Daily Archives: January 16, 2013

NIGERIA: NFF’s target for Keshi primitive – Laloko

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Kashimowo Laloko, a former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), on Wednesday said that the target set for the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was primitive.

Laloko, who made the assertion at the maiden Ogun Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Forum in Abeokuta, said that such would prevent the coach from performing optimally.

He spoke against the backdrop of the NFA asking Keshi to deliver the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations trophy or nothing.

The first Vice-President of the NFA, Chief Mike Umeh, had toldKeshi that based on the support he (Keshi) enjoyed from the association, “it is either the trophy or nothing”.

He, however, added that Keshi would be allowed to perform his job without any interference.

Laloko, the Director of Pepsi Football Academy, Lagos, said there was
always room for measuring the performance of any coach, with or
without silverwares.

He said that when targets were set for a coach, he might not perform.

“To me, it is primitive to set targets; let the coach do his job because there is always a way of measuring his performance.

“I disagree with setting targets; I do not subscribe to it and I do not think it is the right thing to do,” he said.

On the non-inclusion of West Bromwich Albion Rover of England forward, Osaze Odemwingie, in the Super Eagles for the Africa Cup of Nations, Laloko described it as a mismanagement of players.

He also said that African football required formal education and formal training for an understanding of players, saying that what happened between Osaze and Coach Stephen Keshi was a personality clash.

Laloko advised Keshi to learn how to understand his players, noting that it was always instrumental to the coach’s job security.

“If your player is arrogant and you are also arrogant, you may lose your job at the end of the day,” he said.

Laloko lauded Keshi for the inclusion of six home-based players in the Super Eagles, saying that “it is a good omen of what is to come at the tournament if there is no hidden agenda”.

“I want to agree with that. It is good and I subscribe to that if the selected ones are the ones who merit it,” he added.

The Super Eagles are returning to the Africa Cup of Nation in South Africa after missing the last edition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in 2011.

Nigeria is drawn in Group C, alongside defending champions Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, with their opening match on Jan. 21, against Burkina Faso.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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NOA canvasses total support for Eagles

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The National Orientation Agency on Wednesday called on Nigerians from all walks of life to have firm belief in and give total support to the Super Eagles’ campaign at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which kicks off on Saturday.

Director –General of the agency, Mr. Mike Omeri said in Abuja on Wednesday: “We all have a patriotic duty to have faith in the Super Eagles, to do everything within our power at various levels to support the team for this competition. At the National Orientation Agency, we are calling on all Nigerians to rise up and belief in the Super Eagles.

“Football is the major event that brings all of us together, as Nigerians. The Nigeria Football Federation has done its duty of preparing the team very well for the championship, and also to make arrangements for its participation. It is now the turn of Nigerians to give support.”

Omeri spoke at the Conference Room of the Nigeria Football Federation while on a courtesy visit to the Glass House, at about the time the Super Eagles were flying from Lisbon to Paris to board a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

“Nigeria can be the best in everything we do, and I believe that with the preparation that the team has had and the patriotic fervour of the players and officials, they will triumph in South Africa,” Omeri added.

Responding, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari thanked the NOA for the wonderful job it has been doing to rekindle the fire of patriotism in Nigerians, and promised that the Super Eagles will not disappoint in South Africa.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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You can do it – Zambian President tells Chipolopolo

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ZAMBIAN President, Michael Chilufya Sata believes Zambia can retain the Africa Cup and he has implored the national team to do just that.

Zambia Daily Mail reports that the number one citizen urged the team to represent the country with determination, passion and pride to overcome all the obstacles they will encounter at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament kicking off on Saturday in South Africa.

Sata said he had never doubted the team’s passion for the game and to fulfill the desire to be champions.

The President said this in a statement released in Lusaka Tuesday by his special assistant for press and public relations, George Chellah.

Sata urged the team to maximise their unlimited potential as they did at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and aim for the ultimate prize.

“I have never doubted your passion for the game, courage to overcome and desire to be champions. I know your determination to win and I believe in your abilities,” he said.

Sata, who is also Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) patron, said as champions, the burden to prove their worthiness is great and of equal proportion should be their ambition to remain champions.

He assured the team that they have full support from him, government and the nation as they compete at the 29th edition of the continental championship.

“That (burden to prove worthiness) should, however, not put you under any pressure but inspire you to greater heights. You should know that you have my full support and that of my Government and all Zambians,” Sata said.

Zambia start the title defence against Ethiopia next Monday, face Nigeria on January 25 and four days later wrap up the group stage matches against Burkina Faso.

