With Mikel, We Relate Well – Onazi Responds To Rumours

Super Eagles assistant captain, Ogenyi Onazi has dismissed reports he and the national team captain, John Mikel Obi are having a rift in camp ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

It was claimed that both stars are no longer on talking terms due to a fight for leadership and it’s distracting other players in camp.

Speaking with Complete Sports Nigeria in a chat, Onazi denied having any rift with Mikel.

“It’s ridiculous to read that I don’t take orders from him (Mikel),” Onazi told CSN. “He’s an outstanding individual and it hurts that this could be out there without verification.

“I relate well with Mikel, he is our captain and our leader. Thank you for trying to balance your reports.

“We all grew up together in Jos and he’s someone I have looked up to since I started my career. I get along with him and he has been helpful encouraging me after the criticism I received after the England game.”

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Mustapha Aliko prefers NPFL win to personal record

Niger Tornadoes captain and goalkeeper, Mustapha Aliko has said the side victory is more crucial than personal record in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Ikon Allah Boys defeated hard-fighting FC IfeanyiUbah 2-1 in midweek NPFL matchday 2 clash at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja to maintain a 100% record in the top-flight.

Aliko said though he felt bad that to have conceded a goal to the Anambra Warriors in the keenly contested clash the outcome of the encounter hugely made up for the goal.

“Yes, I wanted to maintain a 100% clean slate in the clash against FC IfeanyiUbah as I did at newcomers, Kwara United in llorin but at the end of the day I conceded a goal to the visitors.

“I kept 14 clean slates in the immediate past league season and my main target is to surpass the performance in the on-going top-flight.

“However, I’m a team player not so obsessed about individual record the key for me is the team victory.

“We thank God we won the clash against FC IfeanyiUbah to make it 100% record so far in the league.

“We will fight hard to maintain the impressive performance in other matches on the league calendar.

“We hope to untwist Wikki Tourists in Bauchi at the weekend for the whole three points at stake,” the Minna landlords safest hands to supersport.com.

The Minna outfit lead the 20-team top-flight on six points after NPFL matchday 2 actions.

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Libya look to humble Nigeria

Libya will face off with Nigeria in a 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) Group C match at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier, Morocco, on Friday.

Kick-off is at 6:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

The Mediterranean Knights began the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in Tangier on Monday.

As a result, Libya are sitting at the top of the Group C standings with three points from one game. They are two points above second-placed Nigeria.

Saleh Al Taher, who scored a brace against Equatorial Guinea, is the danger man for the Mediterranean Knights and he will be keen to inspire his side to another victory.

Libya coach Omar El Maryami is looking to mastermind the 2014 Chan champions' second victory in Group C.

“The same focus we had preparing for Equatorial Guinea is what we will use for our next two opponents (Nigeria and Rwanda) because they are good sides,” Al-Maryami told the media after their first match.

“Also, we would work on sustaining pressure and not withdraw at some point like we saw on Monday (against Equatorial Guinea).”

Meanwhile, Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw by a stubborn Rwanda side in their first game of the competition in Tangier on Monday.

The draw left the Super Eagles placed second on the Group C standings with one point from one game. They are only a point above fourth-placed Equatorial Guinea.

The player to watch out for in the Nigeria squad is Rabiu Ali, who scored twice for his nation at the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf has stated that they are expecting a difficult game against Libya.

"We are expecting another tough game," Yusuf said on New Telegraph Online.

"The Libyans did not only win their opening match, but played very well and will be more confident ahead of our match. However, with more effort from my strikers and by God’s grace we should get a positive result.”

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Alphonsus Dike backs in Eagles v Libya in CHAN

Former Enugu Rangers manager, Alphonsus Dike has backed Nigeria’s Super Eagles Team B to edge the Libyan opposite, the Mediterranean Knights at the on-going 5th African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

Eagles will confront the North Africans in Friday’s Group C CHAN matchday 2 clash at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier, Morocco.

The Nigerians played out an energy sapping 0-0 draw against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Tangier on Monday while the Libyans enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win against debutants, Equatorial Guinea.

Dike said Eagles must be natural and avoid anxiety that seemed to be the shortcomings in matchday 1 clash against the East Africans to subdue the Knights of Libya.

“Eagles showed lots of anxieties in their goalless draw against the Amavubi of Rwanda which aptly explained the barren draw in the clash.

“Eagles created chances in the encounter which means the team is good, a team is bad if they cannot create chances.

“The fact that they struggled for ball among themselves within the vital area of their opponents is a proof of anxiety.

