FIFA U-17 FEMALE WORLD CUP: Nigeria Qualifies for Quarter Finals

Nigeria has qualified for the Quarter Finals of the on-going FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica.

In a pulsating and nerve wrecking match, Nigeria had to come from behind after conceding an early goal in a little after the 3rd minute after the Goalkeeper committed a blunder by coming off her lines.

Undetered, the Nigerian girls fought back and got a well deserved beauty of a goal from Joy Bokiri in the 26th minute.

The first half ended without a clear-cut winner although Nigeria had the better of dominance.

On resumption of the 2nd Half, the Falconets determined for business took the initiative by piling pressure of the Colombians, which later paid off in the 59th minute through Uchenna Kanu.

Nigeria thus joined Ghana, Mexico, Venezuela, Italy, & Japan in the quarter finals.

Elderson - Looking Forward To A Second World Cup

Elderson Echiejile has said a good showing at the World Cup in Brazil could further boost the careers of Nigeria stars. 

“A good performance at Brazil 2014 will help our various careers,” Elderson said on a special Airtel Football TV interview, which was published on his official website www.elderson3.com 

“It’s a great honour to represent Nigeria and it could not be any bigger to do that than at the World Cup. 

“We have a great team and great players and will hope to make millions of Nigerians happy with our performance at the World Cup.” 

Monaco defender Elderson featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and even though Nigeria failed to go past the first round, he said it was a thrilling experience. 

“It was a great experience to play at the World Cup because I played against world-class players, some of the best players in the world,” he recalled. 

He also revealed that he struggled in his first few years in Europe but his self-belief took him through. 

“I lacked some of the basics when I first moved to Europe. But I was ready to learn, work harder every day and with my self-belief I was able to manage the situation,” he said. 

He has featured at Stade Rennes (France) and Sporting Braga (Portugal) before his recent switch to  Monaco.

Osaze - Keshi Yet To Decide On Him For The World Cup

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said he has yet to decide on whether to recall Osaze Odemwingie, who has been on fine form with Stoke City. 

Osaze has scored three goals in the English Premier League with Stoke since he moved in the winter from Cardiff City. 

But the striker has not played for Nigeria since 2012 after a public spat with Keshi, which will lead to the player eventually being axed from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. 

Keshi has insisted his team is not about a particular player, and would rather want to maintain team harmony. 

"I am happy that Osaze is scoring for his club and he is now back to regular action, but that is not enough for me to call him up to the Eagles world cup squad," Keshi disclosed.

"What most Nigerians don't understand is that, this team is not about a player, but about the team. No player is a boss in the team, but all players are equal. I don't want to invite a player that would unsettle the team chemistry and unity."

He added: "How come some Nigerians keep talking about two players only? Ikechukwu Uche and Osaze Odemwingie. Are they the only players doing well that have not been invited? How about Lukman Haruna, Michael Babatunde, why are people not talking about them?

"One thing we must know is that it’s only the best we will pick to the World Cup. But what we will not do is pick players who want to lord themselves on other players in the team." 

Nigeria must name a 30-man provisional squad for Brazil 2014 by May 13.

Nigeria Hold On To Edge Tough China PR

Fan Yuqiu scored midway through the second half to cut Nigeria’s lead in half as China PR began to mount a comeback, but Onyinyechukwu Okeke performed admirably in goal for Nigeria as the African's back line held on to a 2-1 win in their first Group D encounter at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica. 

Nigeria took the lead in the 21st-minute when Uchenna Kanu was the first to get an in-swinging corner kick but Peng Shimeng made a good initial save only to give up a rebound that fell to Rasheedat Ajibade, who made no mistake and broke the deadlock with an emphatic strike.

China were able to break into Nigeria’s final third but Okeke was rarely tested. At the beginning of the second half the Africans looked to be the stronger side yet again, and in the 63rd minute their lead was doubled courtesy of a powerful header from Kanu.

Only a minute later, however, China found their way back into the game when captain Fan Yugiu calmly finished Yan Liu’s cross. The Chinese continued to press for an equaliser during the final 25 minutes but the Nigerian backline held firm.  In a delightful display of respect and sportsmanship, the Chinese team bowed to the Nigerian bench after the final whistle blew.

China will look to earn their first points in Group D when they face Mexico on Wednesday, while Nigeria will look to secure a firm grasp atop the group when they take on Colombia.

Player of the match: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)

Flamingoes Bullish For World Cup Opener

Nigeria coach Bala Nikyu has said his team will shock China in their opening game at the 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica on Sunday. 