Simwanza, who is Football Association of Zambia executive committee member, is confident the Chipolopolo will defend the Africa Cup crown.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Zambia return AFCON trophy

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The Football Association of Zambia and the winner of last year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament returned the Cup to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Wednesday and vowed to defend the trophy in South Africa

This was disclosed by George Kasengele the General Secretary of Zambia Football Federation.

His words; “it is difficult for us but we have no other choice than to return the trophy and we hope to take it back to Zambia for two more years”.

Coach Herve Renard also confirmed that he and his players will work towards returning the cup to Zambia this year.

“We are in South Africa and we are here to do everything possible to win the AFCON trophy again. Last year was amazing for us and I know that we can do it again,” Renard said.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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NIGERIA: Gridlocks: LASTMA reviews traffic control mechanism

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Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA,  has unfolded new plans to manage traffic gridlocks in the state, just as it deployed more officers to traffic prone areas aimed at ensuring  safety on Lagos  roads.

LASTMA General Manager,  Babatunde Edu, spoke  at Ogudu Ori Oke Area of Kosofe Local Government during the traffic management exercise,  tagged “Operation’ unlock the gridlock,’a renewed approach to manage traffic, especially in the traffic –prone areas.”.
According to Edu: “It is part of the year’s agenda to unlock all the gridlock in the metropolis.

The ongoing construction works should not be an excuse for any motorist to cause traffic, we all have to sacrifice and be disciplined while using the road.

That is one of the reasons we are out to control traffic in the places where road and drainage constructions are ongoing.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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NIGERIA: Customs arrests female passenger with $151,205 at Lagos airport

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Lagos — OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Wednesday, arrested a female passenger with $151,205 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos on her way to board an Emirates flight to China.

The passenger, Mrs. Akinnuote Abiola Oluwafunke, was apprehended for not declaring the total sum of foreign currencies she had to the officials of the NCS and was arrested after the discovery of additional currencies by men of the command.

Speaking on the arrest, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Customs Service, MMIA Command, Mrs. Thelma Williams, pointed out that the female passenger was arrested while trying to board an Emirates Airlines flight EK 784 to China.

She explained that Oluwafunke failed to comply with the law of full disclosure of FER oreign currencies

According to Mrs. Williams, the passenger with passport number AOO882373 only declared $100, 000 on the prescribed currency declaration forms: CDFIA and CDFIB, noting that a search on her bag, Customs officers discovered that she was carrying $151, 205
Mrs. Williams explained that the false declaration of the sum of $51, 205 ran contrary to the rule, which warranted her arrest.

The passenger, she said, had been immediately transferred to  Economic and Financial Crimes Commiss- ion, EFCC, saying EFCC would carry out further investigation on the arrest.

She said: “At about 1300 hrs, one intending passenger travelling with Emirate Airline flight EK784 to China by name Mrs. Akinnuote Abiola Oluwafunke with passport No. A00882373 declared $100,000 on both forms CDFIA and CDFIB. On searching her bag, it was discovered she was carrying $151,205.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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NIGERIA:Abductors release daughters of slain Aba bizman

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UMUAHIA—The daughters of Chief Iroeke Ukaku, the Aba based businessman, who were abducted on January 4, 2013, by unknown gunmen have been released.

The gunmen also killed their father after he was kidnapped along with his two daughters.

A source told Vanguard that an unspecified amount of money was paid as ransom before the girls were released.

The Enachioken of Abiriba community, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, announced the release of the girls when he led a delegation of members of the community on a courtesy call on Governor Theodore Orji at Government House, Umuahia.

Vanguard also learnt  that an Abirirba indigene based in Germany, who came home for the Christmas celebrations, was kidnapped in the community a day before Ukaku was killed and his two daughters abducted.

It was gathered that despite the N4 million ransom allegedly paid for his release, his captors are yet to release him.

Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on the community is still on and soldiers and other security personnel have taken over the place, patrolling the entire area to ensure peace and order.

Speaking during the visit, the Enachioken commended Governor Orji for the peace in the area and also for restoring the provision of functional pipe-borne water and electricity in the community.

The traditional ruler, however, urged the government to ban the use of motorcycles in the community, saying it would help to reduce crime in the area.

The people requested the government to create additional electoral wards in the community.

In his response, Governor Orji promised to donate more patrol vehicles to the military to enhance their job of ensuring that the people are secured.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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NIGERIA: I’ll risk NPL stars – Keshi

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Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said he is willing to take a chance on players from the Nigeria league at the AFCON because it is worth it.