“Everyone wants to score perhaps impress the coaches to chance inclusion in the 2018 Fifa World Cup squad.

“It becomes the duties of the coaches to calm the players down and remind them that the key is getting chances and scoring not who scores.

“Anxiety could have explained the number of balls that hit the woodwork in the match against Rwanda.

“The loopholes are correctable by the coaches and the team will be apt and shooting perfectly in other matches.

“I strongly believe that if the players could calm down, play their normal game they are certain to beat Libya on Friday.

“However, the players must demonstrate enough determination to win the clash to chance qualification from the group.

“I have absolute confidence in the team to run down the Libyan opposition come on Friday in Tangier,” said the former Golden Eaglets and Nasarawa United coach to supersport.com.com.

Nigeria have a point after matchday 1 clash against the opponents, Libya’s three points and must win outright to chance qualification from the group.

Eagles’ last group clash will be against newcomers, Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, January 23 in Agadir, Morocco.

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Pelé Comments On Possibility Of Nigeria, African Teams Winning The World Cup

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, otherwise known as Pelé, has commented on the possibility of the Super Eagles and other African representatives winning the World Cup.


The three-time world champion with the Brazilian national team had predicted that an African country would win the World Cup before the end of the 20th century, but African teams have not reached the semifinals of the competition to this day. 

''I said so, because it's amazing how many talented Africans are playing around the world, but when the time comes for national teams, then problems begin, '' Pelé told RT.

''It's hard to say why so, because there is no special reason for that. 

''Africans play leading roles in all positions, with the exception of goalkeepers. And the teams do not show themselves that way.''

Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal will fly Africa's flag at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

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Super Eagles Lack World-Class Players, Croatian Coach Claims

Croatian manager, Tomislav Obradovic, has predicted that Croatia will overcome Nigeria when both teams face-off in the World Cup at the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16, 2018.

He has equally stressed that there are several players in the team with the same characteristics in the Super Eagles squad. Obradovic was coach of the Rwandan U-20 National Team for two and a half years, and he almost qualified the country for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Asked to compare Nigeria's offensive players Iwobi and Chelsea's Victor Moses, Obradovic told Sportske Novosti: "Compare all of them with their characteristics? Everyone is similar and quick, good within a group. But where are the world-class players?

"It's probably quite enough, but as a team I do not think they have world-class quality. Why do I say that? They have too many players with the same characteristics.

"They cannot beat Croatia. Not in one segment of the game. Neither technical, tactical, nor  organisational, nor in any sense. "Tomislav Obradovic warned the Croatian team that Nigeria's counter attack could be dangerous because they have fast players.

"The only way they can outsmart us is if they threaten us from the counterattack because they have such players, quick, fast.

"We have to hold the ball, wait and play our organised football because we are better, disciplined, stronger on the ball, better one on one," Obradovic boasted.

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SportBaze Wishes You A Happy Christmas Celebration

We the entire team of SportBaze.com and SportBaze TV wishes you a happy Christmas celebration, we love you all, enjoy this day, and all your days

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Julius Ubido wants home turf for NPFL

Heartland captain and defensive midfielder Julius Ubido's greatest desire is to play at their hallowed ground, the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, as they kick off their comeback campaign in the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Naze Millionaires' home turf, the Dan Anyiam Stadium, is undergoing reconstruction and rehabilitation at the moment with less than 35 days to go to the commencement of the new league season as the Owerri outfit train at their camp base in Naze.

The Owerri side will start their NPFL campaign on home ground against Sunshine Stars. Ubido said despite the lull in their build-up to the new football season the side are ready to compete in the coming season. “I want us to play the whole season at our hallowed ground as it will act as a boost to our campaign.

“I do not want us to be relocated to any other place as such a move will rob us the support of our fans. “The stadium is under reconstruction at the moment, no form of football activity is going on there as we train in Naze. “I just hope that everything will be done to get the place ready for the clash against Sunshine Stars.

“Sunshine Stars are not pushovers, we must be at our very best and well-oiled to get the first three points. “Victory in the clash will go a long way to boost our campaign in the top-flight. “Originally, I thought we would kick-off our campaign in an away match, but playing at home should be a great motivation.

“The coaches and management are doing their best under the circumstances to get us ready for the new season. “We were supposed to go on closed camping but that didn't come through. “Funding constraints is the biggest challenge confronting us. “We train daily to keep fit, hoping to hit the ground running once funds are available for the numerous programmes lined up for the season.

