NIGERIA: Keshi have earned our respect – Jay Jay Okocha

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Former captain of the national team, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has urged Nigerians to respect Coach Stephen Keshi’s choice of players invited for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.

Speaking at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club where he featured in a celebrity match with Nollywood star, Kanayo O Kanayo, Okocha said that nobody knows the team more than the coach and those he invited were the players he feels comfortable with.

“Keshi has invited those he wants for the Kenya match. All I can say is we  must respect his decision and support him all the way,” the Atlanta ’96 Olympic winner said.

Okocha was however quick to point out that Super Eagles players must focus on the task ahead after the long celebrations that followed the Nations Cup triumph.

“The players must be aware that every team that is meeting them now works extra hard because they want to be the first to beat the African champions. Kenya will aim to embarrass us here and that is what the Eagles must fight to avoid.”

He said that as African champions, the Eagles must work hard to remain at the top. “They have to play like champions. They must apply the same zeal and commitment which they exhibited at the Nations Cup.”

He believes the Eagles can win the Kenyans but they have to work to earn it. “They must not underrate the visitors,” he warned.

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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.
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FIFA suspend Sri Lankan Manilal Fernando

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Sri Lankan Manilal Fernando, a member of world governing body FIFA’s Executive Committee, has been provisionally suspended from all football-related activities for 90 days, FIFA said on Monday.

Without going into details of Fernando’s alleged transgressions, FIFA said in a statement it was suspending him in the wake of an investigation opened in October 2012 “in order to prevent interference with the establishment of the truth” regarding ethics proceedings.

“The proceedings relate to formal ethics charges brought in a final report filed by the chairman of the investigatory chamber with the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber. This report is the result of investigatory proceedings opened in October 2012,” FIFA stated.

Fernando, 63, represents the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and has sat on FIFA’s Executive Committee since 2011.

His suspension is thought to be related to the ban on scandal-hit ex-AFC chief Mohamed bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam, 63, was accused of trying to buy votes in FIFA’s 2011 presidential vote as he challenged Sepp Blatter to lead the global body, and was banned from football.

The businessman formally resigned as AFC head in December, shortly after FIFA’s ethics committee launched a new probe into corruption claims against him and remains suspended from football, despite having a FIFA life ban overturned last year.

Fernando accompanied Hammam on a trip to garner support from Caribbean nations ahead of FIFA’s 2011 presidential poll. Following the trip, Bin Hammam became embroiled in allegations he tried to bribe Caribbean officials during his visit to bolster his campaign.

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.
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles draw 2-2

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles drew 2-2 with Club Africain of Tunisia on Monday in Tunis in their last warm-up game before departing for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) in Algeria.

A statement signed by the team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, said Olanrewaju Kayode put the Nigerian side ahead in the 34th minute.

It said that Kayode jabbed home from inside the six-yard box after a great build-up play, and that the hosts drew level a minute after the interval.

It said that Aliyu Goyi came close to giving the Flying Eagles a second lead in the 52nd minute, but that his low shot from a distance missed the target narrowly.

“The 12-time Tunisian champions, however, shot ahead on the hour from the penalty spot after Goyi handled the ball inside the 18-yard box.

“In the 65th minute, substitute Alhaji Gero could not put away a fine chance created by the exciting Edafe Egbedi.

“However, five minutes later, the Flying Eagles deservedly restored parity when Kayode rounded up the Club Africain goalkeeper before he slotted home,’’ the statement said.

The statement said that the Flying Eagles would fly out to Algiers on Wednesday afternoon for the AYC.

Their opening Group B match will be on Sunday, March 17 against Mali with the kick-off time at 5.30 p.m. local time, and 3.30 p.m. Nigerian time.

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.
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Super Eagles’ camp resumption excites team’s Coordinator

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The Super Eagles’ Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah, said on Sunday  in Abuja that he was excited to be back to camp in Abuja, after the team’s victorious outing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) tournament.

The  Eagles against all odds defeated every opponent that came their way in the knockout stages of the tournament to lift the AFCON trophy for the third time.

The Eagles camp opened on March 10, with 24 home-based and 15 foreign-based players expected to battle for shirt in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

The match is scheduled to take place in Calabar, Cross River on March 23.

Attah said  that apart from being excited about the camp’s resumption, he was also happy that action had returned to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after some months delay.