Nigeria's opening game against China will be played by 5.pm (CR Time), which is 12am Nigeria time on Monday. 

Nikyu said the Flamingoes will unleash their surprised package on the Gao Hong-led Chinese ladies. 

"It's a game we are long expecting - We have been waiting for this day, we have not relented and have trained well. China will be coming as a giant, but Nigeria is a big country on its own and they will be surprised by what they will take back," Nikyyu said. 

Despite admitting having little knowledge of the Asian giants at age-grade competitions, the Nigeria coach insisted the China will be under pressure. 

"At the youth level, if we are thinking of China, they are also thinking about us - we don't mind any opponent coming - We are ready to play - and after 90 minutes the result will judge," the one-time assistant coach of the Super Falcons said. "We hope to make Nigerians excited at the end of 90 minutes." 

Oboabona Says Club Not Going Down

Nigeria international Godfrey Oboabona has affirmed that his struggling Turkish club Rizespor will stay up in the top flight. 

Rizespor are 16th on the 18-team league table with 26 points from 24 games after they drew 2-2 with Besiktas on Saturday. 

"We are not in good position, but I am sure we won't be relegated. We will do our best to retain our position in the top flight," Oboabona told said.

He also said he missed compatriot Uche Kalu, who left Rizespor for Adanspor.

"Yes I missed Uche (Kalu) but I am adapting to life without him here," he said.

He said he hopes to keep his place in the first team after he featured against Besiktas following a three-game shutout. 

"I am very happy to return to my team's starting line-up. I am back to stay as I will do all my best to keep the shirt," the defender assured. "It was a tough game against Besiktas and both teams played well."

Sunday Mba Nets Fifth Goal

Nigeria international Sunday Mba scored his fifth goal of the season with the match winner for CA Bastia against Troyes on Friday. 

Midfielder Mba has not featured for Nigeria this year and it is left to be seen if his goals and game-time in the French lower league will be enough to earn him a place on the 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup. 

The AFCON 2013 hero scored in the third minute against Troyes to take his goals’ haul in the French division two to two goals, having scored thrice in the French Cup. 

However, CA Bastia remain rooted to the bottom of the league with 17 points from 28 games.

Flying Eagles Pick 35 From Open Trials

The Flying Eagles have picked 35 players after an intensive two-week open screening in Abuja, which attracted over 1,500 hopefuls. 

The second phase of the Nigeria U20 team’s training camp will commence in Abuja on Monday, when the 35 players from the open trials are joined by 20 other players who were involved with the country’s U17 team last year. 

“We expect a much fiercer competition in the second phase and players need to be more consistent to survive then,” said Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba. 

Manu plans to soon form a standing team in time for the Flying Eagles African Youth Championship qualifying match against either Kenya or Tanzania in early May. 

   

PLAYERS PICKED FROM FLYING EAGLES OPEN SCREENING 

Goalkeepers: Joshua Enaholo, Adamu Abubakar, Amos Benjamin, Zaradeen Usman 

Defenders: Babatunde Ade, Baba Garba Ghaddafi, Mazadu Surajo Abdullahi, Julius Emalaju, Chukwuma Okpara, Timothy Danladi, Ifeanyi Nweke, Bashir Mansur 

Midfielders: Anthony Chukwudi Omaka, Fidelis Irene, Samuel Mathias, Uche Okeke, Aremu Abdulhafeez, Raphael Ayagwa, Alashe Sherif Ajibola, Shabanya Jonathan, Uche Chibueze, Bankole Segun, Salman Ibrahim, Jimoh Wasiu 

Strikers: Suleiman Abdullahi, Abubakar Lawal, Billy Auta, Mahmoud Mohammed, Orji Promise, Aliyu Sani Jandi, Victory Omadigbe, Eze Chisom, Yakubu Mohammed, Peter Araodion, Isaac Uduak 

Nigeria To Shine In Costa Rica As U-17 Begins!

The past
As one of several ever-present teams at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Nigerians can look back at a rich history in the competition, having twice qualified for the quarter-final stage. After being eliminated on goal difference at their first attempt in 2008, the team topped their group two years later. They were knocked out in the next round in one of the all-time classic matches of the competition, going down 6-5 after extra time against eventual winners, Korea Republic. In 2012, the Flamingoes again won their group. Hopes of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals, however, were dashed as they were beaten on penalties by France, who went on to lift the trophy.