“Ours is not the best of the circumstances, but we strongly believe that something will happen fast. “We had a similar experience in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and we conquered that and we hope to do the same again in the top-flight. “I believe our comeback campaign will go well,” said the former Lobi Stars utility player

Heartland are among the promoted sides to the top-flight. Others are Go Round FC, Kwara United and Yobe Desert Stars.

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“Kanu Never Told Me I Was Called Igwe In Nigeria” – Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has expressed surprise that he was nicknamed “Igwe,” meaning king, by Nigerian fans. The former France striker said this during his visit to Nigeria over the weekend.He was hailed  “Igwe” by fans as he arrived the Landmark Centre Hall, Lagos, as a guest in the Guinness Made of Black campaign.

According to the former Barcelona star, his ex-teammate Kanu Nwankwo did not inform him he was dubbed such name.

“[Nwankwo] Kanu never told me,” Henry said.

He also said that Kanu was the best African player he had played with due to his technical ability. “First of all, let me say Lauren (Etame Mayer, former Cameroon international) was very good and I love Lauren to bits. But if you go down to technique, I have to give it to Kanu,” Henry confessed. “It’s just the truth. Kanu was an underrated player, so humble, nice guy, everything about him was positive.

“We all know that famous turn (Kanu’s dribbling style) that he had, even watching him on television, I was learning (Kanu’s dribbling style). He was always good and a good guy, too. “Like I said, if we go down to technique, Kanu was very good. Kolo Toure was very tough, Lauren had good technique too until he was moved to right-back.”

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2018 World Cup: See How Much FG Budgeted For Super Eagles

The Federal Government has planned N3bn to empower the Super Eagles to have have a successful outing at the 2018 World Cup 2018 which begins on June 14 in Russia. The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, udisclosed this to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting he had with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

Dalung said while sponsors and partners would raise part of the money, the substantial part of the “conservative budget” would be provided by the Federal Government. “We have a preservationist spending plan of about N3bn however out of that N3bn, FIFA will raise about N900m; our sponsors and partners are likewise going to raise N600m. Government will moderately raise about N2bn or N2.5bn to complement,” the minister said.

He said plans were in progress to guarantee that the players get their allowance latest by March 2018.

“One of the difficulties we have been facing in sports administration is the welfare of the players and the officiating team and we plan to set a new approach to deal with the topic of welfare.

“By March, we intend to start paying the players their allowances, camping allowances upfront. That will go a long way to boost the morale of the players and their confidence too.

“The new strategy for administration in football has taken the pattern of change We will likewise guarantee that there is solidarity inside the football family.

“Unity, too, is a key factor going by some of the reports we had in the past where poor performances were attributable to lack of unity between the family, the technical team, the officials and the players. This time, unity has to be promoted.

“finally, we will likewise guarantee that government makes funds available on time. That is the reason the budget has since been sent to the President for a unique intervention

He said the government was comfortable with the group the team belong to despite the presence of Argentina. He said, “We are comfortable with the team because having tested Argentina which is a highly ranked team in the group, we can say confidently that with good work, good training, good welfare for the players and team spirit, we will top that group going by the disposition of our national team

“After the groupings, Nigeria falls within Group D and we appear to be the underdog going by the ranking of the teams.

“But I think ranking is more or less a paper job, what is very important is how you will perform and I believe that we are comfortable with the teams.

“Some people have been arguing that Argentina did not present their best, but we also have some players we didn’t invite and we also intend to invite them. It is an issue that is going to be determined practically by the level of preparation of the Nigerian team. Don’t forget that the Nigerian team had enjoyed a formidable home support and they are inspired to deliver.

“So we will engage in more friendlies to try and determine our strength and areas of improvement before the final competition.” Dalung said the government would mobilise a strong delegation that will support the team because of its belief that sports is an about number.

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2018 World Cup: Victor Moses Reveals What Chelsea Players Said About Nigeria’s Group

Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses has said that his teammates at Chelsea have written off Nigeria ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Super Eagles were drawn in the Group D of World Cup alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland. Moses, while pointing out that Croatia and Iceland will be difficult games for the Eagles, insisted that Argentina will be scared of facing Nigeria.

The Chelsea winger told Mirror, UK, “We don’t want to play against Messi, but it is what it is. We’ve got to go and play our football and see what happens. “After what Iceland did last year [beating England in the last 16 of the Euros], football nowadays, there’s no easy game.

“Argentina are going to be scared of us as well. “It’s all about football at the end of the day. “Everyone at Chelsea was saying we’re going to get a thrashing and we’re not going to make it through the group stage. “Hopefully, we can go out there and make the nation proud and get out of the group.”