Keshi has picked six players from the NPL for this AFCON, a clear departure from the 2008 and 2010 tournaments when no player from the domestic league made the final squad.

Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders  Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, midfielder Gabriel Reuben as well as forwards Sunday Mba and Ejike Uzoenyi play their football in the local league and have made the final cut for this competition in South Africa.

”Football is a game of risks. At the 1990 Nations Cup when the likes of (Daniel) Amokachi came in, about 80% of the players were from the local. It’s a risk worth taking,” declared Keshi, who has worked with these players since December 2011.

The former international skipper will not promise Nigeria a third Nations Cup trophy but said the team are confident and will give their best.
”I don’t want to promise Nigerians anything, I am not going to give any assurance but I will do my best with the team in South Africa,” he said.

“The level of discipline is great, good atmosphere. I hope the confidence will be sustained at the AFCON.

 

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Underrate your foes at your own peril – Esin

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Former Eagles midfielder Etim Esin says the Super Eagles can only underrate their foes at their own peril.

Defending champions Chipolopolo of Zambia and the Eagles are the favorites to advance from the group to the knockout stage of the tournament but Etim admits that there are no longer underdogs in African football.

“There are no longer underdogs in African football. Don’t forget that champions Zambia are in our group. Nobody expected them to win the trophy last time out,” Etim said.

“There are spoilers like Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. These teams can make things difficult for us if we underrate them.

We saw what little Cape Verde did to us during a friendly game. So we should expect more of that in South Africa,” explained Etim.

Nwosu plays down pre-AFCON game

Former Golden Eaglets’ coach, Henry Nwosu has cautioned Nigerians not be carried away by Super Eagles 5-0 thumping of Portuguese side, Farense in Faro, Portugal.

Tuesday’s pre-AFCON 2013 build-up game stood out as the biggest win in the Eagles pre-Africa Cup of Nations. The Eagles had earlier drawn 1-1 against the Catalonian selected and goalless against AFCON debutants, Cape Verde.

Nwosu said the massive win may count as nothing when the team square up against their AFCON foes in South Africa starting against Burkina Faso next Monday in Nelspruit.

“That result was recorded between a national team and second division club side, we shouldn’t overrate the encounter as to make prediction on how far the team will go in South Africa 2013.

“I won’t judge the Eagles with the result against Farense rather the team is improving gradually.

“Of course, in football you don’t stop trying until you get it right. We’ve not seen other teams in competitive games and not until they square up every prediction may come to nothing,” said the former Nigerian player.

Nwosu believes the Eagles will start off well against Burkina Faso and take it up from there.

“Burkina Faso is a good side and Nigeria is a big name in African football.

“No team are in South Africa for sight-seeing rather as potential winners, so if we get our act together we’ll overcome the Burkinabes.

“And I think after the encounter one can properly assess the team’s chances at the AFCON,” he said.

Nigeria will start their title campaign against Burkina Faso on Monday in Nelspruit before tackling Cup holders, Zambia at same venue and Ethiopia in Rustenburg.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Cote dÍvoire protests Eagles’ hotel

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There is no doubting the fact that the Ingwenyama Conference and Sports Resort which will serve as the Super Eagles abode during the Nations Cup is the best hotel in Nespruit if not the best among the hotels allocated for the competition.

Situated less than 22 kilometers from the Mbombela Stadium and just 20 kilometers from the Kruger airport, this all encompassing dream sports facility has two standard pitches within its expansive facility, making the Super Eagles the only team in the competition that will not have to drive out to train.

This is the attraction that made the Ivorien National team take up residence there to acclamatise.

The Ivoriens who vacated the hotel on Wednesday to their Kedar Lodge in Rustenberg are questioning the rationale behind hotel allocation.

” if we had our way, we would have stayed there to play our matches because it is an ideal venue” an official of the team said.

Sports Vanguard has it on good authority that the Ivoriens did make some move, but it was rebuffed given the contracts already entered into by the LOC and the chosen hotels.

Last year, before the Draw CAF Executive Committee drew lots to allocate hotels to qualified teams.

The Super Eagles will play their first two matches against the Stallions of Burkina Faso and the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Nespruit after which they will move to Rustenburg on January 29 to play their last group match against Ethiopia, a match that will determine wether they come out group leaders and go back to Nespruit or runner up and stay in Rustenberg to play Cote D’ivoire, potential group D winners.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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