The present
Nigeria qualified for the finals of the under-17 competition without playing a single match. Together with South Africa, the West Africans received a bye into the final round of the preliminaries, where they were drawn against South Sudan, who themselves had advanced to the second round after Morocco withdrew from the competition. However, the east Africans pulled out of the competition before the first match, giving Nigeria a place at the finals without the chance to kick a ball.

The future
Coach Bala Nkiyu, who took over the team shortly before the scheduled qualifiers against South Sudan, said that he is confident his side will prove tough in Costa Rica, even though they have not played a competitive game since the last World Cup. "I will not predict how we will finish because you have to respect your opponents, but I am sure we will have a good team." Nkiyu brings the experience of having been assistant to Uche Eucharia at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup™. "Nigerian women's football has traditionally been very strong in Africa, and we are challenging globally at youth level. With good preparations, we will be a force to be reckoned with in Costa Rica," said Nkiyu, who has also coached team's in Nigeria's Premier League.

Squad List

Nr.	Name	Date of Birth	Position	Clubs	Height
1	Mercy VINCENT	19/05/1998	GK	Kogi Confluence FC (NGA)	167
2	Mary OLOGBOSERE	18/05/1999	DF	Ibom Angels FC (NGA)	163
3	Patience DIKE	11/10/1999	DF	C.O.D. United FC (NGA)	167
4	Ihuoma ONYEBUCHI	10/12/1997	MF	Rivers Angels FC (NGA)	160
5	Ugochi EMENAYO	20/12/1997	DF	Nasarawa Amazons (NGA)	164
6	Esther ELIJAH	06/02/1998	DF	Osun Babes FC (NGA)	162
7	Vivian IKECHUKWU	10/07/1997	FW	Real Dinamo FC (NGA)	168
8	Joy BOKIRI	29/12/1998	MF	Bayelsa Queens (NGA)	161
9	Aminat YAKUBU	25/12/1997	MF	Rivers Angels FC (NGA)	159
10	Tessy BIAHWO	15/11/1997	MF	Delta Queens FC (NGA)	158
11	Faith ALEX	14/02/1999	DF	Pelican Stars FC (NGA)	168
12	Joy DURU	23/12/1999	DF	Nasarawa Amazons (NGA)	152
13	Ayomide ANIBABA	30/12/1997	DF	FC Robo (NGA)	166
14	Rasheedat AJIBADE	08/12/1999	FW	FC Robo (NGA)	165
15	Uchenna KANU	20/06/1997	FW	Pelican Stars FC (NGA)	168
16	Fubiana BRIGGS	23/12/1999	GK	Pelican Stars FC (NGA)	168
17	Augustar MENE	30/12/1997	DF	Nasarawa Amazons (NGA)	165
18	Cynthia AKU	31/12/1999	FW	Rivers Angels FC (NGA)	164
19	Chinwendu IHEZUO	30/04/1997	FW	Pelican Stars FC (NGA)	170
20	Eluemunor IJEH	29/11/1997	MF	Delta Queens FC (NGA)	161
21	Onyinyechukwu OKEKE	17/08/1998	GK	Inneh Queens FC (NGA)	182

Coach: Nikyu BALA (NGA)

Keshi: My Eagles'll Be Superstars After World Cup

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is very confident that his now little known players will become big superstars after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi who is holidaying with his family in USA told Complete Sports on the telephone that his optimism that his boys would shine at the World Cup stems from the determination and air of confidence radiating in the team right now.

Keshi says the boys showed certain attributes he had not seen in them before and during  the friendly match against Mexico in Atlanta, USA, adding that if they improve on that they will be unplayable in Brazil.

"It is true that I don't have big name players in Super Eagles squad but I can assure you that they would become big stars after the World Cup, because they will perform well in Brazil. I am optimistic the Eagles will not disappoint at the World Cup," he told Complete Sports.

"After the World Cup, clubs will scramble to sign my boys who are not highly rated by pundits now. I don't believe in big names in football and I have been able to inculcate this in the boys that names don't win matches and I am sure they would fear nobody in Brazil."

Keshi,  who will be making his  debut as a coach at the World Cup after missing out in 2006 as coach of Togo, stressed that his target will be to emerge from the group that has Argentina, Iran and Bosnia, adding that after that his team will take other teams  as they come. He said the good thing about the Super Eagles is that they now play as a unit and that they can only get better before the World Cup, noting that the Mexico experience has given him hope that the boys can adapt to changes in tactics at short notice.

The former Super Eagles captain who was at the 1994 World Cup however admitted that Argentina will be tough but the Eagles will be ready to play against the best to show the world that Nigeria has talents.