“The resumption of the NPFL is a boost to our camping ahead of Kenya’s clash in Calabar on March 23.

“At least the coaching crew will be able to know who is fit and who is not,  it’s a good development for our football,’’ Attah said.

The Super Eagles’ coordinator also said that most of the player would arrive tonight or Monday morning after their NPLF league matches.

Attah said that the few players who reported to camp on Sunday were those playing their league matches on Saturday, while those who were yet to arrive were those playing theirs on Sunday.

He disclosed that arrangements had been made for the team to resume training on Monday afternoon.

Attah said that this was to give the invited players an opportunity to join their colleagues early on Monday.

The former FCT Football Association Chairman said that the team’s Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, his assistants and other backroom staff had all reported at the team’s Bolton White Apartment in Abuja.

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.
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CAF Elections: Nigeria loses, Hayatou returns

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Nigeria’s bid to enter into the thick of African football politics has suffered a big blow following the defeat of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari in the CAF Executive committee elections. It was the West Zone B election.

At the polls held in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, Maigari was roundly beaten by Republic of Benin’s  Moucharafou Anjorin in the run-off ballot into the all-powerful Executive Committee.

According to reports from Morocco, Maigari was able to garner 19 votes as against  Anjorin’s 35 votes, a result that marked an end to  his bid to  fill the position previously occupied by deposed FIFA Exco member, Amos Adamu, who lost his place on the body following bribery allegations.

But in a bizarre twist to the defeat, the Nigerian camp, who were at the venue of the election, were reported to have told Osasu Obayiuwana’s twitter account that Maigari would have won if he had the support of Adamu who is said to still command respect before CAF members.

According to the account, “imagine losing to Moucharafou. This is not WAFU’s division rather Dr Amos Adamu’s factor. People fail to realise that CAF is like a cult”, said one of them. “It’s a shame they want to blame their failure on Adamu; they knew they lacked character,”another football official said in Lagos.

Also, on the losing side yesterday, South Africa’s  Danny Jordaan lost out on a seat in the CAF exco, to Ahmad of Madagascar, who polled 27 votes as against Jordaan’s 21. 27 was enough because only 50 countries voted.

Also making a return to the Exco, was Seychelles’ Suketu Patel, who polled 33 votes out of a possible 54.

After a FIFA ban, Amadou Diakite returned to the CAF Exco, with 35 votes out of a possible 54. He was amongst those banned alongside Adamu about two years ago. But like a cat with nine lives, the Malian has entered the fray of CAF politics again and he will be hoping to have a clean record this time around.

Cameroonian Issa Hayatou was re-elected unopposed as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president for a final four-year term in office.

The 66-year-old, who was voted into power in 1988, has already said this seventh term will be his final period as head of the organisation.

Hayatou, who was applauded by delegates at the CAF congress in Marrakech, also received a special certificate from Fifa to commemorate his silver jubilee on the executive committee.

Ivorian Jacques Anouma wanted to oppose Hayatou at the elections, but a rule change prevented him from doing so. His attempt to overturn the decision to disqualify non-executive members from the election was rejected by the Court of Arbitration For Sport (CAS).

Hayatou used his re-election to make reference to Anouma’s challenge

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.
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Ghana Athletics has declined participation for African Youth Athletics Championship in Nigeria.

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Ghana is a notable absentee at the maiden African Youth Athletics Championship scheduled for March 27-31 in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

The five-day event under the auspices of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) is the latest on the calendar of the continental body and targeted at athletes between the ages of 16-17 years, but the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) has declined participation at least for now.

The deadline for the confirmation of countries was March 4, and with Ghana conspicuously missing

Sources hinted that the Ghana National Sports Commission did not provide funding for the competition.

“Our concentration is to prepare very well for the African Junior Athletics Championship as our aim is to get athletes who will mature and be in their prime for the 2016 Olympic Games where we are hoping to make a huge impact,” said Bawa Fuseini Ghana Athletics Association secretary-general.

On the African Youth Athletics Championship, he reminded that Ghana may participate in future events, in line with their objective of building a solid rock team at all levels.

Meanwhile, countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa have confirmed their participation alongside hosts Nigeria.

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.
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AAYC: Nigeria won’t field overage athletes – Ogba

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Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba said that it was not in the best interest of Nigeria to present over-aged athletes at the maiden Africa Athletics Youth Championships billed for March 27-31 in Warri, Delta State.