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World Cup: Super Eagles To Play Egypt, Two Others In Friendlies

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play Egypt and two other countries in preparations ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The friendly matches will be played between January and May next year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.

The Secretary General of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Muhammed Sanusi, revealed this while speaking on the sidelines of NFF’s 2018 budget defence with the House of Representatives Committee on Sports. He said, although no final decision has been reached, the three friendly matches would be played in Abuja before the World Cup to be hosted by Russia in June.

He said, “We’re looking at three countries. We want to play in Abuja. We haven’t finalized, but Egypt is one of them.” On inviting additional players to join the Eagles, Sanusi said, “We always allow the coach to do that. We don’t have a hand in the selection of players. It’s up to the coach to bring in the players he wants to bring.” The committee, chaired by Goni Lawan Bukar (APC, Yobe) had earlier commended the NFF leadership under its president, Amanju Pinnick for bringing sanity to the Nigerian football.

The committee said though it was yet to get the details of the 2018 NFF proposal, it would give it much priority and make adequate allocations for the federation to succeed in its programmes.

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NPFL Wrap: Plateau United maintain five-point lead despite defeat

NPFL league leaders Plateau United maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table, despite an away loss in Umuahia on matchday 25, while Wikki Tourist earned a first away point of the season against Ifeanyi Ubah FC in Nnewi.

Abia Warriors 2 - 1 Plateau United

Table-topping Plateau United's well-oiled machine broke down against Abia Warriors in Umuahia and they fell to a defeat when Shedrack Asiegbu struck a 98th-minute penalty for the hosts.

Asiegbu had put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute, controlling with his chest before volleying home, but Hamzat Owolabi, on as a substitute, levelled scores in the 80th minute with a deflected volley.

There was late drama in added time as Sherif Bashir won a penalty before Asiegbu completed his brace, sending Ajiboye the wrong way to move Abia Warriors into 11th-place and hand the leaders their second defeat in four games.

Akwa United 2 - 0 Katsina United

A strike each from Alhassan Ibrahim and Musa Newman within five first-half minutes secured a home win for Akwa United against Katsina United.

Alhassan netted from the spot in the 8th minute -- his 11th goal of the season, before Newman netted his second league goal in four days on 13 minutes.

The win propelled Akwa United into fourth, having played a game fewer than their immediate rivals, while Katsina United are in 14th.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah 0 - 0 Wikki Tourists

Visiting Wikki Tourists earned a first away point of the season against FC Ifeanyi Ubah, who continue their slump in the standings.

The Nnewi-based billionaires failed to win at home this season only for a third time, although they did come close with a spectacular Stephen Eze overhead kick in the second half.

Wikki Tourists impressively held out to earn a point which could prove vital as the relegation battle continues to intensify.

Kano Pillars 3 - 1 MFM FC

Stephen Odey ended his goal drought away in Kano, netting his 15th of the season, but it wasn't enough to save MFM FC. Their loss -- a first this season in a game when Odey has found the net -- sees them drop to third.

Rabiu Ali put the home side in front from the spot before Odey equalised in the 63rd minute after Sikiru Olatunbosun's assist. Two late goals in the final six minutes from Amos Gyang and Adamu Mohammed secured a win for Pillars.

El Kanemi Warriors 2 - 0 Remo Stars

Remo Stars suffered a 13th loss of the season against El Kanemi Warriors as the Sagamu-based club returned to the bottom of the log.

Sunday Anthony's brace earned Warriors a first league win in four games as they overtook MFM and raced into second-place, five points behind the leaders.

Sunshine Stars 2 - 1 Gombe United

Sunshine Stars increased their point tally to 30-points for the season although they still occupy 17th place following a victory over Gombe United in their first game at Ijebu-Ode, the ground they were banished to by the LMC.

Sikiru Alimi put Sunshine Stars ahead in the 32nd minute before midseason signing Dayo Ojo beat the keeper with an impressive long-range strike, extending the home team's lead.

Austine Oladapo reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, but both teams remain embroiled in the relegation fight, and Gombe United are only a spot above 20th.

Nasarawa United 1 - 0 Enyimba

Abdulrahman Bashir came back to haunt former employers Enyimba in Lafia, a game Nasarawa United won by the striker's 48th minute goal to move into eighth.

Crowd trouble prevented the teams and match officials from returning to the dressing rooms at the break, necessitating a half-time team talk on the pitch.

The win was a setback to Enyimba's continental ambitions, as they drop to seventh.

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