"We'll play all the teams with respect but we shall not fear them. Yes the likes of Messi, Aguero, Hihguin. Di Maria of Argentina and Edin Dzeko will be playing against us but my boys know them and will be ready for them," he added.

Joel Obi Wants World Cup Action

Parma midfielder Joel Obi has revealed to Complete Sports that he misses playing for the Super Eagles and would relish a return to the fold for the World Cup in Brazil.

Obi who has played only two games in the Serie A since joining Parma on loan from Inter Milan also hopes that his injury days are over.

"It hasn't been easy but I thank God that I'm fit and I hope to get my chance in the team," he said.

"Its the World Cup year and I want to be part of it if invited."

He also tipped the three-time African champions to surpass previous feats in the tournament.

"I don't think we have anything to fear as we have our strengths as a team. We can achieve great things if we believe," he added.

Obi who made his debut for the Super Eagles in a 2-1 win against Sierra Leone in 2011 has made 11 international appearances so far.

Beach Soccer League Kicks Off in November

Abuja — Taye Olajide, the Co-ordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL), on Thursday in Abuja said the competition would kick off in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Olajide said that registration of participating clubs would soon start and the competition should start by November.

"We will then hold a seminar, after the registration, for all stakeholders, including clubs and corporate organisations," he said.

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has since May 2013 approved the commencement of the beach soccer league in the country.

The NFA gave Sports Solution Limited the right to develop, organise and administer the beach soccer league in the country in tandem with global best practices.

"Our initial statement that the league will start in 2014 still stands, because preparations for the kick-off are underway.

"Presently, we are doing a lot of fine-tuning and documentation in this first quarter and Nigerians will begin to see the roll-out of events in the second quarter.

"This will be heralded by a call for clubs to register. Thereafter, there will be a stakeholders' forum where everyone shall rub minds.

"And we are looking at inviting at least someone from Beach Soccer Worldwide or FIFA as one of the resource persons. Details of this shall come out soon," Olajide said.

The co-ordinator however noted that only eight clubs would be participating at the inaugural edition of the NBSL which is scheduled for Lagos in the fourth quarter of 2014.

"Although many clubs have shown interest in participating, we will like to start with only eight clubs.

"This is because we want to achieve a quality and sustainable league that can rival any other one in the world. It must take a calculated and gradual developmental process," he said.

Olajide however said the league's second season would witness an increase in the number of participating clubs, with about 16 clubs taking part and an additional league centre.

"We will progressively implement this across the country as we continue to deliver exciting beach soccer league series as a viable going concern," he said.

On sponsorship for the beach soccer league, Olajide said plans were on ground to secure title sponsors/partners before its kick-off.

"All hands are currently on deck to secure sponsors and partners for the beach soccer league and we are very optimistic that some sponsors shall come through before the league starts.

"We are already in talks with Super Sports to guarantee TV broadcast, and a leading radio station in the country has also signified interest with some known corporate brands," he said. (NAN)

Keshi Clears Air On Osaze, Ike Uche, Others

Amidst calls for the recall of the likes of Osaze Odewengie and Ike Uche to the Eagles, Stephen Keshi, Nigeria's head coach, has maintained that he has never shut the door against any player in the Eagles.

But he insists that there are times some players are better left out for the good of the team. Such players, he said, could be recalled at the appropriate time. Keshi spoke on phone:

"It is wrong for any coach to shut the door against any player and ban such a player from playing for the National team. But time matters in all things including football.

There are times good players may lose form and you allow them time to be fit again and there are times a player may not contribute to the success of a team due to behavioral problems and if you, as a coach, feel that it will be for the best interest of the team to allow such a player time to conform to the acceptable conducts, you do so to help the team.

I'm aware of the comments people have made on some of our players. All good players deserve to be in the national team but there are also team spirit considerations.

There are tactical considerations. If you have a concept and a player does not and refuses to conform to that concept what do you do? What I want people to know is that I want to go to Brazil and do well. And I will not leave out any person who I feel will help us do well.

No reasonable coach will do that. If I leave out any player, it simply means that I feel that such a player may not help the general interest of the team in Brazil. It is a serious matter and it will not be nice to trivialize World Cup selection matters. It is a serious matter and I wouldn't want sentiments to sway us.\\"

Keshi was reported to have said that the lack of tactical discipline influenced his decision to leave out Ike Uche from the World Cup team.

He recently admitted that the final selection of 23 players would be tough but that he would go for the best that Nigeria can constitute a good team for Nigeria in Brazil.