Over the years, Nigerian officials desperate to win and justify themselves, had always had recourse to field overage athletes at international event. But Ogba said in Lagos that the AFN will only present athlete who fit into the under-17 age limit for the African youth champion-ships.

“Though it is our intention to host and win we will not field overage athletics. It is not in our overall best interest.

“We have had athletes participating in junior championships before. Take for instance Mary Onyali she started at 17 and she was there competing for a very long time. It is our intention to have a crop of athletes we can train for the future from the championships in Warri,” Ogba stated.

He said that athletes selected from the Pastor D.K Olukoya Championships, which ended yesterday will be camped at the high performance centre in Port Harcourt. He added that the athletes who did the country proud at the championships, will have the right to represent Nigeria at the world youth championships in Russia later in the year.

Delta State Sports Council boss Pinnick Amaju remarked that every Delta State athlete who won gold in the Warri meet, will get the State’s assistant in their pursuit of academic and athletics prosperity.

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.
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Lesbians will not represent Nigeria – Dilichukwu Onyedinma

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Chairperson of Nigeria’s female football,Dilichukwu Onyedinma, has announced that Lesbianism have been banned across all levels of female football in the country.

Onyedinma made the announcement at the Annual General Assembly,of the Women’s League body,stating such practice is being prohibited and that any player who is found culpable,will be banned,both from representing Nigeria.

“Any player that we find is associated with it will be disqualified,” Onyedinma said.

“We will call the club chairmen to control their players, and such players will not be able to play for the national team,” she added.

In the past,the Nigerian female teams have been rocked with allegations,that there were Lesbians in the squads.

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.
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CAF Under-17: Golden Eaglets will go places – Green

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The Head of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Committee, Barr. Chris Green has tipped the Golden Eaglets to achieve great things when they confront seven others in the CAF Under-17 Championship next month in Morocco.

Green, while stating this in Calabar, challenged the coaching crew of the Eagles to keep their winning momentum as they step up their preparations for the biennial soccer tournament, from where Africa’s representatives to the FIFA Under-17 Championship will be selected.
Speaking with the coaching crew after last weekend’s 3-0 defeat of Botswana, Green said it was important for the team to be focussed on the task at hand, adding that the national U-17 team is the bedrock of Nigerian football.

“The NFF is satisfied with the work done so far and this should be commended because it’s the most difficult stage of football development.

This is a pilot team and we are so happy with the professional way the coaches have handled the assignment.”

The NFF in partnership with the CrossRiverState government has organised several warm-up matches to put the Golden Eaglets in tip-top shape.

The team under the coaching guidance of Manu Garba, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nduka Ugbade and Emeka Amadi, have remained unbeaten in over 20 matches, since last year.

Impressed with the team’s unblemished record, Green said the NFF will continue to back the team in their quest to outshine others at the Moroccan Championship

“We would continue to support this team because this is a project dear to our hearts at the NFF and we won’t spare efforts at ensuring that we get the desired results.”

Nigeria are in Group B, alongside Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. It is regarded as the group of death. Only two teams can qualify for the next round, which is the semifinal.

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.
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NIGERIA: Delta splashes N300m on AJA Championships

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The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Pinnick Amaju,  has declared that Warri, the host city to the 1st African Junior Athletics championships is ready for the event.

Indeed, Pinnick who doubles as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the continental meet which holds between March 27 and 30,  said the oil rich city can’t wait for the start of the event as everything has been put in place to make it a success.

Speaking at a pre-championship media briefing in Lagos yesterday, Pinnick said, “only yesterday (Wednesday), the Executive Committee of Delta State approved a N300 million grant to the LOC and every other aspect of the championships has taken shape.”

Pinnick further disclosed that the Warri Stadium has been reconfigured into an athletics-friendly sports complex as a 4-track warm up track has been approved to be in place before the championships. “It will be the first of its kind in the West African sub-region,” he added.

The DeltaState sports boss also spoke on the state of medical facilities for the championships.

“The medical facilities at Shell, Chevron and even at Oghara are of world standards. What we have there is beyond the conventional Nigerian standards,” he said.

On security, while Pinnick pointed out that there was nowhere in the world without security issues, he said Warri was safer than most parts of Nigeria. “Security details cannot be subject for public consumption.”

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.
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